Where he would propose and how it happens [Genshin Men]
Warnings: haven’t written in a while please excuse and tell me about pronoun slips, I’m sleep deprived, not proofread (this will be my fixed disclaimer as a writing parent, haha)
Notes: All of these were captured by me in game. I just felt like exploring the beauty of Genshin more and this was a great way to do it while mixing it with writing. Note that you may not agree with some of these, and that's totally fine, these are my thoughts and ideas :)
Aether is a simple man, and though he plans his proposal he doesn't really think much of the place, somewhere where the two of you frequent, maybe on your daily/nightly walks.
It happens just as the two of you are about to go back, this is where you sit and relax for a while as the sun sets. You can see Mondstadt in the distance and the beautiful orange sky.
As you're about to turn and walk away he catches your wrist and pulls you back into the middle of those tiny pink flowers.
Now that he thinks about it... This is where his journey really started: Starfell Lake, and how perfect would it be to start a new one with you?
"Y/N, I...want you to stay. I mean, forever," the words are simple but it gets across.
Albedo
Also a simple person. You might think Dragonspine when you think Albedo and I agree that all that snow could be romantic but I went for Starsnatch Cliff. It's a good place to see Mondstadt, and he takes you there after the sun has set.
He would probably comment about how you can see a lot of things from here, and how the world is such a great, vast place, full of things to explore and discover.
"...and yet I find myself thinking... how all that I want is right next to me. Would you do me the honour of being my lifelong partner?"
Alhaitham
Something's up and you can tell, this isn't your usual route home, and honestly you've never stopped in these parts of the city. You've passed by it sure, but never with Alhaitham.
You ask him where the two of you are going and if there are some extra errands to run before going home. He only shakes his head and ends up leading you over right next to the glowing Padisarah flower.
He HAS planned this, so why does it feel like he hasn't? Even has a ring in his pocket (granted it is the SIMPLEST ring one could ever imagine, that's just how he is)
Ends up just taking the ring box out and showing it to you while trying to speak "I..." doesn't speak much of his emotions so has a hard time, but feels pathetic afterwards so meets your eyes straight on. "...A promise... That what I feel for you... is everlasting,"
Ayato
That small shrine/garden/sitting area just outside the Kamisato Estate. It's just a bit more private than the sitting area INSIDE the estate.
You wouldn't think anything of it because you do hang out here from time to time.
Ayato might seem like a grand person but in the end he doesn't want to stray far from home.
"I'm...sorry if this is a bit abrupt," fishes out a ring box from his long sleeve. "I've been meaning to ask for a while now, will you share your life with me as my beloved?"
Baizhu
That nice little hill just outside of Bubu Pharmacy, where you can find Glaze Lilies strewn about and the night view is quite nice. It's a place the two of you go just to get some quick, fresh air if Baizhu isn't feeling too well. Changsheng is left at the pharmacy from time to time, this is one of those times.
"I've been thinking...how precious time really is," he looks at you with tenderness in his eyes, yet a lot of uncertainty shrouded in them. "I don't know where this road will lead me... but you alone are my lifelong remedy. Would you accompany me on this journey?"
Cyno
Cyno often comes here to watch the sun set, since he was a student, but he does think it's more beautiful at night.
The two of you are leaning over the railway and looking at Sumeru, just talking about the day.
Cyno doesn't really plan it. He seems to be the type to but when he feels that it's the right time, specially when he feels it strongly, there's no better time than the present.
It's while he's watching you talk enthusiastically about your day, that there's a sudden twist in his heart. This is the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.
"Y/N--" he cuts you off successfully, wonder in his eyes. "What do you say to being intertwined for life?"
Dainsleif
Anywhere where there is an unobstructed view of the stars and night sky, but particularly at the hill of Cape Oath, where the two of you lie side by side on the grass, staring up at the stars.
At this point the two of you have been travelling together for a while, looking for answers to his curse. To Dainsleif, the two of you are pretty much married already, but just to confirm it, every night, he asks "Is this the path that you choose? To bind your fate with mine?"
And every night, like a promise, you say yes.
Diluc
Diluc doesn't stray far from home too. He prefers to stay close to his memories, no matter how painful they are.
He HAS planned it, but ends up proposing at an unexpected time.
It's when he's on the road home and you're waiting right by the lamp post for him. It's late. Later than usual and here you are worrying about how it's a cold night and that he should've worn more.
It's at that moment that it hits him, "Y/N, the thought of being separated...it's not something I'd want to imagine" he grips your hand tightly. "...For the rest of my life, it's you that I want to spend it with,"
Doesn't even have the planned ring on him and apologizes about the word vomit he just did. He was just overcome with emotions right then and there.
Gorou
That small spot next to Bourou Village. Watatsumi Island is beautiful in general, but Gorou knows the good spots.
Is nervous but tries not to show it, but you can totally tell because he's way too stiff.
"Wh-What do you mean? Nothing's wrong!" When asked if everything's fine.
When standing at this spot though, his nervousness seems to go away and for a minute everything is normal until... "H-Hey, Y/N, so..." you look at him and he's fumbling with his hands, unable to meet your gaze. "Y-You, and I--We've been...You know--"
Seems to panic. He is SO uncool right now. Closes his eyes and just blurts it out when he realizes this isn't working out "With all my heart, will you marry me?!"
Heizou
Little secret garden just next to Inazuma city. Quiet place yet you can hear a bit of the hustle and bustle in the city.
Heizou is the type to get on one knee and confidently, directly say it.
He's planned it, and gets you right in the middle of the bridge (has probably asked someone to take a photo as well)
"Y/N, beloved," grins "would you unravel the mysteries of life with me?" (thinks it was such a cool line, then hands you the ring in a box)
Itto
Does not think about it nor plans it. Just happens and it happens because he talks about it casually. You can't really tell if he's serious.
He has this conversation with you in Chinjuu Forest, which is a naturally beautiful place, but he's really only there with you to look for onikabuto.
"You know, it'd be really cool if we could keep doing this huh?"
You ask what he means cause you don't really have any idea. You guys have been doing this for ages. Why would it stop now, is what you think.
"I mean, like, you know, forever," he says this while looking under a rock. "Like if we were just onikabuto fightin' partners forever, get it?"
You stall for a moment and wonder if he knows what he's saying, and you ask if he specifically means he just wants you as an onikabuto fighting partner.
"Oh, well, yea it's ONE of the things I like about you, but I like your kisses too. Hehe," scratches the back of his head then looks like he gets a bright idea. "Oh hey that's an idea! How 'bout we just become partners for life, Y/N?"
Yeah, that's how it happens.
Kaeya
Kaeya keeps it simple, but also romantic. He gets that spot above the gate of Mondstadt, where you can see Barbatos' statue from a distance. He knows how much you love the city and he has a special place in his heart for it too.
The two of you pretty much keep each other warm up there, with him behind you and his arms wrapped around your shoulders.
At some point, as the two of you have been talking for ages and when the perfect silence descends, he leans into your ear and asks you to close your eyes. When you do, you feel him slip something onto your ring finger as he says "A thousand words wouldn't be enough to tell you how I really feel...Would you want to create a thousand and more memories together instead?"
Kaveh
Kaveh thinks its only appropriate to propose at his masterpiece, but he thinks you're even more of a masterpiece than anything he's made or encountered before.
Plus the place just holds a lot of meaning and memories for him. It's beautiful too and you've always said that you're proud of him for completing it.
His is a pretty simple proposal. "I've always thought that something's been missing in my life...I think I've figured out that it's you, Y/N. It's only going to be you,"
Kazuha
Inazuma holds a lot of memories for Kazuha, some that are rather unpleasant. But home is still home and perhaps he wanted to create more good memories there.
Truth be told he could have proposed to you anywhere, and I don't think he had really planned it. It was just something heartfelt that he wanted to say as he sees you climbing up the stairs to the shrine. The sunlight hitting you perfectly and the sakura blossoms just cascading around your form. It's perfect, he thought.
You're a few steps further up from him and it makes him look up at you the slightest bit. With a shine in his eyes and a smile on his face he asks, quite sincerely "Have you ever felt like home was right next to you, Y/N?"
and before you could answer he answers his own question first. "I have, despite the storms and catastrophes I've gone through...Y/N, you're the home that my heart forever needs,"
Lyney
Lyney plans it, but doesn't do it in a grand way. He just wants it to be sincere and special. He thinks this place is cute, what with the little sort of gazebo with a small sitting space to just sit and drink tea.
He proposes to you as the two of you sit, you've never been here before and wonder why the two of you are out here, actually.
