Take flight - Wanderer x Reader
It’s a peaceful evening in Mondstadt, the kind where the sun’s rays seem to paint everything in liquid gold. The wind is gentle, a faint breeze rustling the tall grass surrounding the Thousand Winds temple, perhaps a sign Barbatos is enjoying the evening at Angel’s share.
An evening like this would typically be the perfect time for a relaxing picnic on one of Mondstadt’s various romantic hills, or perhaps a walk through the deep forests.
But such is not the case for you.
Your evening, despite the otherwise serene circumstances, is a bit more action packed than what you had thought it was going to be.
With a grunt of effort you swing your sword in a wide arc, letting it come crashing down against a group of slimes that approach you.
Being an adventurer you have had years of experience sword fighting to protect yourself in the wild, but fighting on and on like this is bound to make you exhausted no matter how skilled you are.
Luckily for you, you aren’t alone.
With a sudden rush the winds around you pick up and nearly topple you as a figure flies past in a quick blur of colours.
You catch yourself before stumbling and turn to see Wanderer taking care of two hilichurls that had escaped your notice and were about to ambush you.
“Don’t let your guard down, if you’re tired go rest, I can handle it,” He says, sneering down at the hilichurls.
You can tell that although his words may sound caring there’s a layer of annoyance in his tone that reveals how he truly feels at the moment.
You steel yourself and take a deep breath before you help him take out the last few enemies, refusing to go rest when you’re so close to being done.
After a short while of turning the remaining hilichurls fur pelts, and the slimes into… slime, you can both take a moment to breathe.
He lands down in front of you looking around with sharp eyes before he seems to relax, his shoulders dropping slightly from their previously tense position.
‘Can he even feel tense?’ You wonder.
You’ve noticed the doll-like joints on his fingers, it’s no secret he isn’t human and if it is… well its not a well kept secret.
He seems to notice you staring and turns to you. Your curious eyes meet sharper ones, he crosses his arms as if to say ‘what’re you looking at?’ and you immediately look away feeling like you got caught doing something you shouldn’t.
He sighs softly, barely audible, more a noise to shift away from the awkward moment than anything else.
“That should be the last of them,” He says and crouches down near the slime condensate that was left behind by the slimes you killed.
You crouch down next to him and take out a few vials from your backpack, uncorking them one by one before you try to pick up the slime condensate.
To your disappointment, the slime slides right off of your hand and back onto the grass. You try to use a vial to scoop up the remnants instead, but they’re still too slippery and won't go in.
The way he says it sounds more like a polite command than a genuine offer of help
Regardless you hold out the vial and watch as he uses the power of Anemo to siphon the slime remnants into the vials effectively.
You observe him with great interest for a moment.
There’s a certain… gentleness in how he uses the wind to handle the slime. It’s a stark contrast to how he had used wind blades against the enemies you were fighting earlier.
This is not your first time seeing this contrast, and it never ceases to fascinate you.
You’ve only known him for a short time but the way he talks and carries himself, compared to his actions and the things he does… you can tell there are contrasts in every part of his life, everything he does or says.
Just the other day while you were still in Mondstadt you saw him speak with the golden haired traveler and Paimon. They were requesting his help with something, but he had just shook his head at them.
“It’s not worth potentially getting hurt over, besides attachment like that to an inanimate object is only bound to evolve into something that’ll hurt you in the future.”
It was later you came to learn the traveler and Paimon had asked him to help rescue a kid’s stuffed animal that had been snatched by an eye of the storm and was too far out of reach for the traveler.
Apparently Paimon had tried to get it, but got too close and when the monster nearly attacked her she flew right back to the traveler.
Despite what Wanderer had told the traveler, he had apparently gone to find the monster on his own and had rescued the stuffed animal before handing it over to the traveler.
The contrast of his character lied not only in his own actions but also in how he let others perceive him. With the way he talked and carried himself it was clear to you from your very first meeting this guy wanted to be taken seriously.
So when you heard the people around Sumeru and Mondstadt calling him “Hat guy” and he never made a move to correct them, you were left stumped for a moment.
‘Perhaps this is some elaborate joke’ You’d thought. ‘Maybe there are Kameras set up to catch my reaction’
People seemed to know him as “Hat guy” and it didn’t seem to bother in any capacity.
You couldn’t find yourself calling him “Hat guy” despite how many other people did it. You had asked him if there was another way by which you could call him and he had responded with Wanderer.
It was nothing more than a title, but it was still better than that ridiculous sounding nickname.
Despite all the mystery and contrast surrounding him, you still felt as though he must be someone who had a troubled and heavy past.
You had, of course, never asked him about his past, it seemed inappropriate seeing as you aren’t close with him by any means.
But even so, his sometimes sharp words, and contrasting gentle actions spoke volumes of his character, and you couldn’t help but be curious about him, wanting to know more and to get closer to him.
