[favonius-library]

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[soleillunne]

hi alyssa !!!!!! i hope you have fun on your trip and stay safe !! <3 could i request kazuha with prompt #52? thank you, and i hope you're doing well <3

⤷ pairing: kazuha x gn!reader

⤷ prompt: 52. “people always leave, so why should it be any different now?” “what if i told you that i never planned on leaving? not now, not ever?”

⤷ warnings: reader doesnt think kazuha will stick around (this was so self indulgent vagsjbdhkfnjg)

⤷ note from author: i live mfs (this is so short but here you go have some kazuha comfort after like uhh 2? months. 2 months. yes. here u go)

The night sky stretched endlessly above the Crux, Beidou's mighty ship sailing smoothly through the calm waters. On the deck, the stars shimmered like diamonds, casting a gentle glow on the lone figure standing near the railing, gazing up at the celestial canvas with a troubled expression.

Kazuha had noticed the melancholy in your eyes from a distance. Concern etched across his features, he approached silently, his footsteps barely audible against the rhythmic creaking of the ship.

As he came to stand beside you, the night breeze ruffling his white hair, Kazuha gently asked, "Is something troubling you, my love?"

You turned to him, eyes reflecting the distant stars. "I don't know, Kazuha. I just can't shake this feeling of unease."

Kazuha tilted his head, studying you with genuine curiosity. "Unease? Is it the open sea or the vastness of the sky that troubles you?"

A heavy sigh escaped your lips, and you finally admitted, "No, it's something deeper. I'm afraid you'll leave me."

Kazuha furrowed his brows, surprised by the revelation. "Leave you? But why would you think that?"

A bitter smile played on your lips. "People always leave, Kazuha. It's the way of the world. So why should it be any different now?"

Kazuha's eyes softened with understanding. He reached out, gently cupping your cheek. "My love, I may be a wanderer, but my heart has found its anchor in you. I never planned on leaving, not now, not ever."

You looked into his eyes, searching for insincerity in his warm gaze, and found none. Kazuha continued, "The stars may drift apart in the vastness of the sky, but my heart will always find its way back to yours. I choose to stay by your side, no matter where this journey takes us."

A moment of silence passed between you, the only sound being the distant waves and the whispering wind. Finally, a smile broke across your face, and you whispered, "Promise?"

Kazuha nodded, his gaze fixed on yours. "I promise. As long as the stars continue to shine, so will my love for you."

Wrapped in the tranquility of the night and the reassurance of Kazuha's promise, you stood together on the deck of the Crux, under the endless expanse of the starlit sky, your hearts entwined like constellations in the celestial tapestry above.

[idyllic-affections]

thoughts on lyney and lynette rn bc i would kill to see little sibling reader with them ,m so normal about them i swear i just dnfgohpjykul

the blood of the covenant.

summary. blood related or otherwise, lyney, lynette, and freminet are among the best siblings to have.

trigger & content warnings. non-descriptive mention of injuries, lyney does Not open up and it causes arguments (not depicted in detail; just briefly mentioned), some mentions of crying.

tropes, pairings, fic length, & other notes. fluff, hurt/comfort. lyney & younger sibling!reader, lynette & younger sibling!reader, freminet & younger sibling!reader. 2k words. they/them pronouns used for reader. reader is a member of the house of the hearth. reader is only slightly younger than freminet; think a month or two younger.

author's thoughts. almost 6 months later....... your wish is my command 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 SORRY IT TOOK ME LIKE A MILLION YEARS TO DO THE AQ...... AND I STILL HAVE ACT 5 LEFT TO DO...... but i think i'm well-versed enough now to write about the twins! and freminet... as a little treat.

lyney is an undoubtedly protective older brother—he doesn't mean anything bad by it, but given his traumatic history and multiple forced partings from lynette... he's grown a bit worrisome. this effect is increased tenfold if his youngest sibling [name] also happened to be sold off to that noble with lynette.

being the eldest means that he is solely responsible for the safety of his siblings (or so he believes—arlecchino herself feels that it's more of a team effort to keep one another safe on missions and in daily life). so, he worries. he knows that all of his siblings are thoroughly capable... but he worries.

tight hugs. god. lyney gives tight and safe hugs. lynette leans more towards fond squeezes—briefly tight, before loosening up into a more gentle hug (she can and will squeeze even tighter than lyney some days, however). and freminet is more prone to hand-holding, little reassuring squeezes akin to lynette's but with [name]'s hand instead of their whole body, but he'll also offer very gentle and soothing hugs if needed.

^ speaking of freminet's inclination to hand-holding, he might clutch their hand if he gets nervous about something... and if they also happen to be a bit shy, as he is, he'll try his best to be as confidently reassuring as lyney is (it doesn't work, but it's the thought that counts, no?). his hand is always open to be held too, though, so if that calms his sibling down... he's more than happy to let them cling onto his hand for a while.

"Are you scared?"

"A little," they murmur quietly, fingers absentmindedly plucking at the threads of their sleeves. "Always a little on missions like these. It doesn't stop me from doing anything, don't get me wrong. I just get... nervous."

Freminet hummed, a soft acknowledgement of what they said.

Then, he held out his open palm, continuing, "Then... you can hold my hand. Until we have to do our jobs."

A bit of their confidence was restored—Freminet could tell, based on the way their downcast expression shifted into something more... neutral. Something more capable of disguising the threat of impending doom, in a way, but he knew that threat was not something for him to worry about. That threat was not for him.

(Some other threat, far more visible on their angry face accompanied by something along the lines of 'Freminet I am going to kill you where you stand Lyney said you ate my leftover food why would you betray me like this' was more likely to be for him.

For the record, Lyney was most certainly a liar. Freminet did not and would not do such a thing to them.

Magic is all about misdirection and trickery, after all. Of course Lyney managed to both misdirect and trick his baby sibling into accusing his other baby sibling of a crime he himself committed.)

They nodded, vastly more confident and assured in themselves, before clasping his hand securely in theirs. His fingers intertwined with theirs, and his thumb absentmindedly ran across their knuckles. "Until we have to do our jobs."

lynette will sneak them sweets when lyney isn't looking... or, tbh, even when he is looking. he scolds her for it every time, but she continues to do it. his chiding has never stopped her before. why would it stop her now?

lynette will also try all kinds of deserts and teas with them!! it's like a bonding activity, in a way. perhaps she and [name] create a little tier list to note down the best bakeries in fontaine and the worst.

"What do you think of this place?"

"Mmh... I don't know." They leaned over to Lynette's side, whispering their secrets ('secrets' meaning criticism that they were too polite to let the bakery owner overhear) into her ear. "Their sweets are kind of... bitter. Maybe the baker was having an off day? I don't know, but it's... not great."

"To the bottom of the list, then," she said simply with no attempt at discretion as she took a sip of her tea. She must have agreed with their criticism, given that she offered no words in defense of the little bakery.

"A— ah?! Lynette, shh! Don't say that so loud!"

kisses!!!! lyney just thinks his baby sibling is the cutest, so he'll fondly pepper their face in kisses if they're okay with it <3 lynette also does this, to a certain extent. it isn't to lyney's level, though. she is far more calm and restrained about it. she may, however, be very inclined to squish their cheeks like a fond grandma might.

it seems... calming for her? she seems to enjoy pinching their cheeks, even if her expression does not show it. maybe it could be compared to a cat kneading its owner. she's also quite fond of giving them headpats for any reason, really—for expressing approval, offering comfort, reassurance...

(it is likely that she picked up said habit from arlecchino.)

anyways.

neither of the twins smother in a belittling way. if [name] is seriously upset by something, or has something of great importance to share (intelligence collected on a mission, perhaps), they both take it very seriously... and if the twins somehow fail to do so, they own up to it.

freminet would be so happy if they wanted to go diving with him! and if [name] happened to dislike the ocean, he would understand, but would want to help them overcome such a fear. he's never going to leave them alone in the water if they're scared. there's nothing to be afraid of, he reassures quietly. why? how is there nothing to be afraid of? well, he will do his best to protect them. he will not let anything bad happen to them.

^ furthermore, freminet would also really love to sit in silence with [name] and toy around with machines and their inner workings. if his sibling isn't adept at it as he is, then he's more than content to quietly teach them and direct them on what to do and how to do it. perhaps there might come a day where they help him out with upgrading pers—whether that be by simply propsing an idea or executing that idea themselves on another machine (it would be so... wrong of them to do something to pers without his explicit permisssion) to visually display what they're trying to explain.

lyney and lynette use their two youngest siblings as something of a practice audience; it helps the twins work out any issues with their tricks, and as a bonus on lyney's behalf, he generally gets to see his little siblings [name] and freminet smile <3

on a more unfortunate note, lyney is notorious for not opening up and not relying on others. this may lead to intense arguments or spats... he may often neglect to apologize verbally (he cannot promise that he won't do it again; he doesn't want to lie to them like that), but he will apologize in other ways—a sudden increase in meaningful gifts for his little sibling, treating them to a meal or multiple meals of their choice, doing menial house chores for them so they do not have to... things of that nature. he feels bad, but he can't act like he won't do it again. he knows he will. lyney is just grateful that [name] is patient with him through it all.

Held out in front of them by their eldest brother was a takeout box from one of their favorite bakeries; he must have asked Lynette about it, they vacantly thought. Taped securely to the top was a Romaritime Flower. Loyalty... was that his way of reassuring them that these little things would not ever truly impact his relationship with and his care for them? They, again, mused that he must have gotten it from one of their other shared siblings—Freminet, if they had to guess.

They frowned. "Lyney..."

He looked a bit worried now. They felt a little bad for inducing that kind of anxiety, but they did not waver. "Do you not like it?"

"I do. It's not that," they reassured, shaking their head as they gingerly took the box from his hands. "I just wish you could rely on us more. You wouldn't need to go through all this trouble to apologize if you just... relied on us. All of us, Father included. That's all."

He doesn't say anything to that.

They gingerly set the gift down onto a nearby table. Then, they turn back to their brother and—to his surprise; he assumed they were still upset with him—wrapped their arms around his waist, head resting on his shoulder. His hands were frantic as they scrambled to secure their place around [Name]'s shoulders.

Lyney squeezed. It wasn't tight enough to hurt them at all, but it was tight enough to put a bit of soothing pressure on their body. Maybe it was another way of his to apologize wordlessly, without committing to the promise of never doing it again, or maybe he was just concerned that they might not forgive him this time and subsequently relieved when they did.

(He should know better after all these years, but... really, what kind of a brother might he be if he didn't worry about making amends with his younger sibling after doing wrong to them?)

It was silent for a moment. They simply basked in the warmth their brother provided, while he basked in the newfound freedom from the weight upon his shoulders that their forgiveness provided him with.

...

Then, they whispered, "You know I love you, right?"

He didn't have a chance to respond before they swiftly untangled themselves from his embrace, swiped his hat from atop his head, and darted out the front of the building that they were in.

Oh, so that's how it is.

He smiled fondly to himself as he waited, offering them a brief headstart.

He would catch them eventually; he always did. However, as Fatui agents... this little game of theirs, some variation of cat and mouse, could go on for hours—days, even, if [Name] happened to be taking it especially seriously.

Well, then. He may as well entertain their whims and antics (and really, they probably got it from him, so he has no right to complain about the monster he made; he often did things of this nature to all three of his siblings, and he had been doing this with them specifically since they were little).

