khaenriahn princess reader x knight capitano ; jealous capitano ; implied hidden relationship ; pre cataclysm ; royal au ; capitano is not cursed yet so his skin is supple and youthful ; banter and fluff
“There is word, my lady,” his voice says lowly. You hum, reaching over to grab at his helmet. Capitano gently captures your hand before you can, pulling it away from its path to uncover his face. There’s a fleeting frown on your lips, but it’s gone as soon as he brings it up and presses a small, delicate kiss to the knuckles through the dark cloth that hides him from you.
“Oh? What of, my dear knight?” You ask curiously. Something tells him it’s almost mockingly innocent.
“That there is a rather…determined prince seeking your hand in marriage.”
Sometimes, it feels unfair that very rarely do you get to see the face hidden underneath the armor, but you suppose you don’t need to see Capitano to know exactly what emotion is twisted in his face. You fight back an amused grin—his voice tells you all you need to know.
You’re certain he must taste his own bitterness as the words fall from his tongue.
“Such grand news,” you gasp, “and yet…you speak with such hesitation. Has this news not brought you joy, my captain?”
“Forgive me, my lady,” he says unamused, voice low and just shy of a grumble, “I value your wellbeing above all. Should a capable prince ask for your hand, I would be most delighted if that is what you accept.”
“You do not sound delighted at the idea,” you tease.
“Perhaps my lady has not given me reason to think she would be interested in such a proposition,” he mutters.
This time, his voice does, in fact, sound the slightest bit petulant—like a child who sulks after being scolded. His tone is usually one that is far too courteous. Painfully so, in fact. (You’ve spent a good number of exasperating moments insisting he be more casual with you. You reap the rewards of those efforts few and far in between). But now, he betrays himself with a flicker of frustration, far too evidently for even you to miss.
He realizes too late how childish the words must sound spoken so irritably. You can tell that he clenches his jaw, seeing the tension even under the mask as he forces himself to still the bitterness spreading through his veins.
“Tell me, my dear knight,” you grin. You can imagine the unhappy lift of his brow as you speak, “what makes you so certain I would be disinterested in such an enticing offer?”
“It seems my assumptions were incorrect,” he grunts, straightening his back before promptly adding, “forgive me, my lady. I must see to rather urgent military affairs. I shall be seeing you—”
“Jealousy is unbecoming on you, Sir Capitano,” you quip, your hand grabbing at his wrist, tugging him towards you. He stills, stiff as a statue as your hand reaches for his helmet once more.
This time, he doesn’t stop you. He allows the lithe, delicate fingers he knows so well to grab at the edge of his helmet, carefully tugging it off before his face slowly reveals itself to you. You smile, cupping a cheek before tracing your thumb along the soft skin of his face.
“I am not jealous,” he says stubbornly.
“Haven’t they taught you never to lie to a princess?” You hum, stepping closer. His lips twitch just a fraction at the edges before two strong arms wrap around your waist, pulling you towards him. Flush against his chest. Tucked right against his heart. Pressed so close, you almost wonder if you could feel his heart beating through the armor if you paid close enough attention.
“You torment me, my lady,” he murmurs quietly, “I fear I cannot accept this arrangement. It would tear through my soul to watch you be wed to another.”
“Then do not watch me,” you whisper.
You have seen his eyes flicker with soft, warm affection countless times. There is beauty underneath the helmet he wears so often, beauty that not many are so fortunate to see. You see it often, though. In private, hidden moments that he affords you. In the quiet of your chambers where the maids cannot disturb you. In the corners of the palace where no one can interrupt your fleetingly lingering touches and longing gazes.
Your hands hold his face, slowly pulling him closer as you study every precious slope across his skin. The slightly jagged curve of his nose. The plumpness of his lips. The slant of his sharp cheekbones. Every feature you know by heart, and revisit in your dreams.
You smile lightly at the thought of his jealousy, as guilty as you should feel for teasing him. Your knight—and you, his beloved princess.
“Do you wish to marry a prince?” He asks, leaning into your neck, breathing in your scent as his nose trails up your jaw until it reaches your cheek. Your breath hitches. His lips quirk into a smile.
“I wish to marry someone who owns my heart,” you say breathlessly, “prince or not.”
“Perhaps what you need is someone who is far more capable of carrying the weight of your heart. You possess rather discerning taste—it is not easy to please you, my lady.”
You huff, glaring at him from the corner of your eyes as you ask, “do you mean to call me difficult?”
“Among other things,” he chuckles. There’s a light, teasing trail of kisses pressed to your skin, leading straight to your lips. Capitano knows exactly what he’s doing, though—he stops just at the corner of them, making you pout as you try to lean in and close the gap.
He grins smugly, pulling away just enough to create distance between your mouths.
“You should not toy with a princess,” you say, displeased.
He hums, rubbing the small of your back as he counters, “and you should not toy with the heart of a man devoted to you.”
“Forgive me, my dear knight,” you murmur, gently bringing his face closer as your hands cradle his face once more, “I shall not torment you with such teasing again.”
