May I ask for hcs of ParentalFigure!reader taking care of Sugarfly, Silverbell, and Mercurial as kids, please!
Mercurial Knight is very protective of his two other siblings, even willing to get into trouble for them if other Cookies try and pick on the two.
The three love to recieve affection from you! Hugs, forehead kisses, hair ruffling, all the likes, although each express their joy differently.
Sugarfly's wings aren't like her brothers', so she isn't able to fly well, if at all. Even so, Mercurial Knight and Silverbell try and help strengthen her wings.
Silverbell is the type to try and help you make meals for everyone. He even likes to deliever food to his brother and sister!
You get to arrange to play all sorts of games with the three fae, and everyone always gets to enjoy them!
Silverbell and Sugarfly tend to fret over Mercurial Knight a lot because of his protectiveness, which often leads to scratches and such appearing on his dough when he gets into trouble.
The three fae as extremely close with one another, and it's rare that they're seperated for too long. It's also the same with you, as they don't want to be alone for too long without their parent!
A workout date between Shadow and her parental figure! Maybe they're peacefully working out, and suddenly Shadow changes the music, and the reader is like "this song is shit," and changes the song, but then Shadow also doesn't like the song so instead of working out they just fight over music. And then, after noticing that Shadow was genuinely annoyed by this, the reader sighed and opened her favorite album and helped her with the rest of her routine.
“Just Listen, Okay?”
Summary: Shadow invites you to a workout session at her home, but what starts as a peaceful routine quickly turns into a playful but stubborn fight over music preferences. After multiple song changes and noticing Shadow’s growing frustration, you finally offer a compromise, playing your favorite album. As you continue the workout, the music becomes a bridge for you both to connect and find harmony, softening Shadow’s annoyance and creating a quiet moment of understanding.
Tags: Shadow x Reader, Platonic Relationship, Parental Figure!Reader, Workout Date, Music Battle, Emotional Connection, Comfort, Found Family, Fluff, Mutual Understanding.
[Header credits]
It was an unusually calm afternoon at Shadow's home. The scent of freshly baked bread lingered in the air, mixing with the faint earthy smell of the flowers she had placed around the living room. It was her sanctuary, her safe space. The light filtered gently through the windows, casting soft shadows across the floor.
Today was supposed to be about peace. Shadow had invited you over for a quiet workout session, something she’d been meaning to do for a while. After all the chaos in her life, she found comfort in these moments of normality, especially when shared with you. You had no idea that working out with Shadow was such an experience. She had an air of grace, strength, and focus about her that you admired. But today, it seemed like there was a new battle to fight—one not of swords, but of sound.
The two of you had been going through a set of stretches. Shadow, with her usual poise, had expertly picked a set of exercises, her muscular frame moving fluidly with the rhythm of her routine. You tried to keep up, matching her pace as best as you could. She noticed your focus, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
“Not bad,” she teased, her voice low, but warm, despite the slight trace of a smirk. “For a beginner.”
You rolled your eyes, but couldn’t suppress a grin. “I can keep up. Just wait.”
Shadow raised an eyebrow and reached for her phone on the nearby table. A few swipes later, the sound of a deep, rhythmic song began to fill the room. The bass thumped through the speakers, setting the tone for the workout. You glanced at her, confused by the choice of music.
“Really?” you asked, raising an eyebrow. “This is the playlist you’re going with?”
Shadow didn’t look at you; she just continued with her stretches. “I like it,” she replied coolly.
You couldn’t help but snort. “This song is garbage. It sounds like someone just hit random buttons on a keyboard.”
Shadow’s eyes briefly flicked over to you, her face unreadable. “Excuse me?”
A mischievous grin spread across your face. You reached for your phone and swapped the track with a new one, the beat shifting to something with a faster pace. The speakers blared a pop anthem, a stark contrast to Shadow’s choice.
"Much better,” you said, casually going back into your plank.
Shadow, however, didn’t move a muscle. Her expression darkened just slightly, and she crossed her arms. "This song is worse than the last," she muttered under her breath.
Your eyes widened, but you tried to keep the amusement out of your voice. "Are you serious? You’re rejecting this?"