It's the least he can do, he thinks.

lynette can often tell right away if something is wrong with [name]. she notices even the smallest things. at a moment's notice, she is ready to sit at their side and brew tea to share. if they want to talk, she is more than happy to listen, humming quietly every now and then to remind and reassure them that she is paying attention.

should one of [name]'s missions ever go wrong, ending with them injured... their three siblings are by their side as soon as possible, and lyney's probably first, followed shortly by both lynette and freminet.

they all want to know what happened, of course, but they don't push it if [name] isn't feeling up to the task of talking. their health and comfort always comes first.

freminet will offer pers as comfort, if they need something to hold that isn't a pillow. it tends to make him feel better, so maybe it will have the same effect on them. he does this whenever they're hurt—mentally, physically, or otherwise. if his sibling is in pain, he'll do what he can to help.

and if tears are shed... archons, they're all so worried :(

tears will never be shed in front of father, of course, but... it's different if it's in front of their siblings. none of them cry often—even very rarely in front of one another—so it is certainly worrisome when it does happen.

and though tears are rarely shed in front of one another, lyney, lynette, and freminet are all more than ready to help soothe the soul of their youngest sibling, regardless of whether that means letting them rant their heart out or simply sitting in silence by their side.

please consider reblogging and leaving kind tags or comments, it helps me out quite a lot!

[seelie-buddy]

As light rain falls

summary : neuvillette finds you standing under the rain; your late evening musings were surely a fun experience

contains : just reader enjoying the rain & Neuvillette being surprised by the sight ; fluff ; gn!reader, this drabble is written in second person

word count : 500

Neuvillette stood in front of Palais Mermonia, watching as most people began to scurry at the first signs of rain. Crowds dissipated under umbrellas in mere moments.

Children aside, most people think the rain to be a hindrance; plans canceled, events rescheduled, and so on….

So why, Neuvillette wondered, is it that you continued to stand in the rain, looking most unbothered about your clothes and hair drenched, even as the world around you dissolved away.

Your eyes closed, you enjoyed the raindrops falling onto your face, caressing your skin and sliding down to the ground. Perhaps you were determined to catch a cold; humans were, after all, easily discomforted by windy days, rainy nights, and many other factors.

Neuvillette approached you wordlessly, taking his place beside you under the rain.

Your head was tilted upwards, your nose pointing towards the moon, the stars, and celestia above.

A silent sigh left your lips before your eyes fluttered open to gaze upon him.

“Lovely weather, no?” You smile up politely to the Iudex, who could only blink back.

Your understanding of ‘lovely weather’ was.... unlike most people the judge has met throughout his journey amongst humans.

“Do you not enjoy the weather much more when it is sunny, and cloudless?” He finds himself asking.

“The sun nurtures us,” you nod to yourself. “But does rain not help the saplings grow just as much as the sun does?”

You turn your gaze upon the vastness of the world before you. “The sun means running out in open fields, laughter, adventures, and all things joyous.”

A grin grows on your lips, and Neuvillette could all but assume that your words were leading you down a trip in memory lane.

“The rain,” you continue, “means that people run off, leaving all the world to you. No more matters in that moment; it's all about you.”

Neuvillette remains silent at your musing. There was a look of fondness in your eyes that made the moment feel much more than just two strangers in the rain.

“What's on your mind?” Neuvillette asks, curiosity sparked regarding your thought process.

“Nothing.” You answer honestly. “Just listening.”

“Listening?”

“To the rain, the song it sings. The wind blowing, the falling rainwater, the insects chirping.”

You were…. positively unusual. He takes heed of your words, and silences his mind so he too could listen. The raindrops, thrumming against the concrete ground, the rhythm they created. The wind gushing past, singing along in duet. And the crickets croak, praising the drops descending from the dark, foggy sky.

A cacophony of sound, soothing and marveling. A most serendipitous song indeed.

“Oh?” Your voice reaches his ears as he directs his attention your way once more. Your hand outstretched, palm facing the heavens, you felt the rain landing on your palm slow until none continued to fall.

“The weather,” Neuvillette says, a smile so delicate adorning his face. His eyes twinkled with silent joy. “...was indeed lovely.”

a/n : I had this idea circling my mind for a while and I finally got it written down. school was just getting me physically exhausted to be able to write as frequently as I would prefer

p/s : yes the title is inspired by the archon quest name "as light rain falls without reason"

[theblueskyofthedawn]

Adepti did not know one another as closely, as intimately as many would expect.

Even at the height of their numbers, there rarely was more than a family for a peak, and although Jueyun Karst is a giant mountain range, tiresome to traverse for everyone but the most resilient of birds, it is not infinite.

And yet, in the days of joyful yore, she who will become a revered Streetward Rambler oftentimes was at the heart of gatherings of youth.

Her younger sister, the one who was yet to become Cloud Retainer, the most whimsy of them all, tended to play a host, her mountain the first among many curiously looking over the valley open to the sea.

Inviting those of the valley below in kind, if they wished to come.

Some did.

Guizhong's crystalline laughter settled over them like a golden tint of sunshine on the glass' rim, form unfurling from her snow-white fur.

Marchocius' steady paws soon followed her weasely ways, and even Morax of the not-yet-Tianheng Mount, revered by name alone but truly known for a few, stirred in curiosity.

Guqin melodies that she who will become Liyue Harbor’s Madame Ping woven around their merry gatherings held the promise of eternity.

She, herself, did not squander it.

Others had quite a mixed luck.

///

She looked over her dear friend's figure, bent over maps and strategies, clutching her polearm tight, overcome with longing.

"Soon," she thought. "After the war".

///

But for Guizhong "after" never was.

///

She had been in no hurry – didn't they have all the time in Teyvat? So what the reason was to rush, rather than savor each moment for what it was, anticipation for what will become in each glance?

…

So now, all that left to her was a tinkling melody from the convoluted contraption and a yawning chasm in the place of her heart.

///

She caught him rehearsing in the Jueyun Karst.

It was obviously, painfully self-taught, dizi handmade and uneven, fingers clumsy and notes cut off.

And yet.

And yet, she could clearly hear his longing spilling forth, calling for another's soul.

Like hers did, several millennia ago.

[scarletwritesshit]

🌿Raiden Shogun (Ei) x Tighnari 🌿 A Guide to the First Flower's Bloom

Inazuma sure has changed drastically since Tighnari last had a chance to visit. No raging storms pummeling the island every other day, no Vision Hunt Decree on patrol, nothing. Just a relatively calm, peaceful region as far as the eye could see, recovering relatively well from the recently concluded war. It was the perfect chance for him to explore the flora and fauna of the region for himself in almost complete peace.

Venturing out into the wilderness first thing upon arrival in the region was a tempting move indeed, but Tighnari was not as familiar with Inazuma the way he was Sumeru. He couldn’t stick every mushroom he found into his mouth for a little taste test, lest he accidentally consumes something extremely poisonous. Some plants were notorious for not being safe to touch, either.

The best place for him to start his research would be seeking out the assistance of an Inazuman field guide from someone who at least had a solid idea of what they were doing. He didn’t need to traverse the depths of the islands to seek out the most talented of biologists, just a simple field guide to better prepare him for the dos and don’ts of the region.

He made his first official stop be Inazuma city, where he figured that it would be his most accessible option for the time being. A little handbook, that’s all he was looking for, but the book vendors on the street felt overran with fiction as far as the eye could see. It felt as if he could find everything but what he was after, from godawful cliché romance novels to teen fantasy books that always attempted to be more unique than the rest. It was indeed a great contrast to Sumeru, which was full of thoroughly researched encyclopedias and reports as far as the eye could see.

He would have to find something eventually. Theres no way that the simplest of practical resources would be hidden away amongst a long-forgotten community of scholars, or something.

As he was picking up the books and wincing at the strange covers and titles of each, his ears picked up the sounds of two women discussing books close nearby. The chattering could lead him to yet another merchant to check out, so he looked up from the books he was observing and looked to see where the chattering originated from.

He blinked his eyes a few times blankly before dropping the book that he was holding in his hand right onto the stack.  That long, braided, purple hair was recognizable anywhere, even to an outsider like him. Especially once news of Inazuma’s situation reached outside of the region, there was no mistaking who that was.

He was looking directly at Raiden Shogun, browsing books and giggling like a little girl with shrine maiden Yae Miko.

He stood there in total disbelief. Wasn’t the Shogun defeated at the end of the conflict? He must’ve not heard the entire story, not like it would pertain to him very much as he’s from Sumeru, but it would still seem like a very important fact to note if she were still alive. The two of them did not currently seem to be of any threat, but Tighnari hastily went back to browsing the books in front of him, keeping his ears perked up just in case. All he heard was pure, innocent giggling and light chatter. Not one trace of the booming maniacal laughter that he would expect to hear from the Shogun. It was rather hard for him to refrain from turning back and glancing over just to reassure himself that they weren’t secretly trying to eye him up. Admittedly, he also found them both to be rather gorgeous in person. Even though he only had a look from behind, there was something about their radiance that drew him towards them. Especially Raiden, her deep purple hair more beautiful than any Sumeru Rose that he had ever laid his eyes on. His tail softly wagged every time he gave in and snuck a peek, until he eventually realized it and grabbed his tail to force it to stop moving.

While he was attempting to make himself focus on the books, and only the books, he looked further to the right of the stand and caught the Shogun herself browsing for books out of the corner of his eye. They made eye contact for a moment, and Tighnari froze in both fear and awe. He braced himself for a possible outburst, but the Shogun instead looked away rather awkwardly. Tighnari remained still, careful as to not make any sudden movements, but she didn’t seem too hostile, oddly enough.

"Shogun?" Tighnari said, to break through the awkward silence.

"Ah! Please, it’s just Ei. The Shogun puppet is dealing with matters elsewhere!" she said, a little startled.

Puppet? Elsewhere? Tighnari sure had a lot of catching up to do on recent Inazuma happenings. He perked one of his ears up in further curiosity.

"Forgive me, but I’ve never seen a kitsune with such large ears before!" she said, holding back her excitement.

"Probably because I’m not a kitsune?" he said.

"Do not pay any mind to her, dearie," Yae Miko said, startling Tighnari. "She’s normally far more reserved than this, but it holds true that she cannot resist a fox of any kind."

Ei reached out to touch his ear, though he flicked her hand away with his ear in response. He had enough common sense to not let every pretty lady touch his ear so casually…as much as he would honestly like to in this situation.

"Now now, have you forgotten your manners after all of those years alone?" Yae said, grabbing her by the shoulder and guiding her back from Tighnari.

"Ah! My apologies, it’s…been a while," Ei said.

Tighnari didn’t know what to make of the situation. Inazuma’s two highest ranking leaders having an ever so casual chat with him in the middle of the city. All he was after was a mere field guide for plants, but it seemed like he would need a survival guide for just getting through the day.

"No worries... oh great Shogun," he said with a tinge of sarcasm.

"Please, just Ei."

"Right. So anyways, if you’re really all that mighty, could you at least help me find the book I’m looking for so that I could at least be on my way faster?”

"Oh, absolutely! And please, do not worry about spending time here, Inazuma is quite open and welcome to all!"

Welcome to all? Sure didn’t feel like it with all the weird looks I’m getting.

"If you say so," he said, blinking. "Now, I’m looking for a guide on local flora. Anything to make sure I don’t kill myself eating something that I ideally shouldn’t."

"Well, it would help if you looked at the right stands. Most of the vendors down here sell purely fiction."

She’s not even going to question why I want to taste test the local plants?

He looked once more at the stands around him. Tighnari took a moment to closely read the covers of the books that he could see, and indeed, they were all works of fiction.

"Sorry, Inazuman script is a bit different than Sumeru’s."

"I can teach you!" Ei blurted out, then immediately covering her mouth with her hands.

Tighnari’s ears perked back out of both surprise and embarrassment. Sure, that meant some more time for him to get to know the lovely Ei personally, but was seeking such company with Inazuma’s Archon truly appropriate at this time?

"Goodness, little ol’ Ei seems quite fond of you to be inviting you over so hastily," Yae said with a smirk. Tighnari still was unsure if he should be flattered or fearing for his life, so he stood there attempting to calm his breathing and stop flushing before he became Yae’s next victim of teasing.

"...Can you just help me find a field guide please?" he said, wanting to get things done and over with.

Yae Miko pulled aside Ei and started whispering in her ears. He wasn’t sure what good she thought that would do, considering how he can still very clearly hear them.

"Go on. Show the little fox boy your knowledge of the vendors here. What was his name, again?" Yae said, a bit loud for someone trying to have a conversation in secret.

