not to get cheesy but i think we're in the true golden era of x reader / x OC writing/art and i love it. bc i remember being a little 9 year old 20 odd years ago and being told how cringey it was to ship yourself or a character with a canon chara and now? now, it's EVERYWHERE.
I can't find the post anywhere anymore, but it has been in my head ever since I've read it.
It was a message for someone from anon.
The writer had written some headcannons about KJ and Raze (valorant fiction) and anon said something among the lines of :
"I hope you are still keeping KJ and Raze as lesbians. Do not disrespect the lesbian community by making them straight!"
Brother. I'm gonna hold your hand when I say this...
It's fiction. The writer can write however they want. You could say the same thing when someone turns clearly straight chracater - gay - in their fiction. It's fiction. There is no disrespect in this.
The only disrespect is your fucking opinion and THE AUDACITY to message the writer those things.
Cw: Swearing; torture; blood; medical experiments; panic attacks; malnourishment
Summary: For over a year, Y/N was held in a soviet experimentation facility. Forced to fight and claw her way to live, she managed to stay alive. When the 141 rescues her, they get way more intel than bargained for.
Chapter One
"What the bloody fuck is this..." A gruff voice spoke. I slowly looked up with wide eyes and nearly shat myself at the sight.
A giant behemoth of a man in a skull mask stood still, his body language relaxed but on guard as he stared in my direction.
His boots clunked heavily on the floor as he approached me, his gun still held at the ready but not pointed in my direction. I couldn't see his face, but his frown was apparent in his voice.
"Mactavish, I've found something... or someone, rather." He said, tuning in on his radio. I never once took my eyes off of him, unsure of if he was even real or not. Perhaps I had already died and this was the grim reaper to take me away...
"I don't understand, L.T." A staticky voice came through his radio.
"A woman. In a cage."
"Last I checked this wasn't a sex dungeon." The voice on the radio had a Scottish accent, dripping with amusement.
"Not joking." The British skull faced man said gruffly. "Finish clearing out the building. Then get to the rendezvous. I'll meet you there."
"Copy."
As he finished giving his orders, he knelt down next to the cage. "Who are you?" He demanded.
I scrambled back in the cage until the bars pressed against my bare back. I tried to speak, but my voice only came out in cracks after long-term misuse.
"Ah. Gotcha." He seemed to understand, or maybe he simply thought I was a mute. I saw his eyes flicker up toward the label on the cage.
"Subject 237: "Banshee"." He read aloud. "Stay where you are. I'm opening this blasted thing." He warned. "Try anything and you're dead."
I nodded slowly, desperate to let him know that I understood English. My eyes never left him as he shot the lock on the cage, despite my flinching at the sound.
"Out you go." He demanded, his gun still at the ready. My knees protested in pain as I crawled toward the entrance of my cramped confinement. I had almost forgotten about the chain and collar around my neck.
I could see his eyes widen slightly as I crawled into whatever light the room had offered; they darted around my scarred naked form as he observed me.
"Fuck did they do to you..." He mumbled below his breath.
The chains length only went so far for me to get an inch of room past the cage door. He knelt down in front of me. My traumatized brain flashing danger signs with every movement.
"I won't hurt you." He said in a low tone, one hand coming up to reassure me. "Not unless you try to hurt me. Just need to take this off..."
His hand darted toward the chain around my neck, causing me to flinch at the rapid movement. I could hear him curse underneath his mask as he realized a key was needed.
"Wait. Here." He ordered, standing back to full height before he went to raid the dead corpses in search of the key. He found it on the assistant's body with impressive speed before walking back over and swiftly removing the steel collar that kept me in place.
I hissed in pain once more as the cold damp air hit the sores on my neck, my hand going up to rub them instinctively. His hand was on my wrist now, stopping me from rubbing.
"We should get a doctor on that. Or on you in general..." His gun was lowered now, seeing as I had made no room to attack him. "Do you have a name?"
Once his hand was off my wrist, I pointed a shakey finger toward the label on the cage. He shook his head at this. "No, that's what they called you. I mean a real name." He insisted.
I frowned and looked to the ground. I had one. Over the course of a year, somehow, it had fled my memory. Nobody called me it anymore anyway. I turned my gaze back toward him with an apologetic look.
He sighed. "No matter. It'll come back to you. Let's get you out of here."
He swiftly walked over toward the scientist and removed the lab coat from the corpse.
"Put this on." He demanded, handing it to me. I complied. The fabric swallowed my malnourished body as I looked down, as if just now realized how gaunt my once healthy body had become.
He seemed to be looking at me expectantly. My legs tried to hold me up, screaming in agony as I stood slowly with atrophied muscles. I stumbled, my knees slamming against the linoleum tile. I cringed in pain as they did.
"Fuck." I heard him say before I was lifted and thrown over his shoulder. "Let's get you out of here." I watched as he seemed to notice a file on the table... my file. He snatched it up quickly and stored it away before the same voice I had heard earlier came in on the radio.
"L.T., you copy?"
He spoke into his radio with a sense of urgency. "Aye."
"I'm at the Rendezvous point now. The building's cleared, so you should have a clear path as long as there's no stragglers."
"You have my appreciation." If it were possible to hear a smirk, you could swear he wore one under the mask.
"Get here safely, and you'll have mine, Sir."
The radio went silent once more as I was carried out to the hall like a rag doll. Hell, I probably weighed less than one at this point. My eyes were wide as I saw all the death that littered the building.
Unable to push down the sick sense of satisfaction that came from seeing my tormentors dead on the ground, I managed the smallest hint of a smile. The first one I've worn in what seemed like forever.
The man on the radio was right. A path was completely cleared, seeing as my rescuer never once had to stop for any threats.
Until we exited the building, at least...
Gunshots were pouring out as my eyes adjusted to the rising sun, unaccustomed to the light. I felt my body thrown behind something as my rescuer took cover beside me, firing multiple shots.
Once my eyes adjusted, I blinked them open to see we were behind a set of barrels. I managed a small peak at our assailants before I was forced back behind the cover with an angry "stay."
I frowned as he continued making his shots before requesting backup. I guessed the soviets really didn't want him escaping this one with how many men were sent.
Opening my mouth to try to speak, my voice cracked and strained severely. "Ears..." I mustered. I saw his eyes flicker to me for half a second before refocusing on his targets.
"Ears." I tried again, miming for him to cover them.
"Noise reduction headphones, kid." He said gruffly. It was then I noticed that his ears were already covered.
I glanced back once more, placing a hand on his arm to prepare him slightly as I gathered all the strength I could.
I screamed. The supernatural-esque sound reached nearly two hundred decibles, equivalent to a large bomb. I heard glass shattering and the sounds of people crying out in pain. My throat was raw by the time I let my screaming fade to an end.
The enemy gunfire ceased, and even the man beside me looked temporally disoriented. He grunted as he got his bearings back and shot those writhing on the ground in pain. They weren't wearing ear protection, I noted, finally looking up from my spot behind the steel barrels. They must've been deployed in a hurry.
Once the waves of gunfire ceased, I heard a shuffling motion and a click beside me. My rescuers gun was now to my head.
I looked at him with wide, fearful eyes as he stared me down.
"What the fuck are you?" He demanded. I flinched, but the scream had left my throat too damaged to speak. I could only croak out a few sounds, none of them enough for form even a single word.
"Don't. Move." He demanded, pulling out the file he had snatched earlier from its space between his vest and his chest.
I watched him with unblinking eyes as he opened it. "Are you even human anymore?" He asked seemingly to himself as he scanned the front page of the file.
Something he read caught his eye before his gaze landed on my frightened expression once more. "Show me your teeth."
Hesitantly, I opened my mouth. The barrel of his gun moving to pull my lip back further. I could've sworn I stopped breathing as he revealed the pair of sharp fangs that had been surgically fastened to my canines. His eyes then lowered to my throat. Underneath the sores was a jagged surgical scar where they had altered my vocal chords.
I couldn't read his expression due to his mask, and his eyes said nothing.
"You scream like that again and I'll kill you." He stated matter-of-factly. He didn't seem to care that I just gave him a major advantage against his enemies. I watched him cancel the request for backup before I was thrown over his shoulder once more.
The Rendezvous wasn't far; he experienced no more hiccups in getting me there. I blinked as I observed the abandoned factory, the floor creaking with each of his heavy steps.
I felt my weak body stumble as I was set down on the floor. I winced in pain before a new set of footsteps approached.
"Good to see ya, Sir." The voice that once cracked through radio waves was now just in front of me. I looked up to put a face to a voice. This man wasn't masked, I managed to get a good look at his face.
"Sergeant." The tense tone in my rescuer's voice was gone now as he greeted the other. I listened in as he updated his teammate on the situation.
"Experiments?" His Scottish accent was thick with confusion. His attention turned to me as he knelt down to my place on the ground. He seemed to be observing me, a slight crease between his eyebrows as he did.
Not a trace of fear entered his eyes even once as he looked at me. "Call me Soap, lass."
I blinked at his friendliness, a stark contrast to the other man's battle hardened tone.
"That over there, That's Ghost. He's the one who got you out of there." Soap's hand went to his hip as he unlatched something from his vest and held it out to me. "You'll probably be wanting this."
It took a minute for me to realize what was in his hands but once it clicked, I snatched the canteen quickly and fumbled it open. I heard him chuckle as I drank greedily, the room temperature water doing wonders for my dry throat.
"Slow your roll and don't drown yourself." He lightly lectured as I pulled away in a coughing fit once my greed bit me in the ass by sending water down the wrong pipe.
I watched him turn to Ghost, a quizzical look in his eyes. "She doesn't appear dangerous."
"Appearances can decieve." Was Ghost's response. "Show him your teeth."
I cringed at having to go through this again before I bared my fangs hesitantly. "She was heavily altered. I'm assuming they were creating human weapons."
"That all?" Soap scoffed, seemingly not intimidated. Ghost shook his head.
"They called her Banshee. Her vocal cords are altered as well. I watched her practically burst the eardrums of five enemy soldiers. Hell, nearly had my own eardrums bleeding."
Soap nodded and took the canteen back as I handed it to him. "She's so scrawny. How long have you been there?" He asked me.
Ghost placed a hand on his shoulder. "Her voice is fried. Gonna have to get back to the compound and have a more thorough look at her file. Where are the others?"
Soap stood to his full height. "Gaz and Price are clearing out another facility nearby. They should be here soon."
A new voice called out, turning the heads of all three of us.
"Soon? Try now."
The two strangers, we'll at least strangers to me, walked up. The older man looked at me with an expression I couldn't quite identify before speaking.
"Ghost.... fill us in."
-----------------------------------
Typos? In my fanfic? Liar. (Pls point them out to me as we don't do roughdrafts in this household. We die like Roach here 🫡)
A/N: thank you all for the love this got from just the Prologue alone <3 sorry if anything feels off. I'm a secondhand fan and never touched the games lol.
°This took me a while and I am surprised this finished first than the Yasuo fic I was writing. I haven't proofread this so you have been warned!
Kayn had yet to wander around the woods again.
Or any place that has woods really.
He had successfully beaten Rhaast unintentionally but with a cost of loneliness. Talking to the scythe or per se the Darkin was all he had after Zed died and killing Jhin.
This happens whenever he slanders groups or goblins that he finds in his way. Stealing their valuable belongings and selling them to merchants. It's rare for him to take any interest in them, he just wants power—to kill. He would then go to the nearest forest, walk around or take a stop and listen to the whispering sounds of the trees.
He thinks it's much better than silence and denying the fact that he missed Rhaast's Darkin ramblings.
Today was different or so he thought.
He saw a camp with small bandits and thought of a chance to swiftly kill them and steal goods. The unlucky part was that they called reinforcements, almost catching Kayn and leaving wounds around his body as he escaped.
Almost
He thought, it was fine at least. It is better to go home with heavy wounds than to be dead.
Kayn limped to a village, a possible scenario coming in his head: as he limps towards the village, someone would spot him, help him clean and heal his wounds, and with him fully healed he can have the chance to steal—if they resisted he would not give them any chance to live.
Instead of lively markets and kids running around—he found an abandoned village.
"Today is not my lucky day, I see."
Despite the calmness, he wanted to throw a fit and scream. He can't die because of blood loss from a big wound given by a stupid hunk taller than him. He shouldn't be!
Kayn rested his back on the brick wall of an abandoned house and sat. He couldn’t see or hear any noise but the wind passed by his ear as it sang.
The sun was going down, a sunset. Colors of orange-red and the faint yellow slowly disperse as a deep blue color rises into the sky with the glittering stars. Other than listening to the silent melancholy of the forest, Kayn thinks the sight of the night sky is beautiful. He can make out the constellations or even make a new one.
He looked down at his resting body, dried blood and grime. Kayn grimaced when he moved his body to make himself comfortable. He should think of something that could help stop the blood, wrap a cloth around it before he could drop on the sandy floor and slowly die from blood loss.
A soft melody he heard. His ears perked like a cat hearing its prey. Kayn shakily stood up, the scythe as his support. Putting his weight on the brick walls Kayn limps again to follow the sound lingering to his ear.
The moonlight glowed on a tree—a weeping willow tree perhaps. Its leaves softly danced with the wind, the melody becoming louder. There he saw a lone girl, sitting under the tree a lute cradled with her hands.
Kayn stopped and stared at the girl in silence. Eyes would move to the birds flocking around the girl and look back at the girl. He could see her fingers strumming on the strings and her eyes closed as if she is also drowning in her music as Kayn is.
He felt tired. The heaviness on his shoulder didn’t help, his head then started to spin and his vision went blurry.
Pain shot his side, Kayn gasped for air and cupped his hands at the side to grab his scythe. His heart fell when he couldn't feel the familiar weapon. Noticing he was sitting on a bed almost smaller than him and the bandages neatly wrapped around his wounds.
"You're… awake." A soft voice emerged from the door he didn't notice.
His eyes widened at the person standing at the door, "You… you are that person playing the lute." Kayn internally cringed at the roughness of his voice, he saw the flinch of the girl's body.
An easy target
You placed down the wooden tray beside him and poured tea on his cup and gave it to him, "Drink it, it will regain your strength—or at least help you."
Kayn reluctantly accepted the cup from you. He couldn't trust you immediately, though he is injured and the scythe is nowhere to be found so he is helpless in your hands.
At least he could try befriending you before killing or selling you.
He quickly drank the tea clean and right after Kayn asked your name.
"...I don't tell my name to people like you."
Kayn's fake smile fell, "What?"
"No—I can't tell you my name." You didn't elaborate why and left him alone in the room, leaving the tray beside Kayn.
He tried to stand up and catch up to you but the gash on his torso sent him a painful feeling. Kayn cursed under his breath, the wound had opened and blood started to seep in the pristine bandages.
Have you ever tried to stitch his wound while he was unconscious? Or were you doing it on purpose knowing who he is.
Nothing to do, Kayn laid down on the bed and stared at the dully looking ceiling, cobwebs in each corner of the room. His eyes squinted, there were drawings on the ceiling from stick man to trees and ugly looking houses. This might have been a child’s room, he wouldn’t know at first because there was nothing in the room other than the dresser and the bed he’s using.
What are you doing right now? Maybe you found out that he is a wandering assassin and also found his scythe—
He shot from his bed, he winced loudly enough for you to hear.
“What is wrong with you!?” You cried as you ran to the assassin curling in the bed.
You shoved his arms away from his torso to take a look at his bandages. Horror filled your face. The bandages you wrapped around him in the morning have been soaked by his blood, you lightly touched the bloody part of his torso, red painted your whole palm.
“Ev-everything is blurry.”
The assassin weakly stretched his hand toward you as you hurriedly took your lute.
“Don’t move.” You said as you prepared your lute. Surprisingly, he followed and slowly lay down on the bed. His eyes never left you.
You closed your eyes and started to strum your lute.
Slowly, Kayn’s eyes were closing and his breathing became calm, but you didn’t stop. The faint green glow from the assassin’s torso brightened as you quickly played the instrument. Your breathing became rigid and your heart quickly ran, you needed to at least close his wound completely, forget the anesthesia later.
When you felt the wound slowly closing you stopped playing and took a deep breath. You never healed a person for awhile, especially this critical. You were taught to heal small scratches and cuts from knives, not in this kind of situation.
You placed the lute beside the bed and opened the dresser to take the bandages.
Slowly, you removed the soaked bandages with a swift cut after you reached out to pluck a tone out of your lute. You throw the bandage somewhere in the room, you take note to throw it in a proper place later after patching the man’s wounds.
You took your lute and the bloody bandage and left the room.
Bard! That man is dangerous!
“I couldn’t let him lay there bloodied.”
He is a wandering assassin! Zed’s child!
“You, little bird, should stop snooping around people’s business. Also I don’t know who Zed is and I don’t want to know what he does.”
You shaked off the sparrow and walked outside the house to do the things you usually do. You swing the lute behind you and throw the dirty bandage beside the work table.
Were you injured!?
Bard there is an injured fawn! Help him!
You ignored the question and hastily followed the forest wolf to the woods.
“Ah, stepped on a bear trap.” You winced as you looked at the trap gritting on the fawn’s left leg. The fawn turned its head at you and tried to run but fell. You slowly walked towards the forest animal, careful not to startle it.
“It’s okay, I can help you.” You said with softness in your voice, scared that it would try to run and hurt itself even more. You reached your hand to pet the fawn’s body and it calmed, its head slowly laid on the grass. This was your time to use your lute again.