“I am most grateful, your highness,” he fights back a chuckle.
Jealousy is unbecoming on someone as noble as the captain of your military forces. You like the way it looks on him just a little, anyway. Love the way his posture is more rigid and his voice is sharper when forced to consider the possibility of your heart yearning elsewhere. Enjoy the way he holds you tighter and closer as cool armor steals your warmth.
“Shall I tell this prince I am not interested?” You ask with a knowing look.
He hums thoughtfully, a smug smile playing on his lips as he replies, “no, I think I’d rather witness the expression of his highness when he realizes his charms hold no sway over you—a rare defeat for a man so certain of his allure.”
“Someday I shall marry you, my dear knight,” you whisper. Finally, with a softened look, he leans in to kiss you. Slow. Delicate. So gentle, it almost feels like you are one whisper from the wind away from falling apart.
“I look forward to it, my lady. Not even celestia could stop me from claiming your hand.”
————————
The last line is a big rip if you know what I mean 😔
warnings. kissing n all that sap (yuck), fluff/suggestive
albedo is busy talking to you about his latest experiments, wrapping his jacket around you to ensure you don't get cold while resting at his lab. maybe he didn't notice the sneaky glances you set from his ocean eyes to his lips.
"and so... it basically recreated a somewhat circle of-" peck! ...
"huh?"
he doesn't which feeling is more dominant; flushed or confused. yet he won't complain too much, displaying a simple smile as he slowly blinks with confusion, lovingly at least.
alhaitham happened to be ranting about a drunkard he spotted at the bar he and his friends (cyno, tighnari, & kaveh) went to while playing TCG, cyno's treat.
but when it truly sinks in that you had just kissed him, he wished you had kept it for a little longer. honestly was very close to leaning back in and letting it lead to something else, but he wouldn't let his pride down. deciding on giving a smirk, and poking one of your cheeks.
"what was that for, hmm?"
capitano is secretly someone who talks a ton when you get to know him despite his cold exterior, he's very fond of getting to tell you about his day, not being able to necessarily tell anyone (other than pierro)
before you could pull away from the simple peck on his crusted lips- it's almost immediate that he pulls you back in, giving you barely any time to breathe. simply leaning in more to the kiss, a hand behind your head grasping your hair to prevent you from getting away. it's alright, he loves a chase.
"trying to tease me, my love?" a deep, dark chuckle emits from his raspy throat as he runs a hand down your spine, from your scalp to your back, his eyes pierced you with love.
childe is sooo obviously cheeky about this, his teasing is inevitable when you're the one initiating this. yet he finds himself so stunned from the whole thing, he could feel the blush creep up from his neck already.
he was busy telling you about his previous adventures, trying to impress you and show off his strength, yet the only thing he was able to see from how you looked at him, you were set on your lips on his.
"a- ahh... ahem. feeling uhh... bold i see."
wriothesley is in the category of chasing your lips, trying to immediately reel you back into the peck you caused. pulling you in by your waist so you can't escape his touch. he can't say he wasn't used to your teasing, but this time he wanted you to taste your own medicine.
holding you close, until the very line of saliva that connected both of your lips finally broke apart, it was your turn to be flushed with embarrassment.
"oh, look who's all blushy now."
neuvillette is the one who's stunned this time, yet his hands trail back to yours before you can step away a little too far, his eyes telling you everything that you need to know.
"don't run away now, c'mon..."
his smile was soft and genuine, he felt himself trying to lean in further into your touch, so he could stay asleep forever in your arms. he lands another kiss on your lips. he loves to express how much he loves you, yet he doesn't know how to apply and put it out there.
dainsleif found himself leaning back in almost immediately, he didn't wanna run away from you giving him affection out of everything. his cold fingertips trailing up your nape, a soft grasp on your hair (a bold move indeed!)
"...is that the berry flavored chapstick i bought you last week?"
he loves to notice the little things on you, he knows you appreciate it as well, a loving smile, his eyes equally just as loving, staring at you, and only you.
diluc won't admit the deep-seated embarrassment that envelops him. at first, the warm flush spread from his neck to his cheeks, yet he could notice the very same for you. trying to play it cool, his arm that encircles your waist, drawing you in with a tender grip.
"i suppose this isn’t how I imagined our evening would go,"
his voice was strained, maybe his paperwork could wait till later.
kinich is one of those who pulls you in by the waist, yet finds himself almost too flushed to go through with it. not that he doesn't want to, he's scared that you wouldn't want the same, yet he finds himself leaning in the same way you were, just to taste you again.
"leaving me so soon, you're mean."
ajaw calls you both corny as he comes back from a little walk (with certified dog walker mualani). you could hear a "human! take me back to where we whence came!" (the springs nearby) as you let out a chuckle. a sigh from kinich, he'll have to train him to be a little nicer.
xiao can barely comprehend what you just did. his cheeks flushed with teal. and to give context, it's canon that xiao's blood/insides are all teal- so when he blushes, it's teal, I did a bit of research on this :P but think of it how you will!
he argued that you shouldn't go out tonight, he can handle himself! yet... maybe your little kiss was a little.. maybe very convincing.
