albedo, alhaitham, childe, scaramouche, venti x gn!reader
your job isn’t the best one out there, but it’s easy and keeps you from drowning in tuition fees and rent. working at a 7-eleven on a midnight shift was supposed to be peaceful, so why is it that you constantly find yourself being bothered by weird customers? (modern au)
fluff, comedy, crack, cashier employee reader, modern au, written for fluffvember!
ALBEDO
It’s difficult not to take notice of the perpetually tired college student (much like yourself) who always comes at the latest hours to order a cup of black coffee and a can of beer. The first time you saw him order that drink was a memorable one, if only because of the way your eyes had nearly popped out of their sockets when you saw him mix the two drinks in a large, empty slurpee cup and proceed to drink it all in a matter of seconds.
Another memorable time was when he came in with only enough money to buy a bottle of water, then took a seat at a table near the counter and took out a box full of what you initially presumed were cookies. It was a traumatizing memory you look back on with a shudder as you remember the way he crunched down on it like it was a piece of biscuit instead of a motherfucking spider.
“They’re surprisingly nutritional, full of protein and fibre. It leaves a strange aftertaste, but it’s a good substitute for dinner.”
Since then, you’ve made sure to keep some food ready in the microwave for him, free of charge. He just looked so pitiful sitting by himself with dark under-eyes and greasy hair — the very image of a normal college student — that you couldn’t help yourself from taking money out of your own pocket to help a fellow comrade.
One day, he came to the store with blown pupils and a sort of dazed look in his eyes, words slurring together as he tried to explain to you how he’s finally created an edible liquid that can keep sleep at bay for at least 120 hours…with some small side-effects, but it’ll wear off with time. That’s when you found out he was a bio-chemistry student well on his way to getting a PhD at his young age.
When questioned why he drank the liquid instead of having someone else do it, his response was, “To experience it firsthand, of course. The basis of research is accuracy and precision, how could I be remiss as to leave such an important experiment to someone who could, in their ignorance, fail to mention an important detail that their mind might have labeled as useless.”
You’re not quite sure how he’s still alive by this point.
But his weirdness aside, you resolve to take care of him in your own way, from a fellow tired college student to another. You remind him to get some sleep, steering him away from eating spiders and encouraging him to eat more meat.
“But I am eating meat?”
“Albedo, that’s a spider.”
“And are you saying that spiders do not possess meat?”
“Oh, for the love of—just eat the goddamn sandwich.”
You think he appreciates it, if the way he dedicated his latest thesis to you is any indication.
ALHAITHAM
You were in the middle of answering a math problem your professor assigned that morning, papers sprawled over the counter with you hunched over it, hand in your hair and trying not to pull at it in frustration over how difficult the problem was. And then he’d come in like an angel, all perfectly shiny hair and a no-nonsense look on his face, took one look at you and the papers scattered across the counter and said one sentence that saved your grade in math.
“You forgot to put a negative sign right there.”
That was the moment you decided that he must be an angel sent from heaven. He always grunts whenever you call him that, though whether it’s from amusement or annoyance remains to be seen.
He doesn’t visit the convenience store much, but when he does, he always spares the time to help you out with whatever assignment you were working on, sometimes even taking the initiative of asking if you need his assistance in answering a problem — though he says this on a much less nicer tone.
“Are you gonna make me do your homework again?”
“My professer didn’t assign me one today, surprisingly enough, so no.”
He seemed strangely disappointed when you told him no, but you chalked it up to him being some sort of math wiz who gets riled up by equations and the like. Seems like kind of guy too, what with all the times he’s made a subtle jab at your intelligence — or lack, thereof.
“How could you possibly need a paper to calculate the answer to four-hundred and thirty-two times fifty-eight?”
“Not all of us are smarter than Rukkhadevata like you.”
“Who?”
He’s not bad company, though that opinion stems solely from the fact that he helps you (solves it for you, more like) with all your homework. Not without making comments about you lazing about on the job and letting your customer answer your assignment for you. You respond in a mature way by making fun of him.
“I’ve never seen you without those earphones. Are you hiding a pair of large ears or something?”
“No.”
He refuses to elaborate more on the subject.
Sometimes you give him a drink, usually cola or juice, as thanks for helping you out. He takes it without question, taking sips from it as he tutors you about this and that, occasionally commenting about your job and how you’re only making yourself suffer by taking on midnight shifts. You don’t see why he cares. For all that you jokingly call him an angel, you know he’s far from actually being one.
You once saw him on campus reading a book by the library. It’s easy enough to come up to him and make conversation, handing him an unopened drink you just bought from a vending machine. It just feels wrong not to, more of a habit by this point.
It’s then that someone decides to dramatically drop his books to the ground and point at you and Alhaitham. The blonde guy gapes and asks how in the world Alhaitham managed not to scare you away. His eyes zero in on the can of grape juice on Alhaitham’s hand, and then he proceeds to laugh, asking Alhaitham since when did he decide to start drinking what he once called was an unhealthy drink composed of sugar and artificial flavoring.
You made a mental note of that response, and later that night, you decide to hand him a packaged biscuit. Nothing unhealthy there. Technically.
“Good. I was beginning to wonder if I should start taking medicine in case my stomach burst from the amount of cola you hand me.”
“You could’ve just not accepted, you know.”
“It was given to me. Not accepting would be considered rude.”
“Didn’t Kaveh say you threw a bottle of orange juice to his face after he gave you one?”
“I did.”
He refuses to elaborate more on the subject, but you’ve since resolved to only give him the healthiest thing you could find on the store—which isn’t much considering this is a 7-eleven, but hey, microwaved salad is still salad, right?
He grumbles about the radiation but eats the salad anyway. Another win for you, you suppose.
CHILDE
He came in near the end of your shift, lips busted and an eye swollen shut, blood splattered all over his clothes. The grin on his face should’ve hinted you at his lunacy, but you’ve always been blind to warnings and the like, so you went over the counter and helped him up from where he’s slumped over the chips and candies isle.
Aether, your co-worker and the one who’s about to take over from your shift, only looked at you with tired eyes, “It’s too early for this shit.” That was, of course, Aether’s way of basically saying, you’re on your own.
So you picked up the ginger lying on the linoleum floors, heaving his arm over your shoulder to drag him to the nearest pharmacy — never let it be said that you were just a bystander. He groaned as the movement bothered whatever injuries he may have, but he still looked at you with wide, strangely lightless eyes, as if only now registering your presence, and said, “Holy shit, you’re hot.”
After you finished dumping him on the pharmacy and leaving the people there baffled at what to do with an injured guy, he grabbed your wrist and, with a bloody smile he probably thought was charming, handed you a piece of paper containing his number.
You never text him. Or call.
He comes back to the store a week later with faint yellow bruises across his face and a far too bright grin for someone who’s visiting a 7-eleven at two in the morning. He pouts about not getting a single text from you, but before you can respond, he’s moving on to another topic, mindlessly picking up a box of tampons by the side and setting it on the counter.
He only seems to realize what he’s done when you give him a strange look.
“Tampons are, uh, great for bloody noses!”
“…Right.”
You weren’t convinced at all, but you decided to let it slide. He seemed like a genuine guy, if a bit too enthusiastic sometimes. His mouth never shuts ups, always going on about this and that, asking all sorts of questions that would’ve normally had most normal people backing away. But your brain isn’t exactly at its best condition and being sleep deprived for the better part of your life has made it less of a brain and more of an organ that just helps you get through the day.
You don’t know exactly why he stays to chat with you, buying ridiculous amounts of stuff that were frankly far too expensive just to have an excuse to talk to you. You don’t mind it much, especially when he’s a great deterrent for any unwanted petty thieves or middle school delinquents trying to rob your store every week or so.
Apparently, he’s got a reputation for being a bit of an adrenaline junkie and being willing to fight anything and everything that breathes. And apparently, word’s gotten out that he’s into you, like, really into you, so most guys who have less-than-well intentions have decided that robbing the local 7-eleven isn’t worth the trouble if it means having to deal with Ajax.
“Actually, it’s Tartaglia.”
“Tarantula?”