Thank you for treating my son, bard of healers. Said the mother. You are the only one I trust among the humans.
“There are others that are like me, you don’t see them often.” You said to the mother deer who is laying down in front of you with her children, the fawn you healed is on your lap as you continuously pet his head.
Quite unlucky then. Unlike you, they hunt us and use our heads as trophies, I am glad a person like you exists. A gem.
“Well I exist to help the injured, nothing special about the bard of healers mama doe.”
Hmpf! Nonsense, you do not place traps in the forest.
“Speaking of traps, I will remove them so you and the other families can roam freely.”
You stood up, the mother followed you and her other children. The fawn who laid on your lap ran to his mother.
What do you say to her?
Thank you bard!
“You are most welcome.” You said, putting your green cloak on and its hood over your head.
You waved the family goodbye and started to walk back to the village to get your pack for taking out traps and ropes scattered in the forest.
“I did not know you were strange.”
You froze on your tracks, the crunch of leaves slowly drew near you. It stopped when a hand grabbed your arm and forced you to turn around. Gosh you hate having those eyes stare at you like you were prey. You tried to shake his grip on you but it tightened instead.
“Let go of me.” You gritted between your teeth. How could this man recover so quickly even losing that much blood, you couldn’t imagine the possibilities that this man is immortal.
Your heart dropped when he chuckled, his wicked smile fading when he looked at you.
“Not until you explain what you did to my wound.”
Kayn aggressively dragged you down the hill, ignoring your trips on rocks here and there. When you two reached the house Kayn’s grip on you let go as he almost threw you on the wall. You gripped on the chair beside you.
“Sit.”
It was risky if you tried to fight him and you were drained from healing two things an hour apart. So you sat, quietly as you stared at his eyes. He stared back at you while he leaned on the door frame, ready to capture you if you tried to escape.
“Obedient. You are smart not to go against me.” Kayn said as he lifted himself from the frame, slowly advancing his way towards you.
“I recommend you not to hurt me.” You spoke, clutching your back to ease the aching pain Kayn had caused. “That will cause you problems.”
Kayn scoffed, leaning down at the level of your face. Your noses an inch close to touching, “Why? A healer isn’t rare around the place, no?”
You bit your lip. Healers… were not rare— not, until slave traders raided the village and took everyone except for you. This person might not know about the abduction years ago or he is insulting you and your people.
“You don’t know what is circling in your veins.”
“My veins?” Kayn’s eyes widened as he stood away from you, his brows then furrowed. “What do you mean by that?”
“Your wound, the big one on your torso is infected. The weapon used might be spelled by venom, if you kill me no one will heal or help you.”
“Why?”
“You’re a wandering assassin.”
You quickly raise your arm and slashed Kayn’s arm with a whip. He quickly dodged but the end of your whip still hit him, earning a slash on his arm. You saw him raising his hand to his back, his face fell when he realized there was nothing hanging on his back.
“Where is it?!” Kayn screamed, his panicked cries caught you off guard. He looks like a child throwing a tantrum because he couldn’t find his toy. You would expect more anger from him, charge at you immediately when he noticed his little toy was taken away from him.
Kayn looked around the empty room, hoping he could find his scythe and kill this girl for threatening him. You rolled your temporary whip and hung it at the back of your waist, walking up to him you looked down meeting his eyes.
“Let me be your companion, then I can heal you.” As you stared at him you pointed the lone cabinet at the other side of the room. Expected, Kayn scrambled up to his feet and ran towards the cabinet and opened it.
Kayn smiled as he raised his scythe as a trophy, “Hah I have you again—” he turned around, “Oh I can not wait to have your blood on my scythe hea—”
You were not in the room. Kayn had realized, his smile becoming sickening knowing that you had run away—scared of the scythe, him. Kayn likes a swift death, a death the victim could not expect but he likes it when people try to run away from him, beg for his mercy—it was his definition of fun . With his grip on the scythe Kayn walked out of the room to chase you down.
Or so he thought.
He saw you, instead of running, was on the floor packing things in your big bag. Kayn stood there, confusion painted on his face, confused why were you not running away—crying for your dear life. You had noticed his gloomy presence behind you as you finished packing your things with a big zip of the bag.
You stood up from the dusty cement and swinged the bag to your back.
“I do not think you have anything with you, we should go.”
"You know I could kill you—"
"But you did not." You said as you whirled around to face the assassin. His messy hair, uneven breathing as he desperately gripped his scythe gave you the hint not to push his buttons. Simply, you turned against him and continued with your business.
Walking to the workshop standing at the back of your house, you gave it a swift brush on the surface and whispered i will miss you and stretched your hand to let the birds rest. Years of using the desk, you finally—maybe buy a new one if the possible journeys with the assassin give you money.
You looked at the empty desk, remembering the memories and the things you made with it.
‘I’m going to have a better one’
Stay with us!
I miss you already!
She is old enough to make her decisions, let her be.
Glancing at the birds on your arm, their bickering and attempts to talk to you made your lips twitch a smile. A yellow bird flew on your shoulder, you can hear its small chirps in order to talk to you.
“Now now,” You laughed, as a hoard of animals surrounded you. “Let’s not be mushy, it will be hard for me to leave.”
“I have not accepted you coming with me, healer.” A hushed voice hissed at you, making your eyes roll and politely made the animal get off you.
Looking at him with a hard gaze, you crossed your arms, “Then you can leave without me,” Your face softened, but your lips pressed in a thin line, “But you are going to die in a few hours or so.”
“What is it?!” Kayn desperately asked, his eyes intensely looked down at your form.
“A venom spell from black magic, only born of healers, could remove that from a human’s body.”
A white barn owl flew past Kayn, hitting his head on purpose and landed on your shoulders. You smiled as you communicated with your feathery friend, as it asked to be your animal companion in your adventures.
Kayn could only stare at you, if he is fully healed by you, later on he will kill you.
Kayn thinks of how he could kill you in a hundred ways while traveling city to city, while you on the other hand are talking to your now new companion. Animals who talk to you don't necessarily need to open their mouth and speak with barks, meows, or chirps—they would look at you and speak in your mind, you don’t know how that is possible but you are determined to figure it out while on your journey with the assassin.
Be careful around him, I can’t be that much of a help—but I will try my best to protect you.
“Do not fret about it, there is a reason I own a work desk for items I use around the forest.”
I trust you, bard. I am your animal companion after all.
The owl broke his gaze from you for a second and turned his neck to you.
He is deep in thought I suppose.
You looked at your back to see Kayn talking to himself, you couldn’t figure out what he was saying, you hoped it wouldn't be the ways on how he could kill you.
“I mean, he is the first man who came here after a few years… of the raid. So he would be a good shot, I can’t wait for another ten years for a person to find this place.”
I agree, Ishlacan Village is a hidden place.
‘was’ You frowned at your thought of the hidden place of your village being found.
Your owl noticed the change of your expression and flapped his wings to get your attention.
Let us… call the assassin, he might lose his mind.
"You," you called, earning the assassin's attention, "Your name."
He looked at you, both of his eyes going up and down to yoir form as if you were something before replying to you.
"Kayn."
" Kayn? " you narrowed.
He glared, "Kayn."
"Alright, Kayn. I decided to be your traveling companion until I found clues about my people's disappearance, and of course, until the venom is cured and you are fully healed."
"A horrible decision."
"But it benefits us both, is it not?"
He didn't say anything to your commentary, so you think he agreed. He slightly agreed . Walking up to him, you handed a bottle to him—it was runny and clear like water, but it was sparkling.
"What is that?" Kayn eyed the bottle like a picky kid, his eyes looking at you and to the bottle.
"Medicine for the venom in you— I do brews with my magic, it is convenient when I can't use my magic." you replied, crossing your arms after Kayn reluctantly accepted your medicine.
"Does it fully heal?"
"No,"
Somehow you think you saw Kayn's ears flop like a sad wolf for a minute before you continued.
"I have them packed with me so do not worry. You drink once a day—when emergencies then you will drink extra."
What happens when the emergency comes with no medicine of yours, bard?
'Then we have no one to guard us.'
"Does this actually work?"
"Obviously,—are you doubting my magic?"
"This is brewed—"
"By my magic, I made it so we won't be stopping minute by minute to unwrap your bandage and heal you directly inside the deep forest."
"You get tired by using your magic?"
"Like all people who wield magic, it drains us like how people fight using their energy."
He looked at you before drinking the whole bottle, wiping his mouth clean with the back of his palm. You reached your hand to him, he stared at it before realizing that you needed the bottle back.
The bottle now stashed in your bag, you whispered to your owl before he flew away.
“Where is it going?” Kayn looked up at the sky trying to look for your animal companion.
“Tyto is scouting for anything unusal.”
The walk was silent, you were actually nervous as you disabled the traps you see. Kayn could kill you here and there in the deep woods, after all that is what an assassin does, excecute you in times you don’t excpect, or in the dark—but fortunately he was just there following you, the crunch of the dead leaves against his boots audible to your ears.
It was a bad idea to have him follow you at the back, but you know Tyto is looking down at you—ready to call for assistance from the animals living in the forest.
After you disabled a trap, you heard Kayn clear his throat.
“What?” You said, not looking at him but looking for the traps you could find.
“What happened to your people?” He asked. It made you stop. You never get that question very often, not only there were no people stumbling on your abandoned village but the animals you talked to had witnessed it.
“Gone. Kidnapped by raiders.” You continued on your way.
It was silent. You sighed.
“You want a story time? Sure.”
You took a stick and used it to poke the ground.
“My ancestors were mages, but a few hundred years ago we were seperated in groups by what magic we could do. I was born with the hands of a healer, we are named Ishlacan—we often have special abilities when we reach the age of six. And I, can speak and understand animal language.” You raised your sleeve and showed your inner wrist to the assassin, a green tattoo of the caduceus to distinguish your people from others and to be a proud healer.
You lowered the sleeve to your hand where it couldn’t be seen, “ I remember it was daylight when it happened, children my age are running around with me near the fountain waving their hands to boast their newly formed magic. We would laugh and run away from their scolding mothers telling us not to play the magic blessed to us.”
Your grip on the stick tightened, “There was a scream, then before I knew it the raiders found our village. Taking children, women, and even men—the ones who go against them were knocked conscious or beaten into submission.”
Both you and Kayn immediately looked up after a familiar screech. Tyto flew to your shoulders.
A marketplace up ahead, there are swarms of people.
“What did it say?”
“A marketplace,” You placed your hood up and looked at Kayn, “Are you coming?”
“No,” Kayn replied, his brows knitted as if you said something wrong, “I prefer in the shadows.”
You handed out your hand to him. Kayn looked at it questionably.
“Give me your coins, I know you have them.”
He deadpanned at you, shoving his hands in his pockets and aggressively handed you a handful of coins—some fell on the ground but you didn’t bother to crouch down and take them.
“This will do,” You turned away from Kayn and faced your owl. “Stay here, we won’t want people to look at us.”
Will do.
You then walked towards the marketplace Tyto directed you before going back to the forest by your command. You never did look back, thinking there would be people alreadly looking at you, so you walked with the swarm of buyers in the marketplace.
There were nothing but meat and skinned animals hanging on each stall. You scruched your nose and immediately walked to another place where no stink of dead meat invaded your nose.
The crowd never died, some people still pushed you here and there though you do not mind. Around you were filled with vegetables and fruits, some sell spices and sweets in the corner.
Now this is what you want.
You wanted a healthy dinner later, especially for Kayn—he was healing after all and needed the energy for his athletically fit body, so it is possible he needed big portions and healthy food. This was never your first time cooking for someone (who is human), your grandparents would teach you how to cook the basics—what is good and what is to avoid eating. You would get compliments as a kid, the people telling you that you indeed have the hands of a healer even without magic.
With those ego boosting words, you’re hoping you still have it to this day.
In a flash, you stood at the front of the vegetable stalls. The greens are freshly laid on the wooden crates on display for you to choose. After picking the ones that passed your “who is the best” test, you hand them to the trader with the coins Kayn has given to you.
Thanking the old man, you proceeded to the next stall which was filled with oranges. You could feel the freshness of the oranges by just a touch.
“They were freshly picked just this morning.” the merchant said, moving a crate full of oranges.
This would be good for his skin while he heals.
When you didn’t respond to the merchant, he eyed you up and down. You were… ordinary, like those people who are obsessed with hiding their faces or cloth themselves head to toe. As you reached for another orange his eyes squinted at your wrist, something green popping out from your sleeve. His eyes widened, just to be sure the shopkeeper reached his hand to yours while you were busy looking for the perfect orange to feed to Kayn.
“I will buy five of these—”
You gasped when a body collided onto yours, hands a snake— it slithered around your waist with lips near your ears for you to hear the whisper.
“Play along,” whispered by a familiar voice. “I was looking for you and here you are standing in front of a stall that sells… oranges.”
The man was hooded like you, but you knew that voice—spiteful and hushed. Right now he sounded like he was trying hard to be enlightened by finding you standing in an orange stall. You could feel his firm hand grip your waist tightly, he wanted you to respond.
“O-Oh, I was looking for fruits for us to eat at home.” you half-truthfully said.
“Then I will pay for it, you already paid enough let me do it for you.”
With a swift you and Kayn are already outside the marketplace with five oranges in your bag. Kayn removed his hood and stood in your way, his amber eyes angrily stares you down.
“You almost got caught. ” he said with gritted teeth.
“What do you mean by that,” you looked at yourself, there was nothing visible even your hair. “I have myself perfectly covered.”
You gasped when he took your hand, showing your tattoo peeking out of your sleeve. When you get a good look he lets go of your wrist.
“I saw the orange merchant reaching out to your wrist, he saw your tattoo.” Kayn angrily said, his eyes looking around if there is someone lurking at the both of you. He sets his gaze on you as he reaches the hood to place it on his head.
“We need to stay low, stay in the forest.”
“What? That is dangerous!” you resisted.
Staying in the forest for the night was the least you wanted. Sure you talk to animals and you live near a forest but that doesn’t ease you anyhow. Even when you can talk to animals, some you can’t persuade.
“It would be more dangerous when we go straight to a city, they can easily spot us,” he turned around. “After all there are a dozen or more of them in the city.”
“But—”
“If you want me to be with you,” Kayn bent in front of you, his eyes directly staring into yours, almost making a hole. “You listen to me.”
‘How atrocious!’
You could only curse in your mind before stomping to follow Kayn into the woods. Tyto flew back on your shoulders, his wings flapped gently before settling down to rest on you.
What did he say?
‘We are staying in the woods for the night.’
Hm, I can rest on branches how much I would like then.
‘Please not also you’
I could not help myself, sorry in advance.
The walk to the woods was silent, only Tyto’s fluttering wings were heard whenever he flew back to you after surveying the area. Other than that there was nothing but you and Kayn’s light footsteps.
“Do you have at least a blanket to lay on?” you asked him when he found a good spot to stay in for the night.
“No,” he said. “I don’t need one.”
Your lips pressed into a thin line. How can this man be comfortable resting in this forest? You could only sigh and place your bag down and take out the things you needed for the night: a blanket, a small pot, and a knife.
Here are some sticks, bard.
Tyto laid a few sticks in front of you. Thanking the owl, you started to make a bonfire.
Kayn stared at you before walking to another direction. His scythe in hand.
"I will look for more." he said before disappearing into the shadows.
Sighing, you rested your shoulders and took the food you bought from the marketplace. Luckily you had the small wood for you to cut the ingrefirents and poured the water from your waterskin into the pot and lit the bonfire.
While waiting for the water to boil. Would you play music, bard?
"If you say so.”
With a swing from your hand, music played out in your lute. Humming in the tune your grandparents taught you when you were a child. It was a song mostly played in your village, a classic, like by old people to children, maybe it is because it was one of your people’s traditions.
“It’s late to play music,” in a swift Kayn appeared from the shadows, startling you. He noticed you immediately putting away your lute and grabbed a stick to poke it to the fire.
Putting the scrapes of wood he collected, Kayn sat down across you with his eyes staring down on the cooking pot with eagerness.
You knew he was hungry, so you took a cup and poured the soup in it with a spoon and handed it to Kayn. He thankfully accepted it with his right hand, amber eyes now bore at you.
"You have been doing this for…?"
"Almost ten years."
Kayn hummed in reply. Softly blowing the hot soup served to him. You told him more about your people while both of you were eating dinner, he would ask things like what your village’s customs were and so on. Thankfully he didn’t ask anything about you. Like you have something to say about it anyways.
“Your tattoos, are they part of your clan?” you asked, gazing over Kayn’s bare body. You never pay attention to human features even when you patched Kayn while he was unconscious. You were too busy trying to save his life.
“No, they are not—though I was a part of an Order.”
You raised your brow, “Order?”
"Order of Shadows, it was run by my old master, Zed, but later on he was killed by the Golden Demon we were trying to catch. After my master's death, I searched for the Golden Demon high and low until I found him and killed him myself."
Zed
You remembered a bird mentioning that name to you. With curiosity you asked Kayn about the order, what happened after his master died, why is he wandering instead of becoming the new master?
He looked at you for a moment, disbelief painted on his face. Are you not scared that you asked too many questions about him and his order? You should be, yet you are here sitting across him, eager to hear his story like a child.
