alright, i'll be the one to say it. ao3 and tumblr becoming "mainstream" did so much damage to the community and the writers. i have seen loads of videos and posts about:
1. people hating on writers and fics. writing is something we do for free and for fun. if you stumble upon a fanfic that isn't necessarily your cup of tea or you just don't like, scroll. dont read it. literally leave their page. you don't know if this could be the author's first work that they're so excited about, you dont know if the language they're writing in isn't their first language, you dont know that the writer could be a literal teen and loads of other reasons. fanfictions don't HAVE to be perfect. you write what you want to write because we do it for fun and enjoyment and we want to share that to the world. seriously, what is the wrong with that?..
2. x reader consumers getting WAY too entitled. the number of tiktoks i've seen that say "i run a strict program when it comes to reading fanfics." girl you aint running shit. this is FAN FICTION you're reading. F A N F I C T I O N. there is no denying that most fanfiction writes are beyond talented but just because you read one fanfic that exceeds your expectations doesn't give you the right to talk down on others that don't. people have their own personal writing style, their way of doing things and you talking shit on that isn't right.
at the end of the day, we are all humans, reading and writing is what we do and what we're meant to do. and for you to talk shit about a person WRITING is so insane. we are humans. not some robots that you can tell what to do so you can consume it.
i've seen so so many authors take down their fanfics and losing all motivation to write because of a hate comment. DONT LIKE DONT READ‼️
and to every author reading this, this community values your work and your contribution. we love u and, please, never let anyone's negative words have an effect on you.
imagine if you got transmigrated into the star rail world, with all your memories intact. you realize that now that you're here, you will not let anyone suffer anymore deaths in all the worlds yet unexplored and with all the information you have now.
"Next stop, Jarilo VI !"
pompom announced as you seated yourself. march, dan heng and stelle, the new member rescued from herta space station with your very thorough help is now travelling with you all.
you understood that they were kind of... wary of you considering how you knew what will happen the next moment. its just that you remembered each and every moment by your heart since honkai: star rail had been your favourite game.
threat of stellaron handled easily with your precise guidance. your team never met any threat along the way. rivet town anomalies all cleared out. and you made sure that cocolia lives !
"I can't thank you enough for the help the nameless provided to belobog...i was sure my mother would..."
march chirped in "oh come on! its because of [name] right here that we were able to realise what cocolia was up to!"
you heave a sigh of relief after returning to the express car, your mind going a thousand miles about xianzhou because there is phantiliya! a lord ravager. its one thing fighting her with your characters and another physically...
and you stood corrected. your body all beat up as you fought phantiliya as if your life was on the line, making sure she had a wound that would last her centuries.
with rage seeping through your eyes as you clutched your weapon while kneeling on the ground "Our fight is not over lord ravager of hunt! i will find you again!"
as your days in xianzhou went by, the story as you remembered progressed, meeting the zhuming, fei xiao didn't lose her sanity, hoolay defeated and jiao qiu had his eyes. and the best part is that tingyun lived, just that her body went into a state of deep slumber. and dan heng embraced his vidyadhara status after his...'meeting' with old friends...you couldn't and wouldn't have been able to help with that no matter what.
the whole of xianzhou was eternally grateful. jing yuan and fei xiao agreed to provide you assistance no matter when and where. he nameless became a legend and your feats were heard all across the cosmos. 'the fortune teller' and the 'the seer' is what they would hail you as.
during the dinner meeting with the express after your returned...
"you know all our trailblazing expeditions have been even more fruitful with the least loss of companions. before you, we would have many unfortunate incidents" himeko propped her chin on her hand "we couldn't be more grateful for you exceptional abilities [name]"
welt fixed his glasses and crossed his arms "you have relieved a lot of stress for us. we know that in all future expeditions it would continue like so" he gave you a gentle smile
"there's nothing to be worried about when we have our 'lucky charm' with us! hehe" march swung an arm around you beaming brightly
you on the other hand grew more worried with each passing trailblaze, growing unsure of the fact that you will be able to live up to their expectations. it was just by narrow luck that you managed to not have anyone die at your last stop.
"the Family from penacony sent us a letter to attend their charmony festival... you all will be willing to go right?" like fate had ordained, or more specifically the devs had ordained, you all went into penacony.
fast forward, sunday left penacony to become a nameless, after saying a proper farewell to robin. no one got to know about his idealistic 'all day should be sunday' endeavor because of you.
"[name] i'm forever...no the whole oak family and me are grateful for you ensuring that me and brother could meet one last time before he leaves to find what he wants the most. thank you"
in the express car, you were slumped on your cushiony bed, contemplating Amphoreus...an extrapolation similar to a knock off simulated universe which was the cradle of iron-tomb. and also the place where one or basically most of your favourite characters live...
Phainon...
This time, you will not see your friends waste away...
you make a silent promise to whoever is watching over you, be it fuli or nanook, hell it can even be aha for all you care.
"so for our next stop we have a few options like Lushaka, Ampho-"
"...Amphoreus...lets go there"
The whole crew, even pompom was bewildered. you've never suggested places before. Himeko stuttered before replying "We can do that but...any reason as to why?" you hesitate before remembering black swans reason for sending you all, the one she told the crew before speaking privately with the trailblazer. "the express doesn't have enough fuel to stay in one place for too long and Amphoreus is a place where even Akivili had not trailblazed so it can be a new start into the history of the nameless...!" wow your memory came in clutch!
good thing you remembered about the spear falling from the sky so you were able to save both dan heng and stelle before they suffered any serious injuries. however, unfortunately march was unconscious and frozen even here.
you three trek your way into...Januspolis, the first ever place where the setting started. and like it was before, furiae praetors swarm your group, and then comes a flash of gold streaked ocean blue eyes and hair like that of snow, smirking at you as he passed by you in a flash, taking stelle's bat from her and swinging it with a dramatic pose.
ah...there he is...
"Khaslana..."
you let your voice carry into the depths of the abyss...
something that came to me twice when I was taking number 2 and in my dreams. lmk if you guys want a part 2! in that one I'll make sure to include beating lygus's ahh up—
－ℱ）paring : anaxa, phainon, aventurine, aglaea, mydei x f!reader
－ℱ）warnings : nsfw/smut, creampie, scissoring with aglaea, c*mplay, man handling, size kink, nipple play, boob obsession, hair pulling, chocking, biting and dumbification in aglaea’s part!
－ℱ）synopsis : they keep staring at your tits? (mdni)
－ℱ）note : not proof read!! header is a doujinshi and you can find it on X from : sakuranotomoru !!
( 𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐗𝐀 )
You noticed it again.
The way Anaxagoras kept staring. His gaze, sharp and unashamed, lingered far too long on your chest—tracking every small movement, every shift of fabric that strained against your curves. He wasn’t even trying to be discreet.
You finally snapped. "Why do you keep staring at my chest?"
He didn’t flinch, didn’t look away. Instead, a slow, knowing smirk curled his lips. "Because you make it impossible not to."
You huffed, crossing your arms—a mistake. The motion only pushed your tits together, and his gaze flickered lower, dark with amusement.
"Anaxa," you warned, but before you could say anything else, he moved.
He was fast, deceptively strong despite his slender frame. His long fingers wrapped around your wrist, pulling you forward until you were flush against him. The heat of his body was unmistakable, his breath fanning over your ear as he whispered, "You expect me to resist something so tempting?"
His hands found your tits, cupping them through your clothes, thumbs brushing over your nipples. You gasped, shivering under his touch.
"You do this without even realizing," he murmured, voice thick with hunger. "Walking around, teasing me… and now you're acting so innocent?"
Your protest died on your tongue when he pushed you back against the nearest surface. His lean frame pressed against yours, long fingers tracing down your waist before yanking your clothes aside.
"Let me show you exactly what you’ve been doing to me."
Before you could respond, he spread your thighs, his fingers teasing at your soaked cunt. He chuckled, soft and mocking. "Already so wet," he mused. "Was it the way I looked at you? Or were you hoping I’d do this all along?"
You whined, barely able to process anything before he lined himself up—his cock hard, thick, pressing against your entrance.
"You can take it," he murmured.
Then he thrust in, deep and unforgiving, stretching you open with a force that made your back arch.
You never should’ve asked.
A sharp gasp left your lips as Anaxa buried himself to the hilt, stretching your pussy wide with a single deep thrust. His cock was thick despite his slender frame, filling you in a way that made your body tremble.
"Fuck—so tight," he groaned, voice smooth but edged with hunger. His fingers dug into your hips, holding you still as he pulled back just enough to slam into you again.
Your back arched against the cold surface beneath you, your nails clawing at his sleeves. He barely seemed fazed, eyes locked onto your tits as they bounced with each harsh thrust.
"Look at you," he murmured, breathless but still smug. "Taking my cock so well, yet you had the nerve to question why I was staring?"
You tried to form a response, but all that came out was a choked moan when his hand slid up to your throat. His fingers wrapped around it, applying just enough pressure to make your breath hitch, to remind you of how easily he controlled you.
"That’s it," he whispered, tilting his head. "Let me hear you struggle to speak."
His free hand cupped your tits again, slender fingers rolling your nipples between them, tugging and pinching until you whined. The sharp pleasure mixed with the tight grip on your throat sent waves of heat pooling between your legs.
"Your pussy’s clenching so tight around me," he noted with a breathy chuckle. "Do you like being handled like this? Having me choke you while I fuck you dumb?"
A desperate whimper escaped you as he thrust even harder, cock dragging against your walls in a way that had your body tensing, aching for release. He wasn’t gentle. Every movement was calculated—deep, rough, unrelenting.
His thumb flicked over your clit, rubbing circles in time with his thrusts. "Come on," he coaxed, voice dropping lower, silkier. "Be a good girl and come for me."
His fingers tightened slightly around your throat, cutting off just enough air to send you spiraling. Your vision blurred, pleasure crashing through you as your pussy clenched around him, spasming with the force of your orgasm.
Anaxagoras groaned, hips stuttering as he chased his own release. His grip on your throat loosened just enough for you to gulp in a breath before he slammed into you one last time, spilling deep inside with a sharp, shuddering moan.
For a moment, all you could hear was your ragged breathing, the aftershocks of pleasure still making your body tremble.
Then, his lips brushed over your ear, and in that same smooth, teasing voice, he murmured, "Still wondering why I was staring?"
( 𝐏𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐍 )
You could feel his gaze before you even looked up. It wasn’t the kind of glance someone tried to hide—Phainon wasn’t subtle like that. No, he was outright staring, heavy-lidded eyes locked onto your chest with a lazy smirk pulling at his lips.
"You're doing it again," you muttered, shifting under his attention.
"Am I?" His voice was all amusement, but his golden eyes didn’t waver. "Can you really blame me when you're presenting such a perfect view?"
Before you could huff out a response, his fingers were already on you, tracing the curve of your breasts through your clothes. He wasn’t hurried—he never was. Phainon enjoyed taking his time, savoring the way you shivered at his touch, the way your breath hitched when his thumb ghosted over your nipple, teasing it through the fabric.
"You make it too easy for me," he mused, rolling the sensitive bud between his fingers. "So responsive already. I haven't even gotten you bare yet, and you're already squirming."
Your hands gripped his forearms, unsure if you wanted to push him away or pull him closer. "Phainon—"
"Shhh, let me enjoy myself," he purred, his other hand sliding under your top, fingers warm as they brushed against bare skin. "You have no idea how much I think about these." He gave a slow, appreciative squeeze, his smirk widening as you gasped. "Soft, perfect—exactly how they should be."
You whined, heat flooding you as he rolled your nipple between his fingers, pinching just enough to make your thighs press together. He noticed, of course. He always did.
"That desperate already?" He chuckled, letting his other hand drift lower, tracing the waistband of your clothes. "I barely touched you, and you're getting wet. You must love this even more than I do."
His knee nudged between your legs, spreading them apart before pressing up just enough to make you feel the friction. "I bet I could make you come just from playing with these pretty tits," he murmured, pinching just a little harder, loving the way you shuddered. "Should I prove it?"
His cocky smirk told you he already knew the answer.
Your breath hitched as Phainon’s fingers rolled your nipple again, slow and deliberate, like he was savoring every little reaction. His knee between your legs pressed up, adding just the right amount of friction to make you squirm.
"You’re so sensitive," he murmured, his voice dripping with amusement. "I wonder—if I sucked on them, would you moan for me? Or would you try to keep quiet, knowing how much I’d tease you for it?"
You barely had time to process before he tugged your top down, exposing your breasts to the cool air. He made a satisfied sound deep in his throat, blue eyes darkening as he took in the sight.
"Fuck, look at you," he murmured, thumbs brushing over your hardened nipples. "You were made to be touched like this, weren’t you?"
You gasped when his mouth replaced his fingers, hot and wet as he sucked one of your nipples between his lips. His tongue flicked over the peak before he bit down just enough to make your hips jerk against his thigh. He chuckled against your skin.
"See?" he murmured, pulling back just enough to breathe against the damp skin. "I could spend all night here, playing with you, tasting you, making you beg." His fingers tweaked your other nipple, rolling the sensitive bud between his fingertips. "And judging by how soaked you already are, I wouldn’t even have to touch your pretty pussy to get you off."
Your hands clenched in his clothes, your body burning under his attention. He was relentless, sucking and teasing until the heat between your legs grew unbearable.
"Ah, but I’d be cruel if I didn’t reward you for looking so fucking pretty like this." His hand finally dipped lower, slipping beneath your waistband. The moment his fingers found your soaked cunt, he groaned.
"Fuck. You're dripping," he murmured, rubbing slow circles around your clit before dragging his fingers through your folds. "So wet, just from me playing with your tits. Maybe I really should make you come like this—without even touching your needy little pussy properly."
He pressed two fingers inside you anyway, stretching you open as his mouth returned to your nipple, sucking greedily. His free hand teased your other breast, fingers tugging and rolling the stiff peak as he set a slow, devastating rhythm inside you.
"Come for me like this," he murmured against your skin. "Come while I’m sucking on your tits, and then I’ll give you my cock, since I know that’s what you’re really craving."
Smug bastard. But with the way he was touching you, you wouldn’t last much longer to argue.
( 𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 )
Aventurine’s purple eyes had been on your chest for the last five minutes, and he wasn’t even trying to be subtle about it. Lounging back, one arm draped lazily over the couch, he smirked as his gaze flicked between your face and the swell of your tits.
"You always this much of a tease, or is today special?" he mused, tilting his head.
You huffed, crossing your arms—not that it helped. If anything, it only pressed your tits together, and judging by the way his smirk deepened, he knew exactly what you were trying to hide.
"Mm, cute," he murmured, reaching out. He didn’t ask for permission—Aventurine never did. His fingers traced along the curve of your breast, slow, deliberate, like he was mapping out a winning play.
"Fuck, you’re soft," he murmured, squeezing lightly before his thumb brushed over your nipple. Even through your clothes, the touch sent a shiver down your spine. He grinned. "Sensitive too. No wonder you were trying to cover up."
Before you could retort, he tugged your top down, exposing you to the cool air. He exhaled sharply, eyes dark with something deeper than amusement.
"Now that’s a jackpot."
His mouth was on you before you could think to protest, hot and greedy as he sucked a nipple between his lips. His tongue flicked over the stiff peak before he bit down, just enough to make you gasp.
"Yeah," he murmured against your skin, voice low and smug. "I knew you’d like that."
His other hand palmed your other breast, fingers rolling and teasing until your back arched. He played with you like he had all the time in the world, like this was some high-stakes game he was guaranteed to win.
When his hand dipped between your legs, his grin turned downright wicked. "Already soaked?" His fingers traced over your clit, teasing but not quite giving you what you needed. "And I haven’t even given you my cock yet."
He pressed two fingers inside you, slow but firm, stretching you open as he sucked harder at your nipple. Your fingers twisted in his hair, your body burning under his touch.
"Bet I could make you come just like this," he murmured, thrusting his fingers deeper. "Tits in my mouth, my fingers stretching you open—yeah, you’d look real pretty falling apart for me."
And with the way he worked you over, teasing and relentless, you knew he was right.
Your breath hitched as Aventurine sucked another deep bruise into the soft flesh of your breast, his tongue flicking over your nipple in slow, teasing circles. His fingers inside you curled just right, dragging against that spot that made your thighs tremble.
"You're not even trying to hold back," he mused, pulling away just enough to watch your expression. His fingers didn’t stop, fucking into you slow and deep. "Cute. Thought you’d put up more of a fight."
"Shut up," you gasped, hips rocking into his hand, desperate for more.
Aventurine chuckled, his free hand pinching your other nipple, rolling it between his fingers. "Oh? Didn’t sound very convincing." He tugged a little harder, making your breath stutter. "Maybe you should beg properly if you want me to give you what you need."
Your pride warred with your desperation, but the way he was playing with you, teasing every sensitive part of you with practiced ease, made it impossible to stay quiet. "Aventurine—please."
"Please what?" His fingers pulled from your pussy, dragging your slick over your clit before retreating entirely. "C’mon, sweetheart. I know you can say it."
You whined, frustration curling in your gut as he went back to palming your tits, rubbing your saliva-slick nipples between his fingers but giving you nothing where you needed it most.
"I want your cock," you finally admitted, breathless.
His smirk widened. "Now that’s what I like to hear."
He sat back, undoing his belt with an easy flick of his wrist. The moment his cock sprang free, thick and flushed, your mouth went dry.
Aventurine caught your chin between his fingers, tilting your face up so you had to meet his gaze. "You gonna be good for me?" His cock nudged against your slick folds, not pushing in yet, just teasing. "Or do I have to work you up even more?"
You shuddered, already feeling dizzy from how much he’d teased you. "I’ll be good—just fuck me already."
"Mm, good answer." His hands found your hips, fingers digging in as he finally thrust inside, stretching you open with one slow, deliberate stroke.
Aventurine groaned, his head tipping back briefly before his gaze locked onto your tits again, watching how they bounced with each roll of his hips. "Yeah," he muttered, thumbing one of your nipples. "This is exactly where you belong."
( 𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐄𝐀 )
Aglaea’s touch was always deliberate. Never rushed, never careless—just the perfect balance of control and indulgence. Right now, that control was turned entirely on you, her cool fingers dragging over your bare chest, pausing to roll your stiff nipples between her fingers with calculated precision.
"You look so pliant like this," she mused, voice smooth as ever. "I wonder—were you always this weak to being touched, or am I simply that skilled?"
You whimpered, unable to form a coherent response. Your head felt hazy, warmth pooling in your belly as she continued to toy with your tits, alternating between firm pinches and slow, teasing circles.
"Already slipping, are you?" Aglaea’s lips quirked into the faintest smirk, her gold eyes sharp with amusement. "And here I thought you had more to offer."
Her words should’ve embarrassed you, but the way she kept playing with you—never giving you enough to satisfy, only enough to make you crave more—had your mind melting too quickly to care.
"Speak," she commanded, fingers twisting just right, making your back arch. "Tell me how it feels."
Your breath hitched. "S’good—"
Aglaea tsked, shaking her head. "Articulate."
You tried again, but with the way her thumbs were brushing over your swollen nipples, your tongue felt heavy. Your thighs rubbed together, desperate for more friction, but she only chuckled.
"Mm. Thought so." She dipped a hand between your legs, pressing her fingers against your dripping cunt. "You're soaking. And all I’ve done is play with your tits."
Your hips jerked, but she didn’t move, keeping you right on the edge.
"How predictable," she murmured, finally sliding two fingers inside, slow and deep. "So easily reduced to this. A soft little thing, eager to be filled but barely capable of forming a sentence."
Her other hand never left your chest, teasing and rolling your nipple in tandem with every thrust of her fingers. Your mind fogged up further, thoughts slipping away with every precise movement.
"You’re taking me so well," she mused, voice low and sweet. "But I think we can empty that little head of yours even more, hm?"
And with the way she was working you over, it was only a matter of time before you gave in completely.
Aglaea watched you with that same calm amusement, her fingers still buried deep inside you, teasing, stretching, keeping you just on the edge. Every slow thrust was deliberate, her other hand never ceasing its attention on your chest, pinching and rolling your nipples like she had all the time in the world to ruin you.
"You're already struggling to keep up," she mused, tilting her head. "I wonder—how much more can you handle before your mind turns completely to mush?"
You whined, hips bucking against her fingers, desperate for more. Words were hard to string together, your body pliant and open under her touch.
"Mm. Perhaps we should push a little further." She withdrew her fingers, ignoring your pathetic whimper at the loss, and instead, shifted herself closer, positioning her body against yours.
Before you could even register what she was doing, you felt the smooth press of her soaked cunt against yours. Your breath stuttered as she hooked her leg over your hip, rolling her hips forward, making sure you felt everything.
"Look at you," she murmured, her golden eyes dark with something deeper than amusement. "So dumb and needy, just from a little playing. And now you get to grind against me properly—if you can even keep up."
You gasped as she moved, the slick heat of her cunt rubbing against yours in slow, languid strokes. Every grind sent sparks up your spine, the sensation of her wet folds pressing into yours too much and not enough at the same time.
"You feel that?" Aglaea purred, her fingers returning to your breasts, playing with your swollen nipples in time with her movements. "Every little shift, every drag of my clit against yours—ah, you’re shaking already."
Your thighs trembled as you tried to match her rhythm, but your body was too wrecked, too lost in the overwhelming sensation of her taking her time with you, dragging you closer to the edge at her pace.
"Mm, poor thing," she sighed, voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Already too fucked out to do anything but take it? That's fine. You don't need to think—just let me use you to get myself off."
Her pace quickened slightly, the wet slide of your cunts rubbing together filling the space between you. Every shift sent more pleasure flooding through you, your brain completely melting under her touch, her voice, the way she played with your body like it belonged to her.
"Go on," she murmured, her lips grazing your jaw as she pinched your nipple hard enough to make your breath catch. "Cum for me, like the dumb little thing you are."
With the way she was grinding against you, the stimulation to your clit, the way her hands and words completely unraveled you—you had no choice but to obey.
Aglaea’s smirk deepened as your body tensed, thighs trembling, a broken moan slipping from your lips as the pleasure crested. The wet friction between you grew even slicker as you came hard, your walls clenching around nothing, back arching into her touch.
"That’s it," she murmured, rolling her hips through your orgasm, not slowing down in the slightest. "Just like that. So easy to unravel, aren’t you?"
Your breath came in short gasps, your body still shuddering in the aftermath, but Aglaea wasn’t done with you. Before you could fully register it, her fingers tangled in your hair, yanking your head back just enough to expose your throat.
"You’re not done yet," she chided, her voice still smooth, still composed—but there was an edge now, something sharp and possessive beneath her usual amusement. "Did I say you could stop?"
Your whimper was cut off as she leaned in, lips dragging along the sensitive skin of your throat before her teeth sank in, biting down hard enough to make you cry out. The mix of pain and pleasure shot straight to your core, and your hips jerked, grinding up into her as she bit deeper, claiming you in a way that made your head spin.
"Mm, such pretty sounds," Aglaea mused, licking over the fresh mark she’d left before her teeth found your shoulder next, sinking in just as deep. "You take everything so well, don’t you? All it takes is a little tug on your hair, a little bite, and you’re already falling apart again."
She pulled your head back further, forcing you to meet her gaze. Her eyes were half-lidded, hungry, her lips swollen from the marks she was leaving on your skin.
"You’re going to give me another one," she purred, her hand trailing back down to your chest, fingers pinching and rolling your overstimulated nipples, making your breath stutter. "You’re going to cum again, right here, rubbing that dumb little pussy against mine."
Her pace quickened, her own breaths coming heavier now as her clit dragged against yours, the wet slide between you turning downright obscene. Her grip in your hair tightened as she leaned in, biting down on your lower lip this time, sucking it into her mouth before pulling away just enough to murmur—
"Be good for me and cum again, or I’ll keep going until you can’t think at all."
With the way she was using you, the way she played with your body like it was hers to control, you knew you wouldn’t last much longer.
( 𝐌𝐘𝐃𝐄𝐈 )
Mydei’s eyes had been on your chest for a while now. He wasn’t even pretending to be subtle about it, his golden gaze flicking down every time you shifted, every time your top dipped just a little too low.
"You’re not very discreet," you teased, folding your arms beneath your tits, knowing exactly what that would do.
His smirk was slow, calculated. "Why would I be? You’ve been parading them in front of me all night."
Before you could snap back, he was already moving. One step closer, his gloved hand reaching out, fingers tracing the curve of your breast over your clothes. A deliberate touch, slow and indulgent. His thumb brushed over your nipple, and even through the fabric, the sensation sent a shiver up your spine.
"See?" he murmured, tilting his head. "You react so easily. Did you want my attention this badly?"
You swallowed hard, heat curling low in your stomach as he palmed your breast fully, fingers squeezing just enough to make you bite back a sound. He leaned in, breath warm against your ear.
"Go on," he purred, lips ghosting over your jaw. "Ask me properly."
Your pride kept your mouth shut for all of two seconds before his fingers pinched your nipple through your top, sending a sharp jolt of pleasure straight to your core.
"Mydei—"
"Mm. That’s not quite begging, but I’ll allow it."
He wasted no time tugging your top down, exposing you fully to his gaze. His pupils dilated, golden eyes dark with something deeper than amusement. His mouth was on you in an instant, tongue flicking over your nipple before his lips sealed around it, sucking hard.
Your back arched as he lavished attention on you, his other hand kneading your other breast, fingers rolling the sensitive bud between his fingertips. He groaned against your skin, like he was savoring the taste of you.
"Perfect," he muttered, pulling back just enough to admire the way your nipple was slick with his saliva. "And already so worked up."
His hand drifted lower, fingers slipping past your waistband, finding your soaked cunt with ease. He hummed, amused. "So wet, and I’ve barely even touched you here. Seems like your tits really are your weak spot."
His fingers pushed inside you, stretching you open, fucking into you slow and deep. You barely had time to adjust before his other hand wrapped around your throat, squeezing just enough to make your breath hitch.
"Let’s see how dumb you can get for me," he murmured, tightening his grip as his fingers sped up, working you open until you were a trembling mess beneath him.
When he finally pulled his cock free, hard and leaking against your thigh, you didn’t even have the chance to beg—he was already lining himself up, the thick head pressing against your entrance.
"Take it," he ordered, his voice smooth but firm as he sank into you, stretching you inch by inch. His fingers flexed around your throat, his other hand pinching your nipple hard as he bottomed out.
A guttural groan rumbled from his chest. "Fuck. Look at you, stuffed full of my cock." His grip tightened slightly, just enough to make your walls flutter around him. "So good, so tight—like you were made for this."
He set a brutal pace, hips snapping against yours, his hands never straying—one wrapped firmly around your throat, the other still teasing your breasts, fingers rolling and pinching, making sure you felt everything.
"You’re going to cum for me," he murmured, voice low and commanding. "And when you do, I’m going to fill you up—leave you dripping with my cum, just to see how pretty you look all messy for me."
With the way he was fucking you, his cock hitting deep, his hands keeping you right where he wanted, you knew you wouldn’t last much longer. And neither would he.
Mydei’s golden eyes were sharp, watching the way your body reacted to his every move. His hand never left your throat, keeping you at just the right edge of breathless, as though he was savoring the control, the power he had over you.
"You look so small under me," he murmured, his voice smooth, but the satisfaction in it was unmistakable. "Like you were made to be filled."
You couldn’t help the way your body trembled under his touch, his words stirring something deep within you. The way he seemed to relish in the way your body barely fit him, the way his cock stretched you more than you thought you could handle, had your mind spinning.
"Can’t even take it all, can you?" he teased, his fingers tightening just slightly around your throat, his other hand gliding over your chest, gently pressing against your tits. "How cute. You’re barely able to take the size of me, aren’t you?"
You moaned, half-dazed, as he fucked into you with slow precision, every inch of his cock filling you, making you feel stretched beyond what you thought was possible. It was so much, too much, and yet it felt perfect.
Your thoughts grew more hazy, every thrust making your head swim, your body instinctively arching back into his. The sensation of him inside you, of him keeping you right on the edge, made it so hard to focus.
"Such a dumb little thing," Mydei murmured, his voice low and rough as he leaned down to bite your neck, marking you, claiming you. "Don’t even know what to do, do you? Just here to be fucked by me, to take all of me and fall apart for me."
You could only nod, body completely at his mercy. Words were slipping away, replaced by the overwhelming sensation of him. The way his cock filled you, the way he teased your body, leaving you weak and unable to think properly.
"You’re mine now," he whispered in your ear, his voice dark with something possessive. "Just a little thing for me to fuck, for me to use until you’re so dumb you can’t even remember your own name."
You couldn’t deny it. His size, his dominance, the way he made you feel so small, so completely under his control—it was all consuming. You were already losing yourself in him, and part of you didn’t care to fight it.
.ೃ❀ ~ Targaryen!Arlecchino x fem! Reader. Inspired by that one Arlecchino edit on tiktok!
There was a common saying in Westeros that the Targaryens are closer to Gods than to men. You’ve never thought much of it. Okay, sure, you might have given a thought or two but never much. Holed up in the cold but comforting walls and snows of your home, the Winterfell. So, you wouldn't have imagined that one day you would have come face to face with the so called humans closer to Gods. Specifically, to one of them.
Targaryen! Arlecchino who took your breath away the moment you laid your eyes on her. Platinum silver-white hair with pitch-black streaks that reached her hips. Obsidian eyes, albeit in contrast to the renowned Targaryen lilac eyes, were as much as beautiful and enchanting; the red X markings in her eyes luring you towards her like a moth to a fire. Helplessly and foolishly.
Your family greeted her as she got down from her enormous black dragon which you noted was just as majestic looking as her.
Your body couldn't help but tense beneath her gaze. Heart pounding against your ribs as she gently pressed a kiss to your knuckles— a gesture you're not stranger to but somehow with her it's as if so. Her obsidian eyes that were impossible to look away from. Elegant voice, smooth and velvety yet edged with authority that lingers in your head, and then there was her presence—poised, immaculate and impossible to ignore.
On second thought, this marriage between you and a targaryen— with her might not be so bad afterall.
In Sandrone animation it seem that the harbingers women usually go watch opera together, image being the opera singer that all of them have a crush on...
Being the celebrity crush of all four Harbinger women has got to be such a compliment. They go together to watch all your shows and toss roses at your feet once the show is done. Also, when you are in the spotlight and see the four of them crowded together on one of the private balconies, sometimes you’ll blow them a kiss and have all four of them swooning. Somehow you know the effect you have on them, they’re one of your constant VIP guests that always show up for your shows.