“No, Tartaglia. It’s my street name! Ajax just doesn’t inspire the same fear into other people’s hearts the same way Tartaglia does.”
“Whatever you say, Tortilla.”
“It’s Tartaglia!”
He never brings up the fact that you never call or text him back, even when he’s somehow gotten ahold of your number and started sending you memes and updates about his day. When asked, he just shrugs and says he’ll win you over eventually.
SCARAMOUCHE
It wasn’t intentional, and you’ll admit it was completely your fault, but did he have to be such an asshole about you dozing off on the counter?
“Have the standards really fallen so low that employees are now afforded to sleep on the job?”
Here was this guy at two in the morning, bemoaning society’s failure in raising the new generation to have a proper work ethic at a 7-eleven store. The guy had a rolex watch and clothes that looked like they were worth more than your monthly salary — you’re not one to judge other people’s appearances, but he’s the very image of nepotism. And frankly speaking, you’re of the opinion that rich people shouldn’t be entitled to an opinion on what the working class decides do with their life, like falling asleep on the job.
…And oh, you just said that out loud, didn’t you?
Oh well, your manager will understand.
The guy with a bowl cut leaves fuming, but not before slapping a wad of cash down the counter to pay for his stupidly expensive noodles, snarling at you to keep the change since you clearly need it more than him.
You do, in fact, keep the change. Money is money, whether it’s from your salary or a rich boy throwing a tantrum.
The next day in class, a bag slams down the seat beside you, and you’re met with the same rich boy from last night, a scowl painting his rather pretty face as he hisses lowly about how he’s surprised you can afford to go to college. Talk about holding a grudge, you would’ve forgotten all about him from last night if he hadn’t given you his change.
He fumes even more when you don’t give him any sort of reaction, merely nodding your head at him and turning back to the board to listen to your professor drone on about this and that. It’s rather difficult to focus, however, when he keeps muttering sarcastic comments and barbs to the teacher beneath his breath.
“If you even had an iota of charm about you, perhaps your wife wouldn’t have filed for a divorce.”
You choked on a laugh, hand coming up muffle the sound, but he clearly noticed, judging by the way he snaps his head to you, eyes wide and seemingly surprised you found it funny. You only smile at him, an amused little thing, but he quickly looked away and murmured something unintelligible beneath his breath, his fists clenched and the tips of his ears curiously pink.
He comes back to visit your job that night, still with that air of haughtiness about him but a bit toned down. Even more surprising was the fact he didn’t immediately leave the moment he handed you his money.
“Do you want the change?”
“Are you so desperate for money that you’d go begging a total stranger for some spare coin?”
“I mean, yeah, I guess.”
“Tch, fine. You can have it.”
He never fails to come back every night, always giving you the change for his bill, even when the amount is more than the items he paid for. Sometimes, he’ll even take out a snack or a drink from the bag and slide them over to you, cheeks suspiciously red as he did so.
“Don’t think this means anything. I’m only giving this to you because I know you can’t afford it.”
“It’s literally worth ten mora.”
“Would it kill you to at least give me a thank you?”
“Thank you, Kunikuzushi. I’ll be sure to treasure this can of cola that I would’ve never been able to afford without your help.”
“Shut up.”
He buys you a tub of ice cream the next night, the ridiculously expensive kind, to prove a point. The two of you eat it together at one of the tables, him grumbling about the stain on the table and the overall lack of quality and taste — at a 7-eleven — and you laughing whatever he says.
Well, you suppose he’s not as much of an asshole as you initially assumed.
VENTI
He’s a bit popular in campus, in the sense that nearly everyone is friends with him, which makes it impossible not to have heard about that one guy who’s really great at singing. You were, unfortunately, one of the few that aren’t well acquainted with him — aren’t acquainted with him at all.
So when he comes up to the counter, all boyish grin and ridiculously short shorts and a cute little pink hair clip keeping his bangs away from his face, holding an entire household’s worth of vodka and wine, you do what any rational semi-adult would do and look at him with a blank face.
“Are you even old enough to drink?”
He laughs at you like this is a common occurrence he faces on the daily before slapping down his ID on the counter. And huh, would you look at that, he’s even older than you are.
He then lights up once he gets a good look at you. “Hey, you’re Albedo’s friend, aren’t you?” He abandons his alcohol at the counter in favor of looking around your quaint little convenient store. “So this is that 7-eleven he keeps talking about…”
You’re not exactly sure what he’s going on about, but you do know he must be a friend of Albedo’s, which makes you ease up around him. He’s nice. Sort of. If you ignore the teasing and the jokes and the way he keeps asking you to give him a student discount. For alcohol. You’d given him what you hoped was your best imitation of Kunikuzushi’s stink eye. You think you got it on point, if the way he deflates is any indication.
He comes around the store every weekend, saying he’s here to get a little treat for the awful weekday he’s had. You never fail to remind him that he has class every Sunday, to which he responds by opening a can of beer (which he hasn’t paid for yet) and sitting on the counter, bemoaning the injustice of putting classes during the weekends.
You once asked him why he keeps hanging around this store when there’s a perfectly good bar right around the corner, owned by that popular red-haired business major from your university. Venti just laughed and said he prefers the quietness here — and the company, he added with a wag of his eyebrows. He always teases you, sometimes borderline flirting, but it’s easy enough to wave it away.
The day you discovered he was actually well known in campus was when your university hosted a local event. There’d been stalls and booths set up everywhere and even a little mock-stage put up near the center for any band or singer to perform in. It’d been nice to have a break from the monotonous routine of going to class and studying then working at your job and getting less than ideal sleep.
And then you heard your name booming out from the speakers, and you turn your head to see Venti on the stage with that little lyre he sometimes carries with him to the store, saying he’d like your opinion on a song or two he composed.
He dedicates the song to you in front of the entire student body, then proceeds to sing the cheesiest, most gut-wrenching and cringiest love song of all time.
“Why did you have to pick that song?”
“Because it’s fun and cute!”
“I sometimes question your ability to distinguish cute from horrifyingly monstrous.”
There’s a mortified look on your face, but amidst the embarrassment and the teasing remarks of his friends, there’s a smile on your face that you can’t bring yourself to wipe away.
i’ll be doing a part two on this but with diluc, dottore, kazuha, xiao, and zhongli!
It really depends on which version of scaramouche you're with
There's the pre three betrayals KUNIKUZUSHI, who would look at you in complete awe, his eyes swirling with childlike curiosity as he watched the rise and fall of your chest
Kunikuzushi who silently takes in your relaxed features, marveling at the slightest sounds or movements you made in your sleep
Kunikuzushi who despite being a divine creation himself, watches you as if you were crafted from the high lands above, carved and cut from an ethereal cloth and sowed together by miracles and dreams.
How curious, he was. And by no means did he harbor any malicious thoughts or ill intentions. Some may have found it creepy, but he was only a fledgling thrown out of the nest, desperate to survive yet also wanting to spread their wings to explore the vast world, his world being you.
If you had hair, he would find himself parting strands of them away from your face and in the act would rub his thumb across your cheek, melting when you cuddled into his touch, sighs of content and soft murmurs escaping you.
If you concealed your hair, he would tuck or readjust whatever you used to cover it.
I feel like any version of him would play with your hair though, and there's the chance of you waking up to find a piece of your hair styled or braided if it could be .
PLEASE keep it like that for awhile, he'll literally melt seeing it.
Sometimes, he copied your breathing to try and feel more human, and would grow concern if you took too long to inhale.
Probably shook you awake one time out of panic, thinking you were dead in your sleep. You were not amused and too tired to complain of the rude awakening so you just nodded off that you were fine, told him to go to bed, and instantly fell back unconscious. He was relieved, confused, and shocked within the span of two minutes.
Humans are strange he concluded...
The slow breaths he mimicked would make him feel at ease and soon he would be in dreamland right beside you.
And on rare occasions, you would wake up to his sleeping figure and admire his peaceful expression.
Then there's the way SCARAMOUCHE/WANDERER looks at you while you're sleeping.
Actually, he glares at you while you sleep, sometimes with a scowl on his face.
He's not mad, he's just deep in thought and it's driving him insane.
