Happy anniversary to the Knight of Dawn x Reader x General!Lilia OT3 ! Here a little surprise gift for @hanafubukki for the occasion.
Here her OT3 Masterlist if you're curious !
Hope you'll like it :3 Ended up being more about Dawn and Reader, but they deserves their little time.
It was also crossposted on my AO3.
Warning: Light angst to comfort. Reader is dealing with the doom of getting thrown between time and space. High risk of english mistakes I did not see.
It was after a long night of battle, when the silence finally fell on the forest. The camp was louder than ever. The human soldiers celebrated. They celebrated their victory. The faes fled. They were chased -into their own land. Laugh and joy resonated from the camp, but it only worsens the bitter taste you had in your month. That’s the reason you choose to take some distance from them. Because as much as this scene angers you, you cannot say anything. It would cause more harm than good for you, and for the few people advocating for you. Near the camp – there is a hill. The ocean was calm, the sound of the waves hitting the rocks down the cliff covered most of the noise the soldiers could make from the camp. The horizon started by slowly changing color, getting lighter. The sun will soon raise on the Land of Briar.
You can’t help but think about your home. Both homes. Your family and friends in your original world. The peoples who raised you in so many ways. Are they worried? Did you become just another cold case, a mysterious disappearance they talk occasionally in documentaries? But you also think about the little family you built at Night Raven College, centuries from now. Would you one day be able to go back? Laugh with your friends about how life sure has something against you?
First, you changed world. Second, you went back in time. Are you condemned to live your life this way? Being thrown between space and time, unable to built anything durable out of fear of it vanishing one day, only to have to start all over again?
You heard a little crackling in the bush behind you. Nothing serious. You don’t even turn around. You already know who is coming. You still look at the horizon, while a man in shining armor appears in your peripheric vision, just besides you. You don’t say a word. You are angry, that’s a thing. But he is not the one who deserve to receive your frustration. An awkward silence fell between you two. A peaceful moment you wish could have perdured a little longer. But the Knight has something to say.
“I am sorr-“
“Don’t. I am not the one who need an apology” you cut him, harsher than what you wanted.
A new silence fell. The Knight is a man of few words, everyone knows this fact. But he is an ally to you from your very first day in this temporality. A friend, you dare to say. Not like your happy-lucky idiots from NRC, but a dear friend nonetheless He is a commander, but cannot defy orders. You sometimes think about what would happens if you were to advise him to rebel. But due to the bad view humans have against faes, it would most likely not turn in his favors. You will not risk to condemn this righteous Knight to a traitor path. And, there is already a fate for him. A tragic one, yes. But a fate who is deeply linked to some people you know and care. He will be the one to save both Lilia and Malleus. He will be the doom of Tsunotaro’s mother. He will be the biological father of Silver. He will die in a battle against the same human kind he fought for.
As sad as is fate is, you cannot risk to mess up your friends’ futures. Your presence now is enough of a threat.
“I…still wanted to apologize to you. I bought you here, knowing you are against this war. I have a responsibility for that” state the Knight.
You sigh deeply, slightly giving a look at him. You told him a hundred time to stop apologizing to you like that.
“From what I remembered, you took me with you to avoid some trouble with Lord Henrick. He was rather angry that the General of the Right conveniently ran away under my care” you add, as a way to remember the Knight he saved you. Even the Princess wouldn’t have much authority over the fate of a traitor.
“…it was not the only reason. And I have to atone for this by taking proper measure” he mutters.
You froze as you see his silhouette down and turn to him. He was kneeling. The Knight with golden hairs and shining armor was kneeling to you, sword struck in the earth, face down. The color of the sky became brighter, and you couldn’t help but been left speechless facing this. Nevertheless, the voice of your friend quickly took you out of it.
“I, under the name that was given to me, swear on my life, my sword and honor…”
Wait. Wait. Wait. This is an oath. He is making an oath? A knight oath?! To you?!! That not- It’s not something destined to you. You must stop him!
“Wai-” you stop. Despite his head down, his aurora-colored eyes were on you, fixing your own, talking straight to your soul. [Don’t stop me] they were stating, with such a resolve you couldn’t even move.
It was his choice. One of the few he was able to make for himself. One you couldn’t refuse him as a friend.