Now that I think about it, Signora is a singer, right? Imagine if she becomes one of the performers alongside you, getting close with you on stage since her character gets close with yours. Arlecchino, Sandrone and Columbina are confused when Signora rejects them to see the opera this time, only to be surprised when she appears on stage beside you, holding your hand for that matter.
Maybe they get a bit jealous that the Fair Lady managed to get so much closer to you? Regardless, it’d be funny if they try to find other ways to get you closer to them. Arlecchino might request a private show for the kids at the Hearth. Sandrone might send you handmade gifts and flowers straight to your room, addressed from her. Columbina might even take a page out of Signora’s book, and join the opera too since she has a penchant for song.
Overall, the fact that these Harbingers are trying so hard to win your affections is flattering. You may have to give one of them a chance at this point for being your biggest fans.
Baizhu lets out a low sigh, his eyes prying open as he brings up an arm to rub at his face tiredly, shifting and groaning as he feels his back creak and an unusual weight press into his chest. A soft smile gracing his lips as he finds the sight of his precious deity resting, head tucked between his neck and chin. Still sitting upright on the couch he finds himself not too annoyed by the crick in his back from the last minute decision of staying downstairs.
He's careful as he moves their head, hands avoiding the twitching antennae and sinking into their hair, the very tips fade into translucent edges, a faint glow dancing on his skin
Their mouth parts in an intelligible murmur, teeth sharpened just slightly
“You know” his head lifts, watching as Changsheng makes her way down, dangling off the second floors banister, her tiny body dropping unceremoniously atop his head “you should have told me you'd be down here before you left, Baizhu”
“My apologies, Changsheng” he whispers, seeing her slide down towards their God “I didn't think I'd fall asleep down here”
She pokes her nose into their cheek, before laying atop of their neck
“Well you're hogging their Grace.” She hisses
He gives a chuckle “then you can keep them company, im going to see what in the house has been renovated”
He's gentle as he moves from beneath them, moving a pillow beneath their head and laying them onto the couch
He stretches, wandering to the bathroom and eyeing the minimal changes. Heading to the sink to freshen up
Baizhu yawns, a fang peeking out as he tiredly carts his fingers through his hair, undoing the small knots and grabbing a simple hair stick from the bench to wrap his hair in place. His movements are slow as he goes room to room. The layout much more coherent and affixed, set up in a way that makes it easy to traverse than just cluttered aesthetics from earlier
He exhales, stepping into the old kitchen- It's unfinished, unfortunately for him. With the room being sparsely decorated, a table sits in the center of the room haphazardly
He opens the cupboards and finds them all empty
He shuffles back out to the main room about to wake up the one responsible before spotting a large cool box and chest against the wall just outside that'd he'd missed
Baizhu smiles, opening it to find the food packed away neatly
“Changsheng, is today your feeding day?” He calls out softly
“I will be fine until later” she calls back, staying limp atop of their Gods neck
He nods, grabbing out a few vegetables and herbs, taking it into the kitchen and starts making a few easy dishes. Taking a knife and bowls from the bench out front.
He bunches up a handful of mint, thinly chopping up the herb before moving onto the jueyun chilli, slicing it. Tossing the two in a bowl with a few sauces for his mint salad bowl, sitting it to the side to marinate.
Next he dices up some mushroom, chili, cabbage and lotus. Putting it to the side as he finely slices violetgrass and qingxin for a separate dish, peeling a few sunsettia fruit alongside it.
Heating up a pan and tossing the first lot of vegetables in he fries the chopped pieces for the Qingce Stir fry in quick motions, well attuned to cooking the recipe. he finishes up his cooking with heating up a syrupy spiced mixture with the violetgrass and qingxin and plopping in the sunsettia to simmer on low as he plates the other dishes
He goes through a few cupboards before finding a tray and moves everything over, exiting the kitchen and stepping to nudge their Grace awake
“Your Grace” he whispers, brushing their hair away “it's time to start the day.”
I huff, groaning batting at the hand, blinking up at him and lifting my fingers to the wriggling Changsheng on my neck “...Morning”
Changsheng bops her head, curling around my shoulders when I sit up
“did I fall asleep” I mutter groggily, looking at the tray he hands me “ah, you… made me breakfast”
I eye it curiously, holding up the chopsticks and picking at the plates “what is it?” I ask curiously
“Mint salad and a Qingce Stir fry” he answers “and there's jade fruit soup simmering for after”
I look at the Qingce stir-fry trying to rack through my head on its ingredients in the game “Does it have seafood in it?” I ask quietly
He laughs “no, it's a vegetarian dish.”
I vocalise a content sound, picking up some of the stir fry and trying it then stuffing my face full and chewing on it pleasantly
“I'll take it as you enjoy it” I nod happily to his statement. “So no seafood?” I agree again, letting him sit next to me and eat from the plates too. "I'll inform the others in case they decide to give it to you.”
“Thank you” I utter, covering my mouth as I swallow messily
“After you eat, we'll do a check up.”
I settle down on my bed, chiton folded and placed to the side as he peels the bandages off and tosses it into a basket
“It looks good” he starts, pressing lightly at the edges “there's still bruising and there will be a rather large scar.”
He picks out a damp cloth from a basin perched at his feet, wiping over the injury
“You should bathe before we add new cream, ointments and wrap you back up” he leans forward “your accelerated healing is great in this case, the more you're eating the quicker it works it looks like.”
“that quick huh” I say shyly
“Its remarkable" he comments, he hooks his hands behind my back being careful with the protective mesh covering my chest wounds “up we go”
I groan, holding the flannel up and following him to the bathroom, sitting on the edge of the tub as he lights a match and tosses it into the coals, filling the bath with water and a few vials of varying liquids.
“These will help you relax as well as do some detox” he takes my hand and helps me lower myself into the warm water
“How is it heating so fast” I mutter, swiping through the water
“The bathtub is made from pyro infused ore.” he answers, taking the flannel from me when the soap foams to give me some privacy
I close my eyes when he takes my hair and gently rubs in shampoo, my arms moving to fold against the rim, dropping my head atop of them happily enjoying the care and following along with his instructions
“You're good at this” I vocalise, sighing as I take a cloth from him and scrub lower
“Qiqi often asks for assistance with bathing so I've become adept at it” he muses
“where is she?” I question
“she's currently with Yaoyao, Shuyu and Xianyun while I'm here” he rinses out the soap in my hair, pausing as my antennae flick off the suds and water instinctively
“aww how cute, a sleepover” I coo at the thought, he chuckles at the response “yes, Yaoyao was quite happy with the situation. But it's how we normally go about it when I need to leave for an extended period of time”
He takes my hand, humming as he looks over the short but pointed tips of my nails
“Don't bite them” he chides, running his thumb over the rough edges “if you get them caught in anything, don't pull either”
“You see right through me” I grumble
His touch drifts further past my palm to the sigils on my forearms
“Well, I'd like to think I know you well.” he smiles as he eyes the constellations painted there, pressing onto the snake pattern and seeing it glow alongside his vision and eyes in the faint light of the bathroom
My voice catches in my throat as I realise what he's looking at
Legendaria
“Oh, you've heard me too…” I blush, burying my face into my folded arm
He lets out an amused sigh, idly tracing the star formation on my skin
“Its not something many accolades will admit to” he says delicately “there's few who can, and even then it's not often if they're given that ability constantly”
He grins proudly “however from my investigations, I seem to be one who has had a more consistent line to you”
I sink further into the water
“You look so smug” I mumble
“Well, it has given me certain perks among known accolades” I huff at his comment “not that I abuse this ability of course”
‘I don't take him off my team’ I conclude ‘since I first got him too’
“So what have you heard” I ask curious and mortified to learn just what he's been privy to
“mostly singing.“ I wilt, a flush spreading to my ears “and at times, praise for my healing skills, shield, how pretty I look in my ‘skill’”
“nooooo” I groan into my skin as he chuckles more at my shyness
“while I don't understand some of the terms you muttered.” He leans in closer to my face, his eyes piercing “I know you care deeply for me, why else would you be so comfortable to have me in here while you bathe.”
I puff out my cheeks as I realise I hadn't sent him away, or hadn't shown an ounce of hesitance in allowing him to stay
“I… didn't really think about it” I admit embarrassingly
He reclines, leaving to just hold my palm delicate with him positioning “your praise often came through at odd times- during appointments, during meals, at night…“ he says shamelessly “There wasn't any rhyme or reason to when it would come through.”
I look down to the constellations, realising that any of them could hear me- seemingly when I think of them. I let out a faint breath flustered as I think back on my thoughts and words with mortification.
“I look forward to the ceremony.” he purrs, abruptly interrupting my spiral. I let out a flustered cry, taking back both my hands and burying them into the soapy water away from him “towel- get me a stupid towel.”
He stands, mirth in his expression as he pulls out a towel from a cupboard and sets it close to the bath “I will leave you to dry yourself, I'll fetch you some clean undergarments in the mean time"
I wait for the door to close before I stand, stepping out and immediately snatching another two towels from the cupboard
“And please, use that cream there and smooth it into your skin” I jolt as his voice come back, his eyes are covered as he places the new underwear down “just in where you don't want me to touch, I'll massage the rest in when you return to get the bandages re-tied.”
I huff when he leaves again, listening through the door this time until I hear bottles clatter while he goes through them, Changsheng's voice making comments
I take my time, patting dry my skin, wincing at the bruising then to the low iridescent sheen in my skin, my eyes twitch not knowing which annoys me most. I dip my fingers into the cream, shivering at the unpleasant feeling but knowing if I don't apply it he'd do it himself. with a doctor's discretion… Hopefully.
I grumble as the feeling sticks to my skin, dressing loosely and limping out and to the bed briskly, a towel wrapping my head and hair and the flannel cover over my chest again
“lets finish your check up, now shall we”
I pick helplessly at the chiton, taking a break from finishing off the ‘Better homes and gardens’ creative mode. Looking out the window longingly while Baizhu sits beside me with a few sheets of paper and a quill in hand
“Your Grace.” Changsheng pipes up, filling the silence “are you alright, I can hear you thinking from here.”
My face pinches “hmm, it's server reset time”
She waives in place at my mutter “server reset?”
“Thats one of your terms” Baizhu mutters looking up briefly “what is it exactly”
I look over to them “I'm usually… guiding someone at this time.”
He looks at the clock on the wall before he rolls his eyes “yes, you are correct, usually your singing starts around this time.”
I fidget with the loose fabric “I missed a day. Two days really.”
“You died” he stresses “you had a viable reason to not be present”
“My primogems though.” I whine softly
“I- you mean these?” He peers at me, holding out his palm and summoning a singular gem
“You have some,” I say in awe "just casually?”
“We use them in prayer” he presents it carefully “they're a common material used in a lot of rituals and sermons for you”
I pluck the star shaped rock from his palm, tracing the tips “common?” I frown looking to my left arm where my counter for primogems sit
“You have it seared into your skin” he says “for us, they're just common gems with religious background, what are they to you?”
“The stars” I speak tenderly “fragmented wishes.”
“So they're related to the wishing showers” Changsheng says “how unique”
“Wishing showers” I tilt my head, recognising the term from earlier
“It's when the skies fill with the sight of passing stars. Blue, Purple and the occasional golden star” I perk at the description with a sense of familiarity
“Oh, I know what you're talking about” I point out “you can see when I pull”
He tilts his head in turn “when you fell, you fell with a torrent of them. Each night prior for several days until the impact”
My arm twitches as I think on it intently
“Before then, the last wishing shower was three years ago” he finishes
“That should be accurate” I state confidently as I stare down at the number on my forearm “that was when I last received any constellations here.”
Swapping my gaze to the pre-existing constellations as realisation dawns
‘You all followed me into this world’
“You.” I look up at him "as well as every accolade, has a star system or constellation, they're how I can guide you”
He pauses fully with his writing at the information
“You seem pretty confident in that answer now" a smile curls onto his face “did you have a revelation?”
I nod frantically, scuttling back to my couch to immerse myself into exploring my screens with a goal in mind
‘I have all my old artifacts and weapons’ I blink at my inventory ‘everyone's levels have been reset or set to where they would be in accuracy to their character- except no one has access to ascension or talent farming.’
‘even my upgrade materials have been refunded’ I almost cry at the mercy of this system
I tap absently on my screens. Deciding on holding off on any unprompted ascension and to eye my resin instead. Hoarded fragile resin and a capped 200, the stagnant counter searing into my brain.
I squeeze my eyes shut, summoning some of the thrumming energy I feel underneath my skin.
Opening my eyes I peer into the streets of Nod-krai. I freeze at the haze in the corner of my vision, birds- real birds sing overhead and sailors holler loudly among the bustle of merchants and customers littering the streets alike
I lean over the edge of the dock staring at my reflection. The face of my male manekin appearing
I raise one of his hands to his face before I lift his gaze.
I straighten, taking one step at a time and finding myself in front of a crafting table further in the main settlement, ignoring the looks of those who watch as he condenses resin openly, a golden light bursting from his wooden fingers before little shining moons shimmer in his palms, they disappear and reappear next to me on the couch in a moments notice
When I focus back on him he's in front of Katheryn. Her voice is cloudy in my mind, but he responds automatically anyway, holding out his hands to receive our daily rewards.
I hum, his body shaking as if reacting to the noise. I guide him away from the city slowly enjoying the sights and the muffled noise then deeper into the clearing on a cliff north, finding a leyline glowing a neon blue
I clench my fist before guiding him to lift his. A warmth fills me as four glowing figures join him, the constellations light up on my skin as he activates the leyline from his end of the connection
“Mind the side effects.”
“Defensive mode engaged”
“Shower me with praise!”
“Observe.”
In an instant following the moment the enemies emerge from the blue mist they're taken down by the four shadows that form
The apparition of Baizhu stands back, flicking out his wrist to summon a gossamer Sprite, Furina acting similarly, stamping her foot and clicking her fingers, letting her salon solitaire to come forth and drench them in Hydro for both Flins and Ineffa to dart past and deal damage, Birgitta coming into the middle chirping correspondence.
I feel the Manekin tense, his body twirling around instinctively to block a polearm. His feet dig into the ground, skidding back a few feet at the impact
The leyline battle stops, the misty figures turning to the attacker
I hesitate as the appearance of the real Flins jumps back. I will the four to not engage, brushing against the Manekins mind and telling him not to attack either.
He backs up into the leyline instead, letting it shrink, swiping the dropped material and letting it disappear in a golden shine
The action of passivity is enough for the real Flins to pause. There's some back and forth between the two before Flins unsummons his polearm, pointing to his apparition version before all four disappear unexpectedly
I frown as I watch them converse, thinking it to be a rather odd coincidence before a light catches my eye from the corner of the screen
It's an action taken too quickly, the Manekin is tackled and brought down in seconds. Kintsugi appears with a look of fire in his eyes, a sneer as he raises his leg
“Wretched vermin!”
I squeak in protest as he flings the Manekin across the field, I can only watch as he tumbles and rolls, a boulder halting his descent harshly enough I can see splinters ricocheting from the impact
I cry out, startling the real Baizhu, I sniff as I hear his seat screech, his face popping next to mine. He frowns when sees me unharmed before facing the screen himself
I hold out my arms brushing my energy to tell the manekin to stay down. Resummoning phantom Baizhu and telling him to put up his seamless shield
Flins is firing off attack after attack following Kintsugi's own ricocheting and cutting into the earth surrounding the shields borders
“What is this-” Baizhus voice raises
“I was doing my dailies” I rush out “i- I'm just doing what I normally do!”
Both Flins and Kintsugi pause, taking a step back realising they're not getting through the shield easily. Phantom Baizhu continues to hold his hand up, focusing on keeping up the shield as the Manekin shakily stands, his hand coming up to his wounded shoulder. Their mouths move again, a silent argument when Flin's gaze hardens and a chime echo's in our ears, I can see Baizhu and his phantom apparition flinch, faltering just enough for Flins to plunge suddenly and knock him out of the way to get to the Manekin
Kintsugi rushes in with the distraction, grabbing the Manekin by the neck and lifting him into the air, hovering high enough that he couldn't find a foot hold
My voice dies in my throat as I watch. I tap harshly on the screen, nothing happens.
Their mouths move but I can't read them
Kintsugi frown twists and his grip tightens
I let out a cry, my eyes and scales glow before I slam my hand on the screen, golden ripples explode and the Manekin jerks in Kintsugi's hold as a golden sheen lights up his wooden seams
Kintsugi drops him, dashing back in shock. Flins holding up his polearm hesitantly
“Don't.” My voice comes out of the manekins mouth, overlapping with the three other voices logged in his central unit “Kintsugi.”
his face drops hearing the name. Baizhu takes a hold of my hand as I shake, nose dripping ichor with over exertion.
“Don't hurt him” is all I can get out when I'm ejected painfully from the Manekin, hand burning as I snatch it back from the screen and let it fade. We can only watch as the Manekin stumbles and stands on a slanted limp
Flins holds his hands up, polearm dropping as he looks at him with new found wonder. Kintsugi drops from his hover, stepping up to the Manekin, circling the wooden construction with an intensity.
The Manekin slumps at whatever is being said gesturing wildly before pointing at Flin's
Kintsugi frowns, before turning and all but shoving a golden contract into the faes’ palm. He eyes both before reading over the contents, gaze snapping to the Manekin soon after reading the first few lines of common script.
He reads through it fast, taking the pen that Kintsugi tosses at him and signs, returning the two before stepping toward the Manekin and bowing, hand to his chest
I let out a shuddery breath closing the screen and burying my face into Baizhus side
“Its alright” he starts softly
“I hurt him.” I mutter “he's not a fighter”
Baizhu winces “it was a misunderstanding.”
“That almost got him killed”
He sighs “That person seemed fine in the end, the Wanderer and that other gentleman stopped- I have no doubt they're assisting them now.”
I look at him deflated
“You got through to them” he says slowly “and they signed contracts, you can simply ask them for more details when they arrive at the ceremony.”
I frown, resting my arm on my lap, thumbing at the constellations once more, the blank ring warm to the touch and its health bar low.
The day goes on quietly, Baizhu putters around the house, making up different ointments or bundles of medicine and packing them in a wrap and tag, the lots piling up in baskets beside him
His head lifts periodically, watching me handle different items. Some he can recognise, plants like Violet grass and even philanemo mushrooms. Others he looks at nervously, rift cores and cleansing hearts.
“How did you get that” he questions, when he sees me twist a ‘lightless silk string’ in my hand “it emanates abyssal energy, drop it.”
I sigh and place it back into my inventory “I got it from a whale”
He rolls his hand, gesturing for me to elaborate more than just ‘I got it from a whale’
“I guided a team to fight the all devouring narwhal, and that was some of its remains when it died” I grumble
He groans “I realise the more I ask you to explain, the more questions I get instead.”
“I can only fight it once a week, to be able to collect these.”
He shakes his head returning to his work “it a wonder how there is much of this world that remains a mystery to me”
“Are you working?” I pipe up, looking at his baskets trying to change the subject
“I am” he nods “I've had a backlog of packages, so I'm taking this time to go through and finish them off.”
“makes sense” I mumble “you're a busy man with a 9 to 5”
“Yes, when we arrive to the harbour I'll drop these off, no doubt Zhongli will need us out of the realm as Madam Ping adjusts the new Add ons”
I look at him worried “oh”
“He will not suddenly thrust you into public” he reassures “I imagine he'll escort you to temporary lodgings within the Qixing, maybe even the Jade chamber itself”
I blanch at the thought
“I thought you were looking forward to exploring outside of the teapot” he chuckles
“It's just- the thought of a lot of people. In either situation.” I say nervously
He sighs “you could see it as practice.”
“Sorry, no. I misspoke. A lot of fancy people.” I correct myself
He laughs again “ah- alright. It may be odd for you then.”
“Its not the suddenly meeting new people part that has me hesitant. It's the thought of how they perceive me” I look down stiffly “I really don't like many ‘high quality’ things either.”
The next day starts in a similar way, Baizhu waking me up to a small breakfast, a check up and then resting in the main room as he works at his desk.
I'm watching him grind down a paste, the mortar gripped in his lithe hand when the door opens
Zhongli perks up at the immediate sight of me
“You are looking well, your Grace” he raises his arms and dips his head like how he'd done that first day “I'm here to escort you, and Baizhu to the Jade chamber for the day.”
I hold my breath at his words, I stand hesitantly looking to Baizhu
“There's no need to wait for me,” he says distracted by his task, scraping the paste into a smaller ceramic bowl “I'll pack up here and return to the pharmacy instead.”
Zhongi tips his head politely reaching his arm out for me to take “Alright then, doctor. The upgrades should be done before nightfall, we shall see you later in the day”
He scoffs amused “don't be too rough with the Creator. While their wounds are mostly healed, they're still not acquainted with walking long distances.”
“I shall note that down.” I take his arm and wave Baizhu goodbye, gasping as the world changes the minute we step outside of the house, I stumble when my bare feet touch cool tiles
We come out at the bottom level of the Jade chamber, the Teapot settled on the edge of the ornamental water feature below the staircase. My eyes are wide as I let go of Zhongli and trace my fingers over the delicate carvings in the wooden beams all the way down, I crouch and look at the stone indents with wonder, flecks of something green dotting the tired stone weathered facets-
Zhongli chuckles, crouching next to me and placing a gloved hand on my lower back
“Your Grace” He whispers “you've immediately become distracted- there are people here to meet you.”
I lift my head and look over my shoulder, Ningguang is standing tall, a grin curled on her face while her three secretaries are standing behind her, all with starry expressions but a professional stance. Madame Ping is beside Ningguang, she lets out a laugh seeing my face blush
I stand quickly, almost tripping over my feet to stand before them, my hands placed in front of me
“Hello” my voice is small “Thank you for having me here, your home is very lovely”
Zhongli brushes himself off and stands next to me, letting me take his arm again
Ningguang watches with an amused expression before bowing her head and raising her clasped hands “Dearest Creator, it's us who should be thanking you.”
I shiver at the dulcet tone she speaks in, my fingers clutching Zhongli's wrist. The others follow suit,
Madame Ping shuffles forward more casually “Zhongli here has already told me all about you, there's no need to fret about me straining my back and bowing”
“Now my dear, let me take a look at your adeptal realm” I smile at Madame Ping, dragging Zhongli out of the way so she can take the Teapot in her palms “now I'll need to get started on this quickly, so I do regret to cut our meeting short”
I wave her off “it's okay, we have more than enough time to sit down and have tea at a later time”
She gives me a content look
“then I'll take my leave, don't let this old lizard give you any trouble” she whacks Zhongli on the shoulder with familiarity before turning and leaving up the stairs with more pep and energy I could muster if I even attempted it's steepness
Zhongli breathes out, fondly looking over the old woman as she leaves before nodding at Ningguang
“This is the Tianquan, Ningguang of the Liyue Qixing.” He introduces her to me, even knowing I don't need it “and these are her three most trusted secretaries, Lady Baixiao, Lady Baiwen and Lady Baishi.”
“I've dismissed my usual servants for the afternoon” Ningguang states “so we have the chamber to ourselves- I hope you don't find it too intrusive of me to request we sit and enjoy some tea and pleasantries together, your Grace.”
I hold up a hand and wave off her concerns “no, I'd love that. Thank you.”
She clicks her fingers and her secretaries leave, one heading towards the kitchen. Then she holds out a hand to me
I hesitate until Zhongli carefully unwinds my arm and gestures for me to take hers.
I fall into step with Ningguang, taking her arm and letting her slowly show me around the bottom half of the Jade chamber
“It is a great honour to have you here” she reiterates “and to have your trust in such situation”
Zhongli follows close behind, arms folded behind his back while he also looks at his surroundings
“This place is gorgeous” I say stunned at the sheer beauty of the structure
“On the contrary, I find you much more attractive.” Her voice is smooth, she lets out a smug chuckle when she sees my face tint and my gaze becomes avoidant. “What Zhongli said was true, you are a shy, cute God aren't you?”
I level a glare over my shoulder at the smug looking man
“What else has he told you?” I ask lowly
She helps me up the few stairs into a seating area, Baixiao having already set up a steaming pot of tea and a plate of plain biscuits
“Enough to know that we, the Qixing and the whole of Liyue will lay down our lives for you” she muses, grabbing my chin softly, the metal claws that decorate her fingers resting careful of their placement “For now, however, I will represent my nation in this way, and worship you in their stead.”
Zhongli clears his throat as he settles onto his own cushion, gesturing for Ningguang to sit down before she causes me to combust
I choke when she removes herself with a light glare at the man, and leans back to recline onto her own cushion,I blink as I was so sure she was about to just share mine
“Is everyone from Liyue this bold?” I whine, covering my face embarrassed by the continual shamelessness in their affection “stop laughing, Zhongli.”
He doesn't, small huffs of laughter leaving his chest as he pours me a cup, then his and Ningguangs.
“I presume Baizhu had teased you in my absence by that sentance.” He voices knowingly
“Yes-” I scoff, blowing at my cup “you're all menaces.”
“Well, I can't lie, you are indeed attractive, your Grace.” Ningguang says, not helping her own case “I would even say, otherworldly.”
“Well- Thank you but you don't have to be so blunt though” I mumble
“But how would you know we adore you so?” She muses, tapping her claw onto the table “Zhongli mentioned you were also ‘oblivious and disbelieving of worship’ and suggested this approach which I can immediately tell is an accurate descriptor for you, your Grace.”
I look at them both flabbergasted “‘oblivious and-’ Zhongli!”
“You are exposing me a bit too much, Tianquan.” He says gruffly
“Well, I am also a bit jealous you see, your Grace.” She says, earning my gaze again, her stare sharp as it pierces into Zhongli's form. He simply returns the look “A simple consultant from Wangsheng funeral parlor, was one of the first to greet you.”
I look between the two realising Zhongli had not in fact, told anyone of his identity, even the Tianquan despite his obvious nature
“But I digress” she breaks the glare, her eyes softening when they land on me “I'm still glad of the way things have panned out with our hiring of him, did he treat you well?”
I nod, flinching at the heat of the tea before lowering it again and blowing at it
“Let me-” she pauses when I bow harder, a fine icy mist leaving my mouth and covering the liquid in a thin layer of frost. I take my sip and hum as the cool tea becomes easy to take.
Zhongli looks pleased with the sight, Ningguang retreats with look of wonder
“You've developed more abilities” He asks or rather, states
I nod “Baizhus determined that as I become reacquainted with Teyvat, it will be easier for me to reconnect with my abilities- eating food from here also helps it move along faster”
“He’s certainly earned a tip for his care for you” Ningguang mutters pleased “your injuries also look to be healing well.”
I nod “there really is only bruises and scaring leftover, faint aches if I'm up for long”
“Then we will stay here for the time being.” She clasps her hands, Baiwen appears not long after “bring me the ores please Baiwen, and have Baishi bring the tapes.”
“These three, I've chosen as my ‘plus ones’” she gestures “they are all so ingrained into my day to day life that it would be hard to uphold my part of the contract if I did not include them.”
I eye the chests they bring over curiously “that's fine, I wanted to add that clause for a reason”
She grins “now, I wish to gift you a few things”
Before I can protest she holds up her hand “now, it's I gift these to you in private, or I gift them during the ceremony with the rest of them”
“During the ceremony?” I question for Zhongli to pipe up “yes, there will be periods for the chosen to bestow gifts and offerings.”
I let out a muffled whine to which they laugh “they would have done it regardless of us having it under a timeslot.”
She unclips the chest, an array of gorgeous gems and stones sit. Even earning an interested look from Zhongli
“Now I'm not as talented in restructuring raw materials into the finer things, but I heard our dear consultant is.” He looks up with a pinched brow “Zhongli, I purpose to you a contract.”
His eyes sharpen, his golden iris’ slit at her chosen words before he takes the paper from her hands
She turns to me as he reads it over with a focused intensity “I wish to gift you jewellery, but I personally don't like it when someone does so and completely gets my tastes wrong or chooses the wrong colours for me.”
“So I want them custom made for you, he-” she juts her thumb out to Zhongli “I've heard, knows how to use his vision precisely enough to carve finer details into gems. He's who I commissioned for my stone tiling you were fawning over earlier, however I've not hired him for jewelry before."
“She is correct in saying I've made jewellery, but I have only done it before for myself.and Xiao” He mutters, conjuring a pen and signing the sheet. Shifting to settle closer and returning the contract “I agree with the terms outlined.”
“I also would like to have you measured and fitted- I'll share it among the other accolades so you do not have to do this process a million times.” She dangles a measuring tape between her claws
I balk at the sight of the two conflicting looks they give eachother, pointing my finger at Zhongli “you knew-”
He huffs “I had a feeling this was to happen, as you wouldn't accept a public outing for such items. I also had a feeling you wouldn't have the heart to decline heartfelt, handmade gifts.”
I deflate as I watch him pick up a gem
“You two are evil.” I murmur, letting Ningguang come closer with a pen and notebook in her palms
“Its hard to adjust to.” Ningguang says softly this time, standing me up to carefully wrap the tape around my shoulders “I know better than most, the swap from nothing to everything”
There's small crows feet when she smiles, my eyes flit across her face, a small scar by her ear. She's a lot older than I would have originally assumed, but with the way she moves- it's hardly noticeable
“I have more mora than I have use for, and don't get me started on the government funding allocation we have for this very reason.” She lifts my arms, moving slowly when she writes another number in her booklet “and I just adore spending mora on cute things like you.”
She's quick with her measurements, handing over the booklet to Baishi and sitting me back down
“Zhongli. Do you have an understanding of the ores I have for you” she muses, not bothering to look at the disguised dragon in human form. I have to stifle a laugh at the sight of Zhongli smiling painfully- politely at the Tianquan
“Indeed I do” he faces me and delicately removes his gloves. I marvel at the obsidian colour, the golden cor lapis carved into them. I stare at them shamelessly, raising my own hand to flip his hand and admire his palm “...your Grace.”
I stop, muttering under my breath and letting him take my wrist instead
“Now, is there any particular type of jewelry you prefer?” He muses “jade's, cor lapis, diamonds? We have all and more i assume”
Ningguang grin at the sight and nods “if these are not satisfactory, I have more in one of our other rooms”
“Uhm, I'm not sure- the jewellery I normally wear…” I cringe at how to describe it “I didn't see many of them here.”