What he's thinking about? It's you and how your cute— uh, annoying face makes him feel all weird inside. It's so aggravating, even if he wanted to, he couldn't sleep.
Why would you even let your guard down around him? Are you stupid or just have a death wish?
Even when he raises a hand to you, he doesn't harm you. He thinks about how soft you must be, how warm you would feel beneath his finger tips and he wants to run his hand against your cheek— but he quickly retracts his hand the moment you stir in your sleep.
He's horrified at the thought of almost touching you so tenderly that he's left gazing at his hand in pure shock.
He wholeheartedly believes you've cursed him or could this be one of Buer's tricks? To hell with these meaningless feelings! He thought he eradicated all of them but ... you just had to make him feel... things, it was unfair!
But he could never bring himself to do anything that endangered you. If anything, he wanted to protect you as if you were the gnosis he's been chasing all his life.
When he's thought long enough, he's hit with an epiphany that threatens to push him off the bed, nearly waking you up in the process because the next thought that hits him is
Fuck, he's screwed.
Because how could he fall for a mortal??? Anyone for that matter. He thought it wasn't possible, all he knows is pain and betrayal. But… this foreign feeling that's invading his every thought and holding him captive all stems from you.
In some way shape or form, he blames Nahida, even if he knows she had nothing to do with it.
He crosses his arms, an inaudible huff leaving him as he contemplates what he should do. You could practically feel his glare burning holes into your dreams.
Eventually, he comes to terms with it and his eyes soften as he watches you now out of fear that you'll disappear, just like everything else he cherished.
He'll go from whispering light hearted obscenities to sometimes sweet nothings.
His favorite thing to do is listen to the thrumming of your heart, odd enough that's the only thing that lulls him to sleep.
No matter what version you're stuck with, Scaramouche's gaze would always hold some sort of admiration for the peaceful look of you resting.
"Mnhm..." You mumbled in your slumber, adjusting the arm you were laying on to a more comfortable position.
The sudden movement caused the puppet to retract his hand to his chest, his other, caressing the skin that was inches away from brushing your face.
He bit his lip in anticipation, body stiff, and eyes wide, waiting for yours to open but the sight never came. The tune of your gentle breathing filled his senses, the sound easing the tension he once had as he relaxed against your bed.
Scaramouche mumbled to himself, brows knitted in disappointment, "You're existence is really distracting,"
"Would you prefer if I stopped existing then?" You hummed in your supposed sleep, eyes still close and face still relaxed that had the divine creation wondering if his ears chose to deceive him.
Your smile gave it away however, and the startled puppet could only gulp with a meek "...No."
"Then get used to it," A promise? Perhaps, but Scaramouche couldn't ponder on about your words, not when you reached out and took his hand in yours, bringing it back to the position it once was and pressing it against your cheek.
His face bloomed a pretty red, cloaked by the blanket of midnight, but the sudden warmth of his hands were evidence enough of the state he was in.
Enamored by the way your fingers grazed his own, he finally nestled into your space, his leg thrown over your calf as a means to be closer, a pout still evident on his lips.
The rest of the night was spent listening to the ambience the darkness brought, crickets and nightcrawlers bustling with life, the gentle breeze and rustle of leaves, the soft snores that he was sure indicated you were finally at rest.
His hand still laid on your cheek, thumb swaying from time to time. With a moment of hesitation, his lips found your forehead as it's destination, leaving a soft yet long kiss in it's wake. And when you didn't stir, the wandering puppet opened his heart yet another time, welcoming your name to live within the fractured yet healing bits of his being, two words whispered gently, only for him and the calming breeze to hear.
"I will."
TIGHNARI - YOU'RE ALWAYS APART OF HIS MORNING ROUTINE
Despite the enthusiasm he harbors for new discoveries, TIGHNARI is a creature of habit when it comes to his lifestyle as a Forest Watcher.
He likes to be prepared, organized, and is pretty routine for the most part along with his duties.
The fennec fox has always been an early bird since he carries a lot of responsibilities, but that all changed when you crash landed into his life
More specifically, when you moved in with him.
It's apparent that there's not many chances to spend some quality time with Tighnari, (unless you're working along side him, and even then, it's mainly work and your attention to one another is fractured) he's always on the move and there's new things calling for his presence everyday.
But they'll always be at least two times you'll have his complete and utter attention; when you wake up, and when you fall asleep.
It's known that these moments alone are the most precious so the both of you savior it as much as you can. So there's a special routine to always make the most of each other's company and Tighnari won't let anyone get in the way of it.
It's kinda an unspoken rule for the other rangers/watchers to not disturb the two of you until one of you comes out. The entire forest better be in flames before anyone dares knock on your door unless they wanna face a sassy and grumpy fox. cue the "You woke me up for THIS?" lecture.
On a normal morning, waking up together consists of soft touches and cuddles.
Tighnari usually wakes up first but on rare occasions do your eyes get blessed with the view of him waking up, and it's truly a sight to see.
The first thing you wake up to is Tighnari's arms wrapping securely around you, ungloved hands running up and down the small of your back, another feeling of his lips tracing up your shoulder and to your chin until you give him a pleasant reaction.
There's times you'll pretend to still be deep in slumber just to hear him whine and nuzzle his face into your cheek. He might tickle you if you keep up the act long enough.
The way your fingers run against the edges of his ears, soothing circles coaxing out the sweetest of purs that reverberates along the crook of your neck where his face rests. It's an absolute must do before anyone decides to leave the comfort of your shared bed.
The rest of the morning is filled with the two of you getting ready. It doesn't matter what you're doing really, one of you would always be near the other.
If you had hair and allowed him to see it, he'd sneak in the bathroom while you're doing your hair to hug you again, giggles erupting from the both of you as he kissed your nape and moved to work on his own strands of bed hair.
You're always in sync no matter how tired the both of you are, you always know what the other needs before being asked, already handing it to each other if it's close by.
It's so domestic catching glimpses of Tighnari staring at you through the mirror, a warm smile on his face that you return tenfold. Please tease him a little, just to see his face heat up and his ears slightly dip because he's flustered.
If you're having trouble with your hair or don't feel like doing it, he'll chime in and offer to help. He's also very gentle and knowledgeable about what products works well with your hair type.
He likes when you fret over his tail and offer to brush and oil it. He also smacks or brush your side with his tail whenever you pass by, he swears it's not intentional but his smirk says otherwise. It's a passive way of scenting you.
There are times where one of you doesn't feel like getting out of bed just yet. You have to use a few tricks to get Tighnari to cuddle you again.
Softly pull his tail, cling to him a little, run your hands against his back and tell him you miss how warm and soft he was.
Beware if you cling to him though, he will pick you up and start his morning routine with you hanging from his back.
The only way you're 100% staying in bed is if you're feeling under the weather.
He'll cater to any and everything you need and will stay with you longer before he has to leave. Expect soft rubs to whatever hurts and he'll let you snuggle his tail if you wish.
There are times though, when the sly fox just wants to sleep in for the day, regardless if the two of you had plans or not. The forest could wait, plus, how could you pass up an entire morning spent with your lover?
Conversations consist of asking what the other plans for the day, silently conspiring to sneak in moments to have the other to themselves in a way it doesn't inconvenience them.
Tighnari would usually cook and if you have that under your skillset, he'll cook with you and would always offer his help with whatever recipe you're craving.
If you're forgetful, he would always have/know where things are and will always remind you of something before you leave the house.
Tighnari's favorite part of the day is right before he leaves.
Your hands fiddle with the seams of his clothing, smoothing out wrinkles and adjusting here and there. He loves how concentrated you look, so focused and doting only on him.
His hands rest comfortably on your waist, your eyes peering up as your fingers run effortlessly through his hair, separating green from black.
You'll peck his nose as he's caught in his trance, only to see his face scrunch up in a adorable way and his ears twitch to the sound of your laugh.
He falls in love with you even more, if that's even possible.
The cherry on top is the kiss he gives you before his departure.
He'll never give you a rushed kiss, he'll feel off the rest of the day if he ever did. So expect passionate kisses.
