premise. your relationship began with lohen shortly after the return of the knights from their nod-krai expedition. except, when you find out he hasn't told any of them that your his girlfriend, things head for the worse.
notes. slight angst to comfort, lohen may be ooc, take this whilst i work on the longest royal au of my life, lohen is actually so well-intended guys trust, reader referred to as bun once, female reader
ever since you and lohen had started dating, you knew something was wrong. initially, that sounds insane. what girlfriend has such a lack of trust in her boyfriend that she’d actively believe he was hiding something?
well, if anyone ever said that, you’d argue that he hides nearly everything. half the time, you struggle to ask him what he ate for dinner without some push-back. some people would probably see that as a red flag, but you’d known him long enough to recognise that as his playful nature.
this also included tormenting his drunken squad members once they’d returned to mondstadt. to be frank, you weren’t sure why he’d invited you to this celebration event. it’s not like you were together during his nod-krai stunts. regardless, you still attended; they probably wanted to meet his crazy new girlfriend, anyways.
after all, most of your co-workers had already met lohen… through less than conventional means. he’d made a habit of turning up and creating a stir out of whatever dark rumour he’d apparently heard on the way in. you were always lost as to how he gathered this information; most of the workplace was civil.
so maybe it was time for you to meet these knights you heard so much about. varka had been an old friend of yours, so no surprise there. most of the other names escaped you; but still, they were important to lohen, so it was vital to secure a good first impression.
angel’s share stunk of dandelion wine. it always had that sweet alcohol smell, accompanied with the undertone of grape juice, mainly because the bartender always served it to those too drunk to decipher the difference. this time, that lingering scent had been overpowered by the amount of knights jostling around. you gave an awkward nod to diluc, who reciprocated shortly before going back to serving. he was a hero for serving all these people. in fact, varka seemed the only somewhat sober one. you would’ve counted lohen too, but he was seemingly nowhere.
“hi, varka,” you grinned, slipping into the booth opposite him. he wave back with an exaggerated flip of his arm, as if you weren’t sat right in front of him.
the conversation you had partaken in was honestly mind boggling. he seemed to be the philosophical half-drunk, or maybe you'd overestimated his sobriety before, as he spewed words about how the knights had finally returned home to such a welcoming atmosphere. if you placed paper in front of him, he probably could have wrote a book.
varka was midway through another verse of dandelion seeds and how they spread mondstadts presence when you spoke.
“errr, grand master, have you seen lohen?”
he let out a hearty chuckle; it quickly died when it translated into a cough. after a minute, he looked back at you. “lohen? why? i’ve never even seen you two speak!”
the grand master must be a forgetful drunk, too. while you had expected him to remember something like his subordinates new girlfriend, which also happened to be his own friend, you were hardly surprised considering his current state. you gave him a forgiving look, patting him on the shoulder before expanding your search. you may have not minded entertaining the words of drunken knights, but you’d much rather enjoy the company of lohen.
then, you finally found kaeya. whew, at least there’s someone else you know: and lucid enough to respond. “hey, have you seen my boyfriend?”
“boyfriend? oh, i didn’t know you had a boyfriend. i thought we were close enough for you to tell me these things,” he commented, all suave like usual. you hesitated.
“no… i thought he would tell you. lohen?”
his glass dropped ceremoniously, ricocheting in shards against the hardwood floor.
“lohen?” he shouted, enough to attract the attention of most of the floor— and the guy you were looking for.
“huh?” he perked up from stroking his dagger, eyes furrowed. his eyes flew from kaeya, face shocked; then to yours, which couldn’t look more pissed off. well, shit.
in a dream world, lohen would rush across the floor and sweep you off your feet before you can hear of his transgression. (meaning, the fact he didn’t tell anyone about your relationship). maybe he’d have chance to buy some flowers before you chopped both his hands off. except, with how full angel’s share was, there was no chance he’d be getting to you in time. he can’t beat the speed of sound, either, and kaeya’s loud mouth was already blabbing before lohen could interject.
“you guys are dating!” whether he was asking or celebrating the announcement, you couldn’t tell. but his exclamation was enough to have the other knights appalled, looking at their comrade then back at you.
“woah, you two are— you— what?” one of the knights stuttered, eyes sunken in to his head. someone should get him some water, lohen thought.
“you didn’t tell us?” another one asked with a pout.
you nodded with a similar vigour. “yeah, lohen. why didn’t you tell them?”
“no, no, no. this isn’t what it looks like!” his feet carried him across the floor, boots matching the race of his heart. “trust me, they were going to be the first to know.”
“the first to know? so no one knows?”
well, that wasn’t good wording. in fact, maybe the worst phrasing he’s ever used. “well— no. yes. maybe?”
your figure was already retreating from the tavern. lohen would’ve liked the time to think it over, or dig a hole to hide in.
instead, he got the chants of drunken soldiers.
“chase her! chase her! chase her!”
“jeez, jeez. you’d think your the ones dating her with how your shouting!” he complained, but he was already reaching for his coat.
you weren’t really far. he’d always made fun of your slow walk; taking in a scenery shouldn’t be your main priority at sunset. though, in moments like these (not that they happen often), he appreciates your love for nature.
his jacket was pushed over your shoulders before he spoke, “look, bun, i’m sorry you had to hear that.”
“yeah? not sorry for not telling anyone?”
part of you did feel bad. it had only been two months, it probably shouldn’t have been that big of a deal. but still, not even any of his friends? if varka didn’t know, same with kaeya, then you’d find it hard to believe that anyone outside of the knights did.
“no, no—“ his pace increased until he could stand in front of you. “look, it’s embarrassing.”
before you could analyse that excuse further, he was already elaborating. “you… are you. you help amber with her outriding duties, your always offering to babysit klee and help out with commissions that aren’t even yours. everyone knows your kindness holds no bounds.”
“and i’m me. all the knights think i’m too hard on them, gunther thinks i’m a slacker, and varka only tolerates me because he sees potential. in comparison, you’re like, a saint or something. i know that isn’t an excuse— but it just made it hard to say anything, knowing they’d be looking down on me the whole time. or, even worse, judging you for your bad choice.”
his confession hung in the air for a few seconds. you understood the undertone of it, too: if adorno were here, things might’ve been different, considering he had never once judged lohen.
your breath fogged up the space between you. “okay. i think i get that. i just— i wish you would’ve told me you were holding off. i wouldn’t have gone so out with it if i’d have known.”
lohen nodded, “yeah. i should’ve. but that doesn’t mean i regret meeting your friends or anything— they’re fun.”
“good. i’d hope so.”
he huffed, rubbing his face in his hands. “look, i know sorry isn’t going to fix anything. just let me show you i mean it, yeah?”
you deliberated for a second or two. he did seem truly guilty, or he was a master manipulator. both would be plausible. during this, his hand extended, yet not expectantly. a silent offer. you could handle that.
your fingertips met his, and he slowly dragged you along. both your footsteps echoed through the quiet streets of mondstadt city. if this was how all your problems with lohen would be solved, you could handle it.
premise. the pair of you have been going to school together for as long as you can remember. you’ve always been focused on good grades and maintaining class pride, but what happens when you get into such strange situations with these guys?
notes. read part one here. modern schl au, childhood friends in lyney’s, uses ‘name’, struggling to think of more shoujo troupes i hope this was alright, these boys r so cutsy, sorry for ooc as always i try my best, trying to a side of cyno which doesn't revolve around puns cause im soooo bad at writing them, ily all xxx
tartaglia, episode six.
the feelings you harboured for ajax were, to be frank, overwhelming. you hated whenever your words stumbled because his hair had appeared in your peripheral or missing important information in class because he had appeared late.
regardless, the point still stood; it may be nice having a crush, but ajax made it increasingly difficult. it almost felt intentional. however, you were friends naturally, so it was probably just part of his mischievous nature. you even had to convince yourself of that at the dinner table, the invite to an aquarium suddenly feeling like a date.
"me? why take me?" you had asked, the strawberry milk you'd bought for a refreshing lunch before last period suddenly being forgotten.
ajax only giggled, "because i wanna go see the whales. plus, i overheard you and lumine talking about the stingrays. works out perfectly, no?"
you hadn't realised he was in the classroom at that time, never mind eavesdropping on your conversation with one of your friends. if it was anyone else, you probably would've freaked; or, maybe if they were less well-intentioned, but ajax was staring with such a sparkle in his eye... it was hard to disregard.
"you're right," you confirmed, "but, if i go with your, your paying. since you're the one who asked." maybe that was a little harsh, considering your both high school students. but then again, ajax was loaded, and he asked you in the first place!
he beamed.
and that led you to where you are now, walking down a huge hall with fish swimming both above and around. the scene was something out of fiction, truly; you'd never seen such vibrant fish all in one place. ajax was nearby, staring down the leaflet with concrete precision. you were aware he liked sea creatures, but not this much.
"hey, why don't we—“
flash!
the burst of light from a camera made you pause. your body froze half-turned as ajax's face suddenly turned redder. "oh— um, i just wanted a picture. you looked really interested in the fish."
there must've been an irony in all that. while the fish were pretty, most of your attention had been stolen by the boy who had taken you to watch them. still, it was sweet that he'd brought a whole camera to catch the moment.
your head titled. "no biggie! we can get one together later,"
for once, you felt actually confident to be around him. maybe it was all the prying eyes at school, or the constant reminders that you two had one of the largest social gaps you'd ever seen. it's not like you were bullied at all, but school was just like a part time job to you. most of your time spent at home revolved around your family or friends from extracurriculars; whereas, ajax constantly went to school parties at the weekend and broke rules every other day.
honestly, it was even a miracle you were friends. it was only because he was failing maths and, to stay on the football team, he had to be tutored by you. you never really understood why you were selected, you barely passed maths yourself, but it was a job you accepted nonetheless.
"look, your stingrays are here."
that dragged you out of your stupor; the hallway was long, but you'd both finally found two stingrays floating across the glass panes. you gasped, hand connecting with the clear material. one of the stingrays circled before approaching your hand, lingering for a few seconds.
you felt another flash of the camera from behind you.
the stingray quickly fled the scene, and ajax rubbed the back of his neck. "sorry, didn't mean to drive it away..."
"i doubt it was you, he seemed pretty bored by the end— but you should definitely be careful with the flash."
he simply hummed, and you continued your way through the exhibits. crabfish, sea lions, pufferfish; they had everything. though, by the time you'd gotten near the end, the pair of you reached a flat sign.
'the whale exhibit is temporarily closed for repair.'
"oh, ajax, i'm sorry! i should've checked beforehand."
"it's all good. this has still been amazing!" he cheered, beginning to walk further on. you hummed; was it really time to give him that gift?
your wrist encircled his, pulling it back. your hands reached into your bag a moment after, revealing a soft crochet whale. he exchanges the camera to hold your little creation.