"I didn’t quite catch it-"

"Dearie! You couldn’t even have bothered to properly exchange names! You’re really a lost cause when it comes to these things."

"What kind of things? What do you even mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean," Yae said, spinning Ei around go face Tighnari. "Now, go ask him his name and show him around Inazuma little."

"I can indeed! What is your name, before I forget to inquire?" Ei said, as Yae looked on giving her a look that just said "you already forgot to."

"It’s Tighnari. And sure, whatever gets me onto the field faster."

Ei didn’t waste a second at Tighnari’s acceptance. She grabbed onto his arm and dragged him further up the city, a little too eager to show him around the different vendors. Behind them, Yae Miko joyfully giggled, and purposefully lagged behind in order to give the two of them space.

“Oh dear, this should be entertaining,” she said to herself.

[udretlnea]

Soft!AU SAGAU Drabble #3: Rosaria' B-day

You sit down at the end of a long table with some of Mondstadt’s allogenes, sans one. The only light was from a single chandelier hanging, casting an ominous darkness around the room.

“Gentlemen and ladies, I have called you all here to ask a…personal favor,” you say in a serious tone. 

You snap your fingers. The entire room was illuminated, revealing a whiteboard beside you with a question on it.

What does Rosaria like?

“Rosaria’s birthday is coming up and I have no idea what to get her,” you say with a hint of desperation. 

Everyone stared in surprise.

////

A/N: I know that Rosaria's birthday is two weeks away, but that won't stop me from starting to prepare! As my first main, I must think of something she'd appreciate; hm, I'll probably look at the previous birthday letters for inspiration.

[seraphiism]

𓆩 ღ 𓆪 𝐍𝐎 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 , 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐄𝐑

( i've been trying to go home my whole life. )

chara : kaveh fandom : genshin impact quote cr : chelsea dingman a/n : meant to be platonic! part of @favonius-library's 2023 secret santa gift exchange! happy late holidays @stellar-skyy ('▽^人)

i. BUT THERE IS ALWAYS A LONELINESS IN UNBELONGING, A GRIEF IN THE HARBOR OF GUILT, AND IN THE HEART & HOME OF AN ARCHITECT, THERE IS AN INCREDIBLE SORROW.

ask a thousand people what home means and you will surely receive many answers : a place, a person, a reason. ask a thousand people what home means and you will surely be blessed with gentle tones and the faintest smiles in recollection of diamond days.

ask kaveh what home means and he will not know, not anymore. he remembers days past, but that time was long ago, and it is no more. now, he is not sure what home means, not sure where it is, even in the knowing of the place he returns to at the end of the day.

"home is..." his words drift off, die down. he goes silent, deep in thought.

you sit across from each other in that familiar cafe, the air so deafening from his lack of response, yet so loud in the idle conversations of other patrons. he stares at his reflection in the teacup placed before him, notes that strange reluctance that adorns his features.

you do not push; you do not press. you do not rush him, nor do you change the conversation.

"...i don't know." he admits. he looks up, finally, and when your eyes meet that comforting crimson, there is a quiet longing for those he lost and those he misses. "i should know, shouldn't i?"

you smile, sad.

"not everyone knows, kaveh." you answer. the tip of your tongue feels numb, the words heavy and filled with more uncertainty than you'd like. "i hope you find the answer you're looking for."

ii. kaveh finds himself working in your atelier often. maybe it's the company that makes life a little better, eases the difficult thoughts that cloud his mind when he's overwhelmed from the woes of his job. the drafts scattered about on the desk are long forgotten, scribbles prominent here and there. he pauses, stretches his arms, lets out a deep breath. hours and hours of work, stagnant in progression. he can't think, can't seem to put the missing pieces together.

he watches the sight before him : you, your focused gaze, your mindful movements as you work the clay, shaping it ever so carefully.

he always finds fascination in your work-- he's seen it and the end results a thousand times over, but he never tires of it. you reciprocate the same feelings when it comes to his craft, you tell him, but he always brushes it off, all too modest, all too underestimating of himself.

"do you worry that it'll break?"

"mm?" your train of thought is disrupted by his words. you can't help but raise a brow, amused at how he slumps over your desk, chin resting on the heel of his hand. "what, the vases and all?"

he nods.

you shrug, nonchalant. "sometimes, yeah. but not everything broken has to stay broken, right? there's always a way of recovering, i guess." you hum, musing over the question. "it's not always a bad thing, the breaking. you can always come back from it, somehow."

he doesn't answer, not for a long while. you both remain in silence as his fingers trace over the lines on his blueprints, your fingers smoothing over the clay.

now, it is his turn to ask.

"do you know what home is?"

your lips curve into a small smile at his question. it is a familiar one.

"here, i think."

"your atelier?"

"yes, and you."

his movements stop at the answer. he sits up a little straighter, tilts his head in that one specific way when he's curious.

"me?"

you laugh softly. "yeah. home doesn't always have to be a place, you know?"

he stares at you for a long while before glancing down at the drafts once more, and with a clear mind and just the gentlest of smiles, he begins to work again.

iii. kaveh keeps that moment very close to his heart. he thinks about it often, thinks about a lot of things often, really.

he thinks about your words-- the way you were the first to ask what home was, the way you so casually noted him as one of your many definitions of home.

he stares up at the night sky, observes the stars. they're always brilliant, radiant, so vastly known. he tries to remember everything tighnari taught him, but he can only absorb so much knowledge from his fellow colleague, and there is a fondness in his eyes as he reminisces.

"home isn't always a place."

your gaze shifts from the skies to him. you can tell he's thinking hard about something-- his brows knit just the slightest bit, the words you once said well remembered and recited.

"yes," you answer, "home isn't always a place." a moment of serenity, of quiet. "did you find it, kaveh? the answer you're looking for?"

you do not push; you do not press. you do not rush him. instead, you watch the moon, note how bright she is on this fragile night.

he thinks about his family, his parents, the friends he's lost and found, thinks about the ones he cherishes. maybe he never lost home in the midst of tragedies-- maybe it just changed after all his hardships. maybe his home lies in the nostalgia, the memories of good times. maybe home is with you, maybe home is with his many friends.

he looks to the stars once more, closes his eyes. his lips curve into something so incredibly kind and gentle that you cannot help but smile, too.

"yes," he finally says, "i know what home is."

[scarletwritesshit]

🍰 Blade x Kafka 🍰 Companionship's Immortality

Upon hearing the strangest of gentle sounds behind him, Blade turned around to face Kafka, who he could’ve sworn meowed at him seemingly out of the blue. He looked at her, blinked a few times, yet could not discern anything out of the ordinary, relatively speaking. He turned his back again, but once he did, he heard another faint mew seemingly coming from Kafka. It could just be nothing more than her playing a most unusual prank on him, as Kafka did make a habit of toying with Blade. Eventually, he decided to pay no mind to the strange meowing, though he was still somewhat in disbelief over what he was precisely hearing. They sounded a bit too high pitched, even for Kafka to make.

What purpose did toying with Blade in such a manner even hold? Usually, if he stopped paying her mind, she would eventually get bored of attempting to get his attention. However, the mewing continued to persist, with each noise varying in tone from the last.

"Kafka," Blade said with a slight growl, "why do you insist on meowing at me?"

"Oh, I think you are quite mistaken, Bladie." Kafka said.

Blade turned around, confused, to see that Kafka was now holding a most unusual creature. The outer shell of the creature appeared to be shaped like a cake that he had seen on the Luofu, with the inner part of its body resembling a rather round feline. It had huge golden eyes, and its tail and one of its legs were wrapped in worn bandages.

"It looks just like you," she said with a smile.

He studied at the strange pastry-cat that Kafka was holding up to him. It stretched itself upwards, then bounced back to its normal shape. It seemed to have some sort of rubbery, gelatinous consistency to it, and Blade was almost tempted to poke it just to find out. However, he resisted the urge to satisfy his curiosity, and instead merely looked at it with displeased eyes.

"It looks absolutely nothing like me," he said.

"Someone’s in denial," Silver Wolf commented, still paying more attention to what was on her phone screen.

The strange cat stretched and bounced back once again, making an odd squeaky meow sound.

"And it sounds absolutely nothing like me, too." Blade emphasized.

"But you’re both absolutely adorable. Don’t you agree, Silver Wolf?"

She held up the weird cat so that she could see it and Blade side by side. Kafka was enthralled by their similarities. The outer shell of the creature was black fading into red, colored just like Blade’s hair. They were both wrapped in bandages and adored with the same gold leaf, and even their eyes shared that same ominous shine.

"I see it," Silver Wolf said, looking up briefly from her phone, though not too keen on agreeing with the “adorable” part.

"See? Even Silver Wolf agrees!"

"…Never mind that. Where did you get that thing, anyways?"

"Oh, I might’ve been just a tad bit unable to help myself when I saw them during a little visit to the Herta Space Station."

"So you just up and took one?  It’s bad enough that we have the Xianzhou Luofu and the Astral Express Crew keeping their eyes on us; we don’t need to make even more enemies with whatever these things are!"

"Oh, I don’t think you have to worry yourself, Bladie. These poor creatures act as if they haven’t seen another soul in such a dreadfully long time. I don’t think anyone is going to be missing just one of these pitiful creatures any time soon."

Blade sighed deeply as the unusual creature jiggled once more in Kafka’s hands, mewing softly.

"It serves us no purpose. Why did you even feel the need to take one?"

"Well, if you saw a whole group of them, you’d understand why. You wouldn’t be able to say no."

"I can’t say no to you in the first place."

"Precisely, Bladie. You don’t have much of a choice, darling."

He really didn’t. Blade couldn’t turn down Kafka’s orders no matter the importance, whether it be a matter of life or death or the acquisition of a small critter.

Taking Kafka’s few but convincing words into account, he poked it with a finger and watched it bob like a gelatinous substance. The odd cat simply blinked at him with its large eyes, showing no signs of protest nor discomfort. He poked it again and again, watching it bounce back every time.

"See, Bladie? It’s absolutely adorable, just like you!" she said, taking the cat in one hand and pinching Blade’s cheeks with the other.

He could not resist, though truthfully, he did not want to. Kafka was enjoying the little cat too much, and though he didn’t want to admit it, Blade found his feline lookalike to, indeed, be rather adorable.

Once Kafka freed him from her pinch, he stuck out his finger to the cat to gauge just how friendly it really was. He meant no harm to the creature, even if its reaction was hostile. The cat’s tiny paws grabbed his finger, with a sort of sorrow and yearning that felt all too familiar.

In the moment, Blade could feel what was left of his heart melt with genuine empathy for the poor thing. For the little paws it had, the creature’s grip was rather strong, as if it had just found its reason for carrying on, all while fearing the loss of purpose yet again. He genuinely couldn’t decline Kafka now. Not with how the poor creature longed to find something to hold onto in its unfortunate life. Not with the way its adorableness made Kafka so happy.

The creature was admittedly cute, yes, but he could not help but feel a form of sorrow for it. If this individual felt such a way, then the others might as well, and Blade felt a tinge of desire to lend a hand to…just one more.

He couldn’t take Kafka’s partner all for himself. She seemed all too happy to take responsibility for it. Perhaps, maybe he could sneak back to the Herta Space Station and grab one for himself? If she loved this one so dearly, arguably more than him right now, then he could hardly see a reason for her to say no to a second.

“Where did you even find those things anyways?” he asked.

“Oh, I found the poor little critters thrown away in the space station laboratory,” she said. “A pity that I couldn’t take them all with me, so I simply adopted one that reminded me of you, darling.”

He had a feeling that if she scouted for a creature that resembled Blade, then there could be one that looked like Kafka as well. No guarantees, but Blade was going to attempt to seek one out behind Kafka’s back anyways.