He always pours all of his love into them, pulling you closer with a hand cupping your face, thumbing your skin.
When you do pull away, there's another silent conversation that happens all with eye contact, green and brown hues lighting up as if it witnessed the universe itself in all its beauty. He'll voice a paraphrased version of it though, words of being safe and one last "I love you." before he goes.
Like I said, every moment with you is precious and he'll never take your time for granted.
Your eyes fluttered open as the sun peeked over the horizon, emitting a soft glow of orange and red that creeped through the translucent pang of glass. The call of birds- you could normally put a name too if it weren't for your drowsy state- sung a sweet melody, broadcasting to the residential wildlife that the sun has come to rise and shine over the vast foliage you've come to know.
Sadly, you didn't wake up to the feeling of Tighnari cuddled against you, feeling the chill of the morning instead in his absence. A shiver crawled up your skin as you pulled the covers tighter around you, eyes searching for your lover to steal his body heat and capture a few more minutes of rest. But as soon as you turned around, you were met with a sight you could fawn over for centuries.
Dark and green strands framed messily over his cheek, his mouth slight agape accompanied by the slow breaths he took that made his chest rise and fall. Tighnari laid curled into himself, hugging his tail as drool dribbled down the crevice of his mouth. How adorable, you couldn't help but be captivated by his angelic look, urging closer to admire the puppy like and blissful state he slept in.
He bathed in the candescence of the unrivaled lightning Sumeru held, coating him in a golden hue that made him look otherworldly.
The fennec fox's ears twitched upon your shuffling, tail spurring into a calm motion as he stretched the exhaustion from his limbs. He really did resemble a small kitten, uncurling from his ball and yawning as his ears fell flat against his head, giving you a glimpse of his pointed canines and reminding you how animalistic his features were.
"... Morning," He greeted sluggishly, voice carrying a rasp that made your heart do jumping jacks. "How'd you sleep?"
He was already in motion before you could answer, finding his place with you snaked between his arms, tail draped around you in some way with his chest pressing against your front as he laid on top of you.
"It was alright," you answered honestly, hands idly tracing unmethodical patterns on the small of his back. "But seeing you wake up was the highlight of it."
"Mmnh..." Tighnari hummed, face buried in the cavern between your neck, waiting for something it seemed. But when you started to move away, his grasp quickly tightened, restricting you completely.
You blinked, "Is something wrong?" you asked to which he responded with a huff. Yes. Okay so what could it be? You racked your mind for answers as the forest watcher grew more impatient.
Did he feel ill? Was he upset? You mumbled aloud to yourself, voice laced with puzzlement as you played coy.
Of course you knew what he wanted, you just loved to tease him. Tighnari was no fool to your theatrics however, not that it was an elaborate scheme, he'd fallen into your traps too many times to know when you were messing with him.
But if you wanted to play that way...
"Hmm, I wonder what it could—" You yelped before you could continue, his fangs grazing your skin as he nibbled on your collar bone. He specifically made it so that his ears were obscuring your vision, flicking every so often in anticipation. "Fine, fine, I concede," You giggled, finally giving his fluffy appendages their much needed attention.
"Yeah, I thought so," You could feel him smirk against you, giving a kiss to the mark he recently made. "Haven't anyone told you to never poke a bear with a stick, you big lummox."
"Yeah, but they never said the bear would be this adorable, how could I resist?" You cooed gently, leaving a small peck on his ear as a purr escaped from your lover. "They never said they could purr either,"
"Oh shut up."
"I love you too," You smiled, falling deeper in love with his adorable drowsy voice.
A sigh of content came from his end as he held you closer. He nuzzled against your hand and his eyes softened before coming to a close. "Unfortunately, the feeling is mutual."
You stifled a laugh, hitting his shoulder lightly in feigned offense. "Tighnari!"
To be in your arms like this every morning and every coming night? Oh he wouldn't have it any other way.
“ I could tell you I love you without saying I love you. ”
𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 | Different and unique, albeit a bit unconventional and funny, ways they show you they love you without exactly saying affectionate words.
𝐂𝐖 / 𝐓𝐖 | gn!reader x albedo, zhongli, wanderer, venti, cyno and tighnari (separate); fluff, crack on some, stuck on confined space (tighnari); established relationship; if you spot the meme, very good have a nice day 😂
𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 | Look, I'm not very good at writing fluff because angst is what I do best xD this is just what I could do now so forgive me if the fluff is inadequate lol. Also, this is part of the Fluffvember event hosted by @maehemthemisfit <3 I enjoy writing this so I hope you can also enjoy reading~
masterlist | fluffvember masterpost
It was an established law in the house that the chores should be equally separated at all times. For example, you would wash the dishes in the morning, then the Wanderer would take his turn in the evening. An equal work for everyone living under the same room, and he agreed, albeit begrudgingly at first.
Though such was the case in washing the dishes, you would always see him loitering near you in the morning when you were washing the dishes, crossing his arms while leaning on the doorframe with a frown, under the guise of personally seeing you doing chores because he feared you would break the plates when he was not looking. Likewise, it becomes a habit for you to also sit by the counter to wait for him to finish his chore in the evenings before retiring to bed together.
You would, happily, daresay it become a routine, even.
When you were being particularly affectionate that night, you would just hug him from behind silently, your head resting on his back and your arms wrapped tightly around his torso, no matter how many times he complained loudly and sneered at you for being so clingy. (He said that grumpily but he made no move to remove you anyway, so you guessed that he didn't actually mind the affection.)
“Hmp. Come, hold my hand." His tone sounds so bossy and demanding, though you were not surprised. It's just the way he was, you could even say it was amusing at times.
You wrinkled your nose, peering over his shoulders to see him holding the sponge on his right hand and a plate on the other. “...But you were washing the dishes?"
The Wanderer rolled his eyes in exasperation. “Did I stutter? I could multitask.”
That evening, your shit-eating grin couldn't be any wider to the point he told you irritatedly to wipe that off or you'll sleep on the sofa tonight.
For someone who had lived for so long, Zhongli surely had a knack for poetry at times. Sometimes, it was a random burst of inspiration from overlooking the Liyue Harbour plains, at times it was about a history long forgotten, many times it was, well, about you.
“I love you dearly."
You couldn't help your stomach doing flips and your heart was somersaulting in happiness. And you want to return to him all the love and affection he freely gave you, even with simple words.
Although Zhongli seems to have a small dislike of you saying the word of affirmation back to him.
“I love—"
"I advise you not to finish that sentence." He firmly said, his gloved finger gently tapped at the bottom of your lip to cut you off. Your muscles almost weakened at the intensity of his fiery eyes boring into you.
Seriously speaking, if anyone could perfectly pull off the dom-boyfriend thing, it would surely be a man with the charisma of a god.
"What? Why?"
A small pause.
Then his eyes softened as his large hands cupped the corner of your cheeks, tracing your cheekbones with light feathered touches that left you sighing pleasantly. “...Because it felt you were merely agreeing with me.”
Albedo's curiosity is one of his charms, that's an undeniable fact. His capacity for boundless discoveries knows no bounds, so you couldn't exactly find in yourself to be surprised when he asked you such a…scandalous and funny question.
“Do you mind making out with me?" His tone never changed, the same calm, a bit indifferent, but with enough warmth that he reserved only for you. "Fret not, it's for the sake of science.”
"What." You deadpanned, not understanding where his sudden line of thought comes from.
Of course, you don't mind. But its funny how it's very Albedo-like to ask something like making out right now just for the sake of science when he had many chances to do so behind…closed doors before.
He seemed to have read your thoughts because a serene smile crossed his lips as he put down all his paperworks and approached you. “I merely had to collect many samples before I could draw a definite conclusion. This study is, if you want to know, based on my unpublished research that consists of you and me alone, by the way.”
Albedo said it all in a matter-of-fact tone that you couldn't help but to laugh at its incredulity, his arms snaking around you in a warm hug that could dispel the frigid cold in Dragonspine. “We could. But I have to finish this first.” You gestured to the papers on the table.
The alchemist didn't miss the playful twinkle in your eyes as he gently plucked the papers away and cupped your cheeks so you were looking straight at his seafoam eyes, smirking smugly. “If that's your attempt to decline, I deserve to have the right to decline your declination."