“Up until the end of my life, I’ll protect you. From today on, your enemies shall be mine. Your safety, my priority. And, for as long as I breathe, you shall never feel alone, as I will be right by your side. As your sword and shield. As your friend and servant. And as your knight”
He lifted his head, looking straight at you, waiting for an answer he already knew. And so, illuminated by the first sunlight of the day as a blessing, the Knight became Yours.
“I accept” you mutter, realizing the weight of the fate you just twisted as a faint beautiful smile appeared on his usually emotionless face.
You offer him your hand, helping him stand up. And in a silent common to the most sacred moments, you both started to walk back to the camp. Your mind was racing. You were no fool to the feelings of Your Knight. But you thought it was just a passing breeze. Something that would fade with time if you ignore it long enough. After all, the winds of Fate should be stronger, right? And you don’t even know how many time you have left here. You spent most of your life in your original world. Not even a year at Night Raven College in the “present”. And just a few years here. How much have you left before you get to be thrown in another world or another time? A day? A month? A year? A decade? There is no way to know. But the idea of your brief presence here changing so much is becoming increasingly scary.
Even though, a little part of you couldn’t deny you were flustered. The oath of a Knight is only given once -that the rule- and he had given it to you. And as much as you fear this feeling, you can’t ran away from it. You needed it, this reassurance.
You are no longer alone. He’ll be there as long as you here or as long as he lives. It’s his promise.
For your Knight, though, walking barely a step behind you, a guilty joy was overflowing. You accepted him. Just a little. But it was enough for him. You gave him the right to protect you. To cherish you in a way. You always felt like a dandelion -ready to fade and vanish at the blow of the wind. A strange one who appeared one day like magic, like a blessing. But someone strong. Someone who can stand while trembling. Someone kind, but brave like a warrior. Someone who fight for her belief, act for what his right, while still being incredibly lonely. You never told him much, but he understood you were someone without a home. Craving for a family while fearing the idea of connecting with people.
He must admit, on that cliff, he got swayed by his own greed and fear. The greed of cherishing you. The fear of losing you to someone else. Did he had any right to act on this feeling? The words Princess Leah murmured to him before you both left are still on his mind.
[She is someone as bright as a star. But the brightest stars are those whose light fade the quickest. You may think accepting the distance she puts between you two is the best for her. And it’s both respectable and at your honor as her friend. But someone will come one day. Bolder than you, he will embrace this loneliness and her fears without letting her flee. This day, I fear, will be the one you’ll lose. Not as her friend. But as what you wish to be for her.]
He turned his head to the branch of a tree. A bat, head down, following you from even before he joined you on the cliff. An animal you rarely see when the sun has already set so much. The little creature must have seen everything. His oath. Your acceptance. The lovely blushes of your fluttered face when he was kneeling before you. At the idea, your Knight couldn’t help but smile at the creature. A rare sight, a smile no one had ever seen on him before. A lovely, faint, sneaky smile, like a mischievous child caught red-handed after successfully eating the candy he took from the jar. Seeing this, the bat quickly left, flying to the deepest part of the Forest to her master.
He may not be as bold as Vanrouge. And perhaps, yes, you’ll be happier with him, bathing in a love you rather flee but very much need. But, today, he is the one by your side. You accepted him, the Knight of Dawn. Not only as a friend. You allowed him to become your Knight, someone closer to you than anyone else.
It was his own little victory. A sweet feeling he swears to cherish, whoever your choice may end up to be.
I finally tried to sketch one of my youngest and I find her cute so I'm showing her off-
(The picture is still a little blurry but it's the 5th time I take it so bear with me-)
I'm also trying to learn how to draw squirrels for her, as it is her nickname. She owned it because she has an habit of quickly taking food from the table (mostly bread or fruits) to hide it and stock it in her room. She's also a fast runner and a good climber. (And her cheeks are getting all full and round when she eats :3)
I have a bunch of random infos on her, but I'm still debating some points. And her clothes are not final, but it's the best I could do for now (i need to get more into late 1800's London's fashion and learn how to draw clothes, more generally).
I was possessed by the unknown once again and drew another of my girls. Here is a little test for Ashley design (from this little teaser). With some infos on her.
She doesn't look like a revenge-obsessed maniac. But looks can be deceiving. Ever since "The night" she's living in the old church under the young priest in charge, Noah. Some years had passed. And she now takes care of a garden there - which produce a lot. And help with the care of the newly arrived orphans.
Everytime she has to go outside the church or meet people, she hides her grey hair with an headscarf (or the Victorian equivalent, I have found several names to name it and I'm not sure which one is the correct term).