Once he had a break from her watchful eye, Blade made a solo trip to the Herta Space Station’s Special Purpose Lab to investigate the disposal area and locate the creatures. He was greeted by quite a large variety of them, all sharing the same cat like appearance, yet varying greatly in color and adornment. Some had green outer shells, others were a vibrant orange, The “fillings” had immense range as well, and even the characteristics of their eyes were quite diverse. After some looking (and petting a few sad critters to hopefully cheer them up), Blade eventually scouted out a creature that resembled Kafka; a violet and white individual adored with a spider web and sunglasses on top. He crouched down and gently held out his bandaged hand. The little creature seemed rather hesitant at first, but it eventually grabbed one of his fingers with its paw, showing Blade that it was at least accepting of his affection.

Blade picked it up the critter and gave it a gentle squish.

Kafka was right, these creatures are squishy, he thought, gently squishing and stretching its outer shell.

He watched the creature carefully as he played with it, making sure that he was not causing it any discomfort. No one was around to see him, so he spared the creature an ever-so-little smile to return some of the joy that he was feeling. It was an adorable cat-like creature resembling his beloved Kafka, how could he resist allowing himself a little smile in the secrecy of the lab?

He realized that perhaps, he should be making his way back to regroup, lest Kafka becomes concerned with his absence or he finds himself bringing even more critters along for the ride. Hiding the creature wasn’t going to be his problem; the main issue was dealing with Kafka’s teasing once she finds out he gave in and adopted one of his own. She was as sharp as a dagger too, and he physically had no way he could lie his way out of telling the truth.

He was indeed unfortunately correct about it being a short-lived surprise, for she did not hesitate one bit once she heard the slightest mew being uttered from under Blade’s robes.

Hidden away, or at least what he attempted to hide, was one of these critters whose appearance was reminiscent of Kafka.

[udretlnea]

Soft!AU SAGAU Drabble #2: Yoimiya

You clasp Yoimiya’s hand with yours, fingers interlocking with one another. The blanket you laid on the grass was soft. A fair breeze gently soared through the air, giving a much-needed balance to the warm temperature of the day.

Yoimiya snuggled up next to you.

“Mmm, you’re warm,” she says as she wraps an arm around yours.

You chuckle. “And you look as lovely as the day I wished for you.”

Yoimiya beams. “Aww, do I really?”

You glance at her. At her golden strawberry blonde locks. At her soft, fair skin, and into those gorgeous, lively golden eyes.

“Yeah.”

[udretlnea]

Soft!AU SAGAU Drabble #1: Navia

“It seems I can’t live without you anymore.” You say, pouring as much yearning into the statment as you can.

Navia smiles, then brushes away a stray lock of hair. She saunters over to you before abruptly pinning you against the wall. Navia leans forward until she’s but a breath away. “If you think you can just waltz in here, admit your love, and look cute without getting away with it, ‘Your Grace’...”

Navia cups your cheek. Her grip is strong. You stare into her hypnotic, sparkling blue eyes. 

The blonde boss smirks cheekily. “Then I’m afraid you’re sorely mistaken.”

[seraphiism]

𓆩 ღ 𓆪 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 , 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆

( AT THE END OF THIS STORY, I WALK INTO THE SEA & IT CHOOSES NOT TO DROWN ME. )

chara : scaramouche/wanderer fandom : genshin impact quote cr : jihyun yun a/n : contains scenes of drowning. reader is an angel. not meant to portray a romantic relationship.

ACT I :

A FUNERAL PROCESSION DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING WHEN IT'S YOURS. THE LOWERING OF THE CASKET / THE DIRT AND DECAY THAT COVERS THE ROOT OF BEING. IT IS VOID IN EXISTENCE, & IN PLACE OF WHERE A HEART RESIDES, THERE IS AN ECHO OF WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HUMAN AND WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPY.

there is supposed to be a grief that accompanies acknowledgement of loss and death, but in the open wounds of mortality, flesh torn asunder in the killing of a body, a puppet feels nothing.

he stares at the funeral, desolate. it is his, yet he does not mourn. the sight before him is somber, but it is filled with deception, he thinks, and so he reminds himself over and over that he is the one that lies in that casket, dead.

it's easy to forget it's your funeral when everyone there is someone you don't know or someone who pretended to care until it was too late. he cannot recognize half of these faces.

if he opened the casket, would he recognize himself?

"you have experienced both life and death, dearest kabukimono. which do you find to be more beautiful?"

his train of thought is disrupted, gaze shifting to the figure beside him. you have always remained at his side for reasons unknown, denied the existence of guardian angels, but he cannot find any other explanation for the everlasting presence of some supposed divinity watching over him. he could laugh, really. even if you were a guardian angel, you were far too cynical, far too perfect a companion for someone like him.

"i have no heart." the words are filled with spite and hatred and devoured by anger, but beneath it, there is a loneliness, and the ache of it all almost makes you feel something. "you can't experience both if you were made to be a vessel of nothing."

you smile, amused. you study the crowd, its mess of black umbrellas and murmurs and cries. you hear the sobs, but you are certain that there are no tears shed.

"are they mourning for you?"

he laughs, bitter.

"no. not with that pathetic acting."

"they must be very selfish, then." you hum, words spoken more to yourself than anything. "it must be tragic, knowing that your funeral is not full of love and grief. i wonder what would have been more painful for you," you glance at him, but he does not dare look at you, "the absence of the mournful or the false pretenses of sorrow from those who never cared."

you stand next to each other, watch as the crowd disperses, until all that's left is a tombstone with a name he will soon rid of.

"desolate wanderer," your voice is soft, somber, "i am sorry for you. would you like me to say a prayer?"

he does not answer.

ACT I , REVERSED :

the scene changes. the black umbrellas blur into nothing. a coldness washes over him, envelops him entirely in something known as terror. suddenly, it is still. the wretched air is quiet, profound. frightening.

he stands in a body of water, the tides calm, the shore distant. he recognizes this feeling. it is not one he can forget, even when he tries. three times he has known this sensation, the creeping dread, the breaking of something deep inside the void in his chest.

you stand before him, watch as the water drips from your fingertips. your gaze is absent, unreadable, but maybe he sees something so incredibly sorrowful in it. he watches your reflections, notes the feathers that were once part of you. how they float on the surface, lonely and listless, and in the muddled waters, the pure white twists into something black.

"do not be afraid." you tell him, and he watches the droplets trail down your skin, descend into the water from which they came, one by one, slowly.

he could laugh at the words. he wants to say it's human nature to be afraid, but he stops himself-- he is not human, after all, so why does he succumb to fear?

"i'm not."

brash words. liar, you think. but that's okay. you tilt your head ever so slightly, lips curved in a subtle smile.

"are you ready?"

he nods. the water is cold, cruel, invades his senses. there's a numbness that sinks into his skin, but maybe that's an absolution, the cleansing, the awakening. you close the little distance between your bodies, hands cupping his face, tender. there is something in your eyes-- pride, maybe, but he denies himself the possibility. who would be proud of a failed creation?

he closes his eyes. the water grows colder, but there's something warm in his chest, and he does not know whether it is fear or hope he feels the most.

"good night, kabukimono." you press a kiss to his forehead. "may you find something greater on the other side."

your hands slide down, delicate in the way they wrap around his throat, fragile, and in meaning of divinity and reincarnations and sacrifice for something better, you pull him into the waves, further and further and further down until his body loses all sensation, until he can no longer hear the violent sea, until his breath is gone and he is no more.

ACT II :

"balladeer. scaramouche. kunikuzushi. harbinger." you mumble the names to yourself, keep track of them by counting with your fingers. "have i missed any? shall i grant you another warm, endearing title?"

the balladeer scowls at you, though you find it amusing. perhaps in a previous life, you would have surely teased him, pushed it a little further. but in this life, there is a different kind of danger in his eyes, a deeper misery. you do not think you care enough to provoke him-- he could not hurt you, after all, even if he dared.

you contemplate the possibility. he could not hurt you-- not because he'd care too much about you to do so, but simply because you carry the blood of a higher being. he would most certainly try if he knew he could harm you, should you push him to the brink.

what a bitter feeling. you smile faintly at the realization and he does not like it.

"why are you here?"

"i am always here. you've just been given the impression that i'm a thorn in your side."

"are you not?"

"in your search for power and vengeance, have i failed you? was this my fault, the twists and turns in your path to greatness? i can only guide you so much, and all this time, i have watched you walk down the road to destruction." you pause, watch his expression darken with a kind of fury, some kind of hurt. "every name you are known as holds your past. you change it, try to cleanse yourself, but the truth is that you'll always carry it, unforgotten."

"so what did the sea do for me, angel? did you kill my spirit for the sake of your enjoyment?"

you tilt your head once more, smile so exhausted and worn.

"i did not kill your spirit, lonely wanderer. you already killed it long ago." your words hold a dreadful venom, bitterness on the tip of your tongue, rust lining your throat. "the sea could not save you, just as i could not."

he does not know how to respond. he hates that faint apathy you always manage to have, even when he knows it's only a facade at times. he hates that not even a higher power can help him -- but it's always been that way, hasn't it? just like everyone else, you've failed him too. that's what he'll tell himself because that's all he knows.

he turns on his heel, feels the razor edges of your brutality sink into his flesh. he walks, and he does not stop.

"we will try again." he states, command deep in his voice. "neither you or the sea are meant to save me."

you close your eyes, bow your head. somewhere in the silence, you say a prayer. you have never been a savior.

he is not meant for the saving.

ACT II , REVERSED :

the scene changes once more. it's the sea again, that familiar coldness that fails to abate. it's that strange fear again, that uncertainty. and then there's you, there's always you, he thinks. he stares at the reflections once more, distorted by the ripples of motion. your feathers look darker, the harbinger notes, and there are far more than before. he rests his hand in the water, watches as one floats into his palm. his grasp is gentle as he examines it, and there's a flicker of white, then black once more. he wonders if he imagined it.

"you didn't crush it." you comment.

"you thought i would?"

"i don't know." you reply. "you are not always made of carnage." and that familiar curve of the lips. "it wouldn't have hurt in the end, but thank you for your kindness."

his eye twitches, and you laugh. he doesn't know if you're being genuine, and he's going to dwell on this moment for a bit too long, he realizes.

the air becomes heavy once more. you wonder if he is certain in this decision. it is the second time, but the fear remains stagnant, unchanging.

"do not be afraid."

there is something you cannot quite decipher in his gaze-- determination? wrath? you are unsure. you don't bother to question it. you do it all over again, this familiarity-- the ripples in the water as you move closer, hands cupping his face once more. you press your forehead against his, close your eyes just as he does.

"good night, kunikuzushi. may you find something greater on the other side."

you open your eyes. your hands trail down, fingers wrapping around his throat in yet another means of reawakening. his hands rests over yours, eyes still shut, and you feel how they tremble ever so slightly.

the sea is cold, unwelcoming. the plunge is gentle, but the sensation still frightens him nonetheless. you are merciful even for an angel, comes the bittersweet thought, and maybe he isn't worth such benevolence. he's always wondered why you chose to stay by his side, anyway.

he feels the fight leave his body, feels the way your grip tightens to end this suffering just a little faster. your hands are warm, the balladeer thinks, and it is the last thing he remembers before it all goes void.

ACT III :

maybe you truly are not a guardian angel. you have not been at his side for a long while. he thought perhaps it was just that he had forgotten, that maybe you were nearby all along. but your absence has been all too noticed, and he does not like it.

it is... lonely, here. to be forgotten by all, to carry the weight of what was.

sumeru is vast. it is beautiful, bright, radiant. all the things he is not accustomed to. he stands on the highest of heights, watches the endless landscape below him. somewhere, he hears familiar footsteps : light, graceful.

"do you remember me?"

he stills. he's not sure if he wants to see your face, see that perplexed expression, see the way you tell him that you do not. no one else does.

you hum, deep in thought, and the sound is beautiful. how he misses it so. it sends an ache in the hollows of his chest, some kind of longing.

"won't you turn around? it's been a long while since i've seen that grumpy face."

you can practically hear him roll his eyes. it is a moment or two of gathering composure and courage before the vagabond finally turns, and of course, you have that same stupid smile on your face. this time, it is more genuine, and he's not sure how to quite process that.

