odora ⟡ masterlists ⟡ 22 ⟡ she/her ⟡ writing for genshin and love & deepspace ♪(´▽｀) ⟡ xiao, zayne, artem lover
⟡ 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 ᯓ
xiao | wanderer ⟡ sleep aid
zayne | valko | sylus ⟡ three simple words
⟡ 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 ᯓ genshin impact | love & deepspace | LoZ: tears of the kingdom | dishonored 2 | dredge
⟡ 𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒔 ᯓ #odorawrites: all my writing | #odorachatter: random musings | #askodora: my inbox | #odorareads: my recommended | #odoradetails: screencaps/details from trailers
what happens when you forget to say "i love you" to them?
⟡ content—zayne/valko/sylus x fem!reader; soft and sweet; the boys being desperate for your attention; 400-500 words each
⟡ a/n—i needed to include valko as well, at least my best impression of him </3
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⟡ 𝒁𝑨𝒀𝑵𝑬
Carpooling with Zayne in the mornings made the start of your day a lot more bearable. Especially today as you prepared for the mountain of work that awaited you at the Association. Staring at the traffic ahead, the radio played on in the background:
In collaboration with the Hunters Association, law enforcement has made several arrests within the past few days linked to an illegal Protocore trading ring, we will keep you updated on—
Zayne switched the channel. Calming music began to play instead.
“Well, I was wondering when they were going to release it to the news,” you commented, sinking down into the car seat with a sigh. You looked over at Zayne, his sharp features fixed on the where he was driving.
“Zayne, how do you do it?”
His eyes flicked to yours for a moment as he reached a red light.
“Do what?”
“Report writing,” you groaned, elongating each syllable for maximum exhaustion.
He chuckled softly. “I don’t doubt your writing ability.” He paused, considering his next words, “but it does help to break big responsibilities into smaller, manageable tasks.”
The Hunters Association building grew nearer. So too did your weariness, despite the day not even having started yet. Zayne parked the car by the pavement. You hoisted your bag over your shoulder ready to leave. The thanks you were about to give Zayne was interrupted as you turned to see him holding your phone, which had been abandoned in the cupholder.
“Wait, you forgot something,” he said waving your phone.
You gasp, reaching out to thankfully take it from him.
“It would’ve been bad leaving that behind,” you exclaimed. “Thank you, Zayne, have a good day!”
“Isn’t there one more thing you’re forgetting?” he added.
Scattered as your brain was, you missed the glint of mischief in his eyes.
“Am I?” you frowned, rummaging through your bag. “Uhm, let’s see, I have my wallet, my laptop, my lunch…”
You felt a cool touch against your chin, gentle fingers guiding your face. Zayne turned you towards him. His lips met yours in a soft kiss. As he pulled away, he was satisfied at watching your expression relax into a surprised smile. It was a small gesture to help make you feel better before work.
“I love you,” he whispered, “Remember to take breaks and eat on time.”
“Ohh, I see now,” you giggled with understanding, playfully poking his shoulder. “Were you disappointed I didn’t say 'I love you' before I left?”
There was teasing lilt to your voice that made Zayne’s ears redden. Who would have known the cardiac surgeon to be so quietly eager to receive such affection?
You gave him a peck on the cheek.
“I love you too, Zayne. I’ll see you tonight.”
⟡ 𝑽𝑨𝑳𝑲𝑶
There were many tall, impressive buildings in the Bloomshore District, but none rivalled the headquarters of Eoncore Tech. It stood high in the city’s centre. Its surfaces of glass created a shimmering mosaic in the daylight. Every few levels up, rows of windows were lined with verdant plants, decorating it’s ledges like a greenhouse. The topmost level of the building was where the CEO of Eontech spent most of his workday. Valko was seated at his office, hunched over research papers strewn about his large table.
“Sir, your girlfriend is here to see you.”
Valko had been so focused that he didn’t even hear his receptionist knock on his door. He stood up suddenly. His hands that were braced against the table messed up the order of his papers.
“What!? She is? Right now?” he asked in succession, flustered.
Valko straightened his tie which had gone askew and ran a hand through his cropped hair to neaten it up. The receptionist gave Valko a small thumbs up of approval. Valko cleared his throat, adopting his most authoritative voice.
“Thank you, please let her in. You may take your leave.”
The receptionist bowed and opened the door wider, revealing you standing there rather sheepishly at the grandness of an entrance. You held a small plastic bag in your hands which you quickly tucked behind your back. Mouthing a thank you to the receptionist, you walked in.
“Fancy seeing you here,” Valko said with a grin, leaning against the front of his table. “I thought you were hanging out Tara on your day off.”
“I am, but I wanted to pass by and give you a little something first.”
You stepped closer to him. Naturally, he rested a hand against your hip.
“Oh?” he cocked his head to the side.
You held the bag in front of him. “This should help you get through your day.”
You nodded, smiling. Quickly, Valko swept you into a warm hug. You tightened your grip on the precious goods as he spun you in a circle. When he put you down, he cupped your face in both his hands. Your skin warmed under his touch. His yellow eyes glittered with joy as he looked at you.
“You’re the best, you know that right?”
“Uh huh, I know. Though, I might lose those points because I’ve got to head off now.”
Valko pouted but acquiesced. Taking the fudge from your hands, he placed it on his desk.
“See you later!” you said, turning around to leave.
“Hold on,” Valko responded, calling your attention back to his folded arms and faux disappointment. “Is that all you have to say to me? I mean, just because I’m in CEO mode doesn’t mean I’m not your boyfriend anymore.”
You frowned. “What do you mean?”
Valko arms found your body again. This time he rested the side of his head against your shoulder, as if his touch would coax you to remember. With realisation, you laughed. You fluffed his hair with your hand. He leaned into your touch, glad that you indulged his clinginess.
“I love you, Valko.” The words brushed gently by his ear. “I’ll meet up with you later.”
⟡ 𝑺𝒀𝑳𝑼𝑺
The N109 zone was a dangerous place, and your boyfriend being one of the most influential persons in the district didn’t make it any less so. What was helpful was when a person of interest appeared on both your radars. There was a surprising amount of overlap between the leader of a crime syndicate and an elite Hunter in these instances.
“So, did you get what you were looking for?” Sylus asked as he opened the door to his room in Onychinus, letting you inside first.
You brushed at your sleeves marked with soot and dirt. The members of the rival gang had put up a decent fight before you and Sylus interrogated them.
“Here, hold still.” Sylus stood behind you, dusting the back of your jacket with his hands.
“I did,” you answered, “thank you again for graciously allowing me into your network of contacts.”
Sylus smirked with satisfaction.
“Leave that here. I’ll wash it and return it to you,” he said, helping you take off your dirtied jacket. “Take any one you like from the closet. They’re all yours.”
Sylus’s bedroom had a row of closets, each matching his black furniture. Opening one of them, you found hanger upon hanger of clothes he purchased for you. Dresses, shirts, skirts, and more all exactly your style and size. Picking out a leather jacket with luxurious lining, you put it on before your watch began to rapidly buzz.
You rushed outside. “I’m really sorry, Sylus, I wish I could stay but I have to go back to the Association.”
“Such is the life of a person of your status,” Sylus said with a deep sigh.
With a wave, you headed for the door. “I’ll text you later!”
However, before you could leave the room, Sylus called out.
“Wait.”
He approached you, a hand in his pocket of his trousers.
“Leaving so soon without a proper goodbye?” He tutted gently. “Can three words not even be spared for me in our parting?"
His honeyed voice and commanding presence made your face hot.
“Three words…” you repeated, confused.
Suddently, it hit you what you have forgotten, and you fought back a smile. You met him where he stood and wrapped your arms around his shoulders. Kissing his cheek, you then gazed into his deep red eyes.
“I love you, Sylus. And I swear I’ll text you!
Sylus nodded, pleased. “I’ll be patiently waiting.”
the physician does not open his grand estate to visitors, however, he makes an exception for a special someone he’s known since childhood
⟡ content: reader is addressed as 'miss'; regency era inspired (certainly not historically accurate); reader and zayne are awkward yearners for each other; 3.5k wc
⟡ a/n: the mr darcy to zayne pipeline is very real to me !! did i watch pride and prejudice for the 234th time because of this? yes i did hehe i hope you enjoy mwah!
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Whilst many other gentleman in the country wished to show off their homes to display their refinement to the public, the solitary owner of Snowfield Park could not think of anything more undesirable. It was truly a shame, though. The estate had received its name from how picturesque it looked during the winters. Fresh snow fell in perfectly smooth blankets around the property, and dusted the foliage of trees as if intentionally painted on by an artist. When morning light emerged, and the snow began to melt away, the grand home would sparkle like sequins on a debutante’s dress.
Those who travelled past Snowfield Park could only admire it from a distance when heading to the next town over—rolling along on their carriages or leisurely walking by. What a waste it was, they all thought, to not allow visitation from guests and host lavish balls as often as one could. They all wondered whether the owner was even in his right mind.
He is a physician, that is the reason. He hardly has time to indulge in what he believes are frivolities.
A physician? How noble! He must be someone of great intelligence.
Indeed. I believe his name is Dr Zayne.
Quite the severe fellow I must admit. I remember during the last ball, the gentleman did nothing but loiter and offered a dance to no one.
Merely loitering? Goodness, has there truly been no one that has caught the man’s eye?
I wonder who is fortunate enough to be acquainted with him and be allowed visitation to such a place.
That was how many of the conversations that passed Snowfield Park went. Little did people know, other than the owner’s most immediate family, there was one other special person who the owner invited over.
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“Miss, you’re telling me you’re acquainted with the gentleman residing in Snowfield Park?” the driver of your carriage asked, speaking each word in disbelief.
You nodded. “Yes, I am.”
Your body also bobbed along with each trod of the horse. The carriage was open air, only able to seat two people, yourself and the driver. Much to your chagrin, your plain reply left the driver guffawing.
“You sure you’re not one of the many admirers trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive man?”
Glancing at the driver’s side profile, you could see him wiggle his brows. The driver was a young man, barely out of his teenage years, who had a penchant for dramatics.
“Certainly not!” you exclaimed, more defensive than your intended.
If the driver had not been so focused on the path ahead, he would have seen your cheeks turn pink.
“We have been good friends since childhood,” you asserted, “and just happened to drift apart when he went to university to study, that is all.”
The driver gave a sound of understanding, though, he still seemed unconvinced by your explanation.
It was completely true though. Your families lived in neighboring estates, and they endeavored to meet often when they found out they had children of similar ages. Many of your memories in youth had Zayne in them. Reading together in your grandmother’s study (Zayne reading aloud the narration, and you tasked with the dialogue for the characters), foraging for flowers and cataloguing them in your shared notebook, practicing your piano forte whilst Zayne completed anatomy sketches (with you often as the subject).
When he went to study medicine, you both sent letters to each other in those initial months. However, with your desire to seek your own passions (and your grandmother’s concerns over your entrance into society), and Zayne’s own pursuit of his career, the length of time between letters grew longer and longer.
Head swimming with memories, you stared off into the countryside. Tall trees that lined the dirt path segmented the bright afternoon sunlight as the carriage rolled past a long stretch of river. Far, far ahead, you saw a glimpse of Snowfield Park. No other details could be made out aside from that it was an impressive estate. You wondered if you could predict Zayne’s taste in design. Surely there would be a well maintained garden and a wide staircase leading to the front doors.
The driver could not ride fully into Snowfield Park as he had business in the next town he needed to attend to. You happily agreed to being dropped off a little ways before, just as the trees began to clear. The weather was pleasant, and it would take no longer than half an hour to walk. The driver pulled on the reins, causing the horses to slow to a stop. He hopped off first, moving to your side to assist you in getting down.
“Thank you,” you said as you smoothed out the skirt of your dress with your hands.
He gave an exaggerated bow. “You’re most welcome, miss. I hope Mr Zayne treats you well,” he winked, then hoisted himself back up onto the carriage.
Waving him goodbye, the carriage went on ahead to the next town over.
You were still quite a ways from the estate itself, left with a distance of grassy field to cross before it transformed into neatly sanded paths and a garden. Though, it was too small from where you were to make out any details. Thankfully, you enjoyed to walk.
As you set off, you checked the small purse dangling from your wrist. It contained your personal belongings, including the very thing that summoned you to Snowfield Park to begin with. A letter from Zayne lay neated folded inside.
Taking a deep breath, you began your journey on foot.
The closer you walked, and the more the house expanded in your view, the greater your heart twisted in your chest.
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Zayne’s home was even grander in real life than what you had imagined.
There was certainly a garden. One that stretched out well beyond the home’s facade, with neatly trimmed hedges, pristine white flowers and a three-tiered marble fountain. You walked through, gently reaching out to touch the petals of flowers. And there was certainly a staircase. Two to be exact, lined with railings carved from stone supported by miniature pillars. Both were built from the ground floor up to the first level, creating separate entryways from two different levels.
The estate was meticulously maintained and so peaceful. Only the wind and the trickle of water from the fountain could be heard. This type of serenity seemed fitting for Zayne.
You chose to walk up the stairs, heading toward the main entrance with ornate double doors. Your breath grew uneven with each step. It was inexplicable how rattled your nerves were at that very moment. What could possibly rouse your anxiety? You did not harbor any ill feelings towards Zayne. Quite the contrary, in fact. Back then, and even now, despite the length of time without contact, you were fond of him.
Rationalizing all this in your mind, you tried to bury your nervousness just as you reached the front doors. Grasping the knocker, you gave three firm knocks, hoping it sufficient enough to signal any occupants of Snowfield Park.
You readied yourself if Zayne himself would open the door for you. It was unlikely, but not entirely impossible. Typically, there would be servants that would initially greet guests. But, perhaps, the owner of the estate would alter convention for an old friend.
The door swung open and you subconsciously held your breath.
The person by the door seemed a bit older than you. She wore a simple dress with an apron tied around it, hair held back by a white bonnet. You exhaled. Conventions remain ever unchanging, you thought, putting on a shy smile.
“Uhm, good afternoon, my name is Y/N. I’m here to visit Mr Zayne.”
The lady looked you over up and down with her discerning eyes. Her brief inspection completed, her skeptical gaze gave way to a warm and inviting grin.
“Please come in! Mr Zayne has been expecting your arrival.”
You relaxed with relief, stepping in and getting a first look at Snowfield Park that many so desired to.
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Compared to your own abode with your family, the interior of this seemed to be fit for royalty.
The room had gold framed portraits of various people and landscapes hung on its cream colored walls. Ornate gold decorations filled the bare spaces in between each painting, reminiscent of leaves which curved and stretched towards the ceiling. The sunlight pouring through the large windows made each metallic embellishment shine. Tables held bronze candelabras with unlit candles and vases with arrangements of different florals. Lounges and chairs with navy upholstery lined the edges of the room, ideal places to sit and idle. Beyond you and to your sides were open archways, where you saw a peek of the winding staircases that led deeper into the home.
You tried your best to not just stand there slack-jawed at the entrance and follow the servant further inside. Was this really the estate that Zayne owned? The same Zayne who picked carrots off his plate at dinnertime and spent his allowance at the candy store in town?
The servant let you catch up to her in center of the room. She leaned in close to whisper, even though you were the only people in this vast space.
“Miss, just between you and me, Mr Zayne has been quite restless these past few days.”