Shadow's voice turned dry. “I don’t do pop. Especially not something that sounds so... bubbly.”
You were about to retort when you noticed a shift in her demeanor—a subtle tightening of her jaw, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. Shadow wasn’t usually so vocal about these things. Something about her tone made you pause.
You sighed and raised your hands in mock surrender, but not before you quickly changed the song again, this time to something instrumental with a slower, more soothing tempo. “Alright, let’s just compromise. Something calming for a change."
She didn't immediately respond, but when she glanced over, her eyes softened just slightly. "This one's fine," she murmured, not bothering to continue the argument.
You were about to continue, but then, after a moment, Shadow leaned over and grabbed your phone with surprising speed. She didn’t even give you a chance to react before she changed it again, and the room was suddenly filled with hard rock music. The harsh guitar riffs hit the air like a shockwave.
“No, no, no, no,” you groaned. “You can’t be serious! I thought we were supposed to work out, not mosh.”
Shadow stood tall and proud, watching your reaction with a smug look on her face, clearly enjoying the chaos of the music war. You realized the playful but stubborn streak in her was coming out more than usual today. She wanted control, but you weren’t about to back down.
You gave her a look of mock defeat and let out an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. I’ll make a deal with you.”
Shadow raised an eyebrow, obviously intrigued, but kept her stance firm. “I’m listening.”
You reached into your bag and pulled out your favorite album—one that had been with you through many of your own tough times. It was your way of connecting, of offering a piece of yourself to her. With a knowing smile, you tapped the album to start playing.
"This," you said with a quiet certainty, "this is what we're listening to. No more fighting. Just… listen, okay?"
The soft, melodic notes of your favorite songs began to fill the room, filling the space with an intimacy you hadn't quite expected. The music felt like a bridge, offering the perfect balance between calm and strength. It was neither too harsh nor too soft; it was just right. And as the sound wrapped around the two of you, something changed in the air. The tension that had been building between you both began to melt away.
Shadow paused, her expression softening. She didn’t speak right away, instead allowing herself to settle into the rhythm of the music. She didn't look at you, but you could feel the shift in her energy.
Without saying a word, she moved to the corner of the room, grabbed a couple of dumbbells, and started her routine again, her movements becoming fluid once more. You followed suit, adjusting your pace to match hers, the music guiding you both in a rare, wordless harmony.
A few minutes passed in comfortable silence. You watched her work, the way her muscles moved with precision, the grace and strength she exuded despite her earlier annoyance. And for the first time, you truly noticed something beneath the surface: Shadow was not just strong in body, but in spirit as well. Even when she was upset, she didn’t let it define her. She pushed through it, as always, and you admired that.
When you finished your set, you set the weights down and walked over to her. You didn’t say anything—there was no need for words in that moment. You could see her smile faintly, not in the typical way, but in the quiet acknowledgment that things had settled.
“You know," you said softly, glancing at the still-playing album. "Sometimes, it’s not about the music you pick. It’s about the moment you’re sharing with someone.”
Shadow's eyes met yours, her gaze steady and calm. “I think I’m starting to understand that,” she said quietly, a rare vulnerability slipping through her otherwise stoic demeanor.
And with that, the workout continued, but the music stayed—perfectly balanced, just like the space between the two of you.
My writings are influenced heavily by @nicebonescomrade, @willowedwisteria, @raidengaile, and so many other Sagau writer's works. You all inspire me so much! Thank you for all that you do!! Enjoy!
| Part 2
Warnings: Some slightly OOC Young! Zhongli and maybe some..implied neglect, but other than that nothing else!(I think..)
Summary: You had always been there for him, even when he didn't know it.
(Note: All italicized words will have their definitions at the end)
Even though it was so long ago, he could still remember that day as clear as crystal. It was long before he had become Red Lapis, the fervent acolyte, or Morax the Warmongering Sinner, blinded by his own Earthly beliefs. It had been when he was still a young and nameless god of stone, a hatchling dragon adeptus with no true idea how the world around him worked or who had made it.
Yet, even in his ignorance, you still looked kindly upon him in his youth. Like a guardian angel.
