Warning -> 18+ NS-FW! (consensual sex (on a desk - penetration, pulling out), unspecified foreplay (reader receiving), shy/embarrassed reader, brief mention of previous sexual activity (reader), voyeurism (alhaitham watches reader)(friends -> lovers (not established relationship) | itâs been a while, let me know if i missed anything!
Today couldnât have gone any better. Thoma woke up with his beloved partner by his side, had the entire day to enjoy delicious food and partake in pastimes he rarely found the time for. Even though the sun has set and the day was drawing to a close, he didnât feel like it was over yet. It was hard too when the person he loved more then anyone else in the world was sitting on his lap, covering every inch of skin within their reach with innocent, playful kisses.
âI think you got all of me, (Y/N).â Thoma said, chuckling as their lips departed from the corner of his jaw.
(Y/N) pouted, their expression so adorable it made his heart slip a beat. âAre you sure?â
Yes, he was sure - everywhere their lips touched left tingles behind that still hadnât faded. âIâm sure.â
(Y/N)âs eyes sparkled affection and adoration and they gazed at him. Suddenly, their expression grew brighter and their pout turned into a wide smile. âWait! I did miss a spot!â
Thoma titled his head. He was pretty sure they hadnât - the warmth lingering on his skin was covering every inch of exposed skin. Where could they have possibly missed?
To Thomaâs surprise, and a wonderful one at that, his lover leaned forward and placed a final kiss on his lips. He sighed against their mouth and cupped their soft cheek in his hand. Their kiss was sweeter then usual with the taste of sugar from dessert still present on their lips and tongue.
(Y/N) pulled away with a satisfied expression. âThere. Now I got everywhere.â
Shaking his head playfully, Thoma rested his forehead against theirs. âYouâre gonna be the death of me one day. How do you keep getting more adorable with each passing hour?â
âThe same way you get more handsome with each passing hour. Itâs what being in love does to you.â
âBeing in love, huh? Yeah, that sounds right.â Thoma thought to himself, unable to help the smile that followed. âIf being in love means Iâll get to feel this way for the rest of my life, then Iâll work hard to make sure I keep this.â
âI love you.â Thoma said, leaning in for another kiss. âSo, so much. You have no idea how much.â
âI love you, too.â (Y/N) said with a laugh. âHappy birthday, Thoma. I canât wait to spend another with you next year.â
Im so sorry to hear that you're sick!!! :((( i hope you feel better soon <3 theres a beautiful hurt/comfort thoma fic by kazewhara i can recommend but its a little angsty because reader gets kidnapped but it ends with them safe!! If that's something you'd be interested in heres the link https://at.tumblr.com/kazewhara/665776289884602368/1o1upkqz2xz1
Warnings: This is too spicy to be fluffy but not spicy enough to be spicy⌠reader is touching his muscles
~~~~~~~~~~
He knew, of course he knew. How could he not when he pays so much attention to you? Sooner or later, he was bound to figure out what muscles on the male body caught your attention and held it for longer then it should. He was too observant not to notice the way your eyes glued themselves to his stomach when the material of his shirt pulled tight around it.
Heâs your boyfriend, and he gave you permission to touch him when you felt the urge, but boyfriend or no, permission or no, the thought of outright asking made your cheeks grow just as warm as they would if his shirt were to be gone completely.
You couldnât ask. You wonât ask.
But you really wanted to - archons, he looked so good right now.
âThere. I think I got it!â Thoma said, sounding rather pleased as he slid the last shelf of your brand new bookcase into place. âItâs about time we got you a new shelf. Your other one looks like it will collapse if you add another book to it.â
âHmm.â You replied, half-listening. The other half of your attention was on his shoulder blades, watching them move beneath his black shirt.
You were only able to see them because his red jacket was laying over the back of your couch. It wasnât just his back - the short sleeves tightened around his biceps every time he moved his arms, showing off what years of meticulous housework can do to oneâs body. Even his forearms were appealing, one showing off smooth skin while the other was protected by his bracer - what was it about that bracer that you found so attractive?
â(Y/N)?â
The call of your name snapped you back into the moment. âHuh?â
Thoma, looking a little concerned, set down the tools and walked around the coffee table. Your heart started racing as he got closer, and when he crouched in front of where you were sitting on the couch, looked you in the eye and took your hands in his, you could feel it pounding against your ribcage.