"Oh, is it strange? Haha, I just wanted a bit of a change," Rubs the back of his neck and starts to feel nervous.
You explain that you're not complaining, just curious, but you like it!
"Oh, that's a relief. I'm...Uh..." sort of fumbles with something in his coat, really funny seeing as he's a magician and is supposed to be nimble with his fingers. Recovers quite fast and manages to do his classic "flower-behind-your-ear" trick and hands it over to you.
He does the same trick, but this time takes a ring out. "Y/N, you complete me in ways words can't express...will you..." gulps before he continues "marry me?"
Neuvillette
Seems very posh but prefers to keep it simple. He thinks its more special rather than making a super grand gesture. He could of easily proposed in front of the Opera Epiclese, but instead did it at one of the small fountains in Marcotte Station.
The two of you are out on a nightly stroll and this is just where the two of you ended up.
Clears his throat before starting, takes your hand in his, but its his eyes that really do the talking. "I may not be the best in expressing my deepest thoughts and emotions...but there is one single thing that I am quite sure about," he stalls here and seems to look into your soul.
"And it's you, my love. As I take my next steps into this life I lead, I would be honoured if I take them with you by my side,"
Scaramouche
Has it on his mind but doesn't particularly plans when or where he's going to say it. Just knows that he wants to.
While out on an assignment the two of you pass by Mawtiyima Forest. You've always thought it looked like such a magical place. You request to sit on a hill for a bit before moving on.
Scaramouche, as usual, grumbles about this but relents and ends up plopping next to you as well. Truth be told he also liked this particular forest and how quiet yet vibrant it was.
No words are exchanged for a while, just the two of you looking at the view. Scaramouche sneaks a glance at you and you have that stupid, wide eyed look on your face, the glowing blue mushrooms reflecting off of your eyes.
He secretly thinks its cute.
He shows that by aggressively saying. "I don't know what you had in mind when you agreed to come with me, but you're stuck with me till the end now, got it?"
Yes. That's pretty much his proposal.
Tartaglia
Is one who would take you on a vacation off on an isolated, quaint and cute island like Petrichor with wonderful views of Fontaine's waterfalls.
Is the type to get down on one knee while this beautiful background is in sight. Totally plans it and is the cliche, basic proposal. Would totally love the townspeople to clap and cheer while this is happening too.
"Y/N, every day spent with you is a treasure, and I want it to continue for the rest of my life, will you marry me?"
Thoma
Has planned it. Makes sure you have a good time beforehand, probably at some festival and it's when the two of you are winding down, sitting on that rock with the lamp on it that he asks.
"Isn't it magical?" he asks as a starter and you ask what exactly he's talking about. "How it's always a good time and how easy life seems when I'm with you,"
You tell him that's because he always takes good care of you and he laughs heartily at that. "I'm glad to hear it," kisses your forehead and smiles down at you.
"Every day, Y/N, I just fall deeper in love with you...Do you think, maybe, we could spend our whole lives together?"
Tighnari
Plans it and is calm about it. Has everything under control. He chose Pardis Dhyai specifically for its aesthetics and specifically the inside in case it rains. (He doesn't want you to get wet as he proposes, but also doesn't want his ears and tail wet as it happens.)
Clears his throat before he starts, doesn't have a ring because he just doesn't seem the type, for him its more of a pact.
"Rather than talk about emotions alone, I'd want to highlight that you've been quite the mind-stimulating study partner," coughs into his hand "but of course, that's only one aspect of you that I like...it's safe to say that I like you enough to propose the pact of marriage...would that be alright with you?"
Venti
Where else would he think was a good place to propose? Of course he would do it here.
No roundabout way of saying it. Confident in all aspects, partly because he's a God but partly because...what has he got to lose, really?
Doesn't really propose marriage cause...he's not a mortal. Forever might be a thing for him but maybe not for you.
"It's been a while since I've felt really at ease with someone, you know?"
You jokingly say he seems to be at ease with everyone, specially after a few bottles of wine. He laughs out loud at that, and remarks back that no one can make him laugh the way you do.
"It's blossomed into something more beautiful than I thought it would be, Y/N. You, me, and us. Can we stay like this till the end?"
Wriothesley
Has planned it and has stuck to his plan. At a little vacation home at the Southeast of the Beryl Region. The two of you spent a few days relaxing there, under the guise that Wriothesley needed a break.
On the last day he surprised you by revealing that he had asked your family and friends, both from faraway regions and nearby towns to come and celebrate with the two of you.
Celebrate what, you ask.
That's when he gets down on one knee and pops the question "You know, I could still be mistaken," he grins at this but is clearly joking. "but I don't think I am and seeing as you've put up with me, Y/N, I think it's safe to say you're my forever person,"
It was days after when you realize how confident he is of this whole thing when you think about the fact that he had pre planned to invite all your friends and family over to "celebrate"
Xiao
Also a person who doesn't stray far from home. The rooftop of Wangshu Inn is actually quite romantic on quiet nights, with a view of Liyue and a gentle breeze.
To Xiao, marriage isn't really about a ring and signing papers. It's a contract and a promise to each other.
On one of the nights, he just thinks it's the right time to say it.
He's more quiet than usual and you ask if something's wrong.
He pauses for a while before answering. "...Apologies, there's a lot on my mind..."
Xiao has become a lot more open with you through the years.
"...I... just wanted to propose the prospect of being...binded together," you ask what that means cause you're not really familiar, you end up asking if that's the same as marriage.
"M-Marriage? Uh... Yes... I suppose that's what mortals call it... but being binded together is more..." stops talking and gets red in the face. "Let's... just leave it at that,"
I like to think that the process of binding is just that your souls are entwined together...So when one of you passes, you still remember them in your next life, type of thing. Cause if you're a mortal, chances are, you'll die earlier than Xiao. Anyhow, that's a completely different story.
Zhongli
Zhongli prefers the quiet and the nature. This is probably part of your occasional stroll when the two of you need some quiet time.
Zhongli, with how long he has lived, also doesn't see marriage as the normal get-down-on-one-knee-with-a-ring-thing, but for him, it's a contract. It's more binding than anything in the world.
"Y/N, we've walked this path countless of times before," he starts as the two of you continue to stroll. You reply saying that you like this particular area where the bamboos are.
"Is that so?" suddenly stops and looks at you. "In that case, would you care to listen to a proposal I have?"
Clears his throat when you give the approval. "As I've said, we've walked this path countless of times before..." he takes your hand in his "but for me, who has lived longer than you, I've traversed this path for even more times," he closes his eyes. "Yet, with you by my side, this path changes. It transforms into something resplendent. As if...every time had been the first time I've walked through it. It is with you, Y/N, that I discover life anew, despite the thousands of years I've lived. Would you consider forming a contract of lifelong partnership with me, and only me?"
End
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when diluc walked into the classroom and didn’t spot you eating your lunch with your friend group, he already had a pretty good idea of where he could find you.
as exam season was approaching faster than most students could catch up on months and months of studying material, diluc knew that you were, as per usual, over-exerting yourself to get the results you oh-so desired.
which eventually led to sleepless nights and terrible eating habits.
diluc wasn’t close enough to you to know about any of that. he just so happened to hear that from your friends when he couldn’t find you anywhere last semester, realizing that this might be more of a routine than he had imagined.
diluc, in fact, barely ever talked to you.
he was satisfied with being a simple bystander, admiring you from afar. as far as possible, given the fact that you were in the same class for the next couple of years. but diluc never imagined he would be foolish enough to dismiss the greed that was slowly growing inside of him, seeking out your presence in every setting until the simple habit of staring at you from across the room wasn’t enough for him anymore.
“of course it wouldn’t be,” his brother had sighed at him after a rare moment of vulnerability during which he opened up about the storm his heart was braving.