“How so?” I flounder for a moment before taking my hand back and summoning a screen, Zhongli leans back to just watch, Ningguang eyes it with an intrinsic interest
I summon a plain layered box placing it carefully onto the table before bringing out a taller more intricate wooden box
“Please be careful with them” I say gesturing to the boxes “some of the pieces are old.”
I unclip the layered box, setting out each layer on the flat surface, Ningguang takes out a small felt bag pouring the thick rings into her palm with a piqued interest
I see Zhongli open the top layer, the varying piercings nestled in the small notched beds. His brow furrow as he rolls it between his pointer and thumb
“I don't believe I've seen these before.” I smile at his clueless look a snicker escaping me
Both look up at the noise
“what's so funny, your Grace” his voice is light as if pleased by my reaction
“Thats one of my piercings, just place the ones you touch to the side so I can disinfect it after” I say, grabbing one of my numerous empty felt bags I have stuffed into the side compartment
“What's it for?” Ningguang questions
“It's a-” I blush “it's a nipple piercing.”
Zhonglis face darkens, carefully placing the piercing into the bag and placing his hands on his lap
I look over to Ningguang when she giggles, it's low pitched and sultry as she pulls the box of piercings closer to herself “what lovely sets.”
“Theyre not all for that” I say, pointing out the sections I have “these are eyebrow ones, bridge, nose and tongue- the other case is all my ear piercings”
Zhongli grabs my chin and turns me to face him, feeling with his other hand “theres- you indeed have numerous facial piercings”
He mutters amazed “I did not see them previously- some are empty but others- you have a clear weight filling a few.”
“they're plastic sleepers” I explain “there wasn't really a use for me to wear my normal ones so I got fillers for the ones that I was worried would heal over.”
He winces at the bridge piercing
“I wouldn't mind if you could make me new ones to put in?” I admit earning a soft look from them “I kinda miss my piercings”
He nods, picking up a few of the older ones and grabbing a silver ore and pearls from another bag, picking a piece off as if it were clay and clenching it in his fist
I hold out my palm and watch as he tips a few flat studs with pearl heads into my hands
I let out a small happy noise, lifting my head and smiling wide at him then to Ningguang as she slides over an empty large intricate jewellery box
“Shall we start designing and filling your new case, your Grace?”
I sit glowing as I ‘click’ the last piercing into place, leaning away from the mirror placed in front of me. They're all small and simple, but altogether they paint a pretty picture and with my ears decorated, Zhongli easily creates ear cuffs for the new pointed appendages and strings of chains with tiny primogems dangling from them, the same chain resting across my cheeks going across my face. Pearls decorate my nose, eyebrows and my tongue much to Zhongli's flustered expression as he watches me twist it into place and fidget with the new jewellery
My wrists stay bare but I allow them to replicate the rings i had, decorating each of my fingers in a range of thick bands of silver
I hum as Ningguang twists in a few more hair cuffs, cor lapis and Pearls weaved into different strands
“Beautiful” she whispers under her breath unconsciously
Zhongli hums, fidgeting with a notch of Cor lapis, the new Jewellery box over flowing with the more ornate sets “are you sure you do not wish to put on more”
I shake my head “I'm happy with wearing these for my day to day, thank you.”
He sighs but concedes
“It is about time for us to return.” Ningguang sighs next, looking up to the clock “it seems so.”
She drops her gaze back to me “I enjoyed our time together, your Grace.”
I take her hand and squeeze “I did too! I didn't think playing dress up like this could be this nice.”
“Oh we can play dress up whenever you want” she purrs “do come visit again, your Grace.”
I nod, face tinted before standing and following Zhongli
“We should really get you some shoes.” Baizhu mutters, twirling me around to get a good look at the new jewellery “these look exquisite, however.”
I smile “Thank you, Zhongli and Ningguang made them for me, all the praise should be directed there”
Zhongli puffs up at the mention
“It is no problem, your Grace. Seeing you covered in my ores is all I need.” He says proudly
“Will you be coming back?” I ask taking Baizhu's hand,
“No, sadly I am needed back at work.” Baizhu sighs
“So I will accompany you back home.” Zhongli adds even more smug than before “he will return for your checkup in the morning.”
“I will” he squeezed my hand before taking a step back “have a good night, your Grace.”
I take back Zhongli's arm as the other man leaves, looking up at him
“So the gates are in place?” I ask dragging him to the couch much to his amusement
“Yes, they just need to be connected on the other side at each temple and secured.” He utters, taking a seat next to me “will you want to visit the area tomorrow? We can go on a nice midday stroll.”
“That sounds really nice.” I say sweetly, bringing up a screen to look at the new island. All the realms now exist on the same plane- the limits now non-existent as the Teapot now functions purely on me. However, Tubby still happily resides in a cute area I'd designed for her to live in. “Can I decorate the platform?”
I look over the island, the shape of it is a rather large decagon, tall arches on each ridge aside from the three closest to my main island as two bridges stem off of the ends into the main and secondary island, leaving the middle edge blank
“Of course” his chest rumbles as he undoes the buttons of his coat, folding it neatly “there will be several entrances, and only those who have signed the contract, will have access to enter the island and in addition, your abode.”
I nod already pulling up a few tabs to begin terraforming
“You've become so talented. I've only been away a day.” He comments as he watches
“It's fun.” I admit “the new islands will keep me occupied for until the ceremony happens”
“I hope it does, by then you should be fully recovered.” he raises his hand and points at the symbols atop of each arc “they have where each door should lead to”
“Thank you- do we need seating? Or anything specific?”
“Just a throne for yourself.” I give him a side eye “I'm not making myself a throne.”
“It does not need to be a traditional one” he laughs “just somewhere for you to sit and be admired.”
I pull a face
“Alright- I can do the first half” I cup my hand and start smoothing out a curved basin, having a rather flat space before bringing up the sides higher. Tapping the new shape and converting it to a mix of wood and stone, a circular mattress filling the flat space before I pile blankets and pillows into the bowl then draping a sheer material from each of the arches and dangling thin ornamental chains and primogems from the fabrics
“Your Grace, that a nest” Zhongi states incredulously looking at the bowl- oh it is totally a nest.
“Perhaps.” I quip “you said I could”
“I didn't expect-” I get a low noise rumble from my chest as I look up at him with sparkling eyes and a wounded expression “do you not like it?”
“ahem- nests are rather private for dragons, your Grace.” he says nervously
“So you don't like it.”
“No- I mean, yes, I do. But-”
“So I can keep it.” I bat my eyes, seeing his resolve crack, a rumble leaving his own chest
“You've become much braver” he sighs
I go back to my decorating
“the more you guys subject me to it, the more I know where boundaries lie” I say snarkily “and once the initial shock of it fades, im not ‘shy’”
“Yes I see that now.” He coughs out, eyeing me as he removes his heeled loafers and places them to the side “it's nice that you're settling in well.”
“So nests are private things for us?” I ask “dragons, I mean.”
He relents and nods “while there are not many of us left and that you are presenting to be an ancient dragon rather than one of the present day vishap types or hybrids. Nests are still made for familial or romantic settings, like how a mother would coddle her hatchling kin in youth or a shared space between lovers.”
He looks flushed as he explains it to me “The nest is still a well known attribute, many other species of Teyvat still use them so even with our diminishing race- those of similar inclination to non human physiques and heritage will still hold these views.”
“But they won't say anything right?” I point out “if I just, keep it.”
He smothers his face into his palm “No.” He says rather miserably at the potential public display
“You really wish to present yourself in such a position?” He questions lightly
“Tell me what you'd see, when imagining me sitting there compared to a throne.” I wait for his response with a curious look
“You do not wish to hear my thoughts on such matters.” He mutters, golden eyes narrowing on me “it is rather explicit, your Grace.”
I shut my mouth, face heating and looking away to the screen, dragging my finger and selecting the area where I have the nest, moving it away into a saved templates folder
“I'll change it” my voice is squeaky when he lets out a relieved sigh
“Thank you.” He mutters, reclining into the couch
I stare at the blank space
“How would you suggest making it to look less like a nest”
He sighs but reaches forward
“You could use the base from before, just remove all the blankets and pillows” he expresses “shorten the back and have It sit more flush to you”
I nod, moving my hands to recreate the seat “can I have some blankets?”
“Yes, like this it looks more like a chaise or sofa.” He says, satisfied “do not use your personal linens either”
I grumble, grabbing my blanket off the back of our couch and draping it over our laps as I feel a light breeze
“Why” I ask annoyed
“They have your scent so smothered into it I'm surprised you willingly leave them out-” I try to remove it from his lap but he places his hands atop of it defiantly “-that does not mean to remove it from me.”
“you just admitted that you're huffing my smell!”
He winces “that is not what's happening. no.”
“You're gonna say it's another dragon thing.” I counter
“It's not just a dragon thing-” I hush him, batting at his arm “noo, you're gonna start spouting omegaverse but not ironically next, I swear.”
He shuts his mouth, leveling me with tired resignation
“I'll use clean blankets- I have to clean my old stuff anyway, most of it is still covered in dirty pond water.” I resist saying more
“How about we go through your things after breakfast tomorrow?” He concedes “and I can introduce you to some draconian features you may not be aware of just yet”
“Alright” I grumble, leaning on his arm and going back to decorating the ceremony island “when will you return to your room?”
“I don't need to sleep often so I will stay up with you.” He states plainly “Baizhu mentioned your insomnia, I would rather relate it to your inhuman state than a mental blockade however”
“So I'm gonna sleep less?” I whine, “I like sleeping.”
“I recommend not attempting to make yourself sleep. Gods like us can simply fall asleep for years before reawakening.” I look pensive before he gives me another stricter look
“I'll keep that in mind” I concede
He presses himself into my side earning a curious glance “if you decide to rest, will you allow me to join you, I do not wish to be away from you for so long.”
He doesn't even have the sense to say it bashfully
“you may.” I mutter “what about your mortal life?”
“I will just fake my death” he says immediately
“You really would, huh” I snort
We both fall silent as I go through my inventory, looking at the different plants and trees to add into the landscape. Tediously placing one down then swapping it with another
It's not long before the ceremony island is overflowing with hanging plants, vines creeping up the sides of the arcs. The throne chaise sat in a clear space around it so the view behind is centraled on my main house
I let out a short grumble as I reposition the new islands so the underwater domes don't sit too low or too high to the surface. moving the floating abode to hang higher only connecting its bridges to the higher points of the mountain space. Completely opposite to the Silken court are the beach islands, then the natlanese abode behind them.
It's somewhat coherent in the sense of ‘you chose small biomes’ in a minecraft new world seed
I clear the structures that exist from previous builds and focus on the plan Kaveh and I developed initially and expand the logic to the other areas. Zeroing in on landscaping and smoothing each new island into each other
My eyes flicker momentarily when I feel Zhongli extend an arm around my waist, a rumble leaving his chest as he leaves his ungloved hands there. I lean into the cushions more and pay no mind to his glee
I flick my wrist bringing up another tab full of different materials and terrain types before planning routes and footpaths around the entire realm, spending even longer to ensure each lighting fixture is even and following an imaginary pattern.
I tap in small notes on each island, tagging the main focus of each and future build ideas.
Zhongli removes himself briefly not noticing until he returns, pressing a cooled tea into my hands, his own- piping hot, in his other as he get comfortable again
I take small sips as I overlook the current progress then return to testing different tree palettes
“That one's nice” he pipes up quietly. I pause looking at the blend of trees “it would fit better in a more yellowed base” I murmur agreeing with him, moving the set onto another island
Read on AO3 - Everything series on AO3 - Masterlist
“You've just descended- died, from what Wanderer was ranting to me about last night, and now you want to do spring cleaning?” He has the gall to look flabbergasted, I think to myself
“I- the bathhouse is on the fourth island” I protest “we are on the first”
“You want to move a house and numerous water facilities when you have a hole in your stomach.” he says
I shuffle in place, the tattered blanket over my shoulders and techno- the plush, in my arms as I stand in front of him while the artificial sun rises
“Yeah.” I state clearly “it's too far.”
He drags his hand down his face exasperated
“Its not like I'll be picking it up myself and moving it” I mumble under my breath
“No, but I have to” he groans, making me frown
“Huh? No you don't. What are you talking about, I can just decorate it like normal” i swipe my hand to the side bringing up a menu- the realm lights up on screen. Similar to how I designed my Serenitea pot in game but much more easier and hands on, reaching through and picking up a tree like it's a miniature housing set. He looks even more haunted as he watches me “see? We can do it from here.”
“I spent so long doing up that place” he groans, deflating
I pause “the realm I first came into? The ‘Floating abode’?”
He nods, dragging me over to the couch and sitting down so he can watch me uproot the different trees in the area, my fingers dusting off the roots that come up before I place them into the forestry tab
“You seem like you know what your doing” he says in wonder
“I couldn't sleep” I murmur “so I decided to go through all my screens”
He makes a displeased noise “you should've gone to sleep.”
I shake my head “I'm fine, my anxiety is too high and my paranoia is really getting to me.”
“You're okay here” he says gently, taking my hand and making me stop in my clearing “you're safe. No one can hurt you here, not with me with you now”
My nose scrunches up at his words, head shaking as I take my hand back and continue
“It's not that simple.” I grumble “I just lost my whole family.”
He dips his head in a wince
“I'm also immortal now, and I'm no longer human” I shudder “my literal nightmares have already come true.”
He sighs “Alright I'll stop with the uplifting chat attempts”
“Thank you” I breathe out
“But still, did you at least rest? Not sleep, just laid down or something”
“A little” I answer vaguely “I wanted to do this last night but I wanted to get your permission first”
He pulls another face “why?”
“This is your home too” I say confused
“Me and Paimon don't use this place much” he admits, sitting up “and you've never asked before when suddenly redoing a Realm”
“I didn't know you could hear me- feel me, whatever you experienced” I wince at my reasoning
“It's fine,” he reassures me, “it's a blessing.”
“Its hard for me to wrap my head around, you're probably gonna’ get sick of hearing that sentence"
“Really, it's fine” he says laughing at my insistence
“Thank you” I murmur, hands pausing as I get to the water and rock structures of the fishponds, hands arched awkwardly as I flick the imaginary (synthetic? whatever it is) water off my fingers
“how am I supposed to do this?” I ask incredulously
He leans forward “how'd you do it before?”
“A mouse” I huff, squinting his look of confusion “a mechanism.”
“Use your hands.” He says bluntly
“Scoop it out with your fucking hands” I mumble under my breath, amusement playing in my tone
“Don't put words in my mouth” he groans “I'm just saying, this is a very godly sight”
“What is?”
“You're literally moulding the world with your hands” I freeze as I have my hands cupped with dirt, mud and water splashing over my skin “honestly, this is what I was expecting when I first tried to conceptualise you from a fragment of a feeling.”
I laugh startled “I'm wrapped like a mummy, in a Greek chiton, a ratty old blanket and an old dusty ass pink pig plush. What about me is ‘God’ like.”
I drop the water outside of the screen and let out a breath of relief when it dissipates, I work around the site, patting down the raised dirt to make a level clearing before switching to another island, frowning as I see the companion number appear and deciding to close the screen
“I don't want to do anything if someone's on the island” I mumble hands twitching “I don't want to accidentally hurt someone”
“Wait, bring up the screen again” he asks, the screen reappears and he laughs pointing at the congregation on the edge of island three “you can see the other island from there- they were probably watching what you were doing”
I lean closer “I can't see their faces”
“I'm sure they'll tell us all about it when they come to the main house to bathe” I wince “oh- I may have done that a bit prematurely”
“eh- they weren't actual bathing units anyway, I emptied the original water and cleaned out the ponds so it would actually work as intended” my awkward look deepens as i think on the impracticality of my constructions and aesthetic decisions
“Well, I'll make sure to make a proper hot springs this time round” I promise “I'll include a bathhouse too.”
“nice.”
The door slams open to a frantic Kaveh, I jolt in place dismissing my screens “you would not believe what we just watched!”
I nervously giggle as Aether stands to explain where exactly the hotsprings disappeared to.
I sit cross legged next to Kaveh a short table settled in front of us with his kit splayed out, his sketchbook opened to a sketch of the previous landscape that covered the third island
A fake birdsong echoing above as we sit under a lone tree. Zhongli is sat on the other side of us, back straight as he writes through a contract draft, his brush dipping into the small pot of ink before he drags it in small precise wording, a script i seem to be unable to read
The realm had been vacated, the rest having left in order to allow me peace of mind when redesigning the realm. Kaveh had offered to stay back, an excitement thrumming through his bones as Aether had explained the phenomenon
“Your previous layout was marvelous on the third island” he praises, clipping the pages of his book open with a fabric band on each of its corners “it was blocky, but designed in a precise way that it felt like it was supposed to be looked at as a distant scene found in Liyuen scriptures and paintings”
I smile sheepishly “my way of accessing this world was limited but i still wanted this place to be nice to experience”
He nods along “the way the landscape seemed to move this morning, oh it was marvelous- your hands literally shaping the mountains then flattening the land”
”And this” he taps the screens edge with his pencil “-I assume this is how you did it, how you interacted with us before you descended”
I wobble my hand uncertain “not quite, but the screens are a good representation of it I think.”
He breathes out a happy hum, closing his eyes and pondering on the task at hand, a crease appearing maring his face “so, we're designing four fully furnished islands”
I nod “I already have some ideas”
He clears his throat nervously “well, normally this process takes weeks or months to design a singular building, let alone four large island masses with multiple structures…”
My hand twitches before I summon an old book, the pages worn with use, loose pages peeking out the edges. I turn to him with a nervous look before holding it out. His hands take it carefully, unhooking the tied seal then the cover, there's writing he can't understand but when he turns the pages again, his eyes widen. He lets out a manly squeal, the noise surprising even Zhongli from his trance of writing to look up at him
“These are building plans!” He flips through a few pages “I- I've never seen a design so unique”
I blush, clasping my hands as I let him go through the book
“You have a few housing designs that would work incredibly well in this setting-” he murmurs, thumbing through a few drafts “a library, storage sheds, housing units. Where did you get this? it's design plan is so thorough, it even as plumbing routes planned, something else too that I can't quite read”
“Ah, well they're my old delulu sketches I did in school” I admit shyly trying to downplay its significance, earning a shocked look from him “I was studying to become an architect, actually.”
He looks like he's about to cry
“You're perfect.” I squeak at the sudden compliment, Zhongli clears his throat interrupting the man
“Mr.Kaveh, I believe their grace is a bit overwhelmed by your comments” he says, smiling at my expression
“My apologies, your grace!” He backtracks “I'm just- so pleased to hear that you studied the same craft as me, you understand me”
I nod still a little flushed “No problems here, Kaveh”
“These designs, we can definitely use them here” he states excitedly, laying out the book and reaching for his own to do some loose interpretations “much of this will have to be built by scratch or substituted with the buildings you have in your menus, ms.Tubby can only construct certain structures from what the Traveler has shown me previously”
I nod thinking to my brief introduction to the finch, her pleased chirps and sudden renewal in energy in my presence allowing much more to be compatible with the realm
“I'd like to at least get the landscaping done today” I say “and airmark where I want the buildings to go”
He nods “we can certainly do that, your ability will render a lot of the usual wait in-between construction to be non existent"
He shuffles closer and squints at the screen “do you know if you can alter the terrain's composition? Do you have elevation line levels? degradation states o-or weather erosion patterns-”
I hum tapping the earth, a screen appearing as words start forming, glitching before translating into a format i understand
“I can… but I don't think I want to change those parts too much” I hum scrolling through the wall of text “this place is nice as is, I just wanna add footpaths, plant trees and have a space cleared for a garden”
He nods too distracted by the indecipherable text
“if you want, I don't mind if you wanna play around with one of the other islands” I offer “you can use it for experimenting with designs”
“Would you really allow me to do that?” He looks at me in awe
“Of course, I usually leave one or two realms empty to experiment too” I say showing him the tab where we can swap realms “the offer is for anyone really, but I know you'd use it well”
He nods frantically clapping his hands together “Thank you!”
I smile at him and look back to my main screen, sitting up to begin sculpting the islands and letting Kaveh loose. Hours seem to drag on by, chopped fruits and a jug of water (and tea for Zhongli) going empty
I sit quietly next to Zhongli during the second break while Kaveh stands in the distance measuring the space between each new addition to the island. Mehrak and his sketchbook trailing along as he examines the general stability of the mountain sides and cliffs. Active and flowing waterfalls streaking across the isle with temporary bridges connecting each inland piece.
My hand stays glued to my stomach, a faint ache coming from the wound
“Does it still hurt?” I turn to Zhongli as he looks down at my hand
“it aches” I admit “it's better than yesterday, though”
“hmm” he reaches out, brushing a finger over the clean bandage “that's good, soon you'll be able to leave the realm”
I sigh, shifting to look at the current pages of the contract, lifting a finger to trace a line i cant quite understand
“‘-it is prohibited to share the knowledge that their Grace is within an early state of divinity and any related depictions with non-gifted accolades and select government officials‘“ He reads out for me, i let out a soft noise and look at him with an off put look “can we add a clause where if they ask, we can allow them to tell someone else”
he frowns confused
“Like, if one of the young ones wants to tell their parents?” I explain to see him go ‘oh’ quietly “really, I don't feel comfortable with your idea to gather all the accolades neither”
“It would be the easiest, we are your servants.” He says bluntly “we all are prepared for the arrival of you, if it were to occur during our lifetimes. It is just the act of informing them it is time.”
“I don't really want servants though, especially child slaves.” I utter adamantly “also these people have lives, I'd be uprooting so many people even if I'm not telling the public”
He lays down his brush with a sigh “your Grace. I appreciate you wish to respect us in such a manor, but many would prefer to serve you in any such way you would like us to”
I feel my face warm despite the unease i feel at the idea of having servants muttering under my breath a ‘please don't say it like that’ when he reaches bravely for my chin, tilting my face to look at him directly, his stupid pretty face front and center with an exaggerated pout “I would have personally requested to be your servant, butler, maid or even your retainer, had you not just expressed your disinterest in taking them” his voice rumbles “do not take my willingness as coercion of your position either, my desire is purely selfish.”
He leans away, satisfied by the dazed look I give him, a smile curling on his face as he returns to writing his contracts, picking up his brush once more “I will add that there will be no need to send envoys for servant positions for you- it should reduce a possible leak of Intel by a marginal amount at least"
I nod along, eyes dancing from his face to his hands with a gulp “Yeah, sounds good”
“How was your day” Aether grins, dropping a rucksack next to me on the couch, Paimon flying in and twirling around me in greeting
“Good, I'm happy to say two islands have been mapped and construction can begin of the main islands plumbing” I say cheerfully
“we saw!” Paimon says “the place looks so good, natural looking too!”
“Thank you, I based the canopy structure on the forests back home”
“You must've really loved your home” Paimon chitters, sitting on the arm of the couch “did you often go adventuring?”
I shake my head “no, that's not something you can do in my world”
“Good.” Xiao's voice cuts in, he steps through a mist of black and green smoke, leaning on the wall closest to Aether “while the profession is a popular one here, to imagine your Grace put into such dangers is abhorrent”
I nod “and much of my world was industrialised- you'd be hard pressed to find many natural areas that aren't zoned as national parks or private land, where i lived it was family land”
“your world sounds so odd” she pouts, crossing her arms “well I guess it's fine, these screens would have been really helpful!”
“These are new too.” I mutter “magical entities and elemental energy doesn't exist in that place”
She gasps “it doesn't?”
“No, there's no subspace, teleporting- definitely no gods in a physical form, everyone there are mortal”
“Then how did you function?” Xiao asks, gesturing to myself “do you not have leylines, how was your world stabilised?"
I hesitate before shrugging “we had a lot of scientific breakthroughs and have focused on human innovation and technology, kind of similar to how khaenri’ah was said to be”
He flinches at the comparison “ah, is that so.”
“So your home was like Khaenri’ah?” Paimon questions softly “we still don't know much about that place, we've really only heard about it a couple times our entire time traveling or by word of mouth”
I smile somberly “honestly, from what I know as well, much of the technological culture seems to be reminiscent of things I'm more familiar with, but so are how things in Fontaine and Natlan”
“are you saying, Khaenri’ah is an equivalent of your homeland” Xiao asks disturbed
“No- if I were to equate a comparison, I would say Natlan is the most similar to my own culture” I say with a slight annoyed expression as I think about comparing the two “my home was a founding inspiration for one of the tribes in Natlan afterall”
“wow” Paimon says in a starry tone, not catching onto each of our tones “good thing we're heading there next Traveler, we get to experience the Creators culture”
“eh- not quite.” I cringe “I'd have to go myself to see if it actually does and- heading there next?”
My voice drops as I remember that they'd only just left Fontaine
“Oh fuck.” I mutter “right. You're still… so it's Natlan next.”
Aether frowns “yeah, should we skip it?”
“No” my voice comes quick enough for the three of them to straighten up “i- there's things that are about to happen and you'll be needed there. You should continue your natural trek through this world." My face pinches “I'm sorry, Aether.”
His face sours a touch figuring the nation will be just like the last, and he wouldn't be wrong “hey, it's okay. We were already headed there.”
“Still” I sigh “it will be hard.”
“Hasn't it already” he laughs bitterly, shrugging
My brows furrow “...many are fated to die.”
He falters. Paimon floated up between us with a scared expression “what's gonna happen when we get to Natlan?”
I turn my face. “Natlan is the nation of war- please, be careful.”
Xiao nods tensely “The nation of flames has always been plagued with an intense abyssal energy, one I find even myself to be wary of”
“You've been there?” Aether questions earning a shake of Xiao's head “no. But I've had some natives enter the land of Liyue with remnants of abyssal residue on them, many were too consumed in the toxin to be nursed into a coherent state and had to be taken down”
Aether winces
“You will meet your sister there” I provide him, seeing his face perk up “it will be brief, but she will show.”
He lets out a shaky breath “Alright.”
“Will Paimon be alright?” She whispers to me taking my hand
“you'll,” I hesitate, “you will feel immense loss, and will experience tragic heartbreak there. But you will also find friends, people who care so much about you and Aether that they would fight wars for you.” I look at the blonde man “and you won't have to fight alone.”
“You'll also have me with you” I say to Paimon reassuringly “I'll make sure you're okay.”
Xiao frowns
“What do you mean” he questions as if affronted by the idea “you are not entering Natlan”
I frown at him “uhhh yeah I am, Aether still has to continue his journey”
“He can continue it, you are not leaving the safety of-”
I cut him off “Zhongli said I should be healthy enough to leave the Teapot soon”
He holds up a hand placatingly “that does not mean you are healthy enough to go into an active war.”
I puff out my cheeks about to argue when Aether steps in
“Xiaos right, I can't just bring you to Natlan if there really is a war Incoming.” I look at him flabbergasted “you're supposed to be kept hidden, you said so yourself.”
I deflate as I remember that I'm not just a passing Traveler, or a national hero like him
“i- but I can help.” I say in a small voice
“You have” he says reassuringly “I feel your divine power beating more stronger than ever through my veins, we’ll carry you in our hearts"
I look down, watching as Paimon hovers in front of my face. “Travelers right, we won't be gone long, you can always send us a letter when you want us to come home!”
“to come home?” I question quietly
Aether smiles “The Serenitea pot is yours, like I said, we don't use it often”
“aaaaand with Tubbys upgrades- we can just teleport straight here with our own passes!” she cheers “so while you keep the actual realm safe, we can just summon a door to the realm like how everyone else can”
I huff out a quiet laugh conceding “okay, alright I won't… I won't follow you into Natlan.”
“Thank you.” Aether breathes out relieved
I sweat, breath heavy as I lean against the wall just outside my bedroom, hand trembling before I collapse in an exhausted heap on the floor
I wince and close my eyes, stilling myself and just letting myself reset, fumbling as I summon a ventalin and a chamber. It takes me another few seconds to get my bearings and slot the pieces together and bring it up to my lips. Hearing the familiar whistling noise when I pump it twice and take a deep breath in, slowly but surely calming my inhales
When I open my eyes I jolt at the sight of Al-haitham, who's crouched in front of me.
“I got here when you fell” his voice is quiet “that device… what is it”
I take a few more breaths in before I remove the mask, letting it drop into my lap, speaking slowly “it's called ventalin. It's a medicine that helps me breathe, relaxes the airway and lungs. The bulky part is a chamber, sometimes it's difficult to take it straight from the puffer so I need it to ease me through”
He hums, resting back on his haunches “you take medicines often?”
I nod embarrassedly, “I don't have the best of health, at least I didn't before.”
“You should have told us” he says bluntly “what would have happened if you had an adverse reaction to something we've given you”
I wince “I can… go through my stash with you guys”
His eye twitches “your stash?” he grimaces
I nod, leaning on the wall to slowly push myself up, Al-haitham stands and waits for me to join him and letting me stand at my own pace
“Do you know much about medication” i murmur causing him to pause “I'll fetch the doctor” he mutters already halfway gone
I limp my way to the desk, flickering through glowing tabs before summoning the various out of date first aid kits, containers of loose medicine packets that I'd condensed down and the numerous home remedies and odd miscellaneous boxes and jars I know my nan had packed away in a corner for when my health flares
The brief hope that everything would be cured, becoming immortal and a God was very quickly dashed the restless night before when flare ups shot through my bones after I'd moved wrong.
I pause before also bringing out my canes, resting them along the side of the desk and placing down a book and a file from my last doctor's visit.
I sigh as I hear the door open, Al-haitham returning with Baizhu close behind, Changsheng curled along his forearm then slithering off when he gets close enough to the table. He sits me down with a caring hand, ignoring the annoyed grumble I make when he does
He takes the stethoscope from his shoulders, hooks them into his ears and braces me for a second “I'm just going to move your top to the side, it may be cold on your back.”
I nod, already familiar with the notion, straightening my posture and breathing in and exhaling when told to
He hums, leaning against the desk in front of me to begin a quick examination
“Al-haitham said you were short of breath and that you collapsed by the doorway.” The tone wasn't judgy, only stern as he prods
“I have a few illnesses” I mutter “I'd thought they all disappeared but…”
He sighs “you ought to have told me this yesterday.”
“I didn't have a flare up until late last night” I admit
“Then, this morning.” he chides “Zhongli informed us you won't take servants, what will happen should you collapse and no one is here to assist you?”
I flush “thats- it's fine, I've dealt with this for years”
Al-Haitham takes this time to scoff at my lack of self-sufficiency “if your medical care has anything to do with these-” he plucks an aluminium sheet containing a set of pills “you'd be hard pressed to find any here when you eventually run out.”