“Restless?” you frowned. “Whatever for?”
She nodded towards you. Her implication that you were the object of Zayne’s anxieties made you even more confused.
“You must be a very special person to rattle him like that. He’s been pacing around, inspecting and re-inspecting all the furnishings in every room, buying fresh linens for your guest quarters.”
She then chuckled. “Quite frankly, it’s refreshing to see such a side of him since he’s so often busy with his work.”
“Speaking of, that is what he is currently occupied with now. I’ll let him know that you’re here.”
The servant curtsied to you before rushing through one of the archways. The sound of her footsteps on tiled floors retreated.
There was nothing to do but wait, and so you did.
You took a turn around the room, admiring the paintings of unfamiliar people and unfamiliar landscapes. Did Zayne know who these individuals were? Had he travelled to different parts of this country? You were now uncertain if the man you would shortly reunite with would even be recognizable to you.
One minute of waiting turned into three, then ten, then fifteen. You could probably recite the arrangement of paintings in the room with how much studying you were doing to fill the time. Looking off ahead of you, the entryways were a silent invitation to explore. Surely the servant wouldn’t mind that you had wandered off a little bit. She certainly hadn’t said anything against doing so.
Your feet moved of their own accord into the entry way ahead of you, eager to see more of the interior of Snowfield Park.
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“Mr Zayne,” Yvonne called as she knocked on the door of the study.
Zayne was penning a letter containing care instructions to the family of one of his patients.
He continued to write as he called out, “You may come in.”
Entering the room, the excitement on Yvonne’s face at being able to announce your arrival was replaced with horror as she saw Zayne.
“Mr Zayne! Have you not changed into your finer clothes yet?”
Zayne glanced up from his writing with a furrow in his brow. He was wearing his night clothes, a simple loose fitting white shirt, pants, and a robe. His dark hair lightly tousled from a restless night of sleep.
“I have not. Y/N isn’t due to Snowfield Park until the afternoon.”
Yvonne gaped at him, her voice high with alarm. “It is the afternoon now, Mr Zayne. And she has arrived not just a moment ago.”
The quill almost fell from Zayne’s grasp at his own shock. It was terribly unlike him to forget the time. His plans of burying himself in his work to keep his mind busy from your arrival had backfired on him.
He immediately stood up. Folding the letter and placing it aside, he strode towards Yvonne.
“She’s here? The time must have escaped me.” He ran a hand through his hair, attempting to steady his composure.
The day that he had perfectly planned had already sidetracked. You were here in his house and he was hiding away in his study in his undergarments. Outfit aside, was there even enough time to ready himself mentally as well? This was the first in a long time that he would be seeing you face-to-face, he hadn’t even thought of what he should say to you.
“Well don’t just stand there all flustered!” Yvonne huffed, piercing through Zayne’s thoughts. “You need to get changed right this instant!”
She scrambled behind Zayne and pushed him out of the study.
“It’s improper to leave such a lovely young lady waiting for so long! Come on now, Mr Zayne!”
He followed Yvonne through the familiar halls of Snowfield Park to his rooms. She spoke her thoughts aloud, deciding on what shirt, waistcoat and cravat would look the most appealing. He agreed with her that navy and white would make a suitable combination, though, Zayne had greater worries aside from the coordination of his clothes.
Five years it had been.
Five years since he went away to study at university and begun working as a physician.
Five long years of being away from you.
Gradually, you two had begun to drift apart like the slow moving of continents over centuries. Starting with a delayed letter, leading to a delayed response. The lengthy time between correspondence began to feel too awkward, leaving words unsaid. Once you had shared all the same experiences together, and now, you had become a fond daydream for Zayne. An occupant of his thoughts whenever the nights got too long for him. How were you? What were you doing now? Were you taking care of your health? Thinking of you seemed to soothe him.
That was why when there was a listing for an estate in the same village you both grew up in, he hardly hesitated in his decision to purchase it. Internally, he also saw it as a sign. If this were to be the place were he settled down, he knew he needed to invite you to visit.
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Snowfield Park could have easily been mistaken for a museum if one were to end up in the room you were in now. Not only were there more paintings hung on the walls, much like the entry hall, but there were sculptures, antiques and other unique trinkets on display as well. All were neatly spread out, with brass plaques beneath to provide a description of the piece. Too fascinated by the space, you forgot how much waiting time passed since the servant left.
One piece in particular caught your eye.
A sculpted bust of a man sat atop a pedestal, raising it up to your eye level. With a straight bridged nose and stern brows, the face would leave many people with a rather cold impression. Shivers winding up their spine by the frigidity of the sculpted likeness. Not you, however. Warmth bloomed within your chest. Lips parted in amazement. Many of the features remained the same, though refined with age. It was a familiar and cherished image of a close companion.
Zayne. Your Zayne.
Before you could stop yourself, your hand reached out. Closer and closer. Just until the pads of your finger barely ghosted against the cheek of Zayne’s face.
Hearing a step behind you, you instantly retracted your hand. Snapped out of your stupor.
“Y/N.”
You never thought your name could be spoken so gently until that moment. The origin was a low and smooth voice, like a spoonful of honey one would dissolve in a cup of tea.
Turning around with wide eyes, a name fell from your lips.
“Zayne,” you breathed.
In the quietness of the room, even your faint utterance of his name echoed in the space.
Zayne could have took you for one of the art pieces in this space with how well you looked. An ivy green dress with a grey shawl draped over your arms. You had traded elegance for practicality, leaving your gowns for balls at home so you could walk more freely. Still, the breath hitched in his throat as he looked you over.
His posture straightened before he bowed. “I’m sorry for frightening you.”
When he lifted his head, you noted how he blinked away from your gaze towards the ground. A habit he had as a young boy that he kept even now. Seeing it comforted you, though you could not understand why.
“I did not mean to disturb. I should have made my appearance known to you sooner.”
An apology. Those were his first words upon your meeting. You knew he had always been like that. Ensuring his intentions were made clear and rectifying anything that he misinterpreted. Aside from his manner, it was his appearance that also made your stomach flutter.
Both his coat and vest were navy, though the latter item was patterned subtly with white stripes. Tied neatly around his collar was a white cravat which accentuated his strong jawline. What was most striking were his eyes. Green and amber, resembling a precious gemstone. You didn’t remember them being so entrancing.
You shook your head (both in response to his apology and to dispel your meddlesome thoughts), and curtsied.
“It’s alright, truly. I was already at the end of my viewing anyway.”
He moved closer to you, each step reverberating. Your heart thumped traitorously in your ears. You hoped he didn’t notice how you stiffened when he reached your side.
“You seemed engrossed,” he said, looking over at his own sculpture.
“W-were you perturbed by my staring?”
His eyes brimmed with earnest as he replied, “No, no, not at all. That is a galley’s purpose. These artworks are displayed to be looked at.”
He hesitated, thinking about his words before continuing. “Though, I would hope that a… prolonged viewing indicates your favor towards a certain piece.”
You grew hot. Had your admiration really been so obvious?
“This is really a lovely home, nicer than anything I’ve had the pleasure of visiting” you said, quickly changing the subject.
A small smile tugged at his lips. People would quickly change their opinions about his coldness if they were to see the expression on his face.
“My staff are to thank for their work in its upkeep,” he responded. “I’m glad it is to your liking.”
Neither of you spoke for a moment. Mere seconds that felt like eternity as you stood side by side, fiddling with the material of your respective clothing, as if they were the most attention grabbing thing in this very room. You played with the hem of your shawl whilst Zayne adjusted the wrists of his jacket.
“Was your journey here smooth?”
The question tumbled out of Zayne more hurried than he intended. Desperation tinged his words, almost pleading you to continue talking to him. He wanted to hear your voice. Wanted to hear you speak to him about anything, like you once could together.
“It was. I rode a carriage from town then walked,” you replied, brightly. “I went through the garden at the front on my way to the entrance, as well.”
“The jasmines are in bloom now, as are many of the other flowers. I can give you a more proper tour later on, if you’d like.”
“I would enjoy nothing more,” you chirped, unable to temper your excitement. “I remember jasmines were your favorite when you were younger.”
His gaze fell on you, voice wistful and sincere as he spoke. “They still are, very much so.”
Two images seemed to flicker before you. The boy you once knew, and the man standing before you now. Perhaps the two were never separate. There would always be traces of your youth together, no matter when or where you found each other. This realization entered your mind with tenderness, much like the words of a loving mother doting on her child.
Again, the conversation lulled.
The statues and paintings were stationery witnesses to the endearing awkwardness of this pair reunited. Neither of you had the courage to look at each other, lest you revealed the flush that spread across both your faces. With nothing but Snowfield Park and time to yourselves, there would be much catching up to do.
you and zayne attend a wedding of a childhood friend, and zayne thinks about what could have been
⟡ content: gn!reader; reader is described as wearing a dress; made-up childhood friends for backstory purposes; more bittersweetness but i swear the sweetness outweighs the bitterness!; 4k wc (a little longer than my usual, but pls give it a chance > <)
⟡ a/n: kinda had billie eilish's birds of a feather in my head when writing this :') been on my zayne bittersweet streak because i've been sentimental about him, but i swear i will be back to writing fluffy pieces soon :D also writing endings are so hard for me !! i hope it doesn't fall too flat in the end aahh
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The last time Zayne attended a wedding he had hardly known the groom and left as soon as the dance floor opened up to guests.
His relationship to the groom was that of a loose acquaintance when he was still a university student. In fact, that person had invited most of the medicine cohort to his wedding, close or otherwise. Is it socially appropriate to attend a wedding of someone who isn’t close to you? Zayne had texted his parents asking for advice, who, at the time, were probably on the other side of the globe on a medical rescue mission. Even so, they still managed to reply to their son. If he invited you, then he wants you to come, sweetie, his mother answered. It’ll be a good chance for you to forget about your studies for a night and have some fun! his father responded. And so, he ticked ‘accept’ box on the RSVP letter.
As for the dancing, however, it just wasn’t his idea of fun.
The night was pleasant enough, and he enjoyed the change of scenery. Though he felt minor affection towards the couple performing their first dance, he could admit it was rather pretty and sentimental.
This wedding was different though.
This time he was closer to the bride and groom, seeing as he grew up with them. They had all attended the same primary school, and even though his contact with them throughout the years had been sporadic at best, he still held fondness for them from that period of his childhood.
And, most importantly, he had you with him as his partner and plus one. Honestly, he believed many things became more bearable with you at his side.
The wedding venue was a spectacle, located in a high rise building in the heart of Linkon City. Archways filled with white and pink flowers guided people towards the grand entrance where a sign that read ‘Welcome to the wedding of April and James’ stood. Inside, thick velvet curtains were tied away to reveal open large glass doors leading to balconies overlooking the glistening city below. Projected throughout the edges of the room were holographic photos of the couple. Some were of them at various destinations they’ve travelled to, but many were just everyday photos, taken on dates outside or in their home.
You and Zayne stood by one of these holograms. You had arrived a little earlier than the time provided and were taking a turn around the wide space, admiring the set up.
“Look at this!” you exclaimed, pointing over to a hologram and hurrying over to it before it was replaced by another image. “It’s a photo from back in primary school.”
Zayne followed his excited partner, seeing the skirt of your dress fluttering against your legs. Sure enough, it was a photo of you and the couple along with other students from many, many years ago.
“You’re not in this one though, Zayne,” you said, furrowing your brows.
“If my memory is correct, I wasn’t in the same class as you,” he replied.
“Ahh,” you sounded in remembrance. “We spent so much time together when we were little, I guess I always assumed that you were.”
The photo seemed to be from a school trip, likely taken by a teacher. Six students were squished together in a line with arms draped across shoulders and a victorious look on their face. One student on the very end held up a peace sign beside their eye. Though the face was rounder, that toothy grin was unmistakably yours. He fondly remembered that face from his childhood.
Zayne observed your animated expression as you recounted the story behind the photo.
You had chosen to wear a silky navy-blue dress (which matched the tie of his own suit), the fabric gently reflecting the warm light from the chandeliers above. Shimmering by your ears were a pair of earrings—snowflakes with a length of silver chain dangling below them, almost imitating snowfall. It was a gift he had given you on one of your anniversaries, and was silently happy to see you wear so often. Both of you had grown up much since that time in the photo, but for all the changes that happened, your smile had stayed the same, if not more brighter now with your rose-tinted lips and crinkles around your eyes.
“Zayne, are you listening to me?” you asked, those same rosy lips forming a pout.
His eyes must have wandered more obviously than he expected, but he still remained an attentive listener.
“Yes, you just said that on you tripped over the edge of a carpet which revealed the last item your team needed for the scavenger hunt,” he recounted.
“You know, that was probably the only time when my clumsiness did me a favour.”
Zayne placed a hand on his chin in mock thought.
“Hm, I do recall a time when you bumped into my shelf and a book that I had been looking for fell out,” he said.
Though his intonation didn’t change, his eyes glistened with amusement. One of the telltale signs of his playfulness.
You couldn’t help but laugh at his response. A small smile broke through on his face as well as he drunk in your expression.
As you continued around the room together, the venue filled up with guests dressed in their most formal attire. Everyone began to move to their assigned table and seats, searching for the calligraphed name card. You both were at a table with old classmates from your primary school. Their reaction to seeing Zayne was delighted surprise, many saying that they couldn’t even recognise that he was the same quiet boy. There was an even greater reaction to the news that you two were a couple, with Zayne being the one to share it after a classmate asked if you two arrived together. You flushed at the sudden attention placed on you both, now being showered with various compliments to do with the cuteness of the pairing, and questions as to the exact when, where and how's of the relationship. It was your shyness compared to Zayne’s coolness that made everyone so endeared to the couple in such a short period of time. Zayne simply responded to all the commotion on the table with ‘We reconnected and have been with each other for a while. We’re both very happy together.’
Soon after everyone had settled in with their table company, the wedding couple made their appearance.
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April and James had been together since they were little. You remembered them always paired up together in classes, scribbling on each other’s notebooks, kicking each other’s feet in their seats. Overtime, they began to realise that they felt more for each other than just friendship. The music in the room grew louder as the entrance doors swung open. Everyone whooped as the couple, pumping their fists in their air, walked in. April’s dress was a pearly white that went down to her ankles with draped sleeves around her upper arms. James’ black suit contrasted sharply against his wife’s outfit, however, the small bunch of white flowers pinned to his lapel ensured their looks would match.
You cheered with the crowd and Zayne clapped along. Undoubtedly, the energy in the room was infectious. This was much different to the last wedding he attended. Zayne felt a genuine tug in his heart seeing the couple together.
The wedding reception continued on, the banter and drinks among the tables flowing freely. Your old classmates loved hearing the stories of your Hunter expeditions and were in awe of the work Zayne was doing at Akso Hospital.
“So that’s why we never saw you when we got to middle and high school,” one of them commented.
“Yeah doc, you were ahead of all of us!” another chimed in. “I thought skipping grades was something you only saw in the movies.”
A third leaned their head against their hand, reminiscing aloud to the table. “I remember you and Y/N used to hang out all the time, and then we slowly started seeing you less and less. I guess it makes sense now with you moving schools and skipping ahead.” They gave a wink to you and Zayne seated together across the table. “But, I’m glad to see you two reunited now, in more ways than one.”