“God, i could count the amount of times you’ve talked to her on one hand, diluc,” kaeya had pressed, pinching the bridge of his nose, as if his aggravated him more than his sibling. “a single hand.”
diluc had only brushed him off with a snarky remark.
it was frustrating. how he couldn’t find the same comfort he’s always been content with, watching you cheerfully chat away with your circle of friends or study in the library while he’d get too distracted to complete his own work.
the realization that he desired nothing else but your attention had befallen him a few days ago, all thanks to his dear brother who had no difficulty reading him.
it felt a bit stupid. a bit pathetic. a bit lamentable. how he was seeking something so close yet so out of reach. and the only obstacle in his way being himself and his damn self-loathing, preventing him from taking any unnecessary, risky steps.
and while he knew why he wasn’t stepping out of his comfort zone, he’d rather die than admit it to kaeya. death would be sweeter than admitting that rejection was a word that inspired more fear in him than any math test their cruel teacher could ever concoct.
it was terrifying, really. rejection was an unwanted guest that could visit him if he even dared to come any closer than he had already allowed himself to - which wasn’t a lot, truth be told.
and despite it all, despite all those thoughts raging in the depths of his mind, diluc still found himself walking up to the storage room at the last floor of the building.
stepping into it quietly, he couldn’t help the small smile painting his lips as he found you exactly as he had pictured you’d be. sat on the floor, asleep, lips parted while your chest rose up and down slowly with every breath you took. a few strands of your hair fell over your face, the necktie of your uniform loosened up.
carefully, diluc closed the door behind him before making his way towards you, crouching next to your peaceful form. gently, he draped his uniform’s jacket over your shoulders. while it wasn’t this cold, he knew you weren’t taking enough care of yourself to risk sleeping on the floor with nothing to protect you from the chilly breeze.
and maybe it was how unfamiliarly close he had gotten. or maybe it was the endless months of pining after you. but diluc had, for once, allowed his heart to dictate his actions before his mind cound interfere.
tender, callused fingers brushed soft strands of hair away from your face. and he found himself, yet again, enamored by the very sight of you.
you were just too pretty for his poor teenage heart.
so pretty that his hands itched with the urge to cup your face. to caress the plushness of your cheeks. to trace the sweetness of your features.
that was definitely his cue to leave the room. not if he wanted to do something extremely stupid.
carefully, making sure you wouldn’t wake up from your slumber, diluc brought the strand of hair he was playing with to his lips, closing his eyes, as if to cherish the moment a bit longer.
you threw a quick glance to the presence by your side, all the feelings you had stored in the depths of your heart crawling up your neck and painting your cheeks in shades of shyness. you prayed that he didn’t catch the shortness of your breath, shutting your eyes closed almost as fast as you had opened them.
it took everything within you to not move or dare speak up, waiting until the person you were so infatuated with had finally stepped out of the storage room.
and it took everything within diluc to not step back into that damn room, leaning against the door as he shut it behind him. cluelessly staring into nothing as both your hearts raced in unison.
he knew your patience ran thin every time you could spot his ginger hair somewhere in the crowd - and how easy was it to spot when he was the only one in the damn school with such a fiery hair color.
it was so easy to get on your nerves and ajax loved nothing else more than watching your cheeks burn red with anger – maybe embarrassment – as you found the most creative ways to insult him without ever letting a single swear word slip past your lips.
you were so cute, he thought, craning your neck just to glare at him and trying to appear as threatening as you could.
but ajax could only deem every attempt of yours as a failure. you resembled a small angry animal.
“you’re like a kitty,” he had once told you, earning himself a well-deserved slap to his arm.
it wasn’t enough to deter him from continuing, claiming that the way you were so cold yet so affectionate was just so adorable.
nothing was ever enough to deter him from playing with your last nerve.
“aw, c’mon, you must have a crush,” ajax said playfully, looking down at you with that stupid smirk of his.
you didn’t know what brought this on. you didn’t care to know either.
and so, you only rolled your eyes, turning your back to him as you walked away from him.
but of course, the stupid ginger was, as always, following you around in the hallway. it was such a familiar sight to your classmates that none of them dared interfere with your daily banter and disputes (although mostly one-sided).
“i don’t,” you grumbled under your breath, mourning the peace you had been dreaming about since, well, this morning.
God forbid a girl wants to eat alone.
and besides, there was absolutely no way in hell you were ever going to admit to ajax of all people that you were hopelessly in love with him.
that your stupid heart beat at the simple sight of him. that every waking moment of yours was spent thinking about him and what you two could be if you would just be more open about your feelings.
“i mean, if you could stop being so mean and stubborn with him, maybe that whole mess would progress,” your friend had told you when you were grumbling about the gingerhead.
and of course, you ignored her advice.
it was just too scary, you reasoned. what if he didn’t reciprocate your feelings? what if the constant teasing and nagging and clinging to your side was nothing but a pastime for him?
“liar,” ajax said in a sing-song voice, bringing you back to the present moment.
he nearly bumped into you when you stopped walking.
“you’re a terrible liar,” he teased, watching with amusement how you needed a second to close your eyes, take a deep breath before turning around to, once again, glare at him.
so cute.
“what do you even know, tartaglia?” you spat back at him, folding your arms over your chest.
you hated him.
how his pretty looks had your mind reeling. and the teasing tone in his voice was enough to make you want to puke your guts out. you felt too much around him, a whirlwind of anger and longing and irritation and yearning.
“even if i had one,” you added, cocking your eyebrow mockingly at him, “you’re not even close to finding out.”
you tilted your chin up, almost defyingly.
and you’ve never looked sweeter to ajax.
your heart stopped beating for a dangerous second when a low chuckle spilled past ajax’s lips, making your expression falter for a split second.
your ears burned red with embarrassment at your reaction.
so mortifying, you thought, getting affected by such a small thing.
seemingly, ajax wasn’t satisfied with simply toying with your very sanity using a few words and glances.
seemingly, ajax had decided to take his little game a step further.
a huge step further.
he pushed onto your shoulder lightly, his arm snaking around your waist, preventing you from falling backwards and successfully trapping you between his taller frame and the wall behind you.
you found yourself speechless, unable to even form a single thought.
your eyes were as wide as saucers, cheeks hot and scorching.
ajax could have sworn this was the cutest expression he’d ever seen you wear since you’ve met one another.
and his face was just so, so close to yours you could count the constellation of freckles on his dusty pink cheeks. it was so easy to notice how long his lashes were, how soft his lips seemed to be. and you wondered if they tasted as sweet as they looked for a split second.
noticing where your gaze went, ajax could only huff out a laugh, his finger caressing your red cheek.
you flinched a little, your usually irritated expression melting into a shyer one as a taunting whisper slithered its way into your mind.
with his yearly magic shows during school festivals since middle school, his popularity and how easygoing he was, lyney was quite literally born to be on stage. his ability to keep the crowd on its toes with his breathtaking stages and thrilling performances was truly commendable and his number of admirers never ceased to increase.
lyney was good with words as well. flowery words spilled past the barrier of his lips like second nature, captivating the crowd with both his honeyed voice and his pretty face, leaving them speechless and - almost like hypnosis - prompting them to give him nothing but a standing ovation at the end of each and every show he gave.
lyney, despite his incredible talents, was, at the moment, wordless.
this year’s school festival has come to an end, the last hours reserved to the students only. while the sun burned away in the horizon to leave its place for the moon, the guests left the school grounds. a campfire burned in the yard, music flowing through the chilly night air. while couples and friends danced around the flames burning away, lonelier souls gathered together a bit afar from the light to discuss this year’s events and reminisce on the fun they had or missed out on.
on the rooftop, lyney stood before you, eyes wandering anywhere but towards your figure. he looked at the night sky, gazed at the stars with anxiety swimming in his lavender pools. his hands were a bit clammy - a sensation he wasn’t used to. he shouldn’t be nervous, he told himself. it wasn’t the first time he felt this way around you though.
sweaty palms, racing heart, shortness of breath, nervousness and butterflies flocking around the pit of his stomach. all of the symptoms pointed towards lovesickness.
well, lovesickness was a bit dramatic.
lyney was smitten, more accurately.
he caught the love bug as his sister, lynette, had put bluntly while they were rehearsing a couple of weeks ago.
but it felt like a fever. spending his dreams with you until he woke up confused and alone in his bed, staring up at the ceiling with shame covering his cheeks in shades of red. your name spiraling in his mind until he was too dizzy to focus on his homework.
lyney thought that the far-fetched words people used to describe him would be more believable if they were employed to talk about you instead.
bewitching, enthralling, enchanting, mesmerizing, charming- and the list went on and on.
so, spellbound and forced into silence by your presence, lyney could only stare at the sky to avoid your eyes in fear of falling into a pit he’d never find his way out of. not that he really minded, if he thought about it a bit longer.
“lyney?” terrible choice of words.
the magician caught his bottom lip between his teeth, his ears tingling as the melodious sound of your voice reached them. his name sounded so sweet on your lips. and he wondered if they could be sweeter.
he shook his head, feeling heat slowly crawling up his neck.
“i’m sorry i-” a gulp. a pause.
what was he even supposed to say? magically make his heart appear in the palm of his hands and offer it to you? maybe he should’ve simply sent you a letter with a dove he could make appear with a simple flick of his fingers. perhaps a small letter and his signature rainbow rose on your desk would have sufficed.
but now that he was trapped here with you, lyney decided to simply clutch onto the last threads of his courage, finally uttering the three little, heavy words.
as if on cue, fireworks erupted behind him, casting pink and orange lights over your confused expression and he cursed yoimiya at the back of his mind.