"Hello little one, are you lost?"
The little god startled from his intense state of thought and looked up. The curious figure before him was swathed in a long brown cloak and thick black robes which showed not an inch of skin. Their face was shrouded in shadow by the hood of their cloak, yet even if one looked closer to try and spot their face, one would only be met with a white, faceless mask. They carried no bag or climbing supplies like any reasonable mortal would when climbing this far up into the mountains, only a simple wooden crook.
How strange, he had thought. He couldn't recognize you then, his facalities were still new, not yet full intertwined with your creation. At that time he couldn't even full tap into the Geo power you had plentifully granted him at birth. He could not sense your power, your overwhelming strength, your divine presence. If he had, he perhaps would have foolishly fled like the child he had been, not understanding, afraid, and far, far, too ignorant.
"This one is not lost!" the little god proclaimed firmly, "This one was just-uh..."
He looked back to the unfamiliar path which flowed further up the mountain. It was then some of his confidence wavered.
"Um..."
The cloaked figure chuckled.
"So you are lost." The wanderer's voice smirked with certainty. The young god pouted in response, face flushed red with embarrassment.
"No! I-I'm just-!"
"You know.." The stranger sighed knowingly as they kneeled down to his eye level, wagging a black gloved finger, "It's not wise to lie to one's elders child. Pride will only cause more problems for you."
His cheeks puffed out even further in annoyance.
"I don't need any help," He sniffed and jutted a finger to his chest, "I'm an adeptus! A god! A Long! I can take care of myself!"
"Oh?"
"Yeah! I'm probably even older than you! So I don't need to respect you!"
The stranger snorted.
"Child, no one in Teyvat is older than I. Even Teyvat itself is young compared to this one."
"You lie!" The little adeptus cried out accusingly, "No one is older than Teyvat!"
"I tell no lies, little adeptus," the figure then lightly bonked him on the head with their crook. The young god squeaked, then huffed with indignance. The wanderer simple shook their head and chuckled once more, "You should learn to be more polite. No one will want to worship a rude god."
He glared up at them.
"Now then!" The stranger rose to their feet and dusted off their robes, before turning back to the path before them. "Where are you trying to go little one? Do you have parents waiting for you?"
"..."
The little dragon was silent for a few moments before speaking.
"No.. I..T-This one was trying to get back home, to my cave," His gaze lowered, "..This adeptus doesn't have any parents."
"No parents?" The shock was evident in their voice, "But.."
The figure's head looked him up and down, now finally noticing the white silk wrapping tied up in sloppy, childish knots loosely hanging off the young god's small frame that barely covered the scraps,cuts,and bruises that littered his skin.
"..You're still so young for an adeptus.." They muttered softly, yet there seemed to be a hidden growl within their words, "Why are you alone?"
The little one proudly puffed out his chest. He camed to realized later on that was perhaps not something to be proud of.
"This one's power is probably too much for the mortals below the mountain to handle!" He smiled broadly, "As for other adepti.."
His shoulders slumped a little.
"This one has.. never really met another adeptus or god before.."
The mortals below all worshiped him as a great mountain spirit, a "protector deity", but back then he hadn't really known what that meant. They had elevated him, put him on a pedestal, yet they also refused to climb them mountain to visit saying that it was "his sacred domain" and that they were "unworthy to tred upon such divine soil". They left him offerings of food and stones, but they never talked to him unless it was in prayer, and that was always when they needed something. While he wouldn't admit it out loud.. he had always been rather lonely...
Until that day.
"Hmf.." The stranger hummed, "Well then, I suppose that means you have no one to teach you the way of the gods then."
The little god blinked, "Eh?"
The cloaked traveler nodded, "Oh yes, there are many things one must know to be a proper god! So many rules, regulations, rituals, customs.." They shake their head in exasperation, "In this one's opinion, things don't need to be so overly complicated, but the Celestial Officials absolutely insisted on it. I don't understand why."
"You..You know the way of the Gods??" He asked hesitantly.
"Yup!"
"...Really?" He asked incredulously.
They huffed and smacked him on the head once more with their crook. The god squawk indignantly.