“Corporate can't ask me what's the difference between you and the world.”
It's been a stressful week for you, and all you've wanted is to curl next to your lover, with his arms wrapped warmly around and rest your head on his chest. There was nothing more domestically pleasing than having Cyno's talented fingers smoothing your hair while also massaging your scalp. It's a very therapeutic way of spending time together, especially since he has such a busy schedule during the day.
These simple moments you could cherish forever.
Though you couldn't say the same when he, of all times, chooses to break the comforting silence between you two with one of his seemingly dry jokes again.
Still, you were a faithful lover to him. So, as a faithful lover that you are, you indulged in his daily dose of humour.
You nuzzled your face to the crook of his neck, grinning to yourself when you notice a slight goosebump on his skin. “Why not?”
Cyno deeply breathed. "Because for me, they're literally the same.”
It took you a few seconds to realise what 'joke' he was talking about. By then, you could feel your heart leaping from your throat, and your satisfied grin slowly morphed into a flustered expression.
He gave a small, triumphant snort, but you were too engrossed to the fact that he just told you that 'you were his world and his world is you', to really care for anything but him anymore.
Tighnari is a man of many talents, a great leader who strives for the success and perseverance of others while also never failing to seek knowledge to whichever that piqued his interest. His scholar and Forest Watcher side is highly admirable, but that couldn't be the same to his…questionable sides.
“—I can't believe we're stuck in the same closet together.” You said in disbelief, both of your hands propped on Tighnari's sides to keep yourself grounded and crashing into him completely.
Although you knew he wouldn't mind, you refuse to give him another teasing material from you. He would surely use your flustered state with this forced proximity just to get a rise from you and then embarrassingly retell it later just for shit and giggles. (He does this especially when you are particularly stubborn about doing something that would compromise your safety.)
You didn't even realise how both of you got inside the same closet together. Because the only thing you could think of right now is how he—
“Truly unfortunate,” there was a barely concealed mirth hidden in the recesses of his usually stern voice. Unbeknownst to your appalled self, the key to the closet sits comfortably in his pockets.
For only during this time could he spend his time together with you, without anyone to disturb you both. He could hold you in his arms without any prying eyes, stare at your face without a single hint of shame, and gleefully hear the thundering beats of your heart.
Tighnari knew Collei would open the closet soon, as he told her beforehand. But for now, a man could enjoy his alone time with his beloved, right? Enjoying the hidden moment as if there's only him and you in this world.
You knew Venti could be a little ball of menace sometimes (read: all the times), but he's very open to his affections and the way he expresses his love is a bit unconventional and too much for others, suggesting something unbelievable and funny, but you knew its because he's always thinking of you.
You loved that he's attentive of your moods, that he knew when you need a good laugh, or a shoulder to cry and vent on, or merely times that you need a song to calm your raging heart. He never failed to read you like an open book, questioning you what you want, and giving you all the freedom and love you could hoped to have.
Venti is a good lover.
Still, he's a little menace.
For example, there was a time that you stubbornly refused to let go of your fourth commission for that day, and you were undeniably exhausted and stressed from fighting left and right. As a good lover that he proclaimed he is, Venti playfully snatched the commission paper from your hands and ran away with it, laughing gloatingly at how you could never catch up to him.
It seriously took you almost almost five minutes and cursing and following him around to catch up to his surprisingly long strides. You hit the back of his head and scolded him for doing this again (you knew this was his way of making you take a break so you didn't have any heart to be truly angry).
“Dear me, you could punch me in the face and I would still want you.”
“Shut up, Venti.” You tried to keep the glower to tell him off, but the way he heartily laughed and invited you to fly in the sky, just the two of you this time…
Once again, the commission is forgotten.
TAGLIST (let me know if you want to be added in my future works!): @samarill , @maehemthemisfit , @chocogi
; this is my submission for fluffvember by @maehemthemisfit!
; Tighnari x Reader, fluff, romantic
; When Tighnari was gifted a Kamera by the Traveler, after taking a photo of you by accident, decided how he'd put it to good use.
"Hey, you haven't touched your food!"
"I will in a second."
Already at your wit's end to keep your hunger at bay, you finally bit into the delicious pita pocket Collei had packed for your patrol today.
While Tighnari continued to tinker away at the device in his hand as the cuisine next to him sat neglected. It was a gift from the Traveler from their recent trip to Fontaine, an enhanced(?) version of the Kamera that has the ability to both print the captured photo immediately as well as store the image in data form.
Naturally, scholar that he is, the forest watcher had been poking and pinching the device to fully understand it.
He even brought it with you during your patrol together, it capturing his attention even as you sat on one of the picnic tables scattered around the forest to eat your lunch.
... heh, capturing, captured, Kamera. Oh no, Cyno's infected you -
CLICK. And a flash after almost made you drop your food on the table.
"What the heck?" Desperately rubbing the white spots in your vision, you briefly saw a surprised expression pass by Tighnari's face as his attention still stayed on the device.
"My bad, I guess that's what that button does." He seemed content, you can tell just by looking at his tail that wagged enthusiastically behind him so openly. You were about to groan a complaint at him when the sound of gears and grinding caught you both off-guard.
Leaning close, you both watched as the Kamera began sliding out a piece of white paper. And there in all its glory is your face:
Pita pocket held near your chewing mouth as your cheeks were stuffed, your gaze off to the left signifying your preoccupied thoughts beforehand as a breeze gently swept your strands. Despite the impromptu shoot, somehow it turned out really well.
"Ohhh, that's some high quality print." But before you could take the photograph, his deft hands picked and pocketed the thing. Tighnari was already pulling away from the table as he cleaned up the place.
"The film for this is expensive and exported, every print is precious." He watched as you huffed to yourself, gathering your items into your bag as he reminded you that break time is over. Perfectly oblivious to the cheeky smile he dons as he decides how he would use his new toy.
The patrol continued as usual with the occasional small talk, but it relatively stayed in peaceful silence without much to say. His mind was elsewhere, you can tell by how his brows furrowed and his attention fleeting here and there.
His fingers twitched again when you spoke up. "Sooo, why did you bring the Kamera with you?"
"I was thinking of updating the field guide, perhaps a less comprehensive version, a digest with accompanying images."
Tighnari bit back a smile at the sight of you perking up at the idea, watching you copy his movement earlier to inspect the forest floor for any interesting floras to add into the digest. Flowers, flowers is a good start, can't go wrong with them.
You were always so eager to help, your companion shook his head endearingly as you started mumbling local flowers under your breath, completely enamored by the new task.
Patrol soon became a foraging trip as you lead the way with Tighnari following behind, Kamera already in his hand but not yet taking a photo of anything. Instead, he would point at a flower that looked to be the healthiest in the bunch which you would carefully pluck to join the bundle growing in your arms.
Lotuses, Viparyas, Sumeru Rose, Mint, Padisarahs, huh there's not really a lot of flower variations in the Avidya Forest actually.
"I think I got all of the flowers? Well, I added the mint despite not being a flower." Tighnari looked up from the mushroom he was inspecting to see you grinning at him, flowers overflowing in your arms. "You think we should add mushrooms into this -"
"Can you hold that pose for a second?" His eagerness seeped through his request as he raised the device. Even his ears twitched with excitement.
Nodding, you made sure that all the flowers (and mint) could be viewed in the shot. CLICK!
"Nice, did the flowers look good? I thought it would have been better to lay it out instead." You don't see the printed photograph this time as you focused on bunching up the flowers for an easier hold.
"Yeah, the flowers..." Yet when you looked at him, his attention was on the photo again with a soft and satisfied smile.
The patrol was thankfully uneventful after that. Something as engaging as a spinocrocodile or rishboland tiger encounter wouldn't really be good for a fragile Kamera in hand. You wouldn't be much help to Tighnari if you want to maintain the quality of the flowers you gathered either.
Some of the forest rangers already went back to Ghandarva Ville after their respective patrols well into the early evening, making the place livelier than it was that morning.
Stepping up to the platform, you were pleasantly surprised to see a familiar figure sitting under a lantern outside.