“what was that?” you asked, tilting your head to the side with a small chuckle, “i didn’t get a word.”
it was no secret to anyone that you had a crush on xiao.
well, maybe only the star basketball player of your high school had no idea of the feelings you bore for him.
he wasn’t dense per se. in fact, he was not only an amazing athlete but he also scored amongst the top grades in the entire campus, second only to albedo.
yet, he didn’t seem to have caught onto your very obvious infatuation for him. he was used to having girls flocking around him during his practices and breaks, barely addressing any of them and it sometimes led you to think that he probably viewed you the same way.
you shook your head, trying to get those thoughts out.
you had an advantage : not only were you best friends with his step-sister, hu tao, but you also became friends with him! something hu tao had to reiterate to you a couple hundred times because he doesn’t bother with people he doesn’t care about, so you might actually have a chance with him!
with those thoughts in mind, and a little smile curling your lips up, you walked into the gymnasium where the high school’s team was practicing for an upcoming inter-school tournament.
you swung around your little bag, filled with cookies you had baked this morning before almost missing your bus.
not wanting to be too obvious about your intentions (although everyone in the damn club knew the reason behind your diligent attendance to their practice), you made sure to pack enough for the whole team – and even for the coach!
the air was a little colder as winter was approaching and you started regretting not wearing the scarf your mom was chastising you about for the past week. the only excuse you had found to not wear the ridiculously long neckerchief was because ‘it wouldn’t match the aesthetic of my fit mom!’
exasperated, especially since said ‘fit’ was just your school uniform styled in a cuter way, she had only rolled her eyes and let you go. at least, if you ever caught a cold, it’d be during the upcoming holidays.
you hummed a happy tune, joyfully ignoring the little voice screaming in your head that you probably should go back home and study for your midterms that would take place in less than two weeks rather than waste your time trying to woo the unwoo-able.
as you pushed the doors open, the sounds of sneakers hitting the linoleum floor became clearer.
you could spot the team’s coach, beidou, blow into her whistle when venti messed up yet again, pulling a smile on your lips.
it didn’t take too long for you to spot xiao, in the background as usual, observing everything that was taking place on the terrain before making any move.
he was very calculating in his actions, never jumping in the face of anything before taking a second to think it through – and he was a quick-thinker, easily making decisions that have always brought his team to victory.
he wasn’t the team’s best player for nothing, often going toe to toe with scaramouche who was just as competitive, making the practice matches a bit more passionate and a bit more intense than they should be.
it worked in their favor though, attracting students from all classes to their training sessions and, eventually, to their matches, keeping the club and its reputation amongst other schools alive.
you looked away when a pair of amber eyes caught yours, boring into you in such a destabilizing way, it nearly had you tripping over nothing.
you spotted the bench next to the coach, deciding that maybe you should take a seat and share some sweets with her.
but of course, nothing happened as planned. and everything occurred in such a fast-paced way you could barely register all of it.
the only thing you were able to process was the arm wrapped tightly around your waist, the toned chest you were pressed against, the way xiao was glaring at venti – who only offered a wink, sticking his tongue out while scratching the back of his head as an apology – as a basketball laid in his hand, the sound of the impact resonating around the gymnasium.
the bag in your hands had fallen to the floor unbeknownst to you and you could hear a pin drop from how silent everyone was, big eyes staring at the both of you.
“are you okay?” xiao finally asked you.
and maybe you were crazy but it was almost as if his eyes had softened and his tone was laced with concern.
stupidly, you nodded without a sound.
the star player smiled down at you, huffing out a small laugh at the cute expression on your face. and you were way too enamored to even care about your crumbled cookies.
scaramouche has never been this irritated in his life.
the simple sound of heizou’s stupid voice had him clenching his teeth and his fingers gripping at the pen in his hand hard enough to almost bend and break it. and the sound of your laughter following whatever that dumb red-head was saying didn’t help his case.
“y’look like you’re about to kill someone,” mona commented, looking up from the report they were working on.
scara didn’t reply, simply rolling his eyes – whether at her or the scene occurring behind her, it didn’t matter. he should be focusing on his group project. he should be wrapping up his part of the report so they could put everything together and hand it to their history teacher.
but despite his best effort, he couldn’t help the way his eyes were drawn to your direction, how claws dug their way up his ribcage and grabbed ahold of his heart and squeezed.
hard enough to puncture it.
it felt childish, really, how he was always left with a bitter taste whenever he spotted you walking alongside the bane of his very existence. ever since professor zhongli took the liberty of forming the groups himself, and ever since you had befriended heizou, kunikuzushi couldn’t help the whirlwind of emotions crashing onto him.
he didn’t like how close the two of you have gotten, didn’t like how it was so easy for heizou to have you smile and laugh, how you were practically glowing around him.
most of all, he didn’t like the way the very sight of the two of you together had a lump forming in his throat, feelings crawling up to the tip of his tongue, ready to spill them out at your feet.
he wasn’t sure what it was. anger and irritation and sadness and-
“you’re jealous,” kazuha commented after observing his friend for the past half hour.
“what!?”
scara’s exclamation drew attention from all of their classmates – from you – as well as their teacher who had been busy sipping on his coffee and grading some papers. ashamed of his outburst, he muttered a small apology before lowering his head into his arm, glaring up at his platinum-haired friend, who was sitting next to him.
said-friend simply shrugged his shoulders, smiling down innocently like he didn’t just open the doors of realization that scaramouche was stubbornly keeping closed and locked.
and maybe it was because scaramouche had never been the most patient person to walk this planet, or perhaps it was the way his stomach turned and churned when he caught heizou pushing a strand of hair behind your ear. he didn’t really care how he even found the courage to do something about how he was feeling. all he cared about was your hand in his and finally, finally, hearing your voice calling it out to him.
it was so easy to see how confused you were, eyebrows scrunched together as you called out to your friend, wondering what the hell was up with him this time.
you weren’t blind, nor deaf. you had noticed how nasty he was being to your group project partner, how he commented on everything he said or did, how he glared in his direction any chance he would get.
and while you weren’t one or the other, you were certainly dense because you had no clue why kunikuzushi would even act this way for no reason.
“what the hell, kuni!” you yelled, stumbling on your feet as he dragged you to the back of the school, not uttering out a single word the entire time.
the sun was already setting, barely anyone roaming the hallways of the establishment, let alone the courtyards and gymnasium. it felt like it was just the both of you left.
“what is wrong with you!?” you asked again, this time even louder, glaring at the back facing you.
you heard a sigh coming from him as he turned around and was about to protest about his attitude. but the look he gave you, the hurt flashing in the depths of those indigo pools of his, the vulnerability painted all over his porcelain-like features nailed you in place. rendered you speechless. and you wondered for a second if you weren’t being too harsh with him. if, maybe, you’d soften up your demeanor, he’d open up to you this time around.
“i should be the one asking you that,” scaramouche muttered back, hurt turning to anger, his defenses shooting up from the ground, the crack he had opened up for you sealed tight once again.
as he finally came to a stop, his hand that was wrapped around your wrist pulled you, making you stumble on your feet. your face bumped onto his chest, a small pained noise escaping you.
before you could begin to complain, kunikuzushi spoke up again.
“what’s up with you and that dumb red-head, anyways?” he questioned, the irritation in his voice noticeable.
he didn’t let you respond to him, didn’t let you follow up with the snarky remarks that could rival his own. something inside him was about to burst, something he couldn’t hold back anymore. he couldn’t handle the idea of losing you to anyone, couldn’t bear the thought that the feelings he had been harboring all of these years for you were in vain.
and kunikuzushi wasn’t stupid. he wasn’t dumb. he’s seen the way you looked at him. there was no mistaking the affection in your gaze, the gentleness in your words (at least, when you weren’t butting heads), the tenderness of your touch, although rare.
you handled his heart with such care, like it was precious to you.
“when are you going to finally pay attention to me!?” kunikuzushi exploded, his voice loud enough to scare the little birds perched atop the trees surrounding the school building.
the sudden outburst had your eyes widen in shock, looking at him like he’s grown a second head. you were met with a look mirroring yours, shock written on your friend’s features like he hadn’t expected those words to tumble out of his mouth. the back of his hand came up to his face, covering the bottom half of it in an attempt to hide the shame that had his cheeks burn red.
yet he didn’t back away, didn’t let up.
“what the hell, kuni!” you yelled back at him again, feeling embarrassment crawl up your neck as well.
it was almost comical, the way the both of you were just yelling back and forth, as if the volume of your voices would ever be able to mask the vulnerability spilling out of the cracks of the useless walls you had built around yourselves.
