"It wouldn't be right for me to enter in a lady's quarters"
You look to Varka with your head tilted to the side, a small pout playing into a frown as you hum.
"Its really okay. I've had Flins in here last night"
Varka's eyebrows shoot upwards,
"Flins...? You mean, the lightkeeper? He... stayed the night?"
You nod, "yes, of course. He slept on the table over there"
Varka looks over to the smaller table where you kept most of your luggage. He looks a little confused for a moment before he sighs, "ah, I see. I forgot you were aware of his... true nature. I assume he turned into a lamp"
You nod quickly with a smile, "yes, he doesnt sleep much, but when he does, he turns into one. Its very interesting"
Varka hums along in agreement before biting onto his bottom lip.
"Even still..." he starts, his eyes on yours, his stare is a little hot, "you shouldn't invite him over again. You're a lady, its not proper."
You smile softly and shake your head, "that I am, but I care little for those nonsense rules."
"They're not nonsense" he huffs, "you should take better care of yourself"
"Are you worried for me, sir Varka?"
Varka blushes at the way you've addressed him, your teasing tone has seemed to do a number on the elder man who groans softly.
"Of course i am" he hushes, "You're impossible sometimes"
"So is that a yes? You'll join me in my room?" Your eyes sparkle as you smile from ear to ear, looking at the man who frowns at you.
"Its a no." He states blandly before tugging onto your waist, pulling you in so you bump into his chest. Your heart pounds as you feel your bodies collide.
"But-" you look up to his eyes, they're stern, yet you notice them wavering as he leans in. His breath hitches, just as yours does,
"Behave" he mumbles into your lips before he lightly nudges your nose with his.
"You're no fun" you huff, your palms on his chest to push away at him, but he holds onto them instead.
You gulp a little when you feel him take a hold of your palms, only to place them near his lips.
Its your turn to fluster when Varka leaves a soft, tender kiss on your knuckles. His eyes, never leaving yours till hes leant back into your ear, whispering,
"Be good and I may just pay you a friendly visit. No more visitors till then, even if they transform into an inanimate object"
chuu's note: since so many of you loved this drabble, I went ahead and made a full fic~ you can find it here! thank you so much for the love, ily all ♡(ㅅ´ ˘ `)
Yay, requests are open again ✨️ I recently noticed that the wolves in Mondstadt come running towards you and sit down in front of you when you have Varka (or Razor) on your team and it's the cutest thing! So how about Varka taking reader, who absolutely adores wolves, with him to Wolvendom?
Among Wolves (Varka x Reader)
A/N: Hi! :) This was such a lovely idea, so I had to write something for it. The wolf detail in-game is just too cute not to use. I think the fic turned out pretty wholesome. I hope you enjoy 💙
Tags: Fluff. Established Relationship. Trip to Wolvendom. Wolves. Gentle Varka. Protective Varka. Razor Cameo. Soft Moments. Affection. Kissing. Symbolism.
Word count: 2446
⋆ ✦ ⋆
It comes up casually.
The way most things with Varka do.
You’re in his office, the ever-present stack of paperwork on his desk somehow looking even more impressive than usual. He’s supposed to be working. You’re supposed to be letting him work.
Instead, you’re both just talking.
You’re perched on the edge of his desk while he leans back in his chair, looking very pleased with himself.
“You’re staring,” Varka observes.
“I’m thinking.”
His grin is warm and teasing. “What about?”
You hesitate. It’s going to sound silly. “Wolves.”
That gets his attention. His eyebrows rise slightly. “Wolves?”
“I overheard Razor talking to Lisa the other day,” you explain, a little sheepish now that you’ve said it out loud.
“About Wolvendom. About the pack there and how they communicate, how they hunt, how they live together.” You pause, searching for the right words. “And I just—I think they’re fascinating.”
Varka’s watching you with genuine interest.