"woah, this is amazing! way better than any exhibit for sure."
flash! the camera clicked again as you caught him glancing down at his new pet in awe. "we're even now."
cyno, episode seven.
look, having a boyfriend wasn’t everything people made it out to be. the lack of the loneliness was nice, and the occasional free food was also a bonus, but having to end a relationship because the guy your dating cheated at a high school party is a whole new can of worms. you’d avoided school for two days; you didn’t need to see him in your science class any more than you had to.
some people would probably say this is an overreaction. there were many more fish in the sea, as a wise poet once said. it wasn’t even like you were that upset over the guy, you’d only been going out for a month. but even so, having to go back to classes knowing that everyone had been talking about the situation was a nightmare you didn’t want to face just yet.
your parents had long gone to bed by this point when there was a knock on the door… there definitely wasn’t a package at this hour. you groaned as they knocked again. with a huff, you took a few quick strides to grab the rolling pin from the kitchen, before returning to the door. if this person was an intruder, he’d be hit before he could steal anything!
the door creaked open, and you raised the rolling pin, only to see—
cyno?
“oh, hi!” you smiled, letting the pin slowly fall down.
“if i wasn’t me, were you gonna hit whoever came here?”
you bit your lip, looking back down at your clothes. it wasn’t like you were expecting any visitors, so the sweats you’d lived through every depressive episode in had become your normal. it’s not like cyno had never seen you like this, you were really close, but part of it was still embarrassing.
“probably. just come in,” you pulled the door open more, watching him come in with two tubs and spoons in hand. the sight almost made you laugh.
he noticed your long gaze, and lifted his arm slightly. “it’s ice cream. collei said ice cream heals any broken heart, so i thought it might help.”
that didn’t surprise you. whilst collei was in the year below, you were pretty sure cyno and tighnari went to her for every problem involving the female population. you usually kicked them out; it was always some stupid question.
still, the gesture didn’t go past you. “thank you, cyno. that’s really sweet of you to think of asking.”
it didn’t take long before you were both stuck on the sofa, sharing a blanket with the weirdest crime documentary you’ve ever seen filling the background noise. with another scoop of the ice cream, you heard him hum with amusement as he enjoyed his own flavour.
“cyno,” you whispered, as if talking over the television would break the atmosphere you're in.
“yes?”
your head angled to your left. “can i be honest?”
he nodded again, spoon resting in the quarter-empty tub. it’s not like it’s been ages since you guys last spoke, but he hadn’t seen you for a few days when you randomly took off. he’d assumed you were just ill, but like always, tighnari knew better, and informed cyno accordingly. he would’ve had the time to be annoyed about the whole situation, and it being half-hidden from him, if not for the fact he was more worried about you.
“i don’t actually know if i liked him. well, that sounds bad. but like— i never felt like he liked me, so i just never tried hard enough, maybe? like, when i found out he cheated, it was more just like… oh. rather than being upset,” you turned back to the tv. “maybe it’s silly. i just feel more embarrassed about it happening rather than being upset about the relationship.”
it took a beat for cyno to respond. you felt his arm curl around your back before his words actually left his mouth. “that’s not cruel, it’s how you feel. i just hope i’ve cheered you up a little bit, if nothing else.”
you nodded enthusiastically, “you have! with no puns, surprisingly.”
he scoffed. “just wait till you're back at school. i’ll have cy-loads of puns.”
“…yeah, that definitely didn’t work.”
the interaction still made you giggle nonetheless. you didn’t catch the way his eyes crinkled at your laugh, or the way his arm finally relaxed onto your shoulder.
lyney, episode eight.
he didn’t like being cynical, but lyney was almost sure that a girl like you would never go out with him. it wasn’t about who he was — he had a nice family, good enough grades, and a personality that would usually charm a crowd. though, you weren’t mediocre enough to be boiled down to constructs like ‘personality’ or ‘hobbies’. no, you were far superior, for your kindness outweighed any of those things.
his siblings would label him as a drama queen, but no, he was just the speaker of truths. you were always so honest, yet never brutal; loud, yet never annoying. all of these things were what allowed him to keep his twelve-year crush on you.
most people would say that’s humanly impossible. had he seriously had a crush on you since he was a toddler? the answer was yes. archons, if you needed proof, you could simply ask lynette or freminet.
they were used to him ditching them in the sandbox to try get your attention with flowers he picked out of the grass. then it was fumbling about with paper cards to try surprise you.
even though his attempts had become much less apparent, his feelings were very much present for all of his family. it’s not like he had many other friends, after all.
so, to lyney, his romantic endeavours with you were a silent feat he was bound to. that was until lynette had sat him down a few weeks ago.
“lyney, you do know you may have to confess your feelings eventually, right?” she said, taking a sip of her tea.
he smirked. “whatever do you mean, dear sister? come on, it’s not like she’s going anywhere!”
lynette hummed, placing the cup onto the table. “how come you have no problem flirting with other girls in our class, but when it comes to name, your incapable?”
her brother crossed his arms, blowing out a huff. “what do you suggest, then?”
“she used to love those flowers you gave her when we were younger, right? the sakura ones? there’s a cherry blossom tree with the exact same flowers behind the school. maybe confess to her there.”
lyney nodded, a finger to his chin, before his eyes lit up. “sorry lynette, gotta go!”
it took him three weeks to finish penning the note he was going to pass to you in class. he’d gone so far as to plan the people who he would pass it to, along with glueing a rainbow rose he grew at home to it.
so, he watched as the note passed through the classroom. it went through lynette, chongyun and charlotte before getting to you.
he watched your fingers unfold it, touch the rose, place it in your pocket with a gentle hold. that should’ve been the hard part, but it was much easier to be cocky behind a piece of paper. lyney had begun to dread afterschool way more.
to make matters worse, you had gotten to the sakura tree early, which meant you’d get a front row seat to his awkward walk up. (…and it also meant he couldn’t run off when he heard your footsteps.)
when he finally got to you, he was expected some surprise in your reaction. maybe a shriek if you were particularly disgusted, or just a question. but you were looking at him like you knew everything.
“hi, lyney,”
your voice was so soft. it felt wrong for his to follow. “hi, name. errr…”
why were all the words leaving him now? he’d rehearsed this for weeks.
“you know you don’t need a big speech, right? i already know what your going to say.”
“wh— how?” he murmured.
you laughed. “it was kinda obvious. freminet kept asking me about you, i overheard you and charlotte discussing the meaning behind rainbow roses and lo and behold, there’s one taped to my little letter…” you waved the paper.
“and, you confessed in this already, whether you meant to or not.”
he nodded. that made sense. you were always smart like that. though, that didn’t bring the moisture back to his throat, or relieve the heat on the top of his ears.
“so? what’d you think?”
lyney had always been the romantic in his family. flowers, gestures of grandeur, and words which spouted with so much passion yet held such lies. his true affections had always been reserved for you; and yet, he’d always struggled to show it.
you smiled. “your very sweet. i think we should hang out more.”
he didn’t know what that meant; though, he didn’t really have to, because the next moment you were already leaning into his space. he’d imagined you smelled of roses yourself; but no, it was something more like autumn air. he was frozen in time as your lip pressed against his cheek, tender yet firm, leaving the slight stick of gloss in its wake.
his lips curved into a smirk. if that was your answer, he would gracefully accept.
I have no idea if reqs are open or not so if they aren't uhh please ignore this but how would Lohen, wanderer, chiori and Arlecchino react if reader told them randomly that they were planning to propose but they can't find the ring in their room so they're asking the character help find it
(bonus points if the ring was just sitting in their drawer and they didn't realize 💔💔)
"Will you marry me once I find the ring?"⋆｡˚☽˚｡
Genshin Characters helping you find the ring that you were gonna propose to them with
Includes in this order -> Lohen, Wanderer, Chiori and Arlecchino
a/n: THEY WERE OPEN im just a slow ahh writer sorry </3 this was rlly fun to write tho I like your brain
links: nav | masterlist
Lohen
WAY too excited over the fact that you were gonna propose
So much so that he initially forgets about the little detail of you losing the ring
Says something like "You? Proposing to me? I'm flattered~" and stretches out his hand all dramatically elegantly for you to put on the ring
So you remind him that there is no ring to put on him as of now
"Wait what?? Whyy? :(" Does this man ever listen?
Ofc not, all he heard was that you wanna marry him
His first instinct is that you don't need a ring to marry and to just drag you to the cathedral to get married on the spot
That is NOT happening on your watch though.
So you tell him that if he wants to marry you he has to put in the work for it (help you find the ring)
He begrudgingly agrees
Will be super annoying while searching for it
Say shit like "My, my, who would've thought that you of all people would be sloppy like that?"
This man loves to feel your wrath and will do anything to provoke it
Your glares are hot
Bonus points if he gets a slap across his face at some point
Threaten to not propose after all and he will get his shit together and actually search for the ring
You end up finding it without him noticing so you call him over and put it on his finger
He just stares at it
Still flabbergasted you actually wanna marry him and it's only now sinking in
Whatever the ring looks like, he'll think it's the prettiest one he's ever seen
Will not let you hear the end of it, in fact no one will hear the end of it
Brags to everyone about how he got proposed to while they're still sad and lonely
Annoys you by saying stuff like "Of course you were the one to propose first, you couldn't possibly resist me"
Put him in his place pls
Wanderer
Another one who is very affected by the fact that you want to marry him
Like you really want to spend the rest of your life with him?
He tells himself that it's foolish to get so worked up over the idea and that everything is fleeting but he can't help the flustered feeling that overtakes him
Exasperated with himself for falling in love with such an idiot though because what do you mean you lost the ring somewhere??
Knows that you wouldn't ask for his help unless you actually tried finding it yourself first
So of course he'll help you find it, it's on top of his priority list now
He had a paper to finish? Too bad, that can wait
Acts like you'll never get married if you don't find the ring. Won't admit to it though
But you see how adamant he is about finding it
He's cute when he's trying to hide that he's fussing
If you weren't tearing apart the place for the ring before, he certainly is now
Will act all annoyed at you for losing the ring but then remembers that you're gonna get married and shuts up because now he is flustered again
"I can't believe you're seriously making me look for... forget it"
And yes, he's absolutely planning to accept your proposal.
Because how could he possibly decline it?
He finds the ring in your drawer and he doesn't know whether to laugh or to cry because this is so stupid
His eyes do get a bit glassy when he looks at the ring for a while longer
He still has a hard time believing all of this
You see him holding the ring and pop up behind him, asking if he likes it and he just pulls you into a hug
Partly to hide his glassy eyes and partly to hide his blush
He does nod into your shoulder though so mission success?
Chiori
Judges HARD
"I refuse to believe that you're being serious right now."