"i remember you." you answer. "you're far too stubborn and annoying to forget."

he almost feels something beat wildly in his chest, but he does not understand the sensation. there is nothing there, no heart, yet some kind of heartache. you speak again.

"what do you call yourself now?"

he has taken many names, few of them significant. he has not granted one to himself-- no need, he thinks, though he knows that he would not rid of it if he had one. he thinks back to the sea, recalls your many conversations.

"wanderer."

you pause, and he notes that small flicker of recognition in your eyes.

"familiar and fitting." you muse. you close the distance just as you always have in the past, but this time, there is no water, no vicious wave to overtake him. "do you wish to see the sea?"

the words are heavy in meaning, but it is different this time. in your voice there is the quiet pondering of are you happy this time? have you found the right path? did you find it, that greatness? and he understands it.

he freezes. inhale, exhale. he stares at the sight before him, recalls when you once stood with him at his funeral. things have changed now. he is the same yet different, a harbor for sorrow and anger, but a home for something virtuous. his gaze shifts to you once more. this is not the outcome he intended, desired, nor expected. but there's forgiveness somewhere out there, and maybe he'll grant it to himself one day.

"no," he answers, and in his visage, there is just the faintest trace of kindness you once remembered from memories past, "i've had enough of you drowning me."

you laugh softly, see his lips curve just the smallest bit.

"i am glad, dearest wanderer."

[aimixx-archived]

Prologue: Crossroads

a @favonius-library secret santa gift for @stellarron

college au biker blade x barista reader

: ̗̀➛ Your job is to spread happiness with beautifully brewed coffee cups. Thanks to that, you started a new experience.

wc: 1034

"Have a great day!"

You said with a smile as the customer took

the coffee and a content mood, turning your attention back to the coffee machine to make more orders.

Life was peaceful. Having a nice part time

job at the cafe near your college and working for a nice manager who understands the workload on a college student during finals.

You loved making coffee, it was a hobby that always put you in a good mood. The aroma of the coffee beans as they get crushed then brewed to a soft, tasty hot drink made according to the customer's preferences.

The smile on people's face when they take a sip of the coffee cup that you brewed so

efficiently would always leave you in a good mood.

It feels like you are spreading positive energy to your customers every morning.

– – –

The second time was in your mechanics

lecture.

You arrived late to the hall, sighing when you noticed your usual seat was taken. Luckily, you spotted an empty one and went to set your stuff down and sit. You quickly pulled out your notebook and pen, preparing everything you need to write your notes.

"Excuse me, you dropped your eraser." A voice said from next to you, you turned your head to see the same guy from yesterday.

"Ah, thank you!" You said, taking the eraser from him.

"You're the guy from the cafe yesterday."

said and he looked at you then his eyes lit up when he recognized you.

"Ah, the barista. The coffee was really great actually." He said and you smiled at him.

“Thank you! I always make my coffee to perfection to put all my customers in a good mood!" I said cheerfully before pulling out my hand to him.

"I'm (name).”

"Yingxing." He said, taking your hand and after a quick handshake you two pulled your hands away.

Soon the two of you fell into a short

conversation. Apparently, his little sister went to the café and really liked the coffee

and recommended it to him. You also find

out that he's in several of your classes and he is into bikes and has one that he drives all the time.

Before your conversation would continue any further, the professor entered the hall and you had to stop your talk to focus on the lecture.

– – –

The third time was during a project. Your professor tasked everyone to pick a partner to write a report about a topic he picked. You and Yingxing were seated next to each other and you asked if he wanted to partner up with you and he agreed.

And that’s how you two made a daily routine to meet up in the library for an hour before you had to leave for your job.

It was a comfortable routine, Yingxing is a very great and reliable partner who doesn’t slack off or throw everything on you which is quite rare since most group projects have people who are too lazy to do anything.

He also has some great tips on the topic and you two managed to successfully finish writing several points for the report.

“We did great so far, and it has been a week.” You said, packing up your stuff.

“You’re right. At our pace, maybe we would be able to finish a day or two before the deadline.” He replied as he placed his laptop in his backpack.

“I’ll have to go now, see you tomorrow!” You said as you waved at him before walking out of the library and rushing to catch the bus.

By the time you reach your station, the bus has just left and you have to wait ten minutes for the next one to arrive.

You have ten minutes before your shift starts.

You sighed and pulled out your phone to message your boss that you will be late but stopped when someone called out your name.

“(Name), why are you still here? Did you miss the bus?”

You looked up from your phone and saw Yingxing. He was on his bike, his helmet in his hand as he looked at you.

“Yeah, and my shift starts in ten minutes so I was going to tell my boss that I’ll be late.” You replied and Yingxing held out his helmet for you.

“Put this one. I’ll take you there.”

“No, I don't want to trouble you.”

“It’s okay, it was technically my fault for holding you back anyway.” He insisted and you took the helmet from him and wore it, positioning yourself behind him.

“Hold on tight.” He said before taking off, driving swiftly in the streets to take you to your job.

It was your first time to ride a bike, despite the short distance of the trip but it was amazing. Yingxing is a skilled driver who managed to take shortcuts in order to reach the café on time for your shift.

“Thank you so much.” You said after you two arrived, getting off the bike and handing the helmet to him.

“You’re welcome.” He said with a smile before putting on the helmet.

“Drive safely!” You waved as he drove off to the streets. Turning around, you walked to the café and greeted your boss.

“Hey Kafka! I’m sorry for being late.” You said as the woman shook her head with a smile.

“It’s fine, you were just on time. Anyway, who's the guy?” Kafka said, watching as you put on your apron.

“He’s a colleague from college. We got distracted in the project and he offered to take me to work when I missed the bus.” You replied and the woman smirked at you.

“I’ll be looking forward to the first date.” She teased as she patted your shoulder.

“Kafka! It’s not like that. We are just friends.”

“Whatever you say.” She said with a chuckle before walking to the backroom.

You ignored her words as you focused on your work.

But soon, Yingxing became a constant presence in your life. He became someone that you always thought about and wondered when you would see him again.

Those small meetings were the start of a new experiences, new beginnings and a new and exciting love story.

taglist: @coffee-mocha @yevene @iztaroth @mayarisan @shiningsunrises @daninaninani @shikamiru @spadecentral @kenma-izhu @myday6-studies @mimiqz @kazemiya @yeul-ha @wakasasdear @iruiji @tkooooop @devilzchase @jingyuun @asta-rology @missotaku34 @theidontknowmehn @kiraisastay @sudouuu @nicoleispurple @zoramocha @semi-orangeapple @coleisyn @doughnuts-eater

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[micheya]

Hobbies with Nahida | Modern Au

Hello, hello! Here is my @favonius-library Santa gift to @blueskyofthedawn . I do hope it's of a readable quality as it had been quite a bit since this old scribe has picked up a pen, or in this case, opened a word document (Times have been tough).

Todays characters: Nahida x reader and mentions wanderer

Synopsis: two hobbies Nahida had picked up in her great amounts of spare time, and what she's like with them.

Gingerbread house making and general baking

With her small and dexterous hands, Nahida ranks pretty high in her ability to make Gingerbread houses. I believe when she looks for new activities she reads up on a few tips on them before starting. Not too much, however, as she believes there's a merit to spending time and thought on trial and error. A sort of satisfaction is gained figuring out by yourself how to get your desired result. Though, there isn't much error to the trials with Nahida, as she tends to be the type of person whom will most likely have the solution by the second try.

She's fond of baking as a past time, and thoroughly enjoys the tea breaks, especially with her books, and even more especially when those tea breaks and books are with you.

They say cooking is an art, and baking is a science, which is probably why you seem to find yourself back in what seems like chemistry class when asking her "What did you put in this to make it so tasty?"

It's a joy she keeps close to her heart when she sees you eat what she prepares with delight, and is it's own excitement when she notes down your preferences - whether savoury or sweet - ready for the next little book session in your cozy sweaters, soft and cuddly, sunken into your positions on the couch by the fire.

If there was one area she had to pick in needing assistance, when it comes to this hobby she could become a professional in, it would be the more artistic task of decorating. Don't get me wrong, most of her creations come out looking delectable, presented exactly as they should be presented. However, apart from maybe the usual flower or smiley face on top of a cupcake, she'd often find herself humming in wonder when visualising the designs of grandiose birthday and wedding cakes that she would consider art works first and desserts second - though they weren't necessarily on their list of 'Baking to-dos'.

That's why she'd ask you. She supposed, like with anything else, she could look it up, study and perfect the formula for a consistently beautiful design. However, she liked hearing "What if we try to have the walls go up to the ceiling, and have little windows with people looking out." From you.

She also liked replying with, "Oooo, a multi-story accomodation styled gingerbread house? Or rather an old- fashioned tower of a castle design?"

Every idea, good or (arguably) bad, were ideas she took to heart, and imprinted in her mind for days the two of you lacked creativity.

“Hmm, what if we made that little cake bridge, again?”

Crocheting and knitting.

It gets cold out in the winter, and at home too, she supposed you and Wanderer could use something.

Oh, and, she'd maybe look at a corner of her home and think something could fill a certain empty space.

Oh, and, you know what? This would make a perfect gift for that child’s next birthday…

Knitting and Crocheting was amongst the other hobbies she had picked up when wondering what else to do in her spare time.

She found that, after the settlement she received from the mistreatment of her workplace, she'd have enough money to take a break and fully take time to understand herself some more. In this break, one of the earlier hobbies she picked up ended up being this activity.

As always, she was quick to learn, mistakes that were made rarely happened twice, and the satisfaction she gained holding up her first pair of purple gloves, had her grinning ear to ear.

She was sure the wanderer noticed her joy, as she noticed his - despite his quirked brow and curt thank you (it's been two years and she still remembers him frantically looking around the house when he had thought he'd lost them).

From the general scarf and gloves, she soon would knit sweaters and leg warmers in what she believed was the middle ground of what would suit you and your preferences of fashion.

When starting a new hobby, there's always a plan in mind to have you and Wanderer partake in it at some point in some way.

Which is why it's truly no surprise when you find the three of you on the floor in the process of making cute plushies of your favourite animals.

It's okay if it's not your particular thing by the end of it. She's truly just thankful that you decided to sit with her anyway.

And if the animal doesn't exactly come out as you had imagined, that's fine! She'll make it for you if you want (Only if you want, as she'd never want to undermine your efforts) and even make little accessories for it.

“Oh, that looks adorable.” Clasping her hands together she smiles to the both of you, “Great job!”

“I already have experience in the area, anyway.” The wanderer passes over the compliment, putting his little cat next to Nahida’s frog, “But, thanks.” he continues before looking towards yours.

It was a little wonky at the base, however, it was noticeable how you had gotten a grasp at the process when looking at the rest of the body, as well as the cute little smiley face.

“Thanks, Nahida. Yours looks amazing.” Pulling your fingers back in a stretch you sighed, “It doesn't even look like your hands are tired? My fingers are aching.”

“Hehe, well it comes with practice. It's been great exercise for my joints.” She replied, further showing the point when grasping her hand into a fist a few times. “It wasn't originally what I started for, but it's not all that surprising of an outcome.”

Following the Wanderer’s lead, you placed your little plush beside the frog, unable to contain your smile.

“Look at that, they look like the best of friends.” Nahida said, “We couldn't possibly separate them.” She made an expression of thought, though you felt it was more of an act for an already made decision, “How about you take the frog home with you, that way they won't be lonely.” She then turned to kunikuzushi, “And your cat can have one of my already made cat plushies too.”

“No, it's fine, I had made it with the intention of handing it to you, however, it's just like you said,” he then stood up from the floor, swiftly dropping the cat into your lap, straight faced, “We wouldn't want the little ones to be lonely” Before even finishing the sentence, he was already headed out, “I'm going to make dinner now, both of you should tidy up and set the table.”

The two of you that as your signal to get started “I look forward to it!” Nahida called back grinning. “So…what animal shall we make next time?”