It also didn’t help that he held a certain beauty that seemed inhuman, further cementing your assumption that he in fact was not a human.
You shake your head and sigh as you plug up the slime filled vials.
Breaking down the wall of Samiel in Sumeru’s desert would probably be easier than even beginning to hope to crack down the walls of the man in front of you.
So for now you simply settle for this brief moment you have together gathering slime condensate…
“I think this should be enough, let’s regroup with Albedo and Durin,” You suggest as you pack the vials into your backpack, tightening the strap to ensure it won’t open.
Afterward you and Wanderer head back to the temporary camp you’ve set up.
Being the adventurer you are, having seen a job request by Albedo on the Adventurer’s bulletin board, you had been ever so curious to take it.
Everyone knew Albedo was a great alchemist, so getting the chance to work with him was one you were eager to take… plus the pay was good.
You were surprised when you took the request to find Durin was also going to assist. You’d met him and the golden haired traveler and even helped them out on occasion, so you considered Durin one of your friends.
But Wanderer… he was someone you’d only really heard of before agreeing to take this job.
The traveler and Paimon had mentioned him before, they seemed to be close to him and you’d seen them talk with familiarity in Mondstadt.
Albedo and Durin also spoke highly of him, but during your travels to Sumeru and even on occasion in Mondstadt, you had heard a few others talk badly about him.
“That Hat Guy is so arrogant!” and “He’s no real scholar, he just gets special treatment from the Dendro Archon is all” were among some of the few things you’d heard in passing.
When you first took the job you had kept an open mind, deciding to be positive about possibly making a new friend.
When you actually met him, a part of you understood where some of the talk you’d heard in Sumeru and Monstadt came from. Even so you quickly recognized he wasn’t a bad person, just… perhaps a bit more blunt than most.
After reaching camp you gave the vials to Albedo who appraised them with a satisfied nod.
“Yes this will do, combined with the amount Durin and I gathered, we have more than enough. Thank you again,” Albedo says politely as he begins packing the various vials down safely.
“What now?” Durin asks as you all help pack down the camp.
“Now we return to Mondstadt and then I’ll look these over with Sucrose,” Albedo replies, giving you a backpack with half of the vials while he carries the other half.
An idea suddenly pops into your head and you quirk up.
“What if.. we had a race?” You suggest with a smile and barely concealed excitement.
Getting back to Mondstadt would definitely be easier by flying than walking the entire way, but part of you, although you might not admit it, is also just curious to see who is faster between Durin and Wanderer. Plus it might be a way to get closer to Wanderer, you think.
“A race?” Durin tilts his head questioningly, but doesn’t seem opposed to the idea.
You nod firmly, before explaining your idea, “Yes, both you and Wanderer can fly, and it’ll be quicker for us to get home by flight.”
Albedo nods as he puts a hand to his chin in thought.
“So they would carry us and fly us back to Mondstadt, while seeing who can get there first… the rules are simple but the variables aren’t entirely equal”
Upon seeing your confusion Wanderer explained further.
“I use elemental energy to fly, how long I can stay in the air and how fast I can go is dependent on my own energy capacity, but Durin flies using only his wings”
With how often he keeps his wings tugged close to his body, nearly appearing as though they are a part of his jacket, you sometimes forget they are technically an extra set of limbs and not an accessory or an elaborate glider.
For Durin, flying would be like if you had to run.
How far you can run and how quick depends on your stamina, health condition, how well trained your legs are, terrain etc.
And of course it would be the same for Durin and his wings… meaning he was at a biological disadvantage against Wanderer. At least for now.
Your excitement dies down a little, part of you can’t help but feel a little stupid for having suggested the idea in the first place.
Noticing the way you seem to deflate slightly, Wanderer sighs.
“I will carry you and Albedo’s vials, and we’ll give Durin a ten second head start, that should make it more fair”
The others nod in agreement, and you look at Wanderer with a slight smile, and a thankful expression.
You’re really beginning to appreciate these small moments of kindness, even if they stem more from a point of logic and reasoning rather than genuine concern and compassion.
Both you and Albedo get in position, Durin holds onto Albedo tightly ready to take flight. Behind you Wanderer is putting on the backpack you were carrying while you put on the one Albedo was carrying before.
You feel his arm wrap around your waist with a casual certainty, and although you know it's for practical reasons, it still causes your heart to flutter slightly. Luckily the backpack you carry does force some space between the two of you, so you aren’t pressed together entirely.
You think for a moment that you wouldn’t mind if that were the case, you also figure Wanderer probably wouldn’t find it favourable.
You hear a swoosh and turn to see Durin and Albedo fly off, and wait around until their ten second head start is done.
You can’t help the shriek that escapes you as your feet suddenly leave the ground.
The wind hits your face hard and when you finally find the courage to open your eyes the ground below you is little more than a blur as you soar through the air.
You’re now thankful for Wanderer’s order not to speak. With the force of your take off you would’ve choked on the air that would’ve rushed into your lungs.