"Ah, Master Tighnari, (Y/N)! Welcome back from your patrol!"
"Why are you out here?" Placing your haul on the table, you took a seat next to Collei while the Forest Watcher sat across. "Studying?"
"Yeah, I can't quite grasp some of the concepts still so I thought a change of scenery would help." Leaning over as Collei tapped her pencil on her notes, Tighnari leaned his cheek to his palm, watching the two of you talk animatedly about the topic at hand.
"Oh, I remember this! Tighnari LOVES to make this topic difficult in his tests," the man in question scoffs and rolls his eyes. "But if you look at it this way -"
Eager to get some help, Collei passed the pencil to your awaiting hand as you started writing a new section in her notes. The way the trainee forest ranger presses against your side to get a closer look, how you make eye contact when emphasizing an important note to which Collei earnestly nods to, when you smile when you sense her progress -
CLICK. The both of you looked up from the study session with wide eyes, just in time to see Tighnari lower the Kamera with a smile.
Shaking your head, you kicked his foot under the table gently. "Precious print, my ass."
"A section highlighting the forest ranger's mentoring capabilities could be good." Was his immediate response, which you scoffed at with an easygoing smile.
"Don't worry about it, Collei." Your attention shifts to the younger female to ease her confusion on the matter. "He's just being a goof. Where were we? Right, so..."
The next day started beautifully for the Chief Officer, happier than when he finished his research, happier than when he ate his favorite mushroom.
How could he not be extra enthusiastic of the day when it started with him looking at the pictures he had taken, now tucked neatly on his table for later perusal. It looked better seeing it under the natural lighting of the morning, almost as if the image sparkles.
And when he saw you waving at him first thing in the morning, the day just got significantly better.
"Good morning, Master Tighnari." His eyes followed the hand that cards through your nicely dried hair. "Oh, you're taking more pictures today?"
"Yes." Eyes flickering between your form and the Kamera in his hand, a bright idea popped in his head. "Actually, can you stand there for a second?"
Confused but compliant, you watched as Tighnari placed the Kamera on a tree stump nearby, adjusting the angle and distance as he looked at you through the lens.
And when he was seemingly satisfied, he left the device there to join you where he left you.
Before you could ask, his lean arm snakes around your waist securely. "I found out that there was a timer option." That wasn't the question in your mind anymore tho!!
It wasn't until he started leaning forward did you finally realize his intention, hand grasping at his sleeves as the feeling of his warm breathe tickles your waiting lips. Your eyes closed with the distance, the gentleness reminiscent of a good morning kiss.
Just as soft as the flower petals you plucked yesterday, as filling as an afternoon meal, as sweet as the happiness of being with him —
CLICK! Your eyes flew open at the sudden flash.
Oh, that sneaky fox! But before you could comment on it, Tighnari leaned over to chase another kiss, his triumphant smirk melding with your lips.
a/n: this is part of the #fluffvember2022 event that I was tagged in, my first one actually, so I hope you guys enjoy and check out the other works of the authors! Happy Fluffvember! @maehemthemisfit , here is the fic.
gn!reader, poc!reader friendly <3
_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
Lisa puts bells on her hat to make it look suitable for the festive season and decorates the library for Christmas. Miss Librarian here also puts away the purple and replaces is with a not so modest red dress all the way from 20th December till Jesus's b-day. Stockings, fishnets: she likes to switch it up. She knows you like to make time to see her, so she when she sees you coming she quickly hangs up the mistletoe above the door where you come in. Whether that gets you flustered or not is up to you, but a makeout session beneath the doorway shall be had nonetheless. After her library closes, you can bet that you two are having hot chocolate next to the fireplace and Christmas tree.
Ayato doesn't celebrate Christmas, so the Kamisato estate isn't decorated for the occasion. Who do you think they are? Commoners? Well no, obviously, but there is a tree in Lord Kamisato's office! Just a small one! You help him decorate it: it's going to have tiny baubles and tinsel to lighten up the mood, even just a little bit. Ayato wants to explore the holiday with you, so he's open to any suggestions like drinking hot chocolate together or watching movies. If you guys do try it, tell me how it went.
Ah, Lady Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine. She's very interested in this mortal holiday, and spending it with you this year shall be even more exciting! Whether you're a fantastical being like her or Ei, or you're regular human as mentioned, it doesn't matter. She's going to have lots of fun with you. Yae Miko insists on decorating the Shrine with you, but it's more like her watching you do it whilst you flex your body to get in the nooks and crannies. Trust me, she's enjoying the view. If you beg her enough, she'll give in to your whining and wear baubles instead of her usual earrings. You can't tell anyone though, it's your little secret. Christmas cuddles are a must. Contrary to popular belief, she's very cuddly and possessive. Sure, she likes to tease you, but she's nice! She's also your's.
Zhongli goes Christmas shopping with you in November. He's seen the rush, and the fights, and the deals. He's not going through that. Yes, you'll have to pay more and you guys will look weird but that's okay. You guys will have the last laugh when you see the many Liyueans groan in realisation. Like Ayato and Yae Miko, he's never celebrated this holiday, but since this is his first year living as a human, he has to fit in. Your husband/boyfriend/fiancé makes different teas for you to taste test. Cinnamon tea, peppermint tea, pumpkin spice. You name it, he attempts to make it. Soon, your stuffed with tea and can't drink anymore! Oh well, a movie marathon can help you digest all of that.
Yelan doesn't see the significance of this holiday. Yeah... excuse her, she's a bit insensitive about this. That doesn't mean she doesn't care, she'll take a look at your wishlist and buy every single thing on that list. You add something later? That's fine. 💸 money noises. 💸 You take something off there? 💸 refund noises. 💸 She's not the most affectionate, nor the best with words, but she is trying her best to show you that she loves you. Otherwise, why would she be with you in the first place? Anyway, I should probably mention that she's a secret sucker for Christmas rom-coms. I mean, two idiots beat around the bush and eventually fall in love with a festive theme. What more could you want??
Xiao doesn't see the point. Why do so many people on this list not celebrate Christmas or any kind of holiday??? Should've rethought who I was writing for. But!! But. Hear me out. You make him cinnamon almond tofu. Oh my goodness, hand in marriage right now. Or better. You join him in being a Yaksha and have your wedding over the graves of the dead Yakshas to make it seem like they're your guests. He would love you forever and ever and ever. Also: you guys have snowball fights for every day that it snows. Keep him from eating the snow though, okay? Xiao probably has no sense of self-control when it comes to snow. Put a santa hat on him and you really are done! He has so much fun though, he'll ask every day of December if it's Christmas yet and doesn't sleep on Christmas Eve at all.
Childe + baking gingerbread since he is a ginger = perfection. You, him and Tuecer soooo make cookies for Santa, or in this case Ded Moroz. Search him up, he's cool. Carrots for the reindeer and milk for the jolly fat man in the sky, you guys are all set. Sleepovers! Basically, you guys prepare for Christmas with his family. Instead of actually sleeping, you guys may be sharing soft kisses under the blankets of the pillow fort, but they don't need to know that... Childe is really grateful to have you, you make everything so much fun! Decorating the tree with him is a blast, and you've got yourself a fan when you put the star on the tree without being lifted up <- Tuecer is the fan by the way.
Miss Shenhe is clueless with the concept of holidays itself: you've got to give her the best time ever. First, you two get some matching sweaters - that's the bare minimum. She seems to like matching with you, protectively holding your arm in the fear of you leaving her and matching with someone else. Don't worry babes, [name] wouldn't leave you like that. You can stop being jealous now. You need to take her to the Christmas markets! She's going to be so bewildered, walking around being offered sweets and crackers and goodies! She feels... normal. Accepted. Shenhe has already deemed Christmas her favourite season. Pick out trees with her, take it back to her abode and decorate it with the many pinecone and candy canes and tinsel you found. She offers to put tinsel around your neck and- oh? Is that a smile coming from our crane on the wind? Aww <3
Kazuha knows what this holiday is, he used to celebrate it with Tomo when they were both in Inazuma together. But now he has you. That's all he needs. He's so cheeky! Throwing snowballs at you and pretending he doesn't know what you're talking about? The nerve! This is war. You guys just walk hand in hand along the path with pine trees, shaping snow into tiny ornaments and putting them on the trees, only for them to fall down and you both laugh. You guys take in stray cats and sneak them on board Beidou's ship. She doesn't mind, but she thinks 10 cats is more than enough. The ship itself is full of life, and Kazuha definitely seems to know a lot of Christmas folk tales. The lights are amber, carols are being sung. This is how your prepare for Christmas.