âAre you okay? Your mind is wandering again.â Thoma said, speaking softy and in an encouraging tone. He wanted you to open up to him about what was on your mind, butâŚ
âIâm fine.â Your mouth moved on its own, old habits of hiding your needs coming back in full force. âI just got a new story idea, thatâs all.â
Too shy to hold his gaze any longer, you looked down and almost instantly regretted it. His chest was right there, and below it, you could make out the shape of his abs. No normal person would have noticed but you and your freakish obsession did, and it certainly didnât help that you were very aware of Thoma as it was.
You didnât realize your lower lip was sitting between your teeth until Thoma placed a hand under your chin to lift it. â(Y/N), are you sure-â
âIâm fine!â
Your voice came out louder and shakier then you wanted, your body moving faster then normal as you shot to your feet - too fast, even. You were on your feet before your legs could adjust to balance your weight, and the miscommunication had you stumbling. Luckily, Thoma was right there and was quick enough to catch you while getting up himself.
âWoah! Easy, there. Whatâs the rush? Youâre starting to worry me.â
Your heart was beating in your ears and almost drowned his voice out. The arms around your waist held you against his chest and abs, keeping you steady while all your weight leaned on him. Your hands, in the middle of your panic to grab onto something, chose his biceps and you could feel how firm they were beneath your palms. Your eyes found his collarbone, then followed the lines of tendons up his neck until they reached his lips, then his eyes.
You swallowed. âHi.â
âHi.â He repeated, tilting his head a little. He had to have seen the way your eyes felt back to his neck with the movement, right? âAre you going to tell me whatâs gotten into you? I canât help you if I donât know whatâs bothering you.â
Your face was so hot you thought it was going to melt. Internally, you were a mess. You wanted to tell him how badly you wanted to touch him but were too nervous to do so. âIs it really okay for me to touch him?â
Swallowing another lump in your throat, you hesitantly ran a hand up his arm, over his shoulder and down to the centre of his chest. You leaned back a little and waited, and when he didnât stop you, you very slowly kept going, giving him plenty of time to back out and tell you to stop.
He didnât, and a pleasant shiver ran down your spine as your palm glided over his abdomen.
Thoma sighed and you jumped a little, thinking you were in trouble. âThis is what has you so distracted, huh? I should have known.â
âSorry.â Your apology was meek.
âNo, itâs okay. Iâm not mad.â He lifted your chin until your eyes met his. âI just wish you had said something sooner. I-â His face turned red. âI told you, I donât mind if you⌠want to touch me.â
Maybe it was because he didnât know what else to say, or maybe he knew that you wouldnât be able to respond to his statement, but regardless, the shy encounter ended with an innocent kiss on the lips.
Warnings: Fluffy Christmas special, spoilers for some characterâs backgrounds (Zhongli)
Kaeya đ
Mondstadt hardly looked the same, covered in a heavy blanket of snow as it was, but youâd believe anywhere was home so long as it had a man with silky navy hair and a silver tongue that put the festive ringing of bells to shame.
The falling snowflakes were so small and incredibly detailed but none of them were prettier then the smile he wore. Millions of once in a lifetime patterns made of frozen water were dancing in the wind but youâd much rather keep a constant watch on the lips that pulled into smiles or parted to laugh.
The ice beneath your shoes was slippery yet you felt more stable on it then on solid ground. The arms that held you guided you, encouraging words mixed with playful and harmless teases kept your fears of falling away, and the promise he made as a reward for your success was the ultimate push that helped you reach the end.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of celebratory wine and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of playful banter, wonderful surprises, and a soothing sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Diluc đ
Dawn Winery twinkled brighter then usual, decorated with festive ornaments as it was, but it was still home because a man with fluffy red hair and warm hands that rivalled the fireplace cherished it and called this place home, too.
The flickering candles were everywhere and giving off light but none of them were a brighter beacon than he. The windows kept the rushing snow outside, the doors kept the chill of the howling wind out, but no place made you feel safer then the space between arms that cradled you against his heart.
The cushions beneath you dipped but you knew he wouldnât let you sink too far. The arms that held you kept you close, reassuring words and reminiscing memories kept your mind from the storm raging outside, and the care he showed for your well-being, the effort he made to keep you happy, was more then you ever could have wished for.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of virgin cider and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of unwavering devotion, unquestionable protection, and a soothing sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Zhongli đ
Liyue Harbor looked like a completely different world, every post and railing illuminated in colourful lights as it was, but it was still the land of your home because an ex-archon with elegant black hair and the wisest of souls still walked these streets.