Passed out and limp in his arms would surely have been a great result after you suggested this race in the first place.
“You’re tense” He sounds almost annoyed when he says it.
You see a slight frown appear briefly on his face before you can feel his arm tighten around your waist.
“Here, wrap your arms around my neck”
Your brain almost short circuits when you process what he said to you. You don’t protest or ask why, figuring it's better not to argue with the one keeping you from plummeting to your death.
You hesitate but ultimately do as you’re told. His hair brushes against your arms as your hands join behind his head.
You’re surprised at how soft it feels… a part of you wants to run your fingers through it but now is not the time.
Hearing a soft grunt and feeling another arm wrap around you, you look back at Wanderer who has moved his grip on you.
“There, now there’s no risk of you slipping” he says, his previous annoyance gone, replaced by his usual relaxed blank face expression.
You turn your head to watch the scenery as you fly back to Mondstadt.
You begin to relax in his arms after a short while and you quietly enjoy the flight.
Although the gesture to make sure you’re safe and comfortable was probably for practical reasons, it still puts a smile on your lips and causes your cheeks to flush slightly.
Looking ahead you see the figure of Durin carrying Albedo becoming bigger.
“We’re closing in!” You exclaim excitedly.
Your sudden excitement however surprises Wanderer who wasn’t prepared for you to suddenly twist and move.
“Hey, don’t move!” He chides but it’s too late.
He’s lost his balance in the air slightly, and his grip around your waist is uncertain and slipping. You can feel him quickly try to readjust but another issue occurs in the same moment.
You hear it before you see it… the metal clank of the backpack strap’s buckle.
For a moment you’re in disbelief, you remember closing it tightly, double checking when you put vials in, but then it occurs to you, you’re not carrying your own backpack.
The one on your back is Albedo’s backpack, and it's currently open, and the vials are falling out one by one.
Before you even get a chance to panic or yell at Wanderer to grab them you hear his voice sternly commanding you.
You immediately cling to him, burying your face in his neck as his hand rests on the back of your head holding you close while he dives.
You trust he won’t let you fall or come to harm, but for a moment as you rush toward the ground, Wanderer reaching for the falling vials, you fear for your life. He doesn’t know you, you’re not friends, not someone he has to bother caring about. Sure your life is, objectively, worth more than a few vials but maybe he won’t think the same, maybe he doesn’t agree. Maybe the people in Sumeru were right-
You blink and momentarily stand unmoving, still clinging to Wanderer before you realize that you’re standing…
With a quick step back you stare with wide eyes and rushing heart as you realize you’re both in Mondstadt, standing safely by Timaeus’ craft table.
Seeing your shock, Wanderer frowns and narrows his eyes at you before crossing his arms.
“You seem surprised, did you think I was going to let you fall?”
“No! I just…” You falter, feeling guilty.
You did doubt him and there’s no denying it.
With a soft sigh you bow your head slightly and apologize, folding your hands in front of you.
Wanderer seems to relax, his posture unfolding as he shakes his head.
“It’s fine, the vials are safe and so are you”
Despite hearing him say it’s fine, part of you feels more guilt than you did before, with a heavy feeling in your stomach, like a pit that’s somehow empty and overflowing at the same time.
“I lost us the race,” You mutter quietly, and the sigh you hear coming from Wanderer makes you want to crawl inside yourself and hide away.
It wasn’t just about having lost the race or feeling embarrassed, part of you felt afraid that he might be disappointed or upset with you.
In reality you hadn’t done anything, really, but your thoughts were spiraling.
“If you hadn’t begun squirming around without telling me first I wouldn’t have lost my grip on you, and we wouldn’t have rustled the backpack… Next time tell me before you begin moving around so much”
You nod with your head lowered. You deserve being scolded, you had put both yourself and him in danger as well as the vials with slime condensate that you’d worked so hard to obtain. If you hadn’t moved maybe you could’ve also caught up to Durin and Albedo and won the race…
You nod again, more firmly this time, taking in Wanderer’s words.
There’s no point in sulking, or feeling bad about the situation, you’ll just do better next time.
‘Right! Next time I won’t be a burden’ You think to yourself.
“Next time?” You question out loud, your eyes wide as you process what he had said to you.
‘Next time’ a promise of more, another encounter, another chance to get closer to him.
He tips his hat, his back already turned to you as you see him walking off.
“I’ll be in Mondstadt for a while, and you still have to help Albedo look over the vials and who knows maybe there’ll be a reason for another race… so until next time”
His words send a surge of warmth and relief through you. You wave him off with a big smile and for a brief moment you swear you see him smile too.
(Oh boy, first X reader in a while this is scary - feel free to comment, criticize etc. English is not my first language so certain things like comma rules, etc. I'm not too familiar with, but regardless -- Hello nice to meet you, I'll be posting more one shot x readers like this!)