I pale at the implication, looking at my ventalin warily “that will be an issue, yes.”
Baizhu leans over, taking one of the boxes, squinting at the writing “it's not in a language I understand.”
Al-Haitham grunts “me neither.”
“even if you could read english” I point to the box “it's all chemical compounds and scientific- well no, you might know them now I think about it, just the Teyvat equivalents”
I take the box from his hands “this one is just a plain pain killer, panadol, neurophen, panamax-”
I slot it pack into the box “these are all common ones from my household. Allergy relief, cold and flu tablets, blackcurrant lozenges for your throat”
Baizhu hums, sorting through them and matching the titles to the words I'm saying, Al-haitham has a notebook out, writing out the script on the box then writing down it's description as I say it in I assume a Sumerian script
“We typically use herbs, liquids and balms” Baizhu hums, opening a capsule and thumbing at the pills he pours out “or we use elemental tinctures and healing magic for more dire cases where it's not a more physical issue.”
I point to the massive collection of larger bottles
“These are vitamins and herbal capsules,” I murmur, reading each out and passing them to either man “these I should be taking daily”
Baizhu lifts his gaze and raises a brow
“They’re to supplement certain things, if I don't eat enough or have it in my natural intake for the day” I admit
“If I don't leave the house that day, I'll need to take these,” I pointed to a yellow bottle. “I don't know if the sun here counts but I don't want to overdo it and take too much.”
“...What prevents you from leaving the house?” Al-haitham asks
“I was going blind” I say softly, “I'm uncertain if things are still deteriorating but my vision has improved, in my opinion”
Baizhu coughs harshly at the admission, straightening before reaching for my face, his face coming close as he presses down on my cheek, his pointer lifting my eyelid. I whine, but let him do his examination. Shutting my other eye as he uses his vision, summoning a bright light in his palm and condensing the green glow and holding it up
“Your pupils don't seem to react to light now that you've pointed it out” he mutters under his breath “They're more a solid mass.”
“I can see a lot better than I did” I reassure him “I can read. I call that a win”
He looks at me with a glare that softens, shutting his eyes and massaging his temples “how long have you been unable to see this clearly”
“over a year by now, but it'd been in decline and fluctuating for a few years” I say “I'm doing better than I was.”
“You said you were often alone, though” Al-haitham gripes “why.”
I laugh “I ain't rich or well off- my family couldn't stay home to look after me, those who can work, worked.”
Baizhu nods along, switching to check my other eye
“Your left is better, barely.” he amends “how would you describe your vision”
“Its not perfect 20/20, I do need my glasses still i think” he leans back “and don't look at me like that, I haven't worn them since I lost the majority of my sight, I'll need to get a new prescription regardless"
He concedes, dissipating the ball of light “realistically, with how your pupils didn't react, you should still be at that level you described.”
I deflate
“-however it seems your new constitution is working overtime in rectifying that” he sighs “there's movement in there, your eyes seem to shift like moving sand which I can only deduce is fine elemental magic at work”
“the eye colour is also new” I add earning another grunt of acknowledgement “I have- had normal eyes, these look like these scaly patches or like im on acid”
He nods “again, your new constitution in action. The scales and your new appendages” he points to the antennae that twitch when he gestures to them “are all sprouting because you're being flooded with elemental energy after having been deprived of it”
He leans back with a pinch in his brow “-actually, your decline in health may be related to that factor.”
“you’d gotten too low on energy” Al-haitham summarises, following along with the logic “now you've returned, you're stabilising”
I deflate more “so me coming back wasn't a fluke it was just a when.”
“we, in Teyvat, knew that factor,” Baizhu confirms. “However I understand the frustration on your part, you did have a life there. I can't ignore that this situation has torn you from a home and family”
I nod to his words, watching as he reaches for the bundles of herbs and flowers
“these are familiar” he comments, sniffing at the varying sets “I can already identify a few of these, they look a little different but I assume its a different subspecies or perhaps the one ours derive from, and most of these are seeded so i can try extract them and have someone cultivate it for continued use” He thumbs the final box “and this?”
I go through the box, spelling out some of the more difficult names for Al-haitham as he writes it down
“most of these I should be able to recreate” Baizhu mutters “a few, I may need to do some more tests just to determine its bases, may I have a few of them so I can try reproduce some of them?”
“Go ahead” I push the box to him “I want to help this world, if it means sharing my knowledge and this, I'm more than happy to”
“I'm grateful for your gifts, your Grace” he muses lightly “I will take these tokens, and use them for the good of Teyvat.”
I scoff at the tone “it's fine, what use was me going to another world than to bring back other worldly inventions to improve our own”
“your Grace. I believe that has an alternate term” Al-haitham utters idly “yeahhhh I just realised, please just make the life saving medicines Baizhu”
“of course” he chuckles
I watch from afar as Xiao trains, his polearm clashing with Aethers’ sword, they both retreat and repeat the motions. I sit quietly at the bottom step of the house with a plate of different fruits cut and splayed messily. Fruits I've never tried.
“It is interesting to watch the Traveler fight.” I startle looking to see Nahida phase into existence via a green light and a torrent of leaves and flowers, easing down onto a step herself “were you surprised by that?”
I laugh, nodding “all the magic is a bit overwhelming but I've gotta’ get used to it somehow”
She smiles “I'm glad, you're adjusting extremely well”
“I don't know about that” I say sheepishly “I'm distracting myself from this whole thing, and I've been in and out of it for most of the day”
She hums, hugging her knees to her chest
“How have you been?” I ask instead “it's been some time since you've been freed, right?”
She perks up, a grateful expression on her face “this world is amazing, im so happy to get to experience it in person now”
“I'm glad” looking over to her “has the new sages been treating you well”
She giggles “yes, Master Cyrus and Master Nephis are also really nice, they're the older sages still within the akedemiya”
“They taught Cyno and Tighnari, right?” I tilt my head in thought “I think I remember that”
“Indeed. general mahamatra Cyno often relates Cyrus to his guardian” her eyes sparkle “a bond from his youth, he doesn't talk about it much though”
“Hes done a good job.” I compliment “both of them”
“I'll inform them of your praise, should they be allowed to be privy to your presence.”
“Aha! there is no need-” I scratch the back of my head “are my words really that important?”
“I would say it carries the same weight of the bond between Master Cyrus and the general mahamatra.” Nahida points out
“I feel like a negligent parent then, if that's the case” I mutter nervously
“Don't be, being unable to perform your duties as a God was not your fault” she murmurs back, shuffling closer “Mr. Al-haitham told me that too. You were not even in the same plane of existence, I was trapped. We couldn't have known”
I breathe out “you're right”
“It's a lot to adjust to,” Nahida provides. “What Azar had been doing was wrong, and it's going to take a long time before the Akedemiya can fully recover from it.”
“And you,” I comment, “you also need to recover from it.”
“I am.” She reassures me
“Good, that guy was an asshole, simply put” I grumble
Her eyes glitter “you don't have to worry about that, currently his body is located 30 feet below in a cavern surrounded by spinocrocodiles and has yet to be discovered, it will take a few days before he is reported missing”
The glow fades as she turns to me. My face is blank as I look at her, I let out a startled giggle “o-oh? Well that solves one thing, good riddance”
“It is a relief.” She agrees
“So Al-haitham is still your acting grand sage?” I ask “when's the end period for that?”
She shrugs “he did have the option to swap authority the other month, but there are still a few things he wishes to fulfill while in the position, now paired with your descent I assume he will be in power for at least another year or two to his own frustration”
“Good money to compensate, I hope” I muse
“He actually reduced the pay for the position” she says “apparently it was ‘egregious and a waste’”
“Eat the rich.” I nod in acceptance
“You are now considered ‘the rich’, your Grace” I wince at her blunt jab
“Well, shit.” I frown, looking at the mora sigil on my arm and realising she's right “hmm, I have a plan”
“You do? To what?” she asks curiously
“you'll have to wait until we have a gathering of sorts” I tell her “I want to give out a few gifts”
“we are planning for a ceremony to celebrate your return” she muses to smiling wider at my slump in posture “only those with permission to know you will be in attendance so it won't be too big”
“thats still hundreds of attendees” I groan “cause it's not just accolades”
“it will also be using adepti realms as to not disrupt each nation per your wishes from the contract”
I perk up excitedly “so we can do it?”
She nods “Mr. Zhongli and his friend are currently constructing an addition to this realm to include giant windows into each nation. Once all the contracts are sent out, they'll begin constructing a connecting window in each nation's main temple of the Creator.”
My eye twitches “you guys have temples dedicated to me?”
“Of course we do.” she says amused “you're very popular.”
I frown
“You don't have to visit them” she adds on “it will only be where we as accolades can request an audience with you in future uses. For the ceremony, we anticipate most will want to celebrate the occasion and have festivities alongside our traditional celebrations”
“I guess Liyue and Sumeru will have a heads up for all this planning” I muse
“Yes. For your sake we'd like to have the ceremony as soon as possible.”
I sigh “how soon is soon?”
“in about a week” she says curtly “the contracts will be distributed tonight I believe.”
“And if they don't sign the contract?” I ask worried “they'll know just by reading it that I've descended. If they don't sign they could just spread the word.”
“No, it is highly unlikely” Nahida reassures me “Mr. Zhongli likely has added a clause that they're sworn to secrecy regardless of signing and will be unable to ever meet you in any circumstance or he will endeavor to use some memory alteration.”
“thats somewhat reassuring.” I wince
“If someone is to sign a contract with an archon's symbol, they will know it is legitimate and take it at face value” she explains “it will have my signature as its binding agent, his will likely still be present but obscured, so he does not have to reveal himself to the public- that would be another dilemma altogether.”
I laugh “he put in a lot of work to line up his retirement.”
She giggles “indeed, had I not come along, I would've never known he still lived”
“truely?” I look at her, “I guess you don't leave Sumeru as their active Archon much.”
She shakes her head “no, i’m often stationed within the sanctuary of surasthana more days than not.”
I frown “your old prison? You're still in there?”
“the cage is not there” she admits “but yes, I often rest there.”
“Do the others know?” I ask her “Do you still sleep there?”
She frowns this time “no and yes. Is that an issue?”
“For your mentality ya, you shouldn't still be staying where you've been imprisoned for almost 500 years, Nahida.” I pause seeing her tense look “I'm not telling you off, I'm concerned for you, staying in a place like that is not healthy, even if you're a God and have a different physiology, does it make you sad, sick? to be there sometimes?”
“Oh.” she mutters realising a few things, nodding to my concerns
“Tell Al-haitham” I hold up a hand to stop her from countering my offer “or someone else you trust, they'll likely have the same reaction as me.”
“and stay here for as long as you'd like, I plan on making rooms and spaces for you and the others” I offer “you'll have the ability to return to Sumeru instantly when you're needed, and I do rather enjoy talking to you.”
She smiles so purely, her eyes wide and teary at the honest compliment “you do?”
I nod, returning the look “you're a good God, Nahida. A kind God and an even better friend.”
Aether and Xiao jump at the loud squeal that echoes from the steps, looking over to see Nahida clutching me in a hug, my arms wrapped around her small figure
The day dipped into dusk, dinner had been served, a repeat of the night before only this time the table was light with differing conversations. When dishes empty and everyone stands, farewells begin to echo
“We will be returning to Sumeru tonight,” Nahida announces “so we can have the contracts distributed by morning, and collect them by noon.”
I hum, nodding along
“As will I” Zhongli adds “the Qixing will be waiting for a report, and I intend to inform them of the developments we've made this past day and a half.”
Aether holds up his fork “Paimon and I are gonna head over to Inazuma to take their notice”
I hum at the news “and the other nations?”
Xiao raises his hand “I've been tasked to inform Barbatos and the nation of freedom.”
“and I've been volunteered to travel through Natlan and Snezhnaya” Kintsugi grunts out displeased
“and Fontaine will be informed after we distribute ours” Nahida finishes off “we have a meeting with the Iudex late tomorrow evening so Al-haitham will simply add it on their schedule.”
I breathe out
“So it's happening” I say hesitantly. “Is there any way I can convince you all to let me be a secret?”
Zhongli smiles softly, shaking his head. “you know it will not be that simple.”
“Your Grace.” Kaveh dips his head politely “as a normal citizen of Sumeru, I feel I have the ability to say on behalf of the populace that we full heartedly devote ourselves to your visage and ideals, to meet you in person was extraordinary.”
“our foundations were built for you, our academic laws created in your words” Al-haitham adds “-from what we've translated from ancient text and hieroglyphics. From creation to end, we live to be your envoy.”
“So don't feel like you're forcing us to do things we don't want to do” Aether concludes “‘cause we really do adore you.”
“exactly!” Paimon cheers “we wanna’ do this because we love you very much, your Grace!”
I sniffled, wiping at my face “you guys are gonna make me cry.”
Kaveh warbles “don't you dare, im a chronic sympathiser, if you cry, i’ll cry.”
“please.” Al-haitham stresses “don't.”
“I will be staying with you.” Baizhu muses, standing beside me “Zhongli will be transporting us and keeping the Serenitea pot safe in his care so that he can take us to the Adeptus who built this realm”
“Madam Ping?” Zhongli nods “yes, I'll meet with her before I meet with a Qixing representative.”
“Then I think It's time for us to make tracks.” Nahida claps happily “we’ll be able to get back to the city by nightfall.”
I hum softly as I settle onto the couch in the main room, my blanket over my lap- which someone had taken and cleaned when I was outside with Kaveh and Zhongli. My bedroom is being cleared as my hands fumble around the space on a screen. Having the realm void of people was helpful as I focused on continuing construction of my new home, leaving only the main room and the second bedroom untouched in the main house
“You're still awake” Baizhu's voice mutters, stepping down the stairs with a soft look “you should rest, Your Grace.”
I grunt uninterested in the action “I'm not tired.”
“thats a lie” he muses, lifting my blanket and flicking me, I grumble before shifting over so he could sit as well. I sit up straight, trying to get comfortable again before he tugs me to rest against his side. “Well, care to show me what has your attention since you're so restless.”
I glance at him shyly, hesitating before I rest my head on his shoulder, moving the screen to a better angle for both of us “I'm redecorating.”
“Yes I can see that. heard it from upstairs actually.” he huffs “what are you redecorating.”
“my bedroom.” I scoff “there's so many rooms now that I have access to.”
“You couldn't access them previously?”
I shake my head “no, I could do like, 4 rooms and only in this place, I can enter the other buildings now too.”
He hums curiously “so you had limited access to our world- yet you say magic did not exist where you were last?”
“not from what I knew” I pull a face “but I realised I do actually have memories from before.”
“enlighten me.” he suggests, watching me meticulously line up an empty bookshelf in between two windows
“I was a lot younger, I thought the daydreams I was having were, well. Daydreams.” I say into the night “I wrote them all down, drew what I imagined to happen.”
“I drew myself like how I look like now. Colour scheme and all” I sigh “and I quickly connected things to other things and- yeah.”
“There were signs” he simplifies
I nod “many, many signs in neon lights and arrows.”
"At least you have an idea of what you used to be then” I laugh at his words
“It's intense if I am to go through it all.” I wince “the people in that world were reincarnations of people from that past. Good and bad”
He hums, tilting his head “so?”
“It hurts,” I admit, a little saddened. “Some of them were responsible for a lot of bad things that happened to me, in both lifetimes in my memories- but some of them were innocent and I love them. Im sad i wont have them in this lifetime too”
“Ah.” He smiles gently “that indeed is a complicated situation”
I hum, focusing back on decorating my room, picking up the little furniture pieces and carefully wiggling different panels off a desk and wedging two together, dragging my finger across the edge and smiling when it seals
“Tada” I beam at Baizhu, holding up the new desk “I also figured out I can do this, customising furniture”
“Your skills are incredible” he comments, taking it from my hands and looking over it curiously, leaving me to go back to organising the room “and you've only been here a day.”
“It's similar to what I used to do” I flick at a rug, watching dust fly off before I carefully layer it onto the floor “when I say that, I mean like- playing sims or my modded minecraft worlds.”
“I will pretend to understand what those words mean,” he laughs, handing back the tiny piece, “but continue.”
“My favourite parts were collecting and designing spaces. I would spend hours just thinking about making something- this is like, my gooning.” I utter, absolutely entranced by the screen
He hums, leaning his chin on his palm, eyes half lidded and his hair falling over his shoulders
“You really like creating.” He says amused by the sight
“I missed it so much” I whisper, hands trembling. I turned my face to him “I'm so happy to be able to do this again, to create a world…”
“Soon you'll be able to experience the world you created for us, so long ago” He speaks softly “we have so much we want to show you.”
My eyes sparkle in the low light “and I'm excited to see the world you've made from it.”
Read on AO3 - Everything series on AO3 - Masterlist
I let out a shuddering breath as I slowly sank into the hot springs. Clothes tossed into a basket and discarded, new ones piled neatly on a nearby table afterwards. An assortment of bottles sat on the rocky outcrop beside the stairs after painstakingly going through each bottle and using the screen to appraise them. Healing ointments and simple body and hair washes got separated from each other
There's a tremble in my hands as I clean out the wound in my stomach,
‘Its bad’ I hiss, clenching my teeth while I look down at it ‘it's an open wound, why isn't it bleeding profusely?!’
I grab a wad of fabric, scrapped from sheets I'd found in the main building, delicately dipping the seared edges to remove what dirt I can see
‘Genshin Impact.’ I concede to myself, accepting the reality of things. 'I'm in Teyvat, my home is gone.’
Tears prick the corners of my eyes. 'I want to go home.’
I breathe out a long sigh, swapping to instead focus on cleaning the rest of myself. Grappling at a disinfectant and propping my body out of the water and onto the rocks behind
I dab it on a cloth and pat the smaller cuts, splashing water up to clear the dirt that's caked on
The process is long and arduous before I find myself somewhat satisfied by my cleanliness. Drying myself off after tying a fabric around my stomach, stumbling naked to the bench to sit and bandage it properly- well, as best I could which was not much to what I should be doing in this case
I grimace trying to think of the medical facilities I know are present from the game ‘Bimarstan. Bubu pharmacy, maybe the church in Mondstat- but I don't know how to either place…’
My hands shake as I redress myself in the robes, they're loose and it doesn't cover me properly or even modestly but its clean and gives me room to breathe with the bandages easily, its paired with a soft rope to tie it closed from the side
I sigh, slumping against the bench, grabbing back the towel and running it over my head, scrunching the fabric through my hair before removing it when sharp pain shoots through my skull, pulling a face as I see myself in a mirror angled nearby, little strips of glowing shit falling from my head and sharp nubs protrude from the sides of my skull
There are also marks scattered like a firework explosion across my cheek- a more aesthetic descriptor than the should be torn and deep marring scars (if it were realistic)
‘Nothing is realistic.’ My brain whispers harshly ‘what is my reality now?’
Old wounds look like craters now, dips in skin and miscoloured. A blue, purple and golden hue paint lines up and down like an ice cream swirl
‘What do I have left?’
I scrunch my nose at my reflection. I look like an unfinished hyped up natlan character- No that's wrong, person. I look like a person from Natlan. Not a character.
‘What left is me?’
I look away. I pad across the mossy stone flooring, wobbling in my shuffle to the walls to keep myself up
Leaning against the panels as I make my way out of the bathing area, I trek to the first island with a groan. egret circling my head for building this place so far from the main house.
‘how could I have known-’
The forth and third islands was easy to cross atleast, the path held walls I'd put up to mimic a pathway, making the trek much easier for me to travel injured
The second island held no such infrastructure, acting as a mock farm with shrubs and flowers placed strategically to appear as produce boxes. With so many planter and vineyard decorations, there wasn't room for fences
I curse the inefficiency of my goal to focus on aesthetics, suddenly dreading the rooms I've set up inside the house-
There's a sharp whistle, before the realm seems to ripple and distort
I freeze looking up to the main island, the entrance a few feet ahead of me now when bodies come through- numerous figures, there's nine. I backtrack immediately, slowly taking a step back one by one, a hand pressing to my stomach warily. It still hasn't stopped weeping.
I duck behind a building, peeking my head out to watch the large gathering huddle then head out in different directions, three of which disappear when I blink. Crouching down and hiding nestled between a bush and a building. My hands tremble as I will myself to quieten my breaths
I watch legs pass as a group strides past and to the next island, two remaining near where I'm stationed. Hugging closer to the building is all I can do as I watch through blurry vision when one enters the adjacent structure.
“They've been here!” I can hear a voice call out in the distance. The second figure, a man, pauses in his search, through the hanging branches I watch when he turns and dashes off to the next island following the call
My blood goes cold as I frown at the yell
‘Are they looking for someone?’
My eyes dilate
‘They're looking for me.’
I swear under my breath, shaking as I imagine the potential outcome. I think back to the swirling water, the pulsing earth and the landscape as I stepped into this realm
‘I destroyed it’ I somberly admit to myself ‘I destroyed those buildings didn't I?’ I think back to the barren foundations, the smouldering remains ‘there could have been people in there.’
With a trembling hand I stand, keeping my eye on the islands further out, bodies flit around the buildings placed around the hot springs
I take a few steps before crashing into something soft. I gasp, I cry leaving my throat, clutching my stomach as I tumble to the floor. Looking up bleakly to the face of a snake, her tongue flicking out
I feel my stomach drop as I stare into her red eyes, then to the golden, slitted ones of Baizhu.
There's a brief quiet before Changsheng dances back, curling around Baizhu's extended arm
“Are you alright?” he whispers, kneeling before me in an instant
I flinch, jerking away unsuccessfully as the pain doubles in my stomach, removing my hand as it seems I've bled through the bandages, red and yellow mixing into a molten orangey tinge
“I-” my voice fails on me immediately
“I'm a doctor.” he states clearly “I won't hurt you, where are you injured?”
My bottom lip trembles as his hand carefully slips over top of my own
“You’ve lost a lot of blood” the snake hisses “there's a few spots where there's spotting, the one on the stomach needs immediate attention”
“You're not here to capture me, are you” my voice is hoarse when speaking out loud “were there people in those houses? I'm-”
Baizhu shakes his head keeping his voice low “they were just scaffolding and construction sites, no one's hurt but you, my dear.”
I nod hesitantly
“I need to take you somewhere I can look over your injuries, can I do that for you?” his voice is so soft
“I- I trust you, Baizhu.” his eyes flick to mine as a glow shines in recognition, his mouth parting in breathless awe
“Yes, right-” he shakes his head, tucking a hand behind my back and helping in hoisting me up with minimal discomfort “I assume you can walk?”
I nod, leaning on him and hobbling forward, sweat dripping from my forehead as I struggle
“small steps, no need to rush, your Grace.” he whispers
My gaze hardens as I switch to watching him “...your Grace?”
“Your Grace!” I flinch harshly as a yell squeals, snapping my gaze toward the voice, a flying shape darting like a missile before being snatched back by her cape
I grapple at Baizhu as a few figures rush me, he holds out his other arm, halting them in their pursuit
“They’re injured, do not crowd them.” he says sternly, gesturing to Kaveh “help me support their weight, they're limping quite badly”
The blonde gulps, his own hands shake as he moves to take me from Baizhu's grasp, easily keeping me up as they both guide me into the building, Aether and Al-Haitham already in the process of moving the varying decorations out of the way, Zhongli brings down a mattress from one of the rooms and sits it onto the floor quickly before I'm sat on top and guided to lay down
My breath stutters weakly when Nahida kneels beside me, the small girl looking unreal so close in the low lighting, like a god. ‘She is a god, should I bow? ah i- i cant get up right now it hurts too much-’ Her tiny fingers dip over my forehead and through my hair-
I cry out sharply, gaze weakly flicking to where Baizhu has unwrapped the gauze before my eyes are squeezing shut as the pain becomes too unbearable.
His face is grim “Traveler, where's those jars I left here last I visited.”
Without saying anything, he dashes into another room and begins rummaging around
Baizhu looks at the group “if you are not good with heavy injuries and watching an operation, I suggest you exit the room now.”
I let out a pained whimper, fists balling up when the bandage is loosened, I writhe under Baizhu's steady hand until he lets Changsheng down. I flinch when her tiny mouth sinks into my neck but within seconds my pain dulls, eyelids droop. Kaveh looks pale as he sees the wounds weeping outline, shaking, he stands and tugs Al-haitham with him. Wanderer, staring at the unwinding bandages with a distant look, follows. Zhongli carefully kneels beside Nahida,
“Mr. Zhongli, I hope you have practice in field medicine or in basic procedure?”
“some.” is his response “what do you need, boss.”
Baizhu sighs “I will need you to pass me the instruments I ask for, miss. Nahida, could I ask you to pat dry where the blood spills? keep the site clean while i work”
She nods “I've begun reading up on triage recently. This is not something those books have detailed in repairing but i shall do my best”
Next he turns to Xiao who looks distraught by the sight “Master adeptus, could you gather some clean linens and water?”
He nods, disappearing to fetch the needed materials
Baizhu swallows his fears and clasps his hands in a quick prayer
When I come to, it's almost instant. My eyes flutter open to the gentle light filtering through the thin Shoji walls positioned in front of the bed. It takes another second to notice the absence of pain, a careful hand lifting to feel the edges of bandages now properly secured around my middle, the small puncture on my neck then to the robes rearranged to fit me better.
There's noise from outside the room, voices and a quiet clatter of what sounds like dishes. Sitting up with a slight struggle to lean against the headboard to gather my bearings and breathe before peeling off the blanket and standing at a snail's pace. I limp to the open doorway to peer into the main room
Zhongli stood with his back to me, a steaming teapot handle cradled in his palm as he pours it into three cups. Baizhu sat on a couch looking rather exhausted, a towel around his shoulders and a different outfit than earlier. Aether is leaning against the desk with his arms crossed.
“I've escorted Nahida back to the impact site, she's gonna try collect the remains” Aether waves his hand around “Kaveh has already begun clearing the construction site with Wanderer and Xiao's assistance”
“And that Al-haitham fellow?” comes Zhongli's voice as he hands a cup to each of them
“Hes recording the impact, scouting the surrounding damage to the land and seeing if there's any extensive ecological damage, he mentioned informing Tighnari too- he's a forest ranger in charge of the care for the forest around the area where a lot of the rocks fell…” Aethers voice trails off as he lifts his gaze, seeing sight of me leaning on the doorway listening in
He jolts, placing the cup down catching the attention of both men. He immediately steps closer only pausing when I duck back into the room
His hand wraps around the door frame, as he pokes his head in to be face to face with me
We both back away from each other at the proximity
“You're awake?” He whispers trying not to startle me. I nod, shuffling away “ah- we won't hurt you, would you like to join us out here?”
He holds out a hand
I frown “I'm not in trouble?”
He nervously laughs in response “no nono, you're not in trouble”
I make a hesitant noise before taking his hand and letting him lead me back into the other room, the two standing tall, the golden eyed man seemingly brushing off his suit in a nervous manner and the former braiding his damp hair and tying it off neatly with a ribbon.
Aether guides me to the two seater couch before standing next to the other two
I squeak as all three kneel, heads bowing. Aether presses a palm to his chest, and cants his head while on one knee like a knight. Zhongli and Baizhu are both knelt, with palms clasped and lifted slightly above their heads
“I-” my voice stutters, the interruption causing each to lift their heads and open their eyes “why are you…”
My words die in my throat as I question their actions
“This,” my eyes flick to Zhongli as he begins talking, “is how we show respect to you, it is only right to treat you as such.”
“Why?” my words are curt
“Because you are our deity, Creator of worlds,” He explains, leaning back on his knees and placing his palms on his thighs “Nüwa, beloved of the world's pillars and curator of life, our Grace”
His eyes are soft, a face sculpted to be pretty and handsome, the red make-up painting his face so striking as he gazes almost lovingly up at me through his lashes. Even if I wanted to focus on anything else as he spoke, I was struck in awe of the man.
“I've known you as many names throughout my travels” Aether says, my attention flickering to him “mostly, I worship you as my Arbiter Aeon of Permanence, I've awaited many years to hear of you again your Grace.”
my nose scrunches as he looks up to me “I have no idea what either of you are talking about”
The admission doesn't seem to deter them as Baizhu speaks up next
“I had assumed so, from when you questioned me about the title I had called you” he rises and leans back similarly to Zhongli “I assure you, we will find a way to restore your memories, your Grace”
“No. I- I know who I am.” I raise a hand to my chest, staring him in the eye “I'm not a god, or Aeon.”
Baizhu blinks, tilting his head for me to continue
“I'm, I've lived my life as a human, I'm in my late 20's- I definitely haven't created worlds with my hands or am the originator of dragons.” I turn my blank stare to Aether “the Aeon of Permanence, THEY are a giant dragon who's been missing for millennia, im very much not a cool looking dragon.”
Zhongli breaks my explanation with a chuckle “and how are you sure you are not?”
I stare at him “I think I would notice that. I-”
I jump as Aether summons a mirror, twisting it to face me. I give him an uncertain glance before looking at myself again
“What? The glowing marks? The new funky colour of my eyes? What about that is godlike to you?” I question “look i’ll admit, I didn't have those before but its certainly not-”
My eyes widen as Zhongli stands before me, his gloved hands gently brushing back my hair, two thick strands of multicoloured things protruding from the crown of my head. The painted ice cream swirls turning out to be pearlescent scaling painted across my skin and looking closer they appear to be faintly glowing
“there is more the further you explore” he muses “if what you are saying is correct, you may just be merely newly emerging into your dragonhood. It is not uncommon for dragons to assimilate into their carers culture and unknowingly grow up as they do.”
I reach for one of the strands before he catches my hand before I could touch it. “I would not do that, your emerging antennae will be sensitive.”
I wince, turning back to my reflection, trying to ignore the fact that he's now stood brushing through my hair
“also, your blood is being converted into a golden ichor as I'm sure you've noticed.” he hums, moving away leaving a tiny braid in place, I reach for it tracing the small gem like stones weaved within it, weighted to give the antennae room to breath and not be smothered beneath it “only certain gods who possess the correct status are gifted with golden blood.”
“The path of permanence, is one of rebirth and reincarnation. A biological immortality” Aether breathes out “it's okay if you don't remember, the power I feel that emits from you is the one I've felt since I was young, you are my Aeon. Regardless of what state or form you inhibit.”