"Aiyah! Don't underestimate this elder, child! I hold knowledge of many things! The way of the gods of Celestia is just the tip of the iceberg!"
"What's an iceberg?"
"See!" He could just hear the smugness in their voice, "I even known about things that exist that you don't!"
He gave them a flat look, "So?"
They sighed.
"Look," They gently patted his head between his horns. His eyes widened, slitted pupils dilating, "This one.. Does not feel comfortable leaving you all alone on this mountain."
"I'm not all alone!" He weakly retorted, still slightly dazed from the pleasantness of having their hand on his head. When had someone ever patted his head before? "I have my worshipers at the bottom of the mountain!"
"Yes, but do they make you feel happy? Are any of them your friends? Do you even know any of their names?"
His silence had probably been rather telling.
"You stubborn little blockhead.." They murmured, "I will stay for now and teach you all that I know, and that is final! From this moment on you are now my Xuéshēng!"
Why? He had wanted to ask. They had barely known each other for thirty minutes and this mortal traveler was already proclaiming themselves to be his shifu. He barely even knew this person! He should be shoving them off his mountain and telling them to never come back! He should be angry and mistrustful! No mortal should claim dominion over him! Yet, some where deep inside, some ancient primal aspect of himself told him to trust this stranger. That part of himself had never lead him astray nor has it ever failed in leading him in his daily survival, even to this day. 'They won't hurt you,' it had whispered in the back of his mind, 'You can trust them, little adeptus.'
And from the way they continued to pet his head, making feel this warm, euphoric fuzziness he had never felt before, he was becoming more and more inclined to agree.
"Do you have a name little one?" They asked suddenly.
He shook his head only to marvel at the feel of your fingers sinking deeper into his hair as he did so.
"Hm, well, that is troublesome-" They paused, not noticing the adeptus blatently nuzzling their hand as they processed that thought, "Wait, if you don't have a name, then what do the villagers call you?"
The little dragon adeptus froze and looked down silently, curling his bare toes in the dirt.
"Most of them just call me the "Guardian Lung of the Mountain" or "The Dragon Adeptus", they.. didn't really give me a name."
They clicked their tongue. "Well this just won't do!" The adeptus watched as the stranger seemed to dive deep into their thoughts, a hand on the chin of their mask as they hummed silently. After a few moments, they snapped their fingers.
"I know! I'll call you Shi Yǒng uh, for the time being?" You retracted awkwardly, "Ah, You could always change it later if you don't like it-."
"No!" the little one suddenly blurted out, only to bite his tongue, "I..I love it!"
A name.. A name... No one had ever given him a name before..
And at that time he hadn't realized just how precious of a gift it was or who had given it to him. Such a precious, precious gift, worth more than all the Mora in Teyvat. While history may have forgotten it, its characters and syllables washed away with the sands of history, that name remained forever etched into the very depths of his heart. His very first name. The name that.. you had given to him.
"Um.."
"Yes Shi Yǒng?"
He shuddered giddily. (That's my name! They said my name!!)
"May.. May I also know this respected elder's name if you are going to be teaching me?" He asked softly, eagerly.
"My name..." He felt a gnawing disappointment when they pulled their hand away, resisting the urge to grab it and shove it back between his horns, "Ah, this one's name is unimportant. Just call me Laoshi, little one."
He wanted to ask why they felt their name was unimportant (how could their name be unimportant?!), but.. They started drifting away from the conversation as soon as their name was brought up, so he dropped it. Mortals don't like talking about things that make them uncomfortable, right? Does their name make them uncomfortable perhaps? Something to be explored on a later date it would seem.
"Then.." He grabbed their hand and (finally!) placed it back on his head with a huge smile on his face, "I will be in your care Laoshi!"
You smiled softly behind your mask.
Definitions:
Long - A Chinese dragon
Aiyah - A Chinese exclamation of exasperation or frustration
Xuéshēng - Chinese word meaning "student"
shifu - Chinese word meaning "Master" or "teacher"
Laoshi - Chinese word that literally means "old teacher"
Extra:
"Um... Laoshi?
"Yes?"
"You still haven't answered my question from earlier."