The polite greetings of passerbyâs were touching but no voice made your heart leap like his did as he returned their welcoming words. Countless attractions were vying for your attention, waiting to be found by your eyes, but the stories that fell from his lips always captured you best.
The breeze was chilly but the man walking next to you made it worth bearing. The arm he linked with yours, the tales he told of ancient traditions lost to time, his patience in answering your questions, he was always so eager to share his old world with you and the fact he wished to do so solidified the important place you held in his life.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of osmanthus wine and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of a being at peace, many life experiences, and a soothing sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Xiao âď¸
Wangshu Inn has seen all sorts of traditions, welcoming people of all sorts as it did, but no matter who came through it will forever be home because a yaksha with shiny dark hair and protective instincts always returned here.
The lively conversations happening below sounded interesting but the silence he offered on the balcony was comforting. Friends and staff below waved you over but you smiled and declined, wanting nothing more then to be next to the man who was able to drive darkness away and restore light to your life.
The stars above shimmered with a silver glow but they didnât take your breath away like he did. Snow coated the roof and the top of the railing but itâs softness didnât even begin to compare to to his touches. The gentleness he offered never failed to make crystal flies dance in your chest and always brought a cozy warmth to your cheeks.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of sparkling snow and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of shy affections, innocent yet unsure gestures, and a soothing sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Kazuha đ
The Crux Fleet celebrated things in their own way, sailing the seas and singing sailors songs as they do, but even out on the ocean the holiday spirit found its way thanks to the man with smooth white hair and poetic tendencies on board.
The smell of beer and other alcoholic mixtures surrounded the ship like a dome but the air around him somehow managed to remain clear. Men and woman alike danced and played games, but the melody he played on a leaf brought a sense of calm to the chaos, a calm that followed him everywhere.
Snowflakes disappeared into the waves rolling against the side of the ship, returning to its natural state just as he always said things did. Poem after poem fell onto your ears, harmonious words stringing together to make vow after vow that were for your ears only. His body wandered, but his heart hasnât strayed since it came to know yours.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of fresh sake and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of beautiful phrases, unforgettable scenery, and a soothing sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Thoma đ
Komore Teahouse was always ready for an event and this time was no different, decorated with a tree and garland as it was, but it gave off a cozy sense of home because a man with with soft yellow hair and fullfuling hugs made it that way.
The scent of sweets and spices lingered in the air but no desert made your tastebuds dance unless he fed them to you. The hot chocolate in your hug warmed your hands but it was his smile that warmed your heart and everything on its surface. Even on the coldest day, he brought the warmth of summer sunshine.
The world outside was dark but even with the lights on and the stove lit, his presence kept the place bright. His laughter brought the joy of the holiday and his smile was the only gift you could ever ask for. His love made you fall in love again, his kindness revived you, and this day only meant so much because he was here to celebrate it with you.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of icing sugar and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of unconditional love, wishes of never ending moments, and a sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Ayato đ
The Kamisato Estate always had a professional aura to it, serving as a place for meetings and work as it did, but homely festivities still found a place at the insistence of a man with sleek light blue hair and a mischievous laugh that always told when he was up to something.
Little surprises found you at every corner but there was nothing you desired to find more then an opening in your loverâs defences. The way the corner of his lips curled when you snuck in an act of affection made you giggle and eager to find another opportunity to give more.
The atmosphere that filled the estate was one that hadnât been felt in a long time. The staff, who usually worried about their lord and lady after leaving for their holiday break, no longer felt anxious to do so. The tender gaze he reserved for you was that of a smitten man, one who would be in good company and well cared for in their absence.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of festive peppermint and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of defences coming down, visions of the future, and a sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Itto âď¸
Hanamizaka wouldnât be Hanamizaka without a busting atmosphere, and scattered with trees decorated in ornaments, tinsel and lights as it was, the district felt even more like home because of an Oni with wild white hair and boisterous optimism.
A gang of snowmen and challenges of who could make the biggest snow angel fed into the holiday spirit, snowball fights and snow forts bringing out the child in you. The way he begged you to play such games with him brought such a big smile to your face it made your cheeks hurt to hold it.
Some less spirited citizens shot you looks as you raced throw the snow covered streets but you hardly noticed in the face of his unbridled joy. All that existed in the world was the man who made your heart pound with reckless adventure and brought a level of joy to your life you didnât know existed. He gave you everything, even when he gave you nothing.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of gingerbread treats and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of the joy of living, the bonds of friendship, and a sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Heizou đ
The Tenryou Police Station hardly looked like a place for holding criminals, full of holiday cheer and a feast as it was, but something about it reminded you of home, undoubtedly because a man with pretty maroon hair and strong intuition was there with you.