I'm still working on her curse and debating some points, but I know from which story and character it will be and I am happy I've finally found it.
I was working on my main IkeVil OC, when I had an illumination, and now I have two different stories with the bunch of OC's that goes with it (that happen a bit too often-). So here is a little teaser for this second story who rent free in my head for the past 3 days.
OC's involved: Ashley, Noah.
Warning: Blood. Mention of murder and revenge. Mention of religion, God and Devil. Overall dark vibe despite everything. Little editing, the brainrot needs to be freed.
No priest named Noah was hurt during the writing process.
In the middle of the night, lost in the dark alley of the East London, a shadow walked. No decent soul would adventure themself in these streets at such shady hours. The person, hiding behind a hood, naturally found their way to an old abandoned church -like a wolf can find where the sheep sleeps. In a touch, the massive wooden door of the entrance opened, echoing a creek similar to an agonizing scream. Inside the House of God barely illuminated by the moonlight, the silhouette went forward to the confessional naturally. Each step resonated against the stones of the ground, breaking the religious silence of the empty church. The statues of angels and saints stared and the cloaked silhouette, as if they waited for something to happen. In the confession box, the hooded figure sat, and stayed silent.
The time seemed to stop, in such hours and in a sacred place. But after a moment alone, someone entered the other side of the confessional. The mysterious sinner retired their hood, revealing the pale face of a young woman with grey hair, empty eyes, and a stain of blood drying on her cheek. She opened her mouth, ready to confess.
“Father, I have sinned-”
“No. Not again.”
The voice of the young priest cut her. Firm. Desperate.
“I must confess” she added, in a calm yet lighter tone.
“I don’t want to hear it” begged the brown-haired priest in a high and pleading voice, almost as if he was ready to sob.
“But, Noah, this is your job” she grinned softly, still bloodied by the blood of her enemies -which the priest could very well smell.
“I said I don’t want to knoooooow” he complained, frustrated and pitiful, as he started to rub his face with his hands. Hiding himself. His own sin. As if it would make her stop.
After all, this woman covered by the blood of her revenge wouldn’t even be here if, in a fated night, he didn’t open the door of the church and took her in, saving her from Death's embrace. Holding his rosary, he prayed for patience and forgiveness, as the Angel of Death was teasing him to listen to her bloody act of the night.
To this day, he is still not sure. When he met this woman, unconscious at the door of the church on his first day there, who had sent her to him? Was it God, to save her and give her a chance? Or was it the Devil, not accepting her in the deepest part of Hell yet?
Only time would be his answer.
But until then, he shall accept and suffer. Praying that, the day her massacre would end, he wouldn’t jump straight in Hell with her.
A little thing going rent free in my head since I made this test and ended up as a Coward Villain. I was a bit tired when I took it. Very tired when the ideas of the Oc's started. And very much tired when I post it -so my self-doubt is too exausted to think. So, let's go ! I have now a love triangle between a tired timid PhD student who messed up like nobody else and has poor ethics, a wanna-be big menace, and a hero guy who secretly just want a normal life.
Here a page of "Alex's diary" - a poor guy who ended up in the wrong place. It's more of a little teaser, I'll need to talk about these Oc's one day.
Warnings: Captivity, mention of bullet injury and getting shot, mention of unethical creature born from experiment, swearing.
--------------------------------------------
Unknow date, probably still in March of 2056.
Dear Mom in heaven,
I’m sorry I couldn’t visit you recently. My current situation is just an excuse -I didn’t come to visit your grave for a long time. To be honest, I thought you wouldn’t want to see me. You used to say to me that I must be good -that good people are rewarded by God. That even in hardship, God loves us and watch over us. That following the path He carved for us while being good to other was the way to happiness.
After you left me all alone, I thought you were wrong. There is no God in this world. Good people can only die alone and in pain. The weak are crushed by the strong. So I had to be strong to survive and avoid that fate. With this power I have -what you called a gift- I did a lot of bad things. And you would be upset to know I don’t really care. But the thing is, in this world without any God, this is the reason I was able to live this long.
But now, I think you were right. There is a God. He just hates my guts.
I don’t know how many times I spend here. A few days? A week? It’s mostly dark, here. The shutter of the only window is closed. And I’m scared of what is behind. Nothing is normal here. Nothing. Perhaps, this is hell. I died, and this is the hell I was sent. But “She” told me I was lucky -the bullet didn’t stay in my shoulder, and I did not bleed out. My luck, I swear.