Kayn shifted on the lumpy ground, then told you the story and even answered your questions. He was there, Kayn’s eyes not leaving Zed’s bleeding body. There were no words exchanged between them, only silence and the shifting of brushes from the escaping Golden Demon. He gave his master a proper burial, the Order in chaos, of course, knowing that their master had been killed by the Golden Demon himself after they faced each other.
At some point in his life he wanted to be the master and surpass Zed. But all he is after right now is the Golden Demon, Jhin. Not so long he met the demon, but before he could strike him down something has taken control of him and woke up to a dead Jhin a few steps away from him, brutally stricken down by the scythe multiple times.
“Does that explain your appearance right now?” you asked.
“It… doesn’t, I shouldn’t be like this or be even the Kayn you know right now.”
You gave him a confused glance, he could only shrug at you.
“So the whole thing taking you over was supposed to be permanent?” you shifted, more eager to know about him now, “Did you bargain with the Devil?”
Kayn gave you a look, “No,” he turned away, “It’s late and we should rest for tomorrow’s energy.”
You groaned, “Tell me about it?”
“No, what I said tonight is enough. Ask another day.
Kayn grunts as he lays on the tree trunk, his scythe beside him. You looked at him before turning to your bag to shuffle at something, throwing an old sleeping bag in his way, he caught it with his hands. He raised his eyebrow and glanced at your way but you were already laid on the sleeping bag with your blanket, your back facing him.
His face softened, unfolding the sleeping bag and laid on it, not engulfing himself inside the fabric knowing that there are still dangers lurking in the woods.
☤
“Kayn,” you said, poking Kayn’s shoulders.
He slowly opened his eyes as he adjusted from the rising sun’s light. You sat besides his resting body, a vial in your hands. After he saw the vial, he rose up looking at you expectantly.
“Drink this, then remove your bandages after I’ll try to heal it faster.” you said, turning around to stir the pot after Kayn took the vial from you.
He removed the cork and drank the contents of the glass then started removing the bandage around his torso. Kayn waited for you, looking at your form, your arms moving from putting food into the bowl.
Turning around you handed him his serving and took your lute.
“Have you eaten yet?” he asked.
You only nodded, not having the energy to talk.
You hummed, slowly but steadily strum the strings of the lute. Your hands began to glow faint green so does Kayn’s bruised torso. He could only stare at you, the bowl you gave him was untouched because of how mesmerized he was while you were healing his wound.
With the last strum you sighed, plopping yourself on the ground.
“The venom should be gone by the next few hours, you might get your strength back soon,” you breathlessly said, “Tyto found a nearby city, I think we should hit up there, he said there is a library. I should not miss it.”
You looked at him, he did not notice until now how tired you are, sweating like it was a hot summer day even though it was just morning and the day’s winds are cold and breezy.
“Did you sleep last night?” he asked, putting the bowl down.
“Yes.”
“Properly?”
“Uh… somehow.”
Kayn stood from the sleeping bag, took his cloak and grabbed your bag.
“H-Hey!” you shouted, wanting to stand up but exhaust washed over you, “At least take a sip of the soup I made? It’s not good to drink a magical medicine and leave it with an empty stomach.”
He looked at you before snatching the bowl and took a big gulp, finishing it an instant.
“We should go to the city and find an inn, I don’t trust you having a ‘proper’ rest, you could not even stand up by yourself.”
Your face turned red, suddenly you feel hot, though you did not try to stand up on your feet. You are tired. Kayn sighs, walking up to you and outstretched his hand for you to reach out. He helped you to your feet and placed the cloak over your shoulders and fastened it above your chest.
“Wait here, I’ll pack up the rest.” he said, putting your bag down and taking the things from the camp and stuffed them into your bag.
Kayn stopped, “Did you eat?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Why did you look tired then?”
You sighed, “I put all of my effort removing the venom, thus I am tired. You see two big bowls there?” Kayn looked at where you were pointing at, “That’s how big I ate before I healed you. I did have a proper rest.”
“Good then,” Kayn stood, your bag on his shoulder, “Where is your owl.”
You two stared up at the sky when Tyto screeched, earning your attention. Kayn looked at you and began to walk by your side, following Tyto who is leading you to the nearest city.
The city is bustling with merchants and shops. Children screaming and running around the streets with laughter passed by you and Kayn. The assassin stuck by your side, as if he is going to lose you to the noisy crowd. Tyto was nowhere to be seen but you can feel his sharp gaze on you.
“There,” Kayn pointed, “An inn.”
He pushed through the crowd, you still by his side as the both of you walk towards the inn. With a shut of the door the noise was muffled by the wooden door and was replaced by soft clinks of glass and someone playing the drum followed by soft chatters and laughter.
“We would like to rent a room,”
“Twenty for two, sir,”
“One is enough."
Kayn placed ten coins on the shopkeeper’s counter. You gave a look at Kayn, he was not looking at you but to the shopkeeper who walked out of her counter and led the way to the room.
“Here’s your room,” she said, “Though I recommend not to be loud, especially at night, I don’t want angry customers drumming on my counter. Call me when you need anything.”
Before you could explain that she misunderstood the shopkeeper had already left and Kayn closed the door. He placed the bag on the floor and removed his cloak to reveal his bare body. You looked away before he could even catch you staring at him, walking towards the bed to sit.
“Go and rest, I’ll go outside to scout anything unusual.” Kayn said, putting his scythe behind him.
“What about you?”
“I slept and felt better than ever thanks to you,” he stopped, “You should really rest.”
After hearing an ‘okay’ from you Kayn left the room. He walked down the stairs and opened the inn’s door and stepped outside, hearing the clamorous place again. He leaned back on the wall, observing the city street. Normal he thought and very noisy . Kayn could only shake his head, if he wanted to settle down, the city would not be his fit with all of the noise coming from people and the wagon’s noise.
“Hi mister!”
Kayn looked down to see a child, about the age of six, he had a stick in his mouth and his other hand holding something, a candy.
“You look lonely,”
He gets that commentary often, he did not mind. After all, he is destined to be lonely after Zed’s death and Rhaast’s mysterious disappearance. You being his companion will be temporary, knowing after you found your people you will leave too.
“Here,” the kid stretched out his little arm, holding out the candy to him, “To keep you happy.”
Kayn took the candy from the kid, saying thank you after. The kid waved him goodbye and left. He looked at the thing, hard and somehow translucent when it’s color red.
He put the candy in his pocket and stood there for a while, until frantic claws found its way to Kayn’s bare shoulder.
“Wha—”
He turned around to see Tyto flapping his wings aggressively, small screeches coming out from his beak. Kayn can’t figure out what the owl was saying, he doesn’t have your magic to understand and talk to animals, he could only see an owl trying to scream at him.
Tyto, forgetting that Kayn can’t understand him flew over the inn’s door, pecking it frantic like something is—
“Fuck!”
Kayn opened the door, entering the inn, Tyto following him. He hurriedly took the stairs, almost tripping on one of them. Opening the door, he found you on the bed, a buff man’s arm around your neck and a mage’s hand beside your head, visible electricity running on the mage’s hands. He looked at you, your face terrified as you gripped on the muscular arm. You mouthed no at Kayn when he reached for his scythe.
“An inn,” said someone. “Not likely to be used by an assassin I’m afraid.” They came out from the shadows—no it’s not him, looking at his light armor and an obvious mark on the shoulder pads of his armor says that he is a raid leader.
He could be the one who took all your people or maybe another person. He has white hair, a bald spot on top of his head, face covered with freckles and wrinkles.
Too old
Kayn reached out for his scythe, only for the arm around you to tighten—threatening to break your neck. Kayn lowered his hand and the arms loosened around you, giving you time to breathe.
“You will get your dearest here with her severed head if you try to take a hold of your… weapon there.” the old man said as he eyed Kayn's scythe.
Kayn gritted his teeth, not knowing what to do when you are held hostage.
“Put your weapon down, slowly, kick it towards the guy in the cloak.” the man nudged his head to the left. Kayn had no choice but to slowly put his weapon down on the floor and aggressively kicked it to the person in the cloak.
The man chuckled at Kayn’s attitude, a biter, he thought.
“Zubair is my name,” said him, “and you are?”
“Is it necessary for you to know?”
“Yes, your information is helpful when it comes to shipping you out. Less work.”
“What do you want?”
“Not telling me your name?” Zubair scoffed, “Zap the healer to dea—”
“KAYN!” he screamed, earning Zubair’s attention, “Kayn is my name.”
Zubair smiled grimly, “Kayn, I see, what a beautiful name.”
“Are you going to hurt her?”
“If you do what I tell you, then she will be safe as a pet living in luxury.” Zubair turned around to face you, gripping your chin for you to face him, “It is a waste to kill off a rare breed of a descendant of ancient mages. A pretty face too.”
You winced when Zubair flicked your face to the side. You are scared, you don’t know what to do now that Kayn is unarmed and open. You don’t even know destruction magic, healing magic and healing magic only. Tears started to swell up but you tried to stop them, not wanting any of these men see your weakness, or even Kayn.
“Anyways, sack their heads, tie up Kayn and don’t let a single scratch leave on the healer. We are going now.”
Darkness engulfed your vision, the constant shuffling of cloth and metal was heard. No noise, not even from Kayn, everything is quiet. You let out a gasp when unfamiliar arms wrapped around the back of your knees and brought you up on someone’s shoulder.
With a few steps, you were placed on something wooden, and suddenly something—or someone was thrown besides you.
“Bastard.” you heard Kayn’s whisper.
“Kayn,” you called out to him with a shaky breath, “Where will they take us?”
“I don’t know.”
“Kayn, I’m scared.”
“I know,” he softly said, “I’m here, I won’t leave.”
Kayn shifted towards you, bumping his knee against yours as an attempt to calm you down. There was this warm feeling inside your chest, you could not figure out what it is, though that is the least of your problems and you two are facing a big one. What matters right now is Kayn at your side. You leaned your head on his shoulder and closed your eyes, hoping that sooner this will end.
You were woken up by a demanding voice booming in front of you. Kayn is forcefully dragged away from you, your face dropping on the wooden floor. You winced at the pain stinging on your cheek, before you could recover a hand grabbed your arm and dragged you down the wagon (or what you thought they used).
“Kayn?” you said in worry, not knowing where he is because of the sack still covering your vision.
“I’m here,” you heard his faint reply. To your demise he is far away from you he won’t be at your side as you are to be surrounded by unknown strangers.
“Walk.” a deep voice commanded you.
You did, following where the person is leading you. They stopped, their hands still tightly holding your arms, you heard a door opening and you were led again. You were forced down to sit on a soft chair, the sack removed from your head.
You were in a room, a bedroom to be specific. It is not big nor is it small, a normal room that can be used by one person. The color of dark red painted most of the room, even the sheets of the bed are dark red silk. Brown dresser beside the door and a vanity from the corner of the room where the bed is, and the floors are completely covered with velvet carpet.
“Am I supposed to be in jail?” you asked the large man leaning on the door frame.
He shaked his head, somehow he looked like you are not supposed to be here. Or somewhere worse.
“To women like you captured by Zubair, this IS prison.”
Your heart dropped, “What do you mean by that?”
“I don’t think he will care talking about him,” the man sighed,
“Zubair is a raid leader, he also takes the people he raided as slaves, some were sold off to rich people.”
“Am I going to be sold off?”
“No.”
Your heart lightened.
“What will happen to me?"
“Something not good.”
The door opened, revealing Zubair. He walked inside the room with women scarcely any clothing covering them followed behind him. Zubair stood in front of you but kept distance as the women surrounded you like pigeons flocking on little pieces of bread. They swarmed you, touching you with no permission. Gaze at your skin, your face complimenting how perfect they are, and even look at the whole of your body judgingly.
A clap stopped the women from touching you further, when Zubair flicked his wrists the women who surrounded you were out in a flash. It was only you and Zubair in the room, the bodyguard you talked to earlier was long gone, maybe was told off by Zubair when the women looked over you.
“What do you want?” you spoke, hard even you know you are scared of what will happen to you.
Zubair smiled, he stayed put, no intentions to go near you or touch you.
“Oh it’s nice to see an Ishlac again.”
Again
You felt anger bubbling inside you, “You were there—it was you.”
“Surprising isn’t it?”
“What did you do to them?” you kept yourself intact, even if you tried to attack this man your fate won’t end well.
Zubair only shrugged, “I don’t know exactly, they could be everywhere—slaves— dead .”
“What did my people even do to you?”
“Nothing really, it is my line of work. No grudges, nothing personal, just about work.”
“Selling people? Hurt them? Put them as slaves? What are you trying to achieve here?”
“None of your business.”
He walked to the door before he could go outside, Zubair looked back, his smirk not leaving his wrinkly face.
“Oh, to inform you Kayn will be shipped out tomorrow. Though I don’t give goodbyes to my employees.”
You sat on the stool, Ravika, a woman you met who is nice, paced from the vanity to you as she was doing your makeup. You shifted on your seat, uncomfortable in the clothes provided to you by Zubair himself. It was disgusting, there was barely any cloth covering you, only shining rocks hung around your skin.
“You’ll get used to it,” Ravika said after seeing your discomfort with the dress, “There, it’s finished I’ll lead you to the sofa room where he is.”
After she placed jewelry from top to your ankles, she led you to where Zubair was waiting. The gold and diamonds you wore tinkle every step you take, eyes are on you as Ravika assisted you to the sofa room.
“Ah, Kalos,” Zubair greeted. He sat on the biggest couch you’ve ever seen, you could even sleep there if you want to.
Ravika patted you on the shoulder, you gave her a nod and she walked away. This man for sure loves the color velvet, every furniture and things were in color of velvet and gold. But mostly velvet.
“Come, sit, here.” he pointed beside him.
No
With no choice, you obeyed, walking up to him and sat.
Please
Uncomfortable, you could only think, your attention was caught by something in front of you. It was the nightclub, neon colors filled the dim room, you tried to find Ravika only to see her serving drink for those filthy men.
“What do you want from me exactly?” you asked, so boldly.
Zubair raised an eyebrow, but answered your question nonetheless, “You are the only one left of your people, you are deemed to be a big-ticket.”
He is telling you you are worth something so much that he wants to flaunt how rich he is and how horrible of a person he is. You could only stay in silence, not wanting to have a conversation with Zubair no more. Your worries lay more on Kayn, you don’t know where he is or what they could be doing to him. You need to find a way.
As Zubair minds his own business looking over the nightclub you look around the room. Everything is decorated with expensive things, even throphy animals were hung on the wall. How cruel . You saw a jug of water placed on a glass tray with golden cups surrounding it, it was beside a metal pot. There were no guards inside or even outside the room, you know since the room has a doorway, the outside is empty.
“Say, should I pour you a drink?” you ushered, hoping that he will say yes.
He looked at you and raised an eyebrow at your action, you could only shrug at him, “Isn’t it more flashy if the last of the Ishlac is serving you?”
He smirked at your statement, “Smart, go on, I could use a drink for myself.”
You stood up from your seat, walking up to the metal pot, looking behind you making sure he was watching the nightclub. To be less suspicious you used the jar and poured wine on the cup, putting it down and reaching for the pot.
Slowly, you walked towards him, the metal in hand.
“Why are you taking a while to pou—”
Before he could fully turn around you, you smashed the pot on his head giving him a good night’s sleep. You grabbed his collar before he could fall on the floor and slowly laid him on the sofa, you placed the metal pot on the floor. Looking at his body, you turned around and ran for the doorway only to be stopped by a large figure. Your heart dropped, looking up to see the man you saw in your room earlier looking down at you.
“I—I—”
“Turn three lefts and the fifth right, you can see the dungeon where your pretty boy is.” he said, “Go, before he wakes up.”
He steped aside for you to walk out, you looked at him, shock still plastered on your face. You could only whisper a thank you and rush out of the room, not looking back.
You followed the man’s directions given to you, after entering the fifth right, dark metal gates loomed. It was open, you took a peek looking left and right if there was someone inside. You entered, trying to find the cell where Kayn is.
“Kayn?” you whispered.
“Kayn?” you said. Louder this time.
“Healer?”
You ran to the voice that seemingly called you, you never told your name to him. Grabbing on the metal bars you saw Kayn walking up to you, his face inches away from yours, the bars keeping you from him.
“I—I don’t know where the keys are.”
“No need for keys,” he still has his eyes on you, scared that you might disappear, “Take the scythe and give it to me.”
You looked at where he pointed, the scythe was laid on the brick wall, besides it was your lute. With haste, you ran to the scythe and took it. Before you could take another step towards Kayn’s cell, your hair was immediately pulled making you scream in pain, letting go of the scythe having it fall and slide on the floor, you tried to grab the hand gripping your hair.
“You dare to smash a metal pot on my head?” Zubair whispered to your ear, “You will regret that.”
You were thrown on the cold floor, knocking off your flute in the process.
He saw the lute, he smirked and took it, smashing it on the wall, green smoke emmits from the lute then it disappeared. Leaving only a dull broken lute. You could only look at the broken lute in horror, all those wood from your village, the handicraft made by both of your grandparents. Gone.
Zubair loomed over you, his hand wrapped around your neck, choking you. You tried to gasp for air as you squeezed on Zubair’s hand. His other hand started to take a hold of your clothes, you panicked, you tried to wriggle while his hand was around your neck.
You choked a cry, Zubair smiled, “You look beautiful this way.”
Disgusting
You closed your eyes and screamed, “Kayn!”
Then it was silence, the hands prying on you were gone, you heard a thump followed by a warm liquid pooling around your feet.