Doushins played drinking games and caught up with old friends, while the more serious members found an excuse to work. The one you expected to be part of the latter surprised you by dropping clever little clues that sent you on a scavenger hunt around the station. You found every item.
He noticed your need for a break before you said anything and promptly escorted you outside. There was no wind nor was the snow falling any longer, but something still felt magical and when a small box wrapped green paper tied with a red bow suddenly appeared in front of your face, the playful look in his gorgeous eyes gave it all away.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of delicious spices and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of discovering truth, insightful observations and a sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Cyno đ
The Akademiya was prepped for knowledge of a different kind, posters of foreign traditions and decorations from all nations sprucing up the halls as they did, but it was still home because a man with floofy white hair and a persistence for jokes kept peace and order.
Scholars debated on which traditions came first and which legends held the most truth, but the only conversation that you cared for was the debate you held with him about which dish to try first. His ability to supervise the gathering while also keeping personal watch over you couldnât be matched.
Glances kept being made your way but no one was brave enough to approach with the general standing so close. Some thought the gentle smile on his face was a miracle, but if anyone had paid attention long before, they would have known the Mahamatraâs expression always softens when it comes to you. His job was an honour, but being with you was more so.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of rich cinnamon and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of unbreakable loyalty, the glitter of a found treasure, and a sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Alhaitham đ
The scribeâs office didnât match the rest of the Akademiya, lacking much of the holiday decor as it was, but the man with lush silver hair and biting sarcasm was unable to stop you from putting up a miniature evergreen tree.
Novels filled with festive fairy tales somehow found their way onto his shelves, hidden between books that most found too difficult to read. The âreindeerâ glitter that sprinkled his windowsills was getting everywhere but he hardly minded the mess if it meant you would keep smiling that brightly.
The party for two you made in his office was pleasant, the sweets you brought delicious but nothing was more satisfying then the gentle look in his eye that contrasted his remarks. His chuckles, occasional sweet phrases and reminders to slow down and enjoy the moment was his own way of showing him he cared.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of fruit-filled treats and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of a variety of languages, thorough calculations, and a sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Childe âď¸
His childhood home looked like any other home, decorated for the holidays as it was, but it also felt like your home because the man with messy ginger hair and a love for family welcomed you in and incorporated you into his family.
The table was lined with a feast, the food hot and steaming and children battling for seconds. He made sure everyone was well fed and of course that included you - he was keeping up with your needs faster then you could realize them for yourself. Perhaps he was feeding you a little too much.
When the time for games arrived he invited you to play and teamed you with you against his siblings, who were quickly warming up to you. They laughed with you, joked with you, and the man was filled with pride at how well you were fitting in. He knew his family would love you just as he loved you, but seeing it with his own eyes reaffirmed what he already knew.
Your Christmas kiss tasted of Snezhnayan delicacies and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of intense passion, a desire to make you his, and a sweetness of a soul thatâs intertwined with yours.
Pairings: Alhaitham, Xiao, Cyno, Kazuha, Zhongli X GN!reader
Warnings: Comfort, reader canât fall asleep, short and sweet, pre-relationship for Cyno
A gift for my dear @clemmywrites who has been struggling to sleep the last few nights. I wish you sweeter dreams ahead my friend
Silver moonlight created a spotlight for the shadows dancing across the wall. A tree branch swayed, small dark figures resembling woodland creatures pranced, but the beauty of the ballet was starting to lose you and frustration was creeping in. You didnât want to watch a performance. You wanted to sleep.
The desire to sleep was so great that you couldnât help but almost feel annoyed by the man snoozing behind you. Alhaitham had fallen asleep over an hour ago, unaware that you werenât so lucky. He was laying on his back, one arm draped over his stomach, the other lifted next to his head so that his hand was tucked beneath his head. You were on your side, back flush against his side, your pillow pulled down so that you werenât laying on his raised arm. Every breath he took made his ribcage expand and collapse, and while the sensation would normally feel soothing, tonight it was nothing but a reminder that your mind was too active to allow such luxury.
Finally giving up, you peeled the blanket away and slid your leg towards the edge of the mattress. That was when a voice, heavy and thick with sleep, broke the silence. âWhat is it?â
Some nights Alhaitham slept soundly, and others, the smallest sound or movement made him stir. He had been still for so long you thought escaping without him noticing would be safe, but apparently not.