This is why you should've left the proposal to her
Seriously though, she would've loved to spoil you with the most luxurious looking ring that conveniently fits with all the clothes she personally designed for you
A pity, but that's what she gets for waiting for too long. Though you could've been more patient and let her handle it
An artist that lets their muse spoil them is nothing short of unworthy, she thinks
So of course she helps you find it, it's the least she can do to fix this injustice
She will not complain all that much while looking for it
There will be some remarks here and there though
"The ring better be worth the search"
Already pictures what the wedding will look like in her head
She WILL be in charge of the decorations
And you better believe that you will look absolutely stunning on your wedding day, she will personally tend to that
Her lover in her wedding dress that she designed for her wedding day, she really has it all
When she finds it in your drawer, she can't help but sigh in disappointment
It was put away neatly and you "lost" it?
Simply calls you and hands it over
Since you decided that you want to propose, she will let you see it through
It might not end up looking quite like she would have done it, but anything you do for her is precious nonetheless
Her spoiling you will have to wait for the actual wedding day, she presumes
Arlecchino
"You lost the ring?" she repeats as if she misheard, the tone is a bit pointed though
You start fussing over losing the ring and she straight up gentle parents you to find it
"Okay so where was the last time you saw the ring?"
Same strats she uses on the children btw.
Though she's more kind with you
Genuinely doesn't mind looking for it with you, loving someone means being fully prepared to deal with their shortcomings
She likes the fact that you knew you can rely on her
Wouldn't want you to ever hesitate to ask her for help, no matter how trivial the problem may seem.
Goes fairly strategic about trying to find the ring, looking for it in recently visited locations
And who would have guessed, it worked!!
You found the ring fairly quickly with her help
She was certainly amused with the fact that it was just laying in the drawer
Might make a subtle remark about it
"I certainly didn't expect to find it in a spot like this"
Your fretting did make her think that she'll have to tear apart the place looking for it
The duality between being your Boyfriend's dude and his babe at the same time.
Just thinking about Itto who's excited at how you're matching his energy. Talking about Beetle fights with someone he likes who isn't disgusted about his pet insects, other than his gang members, is an amazing feeling. His "bro's" never answered by a side-eye but instead with a smiling you and a"dude" from you.
Thinking about Ororon who calls you bro since you introduced yourself as Ifa's sister. And was surprised, but expected, at the fact that you were exactly like your brother. Calling him bro, while dating him, felt like he was dating a friend and not just someone he loves, you know? Like feeling at home with a s/o who shares the same braincells as you.
Correct term in French: "qui partage les mêmes délires que toi."
Ifa sometimes felt like she was in a relationship with a mini Ororon. Always ragebaiting him, spamming "yo dude" as a greeting—that were answered by Cacucu's repeating term and Ifa's own salutation. And then once he'd come home tired, you would be the sweetest partner ever, "babe you need to rest." and "Babe have some tea." . He doesn't know but, having someone who's demeanor goes from your bestfriend to your lover is amazing.
Relationship where you can just call each other bro without getting offended>>>
When Y/n stirred awake, moderately disoriented, the sun was already up. She dressed and made her way downstairs. The scent of fresh bread and tea wafted to her.
Diluc sat at the dining table, prim and proper as if he had been awake for hours. A cup of tea rested untouched near his hand as he looked through papers.
“I’m surprised you didn’t leave, for work” she said, taking the chair across from him. He strikes as the guy who wakes at the crack of dawn to go do business.
Diluc glanced up from the paper in his hand. “Adelinde suggested I stay,” he replied evenly. "Besides, it would be rude to make you have breakfast alone on the first day.”
Y/n turned her head toward the kitchen, where Adelinde was very much within earshot. There was a presence around her that said— You’re welcome.
“So,” she said, picking up an empty cup just to have something to do with her hands, “we’re being supervised.”
“Subtly, yes,” Diluc said, reaching for the teapot and pouring her a cup. “We should establish expectations,” he said, as he set the pot down.
Y/n straightened slightly. “Right. Yes.”
“Publicly,” he continued, “we maintain the appearance of a proper marriage. We avoid behavior that would invite unnecessary questions.”
“Of course. That is the plan,” she said. "Anything else?"
"Do not involve yourself with my work," he added, his crimson gaze meeting hers. There was no malice in his tone only practicality. "And I won't bother you with yours."
Y/n smiled faintly, understanding immediately. "Understood," she replied.
“Other than that we continue as we have been,” he said picking up a toast.
She was about to agree. Then another thought arrived. "What about PDA?”
Diluc stilled mid motion in the process of placing the toast on his plate and looked at her.
“Public displays of affection,” she clarified.
“I know what it means.”
“Then…” She tilted her head. “How do we initiate it?”
Diluc stared at her long enough that she briefly wondered if he had stopped functioning.
“Do we have to?” he finally said.
She couldn't help laughing. “Well, married couples generally don't look like coworkers discussing marriage agendas.”
“We already hold conversations walk side by side.”
“Yes.”
“We're having breakfast together,” he pointed.
“Yes.”
“…Is that insufficient?”
Y/n smiled. “A little.”
Diluc considered this seriously. "What do you suggest we do?"
She began counting on her fingers. “Walking side by side.”
"I mentioned that—"
“Sometimes closer,” she added. “Occasionally holding hands.”
“…Very well.” He nodded as if approving a business proposal.
“And…” Y/n tapped her cheek. “…Perhaps an arm around the shoulder or a peck on the cheeks?”
"It’s not necessary to go out of your way to keep me company," he stated.
"We’ll be living under the same roof," Y/n said, leaning slightly forward. "It wouldn’t hurt to spend time together."
Diluc regarded her for a moment, then, finally, a small, almost imperceptible nod. "I'll try my best," he said.
Y/n set her cup down, studying Diluc for a moment before letting out a small breath, something between a sigh and a laugh. “Alright then, looking forward to working with you… dear husband.” She extended her hand across the table.
Diluc observed her extended hand for a moment before reaching out to take it. “As am I… wife. Now if you will excuse me, I need to finish some paperwork so I'll leave you to—"
Adeline approached just as he was about to get up. “Master Diluc,” she said.
Diluc glanced up. “Yes?”
Adelinde smiled politely. “The lady of the house should be familiar with the estate.”
“That she should...” he said skeptically.
Adelinde continued. “As such, I believe you should give Lady Y/n a tour of Dawn Winery.”
“It's fine a staff member could do this,” Y/n objected. "Diluc mentioned he had paperwork to do."
"It has already been dealt with by Elzar so Master Diluc's schedule for the morning is completely free," Adeline smiled at her.
"I had an appointment with a merchant from Liuye," he continued.
"It has been rescheduled to a later date."
"I was not informed of this."
"This came a few moments ago," Adelinde mentioned without missing a beat. That implied the discussion was over.
Diluc had a feeling that even if he were to make up work it would be mysteriously assigned to someone else or rescheduled so he had no choice but to accept the small vacation.
Y/n hid a smile behind her cup. Even the great Master Diluc seemed helpless against Adeline.
—
They were walking through the long corridors with polished wood floors in the midst of the tour. Y/n looked at the empty walls. She didn't see any portraits as most aristocrats had lining their corridors.
They kept walking.
They went through the guest rooms. The warehouse. A sitting room no one seemed to actually sit in.
"Don't you have any secret entrances or dungeons or anything?" she finally said as they walked to the other corner of the building.
"This is a winery. A dungeon would be a waste of space," Diluc said thinking nothing of it.
"Secret entrances then?" she pressed on.
"We have the back door if you wish to leave discreetly," he mentioned.
"That's just a normal back door," she said with a disappointed sigh. "You sound pretty familiar with it," she noticed how he casually mentioned that.
"I am not," he added a bit too quickly. "As you said, it's just a normal back door."
Before she could say anything else, they stopped before a pair of carved wooden doors. Diluc pushed them open revealing the library.
Y/n stopped dead. “…Oh.”
Rows of tall shelves with rolling ladders stretched upward. The familiar smell of pages both old and new and cedar filled the air. Her eyes skimmed through the shelves—
Books with old leather spines, bound journals, history texts, poetry, alchemy, trade ledgers etc. This is nothing grand like the house of Daena, rather more smaller yet cozier.
Her eyes lit instantly. “You got a big collection of books!”
There was actual unfiltered, childlike delight in her voice that he hadn't heard in years. “Diluc...” She slowly turned in a circle. “You’ve been hiding this!”
“I was not aware it required announcing. Besides, these belonged to my late father,” he said in a quiet tone. More like it felt distant.
She turned to face him.
“I considered giving many of them away,” he began. “They occupied unnecessary space.”
Y/n glanced back at the shelves. Then at him.
“But Adelinde insisted we keep them.”
……
Y/n slowly stepped toward one shelf, fingers brushing spines reverently. “…I’m glad she did.”
“Why?” he watched her with curiosity.
She looked around with a small smile. “Because books are strange.”
That was not the answer he expected.
“They outlive people,” she continued, fingers moved across another. “And somehow still keep little pieces of them.” Pieces of them in the broken spine, wrinkled pages, pencil marks from being studied through the ages. Books held history, not the literal text but the way they were handled by their reader.
She turned toward him. “… then this isn’t just storage.” Her gaze swept the room. “It’s memory.”
Diluc’s gaze moved across the towering shelves. “It’s just unnecessary things that bind us to the past,” he said.
She studied the careful flatness in his voice. He sounded so indifferent.
She pulled a book from a nearby shelf and flipped it open. It had worn edges and a pressed grapevine leaf, brittle with age sat between two pages.
Diluc’s eyes flicked downward. “My father used to leave bookmarks that way.”
She noticed the slight shift in posture, the silence around him that had gone heavier. He did not want her to press. So she let the subject drift.
“Can I borrow the books?” she asked, a strategic retreat disguised as a simple question.
“Since you’ll be living here,” he began, “do as you please.”
“That sounded suspiciously welcoming.”
"Isn't that the purpose of this trip? To help you get accustomed to life here," he stated.
She turned another book over. She paused as she scanned the first page. Inside the cover there was small handwritten notes in sharp, neat ink. Likely his father’s.
Her fingers gentled against the page. “…These are annotated.”
“I could fetch you new ones.”
“I don't have problem with it," she swiftly said. She had read books in even worse condition in the Akademiya. "It's just… Are you sure?” she said carefully.
Diluc’s eyes rested briefly on the writing. “If I objected,” he said evenly, “I would not have offered.”
Y/n smiled. “Then I’ll take care of them.”
“You needn’t ask permission for everything,” he said, reminding her that she lived here from now on.
“…Right.”
Y/n looked toward the nearest chair which looked very inviting. Then toward the towering books. Then toward Diluc. “Since it'll take a while to see the library… how about we end this tour here?” she said.
“You have yet to see the vineyard. Besides, the library isn't going anywhere.”