"y- you think this will change my mind about all of this, huh?"
Summary: Capitano brings his daughter to a Harbinger meeting because you are currently sick. The Harbingers are surprised, and Alina(daughter) was in awe about the 11th harbinger’s eyes, calling them "water eyes." Her innocence softens everyone in the room, even making Childe smile.
The Fatui headquarters in Snezhnaya had never felt more stunning to you than on this cold, dull day. The wind howled through the snow-covered streets, rattling against the windows of your shared home as you lay beneath the blankets, your skin warm and flushed with fever. Your body ached, and the weight of exhaustion pressed heavily upon you.
The usually soothing presence of your husband, Capitano, was missing, and your mind couldn't help but wander to where he was at that moment. You knew exactly where: in a meeting with the other Harbingers. Normally, your little family was kept separate from such matters, and you were more than happy with that arrangement. However, this time was different. Your husband had left for his duties this morning, leaving you alone with your lively, energetic child—your precious two-year-old daughter, Alina.
Normally, handling her joyful spirit was a joy you cherished, but in your current state, every giggle and playful grab for your attention felt like a backbreaking task.
You hadn’t expected to fall ill, and you certainly hadn’t expected Capitano to be needed at a Harbinger meeting so urgently.
As Alina toddled toward you, her tiny hands reaching for your cheek, you smiled weakly. "Mama's okay, sweetheart," you whispered, though you barely had the strength to lift your hand to stroke her hair.
In the midst of your thoughts, the sound of heavy footsteps approached the door. Capitano returned. His dark armor and massive frame filled the doorway, but his expression softened the moment he saw your state. He quickly approached the bed, his voice low with concern.
"You should’ve called for me sooner," he murmured, kneeling beside you and placing a large, gloved hand on your forehead to check your temperature.
"I didn’t want to bother you…" you whispered. "Besides, I thought I could manage…"Capitano’s frown deepened, his brows furrowing behind his mask. “You and Alina come first, always.
”Alina, who had been playing with one of her father’s gloves, immediately perked up at the sight of him, toddling over to tug at his cloak. “Papa!”
His stern expression softened as he scooped up his daughter in one arm, effortlessly holding her tiny body against his broad chest. The sight made your heart swell. For a man feared across nations, Capitano had always been gentle with his family.
But his position's reality was drawing near. There was no way to skip today's meeting because Capitano was still a Harbinger. He stood with Alina still in his arms, his gaze lingering on you as if weighing a decision.
“You’re too ill to take care of Alina alone,” he finally said. “I’ll take her with me.
”You blinked in surprise, a small laugh escaping your lips despite the ache in your body. "To… to the Harbinger meeting?" Capitano’s eyes flashed with resolve. “Yes. There is no safer place for her than by my side.” The thought of your two-year-old daughter sitting among the most fearsome figures in Teyvat—Dottore, Pantalone, Arlecchino, Pierro—was both amusing and absurd. Yet, you trusted Capitano implicitly. If anyone could protect her, it was him. With a weak nod, you relented.
“Alright, but… keep her out of trouble.” Capitano’s lips twitched upward in the faintest hint of a smile behind his mask. "Of course."
The grand meeting room in the Fatui’s main fortress(?) was as intimidating as ever, filled with the cold air and tension. The Harbingers were standing around a long table.
As he readied himself to address the group, Pierro, the Director, stood at the head of the table, his gaze calculating and sharp. It was a rare occasion for all the Harbingers to gather, and naturally, it came with an air of importance.
But this time, something was… different.
As the grand doors creaked open, every Harbinger turned their attention toward the figure that entered. Capitano, the fearsome 1st Harbinger, marched into the room as usual, his broad figure cloaked in black, his presence as intimidating as ever.
But then they saw it. Perched in his arm, clinging to his cloak, was a tiny child. Her bright, curious eyes scanned the room as she pointed at various Harbingers, muttering incoherently in the way only toddlers could. Silence fell over the room. Pantalone, was the first to break the stunned quiet, his lips quirking into an amused smirk.
"Well, well, Capitano. I didn’t realize our meeting was so… casual today." Dottore’s eyes gleamed with interest behind his mask, Already figuring out the numerous of questions he wanted to ask about this new “subject.” "A curious specimen," he muttered to himself, though loud enough for everyone to hear. Arlecchino’s sharp gaze flickered between the child and Capitano. "You’ve brought a child to a Harbinger meeting?" Capitano remained unbothered by their reactions. He walked calmly to his position, his daughter still sitting comfortably on his arm.
As he took his place at the table, Alina immediately started fiddling with a piece of his armor, completely unaware of the danger and power surrounding her. "Her mother is unwell," Capitano stated simply, his voice firm and leaving no room for argument. "I will take responsibility for her here."Pierro, merely raised an eyebrow. "I trust this will not interfere with the proceedings?"