âI canât sleep.â You whispered, hoping he would soon nod off again. As a fellow Akademiya student, you knew the value of a good nightâs rest. âIâm gonna find something to do. Iâll keep it quiet.â
Because of his roommate, you would normally never just get up and walk around in the middle of the night unless it was for bathroom purposes. However, Kaveh would be away for the next several days on a project, so you didnât have to worry about disturbing him. Or risk making Alhaitham feel a little jealous if you happened to run into the blonde.
Alhaitham let out a deep breath, and you werenât sure if it was a legitimate sigh or not. âCome here.â
Fumbling a little, you turned towards him and fell back to his side, your head resting on his chest. The arm on his stomach lifted a little, welcoming yours into the space. His hand found your skin, slowly running up and down between your wrist and elbow with small pauses at each joint.
His eyes remained closed and his face kept looking towards the ceiling. âAre exams stressing you out again?â
âNo- well, yes, but itâs not actively on my mind right now. I just⌠canât sleep.â
âJust because youâre not thinking about it right now, doesnât mean it isnât still affecting you. Try turning it off.â
You huffed air out through your nose. âIâve been trying, âHaitham. Itâs not working.â
His other arm moved, dropping from its place next to his head so he could pull the blanket higher up to cover your shoulder completely. Instead of returning to where it was, it extended along the side of your body so his hand could rest on your hip, thumb drawing small circles over the blanket.
His head turned a little and titled down, his voice a little closer now. âThen, focus on something else. Close your eyes and fixate on your other senses.â
Taking in a deep breath, you tried to follow his guidance, starting with your sense of smell. Alhaitham naturally had a very rustic, comforting scent - old parchment and burning candles, kind of what you imagined an ancient library to smell like. Not too surprising, considering what the Haravatat Darshan was known for. Next, you focused on what you could hear. There wasnât much to listen to, apart from Alhaithamâs breathing. So, you honed in on that, and eventually discovered the faint beats of his heart on the other side of his chest. Although faint, you could hear enough to know it was in a perfect rhythm, each one timed perfectly and not a second later.
âGetting tired, yet?â His question was so soft you almost missed it, but with it came a wave of drowsiness.
Not wanting to risk disrupting it, you hummed in response instead of giving a verbal reply. Your sense of touch seemed to heighten, as you suddenly became more aware of your surroundings. The blanket felt warmer then it had all night, Alhaithamâs caresses more soothing to you now. Your eyelids were getting heavier, as was the rest of your body. The last thing you remember is a soft brush of lips against the top of your head, then, you were lost to sleep.
The gentle light from your beside lamp didnât illuminate the entire room, but it did a good job of keeping the area around your bed bathed in soft gold. You sat against your headboard, cocooned in a fuzzy blanket with only your face and hands exposed. In your lap was a sketchbook, one that you bought a few days ago and already had several pages filled with portraits and landscapes made of ink and led. Places youâd much rather see in your dreams, compared to the unhappy ones that have been plaguing you recently.
A rush of air suddenly flew through the room and you jumped, nearly dropping your pencil. Heart racing, a startled cry building in your throat, your head snapped in the direction of the disturbance and relief quickly quelled the anxiety. The figure standing in the middle of your room was no stranger, but the person who made you feel safer then anyone else on earth.
Waving a hand in front of his face, Xiaoâs mask disappeared. Those golden eyes of his held concern and curiosity. âWhy havenât you gone to sleep yet?â
You shrugged and cast your gaze back to your sketchbook. âI donât want to.â
The thought of falling asleep and suffering another horrible dream filled you with dread. Xiaoâs been away the past few nights dealing with rising threats on the borders of Liyue. Though you had no proof, part of you wondered if his absence contributed to your increased rate in nightmares. Youâve gotten so used to sleeping with him around over the last few months.
Xiao approached your bed and sat on the edge. âYou⌠donât want to? Youâre human. Sleep isnât negotiable.â
You shrunk back a little, feeling like a child being scolded. âI knowâŚâ
You tried to hide behind your sketchbook, but Xiao, with everything careful hands, took it and set it aside. âYouâre scared of something. Tell me.â
He reached towards you, hesitated for a moment, then gently pinched your chin and lifted your head until your eyes met his. Youâve always been weak to those eyes, unable to conceal a thing from those pools of pure cold.