Y/n narrowed her eyes. “I have already seen grapes hanging around the winery.”
“That was the southern vineyard,” he said, reaching for the doorknob and pulling it open.
“There are multiple vineyards?”
“This is a winery,” he said waiting for her to move.
That was solid logic. “…I feel like I’ve learned enough estate-related information for one day.”
They stepped outside into the crisp morning air, vineyards stretching wide beneath the sun. Workers moved between them collecting harvest, trimming, checking clusters, carrying baskets.
Diluc walked beside her. “This is the northern vineyard,” he said. “Most of our primary harvest comes from here.”
Y/n shaded her eyes, glancing over the rows. “…That is a lot of grapes. …Do the grapes here differ emotionally from the southern ones?”
“Yes. They differ by terrain, exposure, and cultivation cycle.”
Y/n lowered her voice noticing curious glances at them. “They’re watching.”
“I noticed.”
“Should we pretend to be more married?” she whispered.
Diluc gave a a side eyed glance. “What does that entail?”
She folded her arms, pretending to think. “Possibly smiling at each other. Standing scandalously close. Perhaps discussing grapes with inappropriate emotional intimacy. Affection would serve the purpose.”
“…I see.”
One older vineyard worker approached with a small wooden basket, smiling warmly.
“My lady.” He bowed his head slightly. “Would you like to try some fresh grapes?” he offered.
“I would love to—”
Diluc almost sighed. He noticed she showed far more enthusiasm than she had shown before she was dragged outside.
The worker chuckled and held out a cluster of deep purple fresh grapes.
Y/n took one grape and bit into one.
A sweet and rich flavor filled her mouth. 'Freshly plucked grapes are the best!' she thought. “These are really good. You must work really hard to grow them.”
The worker beamed. “We’re proud of them, my lady. Take as much as you want. These are going straight to the winery.”
Y/n took another. Then another, entirely abandoning dignity.
"I suggest you go easy on them lest you might fall sick," Diluc told her as he took the basket from his employee muttering, "I'll take it from here."
Y/n acknowledged it was rude to ignore her husband for a while because of fresh grapes. She reached for another grape. Then held it out toward him.
“Try one—”
The workers nearby subtly slowed trying not to stare.
Diluc looked at the offered grape. Then at his occupied hand. Then at her expectant expression. He decided he shouldn't decline her in front of the employees so he leaned slightly forward and took it into his mouth without using his hands—
There was cricket chirping silence around them….
The workers suddenly found pruning techniques extremely interesting.
Y/n blinked, caught off guard. She could feel the warmth of his lips when it brushed the tips of her fingers. When she offered him one she didn't expect him to directly take it from her hand— 'oh right… his hands are occupied.' She just realized.
Diluc, on the hand, was entirely composed as he chewed on it. “…They’re ripe.”
Y/n narrowed her eyes as she popped another grape into her mouth. “Your entire estate is going to think we’re in love by lunch.”
“Isn’t that what we’re aiming at?” Diluc stated simply as if it was obvious.
Y/n stopped a grape halfway to her mouth. “…Excuse me?”
“Our marriage is public," he said, voice lowering slightly so that only she could hear. "We ought to maintain the illusion."
She closed her mouth popping the grape in her mouth. “That just sounded like you were flirting.”
“As you mentioned earlier, if people believe we are affectionate,” he said, “it serves the purpose.”
Y/n smirked. Even though they've been together for less than a week Diluc could tell it was the 'up to no good' kind of smirk.
“…Then we should be convincing.”
“What do you mean?” he said with suspicion.
She stepped closer. "Well,” she said thoughtfully, “if we’re aiming for believable devotion, perhaps we should stop looking like two diplomats touring.”
Then she lightly looped her hand through his arm. A perfectly respectable gesture between spouses.
“There,” she said. “Now we look the part.”
She felt Diluc go still. He looked down briefly at her hand resting against his sleeve. "This feels excessive—"
But he himself did not make an effort to move it.
"Actions speaks louder than words my darling," she emphasized. "Shall we get going?"
"We shall."
The next morning, sunlight spilled in long gold bands through the tall windows of Dawn Winery.
Y/n’s room had become a battlefield.
Books stacked on chairs. Books on the floor. Books on the windowsill. Half-open crates. And one unstable tower stood beside her bed threatening to fall any moment.
Y/n crouched near a wooden crate, sorting books into rough piles.
“No, not there…” She muttered to herself. “This one near the window…” Then shifted two stacks. “Why do I own three dictionaries?”
There was a soft knock at the door. Then Adelinde stepped inside. She surveyed the room.
“Do you need assistance, my lady?” she asked glancing toward the piles with a worried look. “That is quite a lot of books,” her eyes fixed on the unstable tower.
Y/n balanced two volumes under one arm. “It’s alright—” She began with a faint smile. “Helps me find things if I do it myself.”
Just as she said that the tower bend and the stack of books fell to the floor making an even greater mess.
"Ughh, now I have to arrange them again—" she said frustrated.
Adelinde stepped into the room. "How about we pile them neatly first and then you arrange them according to the titles?"
"Thank you," she said looking at her savior gratefully.
“It's no trouble at all, my lady.”
She was done arranging the room quickly after Adeline helped her sort through stuff. "Now gotta take these to the library," she looked at a box full of heavy books.
"I'll take them there—" Adeline began but she cut her off.
"You've helped enough. This is the easy work. I'll take them," she said putting one box on top of another. She exhaled as she picked the box because instead of making multiple trips like a reasonable person, she decided to carry them all in one go.
"My Lady, you shouldn't take them all at once," Adeline protested.
But Y/n paid no heed. "It'll be quicker this way," she said trying her best to hide that boxes were in fact heavier than she thought they'd be.
Adeline could only watch helplessly as she left the room. She sighed, her stubbornness reminding her of a certain someone.
Y/n hauled the boxes down the corridor toward the library alternating between moving, dragging and adjusting her grip.
She heard another pair of footsteps approach. It stopped in front of her and her view cleared as both of the boxes got taken from her.
Diluc, who had been watching her struggle stepped forward without a word and took the boxes from her hands lifting it with ease.
“I had this—” she objected slightly offended he swooped in like that.
"You're only wasting your time dragging this. It would be quicker if you asked for help these are heavy—" Then, with the exact emotional neutrality he asked, “Are they going into the library?”
“Yes, But— I didn’t ask for help,” she said trying to take at least one of the box back from him.
Diluc turned and started towards the library. “It'll be quicker if I carry it.”
Y/n sighed and had no choice but to follow him into the library. She was adamant on carrying them herself. And he just simply inserted himself into her stubbornness.
“Here?” he motioned at a space near the shelves.
Y/n folded her arms. “…Left side,” she said. Since he offered to help she decided to make the most of it.
He put the box down and dusted his hands.
“Usually,” she began, “people ask before confiscating furniture from someone.”
“I did ask,” he stated, dusting his gloved hands.
“You took it and then asked where to place it,” she reminded.
Diluc considered this seriously. “I may have skipped a step. I'll make sure to ask next time."
Y/n stared at him for the completely serious answer. Then laughed in amusement. "Regardless, thanks for the help. I can take it from here," she turned to the shelves. “Unless you’re volunteering.”
"I have some errands to run," he said. "But if you ask, the maids would be happy to help."
He is no fun to tease. Y/n moved toward the shelf where she meant to organize them. "Nah, it's fine."
She stopped what she was about to do and looked again.
The shelf contained empty spaces. Not just random gaps of missing books. A whole shelf was missing books as if it had been cleared with purpose. That had not been there yesterday. She was sure she saw all shelves filled with books until yesterday.
She stared for a moment before slowly turning to Diluc with a confused expression.
Diluc noticed immediately. “I had the maids clear out some space,” he explained.
“You had the maids clear this out before I even asked,” she repeated, moved by his thoughtful act.
“Yes, since you looked visibly excited on your first visit here," he said as if it was the most obvious thing anyone would notice and act on. "I assumed you'd use the library. Unless you prefer to keep your books elsewhere.”
She grabbed his hand with both of hers, her eyes practically sparkling. "I would love to utilize this space!" There is no way she's giving up on free space to store her books.
Diluc on the other hand looked down at her with confusion laced in his features. Understandable, considering he has yet to discover her obsession with books.
"Not sure if you noticed but that's a lot of room," she observed letting go of his hand.
"You are a scholar. I assumed you'd have a lot of books."
True that if you combine all books in her possession, it'll fill out ten whole shelves. Fortunately most of them are at her home in Sumeru.
"I might fill the whole shelf with corny novels," she joked with a smirk.
"As I said, you're free to do that. You can also have additional space cleared out," he turned to the door. "I'll be taking my leave then."
He closed the door behind him as he left.
She stood at the center of the library staring at the carved wooden door for a moment before looking away. She was touched but a little annoyed. This is exactly the kind of man she preferred— one who would tell her to keep as many books as she could in their home…
Let's be honest here— Kaveh, after tripping over a scattered pile and falling face flat on the floor, once joked she'd have a hard time getting married because of the amount of books she collects. According to the blonde, 'Where would your husband even sleep with all these books in the house!' Back at Sumeru she ran out of additional shelf space and had to keep them stacked on the floor. Some of her collection even made it inside Alhaitham's house, which the scribe was not pleased about. He had no choice but to keep them because Kaveh picked the novels she left laying around the house and put them in their shared shelf. In his defense, the novels looked too aesthetic to not have decorated their boring shelf with. Alhaitham's sure Kaveh secretly told her to supply him novels just to spite him.
It took her quite a while to arrange the shelf. She even took a lunch break in the middle when Adeline called her down. It was mainly because she struggled to decide whether to arrange the novels section according to alphabetical order or their aesthetic…
She stretched her arms as she walked through the corridors as she left the library. Movement below in the courtyard caught the corner of her eye. She paused in her steps and peeked out—
There stood Diluc near the stone path by the vineyard slopes with an arm raised. Perched on his gloved forearm stood a majestic falcon.
Y/n immediately abandoned all responsibilities and headed downstairs.
"Is he yours?" her voice came from behind him.
Both Diluc and the falcon jumped in surprise.
The falcon gave a sharp flap of its wings. Diluc whipped his head to her. He didn't even hear her approach him…
The falcon tilted its head at her and shuffled once on Diluc’s arm watching her carefully.
Diluc steadied the bird. “Yes,” he said. “It's is mine.”
She slowly stepped closer careful not to startle it. Her eyes lit with unmistakable fascination. "…beautiful.”
The falcon blinked. Then puffed slightly like he agreed.
Y/n clasped her hands behind her back, very pointedly not staring at Diluc’s arm. She really wanted ask him if she could hold it but decided against it in case the birds not a fan of strangers.