[scarletwritesshit]

❤️Aventurine x Reader ❤️ Ace of Stonehearts

It felt sort of strange to see Aventurine without a handful of playing cards or smugly bossing around lowly IPC members. He had quite the reputation for playing games of questionable merit, on the table or within the organization. His old habits carried over to his casual ways, and it still felt as if untold secrets still lay behind those peacock-feather eyes of his. He had the gaze of a prize hunter and the smile of a trickster, though you wondered why he would keep up such an act when there would be no chips to wager.

Laying down beside him, however, you felt as if you were seeing a completely different side of him. He wasn’t eyeing up his competition, relishing the moment he would reveal his hand to claim his prize from the poor souls who thought they had a chance against him. The only thing he took control of were the few strands of your hair that he toyed with in his fingers.

It still felt as if there was something that Aventurine was aiming for. Whatever that may be, he had yet to make an allusion to it, as he remained rather silent the majority of the evening. For a man who had a way with words, it felt almost uncanny to not hear his frequent snide remarks. It was refreshing to allow him to drop his act and reveal some of his hidden softness, even if it was ever so slightly showing through the cracks in his act.

“It seems like there’s something you want to tell me,” you said to him.

Aventurine laughed a little and rolled onto his back, strands of your hair still intertwined with his fingers.

“Haha, why do you think that, dear?” he said, readjusting his glasses. “I’m not always aiming for a prize, you know.”

“You have that look. And I know that look,” you said, referring to that glint of desire still present in him.

“Ah, you really do know me all too well. There is perhaps, one thing that I could ask for just a little more of.”

“A little more of?”

“You,” he said, turning his head to look at you and no longer twirling your hair in his fingers. “I want more of you.”

“More of…me? As in- ”

Before you could finish your thought, Aventurine sat himself up on the bed for a brief moment, before turning his body around to plant his hands on the pillow beside both sides of your head and loom over you. His rose-tinted glasses were awkwardly hanging onto his face, but he could care less about them as he was now fiercely fixated upon you. He smiled at you, with a certain desire to be discerned, though a sense of yearning was not so well hidden beneath his pride.

“As in you. All of you.”

He glared at you with a passion you had not seen in him prior. You were the entirety of his focus, the greatest of his spoils, and he had absolutely no intention of forfeiting these “winnings” of his any time soon.

It was not a look of pure possession, however. Behind those dastardly eyes was a man truly happy to have someone he could call his own. No amount of chips or cards could score him a lover as genuine as you, but he had a bit of trouble communicating his feelings as being on the hunt for a win was all that he was truly familiar with. You were his, in a sense that he didn’t claim your entire being, but rather, in the fact that you see him as a beloved partner of yours, and not some manipulator with deep pockets.

You were open to accepting what Aventurine had to show for his love, but before he could utter another word, you reached your hand up and began stroking the side of his face. For a brief moment, he held his stands, but the gentleness of your touch threw him off guard, and not a trace of smugness could be seen on his face.

“You’re more beautiful than your namesake, Aventurine,” you said, gently stroking the side of his face with your thumb.

At this moment, his arrogant guise seemingly crumbled before your very eyes, as his head gently relaxed into the palm of your hand. He was reluctant to be so easily accepting of such tender care from someone he suddenly pinned to the bed moments prior, but your insistence eventually led to him surrendering completely. His hands still remained planted firmly on the pillow, but he was no longer filled with desires akin to a wild animal. Aventurine became weaker by the moment, almost struggling to retain his position above.

He was embarrassed by his vulnerability, and seemed to be attempting to remain his composure despite how at ease he was now feeling with your touch. To free him of his struggles, you laid your free hand on top of his back and pushed him down on you ever so gently. He resisted a little, perhaps out of a hidden guilt, or simply not knowing how to react, but Aventurine eventually succumbed to your hold. His head was laying awkwardly on your chest, but you slid his glasses off to allow him to find a more comfortable position.

His heart rate felt fast, and he was taking deep breaths to keep himself relaxed. Aventurine was nervous, as he wasn’t quite sure what to make of your affection, but you wanted to reassure him that he could let down his guard and relax. He turned his head a little to look at you with confused, questioning eyes, blinking softly. Perhaps this is what he had craved the entire time, yet had trouble finding the words to express his innermost feelings.

You wrapped your arms around his back and held him even closer. Now, you could feel his body finally starting to relax on top of yours. The tension dissipated from his muscles, his breathing became regular, and the beating of his heart slowed to match yours.

It was a surprisingly tranquil side of Aventurine that you did not exactly expect from him. The flirtatious, sly bastard you were well acquainted with had a hidden side desiring nothing but genuine love. All it took to expose this secret of his was nothing more than treating him like a person so dear to your heart, and not as a hunter seeking his prize.

Eventually, he drifted off into a peaceful slumber, comfortably resting on top of your body. Shortly after, you succumbed to the comfort of his presence, falling asleep with Aventurine still at peace on top of you.

After some time, perhaps many hours, you finally woke, though Aventurine was still sleeping. While still half asleep, you played with his soft, blond hair, careful as to not wake him. Eventually, he began to rise himself, and so you steadied him so that he would not accidentally tumble off of your body. Once he had a moment to process his surroundings, he slid to what would’ve been his side of the bed and grabbed his glasses. Still half asleep, he adjusted him very lazily before he stood up.

“Y’know,” he said, still standing by the bed, “I thought I blew the one chance I had with ya.”

“Blew your chance? That doesn’t sound like the Aventurine I know,” you said as you sat up on the bed.

“Hey, gimmie a break!” he said, flustered and frantically attempting to put his hat back on straight. “This is just…a bit outside of my skill area.”

“I thought you were good at playing all sorts of games.”

“I am! Just…not games of the heart.”

“Oh, I wasn’t playing a game with you, Aventurine. There was absolutely nothing to be lost.”

“Eh?” he said, confused by your words.

“My love for you isn’t a game I’m playing just to pass the time. I mean it, every single thing I’ve done for you is because I care.”

“Ah…” Aventurine said, with his face once again turning red, “I still think I’m the loser in this after all.”

“How so?”

“You didn’t even let me use my trump card,” he said, sliding a playing card down from his sleeve. He held the card up by his face and turned it around to reveal the ace of hearts.

“You had the key to victory with you all along, Aventurine. I’m not sure why you still claim to be the loser.”

“Never once did I play the ace around you, though.”

“I wasn’t talking about the card, you idiot,” you said, getting up from the bed. You pushed his arm aside to wrap yours around him, resting your head on his shoulders. Aventurine was taken aback at first, but he did return your gesture of affection, wrapping his arms around you with the ace of hearts still in hand.

“I was talking about you. I want you more than any silly card tricks that you have to offer.”

“I guess I can say the same in return,” he said, resting his head on your shoulder.

[mondaymelon]

— 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ! ₊˚ෆ | albedo, xiao, childe x gn!reader

— cw: reader thinks theyre in a one sided love, accidental confessions + d r u g s, ig? do love potions count as that. these potions dont create fake feelings, they just amplify the affections he already has for you !! fluffy :)

[ The very man you've been longing for has finally fallen in love with you !? Ah, no... Instead, does it have to do with this mysterious pink elixir they've drunk? ]

"Oh? This shade..."

ALBEDO's eyes glitter with the glass' reflections, holding the test tube up against the light. The pink fluid within sloshes inside its confinements, shimmering in the sun's rays. "Strange." With his free hand, he whips out his pencil and pad, busy writing down notes in small handwriting, evenly spaced and well lined. "This formula should've been for a health recovery potion, which is red... How come the color is so light?"

"'Bedo, I'm here." Your voice rang into the previously quiet laboratory as you fling the door open, the invading wind carrying flakes of snow along with it. The blonde's eyes narrows at the sight of the inconvenience, dipping his head in silent greeting as he walks over and closes the door behind you. "What are you doing holed up here today too?"

"More work matters." He's about to close his mouth, already moved on from the brief conversation, but instead perks up, eyes rounding the slightest. "Ah, do you think you could offer some assistance?"

"Assistance?" You trail after him, eyeing the various ongoing experiments on the other tables, up until your eyes land on the practically glowing liquid that emanates a honey-like smell. "What, do you want me to drink that?"

Albedo immediately shakes his head. "No, there's no need to endanger your safety like that. I'll do the honors of consuming it, but I'd appreciate it if you could take some observations and write them down. Is that alright with you?"

A part of you was almost surprised at the relationship "progression", if one could even call it that. You had had your eye on Albedo ever since you had managed to get yourself lost in these mountains, only to stumble upon his lab at your wits end, helplessly shivering and lashes decorated with frost. He had nursed you back to health, and then provided directions back to Mondstadt... Since then, you had made it a habit to frequently visit the quiet male, whether providing just some company or bringing a snack or two, you just wanted a way to show your thanks! Somehow, somewhere along the line, you had developed feelings for him, feelings that you were rather sure he'd never be able to reciprocate.

"That... That seems doable enough?" You blink, hesitantly grabbing the pen that lay on the desk. "Just... ah- you should worry for your own health too, y'know?"

Albedo glances at you, taking the tub in his hands. "I'll be fine." And down it goes. Silence, at first, then his legs sway beneath him. You let out a noise of surprise, instantly moving to offer support, but the male manages to steady himself on the table, instead holding his hand out to keep you away. "Aha... oh, so it was that kind of concoction..."

Sensing the exasperation in his tone only alights more concern. "Is it dangerous? H-Hey, let's lie you down somewhere, and then we can-"

Your worries are effectively silenced as his... lips fall upon yours, jewel-like irises that shone with almost unnoticeable hearts, both his hands cupping your face in a touch so delicate you could've sworn it was never there, and the warmth from his pale, burning skin..

And just like that, you heard the usually level-headed and composed alchemist cursed under his breath for the first time. "No, it wasn't supposed to be like this-"

A shy flush left kisses on his features. He had always waited for the right time for his moves, albeit unnatural ones. It was far easy acting with equations and predicted outcomes, but you... you were something so natural, you made him thoughtless so effortlessly. It took him every effort to allow his usual expression to remain on his face, to not voice his feelings. Not now, he'd chide to himself. I'm not ready.

"...A-Albedo, what..." Stupid as you may be, it'd be impossible not to realize it, especially with the way his usually cool skin flamed with heat. "...A fucking love potion?" You touched a finger to your lips, still stunned.

"I'm sorry." He's ashamed, for being unable to control himself under the potion's influence. "The antidote, it's on the table." Dutifully, you hand it to him, your fingers brushing against his in the process.

"Ah-"

"I like you."

It hurts, to hear him say those words that you've been wishing to hear for far longer than you care to admit. "...What? 'Bedo, c'mon, drink the antidote, and then we can hold a proper conversation. You're not in your right mind right now."

"I've already drunken it." Was the moment now? The empty glass falls from his hand and onto the table, rolling to a still. "I like you."

"...What? No, is the cure not working or something, what is-" It couldn't be, but his turquoise-eyed gaze was clear.

"Must I state it once more? I love you." ₊˚ෆ

"Just what is it you have you brought me?"

XIAO's brows furrow with discontentment... or rather, disinterest. You were a peculiar mortal, it was an easy enough fact to gather from his encounters with you. And while he didn't find himself particularly delighted when you appeared, calling it annoyed would be a bit of a stretch. It's a flicker of a thousand emotions at once across the mask of his expression, all but one of them displayed for your viewing - indifference.

His golden, cat-like pupils stare down the small vial you've procured and gifted him, narrowing with suspicion in your growing silence. He prompts once more, "This is?"

"Hmm, think of it as a gift?" You chuckle sheepishly, recalling the rather shady conversation you had days prior, in a small store hidden away in the very edge of the city market.

"Dearest customer, perhaps you'd like this product? It's very popular amongst the young city goers these days, and I have a feeling you've been looking for something similar."

...A scam? "Sorry, I'm not interested-"

"It works. You're in love with someone, right?"

"How did you-"

"There's this distant look in your eyes. I see it all the time. Now, if you'll just purchase this..."