âIâve been having bad dreams, Xiao.â You admitted with a sheepish smile. âThatâs all, I promise.â
Releasing your chin, the adeptus sat back and observed you for a minute. The dark circles beneath your eyes couldnât be too bad, right?
âYou wonât need to worry about that anymore. Iâm here now.â Xiao said in a voice full of determination. âSo rest. Iâll watch over you.â
Your face felt warm, but that didnât stop you from adjusting until you were comfortably laying down. You reached for Xiaoâs hand and he allowed you to grab it and hold it between your own. The contact was so simple yet it brought you more happiness then anyone would ever know.
âXiao?â You spoke his name, not that you had anything to say, you just liked the way it felt rolling off your tongue.
âYouâre supposed to be sleeping, not talking.â He replied, his words cold but tone far from. He paused to a moment, then slipped free from your grasp. âHold on a moment.â
He stood up and approached your art desk, grabbing a packet of plastic stars. Breaking the seal, Xiao poured the stars into his hand and returned to your bedside. His eyes narrowed as he focused, a small whirlwind forming around his hand. With the help of Anemo, he sent the stars flying towards your ceiling where they then attached themselves, and as soon as the light in the lamp went out, the stars took on a light of their own.
âThere.â The yaksha said, sitting on the mattress once more and reclaiming your hand. âNow it is certain you wonât have anything but good dreams tonight.â
Losing sleep over your studies wasnât anything new. No student was safe from the stress of the Akademiya; spotting dark circles beneath your peers eyes was as common as finding a plant in the rainforest. After several days of poor sleep, and with the weight of your assignment finally off your chest, you thought tonight would be the night you finally caught up on sleep. Funny how you now found yourself sitting in the empty House of Daena instead of curled up all warm and cozy in your bed.
If you werenât so focused on the text in front of you, you might have been creeped out by the shadows created by the lamp at the edge of the table. You might have heard the creek of old wood as the door to the magnificent library opened. You might have even sensed the approaching figure before it had the chance to sneak up on you.
âYouâre not supposed to be here.â
The voice sounded like a clash of thunder in the silence, catching you completely off guard and startling you so bad you screeched and jumped up, smacking both your thighs off the bottom of the table. This resulted in a loss of balance, and you fell back into the chair only for the chair to tilt and bring you to the ground with it.
You groaned and peeled your eyes open. The face staring down at you was one you recognized, though really, anyone would recognize those tall black ears on the top of his headpiece.
You huffed and crossed your arms. âYou really shouldnât sneak up on people in the dark like that.â
âYouâre not supposed to be in here after dark.â Cyno held out a hand and you accepted it, allowing him to help you to your feet. âYouâre not one to break the rules of the Akademiya. What are you doing here?â
âI canât sleep.â You explained, dusting off your clothes and straightening them out. âFigured I may as well get a head start on my next assignment instead of laying in bed doing nothing.â
âEven if youâre doing nothing, you should be taking a break to rest your mind, otherwise youâll burn yourself out completely.â
âEasier said then done. Five minutes is all it takes to fall five hours behind, General Mahamatra.â Flashing a smile, you closed up the book you borrowed. âI appreciate the concern Cyno, I really do, but Iâll be okay. Promise.â
Many of the Akademiya students feared and avoided the General Mahamatra, but talking to Cyno has always come easy to you. You didnât have the biggest pool of friends, if any at all; many of your classmates were cunning and seemed to only make friends for the purposes of one-upping them. With Cyno, you didnât have to worry about that. He looked out for people, and you found that admirable.
âIâll walk you home.â The general suddenly said. âThe Akademiya may be safe at night, but the streets in the city arenât as heavily guarded.â
âAre you sure?â You asked, clutching your notebook to your chest. âI donât want you to get in trouble for leaving in the middle of your shift.â
âItâs fine. There are more Matra on duty. Theyâre perfectly capable of handling things here on their own for a little while.â
Unsure of how to refuse his kind offer, you accepted. The walk from the Akademiya to your home on the outskirts was uneventful and filled with small talk and jokes. You knew Cyno had a reputation when it came to his jokes, but even if they didnât make you laugh until your stomach hurt, they still made you smile.
âHere we are.â You said, finally reaching the front door of youâre cozy little cottage style home. âThank you for walking me back, Cyno. I promise Iâll stay out of the library after hours.â
He nodded, and just as you were about to enter your residence, he spoke. âThey say warm milk mixed with honey is a natural remedy to aid with sleep. You should give it a try. Dawn is still many hours away.â
âIâll give it a shot, thank you.â You smiled at him, hoping he wouldnât notice how fast your heart was racing in your chest.