You must be confused Mom. I know. Me too. This is why I asked “her” to give me something to write -to kill some time. She seemed surprised that I spoke. But gave me a pen and a cheap notebook with cardboard cover I haven’t seen since high school. She even allowed me to have a lamp -she put it so far away I can’t grab it. It must me to prevent any suicide attempt that could fire up this place while she’s not here. Most villain hold their secret base dear, after all. I’m not sure where I am. I barely hear anything. Just engine sounds and vibration. Cars? Underground? Are we only still in town?
Anyway. I screwed. If the heroes find me, I’m dead. If the boss finds me, I’m worse than dead. But any options feel better than staying here. Chained to a bed. Watched by some hell spawn created by “her”.
I know I should have stayed in bed that night. But the boss told me to go find a crystal we located in a residential area. And guess what? By the time I arrived, the thing had already fused. I had to fight a damn evolved horror in the middle of the night while making sure it doesn’t hurt anyone -you understand, there were kids in those houses. Obviously, I beat it. I’m strong now, Mom. But the fight woke up the whole neighbourhood. And also kinda messed up the road and gardens. So yeah. The heroes came -accusing me of destroying everything. We are in 2056. We have the damn CCTV for this! Never mind, they’re always late anyway. So I fought the heroes -five against one is not fair. But I almost won Mom! But just as I was about to win, Hero Leo made his entrance -yes mom. That Prince-Charming-Always-Right guy. The only S-Rank Hero of the town just HAD to come back early from his meeting in New York. My luck, always.
He beat my ass. And just HAD to give me a whole speech about bad things and innocent people -clearly the innocent people there would all be dead if I had waited for him. But while I was busy tanking his attacks and call out his nonsense, I got shot in the shoulder. By a REAL bullet. Yeah. Talk about a fair fight. But he lowered his guard -surely thinking I’ll be easy after the bullet shot me. And I took the opportunity to ran.
I don’t know why, but I couldn’t teleport to H.Q. I ended up in a forest, or a park, near some old abandoned place. “She” found me there. I don’t know what kind of horror she is planning for me. I can’t even use my ability since I woke up. “She” mumbled about an “agent” in the bullet that was still “inhibiting” my ability. I didn’t know it was a thing -perhaps the boss can spare me if I can tell her about it.
First, I must escape. But for that, I’ll need to survive “her” and her hellspawns. I always knew we had some crazy mad scientist in the villains. But her? It’s a whole new level. She must be new, or unregistered. Because there is no way I wouldn’t have heard about such a piece of work. She has some fucking dinosaurs. Two little raptors, like in movies! They run everywhere. I thought I would be their dinner when they came in this room for the first time. “They are herbivore” she said. She made grass-eater raptors, you think I’ll believe it? But the twin raptors are cute compared to that thing.
Mom…if there is demons in this world, they look like this. I can’t be sure of what that thing is. It changes, Mom. One day, it will crawl like a snail. Other, it will have some sort of wing with feathers. Another, it will walk on two legs. New day, new form. But its look, Mom. It tells me everything I need to know this thing is dangerous. “She” even gave it a name, and calling it “her child”. She’s crazy I said! I’ll admit, it plays good before “her”. Perhaps because “she” created it. But it hates me.
Last night, it came into my room. I don’t even know how -the door was closed. It stared at me for an eternity with its “eyes” -two glowing red lights in the darkness. That pressure I felt…even the boss’ aura isn’t that heavy. I felt more pressured by that hellspawn than by one of the strongest S-Rank Villain in town. I don’t know why, but it wants me dead. It’s smart. It has thought. Thought of killing me.
I must leave it there, Mom. She’s coming back. She’s never here for a long time anyway. She’ll surely check on me and leave the room. I’ll write again later. I need to leave a mark here. I don’t know what awaits me, but I can perhaps let the next one have an idea.
I love you, Mom. Please, from heaven, protect me. I can’t swear I’ll live a better life. But at least, I’ll have the opportunity to try.
Warning: Mention of alcohol, slight stalking -more like derived watching duty. Borderline soft yandere. Female reader. Intrusive thought of undressing Childe. Reader is probably too detailled for a xReader. Might be OCC.
Note: I am very late for the birthday boy, but this one is in my draft for six months, I promised myself it would be my first post, and I still found things to change last minute. Hope you will enjoy it ! It was fun to write.