You gently nudged Zayne with your shoulder, eyes glittering with joy. “So I am,” you answered.
Interjecting from the current line of conversation came another voice, slightly slurred who spoke, “Guys, do you remember that time in Grade 8 when someone tried to sneak the school’s OTTO robot home?”
“Yeah, that was you!” the person seated beside them exclaimed.
“It was so loud we all heard it speaking from the inside of your bag: I will be reporting your misconduct to the principal,” another added, mimicking the robotic OTTO voice.
The table erupted in laughter.
Zayne sipped on his glass of sparkling juice whilst the chatter flowed. He enjoyed the atmosphere—the bubbly conversation, zipping between topics with ease. But there was a feeling he couldn’t shake. A distance between himself and the rest of the table. He was the odd one out. A puzzle piece that couldn’t fit in just right. All of you had shared the same childhood together, and Zayne had only been there for a small part of it. He could never know you from that period of time with the same familiarity the rest of your classmates had.
He felt your hand envelop his own beneath the table. Zayne turned curiously to you before leaning closer.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice brushing your ear in a whisper.
You nodded. “I’m fine, Zayne. I was just wondering how you were going.”
He softened at your concern. You had always been attuned to his subtleties.
“There’s no need to check up on me. I’m enjoying myself. Everyone is quite entertaining,” he replied earnestly.
You relaxed. “Well, I just hope they don’t share any of my embarrassing teenage stories.”
The corners of his lips twitched into a smile. “Admittedly, your uneasiness has made me more curious to hear them. Perhaps it’s time to change the conversation topic.”
“Zayne!” you hissed.
He breathed a quiet laugh. “But, I wouldn’t pry if you’d prefer me not to.” His glanced to the other guests at the table. “I just want to know more about you.”
You furrowed your brows, somewhat confused. “You know lots about me. More so than anyone at this table I’m pretty sure.”
Zayne thought about his next words, “I believe there are opportunities to learn more about someone everyday.”
The seriousness of his tone gave you pause. His gaze settled on you again, and there was something in his greenish-gold eyes you couldn’t decipher. Nevertheless, you would never miss an opportunity to provide him with comfort.
“Then,” you began, gently squeezing his hand, “I look forward to our continued learning experience.”
The feedback of a microphone drew everyone’s attention to the center of the room. The emcee had handed over to the groom to speak next. James mouthed a thank you before taking in a deep breath and addressing the room.
“Thank you everyone for coming to our wedding. My wife-” (he swung his head back dramatically to April, his deliberate emphasis of the word making her laugh with adoration) “-and I are thrilled to see so many of our family and friends here. As you know, we shared out vows in private, but I’d like to speak to everyone here about me and April’s relationship.”
“April and I met when we were only kids. One might call us childhood sweethearts. I don’t even remember the exact age, but I do remember that she has always been a constant in my life. We’ve walked side-by-side through the good and the bad that life has thrown at us.”
Wanting to sit more comfortably to watch the speech, you rested your arms on the top of your chair and laid your chin on it. Zayne wordlessly reached out to readjust the skirt of your dress so it wouldn’t get crumpled.
“I’d like to share one of my favourite memories I have of April. I know our old classmates know about this,” (he nodded towards your table), “but we always walked home together from school, and there was one time when we both heard this distressed chirping coming from near my house. We searched around and, sure enough, there was a little bird laying helplessly on its side between some bushes.”
“It must’ve been in shock after falling from its nest because was stiff and unresponsive. I had no idea what to do and stood there like a doofus, but April jumped to action. She brought out a spare towel from her PE bag to gently wrap the bird. We rushed inside my house and she ordered me to find a box and poke some holes into it so the bird could rest without distraction. A few hours later, the bird was responsive again.”
“I’ll never forget how delighted and relieved she looked seeing that the bird was alright. From that day on, I knew I wanted to be someone as decisive and resourceful as her one day.” James looked warmly over at April. “Even now, I’m still inspired by her.”
The speech thus far had been nothing but sweet, however, Zayne oddly had a weight in his chest. A story so innocently simple as walking home from high school with the one you like and taking care of an injured animal had left a sinking feeling in his heart. There were some certain comparisons he just couldn’t help but draw. The sounds of lowered chatter and cutlery scraping against plates in the background faded, and he could only focus on the words spoken into the microphone.
“I think about all these years we’ve spent together, and I believe that we’ve been fortunate enough to have what a lot of people don’t: Time.”
“Time to really know each other, time to witness each other’s personal growth, time to strengthen our bond. I believe that all that time we shared allowed us to be where we are now.”
James lifted his glass up towards April. “I would like to share a toast now to this wonderful woman.”
Everyone raised their glasses to toast alongside the groom. Zayne’s reaction was a second delayed, disorientated by the sudden onset of his emotions. Rather than look at the bride and groom, he couldn’t take his eyes off you, even though your own gaze was fixed on the couple. Zayne lifted his glass high along with all the guests, though, perhaps he was directing his toast at a different person instead. James’ voice echoed in the microphone as he ended his speech.
“I love you with all my heart. My past, present and future is with you.”
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Zayne’s skin immediately cooled as he stepped out into the night air. He loosened up his tie a little as he rested his hands on the balcony’s railing. The balcony stretched across the length of the room, connected by the multiple set of doors that led outside. It wasn’t unusual for guests to be out here. Many had also gone to get some fresh air, or to take some pictures with the Linkon City skyline. You, alongside your other classmates, had been pulled aside by the bride to get a few photos. Zayne had told you he’d be waiting outside when you finished up.
Zayne was not a regretful person, but he did find indulgence in reminiscing on what could have been. If you both hadn’t drifted apart in your youth, how would things have changed? False memories flashed through his mind of your younger selves—walking home from school on cold winter days bundled up in scarves and coats, petting stray cats that stalked the streets in the afternoon, visiting cafes where you’d try and distract him from studying, watching the fireworks at local festivals.
Would this be his and yours wedding instead? Instead of your navy dress, you’d be wearing an ivory one. He’d be the one in the center of the hall speaking about how much you inspire him, how much he loves you.
“What are you thinking about?”
Your voice lilted in the air beside Zayne. You joined him by the balcony, hands on the railing in support as you stretched your arms. The light from the venue diffused out into the dark night, leaving the faintest yellow glow against your back. The wind brushed your hair back with a gentle caress, framing your side profile just so.
“Us.” He blinked away from your expectant gaze.
“In a good or bad way?” You leaned closer, resting your shoulder comfortably against his.
“It’s not possible for me to think of us in a poor light.”
Zayne became more aware of the placement of his hands on the railing. If he stretched his right hand out, his pinkie would touch yours. Even with being partners for so long, initiating physical affection where there were so many people around still took some getting used to. He chose instead lean back into your shoulder.
“How did the photos end up?” he asked.
“They turned out well! Though, I think I still had tears welling up in my eyes after James’ speech. I’m sure it made my eyes extra sparkly in those pictures.”
Zayne knew he desperately needed to see those photos now.
“James said some really meaningful things,” you continued, “it made me more emotional than I was expecting.”
Zayne clasped his hands together, absent-mindedly fidgeting with his thumbs. “May I… be honest with you?”
The wind played with his dark hair as well, the careful style loosening as strands were lightly swept against his forehead. For those moments, he looked like the Zayne you’d see just as you woke up in the mornings on those lazy weekends. In what light there was outside, you saw his expression turn somber.
“Of course,” you replied without hesitation.
He took a breath before speaking, “James and April… they reminded me of us, in a way. I’m grateful we both grew up safely so we could meet again, but I couldn’t help of think of the time we lost being separated for so long.”
Greediness was hardly a trait Zayne would associate himself with, but when it came to you, he felt his control slip. He wanted more. More time, more memories, more of life with you.
“It’s no good to be down at a wedding, you know,” you said, the soft smile on your face like light a salve to his troubles.
“We have time now. I’m also a bit sad that we never experienced youth together, but we get to make up for it now that we’re here.”
“So,” you leaned your head on his shoulder, “you’re going to stuck with me for a very, very long time,”
Accentuating your statement, you nuzzled deeper. You felt the reverberations of his chuckle against your skin.
“Stuck has the implication that I’d only accept or tolerate you,” Zayne corrected. “The happiness you bring me certainly earns a better title than being stuck.”
“But, if I follow the same convention then I guess… I would want nothing more than to be stuck with you for the rest of my life.”
Hearing the determination in your voice was all the comfort he needed. Those snippets of your shared childhood would always be treasured, and perhaps the time apart just meant more space for new memories. Memories just like this—sharing an quiet conversation on a moonlit balcony.
“Would you like a wedding similar to this one?”
“Hm, why do you ask?” you asked back with a teasing lilt, your curiosity stirred.
“You are the one I wish to marry one day, so it’s only appropriate I ask,” he replied with a straight face.
Your eyes grew wide with surprise. “Y-you’d really want to marry me?”
He frowned that you even had a sliver of doubt about his commitment to you. His voice was soft and sincere as he spoke, “Of course. There is no one else I can picture spending my life with.”
Even though it was well into the night, the way you brightened seemed like dawn had come early.
“Then when that day comes, I would want my wedding to be in nature. Do you remember the villa we went to for your birthday? It’d be nice if we had something similar to that.”
Zayne nodded in agreement, “I would also enjoy that.”
In secret, he was already thinking about the honeymoon as well. Maybe going someplace snowy so the two of you could ski during the day and snuggle during the night. He slowly realised that there was no need to dwell on the past so much. Thinking about a future with you was like waking up to fresh snowfall—serene and magical.
The feedback of the microphone reverberated through the space and you both turned at the sound. The emcee was standing in the center of the hall again, addressing all the guests.
“April and James would like to now invite all the couples in attendance tonight to come to the floor to share a dance! Please make your way over if you’d like to join.”
Out on the balconies and inside the hall, couples excitedly looked at each other and made their way to the dance floor. Zayne decided to follow suit, boldness filling him. He didn’t feel like shying away from dancing this time, especially now since you were here. He extended his hand out to you.
“Would you like to share a dance with me?”
You happily accepted, letting him guide you the floor. A slow, romantic melody began to play from the band. His hands held your waist, feeling the silky fabric beneath his fingertips. Yours moved to his shoulders, clasped loosely behind his neck. At this closeness, the delicate scent of jasmines and mint enveloped you from Zayne’s cologne.
“I didn’t know you enjoyed dancing,” you said, voice low enough for only him to hear.
“Only if I like my partner. Fortunately, the person in front of me is the one I love most,” he answered.
It was difficult to hide your fluster at such a close proximity. He savored the way his words made you blink away from his gaze, a smile tugging at your lips.
“Do you have all these romantic lines in a book somewhere, doctor?”
“Yes, in my fifth edition of Ways to Woo Your Partner.”
You couldn’t hold back your reaction and you broke into a chuckle, shaking your head at how silly his jokes could sometimes be.
The music swirled around you, and time slowed. Everything in the background melted away, leaving only the two of you in the room. Your own little world where you danced and talked about your past, present, and future together. Yet another new memory to be catalogued by Zayne—dancing with the one I will cherish for the rest of time.
mini durin has been settling well in his new home in teyvat, but his strange disappearance one day sparks anxiety for you and wanderer
⟡ content: wanderer x gn!reader; established relationship; use of 'kuni' as wanderer's nickname; set approx. a month after the events of summertime scales and tales; mini durin appreciation !!; mild angst surrounding loss but ultimately comfort; hopefully not too ooc wanderer 🥺; 3.1k words
⟡ a/n: if i had a dollar for every time i wrote about waking up in the morning beside wanderer who wanted to stay in bed with you, i'd have two dollars which isn't a lot, but it's weird it happened twice
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When Wanderer brought home a miniature dragon, you initially thought he had got roped into taking care of someone else’s companion. At your first introduction, it had zipped around the room, little wings flapping intensely, as Wanderer tried to scold it to settle down to not frighten you. Its excitable, curious energy compared to his perpetual indifference was a sight to behold. To your surprise, it was in fact a friend he had met on his surreal adventure in a storybook land. You could hardly believe it when Wanderer retold the details of his journey to you, but the proof was in the adorable little dragon sitting on the sofa between you.
Mini Durin, as he was named, quickly became settled into you and Wanderer’s home. You both had begun to include him in your routines, much to Wanderer's persistent denial at wanting to get closer to him as friends. One of Mini Durin’s favourite parts of the day was the mornings when he could wake you two up. He’d sit on your chest and nuzzle against your cheeks or eagerly pull away at the blankets with his mouth, leaving a less than pleased Wanderer each time. However, today you woke up without hearing the bubbly sound of his giggles and greetings.
Your eyes opened blearily. Strange… he’s not here, was all your unfocused mind could think.
“Kuni,” you whispered with a slight rasp, voice still finding itself in the morning.
Wanderer remained perfectly still. He slept on his side facing you, and always had his arm draped around your body. Shoulders, back, waist, anything that connected you to him. Whilst breathing wasn’t necessary for him, feeling the rhythm of your inhales and exhales helped lull him into slumber.
“Come on,” you cooed, “we can’t stay in bed for the whole day.”
You were met only by the room’s silence, and the involuntary twitch of Wanderer’s eyelid.
Wanting to get up, you carefully lifted his hand that laid across your waist. Your fingers grazed his own, and, ever so slowly, you tried to move it closer to his body. Suddenly, his fingers interlocked with yours. Your eyes widened with surprise as he shuffled closer, filling in the space between you.
“So, you were awake!”
Wanderer’s eyes fluttered open, amusement swirling in his indigo gaze.
“You’re too lazy, you know that?” you said with a teasing lilt.
He sighed in response, pulling your hand closer to his chest. The warmth of your body radiated across his naturally cool skin.
“And you’re too talkative,” he drawled. “There are worse things in life than sleeping in.”
You couldn’t fault him there, but productivity would be thrown out the window if you both stayed like this.
“Mini Durin didn’t wake us up today,” you mentioned.
Wanderer shrugged, rolling onto his back.
“Maybe he’s finally learned some etiquette about interrupting other people’s sleep.”
He closed his eyes again, anticipating that you would do the same. Though, he should have known better that you wouldn’t bend to his will so easily. As his guard lowered, you wiggled out his grasp. As much as Wanderer tried to stop you by wrapping his hands around your waist, you were too quick. Now that you were out of bed, there was no point in him staying here as well. He groaned in defeat. Shortly after, a drowsy Wanderer followed you out.
“Durin, good morning!” you called out.
Morning light filtered in as you pulled the curtains open, tying them aside. You scanned the room, but still no sign of him.
“It’s time to eat,” Wanderer called as well. “Durin?”
He disappeared into an adjoining room in search of his purple-winged friend.
At this point, Mini Durin would already be fluttering about helping you open windows or perching on the counter as he brewed tea. Wanderer frowned.
“Where’s Mini Durin?” he asked.
You furrowed your brows. “Have you checked the laundry basket? He might be hiding in there again.”
“Of course I checked,” he replied.
“Well, what about the closet–”
“Where we store our blankets and extra pillows in? I already did that too,” he tried to keep the snap in his voice at bay, running a hand through his hair.
It was incredibly rare to see Wanderer uneasy, which made the twinge of anxiety you heard as he spoke even more noticeable.