"Not at all," Capitano replied. He glanced down at Alina, who was now inspecting his gauntlets with great interest. The tension slowly lifted as the meeting proceeded, though more than a few of the Harbingers kept stealing glances at the toddler on Capitano’s arm. Occasionally, she would giggle or reach for something on the table, and each time, Capitano would gently redirect her attention with a soft murmur. The sight of the mighty Captain doting on his daughter in the middle of such a grim meeting was a scene none of the Harbingers had ever imagined.
Even the rigid Pierro seemed slightly amused, though he hid it well behind his usual stoicism. As the discussion deepened, Alina's attention wandered to the other Harbingers. She stared at each of them in turn, her tiny fingers still gripping her father’s cloak. But it was when her gaze landed on the 11th Harbinger, Childe, that she froze.
She simply *stared* at him, her wide eyes fixed on his face, in particular his bright, ocean-colored eyes. Childe, who had been following the meeting intently, slowly noticed the unwavering stare of the tiny girl.
A mischievous smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "What’s this? Have I caught the little one’s attention?" Alina didn’t blink. Her mouth parted slightly in wonder as she continued to gaze at him, transfixed. In her short life, she had never seen eyes like Childe’s. They reminded her of the stories you would tell her about the ocean—vast and blue, endless and beautiful. To her, Childe’s eyes seemed like a whole world she wanted to explore. "Papa," she whispered, pointing at Childe. "Eyes like water…"A murmur of surprise rippled through the room.
Even Arlecchino, normally one to show little emotion, blinked and softened at the innocent awe in Alina’s voice. Childe, too, was caught off guard.
His usual cocky demeanor faltered for a moment as he looked at the small child, her innocent wonder disarming him completely. "Well, I suppose that’s one way to describe them," he said, his smile gentler than before. "Didn’t expect to be admired by such a little lady today. "Capitano’s hand rested protectively on Alina’s back, but he said nothing, his eyes shifting toward Childe. Alina, however, was too young to understand. She simply continued to stare, still fascinated by Childe’s eyes. When the meeting finally came to a close, she tugged at Capitano’s cloak and whispered again, “Papa… can I have water eyes too?”
Arlecchino allowed herself a rare, fleeting smile, her eyes softening as she watched the child’s pure, unfiltered curiosity. As he prepared to leave, he looked down at his daughter and whispered gently, “You have eyes far more beautiful than the ocean, little one.”
i have the most insane capitano brainrot of all time. like i can't stop thinking about him locking you away in his manor in the woods. he's distant but if you ask for anything (besides freedom of course) he bends over backwards to get it for you. your arranged marriage was arranged by him, and he loves you endlessly, even if he has few words and fewer touches saved for you. one night he comes into your shared bed and holds you close enough to suffocate you. he never really touches you, so you jump a little at the sudden contact. as he kisses all up and down your neck, biting in some spots, he tells you, "please let me be selfish for a while". he's been holding back. he wants you desperately.
(I don't do requests often, so I read your rules like three times out of nervousness 😭)
Could you write an Il Capitano x fem!reader where the reader is forced to walk home by her family after a ball. While walking back, Capitano picks her up and offers to take the reader to where she lives. Maybe toss in some soft/kind Capitano?
Thank you so much, I hope this is an ok request!
pitch black.
Pairings: capitano x fem!reader
CW: sfw, female reader, assy family members, written before natlan, so capitano might be slightly ooc, can be read as platonic or romantic, yum frostbite yay, ngl id cry myself to sleep if I was in snezhnaya bc I can’t handle cold weather, probably an iron deficiency, lazy writing at the end again AUUUUGHHHH, freakytano my glorious king, not proofread.
A/N: HIHIHIHI ALSO IM SORRY IF I MISREAD THE FAMILY THING BUTTTT I ACTUALLY WROTE ON A WEEKDAY YAY also guys should I do like a special for 1k cause my followers are eating rn ok but seriously thank u so much for all the support love yall!! 🕯️
Cold swishes of air circled the pitch black sky faintly illuminated by a star or two, ruffling the silky fluff of a heavy coat adorning your figure. You firmly tightened your grasp around the lapels of the large coat, fabric wrinkling and dragged between the clutches of your paling knuckles tinted a soft pink from Snezhnaya’s biting cold.
Hollow crunches of your footsteps simply rang aloud in your years as your father’s words piled up in your mind. They were merely harmless, yet the intent behind your family’s dismissal stung like a sharpened blade spearing into your chest. But of course, it wasn’t anything new. A gust of wind howled into the canal of your ear sharply, ringing the ill memory of your family spitting the venom laced words of ordering you to trudge home in the nation’s burrowing winter. They didn’t even bother to provide a coat or furnish your body in any way, simply shooing you off as if they were desperate to make you keep your distance from them.
You had been awkwardly situated next to them, the chatter making you shift uncomfortably in an off putting stance, similar to that of an upright statue. Their exasperating laughs bellowed throughout the ballroom obnoxiously, catching an occasional glance of a person or two eyeing them. If hunching your shoulders in embarrassment wasn’t enough, their attitude was more than enough for you to have a strong urge to pray for the Tsaritsa’s wrath to be bestowed upon them.