The winter solstice, one of the most important events in Snezhnaya. You can easily imagine the townsfolks running and laughing in the festival in town. It is one of the rare events where peoples go out of their house to affront the harsh start of the winter together. The lights of the cities, the scent of grilled meat, the hot drinks to warm bodies, the simple chit-chat to warm the heart. What a beautiful sight it must be there. But this is something you can only daydream. Because for today, as a noble, you are attending the solstice’s annual bal. The fanciest rendezvous of the year where all high society is personally invited to Zapolyarny palace.
Archons. What would you not give to have a bottle of Fire-Water in your hand right now. It would make the whole night more bearable.
Usually, you find ways to avoid social gatherings. But for tonight’s event, no excuse. Your absence would be noticed. And your father would die of shame if he had to explain you are not at THE event of the year because you preferred drink strong alcohol with commoners.
Violin’s plays in harmony with piano and flutes to create delicate melodies. Noble’s families of all the region are present, mixed with the bourgeois, all wearing false smiles and expensive clothes to expose their wealth and hide their flaws. The ballroom is gorgeous. An immense room bathing in golden light, decorated with beautiful wall paintings, each counting forgotten stories of old times. Gold and silver ornaments, pure white marble pillars, collections of unpriceable objects of all times exposed like simple goods. Everything here shows who is the wealthier of all people gathered here, of Snezhnaya. Under the enchanting waltzes, numerous guests already started to dance. Others are engaged in deep hypocrite praises, hiding their snarky comments under gentle smiles. Others are just trying to create connections, to look well and enter in the good graces of more influential than themself. And above all of them, looking down from her throne, the Tsaritsa quietly observe the crowd.
What does the Cryo Archon must think of this masquerade? The answer is one only she has, because to all guests, she just arbor a usual frozen expression on her face. Like the ice traps a body for centuries, her feelings are hidden deep behind her cold non-revealing gaze.
“Lady (Y/s), are you okay? You are very quiet since the start of the night” note a voice taking you out of your thoughts.
You immediately put a sweet smile on your face, hiding the true annoyance you face in company of these ladies. This one in particular, is leading the conversation for more than twenty minutes.
“Everything is perfect, I am deeply thankful for your concern Lady Balakin. I am more of a listener than a talker personally. But please continue I enjoy our talk”
It was a lie. Big. Fat. Lie. You do enjoy when she talks because her speech does not require much concentration to be followed unlike other, so you can daydream in peace while hearing stories and gathering information. She has a simple mind for a noble -perhaps she isn’t good at reading social cues, she doesn’t seem to have much ulterior motive after all. But she sure enjoys talking about everything and anything. You decide to encourage her in her previous subject.
“I heard your father new jewel business in Liyue is very promising. Is the Shivada Jade on your pendant comes from there? The crystal is cleaner than anything I ever saw and the deep shades of clear blue reminds me of the pure ice of our homeland. I am sure they would be greatly coveting in the noble’s circles when they will be available on the Snezhnaya market”
Being able to daydream while still following a conversation is a common skill in noble of your rank, and you are grateful you inherited it from your father. The lady was enchanted by the praise and started on a rant about her father businesses and the expected date of the first sell in the country, while the others listened with false admiration. You note to yourself to talk to your father about it. The quality of these stones seems to be no joke. He would like to have a look before the Regrator completely take on the business leashes -like most of the new profitable business here.
Thinking about you father, he sure is busy tonight. A glance to his side and you see him in deep talk with men of his age and rank -surprisingly, only those with non-engaged son. Here is another reason why you could not escape this ball. Your father was set on getting you married. Between him and your brother -talking to his single male friend- both are more than ever ready to find you a fiancé tonight. You were never engaged until now, and always found a way to slow down the process. But now is the limit of your single life it seems. A pain. Really. For what? You are not sure. Your family probably have an interest to it.
You finish the cup of champagne in your hand -not the first of the night, but not enough to handle this joke. You seriously start regretting not running away from home. You could have gone to the festival. Find a random guy to hook up with. Cause some big scandal in the family. Being disowned. And go live as a commoner. You sure you can find a job somewhere. A teacher, a secretary…something like that. Worst case scenario you could enroll in the military. The Fatui are known to teach their recruits different tasks, and your experience dealing with social gatherings give you some point. But you are here. With these ladies only able to talk about their family’s business or spit venom disguised as honey. Between nobles and bourgeois and their little war of ego. Trying to keep your best poker face while your own family will sell you off to a stranger before the end of the night. You really need something exciting in your life now, before you just start to be silly and engage in rumors talk.