Though Mini Durin was fond of exploration, it was uncharacteristic of him to disappear without mentioning, even more so in the early mornings. He had to be here somewhere. Your shared home was small, so there were not many spaces where the dragon could be hidden.
You strode to the study room, the last area neither of you had searched. The window above the desk had been opened, the light curtain material swaying lazily with the breeze.
“Kuni, I think he might have flown out through here,” you said, tiptoeing to push the curtain aside.
As you peered out, you hoped he would be there, perhaps simply getting some fresh air. However, only the occasional person would walk by, either on their morning stroll or carrying bags from their market visit. Mini Durin was still nowhere to be found.
Wanderer scowled, approaching your side near the window. “He should know better than to just leave like that.”
“He couldn’t have gone too far,” you reassured, laying your feet back on the floor, “I’m sure he’ll be alright.”
“Alright?”
You turned to your partner, startled by the sudden seething of his voice. Wanderer’s face was contorted in frustration, though he couldn’t meet your gaze.
“He barely knows Sumeru City,” he spat. “How can you say he’ll be alright?”
Mini Durin had accompanied the two of you outside, but only in covert ways. You couldn’t deny his point that the roads of the city were yet to be familiar to him.
Wanderer was simmering with anger, a state he hardly wanted to show in front of you. He had become more accepting of other emotions—embarrassment when you caught him staring at you on a golden afternoon, amusement at your attempts to care for house plants that oftentimes wilted, even adoration when you brought cups of tea to help him through troublesome Akademiya assignments—though, as much as he wanted to diminish it, anger was the easiest to provoke. Especially when it could mask other, more fragile feelings. Sadness and fear, namely, being the culprits.
Though he had not outwardly admitted it since his time in Simulanka, Mini Durin had become a close friend. He saw too much of himself in the little dragon to not at least hold some fondness. Few could occupy the soft spot of the person with no heart, and yet Mini Durin had cosied his way in, much like you had. It was what made the thought of losing him even more painful.
You reached your hand out to steady him, placing it on his shoulder.
“Kuni, please–”
“We don’t even know what time he left!” he continued, seeming to not hear you speak. He paced to the middle of the room, shrugging off your hand. “He could have flown out hours before we woke up.”
Too many thoughts raced through his mind. He hated this. Hated the flurry of emotions he got swept in, like a single pilot navigating through an endless storm.
“And who knows what kind of crazy people might be out there thinking he’s some kind of bounty.”
His throat felt tight as the words clawed up their way up. Some miserable part of him expected you to be afraid of him. That this side of him, prone to temperamental outbursts, would be more than you could handle.
“I–” he began before groaning. Exasperated by his own anger, he ruffled his hair with his hand, “–didn’t mean to… yell like that to you...”
He needed to think. Where would Mini Durin try to go first? Surely the Akademiya. Wanderer had taken him there many times, hidden away in his bags or garments. Mini Durin would probably want to satisfy his curiosity by exploring there himself. The Akademiya didn’t have too many floors, but it was an expansive building. If he left now, then–
Wanderer was jolted from his spiral of thoughts as he felt two hands press against the sides of his face, squishing his cheeks slightly.
“What are you doing!?” he spluttered, holding onto your wrists in shock.
“I’m calming you down,” you said, firmly.
He was forced to look at you, confronted by the concern in your eyes.
Incredibly, the combination of your touch and voice did slow his racing mind. It was a break in the storm. That sliver of light that guided him towards safer skies.
“I am calm,” he asserted.
You gave him a skeptical look, brows raised. Wanderer clicked his tongue, knowing that his own statement was far from the truth.
You sighed.
Wanderer never spoke of his past, preferring it to stay left behind rather than exist in the present. Even so, you could make your own deductions. You sensed that sudden disappearances of those he cared about may be all too familiar to him. Your heart ached at the very thought.
“It’s alright to be frightened,” you said, gently. “It just shows how much Mini Durin means to you.”
“Frightened? I’m not…” his denial dried up in his throat, as too did his temper.
“But Mini Durin isn’t reckless. A little naïve, sure, but he would never put himself in danger like that,” you reasoned.
Tension released from his body at your consolations. Archons, he cursed. He was not one to be easily placated, but your voice and words managed to soothe him so quickly. You were a complement to his vitriol—understanding the world’s harshness yet maintaining a forgiveness he had yet to figure out.
He guided your hands down from his face, holding them loosely in his lap.
“You’re incomprehensible,” he muttered under his breath.
With a shallow tease like that, you knew his spirits had somewhat returned to him.
“We’ll find him together, okay?” you lightly rubbed his hand with your thumb. “No matter what.”
He nodded, his thoughts clearing with each gently circle you placed on his skin. “We should look around the street first and then head to the Akademiya. I wouldn’t put it pass him to want to explore that building on his own.”
Both in agreement, you two quickly changed out of your night clothes and headed out of your home. Walking down the street together, you knocked on the doors of your neighbours and approached those who were passing by, asking if they had seen a small purple dragon. However, you received no such clue as to his whereabouts. You prickled with anxiety with each shrug of shoulders and shake of people’s head. Maybe Mini Durin had flown out for longer than you anticipated.
You reached the last home on the street, knowing the owner to be a kind old woman named Noor who lived by herself. Wanderer tapped on the door.
A voice called out, though it did not sound like an elderly woman at all.
“Coming!”
The door swung open. Standing at the threshold before you were two familiar figures.
“Mini Durin!” you cried out with a gasp.
Seeing him at his neighbour’s home and not somewhere more dire filled Wanderer with inexplicable amounts of relief. His arms moved before he could even think. He yanked the little dragon into his arms and pressed him against his chest. Tucking his chin over his horned head, Wanderer sighed a sound of something between relief and annoyance. You rushed to wrap your arms around him as well, joining in on this tight hug.
“Oh! H-hello you two!” was all Mini Durin could reply, voice muffled by Wanderer’s garments.
The casualness of his tone certainly contrasted against yours and Wanderer’s panic over his disappearance. He was confused by the overwhelming concern you both displayed, and, particularly, the sudden physical affection by his friends.
Despite the gentleness in the way he held Mini Durin, Wanderer’s voice was still harsh as he scolded, “What are you doing here!?”
The purple dragon pushed his head out from Wanderer’s grasp, needing to get more air to speak.
“Well, I was just stretching my wings out in the morning, when I heard a THUD outside,” he replied, adding an extra emphasis on the sound effect. “I looked out the window and saw granny struggling with her grocery bags! I couldn’t just leave her, so I went out to help.”
You looked over at Noor standing at the door, walking stick in hand and a warm smile on her face.
“The young Wanderer and Y/N!” she crooned, “What a pleasure it is to see you.”
“Good morning, Noor,” you greeted with a fluster. “Sorry for all the commotion, we’re just happy to see our friend.”
Noor gazed fondly at the trio.
“Ah, is this little one with you two? “I should’ve known someone as kind as him would be acquainted with you.”
You moved to Noor’s side, supporting her arm as she shuffled towards Wanderer, Mini Durin still in his arms.
“I thought this small one wouldn’t be able to manage, but he swooped in and carried some of my bags in his mouth and flew all the way down this street!” she recounted with a hearty laugh.
As much as Wanderer didn’t want to react, the corners of his mouth twitched. Your expression was much less hidden as you burst into a grin. A tiny dragon carrying bags triple his size was certainly a comical image.
Noor leaned in closer to Mini Durin, patting him on the head. “Thank you, little purple one. It would have taken me double the time to get home without your assistance.”
Mini Durin lifted his chin proudly. “No problem, granny! I’m strong and fast enough to carry anything.”
Wanderer rolled his eyes and scoffed at that bold claim. He turned his attention to Noor, bowing his head.
“Thank you for looking after him,” Wanderer said.
There was sincerity in his voice that she didn’t think he was capable of. She nodded thoughtfully. It took little to judge that the prickly, young scholar had made a true friend.
“It was my pleasure,” she chuckled. “I’ll let you three go, but you’re always welcome to visit my home whenever you’d like.”
Mini Durin broke free from Wanderer’s arms, nuzzling Noor on the cheek which she happily received. The three of you waved goodbye, waiting until Noor shut her door before walking away.
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The morning sun had risen past the green tiled roofs of the houses lining the street, basking everything in a yellow glow. Mini Durin flew gently next to Wanderer, still quite happy about his earlier act of heroism.
Walking side-by-side, Wanderer wordlessly drifted closer to you. Your hands grazed each other, and you noticed his skin was warmer now to the touch. You turned towards him curiously. For a split second, his eyes flicked to the side towards you, before returning to gaze straight ahead of him. It would easily have been interpreted as a reflexive movement if not for the pink that bloomed across his porcelain skin. You bit back a smile, understanding your partner’s subtle shows of gratitude.
Wanderer knew if he properly turned to you, he’d see that silly, doting look on your face and he did not want to lose his composure this early in the day. Instead, he looked over at Mini Durin.
“You left the house without any warning to follow someone you barely know?” he huffed. “You’re too careless for someone whose been here for less than a month.”
“That’s Kuni-speak for: I was really worried about you,” you mock whispered.
Wanderer shot a glare at you for admitting that, and you couldn’t help but chuckle.
Mini Durin, prepared to defend himself for helping a citizen in need, brightened. His round, innocent eyes seemed to sparkle in the morning light.
“You were worried about me?” he asked, zipping in front of you, “Truly?”
He hovered in front of you two, wings flapping in excitement, stopping both of you in your tracks.
“Of course we were!” you exclaimed. “You’re our friend. We wanted to make sure nothing bad had happened.”
Mini Durin’s little heart soared hearing you say that word: friend. He looked expectantly at Wanderer.
Wanderer stared at the anticipation in the purple dragon’s expression. He realized at that moment that there was a trend of surrounding himself with somewhat bright-eyed individuals.
“Yeah, yeah, I was worried too…” he mumbled, darting his eyes away. In a louder voice he moved the topic along with a wave of his hand, “Now, let’s all go home so I can get on with my morning.”
He walked briskly down the street, ahead of you and Mini Durin.
You and Mini Durin looked at each other for a beat before bursting into giggles. Too focused on each other’s amusement, you didn’t see Wanderer turn around to observe the two of you.
He thought it would take many, many lifetimes for him to feel this way. The world seemed too cruel to give out such warmth, and yet, there were the two of before him, a bubbly mess in the middle of the street. Contrary to what many would believe, he found himself not hating this feeling. If he remembered correctly, content was what it was named.
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The next morning, just like he had always done before, Mini Durin creaked open the door to your bedroom and flew inside. Landing on the blankets, he saw the two of you in a tangled mess. Notably, Wanderer locking you in his arms.
“Good morning!” he chirped, stretching out his wings. “Come on, it’s time to get ready for the day!”
You both shifted in your sleep, slowly coming into consciousness at his wake-up call. Unexpectedly, Wanderer lifted a tired hand at Mini Durin, gesturing him to come closer.
Mini Durin cocked his head to the side in confusion. Typically, his good friend would groan and complain before begrudgingly getting out of bed. He flew closer.
“Huh? Is there something–”
With a loud exclamation, Mini Durin was swept by Wanderer’s grasp. Before he knew it, he was snuggled underneath the blankets between you and Wanderer.
“Hey! You tricked me!” he said, trying to keep his tone hushed being so close to each of your ears.
He was met only by a cheeky smile from Wanderer and a quiet laugh from you. Wanderer patted Mini Durin’s head before speaking softly,
⟡ content—xiao x gn!reader; reader cosplaying as a fem character; xiao supporting you in your cosplay endeavours; utter fluff; 0.8k
⟡ a/n— i have never truly cosplayed before but i want to sooo badly!!
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Xiao hadn’t seen you for the entire morning. Not for any reason of concern, but because you had forbidden him from coming into your room until you were done getting ready. All he could do was hover around your door like a pet wanting attention and occasionally knock on it to check up on you.
“I’ll be out soon!” you called out. “I’m just getting my dress on.”
“The convention will be beginning soon. We should leave now to get there at a good time,” he responded.
There was the frantic sound of steps beyond the door. A sound of something toppling over. “Is it really almost noon already?” you cried.
Xiao put a hand on the doorknob. “Do you need any help?”
“Could you come inside, please?”
As soon as you finished your sentence, Xiao was opening the door. He didn’t know what to expect when he walked in. What he did know was that you were going to cosplay as a character from one of your favourite books–the Spring Fairy in Heart of Clear Springs. Xiao was still new to what cosplay was, hearing it first spoken from Zibai in a rather amused manner. When Yae Publishing House and Wanwen Bookhouse were announced to be collaborating to host a convention in Liyue, he had heard it a second time from you rather sheepishly when you expressed wanting to cosplay.
As he walked inside, his hand fell slack from the doorknob.
The dress you were wearing was the most ornate piece of clothing he had seen, and he wondered just how you kept this hidden from him. It was a distinctively Mondstadt-styled dress with its structured bodice and bell-like sleeves, but the fabric was layers of pearlescent white and blue that flowed around you like water, especially from where you sat on a cushioned stool. Peeking out from the hem, he saw you wore a pair of heels that seemed to be made from noctilucous jade. Your hair was a different colour entirely. Now a light blue, slightly curled, and pinned up into a ponytail.
You looked exactly like you stepped out of a storybook. If he hadn’t been aware it was you behind this door, he might have easily mistaken you for a magical being.
“Y-you…” he stuttered. “This dress, and your hair.”
Too speechless to even pay out compliments, Xiao could only make observations.
Chuckling at his reaction, you stood up to face him (made slightly taller by the height of your shoes). “I know it’s completely different to what I usually wear.”
You turned around, revealing a portion of your dress that was not yet zipped up. “I couldn’t reach back there, so if you could…”
Xiao nodded. He used one hand to hold the fabric and the other to hold the zipper. His fingertips grazed your skin. Both of your breaths silently hitched. Up close, his heartbeat could be felt through his fingers. Under all the layers of silky fabric, it was still you.
“You look beautiful,” he breathed.
With your back towards him, neither of you could witness each other’s reactions. You couldn’t see Xiao’s shyness and the tips of his ears burning red. His hands lingering long after he finished helping you with your dress. He couldn’t see your lips fighting back a grin at his words and the way you fidgeted with the cuffs of your sleeves.
“This is cosplay then?” he also asked, taking a step back to let you smooth out your dress.
“Yes! It’s when a person dresses up as a character for fun.” You twirled, letting the skirt flow around you. “This is meant to be the Spring Fairy in her human form.”
“You suit her well,” he said, smiling. “Cosplaying seems like a fun hobby to partake in.”
Too caught up in the giddiness of the moment, you realised there was a convention you needed to be at. How long the queue would end up being if you didn’t leave immediately! Seeing your sudden urgency, Xiao hurried in an equal measure though with greater composure. He helped to organise the room of the remnants of your preparation and find your bag which had been hiding beneath the vanity. At your departure, Xiao presented his hand to you which your instinctively took, ready to hop on one of the many carts headed to Liyue Harbour. However, at the touch you felt sudden rush of energy around you. The surroundings warped from the interior of the Wangshu Inn to the bustling streets of the Harbour. Right near the entrance to the convention.
“X-xiao! Maybe a warning next time?” you spluttered, clinging to his arm.
“I’m sorry. I felt like the situation required more drastic measures.” He leaned closer. “Don’t feel nervous.”