“Don’t open your eyes, stay here.” said Kayn, you followed what he said, in fear of what you see in front of you after you heard a loud thud earlier.
Everything was silent, though you could hear muffled thuds through the walls of the dungeon. You still have your eyes closed, followed by heavy breathing from you, you heard footsteps. It stopped when it found itself in front of you. You felt a cloth placed on your shoulders, keeping you from the cold and giving you warmth. Arms found itself around you to help you stand on your feet, you felt the warm ooze on your sole. You decided to ingore it and followed the arms that are guiding you.
“We are safe now.” Kayn whispered into your ear, “Don’t open them yet.”
You only nodded, finally knowing that you are now safe in the assassin’s arms.
“Steady your stance,” Kayn said, “Swing it towards me.”
You swung the dagger to Kayn, he easily dodges it.
“Not fair, I don’t have your skill.”
“That is why we are doing this,” he positioned himself, you could only groan in frustration.
After the incident and knowing what happened to your people, you and Kayn ventured around taking small quests or even participating in Kayn’s work and meaning by his work means him killing bandits, stealing their things and selling them. You were willing to help him, not knowing what it is, and when you knew you promised to yourself you won’t be helping him anytime soon.
He asked you what you will do now that most of your people are gone or scattered around the world. It is almost impossible for you to find them, you just told him you will be his company from now on. He was silent, of course, since you knew in your first meeting with him he was not willing to take you as his temporary company until you found out what happened to your people. You told him it’s fine if he doesn’t want you—though he cuts you off, telling you he likes your company.
Then here you are, getting trained by the assassin Kayn.
“Okay, time out, that was tiring.”
“I’ll be cooking this time then.” Kayn said, walking to your camp, leaving you in the temporary training grounds you use.
“Well at least your cooking is getting better, so go on.” you smiled, placing your dagger down on the stump and followed Kayn.
You sat on the ground, looking up at the sky. Night will soon take over.
“Hey,” you called out.
“Yeah?” Kayn replied.
“Come look at this.” your eyes never left the turning sky, colors of orange-red disperse as the darkest blue took over with glittering stars in the sky.
You heard a soft thump beside you, Kayn sat close to you.
“Beautiful,” Kayn smiled, “Reminded me of a senario that happened a few months ago.”
“What do you mean?”
“This is the same sky, same time where I first saw you in your village, playing the lute under the willow tree.” He looked at you with such intensity in his eyes, too close to each other, you were liking it. “Such a melody caught me almost in trance, before I fell.”
His face was an inch away from yours, “Hey I—”
You kissed him on the cheek, cutting him off guard. You could only look at him and smile.
“Kayn you’re too obvious, even Tyto noticed it too.” you laughed, a screech from Tyto you both heard.
“Dang bird, did he tell you?”
You nodded, he smiled.
“Well my intentions have been exposed,” he held your hand, “Then?”
“I have nowhere to go, my people are gone, some are around the world far away from me to which it is impossible to find them. You accepted me as your companion with your adventures… and as your look out when you do your assassination work. I think this is obvious too, Kayn.” you said, giving his hand a squeeze.
“More than that actually, as my—uh—parnter?”
“Of course, aren’t we already?”
“Oh,”
You could only laugh, you felt his shoulders shake, trying to prevent himself from laughing.
“Do you love me then?”
“Depends.”
“...”
“...I do.”
You smiled, placing your head on Kayn’s shoulders as you two both lay on the soft grass while looking at the starry night. Bodies cuddled together for warmth from the cold night. You liked this, no doubt Kayn too. You hoped this would last forever, forever in his arms.
Summary: You love creating something special for them, it's your love language to say the least, it's the way you show love for them. But at some point, it seems like they stopped caring for the things you make, and in a moment where the stress was getting to them, they even said something so hurtful about your favorite thing to do for them.
Tags: Angst to Fluff, Hurt with Comfort, Crying, Childe coming home with blood covering him, Hurtful Comments
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Childe
Your relationship with him is... surprising, to say the least.
You're just a baker in Liyue that happened to sell one of the best Shezhnayan pastries that a certain homesick Harbinger was really craving. One thing led to another, and now you're in love and in a relationship with a Fatui Harbinger.
It's not like you didn't try your damn hardest not to fall for his charms, but seeing him eat the pastries you make and jokingly sob about his home, with the pastry's filling staining the corners of his lip, it just touched your heart.
But you forgot for a bit... he's a Harbinger...
He's not always gonna be the Ajax that taste test your baked goods every other day and would give the biggest smile with the usual comment of "Everything is perfect! You're perfect!"
And that's increasingly becoming more prominent.
You looked at the Shezhnayan baking book intently, making sure you follow the way of making a local pastry filling to a T. This is very important to you, your boyfriend's birthday is just around the corner, and you really really wanted to give him a taste of home since he wouldn't be able to make it back to his home nation.
You have to make sure to not screw up, so you're practicing early on.
The sound of your front door opening perked your ears up, making you put down the bowl of filling you were working on and skip on to your living room.
"Jax!" You affectionately called for him before you could even see him clearly.
The sight that greeted you, however, promptly stopped you from jumping at him for a hug.
Blood...
Whether his or someone else's, it mortified you. You were speechless.
"What...?" Childe scoffed at the sight of your shocked expression. "This is what being a Harbinger is." He looked down at his soiled clothes, feeling rather uncomfortable. "You should get used to this, babe."
The usual warmth of his presence in your house changed into an atmosphere that made you sick to the stomach.
"Please..." You started, your heart beating rapidly and your voice laced with disbelief. "Wash up... I..." After such a sight, could you really ask him to taste test one of your many endeavors in baking again?
This man... this Harbinger... he wasn't the Ajax you wished to see. But that's still him, just not the version he made you become privy to.
However, after so many days and nights that he showed up like... that, you got used to it, got used to the slow uprising of a worse version of him, the version of him that didn't give a fuck about what brought you together in the first place, the version of him that no longer accepted welcoming hugs and kisses, the version of him that made you feel so... worthless.
"Are you baking again? I know it's your job and all, but could you like... just not bring it home?" The ginger said that one time, rather hypocritically considering that he brought that terrible attitude from his job to your home.
"I'm working on something important..." You excused his rather hurtful words, you were rather sensitive when someone mentions something negative to you about the hobby that made you so happy. "Can you try it and tell me what you think?"
"Not in the mood." You knew that he was rather tired from taking care of something for his job, but that dismissive tone made your heart ache... and just when you think you've finally perfected his childhood favorite treat.
A moment of silence fills the room before a quiet "Please..." escapes you in a very hesitant tone. You worked so hard... finding an actual Snezhnayan baking book with local recipes, practicing over and over to make it perfect, even making sure to add your own little touch that compliments the taste.
Maybe you shouldn't have said that, otherwise, he wouldn't have stood up from the couch to face your smaller figure holding onto the tray of baked goods, looking up at his looming figure.
"You know, Y/N..." Your breathing already became heavy at the cold call of your name. "There are so many more useful things you could do than bake all day. This..." A gasp escaped your mouth when he grabbed the tray from your hands and threw it down on the kitchen island.
"This is just worthless."
Tears welled up in your eyes at his words, and you could no longer hold in the sob in your throat, as you started crying pathetically right in front of him. You whimpered as you tried to control your falling tears and your harsh breathing.
You couldn't say anything back, your cheeks and nose only reddening at the rapid emotion that's escaping you. No longer being able to handle being right in front of him, you ran up to your room, closing the door and face planting on the bed, muffling your cries with the sheets.
Back downstairs, Childe was still processing everything.
"There's nothing to process, you are a dick." His inner self told him, and he completely agrees as he sighs, dragging his fingers along his ginger hair in frustration in himself.
Why did he do that? Why did he say those hurtful things? Why did he treat you like you were one of his targets that he was assigned to manipulate?
Work got to him, it has been for weeks, but it was no excuse. He brought a monster he couldn't control into your house, and now... you were hurt.
His blue eyes darted to the pastries he haphazardly threw on the counter, most were still on the tray, in a mess and no longer in a firm order in which you like to arranger your treats.
A realization hit him... they look a lot like...
Childe then remembered the look on your face when you whispered a plea. Your eyes were hopeful when he stood up, and then your body shook when you realized he wasn't intending on tasting anything.
A memory flashed in his mind, even intensifying when he picked up a treat and bit into it, a sweet, warm filling coating the inside of his mouth. It was delicious... and just like in your Y/N way, everything you make made him feel better.
His senses getting better meant the pit in his stomach got worse, the regret of going off on you consuming him more and more.
He then hurried up to your room, gently opening your door to not startle you. His heart broke at the sight of you, your face buried into your pillows, your shoulders shaking and indicating that you're crying still. He knows that after what he did, he has no right to even feel hurt at the sight of you... but he loves you! And he knows he hasn't been showing it.
Without a word, without turning around to face him, you spoke. "P-please... L-le-leave me a-alone." Your words were muffled, and you were stuttering due to the sobs you still couldn't control.
"Baby, I... I'm so sorry..." Childe knew that those words could never be enough to make you feel better, but he at least needed a chance to say his piece, even though he may not deserve it. "Work has been... it's been making me like this... but, I know I can't use that as an excuse..."
"I've been a prick..." You didn't respond to him, but your sobs did die down to little sniffles. "And I don't deserve someone like you..."
"You just made the perfect replica of one of my favorite treats, and you probably did so much for this. Archons, babe, you're amazing. And so so caring." Ajax felt tears starting to form, his vision getting cloudy as his eyes water. If you forced him to leave, he would, but he wanted to pour everything in his heart for you out, and finally finally let out the emotion he had to keep in due to his job.
"I love you so much, Y/N... for being such an amazing person that lit up my life." He walked closer to you, prompting to sit on the bed beside you. Still, you give no response. "And the fact that you love me... that... you loved me...."
"I'm so honored that you even let me be your taste tester." The ginger chuckled a bit, reveling in the sweet memory.
"And I can't fucking believe that I just hurt you like that. I'm so s-sorry, Y/N." Finally, the tears in his eyes fell, and his voice broke when he spoke.
He wasn't use to fear, but at that moment, he truly felt the fear of you rejecting him.
After a few seconds, you turned to him, and he felt even more guilty to see your tear-stained cheeks and puffy eyes.
"C-Couch..." You whispered while pointing at him, making the ginger tilt his head in confusion. "S-Sleep on the couch." You stuttered out, and Childe immediately nodded, accepting your statement.
"A-And no more hugs and kisses, no p-pastries either." You firmly stated (as firm as your sniffly state could say at least). "For a month."
"Okay.... Yes, understood!" Childe wiped the tears on his face, answering you with determination. If that's what it took for you to forgive him, he's gonna do it with ease.
"And no coming home with b-blood on you. Please..." He got off the bed to get on his knees in front of you.
"I promise..." With many of his promises, he had an instinct to kiss your forehead as a reassurance, but you avoided his hand before he could hold your head to go in to press a kiss.
"Wait a month." You let out a strained giggle, and he smiled at how sweet it was despite his lips tingling in the anticipation of a kiss.
The whole no hugs and kisses is gonna be hard, and the no pastries means that he's not gonna get a taste of your love for an entire month!
But he will persevere, just for you.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Alhaitham
You have a knack for crafting little momentos and preserving memories by creatively incorporating moments into the trinkets that you make.
It's your favorite hobby! And you're rather proud that you can make such cute little things that don't look tacky.
Kaveh was actually pleased the very first time Alhaitham came home with a decor you made, an embroidery of an irritated dendro slime reading a thick book that he can hang on a wall. You presented it to him with all smiles, saying that that was how you saw him the first time you saw him in the House of Deana.
"Finally! You actually got something to hang up that doesn't embody your atrocious taste!" Kaveh was enthusiastic, yet still managed to diss the gray haired scholar while giving out a compliment.
The first thing you ever made for him was that embroidery. And Archon's did your heart flutter and leaped with joy when he actually accepted it. What you were expecting was a comment from him like "I think it's silly to represent me with a slime. I would say that my IQ level is much higher than those elemental lifeforms."
You were both just acquaintances when you gave him that gift, but that sparked something between you. You were smart, creative, and didn't speak to him all stiff and nervous like many of your peers. You make the atmosphere easy to be in, and Alhaitham happens to like it when things are easy for him.
You liked his company just as much, finding his calmness and straightforwardness so tranquil and refreshing, not to mention his funny smarty pants attitude. You liked him so much that you would sit by him in the Akademiya or in the library and do your handy work.
it basically progressed from that. "I enjoy being with you, and you kissed me that one time and I liked it. And I can see that you enjoy being with me too. So we're together now." He stated, and you were in shock, he's always been straightforward, but that was truly unexpected.
"Y-You haven't even... taken me out on a date yet!" That was the first thing that you thought to say, still processing everything.
Alhaitham raised an eyebrow, "You don't call this and our every other meeting a date? We are together and we're doing what we want to do." Damn it, he made a good point.
"B-But..." You stuttered, making him sigh.
"Do you not want to be with me?"
"No! I-I mean... yes... Yes! I do, but you just dropped it all out of nowhere." You argued, seriously having a love-hate relationship with his unapologetic honesty.
He ignored your comment, only choosing to hear that you want to be with him. "Good, you're my partner now."
And then... with you being you, every milestone, every special event in your relationship, you'd make something for him.
First anniversary? A custom picture frame with 12 pictures of both of you in it to remind him of the 12 months you've been together.
His birthday? A crochet little plant in a pot, the plant seemingly just sprouting.
Just a random day? Well, you got something for him anyway. :D
You love him to bits and you wanted to show them in your very own love language, crafting little gifts!
Each one, Alhaitham accepted in an uncharacteristically bashful yet still pleased manner, muttering a "Thank you..." or a "You never fail to impress me." and then you are presented with a great honor of a smile from the scribe.
Making him feel happy and warm inside (though he would never admit that he was, but he really was) by making things for him made you so happy!
You managed to fill his desk with your creations, not just decor, but some useful trinkets too! Like a functional hourglass, a lamp that he can write on, and an organizer for books because you swear that he literally just lets the books litter his office since he reads lots of them on and off, and you needed to do something about it.
The main thing is... he loves your love for creativity.
At least... that's what you thought...
But ever since he became the Acting Grand Sage...
Alhaitham has always been an honest person, never one to beat around the bush or spare anyone's feeling by keeping his opinions to himself.
And he sure has gotten colder, much more poky, probing at the weaknesses and insecurities of many scholars in an attempt to only let researches and works he finds worthy to continue. The rest shall no longer be conducted.
Apparently, that included your work.
"I don't see a use for such an object. I prefer things in my desk to be practical."
"The way you designed it is rather... silly. Far too childish to be of sensible use."
"Decors are not necessary, there's better use of your time."
You took all of his critiques, from then and now, to heart, making sure to reflect on his words to improve. But when he was still the Scribe, he at least commented on how to improve.
Now, it's like... he wants you to stop.
You're currently in the office of the Acting Grand Sage, you brought your crocheting kit with you to pass the time, hoping to just have a quiet afternoon with him while you both do your work, much like what you did in the past.
"Alhaitham, what'cha up to?" You asked innocently, still working on your crochet as you were seated on the floor. He was working on something on his desk, his brows pulled together as he frowned at the report in front of him.
That was what you usually do, ask some questions about each other's business, encourage each other if it's really stressing you out, or jab at how you could never do his work, and he would not have even a quarter of your patience to finish a craft.
This time, however, he does not grace you with a response, preserving the quietness of the room. You got the message, so you opted to keep quiet and keep on crocheting a blanket with a print that you were planning to give him, maybe a fluffy blanket will keep out his cold mood.
A few minutes later though, you don't know exactly what made him snap, you don't know why he suddenly called your name, and you don't know why he looked at you with such a frustrated look.
"Y/N, just drop it." Alhaitham suddenly blurted out to you. Making you jump and pause what you're doing.
"W-What?" You stuttered, confused and worried at the same time.
"I saw that you've been struggling on that thing for hours, can't you just move on to something more useful?" The gray haired man sighed. "You're so creative, and you're wasting your time with that." He said it like so condescendingly, that such a calm sounding comment penetrated your heart more than an actual insult could.
"I mean, look at all this." He motions to his desk. "A bunch of junk that serves no purpose. I really don't see why you need to do all this." Tears started collecting in your eyes, and you heard his words as if you're the junk that serves no purpose.
"B-But... those are all presents for... y-you." Your voice was shaking, and you could only manage to whisper. "I wanted to make them for you."
"Then perhaps it is me that don't want to receive them anymore."
And that's what got to you. What you do to show your love, what you try to do for him, he doesn't even like. So does he even love you at all?
Tears streamed down your face, and what initially started as sniffles turned into sobs that echoed around the large room. You stood up, stuffing your things into your bag before aggressively wiping your tears away, though more seem to fall anyway.
Without another word, you ran to the elevator before rushing out of the Akademiya, running back home with a broken heart. It was a miracle you didn't trip with how cloudy your vision got from the tears.
...
"What are you doing here?" Alhaitham raised a brow, seeing Kaveh in his office, sweeping everything on his desk into a large bag.
The blond architect ignored him, clearing out the desk before heading for the wall with a few of your works filled the space.
"Did Y/N make this?" Kaveh questioned, finally looking at his roommate. Alhaitham merely nodded, though even more confused when the architect took the pieces and shoved them in the bag too.
"What are you doing?"