People had noticed your huddled stance, tracing the rim of your glass in circular motions in hopes to distract yourself from the growing oddity of your placement in the ball. And without hesitation, they would of course begin to approach you. Possibly out of pity? Perhaps even the goodness of their heart wanting to accompany the girl who wasn’t very engaged in the celebration. Each person would approach you, friendly smiles stretching their face as they’d attempt to greet you—only for it to be cut short by your parents’ attention snapping to the guest stood before you, slicing the conversation short as they’d beckon the person to come speak with them instead.
Tremors of disdain pooled inside of you upon seeing your family members so obviously attempt to shove out any possible chance of a trail of hopeful socialization paved on your direction. Your isolation only grew more and more frustrating as indistinct chatter bounced off the walls of the ball, your eyes following the sound of the echo trailing from the marble structure to the intricate chandelier and candles flickering. At this moment, you purely felt alone. Isolated from everything as you mentally stood still in a pitch black void, with drowned out voices clouding the lonesome darkness.
“(Name). I think it’s about time you headed home.” Your father rasped out, not even making eye contact with you as his gaze was locked onto the champagne bottle and glass snug between his hands. “The ball is over anyway. We’re only staying for extra drinks. Your mother and I will be out meeting some other relatives at the nearby restaurant.”
“Father, it’s too cold for me to walk back home. You know how-“
“Oh, (Name). You’ll be fine. I raised you to be an independent woman. You’ll find the way home just fine.”
Pushing past your father, your mother pokes her shoulder out as well, casting you a glance as she chimes in to the conversation.
“He’s right, dear. Go ahead and head home for the night. I trust you’ll fare just fine without us accompanying you home.”
“Mother, that’s not what I-“
“(Name). That’s enough. You should head home. End of discussion.”
You knew you couldn’t properly explain to them. They’d always toss you aside and swat off your remarks as such. You bit back your protest, swallowing as you scanned the ballroom for a spare coat anywhere. There were a few harbingers around, so a raggedy stray coat shouldn’t be too uncommon.
“Sorry. I’ll be heading home now.” You submitted under your breath, masking your mixed irritation dissolved into your tone. You only further grimaced slightly as your mother smiled and leaned over to place a faux affectionate kiss to your forehead. With one dismissive wave once more, her and your father turned their back to you to exit the ball, shouldering through the heavy spruce doors packed with people crowding them.
You blinked, fervent shivers making you tremble against each flake of snow that brushed along the exposed parts of your skin as you realized you had just stepped midway through. The searing cold made your head spin as you began to lose yourself, frostbite clouding your senses and enveloping the tips of your fingers slowly. No matter. You could make it home if you simply stopped spacing out and thinking about your shitty parents. Just then, a loud crunch resounded with the howling wind, heavy clanks of metal being heard in addition to the crunches.
The heavy thuds only seemed to become clearer as they grew closer and closer, a light drag of chains shuffling behind you as well. Your heart nearly pounded out of your chest in anticipation, a sense of apprehension overtaking you as you clutched the coat draped over you tighter in a pathetic attempt to shield yourself using the thick fabrics. The thuds came to a halt as your eyes slowly roamed over the man who halted before you. His figure loomed over you, as his towering frame was quite intimidating to the least.
The metal lining of his mask enshrouded his face in a sightless black, cloaking his face completely as it seemed like an empty void bore into the gap of his helmet. Streams of jet black hair along with that adorned along the cheekbone of his mask and down his shoulders, a few stray strands of his long hair edged along the sharp steel edges of his mask. On top of that. A thick white coat with black fluff was draped along his shoulders, the small fabric emblem in the corner pertaining to that of the Fatui. If he was wearing this coat, your best bet was he was definitely a Fatui harbinger. Likely a strong one at that.
Backing up slightly, your eyes wandered over the man’s figure as you stood neatly frozen in place, the wind swaying his streaming hair while the harbinger looked down upon you.
“Is something the matter, ma’am?”
His low voice cast the illusion of protruding through the thickened frozen air, a faint muffle present in his speech considering he had spoken through the hollow opening of his seemingly endless mask.
“I was just walking home..”
“You seemed to be troubled, though.”
You simply wanted to scoff, yet you only tilted your head away from the harbinger in shame. Had your family humiliated you this much to the point where a figure of such high status took pity on you?
Sucking in a breath, you slowly turned your head back towards him, his body frozen in place, and looking down at you like a great statue. His gaze remained locked on you—yet you couldn’t tell due to the hollow blackness pitched into the carving of his mask. “Your name?” He hummed lowly, his body still enveloped by his large coat, and arms hidden under the sides of the thick pale silk.
“(Name).” You replied bluntly, clearing your throat and lowering your voice almost immediately after as to not give a rude impression. “Yours?”
“Il Capitano.”