“do you… do you like me or somethin’?” you asked after a few beats of silence.
kuni didn’t answer, simply blinking dumbly at you.
he opened his mouth, before closing it.
he tried again, but his voice didn’t come out, yet again.
instead, his eyebrows furrowed, the furious blush coloring his cheeks spreading all the way to his ears and down his neck.
cute.
“shut the hell up,” he muttered, turning his back to you. and yet, despite his words, his hand slid down your wrist, fingers intertwined with yours, deciding that, maybe, you two should go home for today.
you didn’t say anything back, following along, looking down at your hands, a little self-satisfied smile playing along your lips as you heard him whisper his answer to you, as if the quietness of his voice would prevent his feelings from reaching you.
not that you’d blurt them out at any given chance or that you’d spill your friends’ secrets when they weren’t around, no. you just happened to be an extremely open book, so easy to read with a simple glance. while you hated it, your friends thought it was a cute trait, how honest and how incapable of lying you were.
you’d disagree with them if they weren’t so stubborn.
you hated how you were never able to hide anything from your parents as a kid – and even now. how you couldn’t lie about not doing your homework to your teachers. and you especially despised how you couldn’t do anything about your feelings spilling out of you before you could utter a word out.
it just so happened that kaedehara kazuha was especially perceptive. it just so happened that he was very much observant. and it just so happened that he found you particularly interesting to watch.
the first time you had piqued his interest was due to your clumsiness.
you were running in the hallways while a member of the disciplinary committee yelled at you for doing that. but you couldn’t care less. you were late to your club activity and the president, albedo, had warned you enough times for you to fear for your life despite his usual kind behavior.
without noticing, you had bumped into kazuha, dropping a few art supplies as you did so.
“oh my- i’m so sorry,” you had scrambled to apologize, awkwardly half-bowing, half-trying to get to the floor and pick up your tubes of paint and brushes.
a simple chuckle had answered your apology before you realized who exactly you had bumped into in your hurriedness. and a simple look up had you meeting eyes with amused crimson ones, hand extended to hand you a brush.
blinking a few times, you had cleared your throat before grabbing ahold of the supply, your fingertips tingling as they brushed against his, the heat of the graze traveling through your arm, crawling up your neck and nestling in the apples of your cheeks.
kazuha had noticed how you couldn’t utter a single word out, eyes catching onto the way your lips parted in failed attempts to thank him before you closed them, deciding to focus your energy on collecting your items. he hadn’t commented on it, helping you and telling you to be careful before watching you leave, running in the hallway while keqing yelled behind you to not do that, once again, to kazuha’s amusement.
safe to say albedo was not pleased with your late arrival.
the second time he questioned his feelings, kazuha knew he was not so indifferent to you.
that day, he had stolen the chance away from hu tao – who was torn between hating him for keeping you away from her, and feeling happy for you to finally get closer to your crush – to pair up with you, this time in home ec class. and for this class, you were making brownies.
given your skills in baking, and your love for it, you had taken it upon yourself to do most of the job. not that you hated it, really, quite the opposite. and kazuha, accepting his fate of washing dishes and preparing the dish for the batter, didn’t mind watching you do something that you were passionate about.
you looked adorable, blabbering about random facts about how to make the perfect fudgy brownies, discarding the terrible recipe your teacher had given you (your words, not his). while he adored the shyness in the way you interacted with him – cruelly enough – he couldn’t help but prefer this more comfortable, carefree version of you.
you weren’t as self-conscious in his presence, weren’t as fidgety.
“want some?” you had interrupted his train of thoughts, extending a wooden spoon coated in chocolate.
he accepted it with a smile, noting the little stain on the side of your mouth. noting the trace your lips had left on the utensil. noting how realization slowly morphed on your face as his own lips wrapped around the chocolate-coated spoon.
the remainder of the class, the way you’d keep some distance between the both of you wasn’t lost on him. nor was the way you’d shift on your feet, unable to stand still. or how you couldn’t meet his eyes.
and kazuha wasn’t sure which version he preferred anymore.
the third time, kazuha wished he wasn’t such a coward.
befriending you wasn’t the hard part. going up to you in class whenever the teachers would require you to form groups, to your absolute bewilderment and friends’ surprise. or finding excuses to talk to you. pairing up with you during P.E class before hu tao could even think of getting with you.
you didn’t mind, not at all. he was easy to talk to, carrying conversations most of the time and recounting stories of his travels, no thanks to his very adventurous adoptive mother, beidou. and while you prided yourself in knowing a lot about him, it was to your great surprise that you discovered how he’d take the same subway as you.
which wasn’t true, he’d started taking it only to spend more time with you, although it was a longer way back home.
but you didn’t need to know that.
on a particularly busy evening, the both of you found yourself at the back of the train, your back against the cold surface while kazuha was holding onto the metal bar next to your head for dear life. the constant push, push, push, of the people behind him had led you both to your current predicament.
you hadn’t dared look up for too long, eyes suddenly finding the tie of his uniform very much interesting.
red, like his eyes, that were boring into you. like the color of embarrassment spreading all the way to your ears.
your eyes followed the fabric up to the collar of his white shirt. up to the way his throat bobbed, nervous. up to meet his eyes and find him already staring back at you. you had noted the quiet intensity behind them, the slight nervousness in his chuckle, the pink hue his ears had taken, hidden behind strands of platinum.
but before you could allow yourself to even fantasize about your feelings being reciprocated, a strong shove from behind him had him fumble to find some support, his hand crashing beside your head, your face shooting up only to find his a bare inch away from yours.
time came to a stop for a second. a shaky breath spilled past your parted mouth. you felt the brush of his lips against the edge of yours. whether he did it on purpose or not, you didn’t have the functioning brain cells to figure out anyway.
kazuha could swear he felt the flutter of your lashes against his burning skin as you looked at him and away and at him and away and he was so tempted to just cup your face and keep you still. but he didn’t do none of that. he didn’t let the moment linger for more than necessary before he found support on his legs, standing straight once again.
as if on cue, the train emptied out a bit, allowing him to take a few steps back. his fingers found his tie, pulling it down, weirdly unable to breathe comfortably despite the space left by the leaving passengers.
“sorry about that,” he apologized, offering you a kind smile.
you didn’t answer, weren’t able to. if you so much as opened your mouth, you’d just tell him about how you wished he hadn’t stepped away, regardless of the public setting you were in. you’d just spill out how you wished he had taken the leap.
and for once, kazuha was too busy simmering in his own mortification to notice the dejected look on your face.
Includes in this order -> Wanderer, Albedo, Kinich, Lyney
Tags: modern AU, Halloween themed, fluff/romance
Links: masterlist | nav
Wanderer
“I don’t understand how you get amusement from mutilating a pumpkin, but if that’s really what you wanna do…”
He’ll pretend that this activity is such an inconvenience for him, but will do it anyways because he loves you and it’s an excuse to spend more time with you
He insists on making it actually scary though. You wanted to carve pumpkins for halloween, make it fit the theme.
Also he may or may not have the time of his life seeing little children’s looks of horror seeing your scary pumpkin
He will make you scoop the pumpkin seeds out
“You wanted to mutilate a pumpkin, have fun scooping out its guts.”
But let me tell you this man is very precise with the knife. He’s oddly talented at it, like he is with almost everything besides emotions lmao
You work together to make the face and he gives you tips if you show any sign of frustration after a while and is actually encouraging in subtle ways to you (besides the few sarcastic comments that you shouldn’t take too seriously, it’s his way of joking with you)
He will try to provoke you a bit, but won’t push it too far. Your angry expressions are just amusing to him
He’ll definitely want to have some black tea at his side while you’re carving the pumpkin (since it takes a few hours) and will also make you your favourite tea (if you don’t have one, he’ll make you one he thinks you’ll enjoy based on your taste)
Generally it’s clean and enjoyable with him since he (despite his contrasting words) is pretty helpful
End result:
Albedo
“Klee already drew what she wants us to carve… Should be fairly easy, though I’ve never taken part in a seasonal ritual like this.”