Kaveh scoffed, shaking his head at the Acting Grand Sage's pathetic ignorance. "You don't deserve these things!" He then proceeded to glare at him. "Saying such mean things at Y/N, they did nothing wrong and you started acting like some obnoxious fucker that just wanna bring people down."
"I mean, I know you like doing that. But to Y/N?" Kaveh questioned in disbelief. "Yeah, you don't deserve any of this."
And so Alhaitham was reminded of his words from yesterday, as well as you're crying face as you ran out of his office. He (rather stupidly) thought that you'd get over the comments, after all, you didn't mind his critiques from before.
"I wanted to make them for you." He remembers what you said, all the things Kaveh had in the large bag were for him. You wanted to make those for him.
You made them because... you love him...
And he fucked up.
Kaveh was done with his sweep, leaving him in a eerily empty room, free of everything that made it a bearable to work in. He hated the office of the Grand Sage, but your presence, the presence of your creations... made it that much better.
He had to fix this.
...
You heard knocking at your door, but after looking at the peephole and seeing a gray haired scholar for the fifth time that day, you didn't bother opening the door.
"Darling?" You ignored the endearment muffled by the wall separating the both of you.
On the other side, Alhaitham sighed before resting his head on your door. He's been trying to talk to you properly for five hours, but he didn't just want to say what he wanted to at your door, risking you not hearing what he has to say for himself.
"Listen, Y/N, I'll just be here... working." He didn't leave just yet. "You can join me, if you want. Just like before."
He sat back down on the bench that was right in front of your house. He brought the work he has to get done with him, and trying to swallow down the guilt yet again, he proceeded to work into the well hours of the night before leaving with yet another unsuccessful day of trying to talk to you.
For many days, it was like that, he stayed outside your home. Whenever you needed to go out, you ignored him, even if he followed you, even if he tried to talk to you, you wouldn't give him the time of day.
"I think this type of yarn would be good for structure." Alhaitham held a roll of yarn in his hand, looking you and anticipating a response.
Though you said nothing, you confirmed that you at least listen when you plucked up another roll of the same yarn and paid for it. He smiled a little, though you didn't wish to humor him further.
Everyday, Alhaitham would be working in front of your house, maybe knocking once in a while to check in on you. It was rather heartbreaking to see, from your window, you saw him sit there, looking like he isn't even getting work done, just staring at the reports and trying to make something of it.
And finally, it was night yet again, a particularly cold one this time around. The cold breeze as the sun sets in for the night sent goosebumps down the Acting Grand Sage's spine, but it was far too early to leave, so he didn't budge.
You don't get it, you don't want to feel sorry for him, he couldn't just say something so harsh yet act so stubborn to force you to forgive him!
But tonight... he does look rather cold, and from what you learned the days before, nothing will make him move from that bench until you let him talk to you properly.
There was a soft warmth that ingulfed Alhaitham as he was busy with his work, from his peripherals he could see the makings of a blanket, effectively shielding him from the cold.
Looking back, he saw you dressed in your pajamas, not bothering to make eye contact with him. "You looked cold." were the only words that you said to him.
Unbeknownst to him, while he was working in front of your house, you joined in on his day, finishing the blanket you were planning to give him before his outburst.
It felt like such a waste to scrap it, especially since you were half done with it already...
He stood up from the bench, looking uncharacteristically enthused at you. "Thanks..." He was looking fondly at you, but you still refused to meet his gaze.
You also noticed from watching him a bit that he wasn't really eating much throughout the day, so before you could stop yourself...
"Would you like to come in for dinner?"
...
You were quiet for most of the meal, but his ears perked at the occasional sniffles you let out, implying that you were trying not to cry. Alhaitham felt shitty for thinking he even had the right to feel bad when he was the one that caused all this.
After dinner, it was still silent, but Alhaitham proceeded to evaluate the blanket you gave him in your living room. It was crochet with, yet again, an irritated dendro slime on top of a building that resembles the Akademiya, you must have observed him and his sour mood from being the Acting Grand Sage.
"Do I get to keep this?" He asked, looking at you expectantly.
You bit your lip, anxiously twiddling your thumbs. "Umm... It's... not of much use." You replied, earning a sigh from him.
With your comment, Alhaitham made his way right in front of you, making it perfectly clear for him see that tears have started to fall from your eyes. "I-I think... it would be best if you g-go now."
You were looking down, still trying to cover your face despite knowing that he knew you were crying.
"Would it be okay if I talk to you properly first?" Something in you wanted him to leave because you thought that he deserved it, but you still wanted answers. Why did he say all those mean things to you? Why did he hate what you make so much? Why was he persistently outside your house all the time to persuade you to finally talk to him?
You didn't answer, but didn't motion at all for him to leave, so he took his chance before it was too late. "There's nothing I love more in the world than you. And to lash out on you for doing something you love was absolutely idiotic of me."
He took your hands in his, "I hated being the Grand Sage, I hated having to deal with the shit I don't care about. That hate just continued to build up, and I... you were the one that unfairly received it all."
"You didn't deserve any of that. And I know I can't use being stressed as an excuse for hurting you, that was my own stupid act. But I am truly sorry."
"I-I would have stopped making things for you if you hated them so much." You finally looked up at him with wet doe eyes, effectively clenching his heart even more.
"No, no, darling... I love what you make, every single one. Because I know that making them makes you happy, and I love seeing you happy." He lets go of one of your hands to wipe your tears away. "I'm so sorry about everything I said, darling. The moment Kaveh took everything from my office, I realized how empty it was... without you..."
"He did that?" You asked in disbelief, your question laced with a strained chuckle. He nodded, a pout forming on his face.
"Yeah, and I realized how terrible it was..."
You laughed, though your cheeks were still stained by dried tears. "Do you like the blanket I made you?" You asked him, and he gave you a rare genuine smile.
"I love it, you're a star for making it for me." He closed the gap between the both of you, guiding your head to rest on his shoulder, his arms wrapping around you in a warm embrace.
"I love everything you gift me. I love you..." He whispered as he hugged you warmly.
"Even the plushie on your desk that doesn't do anything and always falls over?"
"Even that..." Your heart fluttered, your body cuddling with his to receive more of his warmth.
"Okay..." You responded, smiling against him. "You can tell Kaveh to stop keeping my gifts hostage..."
...
"There's somethings missing..." Alhaitham gave Kaveh a pointed look, making his blond roommate scoff.
"Well, everything I took I brought back here! If you lost a few things then that's you're fault!" Kaveh has always been a big fan of your crafts, and Alhaitham has a gut feeling that he liked a few things that he took.
The gray haired scholar merely raised a brow, making Kaveh sigh dramatically.
"Fine! But I'm keeping the plushie!" He left before Alhaitham could argue with him, leaving him only to sigh.
Your giggle occupied the room for a bit. "I'll tell him I can make one for him."
"Alright, but I'll appreciate if his isn't as cute as mine. Thanks." He said, and though you know he's joking, he still had that stoic face that makes you laugh when he says those unserious things.
"I'll keep that in mind."
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
This is like almost 20k words, so I really hope that you guys liked it :D
It's been a while, (as always with my writing, but it's summer, so apart from work, I've been pretty free to write, which makes me really happy) enjoy!
some would say it was inevitable that alhaithams cold and arrogant personality would catch up to your relationship. how someone as sweet and loving as you could be with someone as robotic and logical as him, people didn’t understand. but it never mattered to either of you what others thought or assumed about your relationship. you knew how you felt and how he felt in return, you didn’t need anything else.
you also knew that even if what others said did come true, even if you were on the receiving end of cold calculating words and intimidating eyes it wouldn’t sway how you felt about him. and as you stood before him, with unshed tears clinging to your lashes, under the gaze of his indifference to what he said that caused your chest to contract painfully, you know it really didn’t change how you felt about him but that still didn’t prepare you for how much it hurt to hear him talk to you in such a way, how small it would make you feel in comparison to the genius grand scribe.
he hadn’t yelled, hadn’t used his title to undermine you, he had hardly even blinked when the words came out and pierced your heart with daggers of ice. and yet he may as well have screamed to the whole library around you that you were fighting, that you were beneath him. those feelings wrapped around you, curling around your spine like tight tendrils oozing with black smoke that echo with his hurtful words as he towers over you with folded arms and his usual unbothered expression.
your mouth felt dry, your heart beating to a rhythm that hurt; each deep thump sending an uncomfortable ache throughout your whole body. you didn’t know how to reply, there was clearly nothing you could say that would make him understand where you were coming from right now and with every passing second you were becoming weaker to the tears threatening to spill down your cheeks. being this upset you didn’t want to cry in front of him or what felt like the whole akademiya but you couldn’t stand to have him speak to you like this for another minute without breaking down and you hardly had the will to talk back to him.
all you can manage is a choked out and quiet ‘okay’ as you turn away from him and start to head for the door leading out of the house of dena. you don’t make it far before a powerful hand from your ‘feeble’ scholar wraps around your wrist and stops you. it’s gentle enough not to hurt you but still with enough strength that you’re forced to do as he willed even if you didn’t want to.
biting the inside of your cheek, trying your damnedest to not break down and cry right here and now, you look up to meet his eyes but only get a glimpse of his stern features, those seafoam orbs with amber fire, before your vision blurs and wet warmth travels down your cheek. pushing your hand against his, you pull away from his grip and quickly wipe the few tears from your face with the back of your hand before practically running from the house of dena and out the doors of akademiya. you needed to get out of here.. try to calm down and finally catch your breath, not succumb to the suffocating unease sewing between you because if you did you swore you would drown in it.
you don’t hear him following but you don’t dare to look back to check.
with his sharp eyes and pink lips drawn in a thin line you’d never see through the express he wore that alhaithams heart was dropping into the pit of his stomach, dragging his lungs down with it. the hurt painted all over your face, the shake of your body under his touch and as you pushed him away, the tears you tried so hard to hide from him escaping and cleansing the veil of his arrogance from his eyes.
.. had you looked this hurt the whole time? he had hardly looked up from the book he was working on until his patience snapping, wanting nothing more than silence and for you to not worry, brought him from the pages but even then he hadn’t truly seen you. at least not until you turned away and he reached for you, went to tell you that this discussion was not over but the words died on his tongue quickly because as soon as he saw you, actually saw you and heard not just the words he spewed to prove a point, to be right, he found he could hardly speak at all.
how others felt about his words or tone was hardly of his concern but when it came to you..
you’re suddenly too far away for his liking and he somehow feels like the distance you put between you was not just physical but a distance of the heart as well and he felt it growing vaster with each quick step you took. but by the time his body actually moves to go after you, a few long strides in, his voice returning to call your name, a strong grip on his cloak pulls him back and keeps him in place.
“let her go,” kaveh voice is as annoyed with the scribe as it always is but there's an air of unusual authority around him at this very moment.
kaveh hadn’t really meant to eavesdrop or step in, it was more that he had been in the wrong place at the wrong time but it was a scene that was hard to look away from and he was full of his own dejection after watching what unfolded before him. he had never heard alhaitham speak to you like that, with cold indifference as the scribe had with many but never you. it had once baffled kaveh to see the scribe being sweet, truly and genuinely loving, towards you but this.. this threw him off even more so.
why did he stop alhaitham though? he chalks it up to being such a sucker for love and well, if he’s being honest, he quite likes what you’ve done to his roommates bad personality. he didn’t need this romantic fledgling only making things worse for himself.
“this doesn’t concern you.” alhaitham can hardly contain the sneer pulling at his lips as he forces himself out of his roommate's grasp and turns back in the direction you ran but you were nowhere to be seen now. he swallows the lump in his throat to try to calm his racing nerves, clenches his fist to keep him grounded, from losing the last bit of rationality because with every erratic pulse through his veins he feels it slipping further and further from him.
he hadn’t known the absence of you could make him so.. frantic.
“maybe not,” kaveh sneers right back. “but did you ever think that when you’re being an insufferable jerk not even y/n would want to be around you? give her some space.”
give you space.. crescent shapes dig their way into his half gloved hands the tighter he clenches his fists thanks to how much he hates that yes it makes sense that he should indeed do just that. you had left to get away from him after all, even if he detests the validity of that truth. but maybe that's what he needed too. yeah, maybe logically.. but he can’t get his heart to agree, not when it’s still sitting like a boulder at the bottom of his stomach, growing heavier by the minute at the remembrance of the hurt in your eyes and the way you ran from him-
he should go after you..
as if kaveh heard his thoughts, which is both absurd and annoying, he attempts to stop alhaitham again. “i’m sure she’ll find her way to the house once she’s ready and then you can attempt to apologize for being such a royal ass.”
it wasn’t until after he had tried to settle back into his book that he actually started to see what happened leading up to this moment. the way he spoke to you, both his tone and his choice of words, the way your own voice wavered so many times but he still didn’t stop, as if this was some kind of debate with another scholar - and this time he turned out to be the losing fool. how he had made you cry.. the fact that for all he knows you were still crying..
he tries to swallow down the unease, running his hand through his hair, readjusting and trying to find a comfortable position in his chair, rereads the same paragraph over and over because he can’t seem to retain the information with the lingering thoughts of you in his mind but it all does nothing to help quell the storm that uncomfortably knocks against his rib cage and keeps a slight bounce to his leg.
not a single bit of his work got done from the moment you left. he tried to brush it off like he had so many other arguments with so many others but you were not others and they had never felt like this, never had someone he cares about this much hurting from his words.
unable to focus on anything but you, he gives up on his book and heads home early but home isn’t much better.
while you didn’t officially live here, still having your own place in the city, you slept here every night, had drawers that alhaitham cleaned out in his dresser for your things that slowly made their way here or that he had simply bought you so you could have them no matter whose place you were at. little reminders of you lay throughout the whole house and he could hardly take his eyes off of them; your tea cup sitting on the table from when you left this morning while in a hurry, your extra pair of shoes neatly placed at the front door, your favorite fruit resting in the basket on the kitchen counter waiting to be cut up and eaten, your soft blanket and fantasy books near the couch you usually sit at. and though it wasn’t what he normally read, he couldn’t stop himself from opening up one as he waited for you to come home.
but as the sun set and not even kaveh returned, it was as though he saw every calculating chance of how he could make this up to you when you finally did come back, fall to the ground and shatter at his feet. he looks into those shards of possibility, calculating his next strategy, refusing to let them piece themselves into a prospect he didn’t want to see; one where you never called this place your home again. he was left with his head in his hands, staring at the ground beneath his feet and wanting nothing more than to kiss your forehead, remind you how precious you are to him, have your head rest against his chest and remind you that he can be aloof, even cold, but he loves you so much.
they were words he rarely shared but right now he wanted to say them to you more than ever.
he had never actually used the key that you gave him to your place. there was no need when he found you beside him always, but, knowing there is nowhere else you likely are, it now felt like a life line that reeled him into you, guiding him through the dark streets of sumeru until he was standing outside your door, the first few drops of relief finally washing over him at the light coming from your living room window.
he swiftly unlocks your door and steps inside, headed straight for the room with the light on, where you were bound to be, your name falling from his lips only to be cut off when he finds you on the couch, sleeping as unpeacefully as he’s ever seen you. he feels the regret of not coming earlier bubbling in his stomach but pushes it down because it didn’t matter, he was here now and he was going to make it right.
with quiet steps he takes long strides towards your sleeping figure, feeling somehow better and worse than he had before. to see you, reach out and touch you, delicate touches as he moves stray hairs from your face, revealing to him all the evidence of your tearful state until you had fallen asleep here. by looks of it you hadn’t meant to, with no blanket to keep you warm and the lights still on, in an old shirt he hadn’t known you took from his closet, curled into yourself, a book long forgotten on the tea table.
he hadn’t been able to part from your skin, even when your tired eyes blink slowly, finally seeing who was in front of you and the emotions held behind those lovely blue eyes, emotions he normally didn’t feel or show to anyone.
“h-‘haitham?”
“habibti,” he replies with such tenderness.
“what’re-”
“you didn’t come home.”
your chest feels heavy at his words and you hide your face from him, feeling like you might cry at the way he said that, not wanting to say that this was your home too. you knew it was a lie, your apartment hadn’t felt like home for a long time, not when he wasn’t here with you but how you shy away doesn’t stop him from scooping you into his arms, cradling you in his warm and strong embrace. for a moment he just stands there, holding you, his lips on the crown of your head, his nose buried in your hair, his grip around you growing comfortably tighter. you can hear the heavy beating of a heart but in this proximity, when the whole world around you was nothing but alhaitham, you didn’t know if it was his or yours.
“i love you.”
his words break the silence between you. spoken against your skin, their truth seeping into your very being and down your spine until you are encompassed by it, by him.
you reply in earnest, clinging to him, placing soft and gentle kisses against his collarbone as he carries you to the bedroom you hadn’t slept in for so long, that felt too big without him in it but tonight, you wouldn’t be without him for another moment.
as if you were made of glass he places you into the sheets and follows immediately after you, never letting you get far from his grasp and as you drift back to sleep against his chest, a peaceful one this time around, he whispers his apologies, his promise to do better and more confessions of his unending love for you.
It was funny—throughout your entire relationship, the two of you had had plenty of small fights over mundane things, and you had always ended up being the one to apologize to ice things over, but never him.
Instead of apologies, you got facts, statistics, analogies that you were rarely able to comprehend, anything but a simple "I'm sorry". You had wanted one so bad some days that you cried into your pillow at night until sleep overtook you, and now that you had finally gotten it, you didn't even want it.