Diluc glanced sideways at her. Then followed her gaze fixed on the bird. Perceptive as always, he offered, “Would you like to hold the bird?”
"Can I?" She said her eyes practically sparkling.
After she strapped on a leather glove, she raised her arm.
"Excuse me," Diluc said as he gently took her forearm adjusting it carefully. “Keep it level and do not jerk your arm she's harmless.”
“She?” she said just as he brought the bird towards her extended arm.
“Yes.”
Y/n slowly looked at the falcon that hopped to her, talons settling carefully onto the glove.
“You gave me a lady bird without warning?”
Diluc stared speechless.“Would warning have changed anything?”
"It's not nesting season is it?" she said recalling female falcons get more aggressive during this time.
"It's not."
“I'll be fine then—” she said more to herself.
The bird flexed its wings for a second then went still.
Y/n gasped happily at the bird sitting on her arm. “Oh.”
Diluc lowered his arm that was hovering around her in case she had a change of mind and decided to hand it back.
The falcon shifted and leaned forward to gently nudge her shoulder with her beak.
Y/n immediately stiffened. She leaned her head back as far as she could to keep the bird from reaching her head. "Is this normal?" She asked without looking away from the bird, worried she might peck her with her beak if she did.
Diluc observed the interaction with a straight face. "Are you... afraid of birds?"
Y/n looked scandalized— at least her voice indicated she was because her body language looked like she was trying not to get eaten. "What?! Noo. It's just I'm not used to big birds."
Diluc’s mouth twitched slightly in amusement. He lifted a hand, stroking the falcon lightly along its neck. “It is fine,” he said. “Do not worry.”
“We got vultures in the desert,” Y/n muttered. “Not exactly people-friendly.”
Diluc arched a brow. “I am not sure people would place them under the same category as falcons.”
Y/n frowned and stated, “They both fly.”
“All birds do—”
“Penguins don't—” she interrupted. "Besides although not under the same family, boths got exceptional vision, carnivorous diet and… beaks."
The falcon turned her head making a noise and stared directly at Diluc as if participating in the conversation.
Y/n lifted her free hand slightly with a victorious look. “See?”
Diluc looked between her and the falcon. He never imagined he'd get outnumbered by his wife and pet bird. Then again he never imagined he would be getting married in the first place.
She immediately lost the victorious grin when the falcon stepped higher up her arm.
She froze. “Diluc.”
“Yes.”
“…Why is she taller now?”
Diluc finally exhaled something that sounded suspiciously close to a laugh. “She likes you.”
The falcon pecked her hair, taking a few strands into its beak.
"What does eating someone's hair translate to in bird language?" she said helplessly asking for help with her eyes.
Diluc stepped forward— one hand steadied the bird while the other gently pulled her hair free. "As I said, she likes you." The falcon was returned to his arm.
"Does she eat your hair too?" she said smoothing her hair down.
He stayed suspiciously quiet.
Y/n stared at him with a straight face that said, 'just be honest it won't hurt me.'
“No," he said under the scrutinity of her gaze. “She has never attempted to eat my hair.”
She leaned forward, raising a hand to pet the birds head which it graciously accepted. “Favoritism…” she muttered.
Then she turned to her heel and left.
Diluc and his bird watched her retreating back. The feathered creature looked at Diluc reached her neck out and pulled at his ponytail. "Now you decide to change your diet," he said freeing his hair from the birds grasp.
Y/n has been cooped up in her room for three straight days, vanished behind paperwork.
There were open books thrown across her bed, loose parchment strewn around.
She sat hunched over another paper by her desk, muttering to herself as she tapped the desk with her ink stained fingers. “Cross-reference the desert alkaloids… compare drying methods… rewrite section four because what the fuck is this…”
There was a knock at the door echoing through the room over the sound of pen scratching over paper.
She didn’t look up. “Come in.”
Adeline stepped inside and paused to survey the condition.
Y/n was still writing, stray strands of her loosely tied hair fell across her forehead. She looked like someone who's likely forgotten what sunlight looked like.
“Lady Y/n.”
“Mm?”
“How long has it been since you left this room?”
Y/n stopped what she was doing and looked around before eyes finally landing on Adeline. “…Yesterday?”
Adeline said nothing, which was infinitely worse than speaking.
Y/n slowly lowered her pen. “…Day before yesterday?”
“It has been three days.”
There was a moment of silence before she finally spoke. "If I have water, I can survive a month locked in."
“You are pale,” Adeline said. “You keep skipping lunch. And Hillie informed me you were holding dirt when you thanked her for bringing you breakfast.”
"Fungi remains—" she corrected.
“Its not healthy to stay cooped up like this, my Lady. I suggest you take a walk go find Master Diluc at the tavern.”
"He must be busy—"
"He's working at Angel's share today and should be done for lunch break," Adeline insisted.
“…Am I being exiled?” she said putting away the paper she was holding.
“No.”
So an hour later, she was dressed properly and was reluctantly escorted outside the door by Adeline incase she made a beeline for the library.
She headed for the city of Mondstadt.
She passed through the city gates and followed the path towards Angel’s Share.
She was met with the smell of drinks, the sound of glasses clinking as soon as she stepped through the door of the lively tavern.
She easily spotted the red head behind the counter wiping a glass and approached.
"What are you doing here?" Diluc asked, pausing slightly as he noticed her approach.
She stopped in front of the counter and said mock scandalously. "Is that a way to greet your wife?"
A nearby patron nearly choked on his drink overhearing her.
Diluc threw a soul boring blank glare his way. He excused himself and moved away from the counter to give them some privacy.
Y/n slid onto a stool across from him resting her chin on her hand with deliberate elegance. Which lost some force because she almost bumped her knee against the counter.
Diluc let out a quiet sigh. "Never mind. Did you need something?" he asked, setting the glass down with a soft clink.
“I was exiled.”
This earned her an eyebrow raise.
“Adeline sent me outside claiming I needed to touch grass,” she elaborated.
He knew this was not how Adeline carried the conversation but got the picture regardless. "She wouldn't have done that if it weren't serious. "
“Support your wife.” Y/n frowned.
"She's sent me out of the house before when I have been unhealthily occupied with work before—" he contributed.
"You traitor! You should've warned me!" she leaned closer and whisper yelled. "I would've taken the papers outside had I known this was coming!"
"Sometimes, things happen for the best reasons," he comforted.
"Maybe you're right. I can have a drink now—" she recovered quickly from the sorrow of being apart from her research. "Give me the strongest you got—"
Diluc raised an eyebrow,"I don't look forward to dealing with your drunken state."
"You deal with drunkards everyday," she motioned the bar.
"It's still too early and it's my responsibility to ensure you reach home safe," he said reaching for the shelf to pick a bottle.
"I can handle alcohol just fine," she waved nonchalantly.
He poured her a glass with a look that said he clearly did not believe her. "Start with something lighter."
She had no choice but to accept it. "Aren’t you going to have one?"
"No. I don’t drink."
"You own a bar…"
"Doesn't mean I have to drink alcohol," he stated.
'Is it because he's a lightweight and a messy drunk?' she wondered. She leaned forward inches away from him, "Don't worry. When you drink at the winery, I'll keep your secret safe with me," she said empathetically. She has seen students from the Akademiya do crazy shit back at the tavern in Sumeru before.
"What?" he had no idea what she was talking about.
………
She watched him work— sleeves rolled to his elbow, coat discarded as she enjoyed her drink. She has to admit he looked quite pleasing to the eye. Who would say he used to be covered in mud and dirt most of the time when they were children.
"If you're done, shouldn't you get going?" Diluc's voice cut through her thoughts. "I thought you had journals to read through."
"I don't think Adeline would be pleased to see me back so soon," she said.
"Master Diluc," came a cheerful voice. "congratulations on getting married," Venti appearing out of nowhere like a gust of wind, leaned slightly over the bar with a grin. "Won’t you introduce us to the pretty lady?"
“This is my wife, Y/n," he motioned as she gave a slight wave Venti's way.
“Well, Lady Y/n, congratulations. Never thought we’d see the day Master Diluc married.”
Several nearby patrons nodded enthusiastically.
One even muttered. “I lost money over it.”
“…There were bets on Diluc's love life?” she asked looking at the corner the voice came from.
“There are always bets,” the guy replied. "I bet he'd always stay married to his business."
Diluc looked very unimpressed at that statement.
Y/n laughed softly.
“So how did you manage it, Lady Y/n?” Venti said.
“…Manage what?”
“To marry him.”
The tavern collectively leaned in extremely invested in hearing how the most eligible bachelor of Mondstadt got married right under their noses.
Y/n looked toward Diluc. Then back at the crowd and set down her drink with grave seriousness and folded her hands atop the counter. “As many great tragedies begin, I was in Sumeru.”
Venti and several patrons leaned closer.
Even the six fingers Jose stopped pretending to tune his lyre.
“I had not slept properly in three days,” Y/n continued. “I was surviving entirely on coffee and sheer willpower. Anyway here I was, wandering the marketplace after an argument with a scholar who described my research as ‘overly ambitious.’”
She paused dramatically. “Which was rude. Accurate, perhaps. But rude.”
Venti and a bunch of customers nodded sympathetically.
“And then,” Y/n said, lowering her voice, “disaster struck.”
The tavern leaned in.
“I dropped my papers.”
There was silence for a moment before Venti spoke, “…That’s the disaster?”
“You’ve clearly never lost forty pages of annotated medicinal papers to desert wind. The winds were mocking me that day—” she said without even second guessing the statement. “And through the chaos,” Y/n continued, “an old familiar face appeared.”
Everyone’s eyes slowly turned toward Diluc.
Who was still polishing a glass with the exhausted patience knowing clearly well this is all made up.
“He helped me gather every single page.”
One patron smiled. “That’s actually sweet.”
“He handed back my papers,” she said, “and then criticized my organizational methods.’”
Several people burst out laughing immediately.
"What happened next?" Venti asked eagerly.
"We got tea— aaand you know how it ends,” she concluded clapping her hands together. Then she picked up her drink and took a sip nodded firmly. She had a feeling she reached the limit of Diluc's patience so if she said anything more he might kick her out of the tavern.
Diluc on the other hand, pinched the bridge of his nose once— noting she'd make an excellent storyteller.
"That's all?" Venti said, disappointed.
”That's all," she confirmed.
"You left out the main parts!”
“The main parts?”
“Yes! You skipped everything after that!” Venti said. "Did you exchange romantic letters?"
"We exchanged letters—"
"Did you think about him afterwards?" Venti said mischievously.
There was a sound of setting down a glass followed by Diluc's voice, "You haven't paid for your drinks last time," her savior said, looking at Venti.
"Ehehe how about I play you a song and we'll call it even?"
"Pay your tab," Diluc said leaving no room for arguments.