Everyone turned to look at you, eyes wide with recognition and admiration at the Spring Fairy who had just materialised in a swirl of magic.
what better way to fall asleep than to the sound of their soothing voice?
⟡ content—xiao, wanderer, illuga x gn!reader; domestic fluff; established relationshp; ~0.5k words each
⟡ a/n—shoutout to my fellow asmr listeners (✿◡‿◡)
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⟡ 𝑿𝑰𝑨𝑶
While the sun made its descent below the horizon in Liyue, your restlessness could not so easily fade. You laid in bed. Tossing to one side, then the other, your blanket tangled around your legs. You wished to sleep, but your mind was far too active to afford you some quiet. You opened your eyes, frustrated that there was no tiredness in them at all.
“You seem agitated.”
Xiao was seated at a small table not far from your bed, a calligraphy brush in his hand. For the evening, he had been hand-writing talismans for luck and health. He planned for them to go to Pervases’ Temple in Lisha in the lead up to this year’s Lantern Rite. However, at your futile attempt to fall asleep, he could not help but comment.
You groaned, burying your face in your pillow. With a muffled voice you whined, “I can’t fall asleep.”
“My lantern light may be keeping you awake. I will blow it out,” Xiao said.
“No, no, it’s alright.” You sat up, resting against the headboard. “The light doesn’t bother me.”
Xiao put his brush down on the porcelain dish of ink. His light footsteps reached your side. The mattress dipped slightly as he sat by your feet. Even in the low light, you made out his soft, concerned gaze.
“Then, can I do anything else to ease you?”
You smiled. “I do have a request.”
Reaching out to the bedside table, you picked up a book–Moonlit Bamboo Forest.
“Could you read to me?”
“Read to you? Aloud?”
Xiao’s brow furrowed. Not in protest at your request, but in confusion that he would be suitable orator.
“You have a lovely voice, Xiao,” you said fondly. “I still remember the time you read some poems to me. I should like to hear that again.”
Xiao coloured instantly. He cleared his throat. He didn’t know whether to be more embarrassed at the compliment of his voice (a quality that he did not believe anyone noticed let alone found pleasant), or that you remembered he had written poetry before.
“I-if this is what you wish then…”
He took the chair from the table and placed it right at the head of your bed. He sat, taking the book from you.
“Lay down,” he gently instructed.
You pulled the blanket up, turning your body towards him. You could not see his face from your angle, only his gloved hands that flipped the pages of the book.
“Between the rustling emerald curtain of foliage, in a spot where the croak of frogs and shrills of cicadas meet, lies a corner of the forest that is withered and dry, just near the wetlands beneath the mountain crags.”
As he began, Xiao’s intonation was rather stilted. He had never read aloud like this. Archons, he didn’t even remember when the last time was that he opened a book like this. However, as he glanced down at you, your face relaxing and attention wholly focused on him, he too relaxed.
“The bamboo forest of Mt. Qingce is the verdant home to many fables. After a spell of rain, a cadence of drips and drops can be heard bouncing from the bamboo leaves and hollow bamboo stalks.”
Xiao’s confidence improved as he continued. His smooth, measured diction paired with his gravelled voice was the exact remedy you needed. The restlessness that tormented you shortly before quickly disappeared. Your eyelids fluttered closed. You swore the book did interest you, and that you and Xiao should continue it another time, but for now, your mind drifted off to landscapes of quiet bamboo forests in silvery moonlight.
Xiao kept looking from the page to you. When he observed the evenness of your breaths, he trailed off on his final sentence. With a light touch, he tucked stray piece of hair behind your ear.
“Sleep well,” he whispered.
Careful to not rouse you, he walked over to the still burning lantern and blew the flame out.
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⟡ 𝑾𝑨𝑵𝑫𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑹
Researchers don’t need sleep was a general principle among all members of the Akademiya who spent many long hours poring over papers and deliberating over data. It was therefore unsurprising to find Wanderer still awake in the dead of night, thoughtfully reading a piece of parchment, with various others strewn on the table in front of him. You trudged over to the concentrated Driyosh. Wanderer looked up. He saw the blanket wrapped around your shoulders like some sort of cocoon.
“Didn’t you say were going to sleep an hour ago?” he asked, lips curled in amusement at the grumbly expression on your face.
“I would have had an easier time sleeping if someone cared to join me as well.”
“Am I just some kind of teddy bear to you?” Wanderer scoffed.
You responded by plopping beside him on the lounge, covering his body in the blanket as well. You inched closer, your body flush against his.
“Maybe.”
Wanderer had to admit that the warmth radiating from you did feel nice. He could have easily closed his eyes and spent the night listen to your steady breaths. However, the whole ordeal from his excursion to Nod Krai left him with a mountain of information to sift through and organise.
“I said I’d join you after I was done reading through this.”
You rested your head on his shoulder. Wanderer relaxed his posture, letting you adjust.
“In that case, it’ll be three days until I see you get some proper rest. Must be hard being the best scholar in Vahumana.”
Wanderer rolled his eyes. “You don’t need to exaggerate.”
He observed how you snuggled beside him. Half-lidded eyes gazed over the table of papers, trying to figure out what he was working on.
In a low voice he said, “Just tell me if you need help getting to sleep.”
You grumbled at being found out. He chuckled.
“What are you working on, then?” you asked.
“Sorting through my observations from Nod Krai. There were large energy fields that appeared that engulfed large parts of the nation. After studying them, a colleague of mind found then to be made from pure Light Realm energy.”
“Like the realm of the primordial beings?”
Wanderer hummed in approval. “Yes. The creation of those primordial energy fields was a result of harnessing the powers of the Three Moons. One of those, however, was man-made. The ability to create artificial authority that is not rejected by the laws of this world and rivals even its original primordial power. It’s maddening to think about.”
He went on. Discussing his observations and thoughts about the function of the Three Moons and the recreation of divinity. Wanderer slowed when he saw your eyes close. He quietened his voice to a near whisper. He was too busy watching you that he lost his train of thought and began talking about the sights and people he met in Nod Krai. Saying anything just so you could be lulled. Against his shoulder, he felt the gentle rise and fall of your chest.
Wanderer wrapped the blanket tighter around you. He too closed his eyes. His papers weren’t going anywhere. They could wait until morning.
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⟡ 𝑰𝑳𝑳𝑼𝑮𝑨
It was rare that Illuga had a prolonged stay at Piramida, so on the first day of his break, the Lightkeeper was practically glued to your side. However, it would not be long until he had to be taken away at by invitation from his squad members to go for a round of drinks and a warm meal. You heartily encouraged it, despite his pouting at needing to be away from you. The late afternoon turned into night, and the moon’s appearance over the city was as brilliant as ever.
The bed in Illuga’s home was quite cosy. It had been some time since its use, so he had spent the morning cleaning and replacing the sheets and covers. The feeling of freshly washed linens and faint smell of soap should have been the most lulling experience. Yet you were feeling strangely fidgety. Unable to doze off, you heard a door opening and shutting ever so slowly. Even more so were the footsteps that followed. So light and cautious as if causing even a single creak of the floor would be an utter offence.
“You’re back,” you greeted, sitting up.
Illuga looked like a Rimehorn deer caught in the headlights. “I’m sorry, did I wake you? I tried to be quiet.”
You laughed softly. “I could tell. It’s alright, I wasn’t asleep anyway.”
Illuga hung his coat on a hook and slipped into bed with you. He had changed out of his uniform already into some basic sleep wear. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around you, letting you curl into his embrace and feel the soft material of his clothes. He traced a hand along your back. You reached up to his silvery hair, brushing some strands so you could see his eyes.
“Can’t sleep?” he whispered.
You nodded. “I can’t remember the last time we could be like this without one of us needing to get up early or stay out late. I think that’s why I can’t go to sleep. I feel like I need to be doing something.”
“Sleeping feels like a luxury to us Lightkeepers,” he sighed deeply. “I understand you completely.”
“How was meeting with your squad?”
Illuga smiled. “It was great. I can’t even count how many rounds of Tabletop Troupe we played. I’m certain the staff at the mead hall were grateful when we finally left from how competitive we were getting.”
You shook your head. “They were probably glad to see Ratnik so lively in spirits.”
“Oh, lively is definitely the word for it. Anleifr was this close to flipping the table when he lost four times in a row.”
Illuga continued. He repeated what they talked about and the silly bets they made. One of which was initially to eat a mandragora, which everyone but lluga had a strong repulsion for, so they settled on taking a bite of a glimmerfruit.
His talking stopped when Illuga felt your head rest against his chest. Surprised, he brought his hand to your face and caressed his thumb against your cheek. You continued to snooze against him. He quietly chuckled. All his chattering had been the solution for your sleeplessness.
“Good night,” he breathed.
He kissed you on the forehead gently. With you so soundly asleep in his arms, how could he not rest easily as well?
⟡ synposis—as crown princess of the Empire, you have been invited to join in on festivities organised by the Sanctide Court. you make the journey towards Alore galaxy's borders accompanied by your sharp-witted preceptor on the Empire's fleet. with your reign as empress getting closer with each passing year, it has become harder and harder to know who you can trust...
⟡ a/n—penultimate chapter! i usually have a chunk written a chapter in advance, but i admittedly haven't written much yet for the final part (○□○) i am really excited to write it though hehe
⟡ upcoming—aeon's promise
You didn’t know what made you break away from your assigned guards. Then again, you never were one to follow your Preceptor’s orders completely. Zayne never got angry at your stubbornness, only mild annoyance bordering on amusement. Perhaps he saw it as a trait befitting of an Empress, albeit in small doses. It was that same stubbornness that helped you direct some of the guards to head to different parts of the ship to assess for damages, whilst the rest would join you to the deck. The guards clearly felt conflicted at the opposing commands they had to weigh between, but you kept your head high. You would be their Empress one day. They would have to start getting used to your word holding more authority than Zayne’s.
If you had been there a second too late, you would not have seen the wounded man using the last ounce of this strength to throw his blade at Zayne. You would have not seen it sink into your preceptor’s skull and watch as he fell to his knees. Fortunately, you were stubborn. You made it in time to see the man pull his dagger out, gaze fixed on Zayne.
You ran to him faster than you did in any of your training drills.
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The door slid open to the bridge of the Valkyrie. Zayne allowed you to enter first where the commander, Greyson, was waiting there. His arms were folded, deep in the middle of a conversation over his comms. He quickly ended it after the saw the two of you enter.
“Your Highness, I hope everything is alright. This attack was completely unforeseen,” he said, giving you a reverent bow.
“Be at ease, Greyson,” you smiled. “I am still standing here, aren’t I?”
He nodded, your calmness tempering his fluster. Greyson picked up a pill off the table and brought it to you. You held your hand out as he dropped it into your palm. The colour of it appeared neon green against your white glove. This tiny, round pill had enough strength to kill a man in a matter of seconds. You skin prickled with alarm.
“What do you both make of this?” Greyson asked, posing the question to both of you.
“I honestly have little idea where to start,” you spoke first, staring down at the small death sentence sitting in your hand. “I’ve never seen any method like this. It seems like these people are from some new, anarchic faction.”
Zayne took it from your hand and held it up with his thumb and forefinger. “I agree. Their methods are certainly extreme. Whoever these people were, they were willing to die before revealing anything about themselves.”
Greyson hummed in thought before speaking tentatively. “There have been talks recently about the return of a Crown Prince from aeons ago... I have heard of some groups that have formed surrounding this figure.”
Your brows shot up. “A Crown Prince?”
Rumours spread within the Empire’s populace, though questionable sources of information, were valuable in determining where and when public opinion was beginning to shift. You thought you were up to speed with any information worth interest, as shared by your preceptor. Yet, this critical piece seemed to have not reached your ears. You flashed a look at Zayne. If he had noticed, he didn’t give any indication of it on his face.
Greyson took your expression to be one of defensiveness and quickly added, “There’s no basis to it at all, Your Highness. The Crown Prince is basically mythology, but there are still people who will grasp onto anything.”
“As much as I dislike entertaining hearsay,” Zayne remarked, the words feeling pointed as his gaze slid to meet yours, “that is a viable possibility. Their crew were meagre in comparison to the factions we have crossed before. An indication of their very recent forming.”
Was that the reason he hadn’t shared this information with you? Was it as simple as Zayne not wanting to spread baseless rumours? You lifted your chin. “We can’t come to any conclusions until we return to the Palace,” you said. “At least there we can properly question the attackers and analyse those pills.”
Zayne nodded, “Yes, we’ll have to wait until after the Court’s celebration.”
Greyson took back the pill Zayne was holding in his hand and placed in back into a small glass vial. He turned his attention to you, concern twisted on his brow.
“Your Highness, I don’t think it’s safe to continue the rest of the journey on the Valkyrie. Though I trust in the Imperial army’s defensive vessels, this is a group we haven’t encountered before. We don’t know what other tricks they may have.”
The Grand General gave a subtle side eye to the Commander. The corners of your lips twitched. You knew Greyson was not undermining the Grand General’s military fleet, but it almost gave that impression. There was merit to his reasoning. After all, there was a risk that the attack had begun from infiltration within the Empire vessels itself.
“There is still some time before we reach the Sanctide Court,” you said, considering this plan. “What alternate travel options are there though?”
Zayne sighed, crossing his arms. “The Valkyrie has a safety pod in the event it has been compromised. Its signal can be cloaked if needed, so it can travel in secrecy.”
“It is best to be cautious,” you nodded. “Zayne and I can take the pod and fly alongside the Valkyrie.”
At your approval, Greyson immediately went to prepare the vessel, speaking to a trusted technician on his comms device. As he exited the room, you tapped the screen display on the ship’s bridge. There was little time before you needed to board the safety pod.
“We’d best inform the Sanctarch of our delayed arrival,” you said to Zayne. He stood beside you as you selected the Court’s official communication line. Waiting for it to connect, you tapped a finger against the table, sorting through your thoughts aloud. “When we arrive, we should tell Greyson to keep everyone on the ship until they have been questioned. I don’t want to cause too much panic, but it’s best to have them be checked before we allow them onto Court vessels.”
You looked up at him. “What do you think?”
Zayne’s eyes didn’t leave the holographic screen, but you felt his hand envelop yours. Your restlessness ceased, fingers relaxing.
“It’s a sound plan.” He glanced at you, smiling gently. “Let’s focus on speaking with the Sanctarch.”
His simple touch and words grounded you. One thing at a time, you reminded yourself. Getting too caught up in what was to come made you lose track of what was in front of you. On cue, an image flickered on the display before you. The face of young, purple haired man appeared, his head covered by a white hood draped over black robes accented with gold thread. Rafayel’s breezy voice crackled slightly through the communication display.
“This is an unexpected call, Your Highness, Imperial Grand General,” he greeted with a bow of his head. “Do you have a special request for the upcoming festivities? The flower arrangements have all been finalised, so unfortunately any changes you wish cannot be made.”
“Your Quintessence, I trust your taste in florals.” Despite your best efforts, his comment did disarm you. It brought a smile to your lips that soon disappeared. “However, this call concerns a more serious matter.”
Rafayel brows furrowed, quickly growing concerned. “What happened? Are you alright?”
“There was an attack on our fleet. A few of the ships have taken blows. I apologise, but our arrival to the Court will be delayed as we recover.”