I look at him owlishly “what if I don't want to be your god” I whisper nervously to them “what if I just want to go home”
They all freeze, faltering as they take in my expression. Fear and uncertainty painting my face, curled up atop of the couch cushions and covered with numerous bandages
“I'm afraid you no longer have a choice in returning home at this moment.” Zhongli murmurs “you say you were human?”
I nod, brows lowering as I stare at him
“it will be… hard” he concedes “to return from whence you came, and if it will be compatible with your emerging divinity”
“Why?” I frown
“Well, not many can actually tolerate a divine presence such as yours, your Grace.” Baizhu supplies “when you descended to Teyvat, you fell as what we assumed was a simple meteor. When our milileth approached the impact site they had to retreat prematurely due to increasing headaches, hallucinations and other mild symptoms that we attributed to poisoning from a God's remains.”
“Are they hurt?” My lip begins trembling, tears welling up in my eyes as he explains the situation “I did that to them?”
He nods tensely, standing to walk to the desk seated nearby “they will be alright eventually, your blood in its current state was just too much for normal humans to be exposed to, we as accolades are less susceptible to it”
I'm quiet, looking back to my appearance
“and you're not lying to me” I mumble, looking down at my hands “about all of this? You're being truthful.”
“I wouldn't lie to you.” Aethers huffs “not with how much you've guided me here- without you I'm not sure I would've been able to do half the things I have in Teyvat.”
I squeeze my eyes shut as the other two say their own reassurances
”To be honest, I don't see a reason to lie in this situation,” Zhongli said. “It wouldn't make sense to willingly place a false God on the throne.”
I turn to him with a wide eyed look
“metaphorically” he coughs out “you've stated your distaste to divinity, I will not advocate a position such as that, your Grace.”
“that does make it a bit complicated” Aether cringes “I know you all have different depictions of The Creator, but in every rendition i've heard, they're said to retake the throne of Teyvat”
“You want me to fight Celestia?” I bark out at them “I don't even know what I'm doing here!”
Aether holds up his hand placating “no- sorry, you do not have to do anything you don't want to, your Grace, it's a baseless prophecy”
“another prophecy?” I yelp “you struggled against the one in Fontaine and Natlan- what am I supposed to do with that?”
“In Natlan?” Aethers brow furrows “I've… never been to Natlan, at least not yet.”
I froze this time, looking at him nervously “...oh?”
His eyes widened “your Grace, do you have foresight?”
“and you say you are not our God” Zhongli tsks, turning to his teapot and pouring out another to pass to me “you seem to know much of us, despite not being the ‘being’ we acknowledge”
I busy myself with taking a sip of the warm tea as Aether mulls over the reveal
“since I've awoken in Mondstat, I've had this feeling of revelation” he admits, shuffling closer to lay a hand on my knee “I've felt myself be guided in my quests, heard whispers of an unknown language and serenaded with music no one else could hear”
“over the years it's gotten stronger- that voice, I know it's yours.” he looks so certain. But-
“my apologies but I don't…” my voice falters as an intrusive thought flies through my brain “oh, uh, where did you say you've been to? The most recent”
He frowns “I've just returned from Fontaine.”
‘Aether as Traveler, post-Fontaine pre-Natlan’ I feel my blood drain. “Oh.”
I remember back to the initial realm I'd appeared in, the appearance of the map-
“This is my challenge server.” I mutter under my breath wearily
The three of them look at me confused. I hold up a hand, flicking my wrist and scaring them all with the blue screen that appears. I shiver trying to ignore the looks and the approach of them as they look over my shoulder while I tap through each tab
I frown as I look at the characters tab, there are a scant few people there, only those who you receive from events and from the early game archon quest. Not one is built aside from Aether, a solitary position in the Party. I frown looking at my right wrist, the four constellations from earlier still shimmering.
“they're different accounts…” I exhale
“That's me.” Aether points “you. I was right!”
I grumble lowering the screen “i- I think you did hear me during your journey”
He examines the screen, fingers fading through it making it impossible to interact with it
“You can ascend me?” he asks looking at the screen “and give me gifts?”
“I have the ability to give you permanent affixes to your elemental powers and strengthen you” I utter out my hypothetical abilities “these are what you currently posses”
I turn my gaze and I summon another screen from my right arm
‘I have everything from my main account though, weapons, artifacts’ my eyes flick to the constellations ‘my characters. They're all available for me here.’
“So you can do this with all your chosen accolades” Zhongli asks gently, looking over the faces that appear at the top, a hand clenched in his suit “I was sure I felt your light too.”
My shoulders tense as I see Baizhu's expression reflect a similar sadness
“This isn't- this is just what the people of this world have naturally achieved. I've not… interacted much here” I scrape up an excuse, a half-lie. I bring up the archive instead, a sigh of relief as I see it all coloured the same, no title of obtained or unobtainable appearing “I've not permanently achieved resonance with most- I need to wish for your acceptance.”
Zhongli swallows back his grief “wish?”
I nod “I can only be allowed a person's permission to guide them” I cringe at using the wording Aether mentioned earlier “through wishing for them, and that can only be done at certain times”
“Ah, the wishing showers.” Baizhu perks up “you need our permission? If that were the case, you would have a multitude of us at your beck and call.”
“Its a bit more complicated” I frown “I need your stars- your Constellation to summon you”
“You're losing me” Aether frowns “our stars?”
“Each of you has a star formation in the sky, your constellation.” I hold my hand out to the roof, a screen projecting skyward displaying a celestic display “only a handful can be seen, truly seen through the veil covering the sky at a time. If I wish during these periods, I have the potential to earn your gaze.”
“it sounds complicated” Baizhu points out
“I'm just trying to explain it in a way that would translate best. The terms I would use probably wont make sense” I admit
“No, I understand, this is more enlightening than anything I could have imagined” he laughs “you do not act like a god.”
I look sheepish, “yeah- I imagine.”
“I should make you something to eat” Aether steps back “you've likely not eaten since you've descended.”
I shake my head frantically. I look guilty as I speak up “I'm okay, really.”
He smiles, bowing quickly “it's fine- honestly!”
“It will be time for the others to return soon as well" Baizhu frowns, looking up at the clock “do you need any assistance in cooking dinner?”
Aether winces “ah right. Uh let me check if I have enough food for us all”
I hold up a hand “I can assist you with that.”
Before he could protest I summoned a screen and press an icon, a click resounded as a dish appeared onto the desk, steam rising from it as if freshly cooked. He walks up to it with an amazed look
“So, please, don't cook me anything.”
He was quick to accept my help, as I explained to the three my inventory ability. They expressed that they too have a similar ability as accolades but none that can prevent spoilage indefinitely or the massive storage capacity that I have. I let Zhongli take my arm and guide me down the stairs into the front courtyard where Aether sets up some tables and chairs. Baizhu laying out table cloths and utensils alongside Paimon who was awoken from her mid day nap upstairs with news of dinner
“Your Grace” I turn to Zhongli hesitantly when he calls the title “I know that you do not wish for it, but I believe you should reveal yourself to the people”
“Cant I just be a mortal like you?” I murmur gently “hiding in plain sight?”
He shakes his head “Your presence will be felt regardless by accolades and other higher beings even if I teach you how to conceal it”
he holds out his palm conjuring a small Geo construct “and others will not pause to allow you to first voice your wants”
I frown “The Tsaritsa?”
He nods tensely “I fear in her crusade toward her goals, once she is aware that you have descended, she will come to want you too. which i why i suggest we inform her ourselves”
“and you're bound by contract to not say why, exactly, she'd want me” I sigh
He nods, conflicted “I'm sorry-”
“Don't apologise. I'm glad you aren't like- treating me omnipotently or are suddenly forsaking your ideals.” my hand pats the arm that holds me up in a reassuring gesture, he gives a curious look
“I was afraid mostly, when I heard the title you three have been calling me. I've heard of instances where…” I cringe “cult-like worship and really fucked up things happen to victims in similar situations”
He bows his head “I won't lie and say that everyone will act as we do”
I let out a muffled whine, turning my face when he gives an apologetic smile “humans have a range of personalities as I've grown to learn, and in pursuit of power or in times where they are hurting, they often turn to the gods in guidance, taking anything as signs of acknowledgement.”
”I could hide in here for the rest of my life?” I suggest
“I imagine you would try,” he chuckles, guiding me under a tree a little distance from the set up, “but would you really want to miss out on things like this.”
I watch from afar as Al-haitham, Kaveh and Nahida cross the bridge from the second island over, hair damp and different clothes covering themselves- I realise no one is wearing what I recognise them in apart from Aether. Xiao is standing stiffly next to him while the Wanderer hovers by with disinterest at the display
It's weirdly domestic
“You're not wrong” I murmur “but what if they don't like me? What if I'm not the god they want?”
“you do not have to be.” he says simply
“What If I want that?”
He frowns then “then perhaps, try to be the god they need instead.”
I look back to the group
“I still want to go home” I admit “but I know I'll only cause pain if I do”
“You will learn how to reign in your abilities and presence” he dismisses the structure in his palm “it however may not be in their lifetime I'm afraid.”
“I guessed.” I frown “I'm mourning people that aren't even dead yet.”
“immortality is much less a gift and more a burden to those who have it.”
I hold out my own hand “I dreaded the nightmares where I did have it, now I'm trying to think back to how many of those thoughts were just fragmented memories of past lives”
“Let this simmer” he suggests “you are still newly emerging, these things take time.”
I groan “you sound like my nan.”
“she sounds intelligent” he muses
“she is.” I reply, a smile on my face
Aether suddenly calls out, waving us over
“looks like my cue to turn water to wine.” I mutter letting Zhongli help me to the set up “the new local Jesus.”
“Who?”
“No one important.”
I smile nervously at the people gathered around the table, detaching from Zhongli's arm and folding my arms in front of myself “Good evening, thank you all for helping me earlier today. I've organised tonight's meal for you as thanks"
Before someone could interrupt and counter I raise my arm and flick my wrist, a small cacophony of clicks and clinks as a range of different dishes from Liyuen and Sumerian cultures appear
I lower my arm as Aether claps once, stepping beside me and sweeping his own hand out “our Grace has allowed me to speak on their behalf regarding their presence in Teyvat.”
I take a seat, and gesture to everyone to settle in
“their Grace, after a lot of convincing, is aware of their status here as the Creator” there's a few curious and confused looks as they sit down “The Creator has only just re-emerged from a stasis, a reincarnation of a human life.”
I see Kaveh gasp quietly entranced by the news, hiding his face behind a raised palm
“So there's going to be a bit of an adjustment period for them in terms of revealing this publicly.” he pauses before looking at Nahida “please.”
Nahida hums, looking contemplative, lifting her gaze to smile gently at me “I can accept that reasoning, rest assured I will not expose you to the people of Sumeru, your grace”
I tip my head in thanks
“so- we keep their grace's descent a secret?” Wanderer scoffs “people will start to wonder”
“will they?” Al-Haitham cuts in “how would they know unless one of us starts talking.”
“I'm good at keeping secrets!” Kaveh bursts out, looking to me sympathetically “I- I understand that it would be incredibly overwhelming to be thrust into that spotlight.”
“thank you Kaveh.” I giggle when he beams back
“it won't be a public reveal” Aether continues “but we will still be sending news to the different government officials of the revelation with stipulations for being granted audience with their grace.”
“a contract.” Zhongli concludes “I will be writing it in this case, and it will be signed by their grace.”
Al-Haitham narrows his eyes at him “does it make a difference, if it is you or someone else who writes it?”
He chuckles leaning forward, letting the golden glow in his eyes and hair shine “it will, good sir.”
Al-haithams shoulders loosen, realising the identity of the man “I agree with the notion.”
“Then should we eat?” Nahida says, clapping her hands “I'm excited to try these foods!”
“Enjoy! I got these- er, had them made by reputable sources” I admit “it's all safe to eat.”
“that sounds incredibly suspicious” Baizhu muses, raising to dish a few of the varying options onto his plate
“this is my cooking” Al-haitham mutters, grabbing the dish that sits closest to him, taking a mouthful straight from the serving plate and chewing “I cooked this.”
“Like I said, reputable sources” I grin, gesturing to Al-haitham
Wanderer frowns, standing to look around the dishes before reaching for a specific bowl and smelling it hesitantly “how do you have this, I haven't made this in over a year.”
“all safe to eat.” I reiterate nervously
He spoons a bit of the broth into his mouth with a pleasant hum, sitting back down with his ‘Shimi chazuke’ “it is still fine, it's fresh. But that doesn't answer the question of how.”
“Their grace has a subspace where time and space doesn't exist” Aether sighs, pointing to the food “They apparently have an abundance of the stuff”
“You can't just drop this stuff so casually Traveler.” Kaveh breathes out, already eating his signature ‘The Endeavor’ “I only make this on special occasions, it's a nice feeling to have it so readily available at such an event but still.I didn't think someone could replicate my affinity to make it this way” he says happily
“Well, you did make it” I admit “just ah- not the you right now.”
“I'm sorry what?” he pauses in eating, staring at me
“how about, I'll show you after we eat?” I laugh shyly
“ah- I'm not questioning you, Mother nature, i-” I spluttered at the new title, covering my mouth and looking at him at the revelation “Mother Nature?”
He flushes “i- it's what I know you as your Grace. It's your title”
I stutter, waving him off “sorry I'm not used to… Mother nature?”
“Al-Lat, primogenitor of life, bearer of the life tree, Mother nature” Nahida lists off “- these are what we call you, your Grace.”
“I gathered” I say nervously “-you all can just call me by my name, you know.”
There's a brief quiet that over takes the table
“its- its okay if you don't know it.” I admit
Zhongli coughs into his fist, laying down his chopsticks “It's not that.”
“Do you know my name?” I question the man
He hesitates before shaking his head embarrassed
I look to Aether how raises his hands in offence “oi, I don't think you're one to speak in third person like Paimon, don't blame me”
I cross my arms and concede while Paimon gives him the stink eye, retreating back to her third plate “Alright, that's fair. I realise I know you all by name, and I haven't even introduced myself.”
“a name isn't as special as most make it out to be-” Wanderer scoffs “even if you share it with us, who's to say someone will use it?”
“I know you know that sentence is factually incorrect but is that why you let everyone call you Hat guy. because you can't read it or something?” I say dejectedly, “I spent weeks thinking of a good name for you.”
He scoffs, a light whirl coming from his chest as he turns back to his meal
Kaveh looks at him incredulously “you have an actual name? I truly believed your parents called you hat guy- or assumed it was a translated misinterpretation”
Wanderer groans "why're you all so stupid.”
“You want us to call you so informally?” Nahida asks as she chews on the sandwich in her hands
“I feel if I tell you all, I'll end up getting the same treatment he gets” I jerk my thumb to Aether “I've never heard anyone say his name, so.”
He shrugs, “it's because they can't pronounce it.”
“Aether?” I say confused
“Traveler.” Paimon repeats proudly
He points at Paimon “see?”
She twirls to him confused “wait, is that not your name?”
He shakes his head as he sends her and the table into a shock
“Well I guess thats fair then” I concede “I should also probably stick to the nicknames”
“after all that trouble” Wanderer scoffs
“ohh” I groan “does that mean you don't know how to pronounce the name I gave you?”
he stutters, having been caught in his dilemma “yes, asshole. You named me something illegible”
“You accepted it” I point out
“I know I did, doesn't mean I regret letting you choose it” he snaps back annoyed
“You've met before?” Paimon interrupts incredulously “you're talking like you've spoken to each other”
“Well.” I pull a face, crossing my arms “sorta’, I'm guessing it was similar to how me guiding Aether was.”
“You were there when I asked.” he grits out to the pixie
“when-” she gasps “oh! Right, yes… that, when I met you for the first time.”
“second.” I add nonchalantly
“I don't count that, my memories were erased, remember?” she pouts
“Lord Kusanali.” Al-haitham interrupts “do I really have to record everything”
She nods “this is all historical.”
“are you recording me” I eye her and Al-haitham wearily, she tilts her head
“if you mean by scribing this conversation, yes.” she nods pointing to Al-haitham “it's his job.”
He sighs miserably “I'll write up a detailed summary going over everything at a later date, for now I'm just transcribing speech to text.”
“could you still tell us or try to tell us your name?” Kaveh asks “I'd like to honour your request, I agree that behaps calling you ‘Mother nature’ is a bit odd in person”
“My name, its-” I pressed my palm to my chest, tipping my head politely “it's very nice to meet you… all?”
I look at them all confused as they stare unabashedly “what- whats wrong?”
“Its like you opened your mouth and air came out” Wanderer frowns
“I heard chirping noises paired with leaves falling” Nahida adds
“Twinkling.” Aether admits bluntly
“Well.” I let out an exhale “that solves that then.”
“A shame” Zhonglis voice rumbles “I would have quite liked to utter your ancient script”
“Look, it's for the best. It's not like I don't know the Teyvat equivalent” I explain begrudgingly “I'm assuming it's a purposeful naming though, so I'm hesitant to say it”
“You're leaving us in suspense” Paimon groans
“Come up to me privately, I'll tell you if you do” I concede to their wishes
“Food anyone” I go back to eating through my plate, flicking my wrist out and summoning a plate of almond tofu, nudging the few emptied plates of it out of the way and replacing the empty spot in front of Xiao who has diligently sat quietly next to me with a spoon
I've stepped back, letting the table converse, sitting on the bottom step of the stairway to the house. The wide grin fading from my face as I uncomfortably shift in place, tucking my hands close
The chiton, as Zhongli had named,is loose enough for me to peel back some of the canvas to look at the bandages, frowning as gold seeps through in small spotting
I hold out my hand to my face, running my fingers over the small scars that decorate my skin, biting my lip seeing the same golden colour that had filled in the gaps of older marks and already imagining the rest of my body in a similar state
“You know, you're a lot different that what I'd thought you'd be like” my head raises, eyes meeting Wanderers
“I'm a bit different than I remember too” I admit, shuffling to the edge of the stair as he walks closer, taking a seat on a higher stone step “more sparkles and… shimmering glitter”
“You are a bit bright” he winces “but I meant your demeanor”
I give him a disgruntled look “well, for strangers, we have an odd history”
“You're more human, than I was expecting from a god” he grits out annoyed “Its disgusting”
“Newly emerging” I remind him “honestly, if I could choose, I wouldn't be here”
He gives me a look
“I spent awhile sitting in that pond when I fell” I mutter, flicking at the stray leaves that slowly fall down on us “I was hoping I'd just bleed out but it never stopped falling”
“With the amount of blood we extracted from the site, and the state we found you in, you should be thankful your new body is able to withstand injuries of that magnitude” he scoffs, reaching over to tug at the bandages wrapped around my shoulder
“It was as if someone had been bled dry and then used as paint” my mouth curls in disgust at the description
“I thought Nahida was the one to ‘clean’ it up” I mutter
“-There was so much of it, she asked for a hand” he winces “if I had to guess, the blood that was left in your human body from before your descent was being lett- so your body could start producing the new stuff”
“I still don't know how to feel about becoming a glowstick.”
“get used to it.” He chides
“So, you could say I died.” I ask, resting my head on my palm. he frowns prompting me to continue
“The blood, it would have been enough that a human wouldn't be able to survive, right?” He nods
“So you could say that is when I died. I'm no longer human now” I look down, peering at the scales, the gold ichor and the pulsing glow of my healing form “and I don't think I'll be able to go back to normal, I'm now these new parts, a… god”
The words are unfamiliar in my mouth. “I'm a god, dragon thing.”
I look at his stoic expression “but I'm happy I still look mostly like myself, sans the sparkles and sunshine shit though.”
“You're so weird” he mumbles
I eye him with a hum, I look over his porcelain skin, fine cracks dance over his arms and faceplate, ball joints and small crevices nestled along his body, a dull shine shimmers from the splits in his artificial skin
“Why are you looking at me like that yo-”
“Kintsugi.” I mutter, causing him to freeze up “that's the name I gave you.”
“Kintsugi” he says lowly, brows furrowing “it's… inazuman”
“The act of repairing pottery with gold, usually.” I say in a hushed tone “the act acknowledges the scars and the imperfections while allowing it to continue existing”
His fists clench “I know what it means.”
I look at my own new scars. “I guess we match now.”
He looks over with an unidentifiable expression
it was the silence that led me to staring out the empty space behind my room, sliding the shogj doors that looked like walls out of the way only to be greeted with the unattractive stone wall that blocked off any view
I tiredly look around the corners, trying to peek out to see if there's any room to even catch a nice breeze
“well- this is certainly not what I was expecting seeing on your first night here, dear Creator” a voice muses from behind me, I startle and yelp, flinging around and placing a hand on my chest “I imagined a more swooning over certain new lovers”
The blonde woman laughs, placing her hands on her hips. my eyes widen as I take her in, wincing at the golden reflection shining from her witches hat.
“Alice?” I say confused
she squeals, crowding closer and taking my hands in hers “oh! my dear! you recognised me so easily”
“A-alice!” I yelp as she twirls me around
“My favourite living writer, my favourite creator!” she sings, pulling me easily into her embrace “and so cute! your novels don't paint you as well as what you truly look like.”
I hug her back, feeling warm whilst I try to ignore the fact my face is being smushed. I breath in when she pulls back with a grin, leaning down to cup my cheeks
“I'm far too early in the story to appear but I couldn't miss out on getting to see you” she coos, her eyes sparkle with mischief “besides, I assume you have some reservations?”
I gulp, grasping the hand she has on my cheek. “This is real.”
she giggles, pinching my cheek “just as real as I am standing here, you felt that now didn't you?”
I swallow my hesitation, rubbing at the sore spot
“in time you'll come to believe in yourself” she muses, guiding me to sit down on my bed “but while I have you, in such a submissive state-”
I huff at the phrasing
“I've just come by to welcome you home on behalf of the Hexenzirkle, you being here will save us all some unnecessary strife going forwards” she grins happily “and you know just as I do, that fate is not so kind to the people of Teyvat.”
“you” I look at her confused “what do you-”
she holds up her finger to her lips, winking before pointing to the sky “shh! you don't want to let the ladies upstairs know all our secrets.”
I blink before nodding, doing the action of zipping my lips and locking it
“lovely” she smiles, the creases around her eyes wrinkling “now, I don't have long, so let me give you a few things”
she summons forth a few books, settling them on the bed before handing me a dodoco communication device
“Now, you know what this does.” she holds up the Dodoco “and I suggest you put those books away until you're ready for them, they're very special to this world's borders.”
I nod along, carefully placing each into my inventory
“now.” she lifts my gaze again “trust me when I say, you can trust them, my dear Creator.”
she leans forwards, blessing a chaste kiss to my cheek "They're yours, soul and mind.”
I jump when she disappears, shaking in place as glitter drifts down from where she was seated and jumping again when Aether appears through the door with a warcry- freezing when he sees me unharmed and startled
“i-” he looks embarrassed “I heard you yell?”
I sit alone, the room I had woken up in is now mine, the whole realm is mine. The world of Teyvat… is mine.
“Even when I'm a god, everything still hurts” I mumble miserably
Everyone has long since retired to their own rooms, the houses dotted around the place that I used for decoration were all fully furnished as much as I'd always told my brother when I did Teapot showcases ‘imagine there's a clothesline here’ ‘imagine these rows of flowers are different farm plots, you can only have 6 and i think thats heart breaking’ ‘this room is gonna be the bathroom- just pretend this platform is a bath and the potions are soap bottles’
That room however, is very much not a bathroom, embarrassingly enough. However it had been Aethers praying room and where many of them end up putting offerings when they visit the realm. The actual bathroom was a door next to the staircase, thankfully right next to my new room
New doors seemingly popped up, as I stared at it confused when we got back in from dinner. It's far from a bathroom I'm used to, no shower but a basin with a pit beneath for hot coals and a sink
The toilet is, sadly, outside.
I summon a screen, swiping through and looking over everything I'd collected over the years of playing the game, as well as everything that had fallen from my home.
My grandparents, my brother, my aunt and uncle and cousins. All their shit is now in my inventory.
I wince as I click on a panel, watching my uncle's car keys appear in my hands, knowing full well the car itself didn't come through with me
I let out a breathy laugh, burying my face in my hands again. This whole situation is hilarious and so-
A sob leaves my mouth, the movement makes my stomach twist, the hiccup that comes out jolts my chest enough to make the wound in my stomach ache. I remove my hands, carefully moving myself to lie down on the too soft bed, the too smooth silk sheets- someone re-did the bed when I'd left it, it's too clean-
I grunt, landing onto the floor, crawling to a corner and summoning my own blanket and wrapping the ratty thing around me as I settle against the wall, sniffing as I conjure up enough energy to then summon a deflated pink plushie, the deformed shape of a pig appearing in my hands is smoothed against my chest and arms
Tomorrow. I will re-do the room- the house, tomorrow.
Read on AO3 - Everything series on AO3 - Masterlist
All you need is over here > @mayplekiwi - Hi! The content warnings for this series are on the pinned on that account there. This is an ongoing fic, and it gets regular side story updates in between chapters! feel free to message if you need help if the links break, English and grammar are updated on the AO3 version, so it may be easier there, but otherwise, enjoy!
The night is still, skies clear as far as the eye can see overhead. The air grows stagnant as the trees pause, and the bird song pitches off into a deafening silence. A light appears so suddenly, a crack thundering and ricocheting in a streak of gold, then of purple and finally a glitter of blue, breaking off from the falling star.
Eyes across the nations lift their heads in wonder at the star where smaller streaks begin following shortly after all shimmering with an incandescent glow.
Blue,
Purple,
Gold.
Many hold their breath watching the meteor shower, one of the first in years. The smallest orbs of light travelling so fast they disappear almost instantaneously. Only the first still hangs above their heads drifting ever so slightly night after night over land and sea, guiding the rest to cross the borders of Teyvat.
“Traveler?”
Aether blinks, looking down to his side where he feels Paimon tugging lightly at his scarf, sleep painting her face.
“Are you praying?” Her voice cuts through the silence surrounding them. He sighs, looking at his clasped hands and the pins and needles in his calves as he kneels in the center of their small camp hidden within the depths of the Sumerian forest.
“Yeah” Aethers’ voice reflects the tiredness in her own “there's another meteor shower, wanna see?”
Paimon perks up, tipping her starry eyes to the sky, a gasp as she catches sight of the large glowing ball flying by
“What a big wish!”
Aethers brow furrows looking at her “wish?”
“Yep!” She nods “it's what the people here call them! The gods were said to come from them, there's stories all about the wishes. Paimon's sure we've discussed some of this already.”
He falters, bringing a hand up to his chest “you mean that feeling…”
she floats over to him, clasping her tiny hands together “thats right, that feeling of divination. Those wishes are heard by The Creator, granting special people her blessings”
“of course, you're a special case” she adds on spitefully “you didn't need a wish to be blessed,”
Aether smiles amused, leaning back until he lands onto his sleeping bag
“They've been with us both” he muses “since the beginning of our journey here, you've felt it too haven't you?”
Paimon scoffs, floating back down and tucking into his side “not like you, it's only more recently since I've actually felt that divine light”
they sit in silence for a moment just watching the sky
“Its been a long time since the wishing showers have been through, im surprised by how many there have been the past week” Paimon recounts “the last time was the night before Paimon met you!”
“Really?”
“Maybe you were hogging all the wishes from last time and that's why we haven't seen them the last three years!” Aether laughs petting her on the head
“I don't think that's it, Paimon.”
She huffs, resting her head and closing her eyes
“Well. Paimon's tired. So don't stay up too long, we gotta’ get to Sumeru city in the morning”
Aether lets out a hum, “I know, you can rest Paimon.”
She yawns “good night then, Traveler.”
A groan escapes my lips, and a dull throb echoes in my head. my eyes blink open hesitantly with light assaulting vision. groggily taking in the surroundings with tears and snot drying in streaks down my face and dirt clinging to my chest as I clumsily push myself up and onto my feet.
My clothes are torn from what I can tell, my hand darts to the wound on my stomach instinctively with a pained groan and shallow breaths making it ache, causing a trail of blood to steadily trickle down from the open wound.
I stumble when the feeling catches up to my brain, registering the sheer searing feeling of the impact and collapsing into the shallow water surrounding me. The fall jolted my vision to blur and click with a flash when the world suddenly appears crisp before me. My things, my precious belongings lay strewn along the pond so haphazardly, much of the furniture collapsed from the landing impact. A strangled yelp leaves my throat as more drops from the sky. With a tremble, I strain to peer behind. I watch as a hole in the sky warbles, a yelling only now registering in my ears kicking another hole into my gut. I can see my family panic stricken, thumping their fists onto an invisible wall from above, ignoring the imminent destruction of the house around them as it falls through in pieces.
I reach towards them, my fingers not even close to brushing against the veil when its image burns then flickers out of sight- taking them away, a static of red cubes consuming my entry and exit before leaving the sky untouched.
A hiccup stutters my breath, lips trembling as I writhe in agony, hair sticking to my face as I curl up in the mud and sob.
“We have a special commission for you today, Traveler,” Katheryne smiles, holding out a docket not waiting for Aether to start a conversation “it was not labelled urgent, but I insist you take it.”
Aether returns the smile, taking the paper with a curious look “there's been an explosion of sorts?”
“It seems during the wishing shower, a meteor had fallen with it” Katheryne elaborates “The Dendro archon herself is requesting your presence.”
Aether frowns at the implications “Thanks, Katheryne.”
“Ad astra abyssosque!”
Aether turns back towards where Paimon is seated, watching as the waitress settles their food on the table, slipping into the other seat himself
“Well that didn't take long” Paimon questions, sipping at her drink “what do we have to do today? Mushroom bouncing?”
“Nahida was asking for us actually” he picks up a fish roll, taking a bite, humming as the spiced rose flavour fills his mouth.
“Oh? You think something big's happening”
Aether nods “we'll finish up here and start walking up, it said to meet her at the sanctuary when we're free.”
“Thats not very specific” Paimon frowns
“The faster we eat, the faster we get to Nahida.”
She huffs but starts on her own meal. Letting more mundane topics that come to her mind dip into the air, making conversation as they finish eating and begin their trek upstairs. The guards give them but a glance as they pass to enter the ornate doors of the sanctuary of surasthana
Nahida is there by the door, a small bag sitting at her feet and the Neo-Akasha floating diligently beside her, back to the door as she rummages through and places different items in.
Her head perks up at the sound of the door opening, seeing Paimon fly into view “Nahida! It's been a while”
“Hello Paimon, Traveler!” Her voice is cheery. “I'm so glad you came, I was worried Katheryn wouldn't get to you in time.”