“Excuse me my lady, would you mind to give me this dance?”
You turn to the voice. A young man is here, bowing his back before you, offering you his gloved hand. The first thing you see is that he has wild ginger hair -not the most common thing for a noble. But his clothes are fancy. Simple compared to the extravagant costumes of some, but sure expensive. The quality seems to be great, and your eyes aren’t easily fooled. The glowing hydro vision at his waist isn’t a joke either. His posture is straight but respectful. He has a cheeky smirk. And you are sure, he is challenging you. “Are you going to accept?” is the sentence wrote on his face. The kind of wild and bold attitude you could see in the middle child of a big family. He wants attention. And he knows how to attract it from others. Your quick analysis makes you think he is either a countryside noble, or a new bourgeois, even if some details are bothering you. You do not know him. His face or feature are not familiar at all, which is strange as you made sure to learn the list of the guests before coming.
You would not even think to accept this kind of bold proposal usually. But you cannot mutter a word for what feels like an eternity. You can just look at his eyes. His blue eyes are empty. Like a deep dark ocean where many were drowned. That is not the kind of look you can see in your typical wild and cheeky middle child. The ladies by your side were speechless too. The audacity of such a proposal must have made them lose their words. You give a little glance on your father and brother side. Your brother eyes and mouth are wide open, he looks like a fish, first time you see him like this. While your father, surprised at first, make you signs to refuse. It is written on his face there is a problem. You shall not accept this proposal at any cost.
But his blue eyes. These two gems without any spark. Why such a look? Who he is? What does he want? What did he live to have such a look at this young age? And hey, Archons heard your prayer. They sure sent you something a little interesting when you asked.
You extend him a gentle smile and takes his hands. Instead of engaging in rumors talk, it seems you will be the center of them for some time.
“With pleasure, mister”
Aaaaah, seems like you will be a bad girl tonight. But this is perhaps the last time of your single life.
He guides you to the ballroom, and you can’t help but feel the pressure of people looks. Such a scandal for so little. Or perhaps it is something else? A last look to your father, and he seems astonished by your actions. Like if death just came to knock at his door. You will be scolded later for sure.
“Lady, may I have your attention for this dance?” asked the young man. You smiled, looking at him.
“I suppose”
He returns the smile. You accepted his challenge. So he is accepting yours. One of his hands still in your own, the other on your shoulder, and the music starts, announcing the beginning your own battle.
“May I ask your name, mister?” you begin.
“You may call me Childe, lady” You may call me he said. You suppose it is not his real name then. An alias perhaps. Shady.
“Y/N” You respond. “For a dance I suppose we can give up the honorifics, “Childe” ”
“Great. You seem more approachable than what I thought”
You are not sure if it must be taken as a compliment or as an insult. After a spin, you realize his shoulder is harder than it should be. He does not seem like it, but his grip is strong, and his muscles are well-developed. You can even feel the callosity on his hands behind both his and your gloves. And you connect the dots. He is not a noble, either a bourgeois. He is a warrior. A soldier. This is why you did not know him. He is no guest; he is the one watching them.
He is a Fatui. And a high ranking one if he can freely walk without a mask on his face -great for you, his face is pleasant to look at. But what you do not like, is that his intentions are not clear. He is dancing with you, hands on your body (your dress and gloves, but still), and make you spin left and right without a care in the world, and with this strange cheeky smile.
“Well, Childe. I was curious. What made you ask me for a dance?” You will at least try to dig into this.
“Do I need a reason to ask a lady for a dance?”
“Yes. Soldiers do not usually do that without ulterior motives.”
His eyes widened, confusion showing on his face. Funny. His expression is clear as the day. Perhaps it was intentional. But his face honestly says “Wait. I thought you did not know who I was. How do you know?” so, as he is a good dancer, you oblige an answer.
“Your hands and body. You are trained. And use weapon regularly. The conclusion is obvious”
“Sharp” He laugh. “Fine. You seemed tired of the other ladies. And it was your seventh cup of champagne of the night. I found it funny. So I wanted to see how you would react to a little push. See it as generously helping a damsel in distress”
So, the man had his eyes on you before the banquet officially started. You indeed had seven cups. The first one was taken discreetly before the starting speech was even made. Great. It seems you have a secret admirer.