Maybe you would have appreciated the gesture a bit more if he had at least told you the exact reason why he had missed your performance, but alas, you had gotten no such thing. You were instead left to wonder what was so much more important than you on that particular day—his duties? His studies? That blonde traveler with the small floating companion that he seemed to linger around more and more these days?
Maybe he's cheating. The thought is a nasty one, and your fingernail picks at a splintered piece of wood on the bench that you're sitting on. You had never taken Alhaitham to be one for infidelity. For one, he rarely seemed interested in most people to even start a decent conversation with them, much less develop an entire relationship. It had been such a shock when he had been the one to strike up a conversation with you all that time ago, and even more so when he had asked you to accompany him to Puspa Cafe on a date.
But maybe you didn't really know Alhaitham. Maybe this relationship was far too one-sided to work—maybe it was always like that. You, giving everything you possibly could, and him, giving only the scraps that he deemed would be enough to pacify you and keep you around.
A forlorn sigh is forced past your lips, and you wince when there's a sharp prick to your finger. You snatch your hand back, pointer finger now throbbing, and bring the bloodied digit up to your face. There's a small cut on the tip, nothing too concerning, but it'd be smart to go home and disinfect it in case something from the dirty wood had managed to get inside.
But I don't want to go home.
Alhaitham was likely there. It was a bit late in the day, the sun surely going to set soon, and his duties at the Akademiya were usually done at this time. He was probably in his study right about now, looking over books and texts that only a select few could understand, and not thinking about you at all.
Hmph.
With an indignant pout and a cross of your arms, you stay seated in your spot. He was the last person you wanted to see right now, and with very few options of staying anywhere else for the night, you decided you'd stay a bit longer until you were sure he had retired for the night so you wouldn't have to speak to him.
With your mind made up, you try to get as comfortable as you can on the bench, while also trying to avoid any more accidents.
You're not sure how long you sat there for exactly. The sun had set quite a bit ago, engulfing you and the forest around you in darkness, but you didn't feel scared. When you were younger, you used to camp a lot with your parents, and had grown to love the forest at all times of day. Besides, your mind had been occupied.
Despite not wanting to, you thought a lot about Alhaitham, or more specifically, your relationship. You didn't want to end it, not at all, even if that might have been the right thing to do right now. You wanted to talk to him—really talk to him. You wanted to sit him down and tell him how much it hurt when he wasn't there for your accomplishments, because even if he didn't see something like a 'silly' dance as important, it was important to you. It was all you knew, and you loved it. Your mother had been in the theatre, and now you, and your entire life had revolved around it.
You had known from a young age that academics weren't for you. You weren't ignorant by any means, but you were nowhere near close to Alhaitham's level of intelligence, nor did you want to be. This is all to say that even though all things Akademiya are not something you care to have in your life, it's something that Alhaitham is incredibly passionate about, and that alone makes it important to you. You wouldn't ever dream of missing any of his events—debates, speeches, ceremonies, awards, you had been there for them all, smiling and standing on the sidelines as you waited for him to make his way over to you so you could lavish him in praise and kisses.
So why couldn't he do the same?
Why couldn't he decide that for one lousy day, you were more important than work and been there for you? You had wanted him there so bad. You had wanted to look out into the crowd and see him watching you, had wanted to show off all your hard work and have it be acknowledged. You had wanted him to be the first person to congratulate you, tell you how amazing you had been, tell you how proud of you he was.
A low choking sound rings out into the otherwise silent forest, and you blink when you realize the sound is coming from you. A hand to your cheek reveals that tears are streaming down your face, and you hiccup as you frantically wipe at your eyes, head shaking back and forth as you try to subdue your feelings, only to stop yourself in your tracks.
Biting your tongue and holding everything in had been so tiring, and it felt nice to finally let everything out. With each sob and violent shake of your shoulders, the tension that had been building in them is released.
When you finally quiet, your eyes are puffy, your throat sore, and you have a mild headache, but despite all of that, you feel better. Your mind is clearer than it was when you first sat down, and while the disappointment is still there, swirling around your heart, you're no longer angry, and this time, you think you're ready to accept his apology.
The walk back to Summer city is a long one, and by the time you finally reach the city's gates, there's no one out on the streets except for the patrolling guards. A breath of relief leaves you when you finally step onto cobblestone roads opposed to the uneven terrain of the forest, but that relief is short lived when a body is suddenly crashing into yours.
The breath in your lungs leaves you in a single whoosh, and before you can even think to suck in some much needed air, your face is forced into a toned chest as strong arms lock around your waist. Panic begins to seep in, but then the person who had crashed into you is pulling a few centimeters away and cupping your face.
"Are you okay?"
"Al-Alhaitham?"
"Are you okay?" He repeats, more urgently than the first time, and you give a quick nod, confusion clouding your features as you stare at him. He looks...disheveled. His usual earpiece is nowhere to be seen, his eyes are bloodshot, and his hair looks as if he's been frantically running his hands through it.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Your mind immediately jumps to the Akademiya, and it's almost comical how quickly you're ready to toss aside your feelings once again to comfort him.
"You've been gone for the entire day—you didn't even tell me where you were going—it's the middle of the night!" His voice is on the cusp of an angry yell, and at your surprised face, he reigns himself in, thumbs rubbing back and forth over the apples of your cheeks. "I was worried about you. I thought you had been—" he harshly swallows, cutting himself off. His forehead falls to rest against yours, and a fuzzy, warm feeling fills up your stomach as you stay still.
It's silent for a few moments before he speaks again. "Are you sure you're okay? You've been crying, and you're cradling your hand."
"Oh," you're reminded of the cut on your finger, as well as the breakdown in the forest, and the tips of your ears heat as you look away from his intense gaze. "I cut my finger on a piece of wood...it's fine now, though. I'll clean and dress it when I get home." He grabbed your hand as you were speaking, eyes taking in the damage, and his shoulders loose some of the stiffness in them when he sees the small wound.
Another silence falls over the two of you, this one a tad more uncomfortable than the last, and you figure that you may as well make it a bit more uncomfortable and speak your mind now before you lose your nerve.
You take in a deep breath, but before you can get a word out, Alhaitham is swooping down and planting his lips on yours. His hands go back to cradling your face, clammy palms hot against your skin, and you melt in his hold despite yourself.
The kiss ends as sudden as it started, and you're left gasping for breath as he moves to press a firm kiss to your forehead before speaking. "I know I've said it a hundred times by now, and it probably loses its authenticity the more I repeat it, so this is the last time I'll say it: I'm sorry." He sounds just as breathless as you feel, and you meet his gaze, heart skipping in your chest as you do. "I know you wanted me to explain why I didn't come to your performance, but I didn't want to say anything in case my letter was rejected, but I received news of its acceptance this morning. A few weeks ago I submitted my letter of resignation—I resigned from my position as Acting Grand Sage, and—"
"You resigned?"
"—they rejected it at first because they hadn't found someone suitable for the position, and the process of getting them to rescind their rejection was so tedious and long, I thought about leaving the Akademiya altogether because I could see how upset you were due to my negligence." The thought of Alhaitham leaving the Akademiya, for you no less, is one that makes your head dizzy and makes you unsteady on your feet. Had he been anyone else, you would have accused him of fabrication in an attempt to get back into your good graces.
He keeps talking—rambling, sentences coming out so jumbled, rushed, and disorganized. It's nothing like the cool, calm and collected man that you're so used to. He looks frazzled, sounds frantic, and the way his hands have moved to tightly clutch your waist feels desperate.
"...and I know that I've been exhibiting behaviors that would make you believe otherwise, but you are the most precious thing to me."
"Alhaitham..." Tears rush to your eyes once again, and your hands rest against his chest as a wobbly smile takes over your face. There's barely any space between the two of you, breaths mingling together and toes of your shoes pressed together, and yet you wish that you could get even closer. "I love you."
"I love you," he parrots, and then his lips are on yours again, one hand moving to cradle the back of your head as the other settles into the dip at your lower back. The kiss is sweet, tender, and butterflies spin and dance in your stomach when you finally separate, a warm flush settling in your cheeks.
He kisses you one more time, this one a simple chaste peck, and then his own breath of relief is fanning over your face.
"Before I officially resigned," he begins, "I took the liberty of borrowing the master key which would allow the two of us to have the entirety of the Grand Bazaar to ourselves."
"Borrowed it or stole it?"
"Let's just think of it as my severance package." The two of you share an amused smile. "I know I missed your performance, but maybe, if you want, you could give me a private show instead."
Amused smiles turn sultry, and intentions are crystal clear when you feel a hardness poking into your stomach.
"Only if you promise to give me a standing ovation."
no warnings. gn reader/performer reader. angst-ish.
-
“Is Alhaitham not coming?”
“Of course he is.” You quickly reply to one of the other performers in the theatre. “He’s just running a little late.” His current title of Acting Grand Sage would often keep him at the Akademiya later than usual, and while you hadn’t liked the late nights, you had understood and bit your tongue on the matter.
When his side of the bed was cold and a note of his whereabouts were left on the pillow, you bit your tongue, made breakfast for yourself (Kaveh as well if he hadn’t left already), tidied up the house, and went about your own errands for the day.
Sometimes, when he had an exceptionally busy day ahead of him, Alhaitham would forego his meals in lieu of getting ahead of his work, and on those days you’d pack two lunches and head over to his office in the Akademiya, where he’d mutter a ‘thank you’, take his meal, and occasionally take small bites, attention never wavering from the mountain of papers stacked beside him, and you bit your tongue then as well, quietly eating your own meal as you watched him forget about your presence as he became absorbed in his work.
The serene nights where the two of you used to wander the streets of Sumeru city—your hand clutching onto Alhaitham’s as you excitedly dragged him from booth to booth were no more. Instead, he was either cooped up at the Akademiya, reading documents and texts that you couldn’t even dream of deciphering, or out in the desert doing things you weren’t privy to. And again, you bit your tongue and swallowed down your questions and complaints, busying yourself with learning new dances for the theatre that Nilou came up with—dances that you had been so excited for your boyfriend to finally see.
But now, as you anxiously wait for Alhaitham to make his appearance at the Grand Bazaar, sweat beading at your temples and your fingers worrying at the trim of your top, you realize that you’re getting awfully tired of biting your tongue.
This isn’t fair, you think.
He promised.
You had given him plenty of time to make arrangements ahead of time, not wanting to have sprung this on him last minute—because again, you understood that he was busy now. Insanely busy with important stuff that made your head spin any time he mentioned in passing what he’d be dealing with that day.
You could only imagine the stress he was probably under, and your shoulders sag as you prepare to once again wipe your slate of complaints clean. He didn’t need the added headache. Despite his words and constant reassurances, you had always believed that you were second to his studies, and you had been okay with that, as long as you were allowed to have a piece of him…but it seemed as though your grip on that piece got looser and looser as the days passed.
With less enthusiasm than you normally have during your performances, you take your spot in the center of the stage and begin your dance. Your eyes scan the crowd as you move, and your eyes sting when you catch no sight of a familiar head of silver hair.
“You remember what day it is, right?”
“Of course I do. It’s tonight.”
The soft fabric covering your body, a mix of greens, grays and black, sways behind you as you dance across the stage. The steps are executed perfectly, thanks to the hours of extra practice you had put in.
“And you’re still coming, right?”
Your eyes sweep the crowd for a final time, and when you get no different results, you sink your teeth into your tongue.
“Of course. I’ll finish everything before it’s time for your performance. I promise.”
how I be sleeping after reading the most down horrendous, toe curling, super well written and detailed (like nobel prize worthy) 10 k smut abt some man with questionable murder tendencies at 3 am
Al Haitham’s mood was already sour having dealt with Cyno just hours prior, so imagine the plummet his mood took upon hearing that his upcoming mission he was going to be sent on was going to be with none other than you, he wasn’t all too happy to say the least.
He didn’t particularly dislike you, you just talked too much in his opinion. That and you also picked on him a lot, plus to make things worse Cyno and you were close friends making Haitham someone you weren’t to fond of either.
Something about his stoic/inexpressive standoffish attitude made you want to see him crack. Either from sheer annoyance or anger either or would be amusing to see so Cyno and you always made it your mission to pick fights with the akademiya student every time you crossed paths.
You hum a tune as you wait for Al Haitham to arrive, your foot tapping on the ground as you reach into your bag for your pocket watch once again only to see a pair of familiar boots step into your view.
You exhale a laugh already smiling up at a frowning Al Haitham.
“Two minutes late, is this what they teach you at the Akademia?” You tease, he only looked over you and walked past you, exhaling through his nose as he did so to show his annoyance.
A smile makes its way onto your lips, you just can’t help yourself, he's so easy to tease.
“So Haitham, they left me in charge since I know around this site right? I’m assuming you know I’m taking the lead since you know we’re researching around the area I grew up in?” You pick up your pace, legs moving at twice the speed as Al Haitham was hence his long legs.
You look up at him after a few seconds of no response to see his stoic face remain the same, unwavered and annoyed as always.
You only laugh again making the tall man roll his eyes at how annoying you were already being despite only just greeting you seconds ago.
He knew that he was going to have a long trip, now it was going to feel especially longer because of your comments and teasing and archons does he wish he didn’t have to come with you but it was you or Cyno and no way was he about to choose Cyno. They’d rip each other to shreds before they would even reach the village so he knows that he has to suck it up just for the time being.
“Not going to answer now, big guy? Come on, don’t be so uptight all the time. Besides if you wear that frown all day you’ll get wrinkles sooner than later.” You raise your hand up, poking his cheek as he suddenly stops, gently catching your wrist in his hand.
“What’s that phrase again? Less talk, more walk?Also hands to yourself please and thank you.” He exhales, looking down at you as he rolls his eyes, his temples feeling the familiar slight throb coming in.
“We’ll just be doing some simple research at a the specified location is all, now if you’ll excuse me I’d like to get this done sooner than later I don’t want to be out for too long I need to come back to finish some business.” His hand let go of your wrist, his long legs wasting no time as he stormed away just as quickly as he had stopped.
Now a quick trip that was supposed to be just had to come with a catch with Al Haitham’s luck. Just as you both had arrived at the designated research area as the storm that was brewing hit harder than usual. The village was in the cusp between the desert and rainforest so a sandstorm plus heavy rain was bound to ruin anyones day, especially if they’re stuck with someone they don’t like.
The withering zones nearby had shot up tenfold making it dangerous for even those who wield visions to be out for too long. So as much as Al Haitham didn’t want to spend another second with you, let alone more than he had to, you both needed to find shelter whether you liked it or not.
Now you weren’t all too happy either of course, you did have a vision but still having to “take shelter” for such reasons was making you upset, you could take the withering zones no problem you knew around the area like the lines on your palm. It was all going fine and Al Haitham’s mood was ok until he heard that he had to find shelter with you, archons this man did a whole 180 on you. If you thought he was moody before forget it because right now, his patience was running on thin ice.
“You don’t understand! I can still-“
“No.”
“Hey! It’s not that hard. Anyways I came here for this exact reason, just let me. Besides I grew up here I know the no zones and I can take care of myself!” You argue, though you feel like you’re talking to a wall, he won’t take what you say into consideration at all!
“Drop it, you’re being a nuisance.” His legs moved in the direction of the nearest inn, your arguing not adding his pounding headache at all. “I said we’re heading to the nearest resting area just for the time being now stop complaining. I’m not getting in trouble for your reckless actions.” Al Haitham only walked faster, the heavy raindrops already drenching you both, the sand blowing in your faces making it hard to keep your eyes open.
You roll your eyes and bit your tongue, deciding it was best to save your breath as you knew he wouldn’t give you the chance to speak with his attitude, also your clothes were soaking wet and you were more than sure you’ll get sick if you kept being as stubborn as you were being so you decided it was for the best in the end.
Al Haitham’s legs came to a halt as he stared up at the familiar building in front of you both. He’s come down here many times for research and this inn was one he’s stayed at more than once so he decides this inn would be the best as he knows the owner himself, hoping you can get rooms to rest for the rest of the day.
“Ah, Al Haitham good sir, it's been quite a while since I’ve seen you around. Down here for research presume?” The old man behind the counter at the inn spoke up upon your entrance.
“Hello, it’s good to see you once again, and yes, research business for the akademiya is all, but the downpour is a bit too rough I was wondering if you had rooms for us to reside for the night, we’ll be off tomorrow morning but you’ll be compensated for your help.” Al haitham smiled warmly at the edleryman, making you do a double take. Such a soft smile on him looks so unordinary, but it fit him well, it made you realize just how rare it is to see him smile having barley seen it for the first time right now.
You blink as you turn away feeling slightly embarrassed for dumbly staring at him like that only making Al Haitham clear his throat.
“I presume this is your significant other? I’ve never seen you around with anyone young man-“
“Surely you jest,” Al Haitham laughs uncharacteristically, making you shoot him a questioning look.
“Goodness no, they definitely are not and never will be my significant other. Not only would I not spare them a second glance but I won’t even give them the time of day.” Al Haitham spat out more harshly than intended making you open your mouth but fail to say anything out of embarrassment.
The old man behind the counter only scratched his head. He didn’t mean to make you both feel awkward, he was just teasing but Al haitham was a bit harsh with his words making the old man feel bad for you because of Al Haitham’s sharp tone.