"Boohoo, you're no fun Master Diluc," Venti said dejectedly somehow escaping like the wind.
"I really need to make up a strong backstory for us," she muttered after Venti left.
"How about not using your intellect on this and utilizing it elsewhere," Diluc suggested.
"I can think a lot more as long as I'm not hungry," she said thinking about food. "I heard they're selling a potato shrimp dish at Good Hunter's. Would you like to come with me?" she asked, expectantly.
"You want me to go out for a meal with you?" he repeated.
"Yes, my darling I'm giving you the honor of taking me out for my first meal after getting hitched," Y/n smiled.
"You don't have to needlessly go out of your way to spend time together. It's not like anyone suspects us," Diluc said grabbing her glass and setting it aside.
"Okay. If you're busy I'll go by myself," she said, the enthusiasm fading a little.
Just then the entrance swung open to reveal Angel's share's most loyal freeloader customer, Kaeya.
If Diluc had declined her invitation, there is a high chance she might ask Kaeya. There's absolutely nothing wrong for her to go get food with Kayea but for some reason Diluc did not like the idea of her getting her first meal with him. So he quickly added before Kaeya spotted them, "actually my schedule is free. I can go with you."
"It's fine you don't have to force yourself—" she raised her hands.
"I'll meet outside in a few minutes," he said leaving no room for arguments.
Y/n was about to speak but then closed her mouth, her grin returning. "It’s a date, then."
"A date is not how I would term it…"
“Well,” Kaeya drawled as he approached, “hello, sis-in-law.”
Y/n pointed at him instantly. “Hold that thought.”
Kaeya paused mid-step.
“You still haven’t been forgiven for what you pulled.”
Kaeya placed one hand over his chest. “I’m hurt.”
“You should be.”
"Yet here you are enjoying happily ever after," he said sliding onto the chair next to her. "So…" he leaned closer, "how goes married life?"
"Pretty great. We're going on a date now—" she stated seriously.
Kaeya wheezed almost falling off his chair. "Then what?" he said wiping a teardrop form the corner of his eye and steadying himself by catching the counter. "Go on your honeymoon? I'd suggest Fontaine. I heard it's quite popular with newlyweds."
"Thanks for the suggestion, brother-in-law," she said with a smile as she stood up. "Can't keep my darling waiting," she strolled over to Diluc, grabbing his arm, who came over behind them when Kaeya was too busy laughing.
"Hold on—" Kaeya stopped laughing. His eyes darted to her then to Diluc and to his arm which she was holding. "You're serious??" he was confused because how was Diluc playing along?? "What the hell happened since I last saw you?" he called behind them as they left the tavern.
—
The evening air was cool and pleasant around the City. They were seated at a small outdoor table with plates of food near Good hunter.
They mostly ate in silence till Y/n broke it. "Tell me something."
Diluc glanced up from his plate. "What?"
"How did you become so practical?" she finally addressed the question that has been weighing her mind for a while.
There was a small pause before he answered. "What makes you say that?"
"You used to be..." She searched for the word. "Excitable."
Diluc immediately looked offended. "Any child would act that way. It was ages ago."
"You carried frogs in your pockets and used to interrupt my reading because you found a particularly interesting reptile."
He was a little horrified. Regardless, he understood what she was actually asking. He set his spoon down. "A lot happened."
Y/n's expression softened. She knew about his father's death and that he left Mondstadt. Maybe everything that happened afterwards forced him to grow up faster than anyone should.
"When I was younger, I thought most problems could be solved if you tried hard enough." Diluc looked out toward the city square. "I learned that isn't always true—" he finished with an even, distant voice.
After a thoughtful pause, Y/n leaned slightly forward, resting her chin on her hand. "You know… I could help with the winery affairs, if you like. I handled administration at the Akademiya and there's the healers guild. Maybe I could take some of the load off you."
Diluc regarded her, a faint crease forming in his brow. "You wish to assist?"
"Yes."
"You don't have to go out of your way to help," he said, taking a sip from his glass.
"It is a wife's duty to share her husbands burdens," she said as if rehearsing that line from somewhere.
"Do I look like the kind of husband who would just dump his burden on his wife?" he frowned.
"You don't. So I'm taking them. Seeing my husband struggle is rather painful," she followed his motion and took a sip from her glass.
"I do not struggle," he defended.
"I noticed you come back late," she pointed out. "Unless you're working late or seeing a secret mistress behind my back it's not common to come in that late," she smiled which that indicated she was obviously joking.
Diluc paused his movements.
She looked straight at him with a questioning look. "Diluc?"
"This… arrangement may not be conventional," he began without hesitation. "But never suggest the thought that I am seeing someone else while being married to you."
He didn't sound annoyed or defensive. It was more like he was offended. As if the very idea was unacceptable and there were lines he simply would not cross. It's as if he were saying fake marriage or not, you are my wife.
She felt her heart skip at his words. "Okay," she nodded telling herself to get a grip. "As I was saying… We’re married now—it makes sense for me to contribute."
He studied her for a moment. "Very well," he said finally nodding in approval. "I will ask Elzer to show you the ropes."
Y/n smiled with a small thrill of satisfaction.
—
After the meal they walked towards the city gates.
Y/n walked beside him, hands clasped behind her back. "You don't have to walk me back."
"The roads get unsafe with monsters lurking around," he explained.
"I'll beat them up—"
"And return home with a ghastly cut? I don't think so," he said leaving no room for arguments.
"Hey— I can handle a hilichurl or two just fine," she objected. "Also… there's a cat following us," she looked at the creature behind him.
"I noticed," Diluc gave the cat a glance.
Y/n crouched down to pat the cat's head. It purred as she made contact and then went around her towards Diluc and headbutted his leg.
"Ohh he likes you."
"That's how cats are," he thought nothing of it.
Then another cat appeared, sniffed her, brushed its head on her hand then walked over to Diluc with intention and pawed at his leg.
She watched the sight. "You seem familiar to them. I didn't take you for a cat person," she said amused.
"They just come over randomly."
"Cat's just don't come randomly to me. Tell me— what's your secret," she stood up leaning closer to him. "Do you secretly feed them?"
"I do not—" he said far too quickly. Suspicious indeed. Does he not want others to know he likes cats?
"Even if you do… don't worry your secrets safe with me," she looped an arm around his, patting it with her free hand in mock reassurance.
"I told you. It's nothing like that," he said, as if desperate to change the subject. "Let's get going lest Adeline worry about you."
The study at Dawn Winery had transformed over the next few days. Where there had once been towering stacks of ledgers there were now neat labeled piles.
Elzer stood in the middle of the room holding one of the account books. "Lady Y/n… this is amazing!" Elzer exclaimed, with genuine admiration. He managed the winery’s affairs and as instructed by Diluc, he was showing Y/n the ropes.
Y/n smiled modestly, "It’s not much, really."
He looked genuinely emotional. "My lady… I could cry."
"...Should I be concerned?"
"You don't understand." He pressed a hand dramatically against his chest. "Master Diluc doesn't worry too much about winery affairs. I have to make sure everything is perfect."
"I merely reorganized the ledgers," she began humbly.
"Mere?" Elzer nearly dropped the book. "My lady, you are a godsend. You've cut three days of bookkeeping into one afternoon."
Y/n lowered her pen. "...Really?"
Elzer nodded enthusiastically that she worried his neck might break. "You've reduced both my workload and Master Diluc's."
'Just how overworked has this guy been…' she wondered.
—
Diluc was in his office holding a novel that Lisa had parceled him as a wedding gift. He skimmed through the cover raising a judgemental eyebrow at the title and opened it. It contained… questionable content.
He snapped the book shut immediately and was about to activate his vision to burn it without a second thought.
There was a knock at his door and Y/n entered. She noticed the book in his hand.
"Did Lisa give this to you?" she said.
"Yes…" he said putting the book down. "How did you know?"
"She gave me a copy too. Judging by your expression, I'm guessing you read the first page," she chuckled.
"I was about to burn this," he said, giving it an indifferent look.
"Lisa did predict you would do this so she told me to keep my copy safe."
"Elzer came by. He couldn’t stop singing your praises," Diluc said. He'll burn this later.
Y/n shook her head. "It was nothing."
"It felt like he’s going to hire you one of these days. Turn him down if he dumps too much work on you," he added, with what sounded like concern.
"It’s fine. It actually reminds me of my days in administration at the Akademiya after graduation." She walked across the table to the same side as him and plopped down on the table at his left. "I’m used to keeping busy."
He regarded her for a moment before nodding slightly. "Don’t overexert yourself.
"Not as exhausted as studying at the Akademiya," she muttered, shuddering thinking of the stress. "I had to finish piles of papers in a single night sometimes. Entire projects, reports… it was relentless. Makes me wonder how I even managed it."
Diluc listened as she continued, kicking her feet. "Sometimes it felt like it would never end. But I got through it. I had to. Besides, everyone’s required to master at least twenty languages before graduation," Y/n added casually, as if mentioning the weather.
Diluc wondered if he had heard her correctly. "Twenty..?"
"Yep!" She nodded.
He scanned her face carefully, looking for any hint of jest. But she looked entirely serious.
'She’s… serious,' he noted silently, leaning back slightly. He knew it would be best not to challenge her academic capabilities. "Do you need something?" he finally said.
"Ah right— I need to head to Sumeru, to take care of some matters at the Akademiya," she informed.
"You can just go as you please."
"I could but we are married. So I should at least let you know," she pointed out.
"Of course…"
"Disappointed, my dear husband?" she added teasingly, leaning closer to the side. "Did you want to come with me?"
She was met with an expressionless stare before he finally replied, "No. I have things to deal with."
"Maybe some other time then," she said hopping off the table and heading for the door.
She paused halfway turning the doorknob when she heard him call out her name.
If you'll indulge me I have a fun request for Kaeya the Cavalry Captain. After traveler!reader gains the power of Cryo, Kaeya teaches them the ins and outs of the element, although he hovers quite close during lessons... Which you proceed to lean into. Wouldn't want you getting cold!
I was thinking such a piece would be fluffy with mutual pining or an established relationship
I hope your day is going well. Thank you in advance :]
Hi Voidless! Thank you for the cutesy request I definitely think this would make for a fluffy piece *^-^* I have been meaning to write something for our favourite Ice prince for a while now so I hope I can do him some justice here! I did misread and skip over the "traveler" part till it was too late to change but I think this makes for an interesting backstory for the mutual pinning. Forgive my transgressions, Voidless. I hope you can enjoy this!