“And? What do you think, now?” The question came by itself. And he smirked a little, taking your body closer in a move. His breath is warm. Too warm. Too close.
“I found someone interesting” was the sweet mutter he gave to your ear.
It was bad. And you knew. You knew when you took his hand. But now you are in his arms, closer than you should be. The waltz just started. And -as weird as it sounds- you begin to find him a little more interesting too. You tightened the grip of your hand in his, and take him in a spin he did not see coming. You went closer, your face nearly brushing his, widen your smile, and discreetly slide your hand from his shoulder to the skin of his neck.
“Perfect. I don’t like being boring"
It was bold. Too bold. You start regretting as his cheeks took some shades of red. What are you doing now, (Y/N) (Y/S), flirting with a shady soldier before all high society eyes. But he is quick to take back the lead. His moves are smooth, his steps are clear, and his smile is flawless. He must be used to deal with unexpected situation. Shame. He would be the most wanted husband-to-be of the noble’s society if he had the blood right, and was not a soldier. Childe, Childe, Childe…. the name really tells you nothing. Perhaps he just made a name on the spot. You are not knowledgeable in military matter, the fact you do not go in many social events do not help, but you are not totally ignorant in Fatui’s affairs either. If the man is a high-rank in the Fatui, you should have heard of him and have basic information. Perhaps you know him on another alias.
“You became really silent lady Y/N, am I the one leaving you speechless?” he whispers in a new spin, as you raise you head again.
“You are, Childe. I do not remember this name in the ones I know. Have you been recently promoted?”
You could drown in his blue eyes, trying to discover what he hides. Decency and basic selfcare are what keeps your curiosity tame. But if it was not for them, you would have already been blunter. Who are you? The question burns your lip. Why are you like this, what took the light off your eyes? He is charming. He has this enchanting energy of something broken and lost for too long. He chuckles at your question -or at your face perhaps, as you forgot to control your expression.
“It is way better if you don’t know this name. Those who knows it are generally not happy to see me. It also been a while since my last promotion. I will surely never have a higher position than the one I currently hold.”
“I am sure you are underestimating yourself” it came naturally, the kind of automatic praises you give in high society. He chuckles again, and guide you in yet another spin.
“I think you are the one underestimating me, lady (Y/N)”
A chill went down your spine. He still smiles, but his whole being does not. You frown, you don’t like the tone he used. Did he try to scare you on purpose? Or give the bad boy vibes thinking it will make you more docile? Is he the kind who thinks their pretty face can allow them everything? As a response, you try to step on his feet, a move he predicted and avoided with grace.
“My, my” he said laughingly “Be aware of your step lady (Y/N). Perhaps this seventh cup of champagne was a bit too much for you”
You give him a glare -he seems to like it. Are soldiers all so fussy and cheeky? This boyish attitude gave him a sort of charm. But he needs to correct it before you start to also act silly. Your eighth cup of champagne might accidentally end in his cute ginger hair.
“I wouldn’t dare to call myself a Snezhnayan if I couldn’t even hold my liquor” you scoff “But perhaps you should learn you cannot rely on your pretty face to excuse poor behavior”
“I have a pretty face?” Someone ends your misery. You will not give him the satisfaction of an answer, or even a displeased look. He sure is good at this kind of game. But your pride wants to prove him you are better.
“I have seen better” More lies. The man is gorgeous. Your type, you might say. And as much as the secret behind his eyes, you are curious about what his clothes hides. Your hands slowly undoing the button of his shirt, revealing his bare chest. How will he react if you were to gently kiss his exposed skin while only the two of you are in a room, alone, bathing in the weak moonlight? In the novel you read, this type of cheeky men are either wild or shy when intimate. What kind he would be? Just thinking about his reddish face as you are confirming him he has a pretty face is-
Archons what are you thinking? He is just here! That’s not the moment to think about undressing him! Oh archons, perhaps this champagne has an effect on you after all.
His eyes are still on you, looking right into your soul, tracking trace of a lie. He smiles. He must have understood your answer was more out of spite than sincerity. You are being petty, that was his smile says. You do not like being read like this. You are usually the one reading, and the other is feeling undressed. It’s uncomfortable being the other way around. Suddenly, “Childe” stops. You are stopping too, your expression asking what does he wants to say now.