“Ah, sorry didn’t mean to upset you. But I do have a room open for you guys to stay the night, or well wait until the storm passes.” The old man clears his throat, sending you an apologetic smile as he explains the situation.
You internally groan, not only were you just embarrassed by Al Haitham but now only one room was available for the both of you meaning having to hear his complaints even more now, what luck you had today surely.
“We’ll take it.” Al haitham wasted no time taking up the offer making you do a double take. Did he hear correctly? You question as he took up the offer a bit too fast and easily.
“If you’ll be so kind as to tell us the room numbers. I wouldn’t want to be in these clothes any longer than I have to.” Al Haitham jokes, peeling his skin tight shirt off of his chest just a bit, seeing water slide off the thin fabric.
“Room numbers?” The old man repeats, confused as to why he implied it separately.
“Yes. The numbers to the rooms we’ll be staying in.” Al Haitham stated mattarfactly.
Ah, yes of course this doofus misheard. You only roll your eyes at Al Haitham’s obliviousness.
“Young Man, I'm afraid you misheard. There is only one room, the rest are booked.” The old man repeated.
“One room?” Al Haitham’s eyebrows furrowed. “One room as in only one with, one bed and all nothing else, no other options?” Al Haitham stupidly asked though he himself knew what this meant, he just couldn’t belive it was happening to him, why with you of all people?
“Yessir I’m afraid so. Though, is there a problem with this situation?” The old man tilted his head not really understanding why Al Haitham seemed so bothered by this fact.
Al hailtham was doing your confidence no good you’ll say that. Sure you did tease the guy a lot and poked fun but geez, he was taking it a bit too far with his sharp tongue. He was making you feel more bad about yourself than you already do about yourself for no reason.
“So one room is all you have, no others.” Al Haitham repeats, exhaling as he raised his hand, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Of all the people in the world it would be with you.” He murmured under his breath. The displeased look on his features making you feel guilty, though you’ve done nothing wrong.
“I suppose if that’s all you have then there is sadly nothing we can do. As much as I don’t want to, I guess we’ll have to still take you up on your offer.” He reached into his pocket and you rolled your eyes. “Though I’d much rather sleep outside in the storm than with the likes of you. My headache is only going to get worse.” He grumbled under his breath, throwing one bad comment after another.
You stood quiet for too long but he was being more rude han he needed to be, saying things that didn’t need to be said, making you feel unwanted and bothersome.
“Sounds good, I’ll meet you back at the akademiya.” You took off your coat, wringing the excess water into a nearby plant as you shook it once again.
“No need to be throw a tantrum now, I can find my own place to stay. You stay here tonight. Thank you for your service, sir.” You slightly bow, sending the old man behind the counter a closed eye smile as you adjust your coat on your arms, the fabric clinging to your body making you dread the downpour that you have to face once again.
The old man put his hands up and opened his mouth to stop you but Al haitham’s hand did so instead.
You felt his hand wrap around your arm, slightly pulling you back to stop you before you reached the exit.
“Hey where do you thin-“
“Don’t touch me.” You shrug his hand off you, not even bothering to look at him still too embarrassed by his unnecessary comments.
“You mustn’t leave, the rain and toxins will cause those with visions to get sick too! I didn't mean for my joke from earlier to anger you, I’ll find you another room you can sta-.”
“You’ve done nothing wrong sir, no need to apologize. I can easily find another place to stay. I do not want to bother you anymore than I already have. Now if you’ll please excuse me, I’ll be taking my leave now.” You quickly thank him again, Al Haitham was standing too close for your comfort, his gaze never leaving you as he slightly towered over your frame slightly blocking your path from leaving.
“You’re being dramatic. I said there is no need to leave, staying here with you is the last thing I want too trust me, but if it has to-“
“Can you drop it? I said I'm leaving. No one is being dramatic except you. I mean have you heard what’s been coming out of your mouth since we walked in? I haven’t said one complaint but you’re the one that’s all bothered.” You look up at him, eyes narrow, you didn’t want your anger to get the best of you and you didn’t want to show him that his words did hurt you even though you tried to convince yourself they didn’t. “Besides I’m doing you a favor, me leaving will finally give you the piece you’ve oh so desperately have been wanting! Am I wrong?” You ask him and feel his grasp around your arm loosen a bit. “Now get out of my way before you really do become a problem.” You cut him off, the audacity this man had. Calling you dramatic when you’ve stood quite this whole time. There’s only so much one can take until their breaking point is reached.
“Listen, stop being-“
You push past him, not letting him finish as your shoulder slightly shoved past him as you made your way to the door. You quickly pull the handle, slipping through and out into the cold rain once again. Gosh this man didn’t know when to drop it.
Al Haitham stood there for a few seconds with a perplexed look on his features as the door shut by itself. Why did you leave? Why was he so bothered? Why did he try to stop you? Only did he move when the old man behind the counter cleared his throat.
“Young Man, I'm afraid I made them mad at you, my apologies.” The old man wore a worried face, genuinely feeling guilty for your arguing.
“Ah,” Al Hailtham now cleared his throat, pulling out money to hand the old man for the room. “Worry not, you’ve done nothing wrong, they’ll be back before nightfall I guarantee they’re just being dramatic.” Al Haitham assured the old man though it sounded as if he were trying to assure himself as the look on his face was one of uncertainty.
“Ah ok then, let me get you your key.” The old man hesitated but handed Al Haitham the key anyways, deciding it was none of his business but he does feel responsible for your leaving.
Al Haitham took the key and turned to the way of his room wanting nothing more than to get changed and rest for a bit now, his headache has subsided and now it was just a bit too quiet for his liking already.
“If they come back please escort them to the room, I’ll open the door for them then.” Al Haitham told the old man before walking down the hallway to his room, you probably just need a breather, a second away to cool down and you’ll be back.
Al Haitham entered the room, sigh escaping his lips as he finally relaxed his tense shoulders. The wet shirt clung to his torso more than he liked so his legs made a straight b line to the bathroom wanting nothing more than to shower.
As he peeled off his shirt he remembered back to how you were also just as soaked, if not even more drenched than he and he felt something heavy in his chest.
They’ll come back, I’m sure they’ll be in the room and back to being a nuisance by the time I get out. Al Haitham told himself as he turned the water on. Deciding it was best to enjoy the peace and quiet now since later he’ll miss it once you’re back.
Al Haitham’s tense muscles and headache were now long gone as his hand turned the knob shutting the water off, he was wondering what stupid comment you’d make once he exited the restroom but he knew I’d be better than you being outside alone.
So to his dismay he’s quite confused himself when he doesn’t hear the sound of your voice when he does open the restroom door, let alone see any trace of you even entering at all, he’s been in the restroom well over an hour so now the heavy feeling sank to his stomach, were you really not coming back?
The rain only grew louder as it hit the window panel of his room, the winds picking up as he looked out at the now dark view.
The rude comments he made all day, the rude comments he’s always sent you started to hit him. He wasn’t one to necessarily regret things he’s done since he’s always sure of himself but he can’t help but taste something bitter in his mouth as he remembers your sad expression when you walked away from him earlier, of when you recoiled from him when he tried stopping you, of how your didn’t even talk back or make a single comment of “having” to share a simple room with him because you were far more mature than that maybe he was the childish one all along.
Where were you? Why weren’t you back? Why did he feel so bad suddenly? Why did he care though? Why did he feel so bad now? Why did he have a heavy feeling in his chest?Why weren’t you back? Questions filled his head as he quickly got changed once again, grabbing nothing more than the umbrella by the door and exiting his room to go find you.
The loud thunderclap made your heart rate pick up, the sand that stuck to your soaked clothing making you all the more uncomfortable than you needed to be. You sat under a tree a few blocks down from the inn where Al Haitham was residing for the night.
Were you cold and tired? Goodness, yes. But did he embarrass you and make you feel too ashamed to go back? Yes. So be damned with that geek. Who cares if you get sick if he really can’t stand being in the same room as you that bad then so be it, you’ll stay out here until the rain stops, do your part of the research and be on with your day not having to see him again since he so desperately can’t spend another second with you.
You know you tease a lot but he didn’t mean to say all that. You know you’re a handful it takes you a while to fully let others in hence why your close ones are very limited but for some reason you let Al Haitham in pretty fast, faster than you’d like to admit sure but you just felt comfortable around him, he didn’t seem all too judgmental despite the glare he wore around you or his sharp tongue but you knew he wasn’t serious, or so you thought. Hearing his say one thing after another today made you question it, maybe he was being honest, maybe you finally made him snap and he really truly can’t stand being around you.
It’s not like you haven’t been told that you’re too much before, you keep your close ones at a limit but you just got too comfortable with him maybe you needed to distance yourself and treat him like how Cyno does. Maybe it’s about time you leave him alone.
The rumble from another thunderclap snapped you out of your thought’s making you jump along with a pair of hands grabbing your arm only made you yelp in surprise.
“Hey! What the- let me-“
“Look at you! You're drenched!” A familiar voice cut you off for the hundredth time today, making you pull your arm back but to no avail as the pair of hands only held you tighter, even going as far to pulling you closer.
Only then did you see the umbrella in his hands, as he now held it over your shaking cold frame, an unusual worried look on his usual stoic features making you give him a confused look back.
“What’re you-?”
“Where were you?” He asks, out of breath. His hair dripping wet as he looked down at your state, guilt now eating him alive at the site in front of him. Your red nose, fingertips colder than anything he’s ever felt and your clothing, gosh your clothing was like a second layer of skin with the way it clung so close to your body.
He didn’t care that he got soaked again, as soon as he exited the restroom his mind went on autopilot. He’s walked around the village for the past 20 minutes but he doesn’t care because you’ve been out here far longer.
“Stop cutting me off! Besides you’re soaking wet too. What're you doing out here?” You stop his mumbling and he shoots you a look filled with worry.
“No! Why’re you out here? Where were you all along? Why didn’t you return?” One question piled on top of the other all these questions he wanted answered but why was he so anxious? Why was his heart racing? Why did he feel so bad seeing you in this state when usually this would amuse him? Why did he feel so relieved to see you?
“Excuse me?” You whisper out, disbelief lacing your tone as one corner of your mouth turned upwards a laugh wanting to escape as you looked up at the worried man’s expression.
“Is this some sort of joke? Are you done with the act now?” You chuckle, pulling your arm once again only to feel his firm hand hold you still.
“You can let me go. Go back to the inn before you get sick. Besides you don’t have to hear me anymore just what you wanted right, I left and now you can relax. Now why’re you out here?” Your usual joking tone was nowhere to be heard making the tall man swallow nervously.
“Y/n?” The voice of the current mahamantra made both of your heads shoot up, looking at the direction it came from.
“Cyno?” You squint your eyes, it was far too dark to see where he was standing.
In a blink of an eye he was standing in front of you, his hand immediately reaching out and removing Al Haitham’s hold from your arm, sending a glare in Al Haitham's direction.
“You’re soaked.” Cyno spoke up, still glaring at Al haitham.
“Ah really I wasn’t aware of that you see I can’t feel-“
“Why are you out here? How long have you been out here?” Cyno cut your joking sentence before you could finish, he’d usually indulge in jokes with you but the state you were in was no joking matter to Cyno at all.
“Not too long Cyno it’s ok, I was just heading back inside honestly no need to-“
“Did he do this to you?” Cyno held you in place as you tried shifting your way between the two men to start walking to the inn.
You froze in place you didn’t want them to start arguing right now, you didn’t have the energy to pick stop them from arguing and besides it was on you, you’re the one who decided to leave, no one told you to do so.
“No I brought this upon myself, now let’s head in.” You state simply, trying to once again make your way between the two.
“Don’t lie to me y/n. Did he send you out here?” Cyno's voice lowered, his shoulders tensing, getting ready to strike the taller man in front of him.
“No! Nono it’s not like that I did-“
“Yes, they’re out here because of me. It’s my fault but I’ve come out here to apologize.” Al Haitham speaks up, eyes staring right into Cyno’s making Cyno summon his spear from thin air, sparks of electricity surrounding you all now.
“What did you do?” Cyno asks cautiously, ready for the scribe to say something rude or unnecessary to strike him down.
“I said some unnecessary comments, I’ve come to get them as I’ve realized I may have taken it too far. It is my fault and I’ve come to apologize, that’s why I’m out here with them.” Al Haitham admits to Cyno leaving you dumbstruck. That’s the last thing you expected him to do, to admit to what he’s done wrong, to apologize properly.
You only blink as the two men stood quietly, the pouring rain not washing away the tense atmosphere that surrounded you all.
“So you’re the reason they’re drenced, if they get sick you’re going to regret-“
“Cyno,” you grab hold of his hand that was clenched around his spear, he was ready to strike at any given moment and the last thing you wanted was for both of them to throw down in the middle of the night.
“I came out here on my own accord, ok? Besides he apologized for his actions earlier and it’s ok, I overreacted but it’s resolved no need to get your hands dirty for my sake.” You send him a closed eye smile and feel his arm relax. “Thank you for getting mad for my sake Cyno but it’s ok.” You give his arm a squeeze and hear Al Haitham clear his throat.
“Not to interrupt you two, but Cyno did interrupt me earlier,” Al Haitham spoke up making Cyno click his tonge in annoyance. “May we head back inside now?” Al Haitham’s gaze looked anywhere but the two of you. Seeing the way Cyno and you treated each other made him mad for more reasons than one. Why did you talk in that calm tone with him? Why did he get your soft smiles? Why did you look at him with kind eyes when you never gave him that look? Why was this bothering him so much? Why did he care?
“Watch it.” Cyno warned, smile dropping as soon as his eyes met Al Haitham’s gaze again.
“I’ll drop you off at the inn since it’s on my way,” Cyno sighed, his spear finally disappearing as he turned around. “But if I catch you out here alone again, I’m not sure if I’ll hold back on him like I did right now.” Cyno explained, he wanted to punch the scribe for letting you get this drenched and stay out alone at this time of day, but he also knows you could take care of yourself so he took your word for it, deciding if you really say that it’s ok and you forgive him than as much as Cyno doesn’t want to let this go he has to, he can’t butt in.
Cyno made his way down the road, not wanting to be next to Al Haitham longer than he already has. You followed close behind as you scanned your fingertips having lost feeling on them long ago along with the feeling on your legs so going inside the inn and taking a shower sounded absolutely divine, though you were sure I’d be awkward sharing a room with Al Haitham at least you both resolved your argument from earlier.
You felt the heavy rain droplets suddenly stop as the presence you felt by your side held up an umbrella over your form once again.
“There’s really no point in trying to stop it, you know? I’m sure my clothing is beyond soaked by now.” You joke, small laugh escaping as Al Haitham slows his pace to match yours.
“True, but though it might not aid you much but if it can keep the rain away for the time being then you can be shielded until we get to the inn.” Al Haitham’s eyes scanned the dark road in ahead, he still felt bad for his actions so him doing this was a way of him saying he’s sorry.
“Thank you,” you look up at him giving him a small smile, though the tall brooding man can be rude at times you’re happy that he at least apologized let alone come back out to find you. This alone showed you that he did feel somewhat guilty for his actions.
“For apologizing and coming out to get me I mean,” you roll your eyes at him as he comes to a sudden halt. “ You didn't have to come out to get me, you could’ve easily enjoyed the time you had alone and left me out here without a care, I know I can be a handful at times but appreciate it nonetheless, so thank you.” You laugh at his expression, he only started at you with eyes a bit wider than usual.
It’s not that he didn’t expect you to thank him, well that did shock him but the soft smile gracing your features, the genuine gratitude behind your voice as you gave him a small bow made him feel warm, made him feel happy, made him want to see it more often.
“Haitham? What’s wrong?” You blink at him shifting as he only continues to stare.
“Nothing,” he turned away from your gaze, feeling his face heat up for some odd reason.
“What’s the hold up?” Cynos' voice made you jump again as he impatiently tapped his foot on the wet concrete.
“None of your business we’re right behind you so stop being impatient.” Al Haitham answered flatly, rolling his eyes at Cyno’s impatience, annoyed that you turned you attention back to Cyno now.
“Come on Cyno no need to rush!” You joke, making your way up to him as he slowed his pace for you.
“I can’t wait to get out of these clothes, a shower sounds divine right now.” You sigh, peeling back the shirt you were wearing only to feel it slap back onto your skin.
“Oh! I call showering first!” You turn around to Al Haitham sticking out your tonge and picking up your pace before he can say anything back making Al Haitham crack a small smile as you turned back to face the road in front of you.
“What do you mean first? Why would you have to call….” Cyno connected the dots, he looked back at Al Haitham and then your figure in front of him and it snapped.
“You’re sharing a room? With him?!How can you even stand being in the same room as him let alone share one? Are you out of your mind?!” Cyno picked up his pace as he argued, making you laugh but only walk faster.
Al Haitham felt a wider smile form as you didn’t complain about sharing a room with him, seeing Cyno blow up over it made the scribe feel proud for some unknown reason. Seeing you not bothered by it made him feel relieved and he can’t help but feel bad once again. You didn’t mind once, maybe you did but you kept quiet and he was the one that made things awkward but maybe, just maybe, sharing a room with you wouldn’t be all too bad? Though you can be a handful and you joke a bit too much for his liking, he’s come to find that he doesn’t mind being around you more than he thought he does, especially not after seeing the warm smile you can give him aswell, maybe, just maybe he will find himself wanting to be around you more often then he though he would if it means he can keep your smile to himself.