”We picked up your commission less than an hour ago” Paimon frowns “have you been waiting long?”
“No, I felt the moment you two entered Sumeru again, I had hoped you would be heading this way” Nahida closes her backpack, lifting it up and onto the back of her Neoakasha “I assume you'll take my commision?”
“now hold on, the Traveler and I don't even know what your asking for first”
“It will be an escort mission, nothing too extravagant” she smiles “I wish to request the presence of my first sage for my first diplomatic exchange and investigation with Liyue.”
Aether looks a bit surprised “oh, the first?”
“the first in where i've left Sumeru that is, Its not often I'm allowed to be present in these affairs, but a meteor was said to crash on the outskirts of Liyue and crossed into our land on impact” Nahida holds out her palms, the little images of a star falling appearing in a green hologram “the areas been marked as too dangerous for a normal investigative team due to an unknown anomaly so I asked to join the expedition out of curiosity of this anomaly."
Aether hesitates for a moment, Nahida sees this and holds out a hand “there will be others in my escort team so do not think you are being forced to join us, I just wish to extend the offer to come along with a paid incentive”
He shakes his head waving off her concern “We would've done it regardless, you're our friend.”
She giggles dipping her head in thanks
“Ah- are we late?” The door cracks open again, the familiar face of Kaveh entering the building followed by Al-Haitham “Lord Kusanali, I apologise on the behalf of both of us for our tardiness.”
Al-haitham is silent, nodding his greeting as Kaveh speed walks to the group, a pack strapped to his back.
“You're fine, Mr.Kaveh” she smiles “we are just waiting on one other now.”
He let out a breath of relief, turning his head to the travelling pair “it's good to see you as well Traveler and Paimon, are you joining us to Gandha Hill?”
Aether nods
“Wait, why're you coming along?” Paimon frowns
“Hes here to check the structural integrity of the land that was disturbed” Al-haitham easily explains “there was previous plans of establishing a secondary transport route between us and Liyue there”
“Exactly. This stupid meteor just ran straight through my foundations that I'd just established a few days ago” Kaveh groans waving his hands “my commissioners were upset when word came through early this morning.”
She then turns to Al-haitham with the same expression
He stares at her blankly “I'm sadly still the scribe as well as acting grand sage, I'll be there recording Lord Kusanali's communications with the Liyue Qixing.”
She crosses her arms and pouts “well I suppose it all checks out.”
“So we have to have a reason for coming along?” another voice questions flatly, making Paimon jerk and twirl around “I didn't realise you were forming a caravan, Buer”
Nahida giggles watching Paimon stamp her feet in the air and float up to Wanderer “Hat guy! don't sneak up on Paimon like that!”
He rolls his eyes, stepping down from the center platform. Tossing a small rucksack onto the Neo-Akasha to watch it jerk at the contact and hover closer to Nahida
“We should start walking.” the archon starts, leaving the group outside “we have a mountain to climb.”
I sniff, wiping furiously at my face messily and crudely, the wound in my stomach seemingly not enough to kill me despite the agonising ache it leaves. Frustrated that I haven't already keeled over and died, it doesn't even come to mind that something was wrong until my head lolled down. I stare at my hands, the golden shimmer mixed with red looking like a gross puss frothing through a matting of cloth
I wince reaching into the pond and washing my hand off, watching as the water rustles, swirling around the dirt mound and glowing, bits of loose plants half buried in the moist soil flaring before it all settles
I repeat the process
The morning sun has far left the horizon, a slow creep upward. The lovely bird song has left too, I sigh shifting to my knees, grabbing a nearby stick and rising to a stand, using it to walk into the puddle of a pond
The movement washing over my legs provides a temporary relief while I continue to the other side. The whirlpool causes the debris to pile onto the edges of the water, my body twitches harshly at the reminder even if the sky seems unscathed
“I wanna go home” my voice cracks as I bend to grab an old shirt of mine, jolting as it disappears into a starry mist in my palms, blinking as a tiny text appears like an invasive pop up in my sight.
‘Item obtained: #354D73 Shirt’
“I'm so tired” I groan miserably, looking around at the mess “if this hasn't killed me yet…”
Slowly I make my way around, tentatively placing my hand on different objects, watching the things disappear in a similar fashion.
Watching as a blue dot blinks on my wrist everytime until I tap it, my head following the projection, a screen materialising in my palm
I look away for a moment, seeing the serene landscape, then back to the highlighted 2D plaque
A variety of icons blink, red circles dotted beneath each. My mouth quirks down as I press a tab and am bombarded by the sheer amount of things there are. My wrist jerks involuntary, another screen appears, this one more like a circular dial
Maps, inventory, a character customisation setting
It's all so simple, innocent looking and while one of it jumps out or suddenly glitches It's smooth and cool to the touch. Carefully I flicker through it all, skimming over the information
I tap on the Party tab and watch as my right arm slimmers to light, from my wrist to the inner part of my elbow, five circles pulse dully, the first four forming patterns- constellations. An electro lantern, a little lady with a top hat, a flower in a frame and a snake curled round a gourd
Swiping my fingers atop the glowing star links, they flicker in recognition when my fingertips glide past
I look to my other wrist and see three icons before a blue line- a coin, a star and several elemental sigils on that final row. Numbers sit before the first two, and holding out my palm tells me the numbers are accurate as one of each appears and the number drops by one
I hold the gem to the sky, and watch as the light shimmers through it like glass
“Primogems” I murmur to the air, turning my gaze to the golden coin now “and Mora”
I drop my gaze standing with a renewed sense of urgency, clutching the two objects tight briefly to see them disappear in that same mist.
I look over the mess left behind and see nothing left of value and while it feels bad to leave- my gaze raised to the smoke still pouring off the mountain and rocks seemingly frozen in the sky.
Wandering over to a tree on the edge of the pond I open the screen again and flick through until I find a familiar Teapot, brown and golden- inconspicuous to the normal eye. I place it down among the foliage,and propping bits of debris around it before pressing my palm to it and closing my eyes, a puff of hot steam blows on my face
And suddenly I'm elsewhere, the tea- The Serenitea pot realm-dimension… place.
I blink as an empty world appears, a scrappy set of farm plots, six, sit next to where I spawn, as well as a few mechanisms around the sparse space
I frown, eye twitching at the placement, bringing up a screen and tapping until I get to Layout plan page
I breathe through my nose at the sight, before looking to the layouts I'm more familiar with and pressing on the ‘Silken Courtyard’
There are no numbers or icons like what I'm used to seeing, just panels of the areas available to visit. The world distorts before a door appears for me to step through
My frown lessens as I come into something more familiar, a landscape I painstakingly designed after running low on things to do. I take a step, and then another, gritting my teeth as each step sparks a resurgent pain. I head toward a certain area thinking ‘I didn't make a giant mock outdoor bathhouse for nothing.’
The irritation is clear as day on the Wanderers’ face as he stands behind Nahida, staring at the golden eyed consultant who in turn, simply smiles and introduces himself
“Greetings,” the man soothes out “I am Zhongli, a consultant the Qixing has hired to assist you while you're here, im quite knowledgeable about the land of Liyue”
“Yeah I bet you are” he hisses out, earning a nudge from Kaveh and a hissed ‘Be nice to your elders, kid.’
The action earns him his own look of annoyance from the puppet. Zhongli chuckles holding up his palm to the blonde “It is fine, this young man needn't worry too much, I find him quite charming,”
Zhongi gives the puppet a knowing look “He reminds me of an old friend”
the Wanderer falters, looking away
“Its very nice to meet you, Mr. Zhongli” Nahida floats up curiously, holding out her palm “I'm excited to join you and your team in this expedition”
“Likewise, Lord Kusanali” he graciously takes her hand and shakes it then steps back and bows politely, the two behind him repeating his actions “This is Baizhu, our resident doctor- with the state the millileth returned after scouting, the Tianquan had sought out a sufficient medical officer in case either party's states weaken”
He sweeps his other arm out “and this is Adeptus Xiao, a protector of Liyue in case we are to be met with anyone of unsavoury character or of materials us humans should not touch”
“I'm pleased with the thought put into this, the Tianquan has chosen well” she bows back, although it's a bit unbalanced “I've brought along the lead architect responsible for the planning and infrastructure of the trading route, Kaveh. And my grand sage and scribe, Al-haitham.”
“-acting grand sage” Al-haitham pipes in earning a nudge from Kaveh. Both bow after being introduced
“hat guy here simply wished to tag along, if that's alright.” she gestures “oh, and the Traveler.”
Aether smiles too, hands on his waist ”should we get started?”
Zhongli turns, leading the group past the hastily placed fencing
“How have you been, dear friend?” he asks curiously, “have your adventures in Fontaine helped you in your search?”
Nahida skips ahead “indeed, I felt an enormous release of energy that came from that direction. The Hydro Archon is no more, yes?"
Zhongli hums gently
“Its a bit complicated” Aether breathes out sheepish “but the prophecy is over, so there's nothing to fear regarding being dissolved for Fontainians'"
“that was terrible” Kaveh cuts in “I've read about the devastation that came from the resulting flood- it took out a lot of infrastructure in the minor towns surrounding the city did it not?”
“mostly in Poisson and the shore settlements” Al-haitham corrects
“I had many returning patients, who went for business and or holidays come into my pharmacy” Baizhu hums “they'd all reported a few changes in themselves after the events”
Zhongli lets out a grumble “yes, the after effects certainly caused some changes…”
“they're all fine, if anything they received a temporary boost of energy” Baizhu waved off
“we had similar reactions to the flood as well" Nahida adds “although many are rendering it toward a blessing of sorts preceding the wishing showers”
“I suppose, it would not be absurd to think the two were connected” zhongli frowns in thought “combined with the absolution of the Hydro throne…”
Wanderer looks to the man in sudden interest, a pinch appearing on his brow
“What did you-” “we’ve arrived.” Xiao's voice cuts in, stopping ahead of the group and gaining their attention
The crater is expansive, dead plants and scorched earth spanning a downward streak, cutting into the towering mountain that bridges the Mawtiyima forest of Sumeru and the lumberjack valley of Liyue
The gasp from both Paimon and Kaveh echoing, the sight paints a catastrophe for the future outpost
“How did we miss that coming up!” The pixie exclaims, floating higher to peak over the small mound “this is… really bad”
“My buildings!” The strangled gripe comes from the red eyed man “my beautiful baby scaffolding-”
Zhongli lets out a displeased hum at the sight of the mountain, a crescent shape burned into its side, and the remaining rock blasted down the cliffside, likely destroying a few of the canopy mushrooms in their descent
“Over there” Wander says, guiding the eyes of everyone to the landing spot of the meteor
Or what should be
“It looks untouched-” Nahida mumbles, “-that pond-” her feet touch the ground, she floats closer “-there's an energy coming from there.”
The group changes course, stopping a few feet away from the ring of flourishing green encased by the upheaval
Zhongli's eyes narrow, his eyes flitting around the scene “do not touch anything here. Not the plants, not the water.”
Wanderer scoffs “you really think you need to say that?”
Zhongli dips his head, kneeling toward the ground and brushing his gloved hand into the scorched earth “-there are a Gods remains here, this is their blood that paints the earth.”
A few of the group freezes at the information
“You feel it too then.” Nahida whispers
“You can feel it?” Kaveh cringes “is it bad?”
“Depending on its form” Baizhu frowns “the Traveler and I encountered a similar case, blood of a long dead God had begun to leak from Qingce village”
“Oh? Was it Chi?” Zhongli muses “how interesting, Xiao had not informed me of it”
Baizhu narrows his eyes at the consultant “Yes. It was, you know of it?”
“A Malevolent beast, so the tales say.” He stands brushing of his suit before taking a single step into the plush grass “however, these marks are fresh, this God is likely injured and in hiding.”
“You humans should not take another step closer, stay on guard.” Xiao comments, stopping Al-haitham in his tracks “even coming this close could cause you to go crazy, the millileth could not even pass the fences earlier without becoming ill”
“Changsheng” Baizhu mumbles, the white snake's head pops out from her curl from around his neck, uttering that he'd ‘be fine.’
Al-haitham nods, backing away and folding his arms observing the area from afar, Kaveh begrudgingly joining him as the rest trek into the circle
“He's an Adeptus too, i bet” Kaveh mutters, eyeing Zhongli suspiciously “he has to be.”
“Or something” Al-haitham agrees, a book in hand
Nahida crouches in front of the pooling water, hands tucked closely atop her knees as she stares into the puddle “there is a lot of blood coursing through the water here!”
“Aaand on these trees here” Paimon yells from Aethers side “it's nothing like what Paimons seen before though.”
Zhongli walks up to the two with a contemplative look “it is gold.”
“Gold?” Her voice rises “like gold gold! So it's not blood?”
“No, it certainly is blood.” Baizhu confirms “they're streaked in a way as if someone's stabilising themselves, and there's flecks of dried blood too, the dark substance here” He points to the edges “an emerging god perhaps?”
Nahida stands, looking at the piles of debris that surround the pond “Mr.Kaveh, are these from the construction sites?”
Kaveh perks, shuffling to the edge of the ring, trying to lean closer without entering “ah, no. the material looks unlike I've ever seen”
The other three crowd around Nahida, looking at the varying piles
“It looks like furniture.” Aether frowns “is that a bedframe?”
The group looks oddly at the mound
“It is.” Baizhu mutters “an… intricate one”
Kaveh squints, hand reaching out and activating Mehrak “Mehrak, could you please take scans of the area?”
The brief case beeps and shoots up, green layers brushing over the stretch of earth
“What do you think these could be from” Aether questions, watching Paimon dart between piles “we can rule out the construction sites, hilichurls maybe?”
“I'd be concerned if it was that” Baizhu frowns “the technical skill these destroyed pieces seem to have needed are remarkable”
“Indeed, these ores… are not from Teyvat.” Zhongli points out “I do not recognise the composition of it, it is remarkable.”
“Ah- you shouldn't get too close to that Zhongli” Paimon winces as the older man seems to want to reach out to the tower of mangled metal “ehhhh Xiao?”
He looks over briefly “Master.”
Zhongli pouts, moving away “I will not touch it.”
“Hey.” Wanderers voice cuts through the chatter “I think I found something.”
Aether jogs up to him, kneeling beside him and peering at the floor
“It's… my Teapot?” He blinks at the sight.
“Your adeptal realm?” Xiao mutters, appearing next to him “I was not aware you'd lost it.”
“We did not lose it!” Paimon barks “it should be in the Travelers bag!”
at the mention, he summons his rucksack, carefully dipping his hand in and pulling out nothing, turning his attention back to the Serenitea pot in front of them
“Nope, that's our Teapot.” Paimon jerks back “but- it's been in your bag the entire time! There's no way it could've gotten stolen and it's locked anyway, no one but us can use it, right?”
Taking a risk, Aether reaches for it, brushing off the the leaves that partially cover it and stands “someone's tried to obscure it from view but it's in a position where you can still enter and exit”
Xiao sighs “I thought we said not to touch anything.”
“Look, this place seems fine, no one here has a headache or is sick right?” Aether counters, leading the group to a patch of grass before settling onto the floor
The group concedes, joining the former. Kaveh and Al-haitham hesitantly taking their first steps and lowering themselves
“So, we've found a few things” Zhongli begins “the landscape has been ultimately terraformed beyond simple landscaping”
“A god's remains are scattered around the epicentre of a meteor, fallen during a wishing shower” Baizhu continues
“And mechanisms from outside of Teyvat are strewn around a purposely hidden Lityuen artifact, which should not be accessible by any means” Nahida concludes
These a moment of silence as the group ponders the implications
“You don't think…” Zhonglis’ face furrows “is this the work of The Creator?”
The group seems to dip into a more uncomfortable silence
“Their grace” Kaveh gulps “if- if it is The Creator, it would mean they're injured.”
“Its a good thing we have a doctor” Al-haitham grunts out “it must be dire with the amount of blood that's trekked around the place”
“Which means we need to find them” Kaveh frets, jumping up and twirling around the area “wh- but where could they be?!”
There's a pause, before everyone's gaze drops to the Teapot
Read on AO3 - Everything series on AO3 - Masterlist
summary: various genshin characters with a reader in the universes of winx club, my little pony, and ever after high
type: headcannons, x gn!reader, not proofread
characters: lohen, columbina, navia, venti, varka, and arlecchino,
warnings: none
a/n: and let it be known the ONLY REASON I didn’t include monster high was because I am overdue for a re-watch.
▶︎ • ၊၊||၊|။||||| Front Left Pocket by Jen-Cassie Daisy ၊၊||၊|။||||| • ▶︎
⋆. 𐙚˚࿔ 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐱 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
ꫂ᭪݁ 𝐋𝐨𝐡𝐞𝐧
Idc if I’m getting flamed for this Lohen would NOT be a specialist
Bro is living it up at Cloud Tower learning how to be a witch!
bUt bOyS cAn’T bE wItCh-
DON’T CARE—- plus that’s stupid. They’ll take anyone devious enough, I just know it!
If you are a witch too…..you guys will be total partners in crime!
He’ll sneak into your dorm late at night to bug you (sometimes he just wants to make out)
He’s always interested in what you are studying if you are excited about it! He loves coming up with pranks to pull on the Alfea fairies with you.
He’d enjoy taking you downtown during the weekends, holding your hand proudly while holding an arm full of bags filled with things he bought you.
“How are you getting all of this mone—“
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Lohen…..”
“I thought you said I was more attractive when I was devious…”
“I don’t want you thrown into the detention dimension for stealing.”
“I won’t get sent there! Not for stealing at least….”
Yeah bro has been in that freaking detention dimension a few times. He just yaps to the chalkboard about all of his plans to mix lactate into the specialists’ meals when they come to train at cloud tower.
Or sprinkle pepper on the cupcakes that the fairies always send in hopes the more difficult witches of cloud tower will like them.
He’d enjoy seeing his fellow witches coughing from the unexpected kick in the frosting.
Eventually headmistress Gryffin just has to come drag him out of there by his hair, he was scaring the chalkboard…..
There was one time you got sick from accidentally drinking a witch pouring a random potion into your water bottle.
Lohen was at your beck and call for all of it. He held your hair as you threw up.
He kissed your scorching hot forehead, wishing you a speedy recovery.
You whined about the never ending nausea even though you knew it would only last like 24-48 hours and he gently reassured you everything was going to be okay
bUt kAt, cOuLdN’t tHeY jUsT cUrE mE wItH mAgIc ?
NO! Also lowkey I think they don’t wanna mess with trying to cure whatever food poisoning-like illness the mysterious concoction gave you. They don’t wanna make it worse
The nurse definitely kicked him out of the infirmary room like three times cause he kept sneaking in
Headmistress Gryffin came and saw you at one point to inform you that the student who poured the potion into your drinking cup had been properly disciplined
“How did you know who?”
“The walls of cloud tower hear everything.”
Then you hear a closet door creaking open, Lohen coming through it
“I didn’t actually think that spell would—“ He cut himself off when he saw the headmistress
“What a persistent admirer you have.” She commented, her tone indicated she found it disgustingly sweet
“Just send me to the detention dimension already!” He groaned
“Oh no, you won’t be going there. You’ll be cleaning up trash on the beach with the Alfea fairies for the next three weekends.” She told him
Love you headmistress Griffin, oh the icon you are
NOW, if you’re a fairy…..oh boy.
I’m cooking on post season 2 setting for this, so there’s a good relationship between the three schools, but some students still hold strong beliefs against the witches
Lohen totally spiked your drink with a love potion the first time he met you. It was a dare given to him by one of his classmates
“Hey, look at that fairy over there…you should spike their drink…” One of his classmates egged him on
“No way! I mean…..I just….I can’t get into detention again. Headmaster Gryffin said no more shenanigans at these parties.” He insisted, his voice wavering a bit
Truth be told he was finding an odd enjoyment watching you throughout the night. It was weird…..he didn’t want to disrupt your peace…
“Awww…..looks like you’re going soft. No wonder the Trix didn’t ask you to join them.” The classmate said
Lohen didn’t want to join the Trix anyways. He was more about being mischievous and killing monsters that were going to hurt other people. Sure, he sometimes liked to make other people’s life inconvenient, but he didn’t want power over him.
Either way, not joining the Trix’s fans had really knocked Lohen down a peg in the social hierarchy.
OKAY OKAY, I’ll stop with the Lohen-in-the-winx-universe backstory.
When he spiked your drink, he wasn’t expecting the affects to be that strong.
You were all over him the whole night. Glued to his side, compliments pouring out of your mouth every moment.
He hated to admit he liked you being so close to him. He adored the sound of your praise. But it didn’t sit right with him that it was all artificial.
So, he turned you over to your friends and earned a slap in the face and a kick in his groin.
From that moment on, he tried so hard to make it up to you. He had a friend at Alfea that gave him your number and he would text you CONSTANTLY, begging for your forgiveness
Truly the guilt ate away at him every day.
Imagine your surprise when he shows up at your door, sneezing so loudly you thought someone had casted a charm wrong.
He was holding a bouquet of your favorite flowers
“I really am sorry….” He said, before sneezing again.
You hesitantly accepted the flowers and offered him a tissue.
“Please, let me make it up to you.” He begged
“I think you already have.” You mumbled, giving him a weak glare
“Let me take you out for coffee? Or tea? This weekend?”
And that’s how it all started, you two sitting with the beverages for hours chatting
Okay I’ve yapped enough but but BUT
Think: Season 3 when Valtor left his mark on all the Cloud Tower students, putting them under hypnosis.
You, having just got your enchanted transformation, go with the winx to try and fight Valtor
And end up running into your boyfriend, hellbent on fighting you in his hypnotized state.
Yeah, the moment he awoke from the spell and saw you in your gorgeous new fairy transformation, he knew he was in love.
ꫂ᭪݁ 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚
She’s a student at Alfeyw, and I’m hc-ing her as Stella’s sister
Because technically her parents have power over the sun and the moon
If you are also a fairy at Alfeya, you two would meet in the dining hall with Columbina piling her plate high with sweets
“Want one?” She’d ask, offering you one with a soft smile
You two probably got paired up on a project together and that encouraged conversation. She was more of a listener, but if you got her rambling about the things she likes, she gladly will talk.
Columbina would totally sneak into your dorm room at night, except she’s actually good at it.
You’d be lying in your bed, trying to sleep, and you’d roll over to see her staring at you with a soft smile.
“Shit!” You squealed, before looking around anxiously
“‘Bina, what are you doing here?” You insisted
“I wanted to see you.” She confessed, sitting on the edge of the bed
“Couldn’t wait until the morning?” You laughed, grabbing her hand gently to get her to lay beside you
“If I could have, I wouldn’t be here.” She stated plainly
You two soaked up each other’s presence, cuddling and enjoying the company.
“Do you have any tea?” She’d ask right as you were about to fall asleep.
It’s okay! Once you make the tea she’ll put a small exhausted charm she’s been practicing on you. You are asleep in minutes afterwards
Oooo, ooo, dates with her are so cutie! You two would go strolling downtown, beverages with to-go cups in hand.
If you had a smidgen of beverage on your face, she’d totally be the type to give you a kiss in that spot instead of just telling you to wipe it off
Now, if you’re a witch…..
Jokes on you, becuase Columbina can be mischievous! You pull pranks on her….oh…she’ll get you back.
You decide to replace all her pastries with lemon-coated maggots while at a shared meal between the schools?
Yeah, expect ALL of your school supplies to be NOWHERE you remember putting it for the next month.
At first you thought it was your roommates fucking with you, but then you start finding little moon charms on shit and you KNOW it’s her.
You track down her number and text her, demanding to put all your school stuff back
and lowkey tell you how she was able to do seamlessly sneak into Cloud Tower
She tells you she’d be happy to inform you of the locations if you make up for ruining her sweets
And then you find yourself that weekend sitting in a bakery with a moon fairy while she eats pastries.
“You’re the sister of that sun fairy, right?” You asked, the princess of Solaria’s name slipping your mind
“Her name is Stella.” She informed you
“I’ve heard she’s a total drama queen.” You gossip, taking a bite out of a muffin
Suddenly, the pastry warms in your mouth, becoming scorching hot. You spit it out quickly, patting your tongue quickly with a napkin.
“What was that for?” You exclaim
“Don’t insult my sister. You might as well be insulting me.”
Yeah, you guys had a rocky start, but you two eventually fell into a nice rhythm.
She liked hearing about your classwork at Cloud Tower
She even gave you a small bag of pastries to give to the board in the Detention Dimension
“Moonbeam, I don’t think it can eat.” You told her with a creased brow
“It can, I asked headmistress Gryffin.” She told you
“How did you—“
“The same way you convinced headmistress Faragonda to let me out past curfew to see that movie with you opening night.” She replied with a raised brow
ּ֯ . ❥ ּ֯ ┆꒰ 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐲 .ᐟ ꒱
ּ֯⋆｡♡˚ 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐚
This pony owns an equestria-renowned bakery located in Canterlot!
She loves making all kinds of gourmet pastries and overly decorated cakes
Maybe your cousin was getting married and insisted you come along to the cake tasting.
You didn’t want to go and dragged your hooves about the whole ordeal
Then you showed up and there’s this gorgeous and kind pony that runs the bakery
Yeah you begged your cousin to invite her to their wedding.
You start going in nearly every day, ordering something different so Navia didn’t get suspicious of your true intentions.
“I’ll have a blueberry scone.”
“That’s odd, your cousin mentioned the wedding cake couldn’t have blueberries in it because you were allergic…” She pondered aloud
“Oh…..well…..I’ll have….”
Yeah you’re cooked, she sees right through you.
“Wanna join me in going to the theatre this Friday?” She proposed, knocking you even more off your guard
“Of course, yes!” You cheered
“Now….about your order…” She teased with a smile
Navia loved going to see live theatre. All the school plays and professional musicals, she was into it all.
Of course, you tagged along because you enjoyed the company but also because you liked seeing her happy.
You spent many nights taste testing her new recipes and telling her about all your interests, your life, your job.
It wasn’t until you two were having a sleepover, laying under a pillow fort both of your made, that she told you about her parents and their deaths.
You comforted her under the warm glow of the fairy lights you two had strung in the fort. You ended up falling asleep next to each other.
Navia loves visiting Ponyville! She insists they have the best ice cream.
“C’mon! You have to try the apple pie delight flavor!” She told you
“I don’t know Navia….” You reluctantly said
“Sir, wouldn’t you say the apple pie delight flavor is absolutely scrumptious?” She asked a random pony walking by.
He was an earth pony and had farm attire on. He was pulling a wagon and a hat laid low on his head
“Yup.” He stated before walking off
I should mention, I do think Navia is an earth pony! I have no specific lore reason for this it just feels right.
I mean she does have a geo vision and that’s the earth…..idk feels a lil on the nose lol
Either way, you end up eating ice cream happily together
“I’m really happy you decided to come with your cousin that day.” She said sincerely, looking at you with shining blue eyes
“I’m happy I did too.” You replied
ּ֯⋆｡♡˚ 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢
Celestia kicked his annoying ass to Ponyville
Celestia decided to encourage her overly excited pegasus apprentice to explore the culture of ponyville to better cultivate his music
If you live in Ponyville, you’ll hear talk of the Princess’s prized musician coming to grace the town and learn about its history and what living there was like.
You found yourself being serenaded as the sun rose, the pegasus musician flying outside your window.
“What in Equestria are you doing?” You insisted, your eyes bleary from sleep
“Awakening you, wonderful stranger, with a sonnet!” He insisted cheerily
“Can the sonnet wait until the sun comes up?”
And like that, Venti was attached at the hip to you. Eagerly asking you every question he could think of.
You swore he was getting more curious than Pinky Pie…..and that was a feat.
“Venti, you cannot have another glass of apple cider.” You told him
You had taken him out for dinner at one of the small restaurants. You didn’t know he was going to down four bottles of the fizzy apple liquid
“It’s just sooooo good…..” He told you while ogling at his empty bottle
“If it’s that good you should write a song about it or something” You snorted
“I couldn’t possibly do that! I’ve got too many songs to finish right now.” He insisted
“Oh? Inspiration struck you?”
“When I met you it certainly did.” He giggled
If you’re a pegasus too, Venti would love to go flying with you!
He’s hold your hoof while soaring the sky
Flying you both through a cloud and moving to kiss you through the water vapor
If you’re an earth pony, don’t worry! He’ll gladly arrange the clouds in a heart for you <3
He’d also love to have you watch him single and fly at the same time, bro loves putting on a performance
If you are a unicorn he is practically begging you to conjure him a refilling bottle of apple cider
“Pleeeeeeease.” He would plead, looking up at you with his gorgeous teal eyes
“The last thing you need is magical apple cider.” You laughed, patting his cheek affectionately
There was one night he had come over to your home for dinner and saw the photos of you and your friends
You told him about each of them and where they were at in their respective lives. Then you asked him about his friends.
He told you about his best friend that died some time ago. He was so serious it made you really realize how even the goofiest of people had hard things to grapple with.
You were constantly surprised at how wise Venti was. While out running errands with you, he was able to defuse so many disputes between ponies by a few words and a charming smile.
He seemed to always know what to say and exactly how to say it. You see why Princess Celestia took him on as an apprentice
‿︵˓ʚ𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐠𝐡ɞ˓︵‿
˖⋆࿐໋𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚
He starts out as a royal, probably the son of some king destined to become someone’s Prince Charming
But Varka didn’t want to save someone, marry them, then rule a kingdom for the rest of his life’s
He wanted adventure! To seize the unknown and gain glory!
He joined the rebels when he came to terms with defying his destiny.
If you are from Wonderland he’d beg you to take him with you
“I’ve heard it’s pretty…wacky down there. Care give me a tour?” He’d ask with a smirk
“Varka, It isn’t wise for me to take you with me…” You told him, knowing Headmaster Grim would have your head if you did
“You can’t even help your dearest friend? Your best bud? Your other pea in the pod? Your-“
“I will if you stop whatever it is you’re saying.”
Varka was very sociable, everyone knew him and pretty much everyone loved him
Not to mention he had MANY admirers.
If you two weren’t dating quite yet, I think he’d probably entertain some of the people.
He’s go on dates with various girls and guys that filled his locker with roses or passed him heart-shapes notes in class.
It was the mid semester when Briar threw a big party, which inevitably turned into playing seven minutes in heaven, as most of her parties did.
You all sat in the circle as Cupid readied her hand and gave the bottle a spin for you.