And just like that, you had been probably swindled into buying a likely useless product off of his hands. At the very least, you could use it to hold a brief conversation with the aloof adeptus who often decided to not turn up at all. "It's... a thank you gift for protecting Liyue all these years...?" In the corner of your vision that greatly encompasses a wonderful view of your shoes, you spot the unwavering features of Xiao's face give the slightest waver.

"There's no need to thank me." He says it all apathetically, yet accepts the gift. "You still have yet to answer my question, however. Of what nature is this object?"

"Ah... well, you see, I don't exactly know either? You could call it a local specialty, of sorts..." You weren't exactly lying, were you? You didn't know what it was, although by it's heart-shaped container and pinkish color you could likely wager a guess or two... but it was better to remain ignorant. At least that way, you wouldn't be to blame if anything unfortunate occurred.

Oh, but was such a term the correct word to describe such a happening? Had it all gone "wrong" the moment you bought the suspicious thing, or was it when you handed it to him, watching him drain the container of its fluid? Either way, something found its way inside your heart the moment the adeptus set the glass down with enough force to hear the sound of its surface fracturing into thousands of spiderwebbed lines.

"The glass... Xiao, are you alright?" You stepped forward worryingly upon seeing the adeptus clutch his forehead with his hand, eyes fluttered shut. Don't tell me... holy shit, was it the real deal? I'm so fucked.

"You..." His voice was deep, husky, almost with a raspy note as his eyes opened to reveal his sharp amber eyes. "What did you just give me? What are you doing to... me?" He grew silent as his slight stumbling paused, a hand gripping the balcony railing for tentative support.

When you met his gaze again, his eyes shone. Gold, no longer, but rosy pink, adorned with bright pupils cut in the shape of hearts. His breaths left small clouds of white that escaped his mouth with every quickened exhale against the cold air, yet despite the chill, his cheeks and ears were dusted with an almost feverish red.

You shake your head, wanting to step closer but growing afraid. Fuck, just how were you supposed to explain yourself? After pursuing your pathetic, so-called "advances" towards the man in hopes of one day achieving a level of intimacy, in longing of hearing those three, beautiful words part from his open lips... Ah, but you've screwed it all up now, haven't you? You might as well have fed him poison. "N-No, I didn't think it would actually-"

"I love you."

It's quiet.

Or perhaps its thunderous. That is, the sound of your heart in your ears, pounding without any heed of the absolute mess of emotions coursing through your veins at the moment. This wasn't right. He didn't love you, not in the way you loved him. An illusion, this was, a painful ploy that would do nothing to sway his heart.

"...No, no." You shake your head, taking a step back, too ashamed to meet his eye. "Xiao, you don't. It's... I'm sorry.""

"No, I do love you."

What? His eyes, his astonishingly gilded eyes, they've rid themselves of their hearts, yet the words still remain in his mouth.

You blink your eyes once, and then once more. "This…?"

"Adepti are naturally immune to such a thing. To fall for such petty tricks would be foolish to the highest degree. Despite this..." Xiao sidled closer, a hand covering the lower half of his face. "Does that mean... you wanted me to love you?"

Would he leave you if he knew?If such a thing could be possible. Unbeknownst to you, the male held some sentiments of the same regard, but how to address them lay far beyond his area of expertise. "And if I did, Xiao? What then?"

"I'm not well versed in the ways of mortals, but surely, I'd do this."

...His lips were soft. ₊˚ෆ

"Ahaha, so it's a gift for me?"

CHILDE grinned with delight, seizing the bottle from your hands into his. "Pink," was his only comment as his eyes swept over the vial. "Is this... valberry juice, or something?"

"Not quite~" You smiled mischievously, aware that no matter how many questions he asked, you'd be partaking in none of them. "Besides, it's more fun if it's a surprise, no?"

"Mmm, but the cute shape of it is making me pretty curious..." Childe's voice trailed off as he ran a single gloved finger across its glass expanse, clearly enjoying himself. "Well, I suppose there's nothing else to do but 'find out', yeah?"

Hmm, would it be a pleasant discovery? You toyed with the idea and he drunk the substance. The sleazy-looking merchant that had sold you such a product had claimed to be a "magician" of some sorts. A bold claim, since you had traveled to the waters of Fontaine in occasions prior and witnessed a true magician in the act - although that was irrelevant. Either way, you had let your curiosity get the better of you, and impulsively bought it just to own the thing. It didn't require a large chunk of your wallet, nor was it completely useless... that is, as long as it was potent. If it wasn't, then you could laugh it off, saying it was something you concocted for the fun of it and he was your test subject, but on the offchance it did...

A guilty expression flitted across your face. You had held feelings for the harbinger since he had been stationed at the harbor, at first only courageous enough to gaze at him from afar, admiring the way his lips curved upwards in a smile and the way the sun's rays reflected across his deep eyes that resembled troubled waters. Somehow, one lucky incident had led to another, and now the two of you were considered friends, yet you longed for something more...

Perhaps this "potion" would help you settle things. It was time you escaped from your daydreams and delusions, time to put your heart to rest. The two of you were friends, and you should be content with just that-

"Damn, this shit is strong." Childe let out a low whistle, and you almost felt inclined to applaud him. "Sweet, too. Not bad."

"...Ha?" You shook yourself out of your stupor. Fuck, who gave him the right to look so pretty doing menial things? "So... You like it?"

"You could say that, but I think I like you more~"

"I'm... sorry?" May the archons remind you to report that man to the Millelith later for witchcraft! "Are you drunk?"

"You're a sly thing, aren't you?" Since when had he gotten so close? "Acting all oblivious now that I've caught you in your act, did you really think I wouldn't notice?" He held the now empty, heart-shaped bottle between his pointer finger and thumb, chuckling. "These things are notorious among the underworld, you know, although I certainly didn't expect this dearest friend of mine to bring such a thing to me... what a riot!"

"Ah..." All the words that you could've said in the moment seemed to fly out of your head, and now you only gaped at him, mouth ajar. "Uhm..."

"You're lucky I've been trained to be immune from 'poisons', if you could call it that. That way, I can say that it wasn't a lie."

"...A lie?"

"I like you."

"Wait, but I- I just did that to you, and you're-"

"What, that? It's funny, if anything... besides, it just shows that you want me as much as I want you, no?" ₊˚ෆ

(a/n) sigh i got burnt out near the end so childe's part is about 300 words short im sorry ginger lovers... </3 happy new year eve (timezones are so weird lmao) !! ill be posting a fic tomorrow for that too most likely sooooo watch out for that ig? it would be ever so cool if you followed me . p le a. se. im like 10 away from a big silly number and id actually give you eternal kisses if you do

໒꒱ || ᴛᴀɢʟɪꜱᴛ (open! send an ask or a comment ♡) : @manager-of-the-pudding-bank, @iamdedinside, @ilyuu, @achlysis, @swivy123, @scara-is-my-wife, @lupicalbestwolf, @justyoureader, @fiannee, @aether-darling 

reblogs appreciated !!

[heiayen]

in danger, sinking deeper in your arms - neuvillette x gn!reader

summary: Everyone in Fontaine is talking about the sudden arrest of a member of the worldwide crime organization, praising everyone involved for their hard work, not knowing the truth behind the trial. But you do, and soon you are thrown into another mysterious case, where this time, the safety of people you care the most about is on line.

tags: PART 1. modern au, neuvillette is a judge and you are a detective! enstablished relationship, it is kind-of-a murder mystery and injuries are mentioned but nothing too graphic + mentioned blood, a small reference to a fontaine world quest. ft furina cameo

notes: happy new years happy christmas december was not my month BUT I MANAGED to finish this fic anyway <;3 @theother-victoria hello. im your @favonius-library secret santa although a late one. first of all i am sorry that this fic took so long but unfortunately... life happened. and i wish i finished it faster, but </3 i decided to split this into two parts also because... you know to rush a fic with some actual plot would just ruin the quality and i didnt want that </3 please don't eat me up for any inaccurate things regarding law because this is fontaine. and my fic /j anyways whew! i shall now pass out. this is also my second time writing neuvie so uhadgdds goodnight!

“A member of the biggest worldwide crime organization, known as Fatui, has been sentenced to jail in Fontaine’s court”, said the big, bold letters on the first page of The Steambird. 

It was the biggest sensation of the month– no, one could say of the year in the nation of justice, and only now it has been revealed to the public light. Everyone has been working in the shadows for the past weeks, trying their hardest to find any clues, evidence, and pointers, ultimately succeeding none of this would have happened if not for the group effort of the police and the amazing prosecution team, namely the lead prosecutor, ms. Furina. Judge Neuvillette, the greatest judge this place saw in its entire existence, has made the sentence, and many started to believe that with this trial, a new era would start and an end would be brought upon the horrible crimes of Fatui.

The jailed man— whose name they didn’t publish— would spend his nearest days in the Fortress of Meropide, where after finishing his sentence for the crimes he committed in Fontaine, he would be sent to Snezhnaya, to answer for his other crimes. before the judge of his homeland. 

That was what people believed, and they had no reason to not. No one would lie to them about such thing, after all, and Judge Neuvillette was known for fair sentences, they all trusted him.

How unfortunate it was, that so much about this trial, the biggest sensation of the year was… simply not real. Fabricated for the public, and the harsh truth was under the rug, just waiting to be uncovered by some curious eye. 

You were a detective, working specially for the Court of Fontaine. Your agency was personally picked by Neuvillette to work with him, ensure the security of the court members, and help with more stubborn cases that needed more special force to be solved. 

It seemed crazy to you when you first joined, to work with the most known judge in Fontaine… and it still was crazy that you got blessed with such a chance from the universe, yet complained none. 

Your agency was asked to help the police with the case of arresting Ajax— codename Tartaglia— and while you weren’t the main detective for this particular case, you heard and saw enough and none of this was as pretty as they tried to portray it to the public.

Because no one really knew if he was guilty.

The evidence, yes, pointed toward him, but then so many things pointed to the possibility that the evidence was false, put by someone wanting to frame Tartaglia. You were the first to reject this theory, not believing that anyone was even able to frame a criminal like him. And even if so, you were sure he would get an amazing attorney that would defend him with even more fabricated evidence, or that someone would just bail him out of jail, but—

None of this happened. Worse, the lead prosecutor, ms. Furina, received a threat to get a guilty sentence for the man, no matter what it would take.

Disobedience would be punished, the letter said. It was decided to do as the letter asked, both for the sake of everyone and most importantly, Furina’s safety, but also to shut down the blackmailer’s alertness.

Everything was carefully arranged by someone, and you all were just actors in someone’s biggest play of their life. 

It was… gods. Terrible, to say the least. The blackmailer’s identity stayed unknown, as they disguised their letter as a government official one and made sure to not be found, and your team still was debating on the credibility of the evidence you all found. Everything pointed toward that it was fabricated, but nothing proved that it was, and if someone was genuinely just playing a stupid joke to cast the shadow of doubt, or mess with your investigation, then they were doing an amazing job.

Even Furina seemed a little off in your eyes, the smallest spark of her confidence gone when she herself wasn’t sure if anything she presented in court was real.

(Not to mention that Tartaglia shouldn’t be put on trial here, but in Snezhnaya. Something, something about international laws.)

There was nothing left for you than to wait for any move in the case, for any possible hint toward the mastermind and truth. 

Just for how long you would have to wait?

It was early morning when you woke up to your phone ringing, a bit before your regular wake-up hour. Still half-asleep, you grabbed the device and, not even checking who it was calling, you picked up the call and was greeted by your co-worker’s voice bordering on screaming. 

“[Name]! For gods’ sake, finally!” She half-screamed into your ear and you winced.

“‘nd no good morning even?” you mumbled, your brain foggy with sleep. Why was she even screaming so early?

“This is the third time I called so no, no good morning to you,” Came her quick reply, “Get up, someone found a corpse right at the courthouse’s doorstep.”

That woke you up instantly. 

You jumped on your bed, throwing away your duvet and scrambling to get up, “Whose?! And— why on earth is there a corpse in the first place?!”