As a creature of daylight, it wasnât often you got to view the world bathed in starlight. Not that there was much to see really; the ocean stretched on for miles and if there was something in the distance, there was no way to spot it. The gentle rocking of the ship over the waves, a natural lullaby to you, wasnât doing the trick this time. At least the full moon and clustered stars were awake to keep you company.
Youâre not sure when you started humming, but you suddenly became aware that the melody in your head came from a pleasant song from your childhood. Smiling at little you started to hum louder, which then turned to whispered words and grew a little louder until you were singing in a soft voice only for the waves below the bow of the ship to hear.
When your song finally came to an end, a soft, poetic voice chimed in. âThe beauty of song, a serenade of love, how youâve captured me.â
A breathy giggle slipped through your parted lips as you looked over your shoulder. âIf I knew you were in the crowâs nest, I would have been quieter. Sorry, Kazuha.â
While you knew you werenât singing that loud, Kazuhaâs sense of hearing is incredible. The thingâs heâs able to hear on the wind make it impossible to escape his awareness. So, the question wasnât how he heard you, but rather, how long had he been listening?
Kazuha strolled up beside you, a gentle hand coming to rest on your lower back. âWhat troubles you this late, my love?â
A sigh escaped as you straightened up. âItâs nothing big, Iâm just⌠a little homesick, thatâs all. I canât stop wondering how my family is doing. I hope my mother is feeling better.â
âThe medicine you bought from Bubu Pharmacy is quite strong. Within a few days, Iâm sure your mother will be feeling much better.â
âI hope so.â
While leaving home wasnât the easiest decision to make, considering everything going on, there wasnât much else you could do. Working for Beidou and sending back a portion of the mora youâd earn would be the best way for you to contribute, and besides, youâve become so accustomed to being with the crew and Kazuha that skipping this trip and remaining in Liyue would drive you mad. Who would you be able to talk to freely if they werenât around?
âKazu?â You called him softly by nickname. âDo you ever get homesick?â
âI do.â He answered, gazing out at the dark sea. âOccasionally, weâll encounter someone or something that reminds me of home. It could be the smell of tea that brings me back to the many tea houses in the city, or perhaps a tree that resembles the maple or sakura trees scattered all through Inazuma. When I remember these things, I do sometimes find myself longing to see my homeland again.â
His words held a lot of emotion, much so that you felt his sadness in your heart. âWould you ever go back permanently? Youâre not wanted anymore by the Shogunate anymoreâŚâ
It pained you to bring it up, to consider the possibility that one day, he might decide to leave this life at sea behind and settle down in the archipelago of Electro. If that were to happen, what would you do? Attempt a long distance relationship? End things? Move to Inazuma with him? Leaving your family behind for weeks at a time was stressful enough. To go even longer without seeing them⌠You werenât too sure how it would affect you. You loved travelling but there was comfort in knowing that your family was waiting for you back home.
Kazuha chuckled a little, and when his gaze turned back to you, you noticed how his crimson eyes appeared brighter. âNo, I donât think I would. I have become so accustomed to the life of a wanderer, that staying in one place is no longer possible for me. After a while, the air becomes stagnant, and itâs time to move on.â
âThatâs a poetic way of looking at it.â You said, smiling a little. âNot that I except anything less, coming from you.â
Taking your hand in his, Kazuha brought it to his lips and brushed his lips over your skin. âI am honoured to have left a good impression of me in your mind. Why donât you come relax with me in the crowâs nest for a while? The change may encourage your mind to relax for sleep.â
The bubbling of boiling water, the quiet ticking of the hands on the kitchen clock, were sounds you often heard un the early hours of the morning, not in the middle of the night. You tossed, you turned, you counted sheep, but neither your mind or body was ready for bed. So, you left your lover sound asleep in the warmth of his bed and headed into the kitchen to drew some chamomile tea. Youâve always felt that Zhongliâs tea was best, but waking him felt selfish.
You sat in the quiet kitchen, blowing on the steaming ceramic cup in your hand as you watched the stars twinkle beyond the open window. The air was a little chilly but not enough for you to feel cold enough for a coat. The white shirt you stole from your boyfriend was enough to keep you warm, the scent of him still lingering on the fabric bringing comfort.