Once again, thank you for letting me participate in this event, and if there are any other events then hit me up you know?
character[s] — kamisato ayato.
theme & genre — fluff, kissing, strangers to lovers?
cw/tw — alcohol, a tad bit suggestive.
word count — 2.9k words.
a/n — for @maehemthemisfit 's fluffvember collab ! thank you for having me <3
wonder what i'll do when the cops come through and the whiskey's run out.
you mindlessly swirled around the sparkling beverage in your wine glass, the soft party lights illuminating everything around you.
you weren't really one for house parties, especially when your friend who'd promised to keep you company had just abandoned you to go talk to someone about fifteen minutes ago. now, you were sitting alone, which was quite embarrassing, considering everyone around you was chattering away with their companions.
it was a shame, really. you'd gotten all dressed up and put on your best clothes and nicest accessories, and even got all excited to have fun with your friends, all to be left alone.
although, you wouldn't say you felt alone, honestly.
especially not with the incredibly handsome stranger who'd been eyeing you for the past five minutes.
he wasn't exactly a stranger, you'd seen him around your university, he was quite the celebrity there.
understandably so, since he was the president of the student council, his sister being the vice president.
you didn't quite remember his name. from what you'd heard, he was an intelligent and opportunistic man, but equally mischievious and cunning.
but god, no one had told you he would be so attractive.
when you first met his eyes, you immediately turned to the other side, a bit surprised from realising he was looking at you, of all people. in your eyes, you were definitely one of the least eye-catching people there, surrounded by many eccentric souls who came off a bit too strong in their mannerisms and impressions.
feeling his gaze on you, you fixed your hair out of instinct, looking down at the drink. it seemed lackluster now, for some reason.
actually, almost everything seemed lackluster after you'd locked eyes with him.
time passed rather slowly for your comfort, and it was a bit frustrating. solely because you still felt him looking at you, his lavender eyes gazing upon your figure sitting on the bar stool. you would rather he come up and talk to you instead.
he was assertively sitting on the sofa, legs crossed as if he owned the place. some women did approach him, but he was quick to deny any advances made from them. he came with four other people before, but now he was all alone. you'd noticed them get up and go to dance, and you assumed he didn't want to.
well, assumptions were no more needed, anyway. you could just straight up ask him directly, now, since he was making his way to you before you could process anything.
'cause i've been lookin' at you since half past two, wanna take this downtown?
a cool, collected voice asked you, "is this seat taken, miss?" and you quickly nodded, knowing who it might be. his voice made little goosebumps form on your skin, but you dismissed it to be the cold air in the room. it was nearing the end of november, anyway.
you took another sip of your drink. you suddenly felt like you were underdressed for the occasion, even though this was the most you've dressed up for a party.
he had a cup of bubble tea in his hand (the first time you'd ever seen someone drink bubble tea at a house party), fairly well-dressed for a place full of people on the verge of breaking down, with his blue hair tied into a low ponytail that was thrown over his shoulder.
you glanced at him, and felt your cheeks darken a bit. you convinced yourself it was the alcohol (and spoiler alert: this wasn't the last time you're to blame the your drink for whatever was to go down).
why were you embarrassed again? he was the one who was staring, no?
"um, hi. you're the president of the student council, right?" you said, tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear, even though it was already tucked. "y/n."
"hm? a pretty name. suits you well." he smiled, stretching out his hand as if it were for a business deal. "ayato kamisato, president of the student council, you may just call me ayato. a pleasure to meet you, miss y/n."
a pretty name... suddenly, you felt grateful for your name. you wouldn't trade it for the world.
ayato, his name was prettier. everything about him was. the way he composed himself was so dignified.
"no need to be formal. you can just call me y/n." you shook his hand. they were soft as silk, and you enjoyed the feeling of them against yours. "it's nice to meet you too, ayato."
a small moment of silence followed your introduction. a part of you was hoping that wasn't the end of the conversation.
"what brings you here, y/n? i mean, you're alone, like me. so i couldn't help but wonder." he raised a brow and you laughed softly, your voice barely overpowering whatever cliché love song that was playing on the speakers.
"i came with friends, but they all left to do their own things. so basically, i was ditched." you frowned a little, then titled your head in ayato's direction. "you?"
"my friends have their dating anniversary today. why one would keep an anniversary for their first date, i will never know." he chuckled softly, and you felt warm in your chest, comforted by his presence.
you chuckled, wishing them a happy anniversary from your end. ayato nodded, taking another sip of his boba.
ayato had a playful glint in his eyes, his smile lighting up the room as he carefully tapped the table in front of him with a proper rhythm. he was gorgeous, no competition.
"they went off to dance. each of them has their own partner, but me. i'd rather sit alone than dance alone surrounded by my friends who look like they're about to make out with each other." ayato said, as if he was waiting for you to say something.
fifth wheel, much? you felt pretty bad about that, but hey, he was always welcome to dance with you.
that's what you were thinking, atleast. not what you wanted to say out loud.
you swore you were never drinking alcohol again.
this liquid courage got me way too honest.
"well, would you like to dance with me?" you said, and your hands clasped over your mouth the second the words came out of them.
bold move, y/n. very bold.
"you can just say no it's fine you don't have to say yes i mean i'm practically delusional for wanting to dance with someone like you you know i'm basically nobody and why would you even dance with me even though i find you pretty cute and i'm internally wishing that you would and i should really shut up now-" you paused, taking a deep breath. "shouldn't i?"
ayato stared at you, wide-eyed. "huh?"
"i'm so sorry, you can ignore me for the rest of the nigh-" you started, but were interrupted by ayato's laughter echoing through your ears.
"oh my god, you're so cute." he stated, and you nearly fell off your stool. "i'm WHAT", was your internal monologue. you were absolutely flabbergasted. how could he say things like that without feeling embarrassed?
his contagious laughter subsided as you attempted (and failed) to collect your thoughts.
"it'd be an honour to dance with you, y/n. besides," ayato winked, grinning. "i couldn't ignore you even if i tried."
cheesy. and unbelievable. that's how you would describe the entire situation. but despite how your face was on fire, you couldn't help but feel an uncontrollable surge of euphoria rush through your veins.
ayato stood up, extending his hand for you to take. you got up, following his lead.
the music was deafening, but you could still hear his heart beating loudly as you danced with him. you smiled in his direction, eyes meeting for what was the hundredth time, but seemed like the first, since you felt all your complex emotions over and over again.
perhaps it wasn't good to be so attracted to a stranger. perhaps it wasn't so good to want to leave this party and go somewhere quieter. where it was just you and him.
you wished he wasn't looking at you the way he was, his sultry voice making you feel goosebumps all over again.
his hands were wrapped around your waist, as he moved to the music. you clutched onto his clothes, unable to meet his gaze.
put your phone on vibrate, let's catch a vibe, babe, while the sun's down.
"look me in the eyes, y/n." he whispered close to your ear, and you stiffened up, immediately locking eyes with him. he smiled, his thumb holding up your chin. you instinctively closed your eyes, and he leaned in.
his soft lips pressed against yours, and for a brief moment, it felt like you were falling.
it was thrilling.
when he pulled away, you pulled him back for another kiss, and he obliged willingly. it felt surreal, to kiss underneath party lights, the surge of adrenaline rushing through your veins, your heart beating fasted than it ever had before.
the alcohol was starting to act up.
"do you... do you wanna go somewhere else?" you whispered, voice barely above the chattering of people. bold move, you thought to yourself. but you didn't want to wait for no reason and let it pass by you.
ayato took the hint immediately, smiling. "of course. where do you want to go?"