Definitely was Klee’s idea to make her favourite person and her brother carve pumpkins together
Originally she wanted to do it herself but once she found out no bombs can be used during the process or else the pumpkin will be destroyed she didn’t feel like doing it anymore
So you figured since you already bought the pumpkin you might as well turn it into a couple’s activity with your boyfriend
“It’s a good way to study human traditions…You might be onto something”
He’ll document the entire process, taking notes, already planning for next year’s improvements (which includes many things he hopes might impress you)
He’ll ask you questions about the process too since as a human you “probably have better insights” than him into that tradition
Will ask to sketch the design onto the pumpkin together, he likes drawing and he likes you so he’ll really enjoy that if you agree (no matter how basic the design is)
Tbh he’d try and go for a more intricate design but you wanna use Klee’s in hopes to make her happy
He watches how you cut the pumpkin and tries to emulate that, even tho he could cut with surgical precision
The table is spotless after that btw
Later he’ll try to experiment infusing the flame inside the pumpkin with alchemical solutions, making the flame change colors
His findings at the end are that he enjoyed the time spent with his loved one and better understands the reason behind that seemingly odd human tradition (which in his mind is to work together with loved ones to create something beautiful together)
End result (Klee’d design):
Kinich
“Ajaw, if you mess with our work I will put you into time-out again”
How can he say no when his precious partner asked him to partake in a couple’s activity? (when you asked whether you can carve a pumpkin together he just answered “sure”)
Goes in wanting to try his best for you, threatens Ajaw beforehand to not mess with anything
You worked together for the design and he took it so seriously (he loves you)
He’ll let you draw the design on the pumpkin while he scoops out the pumpkin seeds. Why should you get your hands dirty when he can do it for you? (he loves you)
“Let me take care of this for you”
A “thank you” kiss would be a very pleasant surprise for him
The table will be very messy after and Ajaw comments abt Kinich being so messy and a terrible choice of person to do that with (he wants to contribute but doesn’t want to ask so he’ll shit on Kinich instead)
If you ask Ajaw to do literally anything to help he’ll be very happy and try to impress you (competing with Kinich)
“BEHOLD!!! I’LL TURN THIS PUMPKIN INTO A MASTERPIECE”
Kinich will shoot you a look that says “just ignore him”
Thinks about the most efficient way to carve the pumpkin, will ask for your input too
He’s not the most precise cutter but he’s decent enough
End result:
Lyney
“What wondrous ideas you have, my love!! We’ll make the most enchanting jack-o-lantern in all of Teyvat”
He’s thrilled about the idea, more enthusiastic about it than you are
Will brag about the plan to carve a pumpkin together to Lynette and Freminet, talking about how lovely you are
“Let’s settle for a cute design, befitting my cute partner over here~”
He’ll perform some tricks while you work on the pumpkin together, making pumpkin seeds disappear and a rose appear behind your ear instead
Also flirts the entire time, how could he not when you’re so attractive while doing everything??
Seriously looks out for you though, worries about you accidentally cutting yourself
“Careful now- wouldn’t want my precious pumpkin carving assistant to get hurt~”
He really enjoys doing couple’s activities (he’s so in love) and wants to do similar stuff after
Will make the candle inside the pumpkin light itself magically
If you ask how he did that he’ll just smile innocently and say “A magician never reveals his secret… but maybe a kiss will persuade me” he won’t tell you anyways
including heizou, lyney, wriothesley, alhaitham x gn! reader
꒰ genre ꒱ — fluff, established relationship, a tiny bit suggestive towards the end (wriothesley's part, basically the last paragraph hints at something suggestive)
— heizou
the door to heizou's office was closed behind you two, leaving the rest of the world outside as you laid on a couch while he was practically glued to his office-desk— his countenance focused, absorbed in the current case he was working on.
to some, it might appear as boring when you both spend time like that, but to you it was the exact opposite— not only were you able to work on your own stuff in his office, in fact, you're not getting distracted by anything there, but heizou will always spend the night at your place after he was done with work.
although sometimes, you catch yourself become bored once you've finished up everything you had to do yourself, and immediately decide to walk towards his desk, your eyes holding a secret glow only he was able to understand.
"how far are you?" you ask, "already cracked the case?" tilting your head to the sight before lazily leaning against his desk.
heizou smirks before brushing one hand through his tousled hair, "almost done, heh, i'm almost there,"
you know— you know, you shouldn't bother him while he was busy with solving this case, but watching him actually do it was very much attractive. it's constant in his behavior, your boyfriend was just effortlessly handsome when he skimmed over a case, never seeing the glass as half full— he see it brimming to the top, filled with all his brilliance.
to add on to that, the both of you couldn't be apart from each other for a long time anyways, it was like watching two magnets, pushing and pulling until they finally clicked back into place.
"can i sit on your lap?" you say in a whispered utterance that was setting his heart ablaze, "i want to watch you solve it," and the way you spoke to him in that sound, heizou's facial features instantly turn softly into kindness, a carefree laugh attached to him.
"you don't have to ask, come here."
heizou instantly makes space for you before guiding you towards his lap, and an immediate rush of warm air rises when he wraps his arms around you, the tension roiling and manifesting into heart-shaped clouds.
now, as a result of being so close to your boyfriend, his slightly sweet fragrance overruns your senses when you rest your head against his shoulder, sighing out through your mouth.
"you wanna help me solve this case, hm?" the man snickers as his palm smoothes along your thigh, "i will do whatever you want if you solve it before me,"
"i can try," you claim confidently and shift on his lap.
a gleeful light falls into his deep, black pupils when you agree, his lips curved up into a smile, "but don't get mad if i beat you!"
— lyney
"see? that's how you hide a card and make it appear again,"
lyney moves his fingers around the pack of cards with such frightening precision that you could evidently witness with fierce clarity that, well, you cannot possibly memorize this magic trick with the confused blur in your eyes— despite the fact that he has shown you the exact same trick three times in a row now.
you sigh out in defeat, your eyes skimming over his hands as you're both sitting on the couch next to each other, "I still don't get it," your words were breathless but liquid with embarrassment, even though there was nothing to be embarrassed about— because you see, lyney would never reveal a trick to anybody, not even to his significant other.
after all, it's a magicians greatest strength to keep their cunning mischiefs hidden away.
in fact, he only offered to show you because he really liked that befuddled look on your face, he finds it so cute, pretty and sweet.
a somewhat devious, but calm smile hovers on his face as he watches you in awe, one hand now lingering on your arm, a silent plea for you to stay.
"hm, you know what? let me look at it from a different view," you grin before tenderly kissing his cheek, "it's difficult watching from the side like that, you know?" then place a small peck on his jaw before working yourself towards his soft lips at last.
"can i sit on your lap?" you say and lyney almost whines at your request, a pretty sparkle on your eyes worsening his condition, your voice barely above a whisper.
on a surface level, you were dating lyney for quite a while now and were utterly aware that he was probably trying to confuse you with his magic tricks, and although you do not welcome it, you also did not mind because letting him confuse you wasn't necessarily a bad thing— since lyney would always become so confident and loving, not to mention excited to show and tell you more about his passion.
he blushes a little, an emotion such as this one was probably one of the only ones a magician of his caliber was unable to disguise.
"of course," lyney takes a deep breath before straightening his posture out, parting his arms so you could easily settle on his lap.
once you're on his lap, he kisses your shoulder before resting his head in the nook of your neck, "i'll start over now, you ready?"
"i am!" you retort back, "i will get it this time," as a lazy smirk spreads across your face before you begin to melt into his embrace.
— wriothesley
for you to be able to see each other as often as possible, you tend to visit wriothesley at work every now and then— sometimes you feel quite lonely since your boyfriend was always occupied with his job, so when you open the door to his office at last, he holds a benevolent presence on his demeanor, mirth possessing his eyes at the pure look of you walking into the room.
and to make this situation even sweeter, wriothesley shows you a tight-lipped, tender smile on his attractive face, delving into the soothing energy you always brought forth in him.
time seemed to stand still as your eyes met, and wriothesley immediately rises from his seat, cheeks flushing brightly, "you're finally here," his voice jovial-alike, so jovial that it set your entire tone for the day, "i was waiting for you, love,"
his walk was quick as he could barely wait to hug you— in fact, you honestly applaud him for how impossibly fast he has reached you as two muscular arms wrap around your body in no time, a silent language of shared passion being spoken.
"i'm sorry that i have kept you waiting, i'm a bit late, aren't i?" with a meaningful smile, you cup his cheeks before stroking the skin with your thumb.
lost in your eyes, wriothesley watches you through a soft look of through his thick lashes, "—oh, yeah? you did? i couldn't tell."