A light in the hallway suddenly turned on. The sound of footsteps was getting closer, and before long, a handsome figure appeared beneath the arch. âMy dear?â
âYes? Whatâs the matter?â
âThat is what I have come to ask you.â Entering the kitchen, Zhongli stopped next to your seated figure and delicately ran his fingers through the hair on the top of your scalp. âI sensed you leave the bed a while ago and grew concerned when you did not return.â
âSorry, I didnât mean to worry you.â You said, flashing him a reassuring smile. âI just thought a cup of tea would help me sleep.â
Zhongli hummed, the sound rich and deep. âI see. If you had woken me earlier, I would have helped you.â
You shook your head. âNo, I couldnât ask you to sacrifice your rest. You have to work tomorrow.â
Pulling a chair out, he sat next to you and placed his hand on the table, his palm turned upwards. Curious, you placed your hand in his and gave a soft sigh when he started running his thumb back and forth across your knuckles. He always knew just how to make you relax.
âI do not see it as a sacrifice. I have committed myself to you as a lover. I have sworn to love and care for you. Is it not normal for two people in love to help each other in times such as these?â He asked, those amber eyes of his making your face grow warm.
âWell, yes, butâŚâ
One by one, Zhongli kissed each one of your fingers. âFinish your tea before it grows cold. Then, weâll return to bed together. Is that alright?â
Nodding, you quickly emptied the cup and left it beside the sink so it wouldnât break. Zhongli guided you back to the bedroom of his apartment and waited for you to get comfortable before joining you. You laid on our side, facing him and he turned to face you. Perhaps this was a mistake, because looking at him always made your heart race. How were you supposed to sleep with such an attractive, intelligent man looking at you?
Just as you thought this, he reached towards your face. Your eyes closed as he traced a line from the space between your brows to the tip of your nose. âHave I ever expressed how beautiful you are to me?â
âYou have.â You replied, giggling a little. âMany times, in fact.â
His finger moved across the line of your jaw. âThe weight of words alone cannot accurately explain how precious you are to me. I adore you very much, (Y/N).â
âZh-ZhongliâŚâ You weâre too flustered to open your eyes, despite the desperate urge to know what expression he was making right now. âI thought you were trying to help me fall asleep?â
âIs this not working? Allow me to try another method, then.â
I was checking some people that i follow since a year ago.. and i still remember having you in my bookmarks so decided to check you first! I didnt expect you to be here again!!
I hope you have been doing good! I saw some of your fics- and i still love it as much i do when I read your fics at before time! (I dont actively look for genshin fics anymore tho lol, so i just read what the people I follow post-)
Hiiiiii! Iâm sorry, I vanished again for a little there đ
Iâve been doing well! I got inspired to write again a little there, and I have some things I wanna work on, but Iâve also been doing some work over on another blog, focusing on some other boys I love hehe
Iâm hoping to get some more Genshin fics out but I have so many ideas for so many different things Iâm scrambling to hold onto them all.
â(Y/N),â Thoma spoke your name against your lips, chuckling as you reached up for another. âYouâre going to be late.â
Itâs not often he got to see you off like this; usually heâs left home before you, but today was a day off from his duties at the estate. You, however, had some important business to attend to.
âI donât wanna go.â You whined, wrapping your arms around his waist and resting your cheek on his chest - his wonderfully firm chest.
No one seemed to pay the scene any mind. The chief retainer of the Kamisato Clan, standing in the doorway of the home he shared with his lover, with said lover clinging to him as if their life depended on it.
Thoma shook his head but the tender smile on his face held his true feelings on the matter. âThe day will be over before you know it. Besides, the sooner you get work done, the sooner we can spend some time together. Deal?â
You grumbled, pressing a delicate kiss to his shirt covered collarbones before finally separating. You started down the path that connected the house to the street, but about halfway down you stopped, turned, and ran back to him.
âOne more.â You said, bouncing on your heels as you looked up at him with doe eyes and an expecting smile.
Thomaâs chuckle was hushed as he leaned down to kiss you once more. âThere.â
A dreamy smile claimed your lips. âOne more?â
This time he laughed, but caved in and gave you what you asked for. âLast one. I mean it.â
You pouted and titled your head. âOne more?â
If Thoma kept giving in to you, you wouldnât make it to work. As easy as the solution was, itâs easier said then done. How could he ever resist you?
âAlright, Plan B.â Grabbing his coat, he stepped outside and closed the door. âHow about I walk you to work today?â
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