"anywhere."
"what about my place, then?" he offered, and you nodded quickly. ayato smiled, giving you his hand.
hush now, i know we're a little too fucked up to stay still, love.
you followed as he led you through the sea of people, and he stopped to talk to a woman who looked just like him. you assumed it was his sister.
"ayaka, i'll be going back home." he said, and the girl; ayaka, asked why. ayato responded by nudging you, and you greeted her.
she bowed slightly, greeting you back. "see you, brother!" ayato grinned, waving her goodbye.
"your sister is gorgeous." you complimented, and ayato replied with, "i'll let her know."
you both quietly left the party, making sure to tell no one except ayaka that you two were together. god knows what sort of wildfire would begin when they found out that the kamisato ayato was seen leaving a party with a nobody.
be as quiet as you can, 'cause if anyone sees they'll just blow shit up.
then again, you didn't care. you were impatient, and you knew nothing mattered except you and him. let people say whatever, you were just there to be with him.
you and ayato spoke about things on the way while he drove to his estate, and you were glad to get to know him. you'd never felt this... free, this comfortable with someone you'd just met before. he was charismatic, and easy to talk to. it didn't take much for you to find yourself feeling attracted to him.
you were quite talkative too, under the influence of whatever drinks you'd had at the party. you wished his estate would come quick enough, cause it was tough holding back on yourself when he was right in front of you.
after what felt like an eternity of talking and playful flirting, you finally reached his massive house. he welcomed you in, and said that it was only you and him, since the servants were on a leave.
how coincidental. the timing was perfect.
i don't gotta know if you're taken,
his hands held onto yours tightly, and he tilted his head, looking you in the eyes. "are you nervous?"
"a little, i must admit..." you let out a soft laugh, and ayato hugged you in response. "don't be. i won't force you to do anything. just stay with me."
you sat down on the sofa in his living room, your legs crossed in anticipation. a part of you felt nervous, but you were getting impatient, too. your emotions were overwhelming.
ayato sat down beside you, his eyes meeting yours in the silence. the room was dimly lit, and the large window showed a beautiful scenery of the city lights and stars.
he put an arm around your waist, pulling you close to him. you felt your breath hitch as you came closer, gaze lingering on his lips for far too long, and ayato wasn't exactly clueless either, since he took the hint.
i'll just let you know, bedroom's vacant.
the night was still young. the stars were sparkling brighter than any of the blinding lights at the party you had escaped from. you couldn't help but never want to leave.
you didn't want tonight to end.
there was an undeniable charm in the air, mixed with unfamiliar feelings you had never felt before. you thought to yourself, were you one of the many people he had brought to his home like this? or were you the first?
no one's gotta know, just us and the moon 'til the sun starts wakin'
you dismissed those thoughts, and neither did ayato give you time to think, as his lips gently pressed onto yours once more. somehow, it felt far more magical than kissing under party lights.
you closed your eyes, and swore you could see stars because of the fever of excitement you were feeling.
his kiss melted onto your lips, slowly savouring every little part of yours. his fingers delicately placed themselves on your cheek, caressing it to soothe you and reassure you to keep going.
you grabbed onto his shoulders for support, inching closer and closer to his body. the kiss lasted far longer than it had before, and you enjoyed every second of it. you found yourself wanting more when he pulled away, and you couldn't blame anyone but him for getting you addicted like this.
but how could you blame him, either?
you kissed ayato's neck, unbuttoning his shirt a little to make way for you. embarrassed by your confidence, you buried your head in ayato's chest, and he teasingly asked you, "are you being shy? don't worry, we don't have to rush."
that was reassuring. you wrapped your arms around his waist, sitting down on his lap. ayato ran his hands through your hair, whispering compliments. he was so gentle with you, it felt ethereal.
up's the only direction i see, as long as we keep this lowkey,
"you're so pretty." he breathed out, "so, so gorgeous."
his voice was like ambrosia, his lips like honey, tasting so incredibly sweet on your lips that you couldn't believe they were all yours. his passionate kisses were mixed with your sloppy ones, you were trying to form coherent words but you couldn't.
not when you were at such close proximity with the kamisato ayato, to the point where you could see each crevice of his carefully-carved visage.
a mark was clearly visible on ayato's neck from your little adventure earlier, and he ran a finger over your lips, an indescribable emotion in his eyes. the crinkles under his eyes and the curve of his lips was driving you to new heights, and you, flushed with embarrassment, desperately tried to hide your face.
you ain't even gotta love me.
the moon was glowing, the stars dwindling in the sea of black. you felt like you were falling deeper and deeper into his abyss, only to crash-land onto clouds of tenderness that he'd created for you with his hands.
perhaps it was the alcohol, or maybe it was ayato, but you felt so intoxicated. your skin was on fire, and you swore it was liquid courage that had you feeling so bold tonight.
"you're a secret, one i don't want anyone to know." ayato claimed, warmth glimmering in his eyes as he looked at you. "perhaps i'm scared they'd take you away from me."
"no one's going to take me away, ayato." you laughed, pressing your forehead against his.
"they will once they find out how absolutely bewitching you are." ayato immediately responded, as if it was second-nature for him to be so enchanting with his words.
us in a king-size, keep it a secret,
you didn't want to leave, regardless of how late it was getting or how many rumours would spiral if you were with him. you didn't really care, if you wanted to be completely honest.
"stay the night, won't you?" ayato whispered against your ear, and you nodded, arms wrapped around his neck. “if it’s you, though, i’d like for you to stay forever.”
you knew what you wanted. you knew it was with him. and still, still you would blame the alcohol for your courage, honesty and fogging up your rationality, cause you had never felt this strongly for someone before.
say i'm your queen, i don't wanna leave this,
you didn't even want to tell anyone, it would be for the best. what use was others knowing gonna bring? so naturally, you assumed the best course of action was to keep it a sweet secret, just for the two of you to savour.
keep all the nights you wanted to spend with him a secret. keep all the longing glances and fleeting touches a secret. keep all the passionate kisses a secret. keep the blooming love a secret.
—° synopsis ; they are down bad for you, and you take advantage of that >:) fluffvember by @maehemthemisfit
—° feat ; al-haitham, kaveh.
—° warning ; a hint of possessiveness.
★° Al haitham is a well known scholar all over sumeru, the honoured scribe personally appointed by the sages of the Akademia. However, even with his oh-so-amazing prowess and intelligence, he could've not deduce a solution for his feelings toward you.
—° how weak you seemed, yet so strong. Not the brightest but covered it with your unlimited kindness. To even the most cruel of criminal you smiled at. He saw you as his object of admiration. A being he could not reach. He deemed it unfit of him to come near you. But al haithem could never guess why.
—° even up to this moment, he never knew how. This moment where you were smiling so proudly at deceiving him, how he let it go. Even if he knew this would make you sick, but the tingles on his lips prove him yet again. He could never say no to you.
—° despite the nagging of his annoying roommate, he still give you his spare key. That loud mouth can just wait for either of you (although he would've preferred it was him he waited for. He felt a green and icky feeling leaving you alone with him, kaveh was a well know flirt.) Alhaithem can never win against you whenever you as much as whisper in his ear.
—° he may be the smartest, but he was a fool with you.
★° kaveh in spite of him being a well known flirt, he easily gets embarrassed around you. Just a simple “oh yeah?” to one of his pick up lines send shivers all over his body. He could be a genius at architecture, but he felt like an idiot around you. Cursing at himself whenever he messes up one of his famous flirts, turning red at the mesmerizing laugh you give, losing himself in those pudles of eyes. Anyone with eyes could notice how smitten he is.
—° however, with a bit of courage and a lot of prep talk, he can easily turn the tables. A simple brush of his hair against your skin, his breath fanning your face. And his oh so loveable smirk turning you into a flustered mess. Kaveh felt pride swelling in his body, only he could make you like this, to be such at loss for words only to laugh and kiss him in defeat.
—° even the pride of shutting that arrogant scribe can never amount to this sight of you.
♥° ignore how kaveh has much more detail than alhaithem. Im totally not smitten and did this at the go bc i forgot lmao anyway happy fluffvember <3