It pointed towards Varka and you knew there was no denying any feelings you had for him now
“You know, don’t don’t have to…” He started to tell you after being shoved into Briar’s overflowing closet
“No no, I mean, not unless you want to….” You replied
“And if I did?” He asked, his face getting closer
Dating Varka was fun whether you were a royal or a rebel! It didn’t make a difference to him.
Just because he started dating you doesn’t mean the admirers stopped, even if Cupid herself insisted you two were perfect for each other.
“Don’t let em get ya down.” He reassured you, “you’re the one for me.”
˖⋆࿐໋𝐀𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐨
She hated her mother, a stereotypical witch that lured children into her cottage to eat them.
She didn’t want to be like that and she held as much hatred for the system that was trying to force her to as that she did for her mom
Every other day there was spray paint over the headmaster’s door with a anti-destiny message
Or she was helping other rebels sneak into the classes they really wanted to take instead of the ones they were assigned
If you are a rebel, you’d grow close to Arlecchino by helping her by spreading the anti-destiny mission.
One night, she sneaks into your dorm room, tugging on the sleeve of your night shirt to wake you up
You two had been friends for awhile now but she was a pretty reserved person and didn’t want to intrude on you.
But since that wasn’t working she was forced to lean over you and shake you awake by your shoulders
“Arlecchino wha-“
“Graffiti on the side of the building, you forgot.”
“I didn’t forget…” You weakly insisted, a yawn coming over you
“You aren’t sleeping beauty, we have to get going.” She told you with a slightly irritated edge to her voice
One day, while taking a stroll through the forest, you find Arlecchino observing a few spiders making a web
“They are….” You started
“Fascinating creatures.” She finished your statement
You two stood beside each other, hands briefly grazing before you both pulled away. Neither of you willing to address the clear feelings you had for each other
If you were a royal, and one advent on following your destiny, being friends with Arlecchino would be a lot harder
She just doesn’t understand why you don’t want to pave your own way.
You two became friends because you were willing to occasionally help her with sneaking students into other classes. Learning is learning after all!
You both had a few disputes over your beliefs, but overall had a solid friendship, no different than her being friends with a rebel.
Now, there is one night where you two are sitting on the school’s roof, watching the stars.
The conversation of destiny gets brought up, and you try and act agreeable.
You both hadn’t argued in so long and you didn’t want to start now.
“Maybe you’ll come to enjoy…..disposing of children…” You weakly suggested.
“Do you hear yourself? You sound absurd.” Arlecchino insisted
“Okay, okay, you’re right, it isn’t fair that some people’s destines force them to become terrible people!” You exclaimed
“But…” Arlecchino started with a raised brow, encouraging you to finish
“But what about my Prince Charming? Or my castle? What will become of my destiny?” You selfishly pondered aloud
You both set in silence for a few beats, before Arlecchino spoke
“I’d be there to be your Prince Charming, if you needed one that is.”
“Why on earth are you sniffing our baby like a maniac.“ you asked, eyes narrowed at Arlecchino being unable to take her nose out of the little hair your baby has on top.
“Because she smells good.“
“Right, she smelled fantastic when she unleashed hell in her diaper earlier.“
“You hear that? Your Mother thinks you don’t smell good. I would like to object.“ She mumbles to the three-month-old baby in her arms before tiny hands come up to hold onto her face. A sickening sweet smile slowly appearing on your daughter‘s face.
She was surely melting. There is no way she survives this.
“I can hear you. And for the record, I don’t think she smells bad. I just don’t think she smells particularly good after soaking her body in poo.“
“I‘m smelling her hair. Her hair is perfectly free of any poo.“
“Who knows for how long…“
Man. You used to talk about what dress you should wear to the next function. And now you’re arguing about your newborn‘s scent.
But when you look at the way your husband’s eyes soften as your daughter takes her thumb into her grip, paired with the happy laughter… This wasn’t a downgrade. Quite the opposite.
“I want at least ten more.“ You put down the book you were just reading moments ago. Your spouse merely blinked at you.
“Ten? Why don’t we wait until this one knows how to walk on her own first…”
“I will take you up on that offer, mark my words.”
But on the other side… another nine months of taking care of her pregnant wife… running warm baths for her… giving massages every evening… carrying pregnant wife to bed… fulfilling pregnant wife‘s cravings…
„Why are you nodding to yourself?“
„Nothing. Just… thinking about tomorrow’s weather.“
not proofread. contains suggestive themes (making out, implied sex). mentions of alcohol intake. beidou and arlecchino are flirty w you. reader in arlecchino’s part is a playgirl lolz. crazy tension. incredibly intimate.
beidou always throws the best parties on campus.
everyone knows her—freshmen, juniors, seniors, exchange students, athletes—somehow they all know who she is. personally for you, you do know her name but you haven’t seen her since you transferred.
you’re in your senior years! (so was she) is teyvat university really that big for you to not see her at all while everyone around you is gushing over her almost every day?
so, that’s why you came up with a bucket list:
> find out who the famous beidou is <
and luckily for you, your friend yinxing happened to be invited to a party that beidou was hosting tonight. she said, “if you want to learn more about beidou, tonight’s your chance!” you looked at her like you couldn’t believe what she wants you to do right now, knowing you have an exam tomorrow.
can’t she just send you a picture of beidou? surely she has socials? you asked her this, only for her reply to be, “wait! don’t search her up just yet! you have to see her in person first i swear!”
you should really be studying right now for the love of archons! instead, you put on your best outfit, did your hair and makeup, and put on your best shoes. yinxin told you she’ll pick you up at your dorm. suddenly, as the time of the party got closer and closer, you were starting to feel nervous and excited about meeting the famous beidou.
“girl you look delish!” yinxin shouted as soon as you opened the door to the shotgun seat. you rolled your eyes teasingly at her. as if she wasn’t looking pretty herself!
on the way to the party, yinxin informed you it was a house party. there are a bunch of people mingling with each other—freshmen, juniors, seniors—you name it! trust that they’re all there. you can play games with them, but always remember to stay smart about everything because the dares usually ends up with one of them in your pants (so be careful!). there will also be alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages (obvi) but please drink wisely.
“got it?” she briefly looked at you from her side. she sensed you were nervous so she wanted to brief you about everything because beidou’s parties? not for the weak.
“yeah, i got it. thank you yin, you’re the best!” you pouted and clinged to her arm which earned a laugh from her.
beidou’s house was gigantic! like a ship meant to set sail around the world like they did in one piece. you were clearly overwhelmed, every room of the house was lit up and music from the inside boomed from the outside.
you were starting to feel like this was a bad idea, but you didn’t want to bother yinxin with the hassle of taking you back home. besides, you were already standing outside of the house. the only thing left to do was go inside.
the inside of her house was elegance mixed with masculinity. you couldn’t describe how it precisely looked like, but it felt cozy and rustic. without knowing who beidou is or what she looked like, you imagined her to be broad-shouldered and masculine, but still carries herself with femininity.
you held onto your imagined version of her as you scanned the room for any faces that matched it. yinxin held your hand and guided you to where the drinks were. she was also scanning the room, seemed like she’s looking for someone.
“who’re you looking for?” you decided to ask your pre-occupied friend while you get some drinks.
“hypothetically, if i were to leave you here, would you hate me?”
“uhmm..” you thought for a second, “..no? why? where are you going?” you handed her her drink and you took a sip of yours, waiting for your friend to respond. you had no problem with her leaving you alone. it’s a party! everyone’s supposed to be letting loose and do their own definitions of fun.
you just wanted to know where she was headed so you know where to find her just in case.
“juza. over there..” she pointed at the long couch where a man in jeans and a white sleeveless shirt sat. you knew juza, but you didn’t know your friend had a crush on him. she didn’t want to leave you at first, but you insisted. she mouthed a ‘thank you’ then marched her way to him.
now that you were left alone, you figured a little exploring can’t hurt. so from beidou’s home bar, you found your way roaming around like a lost puppy. you barely made it to the foot of the stairs before an arm slung itself casually around your shoulders, stopping you in your tracks.
“there you are!”
a woman spoke with a low, velvety timbre that seemed permanently touched by amusement. you were supposed to feel scared considering you didn’t know who this woman was, but instead you felt.. butterflies?!
“do i.. know you?” you asked, unsure if you were being rude or not. maybe you had forgotten who she was?
“hmm..” she seemed to think, “i don’t know.. do you?”
you shook your head from side to side. she responded with a deep, quiet laugh, her breath ghosting across your ear as she leaned in. the closeness was enough to send warmth creeping into your cheeks.
“who knows? maybe it’s better that way.” she slipped her arm from your shoulders and gently turned you to face her. up close, she was even more striking. tall and effortlessly beautiful, she wore her dark brown hair loose, its glossy strands catching the colorful lights like silk as it covered her left eye.
you fake coughed when you caught yourself staring at her. “what do you need me for?” you decided to ask.
she shrugged, “been looking for someone to challenge me in beer pong.”
but you didn’t know anything about beer pong..
the woman in front of you seemed to have read your mind, “don’t worry! we’ll explain the rules if you’re up for it.”
how could you say no when she was looking at you like you were the most interesting person in the whole room. and that’s when it hit you—she’s a flirt. and you have to be careful as yinxin said.
you agreed. she told you to follow her in the game room, her friends already being there. the game room was spacious and held different kinds of table games and sports game balls. the owner of this house must be insanely rich, you thought to yourself.
the rules of beer pong were simple: sink the ball into your opponent’s cups, and they’d have to drink from the one you landed in. and the winner prize?
“i know a great prize for the winner!” the girl in braids spoke, eyeing each and every one of us for suspense. you were getting nervous because what if the prize was something crazy like a hundred dollars? what you didn’t know was that the prize was far more better than a hundred dollars.
“seven minutes in heaven with the host!” she screamed and everyone (except you) was riled up, saying that it was doable and a great idea. you weren’t a freak, of course not! but your plan presented itself to you without doing anything and you weren’t going to give up the chance of seeing this beidou character in person!
you weren’t really thinking about what happens behind closed doors playing seven minutes in heaven. you just wanted to win and finally get over the only item on bucket list.
long story short—you won. fair and square. the woman beside you looked at the final cup with the ball you threw so perfectly, it was floating on top.
your teammates cheered for you. their squeals were enough for you to look like it hurt your eardrums. one second you were happy, now you were beyond nervous when they all smirked at you and led you to a room that connected to the game room you were in. they told you to wait for your ‘prize’.
the room looked neat like it was well-kept and cleaned every single day. and somehow, that made your heart beat louder and faster than it already did.
the door suddenly opened and you were faced with.. hold on a minute—
“you’re beidou?!”
you couldn’t believe it. then, you remembered—broad-shouldered and masculine, but still carries herself with femininity.
shit.
“expecting someone else?” she laughed when she saw how surprised you looked.
“yes, actually. i didn’t know you were the famous beidou!”
“well..” she stepped closer to you after she locked the door behind her, “would you have preferred someone else?”
there she goes again! with her voice that was enough to make your panties fall down to your knees. not to mention she was wearing a black sleeveless shirt matching her red shorts—she looked absolutely beautiful. the kind of beautiful you only see on tv.
she leaned more—your faces were almost already touching. she smelled like a mix of alcohol and perfume. you closed your eyes bracing for the.. impact? you really didn’t know what was going to happen at the moment, but you thought it would be something like lips touching or something.
for a while, there were nothing but silence surrounding the room. then, she laughed and teasingly flicked your forehead. you opened your eyes and immediately got embarrassed. now you just look like a pervert, you thought.
“i don’t see you in parties often. this your first time?” she sat on the bed behind you and patted it urging you to sit down with her. you refused, suddenly becoming wary as you remembered your friend’s word about being smart.
“this isn’t my first time.”
beidou’s eyebrows arched upwards—like she didn’t believe a word you were telling her right now—but she nodded.
“do you know how seven minutes in heaven work?” she asked quizzically.
you hesitated, thinking of a lie to seem cool. but you went for the more honest answer you could think of.
“unfortunately, no..”
beidou laughed a bit, “how is it unfortunate?”
“i-it just sounds like a fun game..”
beidou explained to you how the game works. suddenly your teammates’ giggly reactions earlier made sense to you. you couldn’t help but hide your face in your palms in embarrassment.
“it’s alright if you don’t want to do anything! don’t worry, alright?”
well the thing was..
you actually wanted to do it. with her.
curiosity got the best of you and beidou could see it in your face as you looked at her, biting your lip.
beidou smirked, thought you looked cute.
“can we?” you asked for her permission.
“c’mere.”
that was all she had to say as you sat on her lap, then kissed her lips feverishly. her hands trailed on your hips, then your back, up to your neck as she deepened the kiss. she held you gently, like you were a piece of paper she didn’t want to crumple.
you broke the kiss to catch your breath. the room suddenly felt warmer and the next thing you knew, you were taking your shirt off leaving only your bra.
beidou couldn’t help but to stare at your perfect body. let’s be honest, everything about you was perfect in her eyes. it was the first time she felt like this and she couldn’t get enough of it—of you.
“you’re beautiful.” she said in a rather raspy voice, as she devoured your neck down to your collarbone, leaving marks on your soft skin.
(you left the party sore all over your body, hair disheveled, and a number on your arm beidou wrote with a pen nearby before letting you slip away from her grasp.)
arlecchino was hard to please. everyone knows that.
as a part of the university committee, she was booked and busy balancing her studies and her responsibilities as the senior representative.
she’s very particular when it comes to how she spends her time. and coming to the senior party held by yours truly seems like a waste of time.
you both knew each other. i mean, how could you not when you’re together in almost every single one of your minor classes?
however, even though arlecchino was cold and detached to everyone, you weren’t about to give up in making her come and enjoy your party.
a competition had been sweeping across campus for weeks:
WHO COULD THROW A PARTY WORTHY OF SENIOR REP ARLECCHINO’S TIME?
no one knew how it started, but before long, every club, organization, and social circle seemed determined to outdo the others, all chasing the same goal—to host the one party she’d actually enjoy.
arlecchino thought it was ridiculous. you thought it was challenging.
and you were never one to back down on a challenge. so, you gathered enough materials with the help of your friends and started decorating your house. and with the help of your friends in the university committee, you asked them to persuade the senior representative to go to your party.
it was a cold night and your guests were arriving in groups, one by one you greeted them with a smile on your face. the party was full of laughter, games, good music, and good food.
now, all you have to do is wait for her, determined to win and make her experience the best time of her life!
and just as you were about to refill your drink, the front door opened and it was arlecchino in a black leather jacket and black cargo pants.
she made her way to a single couch, easing into the seat and placed her motorcycle helmet on the nearby table before settling back.
the only issue was..
she looked absolutely bored.
“oh shit! isn’t that our senior rep?” your friend, yelan, whispered in your ear the moment she saw her.
“i win.” you looked at your friend with prideful eyes and winked. you knew this party would be a success! no one’s ever and i mean ever missed one of your parties. it was the talk of the town.
“not to burst your bubble or anything, but aren’t you supposed to make her have a good time? from the looks of it, she’ll probably slip out and go home once her friends are pre-occupied.”
you almost believed what yelan said when you saw arlecchino geting up in her seat. but you smiled when she left her leather jacket on the couch, claiming her seat.
“trust me, we’ll have fun.”
you wandered over to where she was sitting, picked up her jacket, and shrugged it on without a second thought, wearing it as if it were your own. spotting the drink another girl had given her moments earlier, you took a sip from the glass.
an unmistakably fake cough echoed beside you.
someone, apparently, wanted your attention.
your eyes glanced up, making immediate eye contact with a girl with white and black hair. she was leaning on the frame of the wall as she crossed her arms to her chest, somewhat amused at your sudden appearance on her seat.
“comfortable?” she asked, without sounding angry, though sounded sarcastic.
you leaned back on the couch, still staring at her. “i am.”
arlecchino knew of your reputation. the girl who likes to toy with people—a massive heartbreaker. there was one time she saw a girl crying in the bathroom because ‘(name) blocked me!’ or ‘i really love (name)! she said it was a one time thing and i just—’ (cue the loudest cry ever as her friends tried to calm her down).
ever since, she was always watching you. not in a creepy way, but in an observing manner. she knew you were a flirt—it was your forte. you were trouble and she didn’t want anything to do with you.
until today..
you were too pretty for your own good in her leather jacket, arlecchino didn’t even want to retrieve it back from you. this is bad, she thought. really really bad.
unfortunately, the same as you, arlecchino was competitive. she wasn’t going to be easily swayed by someone, especially not by a playgirl like you. she figured she’d have fun tonight for once.
a soft laugh escaped her as she slowly crouched in front of you, taking her time as her eyes swept over your borrowed outfit. “it fits you,” she murmured.
your breath hitched, suddenly all too aware of how close she was. “yeah?” you smirked, clearly getting excited about this—whatever this was for the both of you. “wanna know what else would fit me?”
your teasing earned a subtle clench of her jaw, accompanied by the ghost of a smile.
so that was your game?
well, she wasn’t about to back down. if you wanted to test her patience, she’d indulge you—for now. it wasn’t as if she had anywhere else to be.
arlecchino was far from stupid. she knew you were doing this because of the challenge going around the campus, but just how far would you go to please her? she almost felt pride swelling in her chest—that you were doing all this for her.
“how about you show me?”
she wanted to see you flustered. but that’s not happening anytime soon because you were enjoying her presence, her banters, her flirting. oh archons..
you held her gaze for another moment before rising to your feet. she followed suit without a word.
“but there’s no thrill in that,” you protested with a playful pout.
the sight drew the faintest smile from her. she found you unbearably adorable, though she’d never admit it out loud. closing the distance, you slipped your arms around her neck. you could smell your perfume with how close you were to each other.
it felt like it was just you two. the rest of the party seemed to fade into the background.
for the briefest moment, you managed to catch her off guard. the surprise was subtle, gone before anyone else could have noticed. she composed herself quickly, her hand settling lightly at your waist.
“what if we played a game?” she asked, amusement softening her voice as she humored your little challenge.
“what game?”
“seven minutes in heaven.” she whispered in your ear, her voice laced with playfulness. you couldn’t tell if she was being serious or not.
“the arlecchino playing seven minutes in heaven with little me?”
“are you backing out on your own games?”
you let out a disbelieving scoff at the sheer seriousness of her expression. with a small tilt of your head, you reached up and traced your index finger from her jaw to the base of her throat, watching carefully for any reaction.
you felt the way she gulped softly when you reached her throat, making you chuckle.
“i wouldn’t want to disappoint..”
you took her to your bedroom.
arlecchino’s kisses were harsh—the kind you’ve never received from anyone before. you were used to always being the one who takes the initiative to these kinds of things. but with arlecchino? you didn’t stand a chance to take control.
and you liked it.
she cupped both of your cheeks with one hand as she kissed your lips relentlessly. her other hand reached for the hem of your outfit.
“don’t take it off.” she breathlessly referred to the leather jacket you took off.
“you like it on me that much?”
“i love it, (name)..”
(the next day both of your names spread like wildfire around campus. your previous hookups were mad as fuck, but neither of you cared when whatever was going on with you two became a weekly thing. oh and, she let you keep the leather jacket.)
﹫ ꒰ 16lohens ꒱ 𖣂 masterlist.
a/n: WHERE ARE THE BEIDOU AND ARLECCHINO GIRLIES ?!?! this one’s for the girls who likes girls 😚 happy pride month !!! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Reader (name) // You! A 2nd year women kisser. Seriously, I don't know what to add here. You major in something, alright? That's your choice..
If it weren't for Fischl dragging you along to the theatre club during one of her visits, you doubt you'd have any of the people you hang out with today as your friends.
Fischl // Your friend from Highschool who works as an actress for the 'World of Wonders' theatre in Mondstadt! She and Furina are good friends who met during her visit to your campus, where she realized there was a theatre club and, naturally, dragged you there.
She has a 'pet' raven named Oz, though she thinks of them to be best friends. Oz and Fischl met when Fischl found a baby Oz with a sprained wing and nursed him back to health. Fun fact! Oz can replicate human words and use them properly in a sentence! Sometimes you can hear Fischl having full-on conversations with Oz, which freaks any surrounding people the hell out.
Furina // A 2nd year Musical theatre major, REALLY popular amongst the students for her acting skills. Good friends with Fischl, they usually bond over theatre plays together.
Sometimes Oz and Furina have silent stare-offs, which Fischl has to break them out of when she's done giggling to the side.
After meeting Furina, she dragged you and Fischl to meet all of her other friends, and that's how you've got all these funny, amazing people by your side now.
She has a fear of the new theatre director. Why? She had a vivid dream where the new director watched her drown during a scene in a play. And, honestly..? Fair.
Neuvilette // A 3rd year political science major who prefers water over literally any other drink, milk? He'd like some water instead, please.
Do not mention any of Teyvat's mythological elemental dragons around him, ESPECIALLY the Hydro dragon. He will talk your ear off (you've done this once, you know, for fun and... I kid you not, for almost 3 hours he spoke just about the DENDRO dragon).
Masterlist // Found delusion pt2
Summary:
Walking home after another late night shift, you find yourself stuck underneath a waiting shelter, hoping the bus will arrive quickly while gazing wearily at the clouds as they cry down upon the earth, and then at a stranger, their expressionless face and red, x-shaped pupils staring back at you. This horrifying exchange continues for at least 5 seconds, before the bus arrives and you rush on, taking the seat furthest away from the front and not daring to move your gaze away from your phone.
*You swear up and down that you did NOT mean to look at them for more than 3 seconds! You just.. didn’t expect them to be there, they weren’t there before okay!.. Well.. at least you won’t have to see them again!.. Haha.. hopefully… right?
promeia dating you slowly changes her and makes you realize how touch-starved she actually is. whenever you cradle her cheeks, she has this adorable look of curiosity and awe glistening in her eyes. sometimes, she closes her eyes to the tender warmth of your palms without really realizing. when you’re around and can’t really be by your side, she lowkey stares longingly. promeia rarely initiate kisses simply because she doesn’t know how to seek them out. so, you learn to pick up on her little habits or ask! she starts to get comfortable and awkwardly asks for kisses!
did i say she’s your watchdog and literally would kill anyone on the spot if you’ve told her that they’ve harmed you in anyway?
i love neurodivergent characters bro. I wanna to do a lil sum since I’ve been busy with life lately
Please leave comments and your thoughts on the chapter, they motivate me lots! Thank you <3
If there is one thing that is the cruellest of all, It must be suffering. A life taken unjustly, by hand or tragedy, those who are forced to live in hardship, not having enough food to sustain themselves or a place they can call their own, and by night's arrival, crawl into a warm bed.
All these essentials to live a satisfactory life, do unfortunately not come to all. That's why Cookies harbour wishes, hopes for a better day to come, a better life. To grant Cookies' wishes, is to grant them betterment.
That's what the Flour of Volition believes.
There's movements around her person, hands adjusting her hanfu and pinning her hair into place. Every touch is gentle, and maintaining an even rhythm, Flour of Volition tracks each movement in the corner of her eye with the same diligence she embodies, and with each shift of her position, a laugh softer than the spring breeze reaches her ears and guides her chin back forward— a simple gesture that has her face dipped in warmth.
"Flour...Please keep your gaze forward." You giggle, securing another pin into her pale hair. "I am almost finished."
"I apologise..." She murmurs sincerely, her eyes drop down in fluster but soon, quietly roams back to watching you work. The sun was submerging into a sea of bold colours, making rays of gold leak into the open window behind you. It made you look...glowing, heavenly, more so than you already were.
She studies your visage before looking ahead once more, her heart beating louder than the gong used to announce the start of a wishing service
You had that look about you again...that wistful expression. You often bore that countenance during prominent moments of quietness.... she never could truly gauge what was happening in your mind during those junctures in time. You often frequented the Pagoda, you'd drink tea with her, clean the passageways of the temple or assist her with preparations for the wishing ceremony, as you are now. All of these things you did out of your own will. You never asked for anything in return, you just..were here.
Another pin fastens into her hair. You gently instruct her to lift her arms and she does as you bid.
It was as puzzling to her as it was pleasantly relieving, to be in the presence of another without the expectancy that she'd need to grant their wish. Although...Every Cookie has a wish, do they not? Its in their nature to seek worldly ambitions and pine for them.
Yet, you never voiced any desires or gains you wished to have....is it odd that she wishes you would?
The Saint traces the concentration evident on your face, then down to the Souljam displayed on your chest. Redemption...She sometimes wonders what the tenets of such a concept entails.
it must come with a heavy responsibility to shoulder. You hardly divulged the inner workings of your thoughts or how you felt, not even how your day had transpired at the cathedral. Any inquires was met with dismissal, not cold, just aloof, like you didn't want to go into it. The dark colouring under your eyes, blank stares you hold when you think no one is looking and the innumerable inconspicuous cuts and bruises on your dough are further proof of that.
Her flour-coated lashes fall over her eyes. She can't deny that she yearns to fulfil your heart's desires, to leaven the burden that must come with your purpose.
"Do you have a wish?" She asks, she isn't sure how to best eloquent her voice.
You pique up from behind her. Your hands lowering from your task of brushing out her waist skirt. "A wish?"
For a while, you're silent. The flour of Volition looks to you, anticipating your answer, her hands clasp together, unexpected nervousness budding along her nerves. Usually she can determine a person's wants fairly easy, but she can't deduce you.
You were like a star.
A blinding ray of light, beautiful and comforting, yet too fleeting to hold, even if thought to have captured its warmth, it soars out of reach, always straying worlds away and leaving behind longing.
It's then you speak. "Hm, well...no I don't think I do."
"Do you truly not wish for anything?" She probes, the words escaping her lips a bit too fast. The two of you have had this conversation before, it doesn't deter her from asking again.
A small smile quirks the corners of your mouth and you return to securing Flour of Volition's waist skirt. "Indeed." You cease what you're doing. "Is there a reason you're asking this for?"
"I just..." Flour of Volition's eyes lid, her gaze softening. "I don't want you to suffer or feel dejected." She doesn't finish the sentence. Instead she turn around and takes your hands in hers. "If there's anything you want, I can grant it, no matter how big or small, all you need to do is tell me."
You stare at her, and she at you, finding herself getting captivated by the hue of your eyes, she wonders if you see the world just as bright as she does when you're around.
Your hand travels to brush back a strand of her white hair. "Flour...you don't have to worry, truly."
Greed has everything and nothing all at once.
It arises from the depths of ones heart and exhausts in an relentless cycle to satisfy that which can never reach satisfaction. Greed follows where wishes goes, they're never ending, and why shouldn't they be?
Those who desire for simple luxuries will soon wish for more, a constant hunger for value, it matters not how pure a want is when the practise of it in itself warps into poisonous monster. Is this what her will had lead her to? The corrosion of everything she once cared? Or... had it been like this all along? This...ugliness?
What a meaningless reality. Everything is for naught, wishes, desires, ambitions, volition. All of it...
Her voice was dull admits each shallow breath her body forced her too inhale. "...How could this happen? My meditation revealed nothing but Apathy. And yet my body did not crumble."
The Grand Temple was desolate, laden with the remains of the greedy, the not, and a fog that marred the halls in a veil of white. She looked around with the last bit of strength she had.
A glimmer across the room caught her eye. The Flour of Volition rises from the debris of her cocoon, her attire tattered and smeared. Fatigue weighed down her whole body, she walks toward it. A low table, on it stood a tea set...It appeared handcrafted from wood, woven with intricate details.
She doesn't remember having this.
There's was a letter, folded, leaning in front of the crockery. She picks it up, glossing over it with detachment, until she notices a fine scribble. Her name.
It was your handwriting.
Something akin to hesitation stirred into her movements. Her expression doesn't waver, still she carefully unfolds the letter.
I carved this tea set for you for when you emerge from your cocoon. I hope you found the enlightenment you were looking for. (Would you to tell me about it during our next tea gathering? :D)
You.
...
Tears are in vain, they're hollow. and utterly pointless. So why was she crying? She didn't notice, didn't notice the splodges appearing and smearing the ink on the paper or the quiver of her hands the longer she holds the letter.
You..
She brings the paper to her chest, hugging it close, it crinkles under the weight of her desperation embrace. Her empty gaze lifts, staring at nothing. Her sorrow vanishes like the mist in the air, and taking it's place is apathy.
"...Indeed. For this is the right path. A meaningless path into the void... to free Cookies from the ugliness of greed. "
...And thus the Saint of Volition became the Seeker of Apathy.
The Ivory Pagoda was in a state of stagnation, it had been so when it was derived of it's master for eons, and continued to be when it was not.
Mystic Flour Cookie sat on the polished tiles of the Grand Temple, hands folded on her lap, the delicate, colourless fabric of her dress covering the expanse of the ground. Her eyes were closed, expression void of emotion, fixed solely on the vacancy of her senses.
That is, until a shadow rips itself from the darkness that lurks in the corners of the temple.
Cloud Haetae Cookie shots up from their curled position, growling at the intruding figure, only backing up, tail beneath their legs, when shadows lash out at them.
The silhouettes retreat, curling at Shadow Milk's footing.
His cane taps against the dark beige tiles. The Beast himself watches the Haetae with mild interest before turning his attention to the centerpiece of his visit. Mystic Flour Cookie didn't need to look to know who was there and the moment pauses in a uncharacteristic silence for a obnoxious showman such as he.
"Your presence disturbs my focus." She said, tone possessing no reprimand or tolerance to his arrival. "Leave."
A grin stretches onto the fool's visage. "Aww, is that any way to greet old friend?" The cane swings in his grasp and he takes an bow. His voice adopting an insincere edge. "In any case, accept my humblest apologies~"
Shadow Milk Cookie glances up with a nefarious glint. "I do hope you can find it in apathetic heart to forgive this lowly Jester..." His smile widens. "Especially with the news I bring~ News you'll find...most delightful."
Mystic Flour said nothing in response.
The master of Deceit circles behind her, floating a few feet above the floor, eyeing her for every minuscule reaction she may give, when she gave none, he scoffs lightly, making a full cycle around her.
"That ever- so miserable king of yours should be on his way, shouldn't he?" Shadow Milk turns his back to her, examining the flat surroundings. "I saw his ship on my way here."
Mystic Flour Cookie's back straightens again. "Get to the point."
Shadow Milk flips, watching her countenance upside down. "Impatient, are we?...." The Beast giggles, mismatched eyes travelling to the side while he draws out his next words almost innocently. "There's a Cookie with him."
He lines his body up again and he sighs. " A adorable little thing~" Shadow Milk looks back, his eyes crinkles in wicked amusement. "...And one we're veryyy familiar with, care to take a guess?"