“The music ended” he said. You didn’t notice. You didn’t even remember what was the melody. That’s a first. Slowly, he takes your gloved hand to take it to his lips, giving a chaste kiss on the back of your hand. “It was a pleasure to dance with you, Lady (Y/n). I do hope you will give me this honor more often”
“If we see each other again” you add.
“Believe me, I’m sure we are far from our last meeting” he laughs, giving you a lovely smile and a little wink. He turns his back on you, starting to take a few steps, before stopping, raising his index like he needs to ask something to a waiter, and turning again.
“Do you like flowers, lady (Y/N)?”
“Flowers? Yes, I suppose?” The questions startled you. You answered before thinking more deeply. Flowers? Did he hope to send you some when the better season comes? He -and so you too- will have to wait a lot before seeing them. No flowers -except Cryo Whoopperflowers- will bloom in Snezhnaya before the end of May.
He had a last little smile, and finally left, leaving you speechless after his last words. What a weirdo. But his company was pleasant at least. Shame you don’t have the time to think much more about it, as your brother comes to you in a hurry.
“Y/N!” he exclaims silently, grabbing your arm and taking you out of the center of the ballroom “Are you crazy? Why did you dance with this guy? Are you okay? He did not threaten you, right?!”
Your brother is incoherent, asking so much question at the time. He struggles to breath, looking behind him like a hunted bunny. He was raised as the heir. Even with his flaws, he had never lost his composure so easily before.
“No, he didn’t. He asked me for a dance and I accepted because I was a bit bored….but why are you acting like this? Do you know who he is?”
At your words, your brother went pale and started to rub his face like if he was in an impossible situation. He signed deeply, out of worry and frustration.
“You must be the only one in this room who doesn’t know this man! He wasn’t here for the two previous winter’s solstices because he was sent out of the homeland. But he was not supposed to be back so early this year too! What does he want? Oh, Archons, how are we going to deal with this, I hope you did not anger him”
“Brother” you try to keep him with you “Answer me. Who.is.he?” Your brother takes a deep breath, still trying to find someone in the crowd, your father you presume.
“This man was Tartaglia. He is the Eleventh. A Fatui Harbinger.”
You froze. A Harbinger? This young man with messy hair? He must not have more than 22 years old. And perhaps you are aging him too much even like that. The Eleventh...the youngest. A little wild, but quickly acknowledged. The Roster has his back. Often sent in different countries, no a permanent stationary like the Knave. Great fighters, master of many weapons. Rumors calls him excentric, but he is competent in many ways. With this information, everything takes another meaning. The conversations you two had. The alias people do not like to know. The promotion that will never be higher…archons. You really need a bottle of Fire-Water now.
He was right. Childe, no, Tartaglia was right. You were underestimating him from the start.
Because as soon as the sun raised on Snezhnaya the following day, a letter with the seal of the Eleventh Harbinger was on your father’s desk with a whole bouquet. Blooming roses with different shades of deep red, coming with the request of the start of a correspondence between you two and the setting of a date at a famous restaurant of the capital for next week.
You may need to think twice before asking for something exciting in your life next time.
But, with the sweet scent of the roses, came a lovely card. “I hope they are at your taste. Do not hesitate to mention what kinds of flowers you like before our next meeting. Waiting for your answer -Childe”
Between your anxious brother and confused father, you had to use the bouquet to hide your smile. It’s a bit unfair, this game he played with you. It’s like playing chess with someone who do not know the rules. You underestimated him once, that’s on you. But you are not planning to call it a lose without a fight. The game just begun. Does he want to make you fall? Or does he have another agenda? It doesn’t matter. He will learn to be aware of his own steps. You shall not waste any more time to send a reply.
Something interesting is finally happening in high society. It would be a shame to not entertain it, right?
#monia's oc (my oc's if you ever want to check on my babies :3)
#brainrot (for the raw ideas I need to write)
#random talk (for useless or less useless post, will most likely be me being a crazy simp or needing to talk about some theories or analysis messing with my brain)
#note for later (mostly for me -if I need to remember a name/book/fic/site/anything I reblog. Feel free to look at if something can interest you)
#nsfw (read will care, I will use this one for anything I think it need it- for anything sexually explicit)
#kinky (I needed something softer than nsfw. For sexual implication. Same as the previous read with care)
For the tags "kinky" and "nsfw". Please block these tags if you are uncomfortable with this kind of content.