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authors note: hellooo lovelies! so good to post again ahhh! it feels like its been forever ohmygoodness sorry work has been keeping me busy and some other things aswell but that’s besides the point hehehe bc….I finally FINALLY wrote for mr Al Haitham ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ! I was kindof scared to write for him at first bc I didn’t really know his character all too well but I’m catching up with the archon quests so!! I’m getting to know him better!! AND SJSJSJSJ HES SO FINE- HES SUCH A LITTLE SHIT THO! can’t wait to pull for him and put him on my team with by skrunk kaeya bc tall sword users \(≧∇≦)/ WOOOYESSIR! hehehe anyways, my goofy self has to make everything angsty bc I love pain :3, I do hope you are all staying safe and you’re taking care! I have some exciting news soon for the holidays so please stay tuned for that! I do hope you enjoy! (also sorry for any errors I didn’t have time to revise!)(ㅅ´ ˘ `)♡
After leaving Sumeru for good, you decided to begin your journey in Natlan.
To think that you got quite lucky. A job in a busy tavern where you could perform during the busier shifts and even help out the waiters paid well – so you took it. The tavern was called „Fireball" by everyone, as it was famous for it‘s famous spicy meatballs that you had yet to try.
The tavern‘s owner, an old, hard-of-hearing, but extremely friendly man, welcomed you with open hands. Seeing you perform, sway on stage as dendro particles and flowers matched your moves mesmerized every drunk, bard, and simple visitor passing by. You were hired in no-time and soon became the talk of the town.
You didn‘t have the closest relationship with other workers, as it was always only work-related talk, never had enough time to joke around or sit down for lunch together.
But it didn‘t matter. You were only here to make some money to continue your journey.
It was about two weeks since you‘ve been working in „Fireball". Tonight was a much easier day, as there were not that many people in the tavern. Silent and comforting chatter created a warm atmosphere in the tavern.
- It‘s weird to see so few people here in the evening. Usually the tavern is buzzing with people, - you said to your co-worker, Juliet.
- Yeah, but I feel rather relieved. My head was starting to hurt from all that loudness," – Juliet answered, as she sat at the bar facing you.
You continued to wipe another glass, as you heard your other co-worker come down from the upstairs floor with an empty tray.
- Keep tabs on those at table 13. They‘ve had more than enough drinks tonight. – Merilia sighed, as she unceremoniously slumped on a bar chair next to Juliet.
You only chuckled at Merilia’s exhausted expression, as comfortable silence filled the tavern again.
As you started wiping the bar, Juliet turned her attention to you.
- Say, Y/N, how long are you planning on staying here? Heard you want to become a performer or something like that? – Juliet asked, trying to start a conversation.
- Yeah. I was hoping to earn some mora before continuing my journey, - you nodded at the woman before you.
Before Juliet could ask anything else, sudden rustling and footsteps were heard outside. What startled all of you was the fact that it sounded like there were more people coming into the tavern than usual.
And you were right.
Around 20 Fatui agents of all lower ranks scattered in the tavern and took their seats, quickly changing the comfortable atmosphere into a more suffocating one. You only noticed that something was off by looking at your co-workers faces, as they soon became slightly more pale. Both of the girls' eyes were on the tavern’s door. Automatically, you turned to see what unsettled Juliet and Merilia so much.
A tall, wide figure entered the tavern. His whole face was covered in a shiny mask, and his body was surrounded by a heavy-looking armor. This tall man spared you a single glance, as he made his way towards the table in the darkest corner of the tavern.
- I’m not serving him. Get someone else to do it, - Juliet said quietly as she stood up and walked over to one of The Fatui's tables, ready to take their orders.
- Who is he? – you asked Merilia, as she was standing up from her seat.
- Capitano. One of Fatui's Harbingers.There is no way I’m about to serve him and risk losing my life today, nu-uh… Heard he was one of the most cold-hearted ones… - Merilia whispered, as she leaned toward you.
You only blinked away your dumbfounded expression, as you understood that the task of taking Capitano’s order fell for you. With a deep sigh, you prepared your best smile as you made your way to the Capitano’s table.
The Harbinger was sitting there alone, arms crossed, as he watched his men have their share of fun, already ready to drink and relax. As you stopped at his table, the man slightly raised his head and turned his face to you. Even though you couldn't see his face, you could feel his full attention on you.
- Good evening! Are you ready to order? – you asked, pulling out your notebook and pen, ready to write down Capitano’s choice of food.
The man stayed silent for a moment, as if he didn’t understand you. During that moment, your thoughts raced a thousand miles per hour.
- What would you recommend? – he asked, surprising you with a deeper voice than you had expected.
- Well… We are famous for our spicy meatballs! Or if you’re not into spicy stuff, my personal favourite are sticky glazed ribs, - you chirped, nodding your head slightly.
Capitano hummed quietly as he lowered his head a little more.
- I’ll try the meatballs then. And… Bring me a drink of your choice, but make it free of alcohol, - The man finished his order.
With another nod, you noted everything down and made your way to the kitchen to submit the order.
- How was it? – Juliet asked you, as she patted your shoulder.
- He was actually really polite, ordered a plate of meatballs, that’s all, - you smiled back at your co-worker which was happy to see you fine with the encounter.
Both of you got snapped out of your small talk, when Fatui agents started to get rowdy. One of The Fatui agents stood up, clearly already drunk from just one glass.
- Hey, waiter! How about a performance with our food? Isn’t this the best tavern in town? – he slurred, with a half-full glass in his hand. Quickly, he got pulled to sit back down by another agent, but not long after, another one of the men started hyping up the idea of someone performing for them.
You noticed Juliet's face turn sour from the drunken conversations of The Fatui agents, but you quickly moved in front of her.
- Let me handle this. It's just another night of performing, right?—you asked, taking a step back from Juliet and making your way to the small stage in the middle of the Tavern.
Juliet nodded, as she gave you a reassuring smile.
- Break a leg! – she chuckled.
You made your way to and up the stage as you noticed all the Fatui agents starting to clap, relieved that they had finally gotten a performance.You didn’t fail to miss Capitano’s lingering gaze on you.
As you exhaled, you closed your eyes.
3… 2… 1…
When you opened your eyes again, The Fatui men were clapping for you, cheering for you to perform again. You only smiled as you bowed to them and made your way towards the kitchen, intending on finally delivering Capitano's order.
With a plate of meatballs and a glass of juice in your hands, you made your way to The Harbinger’s table.
- Is there anything else you’d like to order? – you asked, this time more reassured of yourself.
- No, that is all. Thank you. – The Harbinger spoke, as he picked up the cutlery.
Upon wishing him a nice meal, you made your way back towards the bar, where Juliet and Merilia were already waiting for you.
Just like that, the rest of the night went on quite peacefully. About an hour later, you performed again, which made The Fatui agents cheer for you even louder than before.
At the end of the night, when everyone finally left the tavern, you and the girls could breathe a tad bit easier. All of you were beyond tired, but all that was left is to clean up and close up.
You felt your eyes widen, when you stopped at Capitano’s table with a wipe in hand.
There was a hefty bag of 20,000 mora left on the table with a note sticked to it :
You woke up quite early, not wanting to leave the pleasant warmth of your bed, but the sun shining straight through the gap in the curtains into your eyes made you sit up in your bed.
With a tired yawn, you started yet another day of your life.
Eating breakfast, dressing up and walking through the city was your everyday routine now. Sumeru was supposedly one of the most innovative regions in the whole Teyvat, and to think that you found it to be utterly boring would be an understatement.
With easy steps and waving to your friends here and there, you reached your every days destination - Zubayr theater.
Upon entering, you could already feel a thick tension hanging in the air, which was unusual for this always lively and cheerful place. A single dancer was in the middle of the stage, seemingly lost in her thoughts. As you were making your way towards the said stage, you noticed the dancer’s concerned face, which was another hint to the unpleasant past events.
- Nilou, is everything okay? – You asked, extending your hand and gently touching her shoulder.
Your action made the young performer slightly flinch as she snapped out of her thoughts.
- Ah, Y/N. Sorry, I was lost in my thought’s. How was your morning, did you sleep well? Knowing that you stayed up late last night to help us with decorations was really generous of you! – Nilou smiled at you as she turned to lead you to the backstage.
- I slept well, but you dodged my question. Nilou, I saw your facial expression and the people in this place feel extremely dull today. What happened? – you asked, worry filling your eyes.
To your persistence, Nilou only sighed, as she took your hands in hers, playing with your fingers.
- The Akademiya gave us yet another warning, except this time it was more of an… order. They said that if we don’t stop our performances anytime soon, they’ll be sure to settle all of this once and for all… - The young dancer sighed, avoiding your eyes.
You and Nilou had been close friends since childhood. You both grew up together learning how to dance and performing the most amazing plays on the stage. Once an inseparable duo, yet so different in personalities. While Nilou was always extremely gentle and attached to the theater, you could only wish to finally travel Teyvat and perform in more places than just this one theater. But you did not want to leave Nilou alone.
But is it so wrong to wish for new experiences, sights and relationships?
- …Then maybe it’s time for us to move on? – You asked, but your tone sounded colder than you have intended.
To your question, Nilou only squeezed your hands a little bit tighter.
- Y/N, I know what you‘re going to say, but I can‘t... I can‘t just leave these people. They are our family, and this place is our home! We can‘t just leave it! – Nilou pleaded, looking directly into your eyes.
- But what can we do? We tried multiple times to reason with The Akademiya to no avail. This is no different. And I don’t want to spend the rest of my days somewhere in a deserted village just because I broke one of stupid Akademiya rules. – You stared at Nilou, slipping your hands out of her hold.
To your distant action, Nilou only frowned as her eyes slightly widened. But not long after, her facial expression changed into a more sad one. It took a moment for her to gather her thoughts, as she squeezed her hands into the fists, trying to hold all of her emotions at bay.
- Y/N, please… You’re my best friend… And you wanting to leave and give up like that does not sit right with me… - She spoke softly, avoiding your gaze.
You felt bad for upsetting your closest friend, but the emotions that were stirring inside of you took over, as you gently hugged the girl in front of you.
- I’m sorry, Nilou… But I can’t live like this anymore. I’m not happy here. No matter how hard I try, this is not the life I want. I want to travel, experience different things and meet different people… I’m sorry… - you whispered, feeling your own eyes water at the sudden confession.
You felt Nilou nod against your shoulder as she hugged you back even tighter. After a minute of sorrowful silence, she slowly stepped away from you, smiling gently.
- Then… Then I wish you all the best. Please, whenever you can, come to visit me here. I’ll always be waiting for you. – The young dancer nodded, as she now was standing further away from you. Yet, you could still see the fresh tears that had rolled down her face.
- I promise to visit you as much as I can, - you smiled, wiping your own tears.
With one last goodbye, you went back to your small house, packed your things and notified the landlord about your departure. Taking a quick peek at the map, you already knew where you wanted to travel first. The nation of fire was the first one to come into your mind.
Imagine being Diluc Ragnvindr's significant other.
Imagine being left with nothing but a letter letting you know about his departure as he suddenly left the Mondstadt City one day.
Imagine the pain of longing, change, adjustment of the things that was once there was now gone and missing.
Imagine being the one to be in charge of the things your lover has left behind, having no reason to refuse, hoping this was one of the few things you could do while your lover, the one was now the head of the household was gone of to somewhere you do not know.
Imagine as years went by, the more you grew accustomed to the works around the winery and business. Once in awhile, Adelinde would receive a letter coming from your lover, it was nothing but a note that says he's alive and well. Doesn't really ease the pain and longing you felt for him.
Imagine one night after a very eventful day at the tavern, having a talk with Kaeya and Sister Rosaria the night before, having the two encouraging you to drink your fill for the night, but you didn't. You had too much more waiting for you at home waiting to be done.
Imagine the going to sleep and waking up with the sound of your name being called, a very familiar yet unfamiliar voice calling. You did not mind it at all, just groaning and shifting, wanting to sleep more. Then you heard a chuckle, the feeling of someone stroking your hair, making you snooze into sleep.
"I had a really good sleep today." You yawn, rubbing your eyes as you navigate your way downstairs from the manor, all on your nightgown and when you finally reached the end of the stairs, you stopped.
Imagine the way your (eye color) iris widen upon seeing your lover, unlike the way he was before, his hair has grown, he looked buff and mature as ever, if it wasn't for his hair you wouldn't have recognized him. He was talking to the butler and maids at the moment, then his eyes fell upon you.
Imagine the way words were stuck on your throat, the feeling of wanting to say something but can't really do so. You just stood their, both of you staring at each other. Then he looked away, continuing the conversation between him and the staffs of the manor. For the first time, you felt the distance of time between the two of you.
Imagine the dinner with the two of you that night, the silence slowly eating away your appetite as you silently glance at your lover across the dining table. It was suffocating. The silence between the two of you were just.. Awkward. Not like those years were everything seems alright and joyful. This atmosphere makes you want to cry but you try to relax, clearing your throat as you set down your utensils.
"So.. uhmm.. How was your journey.. Lu- Diluc?" You called him out like you did before but it doesn't feel just right. The distance between the two of you seems further right now to call him out like that.
Imagine the way he too puts down his utensils, picking up the cloth and bring it close to his lips to wipe it. Then he stood gently stood up, at the same time you felt your heart dropped. "Why don't we take a rest for the night? (First name)" "Huh? Ah. Right.. Yes.. Let's do that, you must be tired after all."
Imagine the uneasiness building up inside you as days have gone by as the distance between you and you lover had had grown bigger. You knew he wasn't the same as he was before, he was rather aloof than the person he was before, even the way he started treating others had change. That being said you really aren't sure on what to feel knowing he hasn't just changed on you but to everyone around him.
Imagine as you cried silently, or at least what you thought. Diluc as just listening outside, one hand holding the doorknob, the other holding a tray of your favorite beverage that will help you sleep at night, but then he stopped, at your door step he stopped upon hearing your painful cries. Knowing he could be the cost of it, he took a deep breath.
Imagine his mind going back in his near death encounter. The moment he was about to lost his consciousness, the flash of your face was the first thing that came into mind. Until the very end, you were the first and last person who came into as everything went black, your were the name he called out.
Imagine upon waking up in fatal injuries and bandage, you were the first person once again who came in his mind. The thought of not being with you as he took his last breath seems to hunt him. For the first time in years of seeking revenge and wandering around. He thought that it was finally time to come back home, to come back to you.
Imagine upon coming home, the first thing or person he seeked for was you, he had been receiving letter for Adelinde for years about you after all. Going inside your room the first thing he saw was your sleeping figure on the bed.
Imagine the feeling of relief and longing as he gently and silently made his way towards you. Unconsciously calling out your name, he stroke your (hair color) hair, a chuckle leaving his lips upon seeing you stirring on your sleep. And then he pull out his hand.
Imagine for a moment he stare at his hand, the image of it so bloody came into mind, making him unconsciously step back, looking at your hair only to find no traces of blood in it, just you peacefully sleeping still.
Imagine as he stood there in bedroom door. All those memories came into mind. Once again he snapped back into reality upon hearing your cries. The hand that was holding the doorknob slowly tighten his hold as his heart throb in pain. Soon enough, he walked away.
"Where are you going?" "Huh? Uhmm. I'll be staying in the city for awhile.." "Why?" He looked confused when he asked that you almost take back what you just said, but then you took a deep breath.
"Uhmm. You're uncomfortable being with me right now, right? To be honest.. Uhm.. Luc.. Diluc you've barely interact with me ever since you came back. I know somethings have changed, not only you but me too of course, we're not the same person as we were years ago when we were eighteen but I.. I tried okay? I know I'm not the best but we can't stay like this Diluc.. I want to get to know you more.. this version of the new you ever since you came back.. but everytime I made a move you just ignore nor try to change the subject. In order for this relationship to continue we just both make a move. I think.. I think we should take a break, Diluc." You spoke, brushing off the tears that went down your cheeks by the end of your words.
Imagine the look on his face upon hearing your words, the way you can't seem to face him as you wipe of the tears on your cheek. His heart painfully throbbing on his chest upon realizing how much he have been hurting you all this time ever since he came back.
Imagine turning your back at him, bag already in hand as you were about to take a step forward. But then a strong pair of arms warp itself around your waist and shoulder. "I'm sorry." He said and so you cried.
"I'm sorry for making you feel unease, I never meant to hurt you." He added, keeping you still in his arms. "I.. I was never the same guy as I was back then years ago, I admit. I.. I have do somethings when I was out on a journey. I got blood on my hand now, my love." "I thought I was taking things slow, turns out I was just hurting you. I'm so sorry, I really am. But believe me my love. My feelings for you were still the same, in fact much even stronger than it was before, you're my only home now my love." His hold on your tighten.
Imagine, wiggling out of his embrace that almost breaks his heart, almost fearing you may not accept nor forgive him when you end up facing him and hugging him back, bags no longer in hand as you cried in his chest. For the first time ever since he came back, he felt like the man you loved.
Imagine as the two of you hugged in silence as he let you calm down crying in his arms. Running his hand up and down your back, his chin resting on your head as he once in awhile would kiss the crown of your head. Damn he missed this. And then he heard you sniff, gently pulling away from him as you look up to him. You look cute with fluffy red eyes and red nose to him, making him smile, making you smile.
"Stay?" "Only if you stop ignoring me." You pout, making him lean down to steal you a kiss. "I love you." "I love you too, Luc"