“A brazen strike against Empire forces?” His eyes widened. “Who would ever do such a thing?”
“Many would. We have yet to identify the attackers. They appear to be from a faction we have not encountered before,” you replied with a measured voice.
“This is most alarming.” Rafayel shook his head, resting his chin in his hand in thought. “There is no need for apologies, Your Highness. Once you arrive, your vessels will be taken to safety and repaired by our finest technicians.”
Despite the Court’s subtle grievances of the Empire, you were thankful the Sanctarch still knew his manners to ensure the Crown Princess’s safety.
“Your generosity is greatly appreciated.”
Rafayel opened his mouth, testing the words in his head before saying it aloud. “If I may… I believe it would be best to keep this news from the public eye for the time being. This should be a time of enjoyment for the people of the Court and Empire.”
You clenched your jaw. Fortunately, the holographic image quality meant that Rafayel could not see your twitch of emotion. It would not serve the Court well if news broke of the Crown Princess being attacked so close to their territory. The Sanctarch would likely be questioned that he did not implement proper measure to escort Her Highness.
“Yes, it would be discourteous to the Court’s hospitality to cause any sort of alarm,” you answered.
Rafayel smiled politely. “I’m glad we agree.”
“Of course, the Empire and the Sanctide Court have always stood alongside each other,” you said, making sure not to honey your words too much.
Rafayel’s posture stiffened, his smile still plastered on his face.
“Always,” he echoed. “We will send some of our own ships out to accompany your vessels.”
You nodded. “Thank you again. I will need to take my leave now, Your Quintessence.”
He bowed, his hood shifting down his forehead. “I wish you safe travel for the remainder of your journey, Your Highness.”
The holographic display switched off. You exhaled deeply. Deflating like a balloon. You would be empress of the Empire in a few years, yet the weight of your work still felt more than you could bear. Even a conversation such as that was intimidating. How much did you still have to learn?
Zayne patted your shoulder. You nearly jumped, forgetting he was standing behind you. His voice was soft.
“You did well, Princess.”
The way he spoke reminded you of your days at the military academy. When you aced your theoretical and physical exams after days of gruelling study and training with Zayne. Afterwards, you would be slumped in the comfiest chair you could find in your quarters, head lazily looking up to see him walk in a sweet dessert or drink.
Well done on your exams. Here, this will cheer you up. Have you been sleeping at all these past few days? No? Even during exams, you should be prioritizing your rest.
You straightened your back. “We should head off now. Greyson is waiting for us.”
Zayne lingered behind only for a second, hand falling to his side. You could have noticed his strange motionless had you not walked ahead so fast.
At the Valkyrie’s hangar, Greyson among with another technician had finished preparations on the pod–cloaking its signal and inputting the flight path. There was no time to delay. The Empire’s main vessel was already behind schedule to reach the Sanctide Court. It would not make a good impression on you to be any further behind. Even with the admissible reason of being attacked, there would be some way for some unsatisfied nobles to twist the story. To make you seem weak, docile, unprepared.
Greyson remained on the Valkyrie, as you and Zayne boarded the pod. The safety pod was smaller than you were used to when it came to travel, but it had the necessities. Cockpit, single bed, supplies. More than enough to continue to the Sanctide Court. Zayne took a seat at the cockpit. He removed his gloves before pressing the control panel, safely launching the safety pod from the hangar.
The vastness of the Alore Galaxy seemed even vaster in such a tiny space. You sat on the firm mattress and stared at the back of Zayne’s head. His silhouette backgrounded by the cosmos.
you and zayne attend a wedding of a childhood friend, and zayne thinks about what could have been
⟡ content: gn!reader; reader is described as wearing a dress; made-up childhood friends for backstory purposes; more bittersweetness but i swear the sweetness outweighs the bitterness!; 4k wc (a little longer than my usual, but pls give it a chance > <)
⟡ a/n: kinda had billie eilish's birds of a feather in my head when writing this :') been on my zayne bittersweet streak because i've been sentimental about him, but i swear i will be back to writing fluffy pieces soon :D also writing endings are so hard for me !! i hope it doesn't fall too flat in the end aahh
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The last time Zayne attended a wedding he had hardly known the groom and left as soon as the dance floor opened up to guests.
His relationship to the groom was that of a loose acquaintance when he was still a university student. In fact, that person had invited most of the medicine cohort to his wedding, close or otherwise. Is it socially appropriate to attend a wedding of someone who isn’t close to you? Zayne had texted his parents asking for advice, who, at the time, were probably on the other side of the globe on a medical rescue mission. Even so, they still managed to reply to their son. If he invited you, then he wants you to come, sweetie, his mother answered. It’ll be a good chance for you to forget about your studies for a night and have some fun! his father responded. And so, he ticked ‘accept’ box on the RSVP letter.
As for the dancing, however, it just wasn’t his idea of fun.
The night was pleasant enough, and he enjoyed the change of scenery. Though he felt minor affection towards the couple performing their first dance, he could admit it was rather pretty and sentimental.
This wedding was different though.
This time he was closer to the bride and groom, seeing as he grew up with them. They had all attended the same primary school, and even though his contact with them throughout the years had been sporadic at best, he still held fondness for them from that period of his childhood.
And, most importantly, he had you with him as his partner and plus one. Honestly, he believed many things became more bearable with you at his side.
The wedding venue was a spectacle, located in a high rise building in the heart of Linkon City. Archways filled with white and pink flowers guided people towards the grand entrance where a sign that read ‘Welcome to the wedding of April and James’ stood. Inside, thick velvet curtains were tied away to reveal open large glass doors leading to balconies overlooking the glistening city below. Projected throughout the edges of the room were holographic photos of the couple. Some were of them at various destinations they’ve travelled to, but many were just everyday photos, taken on dates outside or in their home.
You and Zayne stood by one of these holograms. You had arrived a little earlier than the time provided and were taking a turn around the wide space, admiring the set up.
“Look at this!” you exclaimed, pointing over to a hologram and hurrying over to it before it was replaced by another image. “It’s a photo from back in primary school.”
Zayne followed his excited partner, seeing the skirt of your dress fluttering against your legs. Sure enough, it was a photo of you and the couple along with other students from many, many years ago.
“You’re not in this one though, Zayne,” you said, furrowing your brows.
“If my memory is correct, I wasn’t in the same class as you,” he replied.
“Ahh,” you sounded in remembrance. “We spent so much time together when we were little, I guess I always assumed that you were.”
The photo seemed to be from a school trip, likely taken by a teacher. Six students were squished together in a line with arms draped across shoulders and a victorious look on their face. One student on the very end held up a peace sign beside their eye. Though the face was rounder, that toothy grin was unmistakably yours. He fondly remembered that face from his childhood.
Zayne observed your animated expression as you recounted the story behind the photo.
You had chosen to wear a silky navy-blue dress (which matched the tie of his own suit), the fabric gently reflecting the warm light from the chandeliers above. Shimmering by your ears were a pair of earrings—snowflakes with a length of silver chain dangling below them, almost imitating snowfall. It was a gift he had given you on one of your anniversaries, and was silently happy to see you wear so often. Both of you had grown up much since that time in the photo, but for all the changes that happened, your smile had stayed the same, if not more brighter now with your rose-tinted lips and crinkles around your eyes.
“Zayne, are you listening to me?” you asked, those same rosy lips forming a pout.
His eyes must have wandered more obviously than he expected, but he still remained an attentive listener.
“Yes, you just said that on you tripped over the edge of a carpet which revealed the last item your team needed for the scavenger hunt,” he recounted.
“You know, that was probably the only time when my clumsiness did me a favour.”
Zayne placed a hand on his chin in mock thought.
“Hm, I do recall a time when you bumped into my shelf and a book that I had been looking for fell out,” he said.
Though his intonation didn’t change, his eyes glistened with amusement. One of the telltale signs of his playfulness.
You couldn’t help but laugh at his response. A small smile broke through on his face as well as he drunk in your expression.
As you continued around the room together, the venue filled up with guests dressed in their most formal attire. Everyone began to move to their assigned table and seats, searching for the calligraphed name card. You both were at a table with old classmates from your primary school. Their reaction to seeing Zayne was delighted surprise, many saying that they couldn’t even recognise that he was the same quiet boy. There was an even greater reaction to the news that you two were a couple, with Zayne being the one to share it after a classmate asked if you two arrived together. You flushed at the sudden attention placed on you both, now being showered with various compliments to do with the cuteness of the pairing, and questions as to the exact when, where and how's of the relationship. It was your shyness compared to Zayne’s coolness that made everyone so endeared to the couple in such a short period of time. Zayne simply responded to all the commotion on the table with ‘We reconnected and have been with each other for a while. We’re both very happy together.’
Soon after everyone had settled in with their table company, the wedding couple made their appearance.
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April and James had been together since they were little. You remembered them always paired up together in classes, scribbling on each other’s notebooks, kicking each other’s feet in their seats. Overtime, they began to realise that they felt more for each other than just friendship. The music in the room grew louder as the entrance doors swung open. Everyone whooped as the couple, pumping their fists in their air, walked in. April’s dress was a pearly white that went down to her ankles with draped sleeves around her upper arms. James’ black suit contrasted sharply against his wife’s outfit, however, the small bunch of white flowers pinned to his lapel ensured their looks would match.
You cheered with the crowd and Zayne clapped along. Undoubtedly, the energy in the room was infectious. This was much different to the last wedding he attended. Zayne felt a genuine tug in his heart seeing the couple together.
The wedding reception continued on, the banter and drinks among the tables flowing freely. Your old classmates loved hearing the stories of your Hunter expeditions and were in awe of the work Zayne was doing at Akso Hospital.
“So that’s why we never saw you when we got to middle and high school,” one of them commented.
“Yeah doc, you were ahead of all of us!” another chimed in. “I thought skipping grades was something you only saw in the movies.”
A third leaned their head against their hand, reminiscing aloud to the table. “I remember you and Y/N used to hang out all the time, and then we slowly started seeing you less and less. I guess it makes sense now with you moving schools and skipping ahead.” They gave a wink to you and Zayne seated together across the table. “But, I’m glad to see you two reunited now, in more ways than one.”
You gently nudged Zayne with your shoulder, eyes glittering with joy. “So I am,” you answered.
Interjecting from the current line of conversation came another voice, slightly slurred who spoke, “Guys, do you remember that time in Grade 8 when someone tried to sneak the school’s OTTO robot home?”
“Yeah, that was you!” the person seated beside them exclaimed.
“It was so loud we all heard it speaking from the inside of your bag: I will be reporting your misconduct to the principal,” another added, mimicking the robotic OTTO voice.
The table erupted in laughter.
Zayne sipped on his glass of sparkling juice whilst the chatter flowed. He enjoyed the atmosphere—the bubbly conversation, zipping between topics with ease. But there was a feeling he couldn’t shake. A distance between himself and the rest of the table. He was the odd one out. A puzzle piece that couldn’t fit in just right. All of you had shared the same childhood together, and Zayne had only been there for a small part of it. He could never know you from that period of time with the same familiarity the rest of your classmates had.
He felt your hand envelop his own beneath the table. Zayne turned curiously to you before leaning closer.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice brushing your ear in a whisper.
You nodded. “I’m fine, Zayne. I was just wondering how you were going.”
He softened at your concern. You had always been attuned to his subtleties.
“There’s no need to check up on me. I’m enjoying myself. Everyone is quite entertaining,” he replied earnestly.
You relaxed. “Well, I just hope they don’t share any of my embarrassing teenage stories.”
The corners of his lips twitched into a smile. “Admittedly, your uneasiness has made me more curious to hear them. Perhaps it’s time to change the conversation topic.”
“Zayne!” you hissed.
He breathed a quiet laugh. “But, I wouldn’t pry if you’d prefer me not to.” His glanced to the other guests at the table. “I just want to know more about you.”
You furrowed your brows, somewhat confused. “You know lots about me. More so than anyone at this table I’m pretty sure.”
Zayne thought about his next words, “I believe there are opportunities to learn more about someone everyday.”
The seriousness of his tone gave you pause. His gaze settled on you again, and there was something in his greenish-gold eyes you couldn’t decipher. Nevertheless, you would never miss an opportunity to provide him with comfort.
“Then,” you began, gently squeezing his hand, “I look forward to our continued learning experience.”
The feedback of a microphone drew everyone’s attention to the center of the room. The emcee had handed over to the groom to speak next. James mouthed a thank you before taking in a deep breath and addressing the room.
“Thank you everyone for coming to our wedding. My wife-” (he swung his head back dramatically to April, his deliberate emphasis of the word making her laugh with adoration) “-and I are thrilled to see so many of our family and friends here. As you know, we shared out vows in private, but I’d like to speak to everyone here about me and April’s relationship.”
“April and I met when we were only kids. One might call us childhood sweethearts. I don’t even remember the exact age, but I do remember that she has always been a constant in my life. We’ve walked side-by-side through the good and the bad that life has thrown at us.”
Wanting to sit more comfortably to watch the speech, you rested your arms on the top of your chair and laid your chin on it. Zayne wordlessly reached out to readjust the skirt of your dress so it wouldn’t get crumpled.
“I’d like to share one of my favourite memories I have of April. I know our old classmates know about this,” (he nodded towards your table), “but we always walked home together from school, and there was one time when we both heard this distressed chirping coming from near my house. We searched around and, sure enough, there was a little bird laying helplessly on its side between some bushes.”
“It must’ve been in shock after falling from its nest because was stiff and unresponsive. I had no idea what to do and stood there like a doofus, but April jumped to action. She brought out a spare towel from her PE bag to gently wrap the bird. We rushed inside my house and she ordered me to find a box and poke some holes into it so the bird could rest without distraction. A few hours later, the bird was responsive again.”
“I’ll never forget how delighted and relieved she looked seeing that the bird was alright. From that day on, I knew I wanted to be someone as decisive and resourceful as her one day.” James looked warmly over at April. “Even now, I’m still inspired by her.”
The speech thus far had been nothing but sweet, however, Zayne oddly had a weight in his chest. A story so innocently simple as walking home from high school with the one you like and taking care of an injured animal had left a sinking feeling in his heart. There were some certain comparisons he just couldn’t help but draw. The sounds of lowered chatter and cutlery scraping against plates in the background faded, and he could only focus on the words spoken into the microphone.
“I think about all these years we’ve spent together, and I believe that we’ve been fortunate enough to have what a lot of people don’t: Time.”
“Time to really know each other, time to witness each other’s personal growth, time to strengthen our bond. I believe that all that time we shared allowed us to be where we are now.”
James lifted his glass up towards April. “I would like to share a toast now to this wonderful woman.”
Everyone raised their glasses to toast alongside the groom. Zayne’s reaction was a second delayed, disorientated by the sudden onset of his emotions. Rather than look at the bride and groom, he couldn’t take his eyes off you, even though your own gaze was fixed on the couple. Zayne lifted his glass high along with all the guests, though, perhaps he was directing his toast at a different person instead. James’ voice echoed in the microphone as he ended his speech.
“I love you with all my heart. My past, present and future is with you.”
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Zayne’s skin immediately cooled as he stepped out into the night air. He loosened up his tie a little as he rested his hands on the balcony’s railing. The balcony stretched across the length of the room, connected by the multiple set of doors that led outside. It wasn’t unusual for guests to be out here. Many had also gone to get some fresh air, or to take some pictures with the Linkon City skyline. You, alongside your other classmates, had been pulled aside by the bride to get a few photos. Zayne had told you he’d be waiting outside when you finished up.