Tags: Kaeya x reader, fluff, mutual pinning
Warnings: none
Whispers of a snowswept heart
Snowflakes have always inspired awe in your heart. Nature's ability to construct a structure so intricate in form of an object so delicate is truly admirable. You harboured a strange curiosity towards anything to do with ice and snow from that interest and that definitely did not have anything to do with a certain Cavalry captain wielding that element. No it definitely was not influenced by the fact that the boy you secretly admired since you were kids one day walked into the Knight's headquarter inexplicably changed and a cryo vision dangling from his belt. You had always wondered what must have transpired on that fateful night that left Kaeya so changed. He was charming and a hell of a smooth-talker but you always felt that deep down, those smiling blue eyes hid something. You did not doubt him of deceit like a lot of people did, infact it was quite the opposite. You saw through his carefully crafted facades, atleast most of them. You saw that his carefree attitude concealed a deep loneliness. One that comes from having a secret, maybe one that no one can know. Since no one can know their secret, the person is left inevitably alone at some level. They might be surrounded by throngs of admirers and friends and still feel utterly lonely. You wished you could be closer to him. Sure, you were well acquainted with each other but you always get so flustered around him lately that you cannot make yourself bear to spend too much time in his company alone lest he saw through you too. You wished to be more than friends. He was a perceptive man. He had an eye for catching liars and you were nowhere as boldfaced a liar as him. He was a natural flirt and you were absolutely not immune to his charms. But you were afraid that to him you were just another girl he knows and an acquaintance who eventually also became a colleague.
You were infact not just another girl to Kaeya. He had noticed you quietly for ages. You unnerved him. He was mildly amused and extremely terrified of your ability to see through him. He knows that you do not buy his bullshit and lies concealing his true nature. You fascinate him. Your ever so perceiving eye, your ability to comfort people without making them feel like it is sympathy, your undying resolve to do good. You danced like blue flames in his mind's eye. He wanted so bad to get close to you, he really did. But you are the only girl he loses his composure around. Although he will not let anyone ever know that. He has a need to understand you but you fleet away like a butterfly from him. Sure, you indulge his humour and are not strictly professional with him but he can tell that you are cautious around him. He has often wondered if it is because you are suspicious of his motives but oh you smile at him so sweetly. Your soft sidelong gazes have not gone unnoticed from him either. He cannot piece together the puzzle that you are to him. How he wished he could. So when the opportunity presented itself, Sir Alberich pounced on that chance.
You came back from Mondstadt-Liyue border half supporting, half dragging one of the Knights who was dispatched with you to for the mission. What had seemed like just another hilichurl camp clearing commission turned out to be a Fatui experiment. They had infused a Geo lawachurl with a strength and elemental energy enhancing potion and posted an SOS request under the guise of a normal merchant caravan requesting help. All to see how a group of trained knights would compare to their newest experiment. You were basically test subjects to them. The other Knight you had been dispatched with was also visionless but your team leader wielded an anemo vision. This should have been sufficient to clear out the monster camp that the original post requested help with. You and your polearm were a force to be reckoned with. But by the time your team discovered the truth and danger of the situation it was too late. The Lawachurl was particularly agitated due to a side effect of the potion. Very relevant data for the fatui, but detrimental to your team and the nearby villages. The threat needed to be neutralized asap. After your teammate took a grievous hit, you stood infront of them as a shield. Your team leader's continuous anemo assaults from the air was only making the monster more enraged. Your fellow knight, Ansel, laid unconscious propped against the rock he had been flung against in the middle of the shallow pond while the monster lurched towards you. Who stood in defiance with your pole. You were not going down without a fucking fight. You widened your stance, angled your staff and braced yourself for your final fight.
You were bruised and bleeding but did not flinch as the monster charged towards you. You attacked it in a flurry of kicks and swipes of your weapon. You maneuvered around the monster drawing it away from your defenseless companion. Your breath was coming out in pants but to an onlooker you would have looked like a whirlwind. As your speed decreased with exertion the lawachurl landed a hit that sent you flying against a rock under a small waterfall. You hit your side before before hitting the ground. As the water rained down on you, you lifted your uninjured arm towards the charging monster in a final attempt to stop it and suddenly a burst of the brightest blue surged from your fingertips. The surge of elemental energy all around you was so overwhelming it froze the whole pool infront of you, including the monster in the middle of it.
Kaeya had found you hauling Ansel back to Mondstadt while your team lead had gone to request assistance from millelith guards stationed nearby to dispose off the monster safely once it inevitably defrosts. You were barely able to walk yourself but you insisted that Ansel, who was like a younger brother to you, needed to get to the Church for proper healing. The hope and relief that surged through you upon seeing Kaeya buckled your knees. He ran up to you and caught you. You don't remember anything other than his hands winding around your waist and the terror in his eyes upon seeing you like that. The next thing you knew, you were waking up in the Cathedral and Barbara was working on you and Ansel. Kaeya sat on a chair nearby and tsked at you.
"What is that supposed to mean?" You said after noticing that it was directed towards you.
"You are training with me starting tomorrow" Kaeya stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
"wait what? For what? You don't think I am capable of holding my own?" you said colouring a bit, did he think you were incapable? or weak?? If it were not for the Lawachurl being artificially enhanced it would have been no problem to you. He cannot just assume--
Kaeya interrupted your train of thoughts "For your newly earned vision" he smirked sensing the slight annoyance that earlier statement had earned him. Strange, why did it feel like intimacy to him?
"Cannot have you going about freezing all of Mondstadt's lakes now can we?" he drawled teasingly with a smile.
So he had already gathered intel on what transpired? You gawked at him for a bit before it hit you. Oh. Your vision. Your new vision. The overwhelming circumstances surrounding that particular event had almost made you gloss over the enormity of it.
You awkwardly nodded and thanked him for the offer. You needed some time to process all this. Kaeya understood that, he got up and sauntered out with his usual carefree air. But his little lingering glance back at the door and the softness in his eyes told you what the captain left unsaid. He cared for you.
The next morning you woke up still sore. Barbara's healing had done wonders for you but the freshly mended bones, would still take a bit to properly heal. The cuts and gashes were all but gone. The particularly deep gash on your side had to be bandaged. It will take a few more days and another visit to the Cathedral to be completely healed. But none of that mattered. For this morning you are about to train with him.
You did your hair with extra care. You spritzed your neck and wrists with your favourite perfume. You did this almost everyday but it felt special today. More intentional. The butterflies in your stomach rushed you to Starfell lake, where you agreed to meet him.
When you reached the lake, he was already there. He leaned against the great tree that proudly stood behind the Anemo Archon statue. He gazed at a pair of cranes on the other side of the lake. A soft wind rustled his hair and blew some some dandelion seeds towards you. He looked up at you upon hearing your approaching steps and smiled. Your heart fluttered like that of a canary but you did not let it show as you smiled at him and waved.
"oh so you did indeed remember about our little rendezvouz, y/n" he said as way of greeting.
"Alas, I had no choice but to comply with the Cavalry Captain's orders" you said dramatically indulging in his humour.
"oh? So I am just a Cavalry Captain to you now?" he put a hand to his chest and added feigning hurt, "you wound me y/n"
The mirth glittering in his eyes made you laugh. How Kaeya loved that sound.
"alright, alright enough with the theatrics, teach me how to do this already" you said walking towards the shore with a smile. You looked back over your shoulders before adding with a wink "wouldn't wanna freeze all the lakes now would we?"
Ironically, you did manage to freeze the Cavalry Captain on spot right then with that wink. Did he dream that or did you actually just wink at him? you? At him? Oh this day just keeps getting better. He regained his composure and followed quickly.
You were absolutely elated today. This is the first time you and Kaeya are spending time together alone. Sure you have played with him before as kids and have been deployed on duties with him, but it was always with people. This? This felt almost like a date. You were also overjoyed at your hard earned vision and excited to learn about it. So naturally, your walls had slipped from its place. He was the one who offered to train you, it was his idea to meet here. Your heart could not help but hope at what that might mean.
Kaeya explained the basics of channeling vision to you by the shore as you walked side by side. You were a quick learner and he was a surprisingly good teacher. He taught you how to focus the element to one point and how to regulate output. you both picked a spot to sit and share lunch as you conversed. He had packed two boxes of sandwiches, he handed one to you while you unpacked the berries and chocolates you packed for both of you with a small smile. You both fell into an easy rhythm as he continued teaching. He explained that expending too much elemental energy at once could be fatal and deplete your physical energy faster. This would be detrimental in combat. Channeling and wielding were the easy parts as they came intrinsically. The tricky part was infusing your weapon with it.
After finishing lunch, Kaeya decided to lead by example as he froze a small section of water infront of the beach with his sword. You tried to replicate doing that with your polearm but the elemental energy burst from your finger tips rather than the staff. Kaeya encouraged you to try again, and this time you froze the weapon itself. Kaeya laughed as you sulked and waited for it to defrost beside a small flame.
As you stood on the shore, ready to try again. You felt Kaeya step up behind you. You were enveloped in his warmth as he held your hand holding the staff and guided you. His breath ticked your ear sending a delicious shiver down your spine.
"Okay focus here" he said sliding his hand from your forearm to your wrist. He did it so casually yet the touch felt intentional, soft, and a little unsure.
"Mhmm" you assented trying to maintain your stance and not to lean into him. His other hand hovered around your waist, but did not touch you.
Seeing that you did not pull away, he put his hand over yours before continuing, "Now picture your weapon as an extension of you" he breathed again, it is really hard to focus with him this close, "imagine the energy climbing down the weapon like it does your arm during channeling" breathe "and picture it bursting forth"
You watched as cryo shot from the tip of your polearm.
"like this" Kaeya added before reluctantly stepping away again. The frozen water infront of you was in stark contrast to the heat coursing through you.
You instantly missed his warmth. But you just nodded and tried to focus on replicating his action like he showed you. You closed your eyes in concentration trying to picture it the way he taught you.
While Kaeya took this opportunity to admire your face. Your brows scrunched in concentration, the tiny beads of sweat on your skin from practicing under the sun all day, the way the wisps of hair floated framing your face, the steady tension of muscles on your arms as you gripped your polearm, he watched as you drew in a steadying breath and opened your eyes. Determination danced in them as you exhaled with control before unleashing your energy.
This time you aced it. You channeled it through your weapon! Your eyes analyzed the medium sized frozen expanse of water with rising joy before turning towards him with glee.
"I did it! Did you see that" you beamed at him expectantly
Kaeya just stood there staring at you, a strange look in his eyes. One you had never seen before.
"Kaeya?" you asked tilting your head in confusion.
"You are beautiful" the words fell from his lips before he could stop himself. His eyes widened at the realization as a blush slowly crept onto you. The sounds of the gentle waves and the birds flying home by soft rays of the setting sun, your sole witness. You both stood there frozen on spot for a moment. Eyes wide, hearts racing, unsure of what to say. It lasted only a couple seconds, but it felt like an eternity. You looked away first, unable to hold his gaze any longer. The way he looked at you just now...the way he said those words...you could not wrap your head around it. Did he...like you too? You did not know how to respond, not after seeing the intensity in his gaze.