"but now that you're mentioning it, hm, how brave of you to keep me waiting like that," wriothesley utters in a fooling timbre, "—knowing that I've missed you all day," he continues to tease you before guiding you towards his desk by your hand.
on a normal day, the duke would offer you to sit on his office chair just because he finds it cute and somewhat hilarious— in fact, your cuteness in general was off the charts, it practically had its own gravitational pull.
you do not sit down and instead wrap your arms around his neck, "looks like someone's not quite perfect after all," wriothesley jokes in a tone that was warm and inviting, eliciting an immediate laugh from you.
you pout at him, "hey! if that's the case i'm taking my apology back right now,"
half jokingly, you avert your gaze as to tease him for once, although his overconfidence was like a blazing torch, nothing was capable to rush through it.
wriothesley keeps a prolonged eye contact with you so he could intensify the triumph over this situation, watching how you're crumbling first and losing the game, a playful wink adding a touch of humor to his jest.
"ouch, my love, you heart my heart crack right now?" the duke knits his eyebrows together as he kisses your forehead, his voice light with a hint of playfulness.
you roll your eyes, "hmpf, that's what you get."
the air was charged with a gentle, bubbly energy as wriothesley slightly pushes his office chair towards your direction to make you sit down— he believed you must be tired from today, in fact, the night was slowly approaching and he could tell by how often you'd yawn out.
you look at the chair before searching for your boyfriends eyes again, "is it okay if i sit on your lap instead?" you ask shyly, "i want to watch you work," certainly, that look on your face told him all he needed to know,
"—and cuddle," especially with that twinkle in your eyes.
"you sure? i might be unable to sit still," he grins, leaning closer to your ear before pulling you on to his lap, "make sure to keep your eyes wide open for me, no sleeping," wriothesley kisses your cheek, his voice a soft murmur that boiled the blood in your veins.
"working with me can be quite the handful, you know," he claims confidently, yet you weren't new to your boyfriend's manner of speaking— because you see, in secret he was hinting at something way different than you simply sitting on his lap.
— alhaitham
eyes fluttering shut, you lean against alhaitham's shoulder while your knee would nudge against his own ever so often, swaying from left to right.
it's this particular hour of the day again, where your boyfriend would read to you in the park, it's a simple date yet the both of you preferred it above everything else— it's the vibrancy of various petals decorating the nature that was boldly unique to you, surrounding your bodies so delicately and pure that you couldn't help yourself but feel weary due to the dainty scenery.
for some reason, you cannot keep your eyes open this time but proceeded to give your utmost best to keep your fatigue hidden from the scribe's eyes— granting the fact that he had figured it out the second he saw you.
it was utterly unfair, that's what it was, because there was nothing you cherished more then spending time with your boyfriend like that, in midst the sounds of cooing pigeons in the garden as sun washes the garden with a golden glow.
alhaitham liked it to, especially reading his favorite books to you was something he thought was beneficial to the both of you. most importantly, he noticed how he was igniting an inner smile in your soul, that kind that burns warm and long, he loves that smile, he couldn't possibly become satiated by it ever.
in a fleeting moment, he places his warm palm against your knee, "hey, you're falling asleep," he claims, a little stoic, "we should head home so you can rest,"
no, please no, you yell inwardly before rubbing your eyes— every ounce of your remaining strength was dedicated to maintaining your eyes open and stay within this scenery a little longer.
"it's okay, i am fine, i promise," you panic, then yawn, yikes, what a way for your body to go behind your back.
hand in hand with your weary state of mind, you move your body before standing up to reclaim your energy, "you can keep reading to me, please, it was getting interesting,"
you're attempting to salvage just an ounce of this date, your eyebrows knitting together in displeasure as you yawn out again.
"i love listening to you."
"there's no point in that if you're falling asleep,"
alhaitham takes your hand, delicately pulling your body towards his own as to inspect your fatigued expression, "we can postpone this, the book isn't running anywhere and neither am i," he smiles gently, silently running his thumb along your knuckles so you'd calm yourself down a little, his homely trace sending a shiver down your spine.
without dissembling anything, it wasn't the book you feared to miss out on— in fact, it was about alhaitham himself. as the scribe of the akademiya he had always been busy and it could become very difficult to plan dates in advance.
to note that even after he might finish up his duties for the day a little earlier, he preferred to stay within the warm confines of his home which you did not mind either.
"alhaitham?" you heave out, something unspoken yet profound being exchanged as your body tests the waters by moving forward, "can i sit on your lap? that way i will surely stay awake, i promise."
alhaitham cocks a curious brow at you, "oh, you will?" he inquires as you nod your head, "in that case, please be my guest,"
the scribe shuffles in his seat as he spreads his legs a little, waiting for you to sit on his lap as one of his hands guide you down while the other held on to the beige-colored book.
the scribe looks at you through thick eyelashes, his face wholly relaxed as you loop one arm around his shoulders to steady yourself, your lips contorting into a deep, happy smile.
"are you comfortable enough?" he asks as you shift your weight from one leg to another, "very much, thank you."
alhaitham holds you by your waist, strong enough that you could leisurely lean back without fearing of actually dropping on the ground. after figuring out a comfortable setting for the both of you, he flips his book open with one hand as your body subconsciously heats up at his tender palm rubbing circles on your waist.
a cool breeze swirls around you both when he resumes to the book like nothing has changed at all, his choice in tone dignified and unwavering as he reads the first paragraph to you, smiling at your sweet face when he notices how you were drifting into a much deeper sleep.
jyuugoya — ⊹ ࣪ ˖ 15. nice 2 know u →
☘︎ ݁˖ lyney smau, warnings: swearing, inner conflicts, no proofread we die like dottore. / 1.4k words
the stone made contact with your feet as you kicked it away a few meters, directed towards the destination as the attempt of gathering your thoughts together were present.
cause, what are you even supposed to talk with him about? one thing is chatting, where he CANNOT see what you are doing or your mini crisis that spawns during the conversation, and another being invited to stroll together around the park.
the sound of the stone rolling over the concrete accompanied the thoughts hovering your mind as you made the way towards the date place.
wait— no, this is not a date.
it’s stupid to think that, probably the only motive of him wanting to talk is to ask the reasons for you dumping him or how the two ended up in the same college?
yeah, that must be the reason.
your brain is aware of it, preparing itself and trying to formulate the most coherent answers, just in case he does ask that. but, your heart knows that maybe, just maybe, he just wanted to see you, ask how you’re doing.
lyney has never been confrontative, never. so you don’t know why you are getting prepared for that.
was the remorse in your system preparing you for something your brain knew you deserved? maybe.
while the rock kept guiding you around the area, it suddenly disappeared on the pitch dark, followed by the sudden noise of someone complaining in pain, making you slowly realize that the little rock accidentally made its way to hit someone.
okay, that was enough for you to quickly fly away from that place.
until we meet again, little stone.
or— is this a sign that you shouldn't have come?
no need to say it twice, archons!
totally willing to leave, you turn on your heels to walk again to the entrance of the park to now exit it.
either way, from the few minutes you were there you didn’t see him. which was truly odd, he was always the first one to arrive at this type of stuff, maybe he forgot, maybe he was so tired he fell asleep without cancelling, maybe he realized he didn’t want to see you yet. maybe you’re overthinking.
making the way back to the entrance of the park your gaze was fixed to the floor while unconsciously biting the inside of your cheek. embarrassment it’s making you act in such odd ways, or maybe the guilt finally arrived and was doing its work in torture you.
if it's that, it’s ridiculous.
as if guilt wasn’t already in your system the moment you took the plane to Snheznaya, as if it wasn’t there the moment you decided to follow whatever stupid advice you read in that ridiculous Inazuma shit hol–.
“ hi? ”
huh? how long has he been standing there?
“ hi ” you replied quietly, e/c orbs drifting from the concrete to his figure and back again down.
“ please tell me I didn’t make you wait that long! I wanted to get us something at the mini market but you didn’t reply to my message…”
huh? message? you quickly pulled out your phone out of the pocket to check if it was true. and it was, below your ‘on my way!’ message he asked if you wanted something, which you totally didn’t get at the moment for obvious reasons.
now that you pussied out to finally stare at him again for a longer moment, he did have a plastic bag hanging on his arm and a cute smile curling up his lips.
“ sorry I—, I forgot to check my phone. ”
“ that’s fine.” he paused, smiling again. “do you still like madeleins? I got myself a popsicle, but If you want it I don’t mind. ”
yup, this is going to be a long night
⠄･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄
by far what you’ve learned tonight is that: lynette is also studying arts but in FonIT and fréminet is in his freshman year in his engineering degree and robotics program, but has also ventured into swimming lately just to have an extra hobby.
wow, and you thought Childe was a multitasker.
also he narrated with full detail what he usually does every day and joked of how silly it was that the two of you hadn't encountered each other before with that many opportunities and situations where both could crash into the other, like as an example, when going to the uni pool, since he also often visits Kazuha at his swimming practices.
it sort of reminds him of home, he says, maybe it does to you too. but to be fair, the UTey chlorified pool is not even 60% as beautiful as Fontaine’s bodies of water.