Mystic Flour Cookie's eyes open, half-lid and distant, staring at him like she wasn't truly there, nonetheless, Shadow Milk Cookie hooks onto the reaction, turning around to face her fully. Pointing his cane in her direction. "Oh my....Is a that crack in your apathy I see?~"
The conversation reached a dead-end. Her eyelids fell down once more.
"whatt? No 'thank you' in return?" The jester mocks.
"Ah, I suppose not then...toodle-oo~"
The Beast vanished in a smoke of blue with every dramatic flair he came in with.
"Ah! What are you doing, pointing your sword at me?!" Cloud Haetae Cookie shouts, wide-eyed to the other one at other side of the sword.
Caramel Arrow Cookie tug back the nook of her bow, aiming it's tip at the Haetae as warning. "How about an arrow then?"
"EEEK! Is this how you Cookies usually greet others?!" The Haetae recoils into themselves. "I've done nothing wrong! I am but a little Haetae, who has watched over this place for ages!"
To see this little Haetae after...eons is too bizarre for words, you'd known haetaes have a longer lifespan, but after this prologue isolation..had they been here all along? The last conclusive time you came here, you hadn't seen anyone, not in most of their dominions, like any trace of their once existence had been swallowed up alongside their imprisonment. Then again... you hadn't stayed around longer than you had too, nor were you in the right head space.
"Haetae?!" Dark Cacao Cookie repeats confused.
The Haetae props his head up proudly. "That's right! I'm Cloud Haetae Cookie! Faithfully following the orders of my honourable master" He stretches his arms out the the barren Pagoda. "So what do you think? This is the Ivory Pagoda, a temple once revered by many!"
The Dark Cacao warriors share a look, this wasn't what they were expecting when they anchored onto Beast-Yeast. A temple untouched by the wild nature. No one can deny it's strangeness, not you either, this finding was easy..too easy. You although can't do much now but hope everything goes well.
Dark Cacao's brows crease together. not swayed by Cloud Haetae's airy demeanour. "You said you had a master. Take us to them at once."
Cloud Haetae Cookie crosses his arms in offence. "Excuse me, put your sword away first!"
"Stop beating around the bush and take us to your master!" Crunchy Chip Cookie demands.
"Hmph...I'm a Haetae from a fine lineage, I'll have you know..."
You rub your face impatiently. This isn't going anywhere. You push yourself to the front and lower Dark Cacao's blade with your hand, whispering a swift reassurance to the king and kneeling down to Cloud Haetae's level of height. The Haetae blinks, watching you curiously as you offer him a soft smile. "Cloud Haetae Cookie, we are travellers wanting to find our way around the temple would you mind helping us?"
The best tactic you can concoct is this. Waltzing through the Pagoda by yourselves may bring about more risks than not and it may expose more of yourself than preferred. If there's one thing you cannot afford in these set of circumstances it's blowing your cover, you'd manage if some Cookies found out. Most wouldn't bat an eye to anything other than your Souljam.
But if the Beasts found out...you really don't want to image the events.
Dealing with Shadow Milk Cookie's maniacal advances were more than a implication to your tiring fate. You'd spare yourself the headache. Enough that they are going after the ancients as it, you can still protect them under the shroud a normal Cookie simply protecting their friend. You'd spare yourself the headache.
"Travellers?..." Cloud Haetae Cookie looks at you, expression blank. Their eyes examine you head to toe for a few minutes, then brightens suddenly. "Alright! I'll take you to see my master at the Grand Temple immediately!
You stand up and Cloud Haetae motion for everyone to come along.
Okayyy...that worked. You conclude.
The walk is a considerable distance, depended on the routes you take, the journey to the Grand Temple is different, the course Cloud Haetae Cookie is setting you on, is the longest.
The little Haetae is chatting up a storm, no one can fluently keep up with the abundance in which they talk, mostly about what you all see. The gates adorned the bronze, the streams of gold that flow along the bridges of the Pagoda and the budding Siu Mai flowers planted everywhere.
They're a kid at heart, carefree topics are meant to come at ease, therefore none of you actually interjects for a long while. But soon, the Dark Cacao King stirs the discussion.
"Pray tell, what is the name of your master?" He asks, and Cloud Haetae looks up from where they are skipping over the creases in the tiles.
Oh? You're one curious Cookie, aren't you? Cloud Haetae Cookie claps enthusiastically. "My master is the one named Mystic Flour Cookie!"
So she too had taken up another name, much like Shadow Milk Cookie. Titles alone were bestowed upon you all when you were baked, it meant serve as aid in fulfilling your lives missions. To discard that was to take back autonomy none of you were given, you to did that, be it for different reasons.
It's quite ironic how they adapted new identities and cast away who they once were, yet when it comes to you, they refuse to accept that you have done the same.
Why can't they just let go?
"And when was your master baked? I mean... how long has she existed on this land?"
Cloud Haetae shakes their head. "No one knows, My Lord. That's how long it's been." They lift their hands painting a descriptive picture from their words.
"Back when the land was completely barren, she welcomed any Cookie with the will to go on living. She fought to provide a better life for those Cookies!"
You hack behind the group, looking out over the temple, the drained leaves from the evergreen trees blows quietly, Mandu buds blossom along the creeks. To see this place in it's entirety is bittersweet to say the least. You once swore to yourself you'd never come back here, if not for safety than for the sake of your bleeding heart.
...You have a feeling you'll be taking back a lot more things you promised yourself the upcoming days.
with that thought, you join back into the conversation, standing next to Crunchy Chip Cookie as Cloud Haetae Cookie's story reaches it's climax.
"But all of a sudden, even more Cookies started showing up! Please grant my wish! Please save me! They'd say."
You despise how your heart wrenches at the reminder.
"Eventually, it all became too much for her." Cloud Haetae Cookie looks woeful, for the first time since you all entered the Pagoda. "She became the Leavened One, wrapping herself in a cocoon and focusing on her powers so that she may benefit all Cookies and grant their every wish."
She had always had a soft heart, perhaps too soft. The two of you were much alike in that.
Wanting to grant every Cookie's wish is not an easy feat, yet she was always so determined in her intent. Never waning from what she deemed was the best for Cookiekind. You had always admired her for that....and worried. Caring too much can eventually leads to caring too little.
Giving too much too fast, in extreme excess can make Cookies see their wants as mandatory, grow greedy even violent when their demands aren't met. You suppose this is the outcome.
Crunchy Chip Cookie furrows at the odd account of events. "What?! She wrapped herself in a cocoon? That sounds kinda creepy!"
You elbow him, sending him a sharp look.
"Ow, I'm just saying!" He defends.
Dark Cacao Cookie seems to ponder a moment. "And what happened to this... cocoon?"
"Follow me and you shall learn the truth, My Lord. Now then, let's keep going!"
────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
Previous | Next.
Hii! How was this chapter? Do tell me your thoughts! I read every comment and they motivate me tons <3 I hope I didn't make Mystic Flour too out-of character during her mid corruption. I tried to experiment with that descent into apathy a bit. And not too mention Shadow Milk being a little good-for-nothing snitch...Poor Reader Cookie.
"You've gotta be fucking kidding me! How hard is it to get one thing right around here?!"
Verosika reached for the nearest object and hurled it against the wall with all of her might. Glass exploded against the wall, the crystal vase transforming into a thousand glittering projectiles. Glaring at the scattered flower petals, as soaked and battered as the wall now was, Verosika snarled, her eyes flashing neon as she stalked to her desk. She brutally rummaged through a drawer until a well-crumpled letter emerged, clutched tightly in her gloved palm.
The succubus' pink eyes were shifting toward a neon fury as she stared at the letter in her hands, the sturdy paper barely holding itself together under the pressure of her white knuckle grip. Her eyes traveled the words in a frenzy, expression alternating between contempt, disgust, and unbridled wrath. Only occasionally did the despair manage to slip through, and only until the next vision of what she was going to do to that little shit formed in her mind.
Vortex watched the whole spectacle with a neutral expression, looking reluctant to even react to what was going on. The bulky hellhound had been around the block with his employer enough times to know when to keep his mouth shut, but she didn't always give him that option. Even as he thought that, her red-hot gaze swiveled to him. He was only thankful that her ferocious ire dulled to an outraged resignation when she locked eyes with him.
"One fucking thing. I just need one tiny little thing to put me in a good mood before a show, and ever since that little shit took a job with that stupid bitch Serena, I can't even get that!" A pink hand gestured in disbelief at the wall. Beneath the stains of fresh water and flower petals was the coffee cup that had hit the wall just moments before, and the brown stain of its former contents.
"Something wrong with your drink?"
"Of-fucking-course there is!" The unnecessary volume of her outburst carried through the walls, far beyond the gray-furred hellhound's position. "Three new assistants, three failures. Who the shit even applies to be a personal assistant without the ability to get a stupid coffee order right?!"
"You want me to go get you one? You write it down, I'm sure I could-"
"No, Vortex," Verosika sighed, her voice sounding every bit as defeated as she looked. "I need you here. With the mood I'm in, if one of those handsy little shits rushes the stage and manages to get up there, I think I might actually set someone on fire."
"Could be a good way to send a message to the other ones thinking about it." Vortex ignored the glare that he got in response to his comment.
"Whatever. Guess it's gonna be another night where everyone out there gets what they want, except-"
The sound of a soft, tentative knock at the door drew both their attention in a heartbeat. Verosika's brows knit together, one eye twitching in annoyance. Vortex straightened up slightly. He was aware—as was almost everyone on staff—that knocking on Verosika Mayday's dressing room in the last ten minutes before a show was a great way to end up fired. Or on fire. Or both, if she was in a particularly feisty mood.
"Better let me see who's brave enough," Vortex offered, already headed for the door.
"Whoever it is, I want them brought in here by the scruff of their neck. And if they're holding a coffee, I get dibs." Verosika sneered, then did her best to wipe the sour look off her face as she stepped to the vanity.
"...Huh."
With a drawer open and a half dozen brands already splayed in front of her, Verosika froze. Tex didn't make many sounds to begin with, and that definitely was not one she was used to hearing.
"Ugh. Are we getting robbed?" Verosika asked, swiveling an eye toward the door while she reached for a powder puff. "Because if we are, give them twenty and cancel the show. We can tell them they took the whole audio set-up."
"No, no. No, uh, no robbers." Vortex sounded... confused? Verosika blinked twice and pushed her chair away from the vanity without even an annoyed huff. "Not even a person, actually. But believe it or not, we did get that coffee you called dibs on."
"Wait, what the fuck?" The pink-skinned succubus crossed the room in four leggy strides, reaching Vortex's hip just as he turned to reveal a-
"Satan's ballsack, is that..." Verosika leaned in a little bit closer to inspect the cup. It was Hot Head Coffee, not her favorite choice, but a step above most of the shitholes in this neighborhood, which was a good start. Curious, Verosika found herself leaning forward, taking a slow, sensual inhale over the lid's vent.
"You think maybe I should be the one smelling the coffee that just walked itself up to your door?" Vortex suggested, already anticipating the denial.
"Please. Your nose might be killer, but I have the upper hand on this one." Verosika gave another deep intake, her pupils dilating a little as the scents mingled in her mind. "I'll be damned all over again, I think this one's perfect!"
"The hall coffee?" Vortex was thoroughly ignored, leaving him to only shrug as Verosika snatched the cup out of his hand, working to pry the tight lid off.
"I smell rose, I see the coconut cream, and... mmm, yep, there's definitely some heavy cream just seeping down this side, it's so- ...oh."
Verosika's face fell as she finally pried the lid off entirely. Vortex's eyes scanned the cup curiously, though his face remained neutral. He didn't see anything worth such a crestfallen look; the only thing he saw that she hadn't already called out was the pink sugar rimming the glass, something he expected her to love.
Before he could decide whether he cared enough to ask what the big deal was, Verosika reached to her belt, deftly uncorked a flask off her hip, and started pouring a hefty helping of Beelzejuice into the drink.
"Hey, I stay out of your way most of the time, but as your bodyguard, I really can't recommend strongly enough that you do not-" Vortex's words faded into a sigh as Verosika used one hand to lift the drink to her lips... and the other to flip him off. "Whatever. Just remember, bodyguard, not doctor."
Verosika chugged relentlessly, not stopping until the cup was emptied out entirely, as Vortex could tell by the casual way she tossed the emptied container into the trash. She let out a satisfied sigh, her tongue stretching its way across her top lip to wipe away a hefty dose of coffee and cream, eliciting one more pleasured groan from the dramatic succubus.
"I'll be damned. Someone around here actually knows how to take a decent coffee order," Verosika remarked, giving the tossed cup one more satisfied smirk before she sat back down at the vanity to resume her routine. Now with one extra check on the status of her lip gloss.
"The fact that whoever left this thing here knows enough about you to get your coffee order right doesn't exactly make it less creepy," Vortex noted, eyeing the door as if expecting an encore to the knock.
"Well, looks like we have a little mystery on our hands then, don't we?" Verosika hummed happily to herself as brushes twirled their way around her sharp features. "Say, Vortex, I've got a show to put on in a few minutes, but how about before the concert next week, you run a little errand for me…"
----------------------------
"Did you see V this morning?"
"Yeah, I was running the wiring. She tore that little shit-for-brains a new hole just so she could be the first to peg it."
"Should've known better than to have the star on deck for a sound check without double-checking everything."
"Damn, she must really be on a tear today. I guess it is almost their anniversary, isn't it?"
These last few months on tour had been rough. You slipped past the group of roadies, now arguing over equipment placement, none of them agreeing on the right mark for each piece. Not one of them had been here longer than a year. This was the very first show for two of them—the fifth crew change this month thanks to Verosika's volatile post-breakup temper. The fans never noticed the mistakes or the tension, too drunk or horny to see past the spectacle, but for the crew? Constant eggshells, especially since Silas quit.
For all her flaws, Verosika had always been a really fair employer. She didn't treat imps like dirt, she paid well, and before the break-up, she'd actually been downright pleasant most of the time. Maybe that was why, unlike the others, you didn't quit. Even when she was screaming, you didn't feel angry or hurt as much as you felt bad for her. And that was mostly what had led you that first coffee run.
As a costume designer, your busiest times were usually well before the final pre-show rush. Barring last-minute rips or sudden inspirational whims from Verosika, you often had pockets of time with little to do, which you usually spent people-watching. That's how you'd occasionally chatted with Silas. He was always stressed, always running, but during those brief moments, you'd learned things. Like her ridiculously specific pre-show coffee ritual – the one thing he dreaded messing up.
You could almost hear him listing it now, the frantic edge to his voice: "Double down bad almond chai latte. Rose syrup poured over the bottom, extra shot of almond cream on top. Slow stir, three times, don't blend it all together. Wet the edge of the cup with creamer, rim it with sugar, and finish it off with a load of heavy cream down the side—any side."
He’d been a pretty decent imp, that Silas, and a damn good employee. Shame his new job offer came when Verosika was least equipped to handle anyone leaving her, much less the closest imp she had besides her ex. You'd known he was important to her, of course, but you hadn't realized just how much the little things mattered until she fired three separate PAs over her coffee.
That was how you got inspired to deliver her a proper coffee before the show! ...And also why you were so terrified about it that you broke into a dead sprint the second that you knocked on her door.
You hadn't heard so much as a whisper about the drink since then, good or bad. You'd wondered if someone else had nicked it, or if her bodyguard had just dumped the whole thing, but she'd been in a weird mood since then. Not quite a good mood, but she was a little less volatile, spent a little more time around the crew, more like the days when you first joined up than the way the last few months had gone. Something had changed, and you were pretty sure it had to do with your little surprise.
"So, hey, why not risk my neck a second time?" You thought, rolling your eyes. "I'm gonna get so fired one of these days. Fired or killed..."
The hallway was quiet now, the pre-show buzz focused to a fine edge of frantic preparation and last-minute touch-ups. You were able to creep all the way up to Verosika's door without a hitch, the telltale rose-pink plaque with her name emblazoned in gold giving the otherwise unremarkable door more of a personal touch, something other than the inoffensive bland decor every venue covered their backstage in.
You took a nervous breath, held it as you glanced down the hall in both directions, then pulled the piping-hot coffee out from under your jacket, setting it carefully just outside the door's arc. You started to reach for the door, readying yourself for another ding-dong-ditch, when a shadow fell over your diminutive frame. A very, very large shadow.
"Well, well. Look what we have here."
Your head snapped up, blood running cold and turning your face from a deep red to a pale pink in an instant. Looming up behind you, arms crossed over a chest that was damn near bigger than your entire body, was Vortex. Both eyes were locked on you, no immediate signs of aggression, but not a scrap of amusement buried in that expression either.
"Fuck! I checked just a second ago. Where did he even come from?!" You tried to swallow, but your throat was barren and dry. Even knowing that you weren't actually doing anything wrong, coming face-to-face with Verosika's bodyguard like this was terrifying. She had to have set him out here to find the culprit. You were going to be fired. No, not fired—you were going to be set on fire.
"Huh. Kinda figured it'd be one of the newbies. Last I checked, you were working as a stylist, not a barista." Vortex gave a pointed nod toward the cup, shredding any faint hope that he might have missed it somehow.
"O-oh! Uh, hey, Vortex. Don't mind me, just, uh, trying to be nice. Dropping off a little gift for our boss. No need to thank me, I'll just be-"
"Save it," Vortex cut you off, voice as uninterested as it was unamused. "Boss wanted to see the person that's been dropping by."
He uncrossed his arms and reached for you. For a terrifying moment, you thought he was going to start choking you out, or mangle you up into a pretzel before carting you off to Verosika. Instead his massive paw wrapped firmly, albeit surprisingly gently, around your forearm, and pulled you aside so that he could open the door.
"W-wait, I didn't do anything wrong! I didn't mean anything by it; it really is just a normal coffee. I-"
Vortex ignored your protests and continued moving you around like you weighed nothing at all. Compared to him, you basically did. He knocked twice on Verosika's door, but didn't wait for a reply before pushing it open and casually pulling you inside.
The room was pretty, and surprisingly well-decorated for a backstage room at a one-off venue. But the decor and whatever personal touches Verosika added were the last thing on your mind—the pop star, looking annoyed if not outright venomous, had your full attention.
"Well, well, well. Look what the hellhound dragged in. You caught our little coffee fairy after all, Vortex?"
"Just doin' my job." Vortex didn't sound proud, exactly, but there was a slight tug upward on your arm, as if he were showing off a trophy.
"And I appreciate it." Verosika paused for a moment, her anger temporarily taking a backseat as she leaned in, her eyes shrinking to slits as she stared at you intently. "Huh. I was expecting one of the newbies trying to kiss ass. That, or some weirdo freak either trying to kill me or marry me, not sure which is worse. But I actually know you. You work over in costuming, don't you?"
"Y-yes, Miss Mayday, I-"
"Save it. Vortex, take a hike, I can handle this scrawny little thing."
"You know, you do pay me to protect you. Can't really do that if I'm not-"
"I'll be fine," Verosika replied immediately, waving his concerns off without even pretending to hear him out. "And if I die, you have my permission to make it look like an accident. That way you can keep your spotless record. Now, go tell everyone there's been a technical issue, or a delivery is late, or whatever else will keep that crowd tame until I get out there."
"Ah-" Vortex's words broke off into a light snort, the most surprise you'd seen out of him while he was working for Verosika. "Alright, boss, but you said it, not me. And you, behave yourself."
Vortex gave your arm a little squeeze to go along with the warning, just enough to remind you of how much those muscles could do, and then let himself out. Verosika didn't waste any time once he was gone—the moment the door clicked shut, Verosika stood and carried herself across the dressing room with long, flowing strides, each step punctuated by the dull tap of a stiletto against the barely-carpeted floor.
"Alright, 'coffee fairy', spill it," Verosika hissed, using her height to her full advantage. She leaned over you until you were looking more up than forward, with her palms flat against the wall, caging you in and leaving you with nowhere to look except at her. "What's a little stitch-bitch doing dropping coffee off? You looking for a promotion? Maybe hoping to get a little wet and wild with a succubus? Or are you up to something worse?"
"N-no! None of that, I swear," you stammered out, hands raised. Your eyes instinctively roved over her outfit, admiring your handiwork and inspecting the seams as your brain tried to process anything but what was about to happen to you. "I was just trying to do something nice for you. I know you've been-"
"Been what?" Your blood turned to ice, as if Hell had finally frozen over. The tone she used was practically a dare, an invitation to say something stupid.
"I know you've been dealing with a lot lately, and I- I wanted to help cheer you up by doing something nice for you. I've been working for you for a few years now, and I know you're not usually so... frustrated?" You barely stopped yourself from saying "short-tempered", an act that might well have saved your life, judging by the lethal intent behind those pink irises.
"Tch. As if. This is Hell, nobody does anything to be nice." Verosika lowered one arm to prod you on the sternum, her pointed finger just shy of painful as she pressed you fully against the wall. Once you were pinned she diverted her focus, pointing at the coffee cup still clutched in your trembling hand. "And how did a stitch-bitch figure this out, anyway? My own PAs have been fucking this thing up since Silas left, and yet somehow, you got it almost perfect."
"Almost? I thought I-"
"Not the point, shrimp!" Verosika's finger returned to your chest, this time poking hard enough to draw a wince from you. "Spill it—and I don't mean the coffee."
"I learned it from Silas! Honest, I did," you pleaded. "I have a lot of free time once the costumes are finished. I make any alterations you wanted after the last show, I patch up any unexpected damage, and then I usually go hang out and watch how things get set up. I used to talk to Silas when he was running around, he told me the order a few times and... I guess it stuck?"
"It just 'stuck', huh?" Verosika's tone made it clear how unlikely she found the whole affair.
"Yeah. You know, like when someone talks about how hard it is to remember a date, but then somehow bitching about it makes it stand out in your head?" You gave a weak shrug, the excuse ringing hollow even in your own ears. You had no idea how the order had stuck, or how it had popped into your brain weeks after Silas had left, but you were telling the truth... if only because you were too terrified to come up with a convincing lie.
"So you know my very specific order, you spent your precious free time running out to a coffee shop—twice now, at that—and dropped it off on my doorstep all to make me happy. What, you think a latte is gonna get you backstage passes to my afterparty?"
"No, ma'am! I just thought it might make you smile. I-I'm sorry."
She gave a laugh, harsh and sharp. Then it slowed a little, softened, more sarcastic than biting.
"You're sorry for trying to make me smile. Yeah, way to make me feel like a real bitch, huh?" Verosika still had a heavily skeptical sound to her voice, but she leaned back and straightened up, no longer towering directly over you.
"I didn't mean that. I just, um, if I upset you with what I did, I'm sorry. I swear, I just thought it might cheer you up," you pleaded, hoping to make your case while she was less focused on you. "I was going to hand deliver it, but when I knocked, I sort of panicked. You're a huge star, and we never really talk unless I'm making an adjustment on one of your stage outfits, and I started to doubt myself, I wondered if you'd even know my name, I started picturing you throwing the drink in my face and that just made me start sweating, and then I-"
"And then you started rambling on without really knowing what you were saying?"
"And then I started rambling on witho- oh. Shoot, sorry," you groaned, wincing at your own awkwardness. You were never the most socially talented, but you were better than this, damn it!
"You can unclench that little backdoor of yours, coffee fairy." For the first time since she'd been taunting you at the start, a note of whimsy returned to the pop star's tune. "I'm not going to fire you because you're sweating bullets. It's actually kind of cute."
"Um, well, I was just trying to say that I've been here long enough to know that you're not usually so hard on everyone. I know it's just because of all the shit you've been dealing with. I felt like it would be weird to say anything about it, though. I thought maybe the coffee would be a nice touch." You rubbed at the back of your neck, fidgeting nervously under her still-present scrutiny. "Y'know, something small, something that could remind you that there are still nice things in life, even when it's shitty?"
Verosika's expression shifted gears, her eyes screwing up for a minute as your words bounced around in her mind. She shifted her stance, eyes locking onto your face, digging through your features in search of... something, surely, but exactly what you weren't sure.
"You're an interesting little imp, you know that?" Verosika remarked. The suspicion was back in her voice, but it echoed off the walls with a new layer of scrutiny. "Is that really what you think? You think that because one or two little things are still half-decent, that makes all the godawful shit worth bearing?"
"Uh, well, when you put it like that-"
"You wanna know what you screwed up about my order?"
The question felt like a trap, but as she grasped the cup and dragged one of her long nails up the edge in a sensual way, you found it strangely hard to remain silent.
"Err, wrong brand of chai tea?"
"Oh, please. I'm not that picky." She paused for a moment, seeming to re-think her statement the moment it left her lips. "Okay, maybe I am. But I'm also realistic. I'm lucky if half of the shitholes we visit have a coffee shop that could make a basic-bitch latte without sending me back to my anorexia days; I'm not going to hold out for the perfect brand when even getting a cup worth drinking is a Hellish kind of miracle."
Verosika snorted derisively at her own complaint, her eyes traveling between your face and the cup for a moment, before she flicked the lid off with one deft movement. You instinctively went to reach for it, but she deftly stopped you with a single finger while otherwise ignoring the fallen lid.
"This is what I used to get. Maybe a little on the nose, but... it's me. And it tastes damn good," Verosika mused, her finger circling the drink's rim. "After what happened with that cretin Blitzø, I made one little change. I…"
Verosika paused, her eyes screwing up for a moment. Her lips curved downward, even more than they had while uttering Blitzø's name, and for a moment some of the fire she'd had when you first walked in came back. She sputtered and scoffed abruptly, glancing away from you, looking unusually abashed.
"I don't even know why I'm telling you this. You'll probably just think I'm some over-dramatic diva bitch. And I am. But I don't need to hear it." She sneered while still staring off at some point in the distance, then finally refocused her gaze on you. You weren't sure what she saw there; you were too busy listening to think about what kind of expressions you were making. Whatever it was, it quenched the flames as quickly as they'd risen.
"...I started asking them to burn the sugar before they rimmed the glass."
"Oh! That's interesting. Caramelize it a bit before-"
"No, not caramelize it," Verosika corrected, her voice a little harsh, her eyes traveling the circle of pink sugar with obvious distaste. "I said fucking burn it. With a proper little hellfire blowtorch; get it black before it starts to melt."
"Huh? But why?" Your expression became a gawk, not sure if you were more surprised by the preference or the hateful way she was laser-focused on the cup in your hand.
"Because I wanted to just think for one miserable second that-" Verosika's harsh words died in an instant when she tore her eyes away from the cup, suddenly realizing she was about to start shouting at an inanimate object. She turned her back to you, her voice curving around her shoulder as she tucked her chin into it.
"I wanted to see if I still liked it. I wanted to know if something could be damaged that badly and still make someone happy."
"...Oh." The word left your lips with much less enthusiasm this time. You fumbled for a few breaths for words that weren't there, thoughts that had been scattered by the unexpected revelation.
"Yeah. Melodramatic, right?" Verosika made a point of inspecting her nails, giving an exaggerated laugh. "What can I say. You don't get to be top bitch in my line of work if you're not over the top. And I mean both lines of work."
"I don't think it's melodramatic. I think it's poetic, and it seems like it means a lot to you." You stooped down to toss the fallen lid into the bin. "You should think about working that into a song. I mean, I'm no writer, but I think there could be a lyric there."
"Please, that thoughtful, philosophical shit? That does not go over well with the crowds we play to." This time the laugh seemed a little more genuine, even if it was still slightly judgmental. "If you wanna hit the numbers I do, you stick with songs that keep people wet, hard, and drunk enough to forget they even came to your show. That deep shit just brings everybody down."
"I dunno, maybe. But I think it speaks to people. You kinda caught a new crowd since you started doing your break-up songs, didn't you?"
"Oh, don't call them my 'break-up songs', please," Verosika groaned. "I get it, you get it, they all get it, and I can't exactly untangle them from him completely, but at least call them something else. They came from me—not from what happened between us."
"Doesn't sound like something you'd say if you really just did songs to keep people 'wet, hard, and drunk'," you pointed out.
"You really are a perceptive little fucker when you're not about to shit yourself, huh?" Verosika glared at you, but there was a softness in her grimace that belied the hardness in her eyes.
"I just... do a lot of people watching." You felt your cheeks brightening into a pinkish hue as something in the way she was treating you now started to sink in.
"Well, you're done with the people watching before shows from now on," Verosika said cooly, turning toward her vanity again. She snatched something silvery off the shelf and turned back toward you. "Two nights before each show, I want you off the costume team."
"Wh-what?! But I-"
"Cool your jets, I already said I'm not firing you," Verosika groaned, leaning in closer. She snatched the cup out of your hands and hoisted it up, taking a long swig of the long-cooled coffee. Once the cup was half-emptied she revealed the flask she'd snatched and tipped it over, pouring the whole thing in and taking another, noticeably longer drink. She didn't stop until the cup was fully consumed, save a trickle of cream that slipped along her cheeks until a single swipe of her long tongue caught it just shy of her chin.
"But... I'm a costume designer. If I'm not working on the team, then...?"
"You're a stitch-bitch. A damn good one, if I remember right. Which..." Verosika eyed the emptied coffee cup and the flask warily for a beat, then seemed to reach a decision and hastily tossed both in the trash. "Anyway, I still want you helping create the outfits. But the other slackers can handle a few ripped seams and adjustments just fine. You're not just a costume designer. You're someone with an eye for details, and for some reason, you seem to actually give a shit about me. Know what that qualifies you for?"
"...Unholy shit, are you offering me a job as your PA?" You murmured after a pause, eyes wide.
"A job? As my PA?" Verosika made a thoughtful sound, gently tapping her chin. Her look was playful, and her smile almost predatory. "Well, I suppose we can start there."
"Wait, then what were you-"
"Don't worry your pretty little head about it. I'll teach you everything you need to know. You've got the coffee down, I can be patient about... the rest of it," Verosika mused, her voice already taking on a sing-song lilt as she started for the door. She flicked her signature sunglasses over her eyes, the pink hearts blocking whatever her eyes might have shown you as she glanced over your shoulder.
"Now if you don't mind, I've got a show to do. See yourself out, and remember, last two nights before a show? That ass is mine." Verosika exited with a grin that showed off her fangs, shutting the door quickly behind her. You gawked at the closed door for a few heartbeats, your brain short-circuiting as it tried to process the storm of questions whipping around inside your head now.
"Christ on a stick, what the hell did I just get myself into?!"