Kaeya Alberich was not a man to stutter. But today he did. His mouth rarely speaks before his brain does but around you his heart wins. He could not help the words slipping past. And now he is struggling to regain composure. And you did not even respond! Oh God did he cross a line? Should he not have said that?
"That was um--very well done" he tried to sound jovial, "I am impressed"
You seemed to regain composure too, "y-yeah! I thought so too" you smiled at him "pretty cool huh?"
He was glad to see you be playful again. "Indeed, madame"
You both decided to walk back to the city as it was nearly dark. Casual conversation resumed, about work, other acquaintances and life. But neither of you acknowledged the little event before. He seemed to walk slower, almost as if wanting to lengthen this walk back to the city. That only further encouraged the machinations of your hopeful, treacherous heart. You caught his soft sidelong glances and your heart skipped each time. As you neared the bridge that led to the city gates, you could not help but want for this to last longer. You did not want this day to end yet. But it had to, this was probably just him doing his duty as a captain and as your friend. It could just be nothing else.
But as you stepped towards the city, Kaeya suddenly grabbed your wrist. You turned towards him in surprise with inquisitive eyes.
Kaeya Alberich was done pretending he did not want more of you. That you did not absolutely drive him crazy. He was terrified when he saw you bloodied and bruised Dragging Ansel back through sheer determination. He did not want to spend another day wondering. He wanted you as more than just an acquaintance.
But he said none of this. He just asked, "drinks?"
Thank you so much for reading, angels!! I had so much fun writing this so credits to @voidlesslove for the lovely idea! I hope you enjoy this piece as I work on the other request. If you are new here, you can browse more of my works through my Masterlist ^-^
I appreciate everyone who reads and enjoys my little fics so much! Depending on this one's reception I might write a part 2. I am so happy to have you here!
"Flins, love, you missed Aino's class agai—...woah."
You gasped, surprise evident on your face. Eyes staring at your lover, big eyes racking over his new clothes? He never wore those before.
Flins just looked at you in curiosity before chuckling at your opened mouth. "Is everything alright, my light?" He asked, one eyebrow raised at your state, amused by your reaction.
"F-Flins—your clothes! I—" You couldn't even speak properly, seeing your man in a suit for the first time really was an amazing surprise. "You look devilishly handsome, my love." You murmured in the end, eyes casually dropping to his forearms, that were, for once, not hidden by the multiples garters he had one. Flins merely chuckled at your state, gazing at your approaching form.
"Ah, thank you love." He thanked, letting you grab his hands, rings, bracelet and a watch decorating the skin. "I do appreciate the compliment, really, but is there any particular reason that explains your surprise?" He smiled at the feeling of your finger caressing his.
Even though you felt like he knew perfectly the reason of your astonishment, you still answered the mischievious Fae.
"Well," you started, your hand leaving his to go up his suit instead. "It's not often that I see you in a suit—or even show the slightly bit of skin."
He hummed. "I decided to try something new, so your surprise really do bring a smile to my face darling." He let your hands wander until they reached his neckline, his hand grabbing yours to place a kiss upon your knuckles.
You blushed, still taken aback by the sudden change—it was sudden but not unnapreciated for sure.
"You should wear these more often." You proposed. "You look even more handsome than before Kyryll."
Featuring the one and only, Duke of Meropide and hearts, Wriothesley
(Part 1 ft Diluc ; Part 2 ft Kazuha) All the works can be enjoyed separately they simply share a common theme of reader being sick/injured and needing extra love
An exhausted and sick reader tries to ignore signs of their sickness to help a very busy Wrio but instead ends up injuring themselves and worsening their ailment. How does Wrio react to this change of to-do list and how does he take care of you? (Hint: this is very indulgent, as always)
Tags: reader x Wriothesley, hurt/comfort, sickfic!, fluff, comfort.
Warnings: mentions of blood
A rivulet of sweat flowed down your neck. The July sun was beating down outside. Making breakfast had never felt more tedious. Work seemed to pile up no matter how hard you tried to work through them. Research papers and books were messily strewn about your desk and every other table-esque surface. It did not help that your beloved duke, Wriothesley has been just as busy. You barely saw each other lately and neither of you were at fault. You knew he had an important meeting today and needed to prepare some documents before heading out for the fortress so you offered to make breakfast despite the little headache you had been nursing since the alarm woke you up so rudely from his embrace. A small act of love, he had smiled at you so softly and nodded in gratitude. However, that was before the little headache had developed into a an incessant, pounding pain at your temple.
Now the heat of the cooking stove felt unbearable. You threw open the windows in hopes of getting some respite. But the soft wind outside only kissed your sweat soaked skin and made you shiver. Yet you were determined to not ruin Wriothesley's important meeting with mentions of your creeping sickness. So you grabbed the tomatoes you washed and started slicing them for the sandwich you were preparing.
The tomato was so red, bright and burning red. The red seemed to grow blurry at the edges. Was the red swirled with...yellow? How curious...Why was it so blurry? You blinked to adjust your vision. Little black specs started to fill up your vision now and you swayed.
A burning sensation snapped you back to your senses. You cut your finger! You gasped in surprise at the sudden sensation. You rushed to hold your bleeding finger under the cold water. It was bleeding profusely. Why won't it clot already? You watched as crimson flowed and it flowed and flowed. This was...nice. So fascinating to watch. The black specs were there again. The sounds around you were dimming, the colours were bleeding into each other. The water was so red...You dimly registered the world tilting. Then all was dark.
Wriothesely looked up from his papers to the sound of a thud and clatter of utensils from the kitchen. What was that? He got up and walked to the kitchen.
"y/n?" he called.
There was no response from you as he walked over. He froze as he entered the kitchen at the sight in front of him. He saw your unconscious form crumpled on the floor, bleeding. Not just from the cut on your finger but from hitting your head upon falling. He rushed to your side and called your name, this time frantically.
"y/n??" his voice was nearing a frenzy despite his attempts to be calm.
You did not respond. His eyes frantically darted over you trying to understand what happened as you laid limp in his arms. He snatched the nearest kitchen cloth and pressed it against your bleeding finger, it turned crimson in moments. As a skilled and strong sword wielder, it was not too surprising that in your daze you forgot to check the pressure of your knife and it slipped and cut into your finger. He realized you were also burning up a fever. He understood that you passed out from the temperature.
He gathered you up in his arms with the gentleness of handling an injured fawn and carried you to your shared bedroom. You head lolled backwards. If you were not out cold, you would hear his heart hammering in his chest. Your breaths were shallow, your skin pale from the blood loss. Wriothesely realized with horror the cut on your finger was deep enough to need stitches. He administered first aid on the scrape on your head before he commenced on stitching your finger with surgical precision. He was skilled at this from years of experience dealing with his own wounds. 2 stitches were all it needed and thanks to the fully stocked medicine kit at your apartment he was able to make quick work of the wound. Wrio appeared to calmly be doing the necessary tasks but there was a storm raging within him. How could he have noticed you were not doing well? Could all of this have been avoided if he was just more attentive? You were always taking care of him but was he doing enough for you?
He was pulled out from his spiral at the sound of your voice. A weak utterance really.
Your brows knit together from pain, "Wrio..." you managed to mutter through the thick haze of darkness before trailing off into oblivion again
Wriothesley looked at you anxiously with bated breath to hear what you had to say, if you needed something. But no sentence followed, you sunk back into your pillow. He sighed and appeared to visibly deflate.
He finished neatly bandaging your wound and went to quickly pen down a letter to the party he was supposed to have a meeting with briefly explaining that he had to postpone their engagement for the day and referred them to a trusted attendant at the fortress in the meantime. He asked a Maison Gardiennage gardemek to deliver the letter to the intended recipient. He took a deep breath to ground himself and headed to the kitchen to finish making the breakfast you started making. He couldn't help the small smile that made its way to his face when he saw the little heart you had drawn on the carefully folded cheese omelette you intended for him to have with the sandwich. He prepared a steaming cup of herbal tea with medicinal herbs to help your fever. Wrio had a tea for nearly every ailment. He added special spices imported from Sumeru to the mix to heighten it's healing effects. Keeping himself occupied was the only thing preventing him from spiraling again.
After he was satisfied with the brew he placed it on the tray with some fresh fruits and headed towards your shared bedroom. He gently placed the tray on your bedside table and softly called your name. Your temperature was still high but you stirred at the sound of his voice this time.
The room was slowly coming into focus as you slowly blinked your eyes open. You looked towards your left to the sound of your name being called. Despite the fever and the ringing in your ears his voice filled your senses with a honeyed sweetness. You smiled weakly at him as his visage filled your vision.
"Wrio…hi Wrio" you mumbled as way of greeting.
He leaned forward and brushed your hair aside.
"Hi baby" he greeted softly as he helped you take your medicine. You could not sit up, your head was too heavy. You somehow managed to down the cup of medicinal tea with Wriothesley's support. Your head was spinning. Wriothesley's arms around you was your soul anchor. Once you finished taking all the medicines he had prepared he let you sink back into your fluffy pillow again. You sighed.
"I am so sorry..."
Wriothesley was putting away the empty cup and bowls. He paused in confusion at your feebly spoken words. Before he could say anything he saw tears welling up in your eyes. You turned to hide your face as soft sobs wrecked your body. Wrio kept the cups aside and was at your side in an instant. He gathered you in his arms as you cried
"I...I am...sorry--I ruined your meeting" you continued between sobs "I-I am sorry--I didn't mean to"
"I just wanted to help-" you were cut off before you could finish that sentence
"Hey, hey, look at me baby" He cupped your face in his hands forcing you to look at his face.
"You did not ruin anything, okay?" he leaned forward, closer to your face. His stormy eyes were clouded with worry, his dark onyx hair looked as soft as ever.
"Nothing is more important than you to me. Got it?" he said earnestly. Your treacherous heart skipped a beat.
You just looked at him with tear streaked face, sniffing. The apples of your cheeks and the tip of your nose were brushed with red from the crying. Your wet lashes framed your glossy wet eyes. Wriothesley could not help but feel his knees buckle at the sight.
"I love you y/n" he kissed your forehead as he murmured "Please do not ever think anything or anyone else comes before you"
You hummed a soft "I love you" as you snuggled closer to him. But your eyes were droopy again with sleep. He felt you grow heavy in his arms. He tucked you in as you let out a breath you didn't know you were holding.
"Thank you my love" you managed to mumble feebly before drifting off. The fever was gradually breaking.
Wriothesley just smiled "No need to thank me honey"
He kissed the tip of your nose affectionately "Just get well soon, love"
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Thank you so much for reading! I love writing and reading hurt/comfort so this series is my pride and joy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it! I would love to hear if you have any requests! Happy reading 🌸