The order of your questions seemed a little out of place, but you barely cared. You walked quickly to your closet, grabbing the first pants and shirt you found under your hand.

“Good questions, I was about to ask you the same,” Your friend deadpanned and you could already imagine the judgemental raise of her eyebrows, “We can't... exactly recognize the victim. Whoever killed them had quite the fun with it..."

You gulped at the mental image alone of what was waiting for you. “This is fucking shit. Who found the corpse?”

“Ms. Furina found the body, called for sir Neuvillette, he called for me and I called for the rest, so police. And you, because I don’t want to deal with this case alone.”

You stopped buttoning up your shirt for a moment.

“...and for that, you are getting your ass moving and picking me up,” You said lightly to your phone. If not for your godsdamned friend, you still would be resting in bed! Maybe preparing to get out of it, but in bed nonetheless. 

Still, another part of you was happy that she called you out of all people.

“No?!” Your friend retorted, “Don’t you have a car?”

“At mechanics.” 

“Call a cab, then?”

“At this hour?” 

There was a moment of silence before you heard from your friend something that sounded like a tired groan and something like ‘yes, whatever, I’ll pick you up’.

“You’re so nice, love you!” you cooed into the phone and ended the call. 

Now dressed, you went to the kitchen to at least eat something, because you weren’t even sure if you would have enough time to get anything to drink.

A corpse was found under the courthouse’s doors, barely a few days after the trial ended. Who could possibly do it?

The blackmailer, as you all started calling the author of the letter only spoke about punishment in case Tartaglia was found innocent, and he wasn’t. Neuvillette and Furina did as they were asked. 

A thought appeared in your mind that maybe the corpse was just a message some kind of, or a warning— but from who?

You stood in the kitchen, lazily chewing the sandwich (if you could call it) as you thought. 

If not from the letter sender, then from who? And was it a warning message in the first place? Or maybe it was just a coincidence, although in that you would not believe, no matter what?

Whatever the answer was, you would find it.

You arrived at the crime scene fifteen minutes later, in your friend’s car. She filled you up on any details she missed on the phone, but she didn’t know much either. 

Around the corpse were people already, so you could run first into asking around what happened. Neuvillette and Furina were standing a little away from the group, the woman visibly unsettled, despite the act she was putting on. Neuvillette had a firm hand on her shoulder, in the gesture of comfort.

You fought down a smile and walked up to them. 

“Hello.” You nodded shortly to them, “Are you two alright?”

You winced internally at your own question. Furina didn’t look alright, of course she was not.

“Yes, we are alright.” Came Neuvillette’s answer, saving Furina from having to talk. 

There was something about Neuvillette that not everyone knew. A little secret between you two that no one else knew. 

“Mhm, that’s good to hear… Miss Furina, you were the one to find the body, yes?”

“Yes!” she exclaimed, “I came here and saw a man lying under the doors, and when I walked closer…”

She trailed off, covering her mouth with her hand. You didn’t look at the body, but… from your friend’s description and Furina’s reaction, it must have been a terrible, view. 

“I can imagine it must have been quite the shock for you,” you sighed, internally shivering at the mental image in your head. 

You asked her some more questions, noting everything in your mind. You kept them short, before letting her walk away from the crime place.

She saw no one around when she arrived, too panicked to look for anyone. It wasn’t a problem though, because you clearly remembered that there was a surveillance camera and the front doors were in its range. Someone would just have to check the recordings.

The police that arrived here were busy, your friend was talking with Furina and it was just you and Neuvillette. You gave him a quick glance before looking away.

“...how is Furina?” you asked, voice a tad quieter, a tad softer, now that you two were alone. You were close enough with Furina to drop the formalities and chat over cake and tea in your free time. 

“She’s shaken, but well,” Neuvillette said, “She hid in her car upon discovering the body and called for me.” 

“Smart,” you mumbled to yourself. She had no way to know if the murderer was still there, after all. You only wondered why she called Neuvillette instead of the police, but you figured that was just… her being herself.

Actually, you wondered about two things.

“...it isn’t in her style to be this early, though.” You looked at Neuvillette to see him give you a short nod.

“She said that she wanted to work on paperwork and cut the topic short.” 

“Huh.” You furrowed your eyebrows slightly. That sounded unlike her, actually, “Do you really believe she would wake up this early to fill out some documents?”

You admired her greatly, but after working for so long alongside her and Neuvillette, you knew it was uncommon for her to act like that.

“It is unlike her, yes. I decided not to press further, not wanting to overwhelm her. She was already stressed enough because of discovering the body.”

You nodded and hummed to yourself.

“Do you… maybe have any idea why this all happened?” You raised your eyebrows at him, “Or, well, a theory?”

“I do not wish to jump into assumptions, but I believe this might be related to Fatui themselves. An important member of their organization got sentenced to jail, after all."

It was one of your theories, too. No one else fit the murder as much as the organization did. 

"Could it be some sort of a warning?" you suggested. It wouldn’t be the first time Fatui did something so… unnecessarily violent to show a message. You hoped it wasn’t the case.

Neuvillette stayed silent for a moment, deep in thought before replying solemnly.

"I fear yes.”

You let out a heavy sigh. That… that was complicating everything so much. None of you was yet sure if it was Fatui’s doing, but if yes…

“If this… murder is related to Tartaglia’s case, then protecting Furina should be one of our priorities,” you said after a moment, the softness of your voice disappearing, letting firmness take its place, “She was the lead prosecutor for this case after all. It won’t hurt to take precautions, no matter who really stands behind this.”

Since everyone was still busy with their jobs, you reached out your hand to grab Neuvillette’s and give him a quick squeeze, dropping it right after.

“But I’m sure she’ll be fine either way, don’t worry.” You smiled warmly, lowering your voice and his own lips curled into a smile after a moment.

“...thank you,” he replied, also lowering his voice to keep this moment between you two.

The secret you shared was a warm feeling between you two, adoration and love shyly blooming in your hearts.

It started as stolen glances, unsure if you were even allowed to look at him like that. But then you once caught his own glance on you, and from that on, something started to bloom between you two.y Yet because of your jobs, you both had to be careful. 

Neuvillette was adored by many, of course, you sometimes joked to yourself that you were dating a fontainian celebrity, but so he was hated by the people that he gave a guilty verdict to. 

Not all, but enough, and while you didn't have actual enemies like he did, your job as the detective was still putting you at risk. 

The glances stayed stolen, but with newfound fondness and warmth. 

You opened your mouth to add something, but suddenly your friend called you over. You mouthed an apology to Neuvillette and walked to her. 

She was talking with a police officer that was… holding a little, plastic bag, covered in blood. You swallowed. 

There was something inside. 

Your friend looked at you, a frown on her face. 

"The man is missing his tongue and had… this," She pointed at the bag, "shoved in his mouth." 

You felt chills appears on your back as you stared at the little bag. 

A missing tongue and a plastic bag in its place, with a piece of paper inside it. 

That couldn't promise anything good.

You still remembered a certain case from a little ago. You were lucky to usually work on rather… pleasant cases, as in not as brutal and violent as your co-workers would sometimes deal with, but that day, you stumbled upon a certain case. A messy contract with a criminal organization that ended with a man, a lowly The Steambird editor, who not only completely lost his mind, but also… his tongue. 

Just like the man from the current case.

All the evidence that you found on the previous man, pointed out that he had an unfortunate deal with Fatui that ended with… well, not his death, but a part of you wondered if it wouldn’t be a better end for him.

You let out a deep breath, groaned, and layed your head on your desk, already tired of today. You truly had quite the luck lately! Curse you and whatever deity was watching over you.

The piece of paper found in the man’s mouth was, obviously, a very nice and kind message, with threats hidden between the lines. That could mean only one thing and it was that the Fatui indeed had a hand in this murder because of the entire Tartaglia case. 

You were sure of it, since you had no other pointers and this seemed like the most likely case.

But it also meant that whoever was behind the first letter, was someone entirely else. You didn’t think anyone from Fatui would set up one of them, especially since you heard… surprisingly a lot about Tartaglia. He didn’t seem like someone so easy to throw out and replace.

Who, then?

Assuming it was true that he was framed, who could be powerful enough to frame someone like him? And do it behind Fatui’s back? 

Maybe there was a missing part? Well, no, you obviously missed a lot yet. The camera recordings showed a pair of people bringing the man’s corpse under the courthouse’s doors, and then walking away, going inside a car and driving away, their little gift left on the doorsteps.

The victim still had to be identified, the pair of men too and they were vital to the case— you didn’t think they would willingly tell police who ordered them the murder (or if they killed the victim at all!), but maybe… 

Assuming they were still alive, that is. You heard enough to let your imagination go wild at what could possibly happen. 

…maybe too wild, when sudden anxiety started to blossom in your mind. The current situation was rather unpredictable, in you way you could tell what would happen next, and even with extra protection arranged for Neuvillette and Furina, you couldn’t help but worry about them.

But especially about Neuvillette. You loved him, after all. You didn’t know what would you do if anything ever happened to him.

You looked at your phone. You had currently… some kind of a break. Everything that just happened started to hit you only now, tiredness gnawing at your bones.

You needed some coffee. Something sweet to eat. A moment to collect your thoughts and continue worrying about the case and your lover later.

You took up your phone, and the receiver picked up the call a moment later.

“Neuvillette? Hello?” 

“Hello, [name]. Is something the matter?”

Just hearing his voice seemed to raise your spirits a little.

“No, I just wanted to call you…” You smiled sheepishly to yourself and then added, with slight laughter in your voice, "I would invite you for dinner, but with all that happened earlier…" 

Although you were planning to ask him out for dinner for some time now, just an evening spent together at your place, there was no time for such things now. It was a great shame, but you hoped that after all this, you two would find a moment of peace together.

For now, a phone conversation had to be enough.

To be honest, you called for no actual reason, more to just listen to his voice and maybe calm your mind a little, so for a moment, you two found yourselves in a comfortable silence.

There was a movie you watched a week ago. It was late when you watched it, you were planning to go to bed but while you were mindlessly switching channels, you saw a movie interesting enough to keep you up for the next hour. By now you forgot the name, but you told him about it either way.

He listened to all your words, even when you stumbled over the plot a few times, backtracking and trailing off when a part of the scene you were describing reminded you of something else.

He had a few of his own comments regarding the plot and certain scenes, like not understanding why people found a certain scene funny— to which you just… shrugged, not knowing either. The scene he mentioned was stupid, really, and yet it made you laugh so much when you first watched it, that even when describing it to him again you couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. 

A charm of questionable but funny scenes, maybe.

Minutes passed on simply talking, smiling at your phone and laughing. Just talking with him seemed enough to help you recharge, but it also made you a little sad. 

With you busy and the worry, already preparing itself to take a longer stay in mind, calls were probably the only way to spend time together like this. It wasn’t enough. You finished talking about the movie, ran out of thoughts to share, a moment passed.

"...you know, you have to be careful too,” you murmured, "I worry someone might try to attack either you or Furina, although I'm not sure if there would be anyone stupid enough to do that…"

You rolled your eyes at your own words. No one would, for sure, but…

"Point is, I still worry." 

How could you not? 

"You need not to worry, love.” You smiled at his words and soft tone and a part of you could swear he smiled. You hoped he did.

You heard him breathe, preparing to say something else, but at the same moment you heard someone calling out his name in the background, “...my apologies, it appears I am needed somewhere. I will call you later.”

“Sure, take care. I think my break is ending soon anyway,” you sighed, trying your hardest to now show disappointment in your tone.

The call ended after it, and yet you found yourself holding the phone next to your ear for a second, two more before putting it away. Your break was coming to an end anyway, it was about time you got up.

You just hoped that everything would end well.

(And yet soon, you would soon realize that nothing about this case would go well, nowhere close to how you hoped it would, and that your worst thoughts would come true. 

But, maybe, just maybe, there still would be a place for a good ending?

You hoped, at least. And you would do everything to bring this case to a good ending.)

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