Capitano seemed to follow your lingering gaze as he spoke, tracing each spot your eyes transfixed on periodically. However, there was one particular spot you couldn’t take your eyes off, and he didn’t take long to notice you focused on the Fatui emblem at the corner of his harbinger coat. “First of the Fatui harbingers.” He added, sensing that you had been wondering his relation to the infamous organization serving under the Cryo Archon dispersed across Teyvat.
Sensing your evident shifts and subtle kicks of your feet, he didn’t take long to pick up on your troubled state fidgeting before him, as if you were afraid of a train of emotional danger clouding your judgement to even think properly—much less walk in such bitter conditions.
“Where are you off to so late, miss (Name)?”
“I’m just walking home…it’s important family business.”
You immediately added that last part as an audible afterthought, not wanting to involve a harbinger in your personal affairs. Capitano wasn’t stupid, however. The clouds of tension and fear were palpable amidst the indifferent expression of yours, flaked white from the occasional crystals of snow fluttering onto your face. Heavy clanks followed your words as he stepped forward carefully, not wanting to startle you as he made his way directly beside you.
The black fur lining the neckline of his coat brushed against your collarbone as he stood closely shoulder to shoulder with you, head kept high. He continued to stare off into the distance ahead of him, as if the burrowing fog wasn’t enshrouding the entire vicinity before the two of you and dimming your line of sight.
“Do you mind if I accompany you home?”
You blinked out of pure surprise. A harbinger? Walking you home? At first it was too much, you couldn’t possibly accept this, much less waste his time like this! However the chilling thought of walking alone at night so late sent a shiver down your spine, and it was definitely not just from the cold.
“Not at all, Sir Capitano.”
He shook his head, stepping forward as he beckoned you to catch up to him.
“No need for formalities. Just Capitano is fine.”
Nodding, you briskly walked beside him to match his pace. The two of you were purely silent as he walked into the swirls of fog patterned along the vicinity clouding the array of homes lined up on either side of the street. Shuffles of chains and howls of wind were the only noticeable sound echoing along the empty night roads, inducing a rush of calmness that replaced your previous anxious state. Halfway through, you proceeded to extend your arm out, pointer finger fixing ahead of you at a slight angle.
“My home should be around there.”
Capitano simply nodded, shifting his path in the direction of your finger’s aim as he slowly headed toward the squeezed space of homes cluttered along the sides. Once reaching your doorstep, he halted at the hardened spruce topped with a silver knocker situated above the center, as if he was awaiting your next words. You delivered him a sincere and thoughtful smile, folding your arms as you didn’t know what exactly to do with them. The freezing steel of the knocker uncomfortably brushed along the exposed skin of your shoulder, which was not effectively covered by the ragged coat, making you hunch over upon contact embarrassingly.
“Thank you, Capitano. I don’t think I could have reached home quick enough before passing out on the streets..”
He let out an affirmative hum once more, looking down at you through his helmet framed by his long hair which was now a bit unkempt from the winds mixed with the fog. But it was only a strand or two off anyway.
“The pleasure is all mine, Miss (Name).” He paused briefly, before adding once more. “If you’re in any trouble that requires my assistance, don’t feel afraid to call me.” His words were sweet, yet they made you laugh faintly, making you biting your tongue at his low tone questioning what was so humorous about his statement.
“Ah. It’s nothing, Capitano. It’s just…we met under a few hours ago..”
“It’s not the time we knew each other that’s the matter. Rather, it’s the fact that it’s obvious you’re clearly going through something, (Name). I don’t mean to pry, I just want to do what is just for you. And I can tell you’re a good person.”
His words only brought that faint elated smile back onto your face, an unexplainable disappointment drooping within you when he steps away from the door to head back. You wave to him, and he gives a quick nod, turning his back to you and heading back to god knows where. That smile remained on your lips for quite a bit, even when you rocked open the door slowly into the comfort and warmth of your home.
What a respectable and kind man.
A/N: it’s 1 am and I have a quiz tomorrow morning LOLLL
WARNINGS: sfw.
SYNOPSIS: with flower arrangements showing up at your doorstep from an anonymous sender, you’re curious who this admirer was and why they are being so secretive.
WORD COUNT: 1.699
A/N: i disappeared for 6 months and came back writing for my man. nothings changed
Watching the knights gleaming in their armor in preparation for their jousting battle, you've been captivated by the clamor of blades sharply hitting against each other.
Standing on the sidelines, your eyes fixed upon the men dressed in steel, your heart raced, sending a surge of adrenaline through your veins as their blades shyly miss their opponents vital points.
One knight had captured your sights, infiltrating your thoughts. He stands out from the rest, tall and proud even among his opponents. The undefeated, the one whose strength seemed a shadows of the Gods, The Captain.
Seeing him face his rivals, effortlessly using his strengths to take them down left you utterly infatuated in this dangerous sport. You cleared your schedule to watch him, canceling plans and devoted your time for him.
When you weren't spending majority of your time out watching knights, you found solace in your quiet home library, immersing yourself in romance novels. Other times, you were out with friends.