“want to take a seat?” said while pointing at a near bench which was in front of a pond, how cute. truly arts have everything.
as the two made their way to sit there, you couldn’t help to notice the precious way the water was reflecting tonight’s sky.
now it was your turn to update him with everything you’ve been doing the past two years. and as the words keep coming out, you can’t help to notice how focused he is on each phrase that comes out.
“ and lately finding a study partner has been a pain.” purposingly avoiding saying ‘in the ass’ as the back of your head makes contact with the backrest while the rambling continues.
“ if i’m not with childe, heizou avoids me like the plague.” his fault “ and I can’t study with yanfei without hu tao crashing on my place and totally distracting her, ugh, it’s annoying.”
“if she likes her that much, why doesn't she ask her out?” you spoke out in frustration while biting like a beaver the wood stick of the popsicle.
“don’t tease her. It took me a long time to finally ask you out” the stick snapped in two at that.
shit, oh, right. you’ve been talking to him all this time like his friend that the part of being his girlfriend, now ex, was totally left out.
but… the way he phrases it, lacking any negative emotion or intention with a blissful expression– maybe was a sign to be like those types of exes who are better as friends? you wouldn’t mind at all! this would be enough to fulfill the hole of his size in your heart.
“pfft as if, she’s the biggest loser ever.”
like me, you want to add but the small string carrying your decency stops it.
and just like that the two continued gossiping and talking about nonsense until late, only realizing it was near midnight because lyney got a message from venti asking if he was still alive, he also got another message but you weren’t able to peek again cause he locked his phone again.
“we should get going.” he nodded back and stood up, stretching an arm to help you get up. doubting a little u took it allowing him to pull you up… when did he got this strong?
MASTERLIST, ☘︎ previous | night picnic | 16
NOTE: FUCKING FINALLY to be fair i miss my husband BUT NEXT PATCH IS FONTAINES SUMMER EVENT guess who’s gonna smooch her bf yes muaa sorry for da text
Can you do husband lyney headcanons maybe? would love u forever and ever if you did
A/n: Am I loved forever now?? Gn! reader.
Warnings: Slightly toxic dynamic with Lyney that gets healthier over time. Please let me know if I need to add anything else!
Your relationship didn’t start out healthy at all. Between the lies and omissions, it really wasn’t all that picture perfect. He felt terrible for it, of course. He was many things, but one of the most integral parts of him was that he was a Fatuus. Raised in the House of the Hearth, selected by The Knave to potentially be her successor…he didn’t tell you all of that. He convinced himself that he’d find a way to ease you into it, that he would tell you when he thought you were ready.
He wanted the connection. He wanted the feeling of loving someone, someone looking at him with such adoration, such love. He wanted that fabled feeling of companionship. It was always a curiosity to him, how romantic partnerships worked. He was selfish. He wanted it, but he knew that he couldn’t offer his absolute best to anyone.
The Knave found out. There isn’t much she didn’t find out about. She was quite proud of how well Lyney hid it though, yet another sign that she had made the correct decision in choosing him as a potential successor. She gave him an ultimatum, tell you himself or she’ll do it for him.
She didn’t approve of your relationship. You simply weren’t compatible. He was a member of the Fatui. You were not. No matter what Lyney may promise you, what assurances he says he can provide, it will always be a lie. Whether he means it as one or not. This was not fair to you. She was incredibly blatant about her disapproval, both to you and to Lyney.
Over time, your relationship became a lot better. You were able to be honest with one another. Together, you learned what a healthy relationship can look and feel like. It took a while, but you eventually got there. Getting to the point that you felt comfortable with marriage would most likely be a long process, multiple years of dating. You decided he was worth it though.
You went right to Arlecchino. You asked for Lyney’s hand in marriage straight out. He and Lynette had taught you how to be stealthier. You also had made friends with enough of the House of the Hearth to let you in more easily. She was, in all honesty, quite impressed. You were, however, rejected.
You went to Lyney. Who needs the Knave’s approval anyway? Getting a Father’s approval was an outdated tradition anyway! You planned an incredibly romantic proposal! And…he said no! You got rejected by Father AND son! Arlecchino tattled, warning Lyney of the proposal.
You were horrified and humiliated. You thought everything was going so well! You two had talked previously about marriage, it wasn’t something you had sprung upon him! He talked about it favorably; he made mutual plans with you about your future! Why had he rejected you?
He needed to do some serious soul searching. His reason for rejecting you was the very same reason the Knave had warned you about. Lyney was worried about his future. Was he destined to follow in Father’s path to become the next head of the House? Did he want that for himself? He didn’t know if he wanted that, but didn’t he owe it to the Fatui for taking him in? To Father? He didn’t really want that path, more felt compelled to. He knew for sure he wanted you in his life though, as selfish as he felt it was.
You snuck into the House of the Hearth to confront him, continuing to impress Arlecchino. You were in too deep. You loved and adored that man and you wanted him to see that he could be happy with you! You warned him, however, that this was his last chance. You didn’t deserve to be left waiting in the wings for him to decide what he actually wanted.
It was at that moment that Lyney decided that he could do both. He loved you wholly and deeply, he knew this as a fact. And he also knew that he wanted the children of the House to grow up in a safe environment. He could absolutely do both. No more hiding, no more guessing.
You didn’t get married immediately after that. You two had a long engagement. He always wore his engagement ring. Getting rejected was difficult for you, even if it had been resolved in the end. You two took a lovely trip to Inazuma, a recommendation by the Traveler, to visit a famed yokai by the name of Mizuki. A wonderful therapist! She did wonders for the two of you.
Your wedding was kept small. Only the members of the House of the Hearth and your family and friends were invited. Arlecchino was able to officiate. She wouldn’t say, but she had gotten legally ordained for this moment. Both you and her knew that her rejections of you were not personal. She had even revealed that you held a great deal of respect for you. She simply knew that being the spouse of a Fatuus would likely be a burden upon you.
Your honeymoon was in Mondstadt. He had heard that a group of mages often met there. His magic tricks were mostly illusions, tricks of the mind. However, he did find himself fascinated by what true magic could accomplish. It was a fascination that you and he shared. Plus, Mondstadt was a beautiful place in general, a good place for a honeymoon.
He wears his wedding ring on a necklace chain. The chain is always tucked into his shirt, never allowed to be visible. It’s kept close to his heart that way. His hands are used to trick and to deceive, he decided very quickly that such a sentimental item had no place being kept on his hands.
Your favorite flowers are reserved only for you. He doesn’t use them for his shows. Only when he’s practicing with you does he use them for his tricks.
Speaking of, as his spouse one of your marital duties is helping him practice his tricks. Yes, this was actually in your wedding vows. You were already quite happy to do so before your marriage, but he insisted upon it.
After your marriage, he actually made the decision to move out of the House. You two got a place close by so he wouldn’t be too far away from his family. He felt it was important to be able to build a home with you rather than having you come in to live with his family. It was always a goal of his anyway, to move in with you.
You live and work closely with his family. Gossiping with Lynette is one of your favorite aspects of this. That and she is a huge tattle tale. “Lyney didn’t eat today!” or “Lyney wore his shirt inside out! How embarrassing!”
If you didn’t know self-defense before, you certainly will now. You have the best teachers! Your husband is gentle and teasing, he also has the best rewards and incentives! Your in laws? They are a lot rougher with you, much to your beloved husband’s displeasure. If he finds out one of his siblings had caused a scratch or a bruise, he will absolutely kiss it better and try and chew them out.
He insists that you do his stage makeup for good luck. He regrets that he didn’t convince you to put that in your wedding vows too. He enjoys the feeling of your hands on his face. Lynette isn’t so fond of this process though. He often starts to get affectionate with you, slowing down the process. Plus, she wants to gag when he acts like a neglected cat when your hands aren’t on him for more than a second.
The twins now have separate dressing rooms because of this.
He likes when you wipe off his makeup at the end of the day too. He hums to you as you do it, a lullaby he happens to sing to the children of the house.
He sometimes tries to convince you to wear similar stage makeup to him. Just because. He drew a heart on your cheek one time, as a joke, but got all flustered seeing you with it. He’ll let you choose whichever symbol you may want, but he’s particularly fond of the heart.
Bully himmmmm. He loves it! Banter was something that he found attractive in your relationship, this carried on to your marriage as well. He loves it when you’re a bit mean to him, the little freak. He likes when you snap at his garters.
Thank you for reading and requesting! Sorry it took so long to post recently, I had a week off and had a lot of stuff to catch up on haha