Zayne was not a regretful person, but he did find indulgence in reminiscing on what could have been. If you both hadn’t drifted apart in your youth, how would things have changed? False memories flashed through his mind of your younger selves—walking home from school on cold winter days bundled up in scarves and coats, petting stray cats that stalked the streets in the afternoon, visiting cafes where you’d try and distract him from studying, watching the fireworks at local festivals.
Would this be his and yours wedding instead? Instead of your navy dress, you’d be wearing an ivory one. He’d be the one in the center of the hall speaking about how much you inspire him, how much he loves you.
“What are you thinking about?”
Your voice lilted in the air beside Zayne. You joined him by the balcony, hands on the railing in support as you stretched your arms. The light from the venue diffused out into the dark night, leaving the faintest yellow glow against your back. The wind brushed your hair back with a gentle caress, framing your side profile just so.
“Us.” He blinked away from your expectant gaze.
“In a good or bad way?” You leaned closer, resting your shoulder comfortably against his.
“It’s not possible for me to think of us in a poor light.”
Zayne became more aware of the placement of his hands on the railing. If he stretched his right hand out, his pinkie would touch yours. Even with being partners for so long, initiating physical affection where there were so many people around still took some getting used to. He chose instead lean back into your shoulder.
“How did the photos end up?” he asked.
“They turned out well! Though, I think I still had tears welling up in my eyes after James’ speech. I’m sure it made my eyes extra sparkly in those pictures.”
Zayne knew he desperately needed to see those photos now.
“James said some really meaningful things,” you continued, “it made me more emotional than I was expecting.”
Zayne clasped his hands together, absent-mindedly fidgeting with his thumbs. “May I… be honest with you?”
The wind played with his dark hair as well, the careful style loosening as strands were lightly swept against his forehead. For those moments, he looked like the Zayne you’d see just as you woke up in the mornings on those lazy weekends. In what light there was outside, you saw his expression turn somber.
“Of course,” you replied without hesitation.
He took a breath before speaking, “James and April… they reminded me of us, in a way. I’m grateful we both grew up safely so we could meet again, but I couldn’t help of think of the time we lost being separated for so long.”
Greediness was hardly a trait Zayne would associate himself with, but when it came to you, he felt his control slip. He wanted more. More time, more memories, more of life with you.
“It’s no good to be down at a wedding, you know,” you said, the soft smile on your face like light a salve to his troubles.
“We have time now. I’m also a bit sad that we never experienced youth together, but we get to make up for it now that we’re here.”
“So,” you leaned your head on his shoulder, “you’re going to stuck with me for a very, very long time,”
Accentuating your statement, you nuzzled deeper. You felt the reverberations of his chuckle against your skin.
“Stuck has the implication that I’d only accept or tolerate you,” Zayne corrected. “The happiness you bring me certainly earns a better title than being stuck.”
“But, if I follow the same convention then I guess… I would want nothing more than to be stuck with you for the rest of my life.”
Hearing the determination in your voice was all the comfort he needed. Those snippets of your shared childhood would always be treasured, and perhaps the time apart just meant more space for new memories. Memories just like this—sharing an quiet conversation on a moonlit balcony.
“Would you like a wedding similar to this one?”
“Hm, why do you ask?” you asked back with a teasing lilt, your curiosity stirred.
“You are the one I wish to marry one day, so it’s only appropriate I ask,” he replied with a straight face.
Your eyes grew wide with surprise. “Y-you’d really want to marry me?”
He frowned that you even had a sliver of doubt about his commitment to you. His voice was soft and sincere as he spoke, “Of course. There is no one else I can picture spending my life with.”
Even though it was well into the night, the way you brightened seemed like dawn had come early.
“Then when that day comes, I would want my wedding to be in nature. Do you remember the villa we went to for your birthday? It’d be nice if we had something similar to that.”
Zayne nodded in agreement, “I would also enjoy that.”
In secret, he was already thinking about the honeymoon as well. Maybe going someplace snowy so the two of you could ski during the day and snuggle during the night. He slowly realised that there was no need to dwell on the past so much. Thinking about a future with you was like waking up to fresh snowfall—serene and magical.
The feedback of the microphone reverberated through the space and you both turned at the sound. The emcee was standing in the center of the hall again, addressing all the guests.
“April and James would like to now invite all the couples in attendance tonight to come to the floor to share a dance! Please make your way over if you’d like to join.”
Out on the balconies and inside the hall, couples excitedly looked at each other and made their way to the dance floor. Zayne decided to follow suit, boldness filling him. He didn’t feel like shying away from dancing this time, especially now since you were here. He extended his hand out to you.
“Would you like to share a dance with me?”
You happily accepted, letting him guide you the floor. A slow, romantic melody began to play from the band. His hands held your waist, feeling the silky fabric beneath his fingertips. Yours moved to his shoulders, clasped loosely behind his neck. At this closeness, the delicate scent of jasmines and mint enveloped you from Zayne’s cologne.
“I didn’t know you enjoyed dancing,” you said, voice low enough for only him to hear.
“Only if I like my partner. Fortunately, the person in front of me is the one I love most,” he answered.
It was difficult to hide your fluster at such a close proximity. He savored the way his words made you blink away from his gaze, a smile tugging at your lips.
“Do you have all these romantic lines in a book somewhere, doctor?”
“Yes, in my fifth edition of Ways to Woo Your Partner.”
You couldn’t hold back your reaction and you broke into a chuckle, shaking your head at how silly his jokes could sometimes be.
The music swirled around you, and time slowed. Everything in the background melted away, leaving only the two of you in the room. Your own little world where you danced and talked about your past, present, and future together. Yet another new memory to be catalogued by Zayne—dancing with the one I will cherish for the rest of time.
xiao has been noticing some symptoms in you lately and decides to go to baizhu for some advice…
⟡ part II: l-o-v-eternally!
⟡ content — xiao x gn!reader ; absolute fluff, i'm talking very silly and cute ; baizhu and qiqi appearance ; reader has a massive crush on xiao and it goes utterly over his head ; but xiao is just trying his best to be caring ; 3.2k words
⟡ a/n — xiao lovers please rise 🙂↕️ banner art by dsmile9 on twitter!
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In his time as a doctor, Baizhu had seen it all. Every weird and wonderful thing about the human body. Every high and low of the human experience. He thought there was little that could shock him now. However, he was disproven at this very moment when the Conqueror of Demons showed up at Bubu Pharmacy.
There actually didn’t seem to be wrong with the yaksha in terms of ailments. No gaping wounds or visible signs of karmic corruption. Baizhu did observe that he appeared more bashful that usual with how tight his arms were folded across his chest, but he did well to hide it under his stone-faced expression.
What was wrong was that he was standing here.
Willingly standing here.
Not being dragged in a half-conscious state by little Qiqi or another one of his companions who certainly cared about his health more than himself.
If Xiao was at his doorstep, the situation must be rather serious.
“Conqueror of Demons,” he greeted, resting his chin on his hand. “Now, isn’t this a welcome surprise?”
Qiqi hopped down from her stool behind the counter, shuffling towards Xiao with unbelieving eyes. She poked at his leg, checking that it was really the yaksha in the flesh. Xiao let the young girl prod as he unfolded his arms and spoke.
“Baizhu, I need your assistance.”
A request for aid? From the Conqueror of Demons himself? Baizhu stood up straighter, his curiosity changing from amused to serious.
“I-it’s about Y/N.”
Ah, I should have known. Yes, he was familiar with you. The person who had brought Xiao to the pharmacy in the aftermath of a particularly dangerous patrol. He could never forget the worry carved into your face and the tenderness in how you brushed his hair away from his sweat slicked skin. As to your relationship together, he had his internal speculations, but never heard anything official as of yet.
Baizhu nodded. “Qiqi, would you mind closing up the pharmacy early today?”
He looked over at Xiao with a soft smile, “Come with me to the back. We can have a discussion there.”
The room Baizhu led Xiao into was reserved for consultations with patients who had more complicated presentations. The furniture inside were all crafted from the same dark wood with gold embellishments. It contained a bed with white linens, a chest of multiple drawers containing all sorts of herbalist components, a low table for working with accompanying stools and chairs, and a bamboo screen for privacy where a wash bucket and cloth were set up behind.
Rather than sit on the bed or in any available chair, Xiao chose to stand. Baizhu sat in his chair by the table, legs crossed. Qiqi joined them soon after, plopping herself onto a stool.
“What seems to be the problem?” Baizhu asked.
Xiao sighed, brow twisted with concern. It was probably the most emotion he had seen in the yaksha. “Y/N hasn’t been themself lately… I believe they might be ill, but I can’t conclude what the ailment is.”
“And may I ask why you came to me? Wouldn’t it make greater sense to have them see me directly than through a middle man?”
Xiao shook his head. “Each time I’ve asked about the state of their health, they dismiss me.”
“I see…” Baizhu hummed with understanding.
It wasn’t uncommon for people to ask about the condition of their loved ones. But to see the Conqueror of Demons show such care for someone despite his reclusive nature. Curious indeed.
“Well then,” he continued, taking his pen and flicking open a notebook in front of him to a fresh page, “what symptoms have you’ve observed so far?”
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patient has been showing signs of increased clumsiness…
Xiao wasn’t a master at interpreting emotion, but he was adept at observing them. Any flicker of change in someone or something’s manner could be the difference between blocking a strike or being fatally injured. Not that being in mortal danger applied to this situation right now, but the skill was transferrable. Right now, Xiao was observing you from the balcony of his room at Wangshu Inn. You were assisting Verr Goldet with hanging some new decorations far below. The boss, however, had currently been pulled aside to help an elderly couple with directions.
He watched as you stood on a step ladder, hanging up a red colored ornament to one of the lantern poles that lined the deck of the inn. His keen senses spiked. The combination of you on your tippy toes, the unstable structure supporting you, and your focus being entirely on hanging the decoration instead of yourself did not have many positive outcomes. Instantly, Xiao went from being on the topmost floor to behind you. Traces of his teleportation manifested as green wisps of energy in the air.
You felt the ladder stabilize beneath your. Your heels fell back down as you stood properly.
“Thanks Goldet!” you called over your shoulder before turning around fully to ask, “Tell me, would the flower or butterfly one look better—”
The rest of your question caught in your throat. Verr Goldet was not there behind you. Rather, a certain teal haired protector who you had grown close to.
You were introduced to Xiao by Verr Goldet herself. She believed it would be good for you and him to meet. Being apart of the adventurer’s guild meant that you had interacted with many different individuals, and could share your knowledge of the mortal world.
As time passed, strangers would turn to acquaintances, then acquaintances would turn into friends. The label of which Xiao himself bestowed upon you on an ordinary afternoon. It made your heart both soar at the heartfelt admission and sink to hear such a definitive term. You always hoped there would be room for something more.
Xiao blinked up at you on the ladder. In a matter of seconds, he saw your eyes go wide with recognition, then your feet slipping against the ladder’s surface. Thankfully, he had reflexes as quick as an electro thunderstorm. You tumbled forward, straight into his arms.
“X-Xiao?!” you squeaked.
He didn’t let you go just yet. Instead, he tightened his hold on you, trying to let the shock of the fall pass over you.
“This ladder is too unbalanced,” he said. “You should be more careful.”
You could only nod. Your brain was more occupied with your proximity to Xiao. How you could see the different shades of amber in the irises of his eyes, and the shape of his lips.
Some part of your consciousness pinched itself, and you whipped your head away.
“I-I didn’t realize. That’s my mistake,” you answered with a sheepish chuckle.
He gave a short sigh before gently letting you stand. The places where his strong grip held you still tingled against your skin.
“Also… the flower one,” Xiao mumbled.
You cocked your head, thinking you had misheard him. “I’m sorry?”
Xiao folded his arms, nodding towards the lantern pole.
“You asked about the decorations. The flower one would… look nice.”
Never had such simple words caused a flutter in your stomach.
If that wasn’t enough, Xiao remained with you, lending a hand where he could. He didn’t want there to be an accident if he had left you alone. What he didn’t expect was that you seemed to be more clumsier as time continued. Unable to step on the ladder without your knees wobbling, tripping over the boxes of decorations, dropping the tools every time you went to hang a decoration up. Considerate as he was, Xiao climbed ladders, moved boxes, and hammered things in place for you without protest. Though, in the back of his mind, he couldn’t help but be concerned.
Verr Goldet returned to find the pair hard at work. She observed, amusingly, how obvious you were being about your feelings and how oblivious the other was in seeing them.
Ah, youth, she mused to herself.
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patient has been experiencing raised bodily temperature…
Telling Xiao not to worry was like telling the waters in Chenyu Vale not to flow. It was a simple law of nature; a force unable to be stopped.
“I’m feeling perfectly fine,” you emphasized for a second time.
You were seated on the small sofa in your living room. Beside you, Xiao also sat, straight-backed and gloved hands in his lap.
Xiao had come to your home to visit. Both out of curiosity as to how mortals lived in their own dwellings and curiosity about you. More specifically, why you had been so flushed recently. Whenever he saw you, he noticed the pink that spread from tips of your ears to apples of your cheeks.
“There are signs that show otherwise,” he stated, bluntly.
Ever since that time he helped you decorate the inn, Xiao had been much, much more attentive towards you. Eyes examining you up and down with little subtlety. Under such a gaze, how could you not become hot and bothered?
“I am not familiar with mortal health, but I have noticed you’ve grown more…” Xiao searched for the right descriptor in his head, “…redder, recently.”
Archons, does he know about it?! you thought to yourself with alarm. He turned towards you, and you stifled a yelp. There was no way in Celestia this was how he would find out.
“It may be due to some kind of illness.”
It took a moment for his words to register in your head. An… illness?
Sensing the confusion on your face, Xiao moved nearer until he was right by your side. He lifted a hand up to your forehead, an action he had observed many adults perform on children to assess their temperature. If he was correct in its function, then this should allow him to draw an appropriate conclusion.
Your body locked up.
He was so, so close once again.
“Even now,” the slight gravel of his tone reverberated in your ears, “your face is heating up. It is likely a fever.”
He pulled away. You exhaled a breath that you subconsciously held.
“I can take you to see Baizhu. He will know what to do.”
Xiao stood up, implying that he would take you there right now.
“No, no! There’s absolutely no need!” you protested.
The emphatic rejection made Xiao frown.
“I-it’s nothing that bedrest can’t fix.” you said, attempting to provide a convincing cover. “There’s no need to waste your teleportation powers to transport me.”
“It is no waste if it concerns your health,” he answered.
“You know what,” you shot up from the sofa, “I’ll go to my room right now to get some sleep!”
Xiao opened his mouth, prepared with his own protest. However, you were faster than him in continuing your sentence.
“You should go now, Xiao. I wouldn’t want you to catch whatever sickness I have.”
Though he appreciated your consideration, as an adeptus with a completely different constitution, he was certain mortal ailments would hardly affect him. However, he couldn't explain all that to you with how fast you marched away to your room, leaving him behind.
He saw your head poke out from behind the door of your bedroom.
“Thank you for visiting me!” you called out before shutting the door.