As you were rereading a favorite novel, a sudden knock at your front door shattered you from the fantasy world in your head, abruptly pulling you back to reality. Closing the book and walking to answer, you found that no one was standing there.
Confused, you slowly shut the door, but something caught your eye. Opening it fully once again, you noticed the bouquet of flowers sitting on your doorstep. Bending down, you carefully pick them up.
Inspecting the strange gift, you found no note or any hint who might've sent them.
"Who could've sent me these?" you murmured to yourself, carrying the bouquet to the kitchen to place them in a vase. No one had shown an interest in you before, which made this gift all the more puzzling.
No matter the reason, you happily accepted the present with a smile and displayed them in the windowsill for all to see.
────
The flowers continued to show up, week after week, always on the same day and at the same time. No name was ever attached, just a mysterious gift, leaving you to wonder who could be behind them.
It got to the point that you've began to stalk near the window, waiting for the person to show. One day, you got close enough to catch the delivery man.
"Do you know who sends these?" you asked , carrying the flowers.
The man merely shook his head, his expression neutral. "I do not. The sender requested to remain anonymous."
There goes that.
At this point you doubted you'll ever know who sends you these beautiful arrangements.
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As the season transitioned to spring, you found yourself confined in your home most days from the pollen. Allergy season proved to be utterly rude, causing you to miss out on your favorite activities, in particular, the one that involved knights.
However, the flowers did manage to brighten your days. But it wasn't until this particular arrangement arrived that you finally saw a note tucked underneath the petals. As you read the words, your eyes widened, and your heart skipping a beat.
The note read-- "I have missed seeing you in the stands"
A viewer? Commentator? or even-- no, it cannot be.
A knight?
Who else could possibly see you in the stands? Without any solid evidence, you could not pin-point who in the world might've written you this, or even sent these flowers all along.
With the thought of figuring out who've sent you your presents, going to the fights was the key to your mystery.
By the end of the week, you found yourself in the stands, eyes keen and mind clear of solving the missing piece of this puzzle. The weather in Khaenri’ah was warm on this day, nothing but a slight breeze to cool off the bystanders, waiting— anticipating— for the knights to ride out on their houses.
As the day went on and the fight coming to a close, you sat in your seat disappointed that you could not find who have sent you the flowers. Perhaps all you needed to do was ask the knights, however the thought sent shivers down your spine.
There was no way you could face the knights without fan-girling.
The crowd grew thin, only you and some who were chatting amongst their friends. You stared off into the sky, tired of this mystery. This person had to make themselves known or you’ll lose your mind.
Standing up from your seat and walking out the arena, your footsteps were loud— and sounded clucky?
Those possibly could not be your steps. Peering your head over your shoulder, you saw a figure, all in black whose height reached the heavens.
It was a knight, but not any knight— it was him.
Your eyes widened as his figure grew larger in your sight, his pace quickening. “Miss— please wait.” his tone was deep, causing multiple reactions to occur within your body.
A confusing feeling of confusion and delusion brewed. Why on earth would The Captain follow you, and is he the mystery sender?
My admirer…?
In no possible simulation or alternate universe.
You paused in your step and turned your body towards him, not being able to face him. “Yes?” your tone was quiet, barely capable of finding your voice.
The slowly he approached, towering over you. “I hope you enjoyed the show.”
Looking up at him, a slight smile growing. “Oh, yes. It was very entertaining. I am quite fond of the sport.”
He chuckled, eyes lowering to the floor before back into yours. “Yes, I am aware.” Oh, so he's aware that you're into the sport?
You continued to ponder over the thought of the if. What if he is him.
Capitano took note of your pause and decided to speak up. "I hope you liked the flowers. It had become slightly difficult finding new flowers to gift you."
And just like that, you felt your heart skip another beat, the air that was once help hostage in your lung being forced out of you, and you stood there, feeling like you were living in a dream.
With your lips parting slightly, tongue finding the courage to move and respond to him, you felt yourself speechless.
Never once have you thought a man would have you search for the right words, but how can you? The man before you had been in the silent chambers of your mind, always lingering, haunting your every thought.
The silence stretched between you until you felt your words stumbling out. "The flowers, they were your gift?" Eyes looking everywhere but his helmet. How blessed you felt for the barrier between you.
"Were they not to your liking?"
"No-- I mean yes, but why?" Your voice wavered, not wanting to misinterpret this, to spin a false narrative. The last thing you wanted was to be painted as a fool.
The knight answered without hesitation, his voice a low rumble. "You have captured my attention." He lowered his head, as if he amused himself. You could almost hear the unspoken laughter in his voice.
Beneath that metal helmet, you imagined his lips curling upwards, etching his face with a smile.
"Watching you in the stands," He began, tone dropping, "that gleaming look in your eyes, on the edge of your seat as you witness every clash of my sword, is what drives me for success." When he lifted his face, all that were visible were his eyes, one glowing a cerulean gleam.
Your gaze traced the broad lines of his armored form, lingering on the way his weight shifted subtly towards you. You studied him, watching every movement, until you noticed the faint twitch in his gauntleted hand, fingers flexing as if they ached to close the distance between you.