If Xiao knew this word, he would have used it to describe the exact emotion he was feeling at this moment: Flabbergasted.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
patient’s heartrate is frequently elevated…
Even after the fever incident, Xiao, to your relief, still wished to see you. You half expected him to be so bewildered by your actions that he would no longer want to be associated with you. So, you two returned to your ordinary routines of meeting with each other.
Xiao liked having your company in the evenings before he went out on patrol. As you sat on the edge of his bed, you would tell him about your week’s completed commissions. For Xiao, it served many purposes. Tactically, he could get insight any threats to Liyue that he couldn’t detect if you were involved in or overheard any significant commissions. In those first instances of meeting with you, Xiao would have said that that was the only purpose your stories held for him. But, with each passing night, Xiao realized he rather enjoyed hearing your voice. The cadence of your tone soothed him the same way notes played by a skilled musician captured an audience. He then found his lips curving into a hidden smile whenever you described a particularly frustrating encounter. Cheeks puffed in annoyance that drew a word from his vocabulary that he seldom used: cute.
Tonight, however, you appeared to be in no such mood for stories.
You were quiet, slowly flipping through pages of a novel as you read. It wasn’t strange for you to complete your own activity during this time, but Xiao had come to anticipate your conversation. His concerns about your health bubbled to the surface once again.
If he had focused more closely on you, he would have seen that your attention was far from the words on the page. Not looking at Xiao meant your heart could be less out on your sleeve and instead encased within muscle and bone where its supposed to be.
Xiao glanced back at you, eyes glued to the novel. He wouldn’t push it. Maybe this was the rest you were speaking about previously to help you recover.
He grabbed his shoulder armor from the bedside table, preparing to put it on himself using one hand as he had done hundreds of times before.
Two hands grasped the armor, lifting it from his own grasp.
“Let me help you.”
Your voice was delicate, almost hesitant as you reached out.
Xiao wordlessly accepted, sitting down on the bed to grant you easier access. You adjusted the spiked armor piece, making sure it laid flat and the black material beneath was secure around his shoulder.
Whilst you didn’t look up at him, he freely observed you. There was something beneath your avoidant gaze and bitten lower lip he couldn’t quite decipher. At the same time, there was something in his chest that stirred.
So unfamiliar with these new emotions you seemed to bring for him, Xiao could only think in somethings.
“Thank you,” he said. “You are very kind.”
A small smile tugged at your lips. “It’s always easier to have someone else helping you out.”
Fitting the amour in place, you went to pull away. Suddenly, Xiao caught your wrist with his hand.
The breath escaped your lungs. You blinked rapidly, wondering if you were imagining all this in your head. Xiao brought two fingers to your wrist, applying light pressure onto your skin.
“Your pulse...” concern laced his voice as he spoke. “It is quite fast.”
How could he even sense such a thing!? You cleared your throat, trying to temper your shock.
“It’s always naturally this high,” you answered as light-hearted as possible.
“Mhm,” Xiao could only hum with mild suspicion.
Willing his jade spear to materialize, Xiao weighed it in his hand, readying for the night’s patrol.
“Look after yourself,” he said gently. “I’ll return tomorrow.”
With a nod and a lilt in your voice you replied, “I know. You always do.”
Xiao headed to the balcony. He did not turn around to face you, and therefore missed your tender gaze and your fingers brushing over your wrist where his gloved touch still lingered on your skin.
Disappearing into the night, Xiao made up his mind. He would go consult Baizhu about your condition and see what the course of action he should take. Surely the well practiced doctor could provide some necessary answers.
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During the first part of Xiao’s recounts, Baizhu had a pretty good guess about what was happening with you. By the halfway point, he wondered if he should even continue feigning writing patient notes.
Xiao finished relaying his information, hands now on his hips—expectantly. “What do you think is happening?”
Baizhu tapped his pen against the page of the notebook. It certainly is a very special type of sickness… he thought to himself. How would Xiao react if he told him he diagnosed you with 'lovesickness'?
“Will Y/N be okay?” Qiqi asked, tugging on Baizhu’s white coat. “I like Y/N. They always give warm hugs.”
The doctor gave a reassuring smile and patted Qiqi’s head. “Yes, they’ll be alright. I’ve made my assessment.”
Xiao prepared himself. If it was serious, he needed to know how to best help you. Comparatively, Baizhu appeared not the least bit troubled. Turning to the adeptus, he drummed his fingers against the table.
“Did you notice a particular trend in the occurrence of these symptoms?”
“A trend?” Xiao repeated, resting his chin on his hand.
Maybe it had to do with the weather? Or something you had eaten on those days?
“Yes, they all seem to happen when you’re there,” Baizhu answered seeing Xiao unable to come to a conclusion. “Being more clumsy, feeling hot, a fast beating heart, but only around a certain someone…”
Xiao’s brows raised. “Am I the cause of Y/N’s illness? Is my karmic debt responsible for this?”
Baizhu shook his head immediately. “No, no, Archons no! I can assure you that these symptoms have nothing to do with your karma.”
He sighed, trying to switch his words. “Rather, it’s more to do with your… character.”
“My character?” Exasperated confusion was permanently affixed to Xiao’s face. “This ambiguity you speak with is unhelpful.”
Baizhu had done some tough things as a doctor. But trying to subtly hint to a somewhat emotionally unaware individual that someone had a crush on him was certainly one of the hardest.
He paused a moment. Was it really his place to reveal this? Wouldn’t it be far better, and more meaningful, for you to tell him on your own?
“Some symptoms that people report are actually very normal parts of everyday living,” he said, adopting his most professional tone. "My recommendation is for you to ask Y/N how they’ve been feeling recently, and to tell them that it’s never healthy to keep things bottled up inside.”
Finally, some advice for Xiao to action.
“You think I should be more direct in my confrontation?” he asked.
“Yes, but not too much to arouse anxiety.”
Xiao nodded thoughtfully. He should have known that it didn’t have to be a physical illness—maybe your symptoms were a manifestation of stress or worry you were experiencing. Talking it out would be a good step. Even if he was not the most skilled at it, he would try anything to help you feel better.
“I will take your advice. Thank you, Baizhu.”
He bowed his head in thanks. Baizhu gave a hum of what sounded like satisfaction.
“Tell me how it all goes, Conqueror of Demons.”
Baizhu’s voice as he spoke was a little too singsong for Xiao’s taste. But, he was one of the best doctors in Liyue, so who was he to second guess his words?
⟡ synposis—as crown princess of the Empire, you have been invited to join in on festivities organised by the Sanctide Court. you make the journey towards Alore galaxy's borders accompanied by your sharp-witted preceptor on the Empire's fleet. with your reign as empress getting closer with each passing year, it has become harder and harder to know who you can trust...
⟡ a/n—i've never written a fight scene before and the first time i do it i decide to have it be in space on a ship hahah
⟡ previous—imperial impropriety
⟡ upcoming—concealed retreat
PRECEPTOR
The top deck of the Valkyrie was protected by a transparent energy field, allowing people to enjoy a panoramic view of the Galaxy without fear of oxygen loss. If the field did get hit by any debris, it would repel it off. That was why it didn’t make sense to Zayne that there were already enemies gathered on the deck, in combat with several Empire guards. Their faces were covered by opaque visors, with grey, lightly armoured suits. An inside job? he thought. There was no time to wonder further. The sound of your voice looped in his head. Be careful. He had always been a careful person, but having his Crown Princess urge it from him strengthened his focus. He rushed forward, Greyson right beside him, matching his pace. The yellow petals that decorated the Valkyrie’s deck crushed beneath the pair’s feet. At the end of the deck, a statue of a veiled figure, sword raised to the sky, loomed over the fight.
An attacker surged towards Greyson and Zayne after knocking an Empire guard off their feet. They were gripping two daggers forged of brilliant silver. Zayne could recognise it anywhere, even in the heat of battle. Bladesilver. A specialised material known only by craftsmen in Stein Galaxy. The glimmer of blades swiped out at Zayne, the attacker aiming for his chest. Anticipating they would go for close combat, Zayne stepped back, deflecting the blow with his sword. Zayne was swift and decisive. Never wasting more movement than he needed to. He struck the enemy on their torso, aiming for the spaces between the lightly pieced armour. The enemy hissed in pain, the ice on Zayne's blade doing more to pierce and deepen the wound. In that brief window, Greyson appeared and kicked them hard on the chest. They tumbled to the ground in a heavy impact, head colliding with the floor. The body unmoving now on the deck.
Above, several unknown ships zipped through the sky circling the fighter crafts. Though the enemy ships were smaller, they still held cannons. Each ship traded shots of energy beams, swiftly dodging one another. An Empire vessel fired a direct shot to the body of an enemy ship. It exploded in a fiery ball, shrapnel rocketing off into space. The Empire certainly were the stronger side, but it was the suddenness of the attack that had thrown off everyone.
A dagger narrowly missed Greyson’s face as another attacker slashed upward. He staggered back, regaining his footing. The attacker saw their chance to try once again. Zayne summoned a ray of ice with a sweep of his hand towards them. It struck them in the side, the frost coalescing and piercing through their armour. They cried out, reeling back. Zayne slashed his sword at their shoulder. Light pulsed from above. The attackers’ ships were trying to break through the Valkyrie’s energy shield. Fortunately, no matter how many shots they fired from their cannons, each laser evaporated the moment it hit the shield. A trail of sizzling energy was only left. Unaware of Imperial vessel protection measures? Zayne fleetingly thought as he drew back his blade and watched the attacker fall.
The fighting slowed down. The Empire had greater numbers and overpowered any further assault. Guards were now hauling the half-dazed and injured enemies to be shackled. The frost on Zayne’s blade dissipated. He sighed a deep breath as he felt the biting chill linger at his arms and hands. Having trained for as long as he’s known with using his powers in combat, the pain served to reassure Zayne that he was doing good. That his powers had offered protection to the Empire, and his princess.
“Stop!”
Princess?
Your voice rung out. Strained and desperate. Zayne’s instincts leapt. His body moved before he could think of anything else. He turned towards your voice, ferocity pounding in his heart.
Silver flashed by his face.
A few inches closer and a dagger would have sunk into his skull.
Zayne’s eyes focused on the sight before him.
You were standing on the deck, your sword in hand pointed at the attacker he had first taken down. They hadn’t been fully unconscious. With whatever remaining strength adrenaline granted them, the attacker hauled onto their elbow and attempted to grab your ankle. Zayne ran to you, wanting to only sink his sword into this person’s chest. However, the attacker’s actions were far to weakened. You easily stepped on their wrist, forcing them to stay down. Their injuries caught up to them as they slackened.
“Princess!” Zayne shouted. He reached your side, grasping your arm.
He always was softer with you. Everyone could tell, though no one spoke it aloud. Even with his mind now uncharacteristically panicked, racing through the hundreds of ways that exchange could have ended with you slumped on the floor just like the attacker was now, he still spoke to you in a low, calm voice,
“Behind me, now.”
You sheathed your sword, standing back.
“They tried to throw a dagger at you.” You could barely hide your shock. “I knocked their arm away in time to stop it.”
Zayne was listening to you, but his mind folded it away for a later time. He would discuss with you afterwards that when he said the Princess should retreat to safety, she should in fact stay there. Instead, he tore the visor off the attacker’s face. He didn’t recognise the man. His eyes were watered, blood coming out of his nose and caking his teeth as he bared them at Zayne. Zayne grabbed him by the neck of his amour.
“Who sent you?” he seethed. Each word felt like its own command. All the Empire guards watched on. A swirl of both pride and fear at their Imperial Grand General’s presence.
The man wheezed out, “Fuck off.”
He coughed out blood, eyes wild with hatred.
“For the true ruler of the Galaxy.”
The man bit something on the inside of his mouth. Immediately, his chest seized. Poison. Another unexpected element to these attackers. Zayne released his grip on the man’s body. He convulsed for a moment before slumping over, dead. You gasped before Zayne stood to block your view of the body.
Zayne called aloud to everyone on the deck. “Search the unconscious for any pills in their mouths and remove them! Take them all to the brig!”
All the guards followed his orders, finding tiny green capsules tucked in the far back of the attackers’ mouths and heaving their bodies away in shackles. These were not the usual rebels of the Empire. Their weaponry, lack of military knowledge and use of fatal poison, this modus operandi was unfamiliar to Zayne. Were these people so committed to their cause that they were willing to sacrifice themselves to not have their plans be known?
As a Grand General, Zayne should be following the guards down to the brig, checking if any attackers had awakened and squeezing any information out of them. Or he should be checking in the comms of those on the fighter ships to assess the damages to their crafts. However, in the commotion of the deck, his focus was only on you. He sometimes wondered which of his roles he considered more valuable to him–Imperial Grand General of the Empire, or you preceptor. His instinct seemed to always tip the scale towards one side more than the other.
Empire guards had surrounded you as you asked them about what had happened. You spoke with Greyson, taking a small group of guards aside to organise heightened patrols for the remainder of the journey. There were many moments where Zayne could see the Empress you would become. Astute and strong-willed, but still compassionate and good-natured.
When he walked over, everyone stepped away from his path like magnets being repelled. If the General wanted to speak with her Highness, he takes priority above all. Even Greyson finished his sentence in the conversation he was having with you and bowed. He passed Zayne and clapped him on the shoulder. There was a silent acknowledgement between them that they should speak together, the three of you.
You looked up at him at his approach. Zayne could tell you were entangled in thought.
“Zayne, that man... he said they were sided with the “true” galaxy’s ruler,” you said.
There were many people across many galaxies that had differing views about who the Empire should be governed by.
“It’s unlikely to be a Federation attack.” The Glory Federation had been the loudest force against your imminent reign, so it was natural for Zayne to comment on them first. “We have dealt with them in the past, and their uniforms and fighting style are unlike their soldiers.”
“And officials from the Federation are also guests of the Sanctide Court. It would be foolish to make such a careless move when we’ll be greeting them in a matter of hours,” you agreed.
You shook your head, in disbelief at everything that just happened. Zayne placed a hand on your shoulder, surfacing you from your endless tide of thinking.
“We should head inside and debrief with Greyson.”
You nodded, “Yes, that is a good idea.”
You walked together back into the corridors of the Valkyrie. Guards and other staff passed you constantly, reeling from the attack only moments ago and heading off to different parts of the ship to carry out their duties. Even in their bustle, each person still bowed to both of you.
In the moment before you opened the door to the bridge where Greyson waited, Zayne held your wrist.
“Are you alright?” Zayne asked, quietly.
“I should be the one asking you that,” you countered, a bitter edge to your tone.
Your face scrunched with frustration. He felt a tug in his chest. You were worried. When was the last time someone had been worried for him? It was the one trait that Zayne hoped you would keep in check once you became Empress. How easy it was to read you. Though, perhaps it was just him who was, in fact, more tuned into your emotions.
“Any closer and that dagger would have…”
You sighed deeply, cutting your sentence short. He understood that feeling well. It was not the time to have this conversation with you. You both had roles you needed to fulfil now. Imperial Grand General and imminent Empress. It seemed there were more occasions nowadays where you two couldn’t be anybody other than your titles. Zayne flexed his hands. The very ones that were gripping a dead man’s collar were the same ones that wanted to wrap around your shoulders. He quickly discarded those thoughts. The preceptor and the princess would have to wait.