The realization sent a flush in your face, he burned to touch you, to feel you beneath the tips of his finger.
"If I may," he murmured, tone slipping into something warmer as his fingers reached to the hem of his helmet. With deliberately long upwards tilt, revealed the curve of his lips, exactly how you imagined. "would you do me the honor of granting a knight his good luck kiss?"
A laugh escaped you before you could stifle it. "Your next match isn't until tomorrow."
"Practice kiss." He leaned closer to your face, his voice getting softer. His scent infiltrated your senses, causing a short high, getting you addicted to his presence.
His lips barely ghosting yours, pausing before he could place them upon yours. "My dreams have become reality from this moment alone." He confessed, words grazing your mouth like a prayer. Covered hands slowly brought to the lining of your jaw. "I would strip every garden in this kingdom bare if it meant I have even a drop of your affection."
"Then make your dreams a reality." This newfound confidence buzzed within you, words that were bolder than you. You tilted your head upwards, an invitation for him.
"Gladly."
No hesitation. No knightly decorum. Just a starving man ready to devour his meal.
His kiss was soft, not a crushing demand of a warrior, but one that was devastatingly tender.
The fairytale that you've created in your head was slowly unraveling in reality. The journey of figuring out the culprit, stalking them down, and rendered the search futile was what you had expected, but being kissed by The Captain, Capitano, the man who's strength shadowed the gods, was not.
And yet, you found yourself relishing his taste. You barely had time to melt into the kiss before the warmth of his mouth slowly drew away, leaving a cool absence.
The steel of his helmet was slid back into place, shielding his smile from you. He took a step back, standing large before you. The dying sunlight glinted off his armor like a promise.
"Be in the stands tomorrow. I intend on finishing our unfinished business." His voice carried the weight of a vow.
And like that, we was gone, leaving you breathless while your skin still humming where he'd touched you. The words coiled low in your stomach, bringing a child-like smile to your face. Tomorrow, you'll watch your knight crave another victory for you.
Imagine a young Capitano before the fall of Khaenri’ah. With a wife and child—a little girl. The two most precious ppl in his life and he couldn't save them. Their death breaks him, the source of his hatred, because what did they ever do to deserve such a cruel fate. He longs to join them but death is something he cannot have so he carries their souls in his heart.
He wants to give all the fallen warriors a final resting place, but he also longs to see his family. Sometimes, in the sea of voices in his head, he hears his wife—and that’s what gets him through 500 sleepless years, to exact his revenge.
The cutscene where he’s climbing the stairs with all the warriors —at the top, next to the throne of flames, he finally sees his love, his family, waiting for him.
Capitano would occasionally find himself caught in moments when the weight of his duties seemed to pull him too far from you. Even though his responsibilities demanded the best of him, he could never forget the quiet joy he found in small acts of care, his affection wrapped in parcels, far away yet never distant.
When he was away on missions, he made sure that even in his absence, you always felt his presence. Wrapped gift boxes would arrive at your door, carefully packed with gifts chosen to nurture your spirit and keep you connected to him during the long, quiet hours.
Inside, there would always be an array of paints, vivid, rich hues, each one selected to reflect the shades he imagined you’d bring to life. Brushes with fine, supple bristles and palettes made of polished wood were nestled alongside spools of lace in intricate patterns, delicate and elegant, meant to inspire your craft. Every item was a token of his devotion, a gesture that spoke of his desire for you to find beauty and solace even when he was far away.
The paints and lace became tangible extensions of his love, ways of saying, I’m with you. They were silent promises, bridging the gap between him and you, even when he couldn’t be by your side. Each time you mixed a color or traced your fingers over the soft, intricate weaves of lace, it was as though you felt his presence, grounding you in his unwavering affection.
Upon his return, the sight of your finished creations, paintings filled with emotion or lacework that adorned your shared home, always filled him with a quiet, unspoken pride. Capitano, so stoic and commanding to the rest of the world, would find himself softened by these glimpses into your heart.
Sometimes, you would tuck small pieces of lace into the lining of his coat or paint tiny, intricate designs on a corner of his gauntlet; hidden details that only he knew were there. These small tokens, created with your own hands, were treasures he carried with him wherever he went. During quiet moments in the midst of battle, or when the solitude of his duties weighed heavily, he would trace the painted edge of his armor or run his gloved fingers over the lace tucked away in his coat.
“It’s like you’ve become a sentimental fool, Capitano,” one of his comrades might jest, smirking as they noticed his softened gaze lingering on the lace or paintwork.
Capitano would never respond to such remarks. He didn’t need to. The truth was, he wore those small details like armor, reminders of the love that awaited him beyond the battlefield. For him, they were anchors, tethering him to a life that was more than duty and chaos.
No matter how far his missions took him, no matter the storms he faced, he always carried a piece of you with him, stitched into the fabric of his life, painted onto the edges of his world. And when the weight of the world grew too heavy, those small, cherished pieces gave him the strength to carry on, until he could return to you again.