“I went to the library after,” you continue. “Looked up what I could find. But there wasn’t much. Just some old ecological surveys and a few reports. Nothing really about them. About what they’re actually like.”
“Books won’t teach you that,” Varka says.
“I know. But it’s all I have.”
“Not anymore.”
You blink. “What?”
“I’ll take you.” Varka says it like it’s the simplest thing in the world. “To Wolvendom. To meet ’em.”
You stare at him. “You’re serious.”
“Usually am.” His smile is soft. “About the important things, anyway.”
“Varka—” You glance away, fidgeting slightly with your hands. “Are you sure that’s okay? I don’t want to intrude on their territory or make them uncomfortable or—”
He reaches out and catches your hand gently.
“Hey.” His voice is quieter now. “Trust me. They know me. Have for years.” There’s a confidence in it you’ve come to trust. “And if I bring you, they’ll know you’re with me. That’s all that matters.”
Something warm settles in your chest.
“Okay,” you say softly. “When?”
“Now’s good.”
“Now?”
He’s already standing, pulling you up with him. “Jean can handle things for an afternoon. And you look like you could use some fresh air.”
You laugh despite yourself. “I was sitting in your office.”
He chuckles. “Yeah. Terrible for your health.”
He pauses, hand still holding yours.
“What?” you ask.
He doesn’t answer immediately. He just pulls you closer, cups your face with his free hand, and presses a soft kiss to your forehead.
When he pulls back, his eyes are warm. “Been wanting to do that all afternoon.”
Your cheeks heat. “We’ve been talking for twenty minutes.”
“Exactly. Far too long.” His grin is affectionate. “C’mon. Let's go meet some wolves.”
The walk to Wolvendom is beautiful.
Varka walks beside you with that easy confidence he always carries, occasionally pointing out landmarks or telling you stories about patrol routes and old adventures.
You’re halfway there when you hear a rustling in the undergrowth ahead.
You both stop.
Then a figure emerges from the tree lines. Silver hair, red eyes, moving with a strange grace that’s more animal than human.
Razor.
He stops when he sees you both. Tilts his head slightly.
“Grand Master,” he says.
“Razor.” Varka’s smile is warm. “Coming from Wolvendom?”
A nod.
“We’re heading there too,” Varka continues easily. “Thought I’d introduce someone to the pack.” He gestures to you.
Razor’s eyes shift to you.
“Lupical?” he asks.
“Friend,” Varka says simply.
Razor considers this. Then nods once. “Good.”
There’s a pause. You’re not entirely sure what to say. Razor doesn’t seem to expect you to say anything.
“They like me?” you ask tentatively.
Razor looks at Varka, then back at you.
“Will like,” he says. Then, after a moment he adds: “Smell... safe.”
You’re not sure if that’s a compliment or an observation, but you’ll take it.
“Thank you,” you say.
Razor nods again and glances at Varka one more time—some wordless communication passing between them—then continues past you, heading back toward the city.
You watch him go.
“He doesn’t talk much,” Varka says.
“No. But when he does, it matters.”
Varka’s smile is approving. “Exactly.”
The path to Wolvendom proper winds through increasingly dense forest. Sunlight filters through leaves in shifting patterns, painting the ground in gold and shadow.
You’re practically bouncing with excitement. Can’t help it.
“You’re in a good mood,” Varka observes, lips quirking.
“I’m going to meet wolves.” You gesture at the forest around you. “How am I supposed to not be excited?”
“Fair point.”
You walk a few more steps. Then you stop, turn, and kiss him.
Varka blinks, surprised. Then he grins. "What was that for?”
“Thank you.” You're smiling up at him. “For this. For taking me. For—” You gesture vaguely. “Everything.”
His expression softens completely. “You don’t have to thank me for wanting to spend time with you.”
“I know. But I’m doing it anyway.”
He smiles. “Then you’re welcome. Anytime.”
You beam at him.
“Though,” he adds, eyes glinting with amusement, “if you keep kissing me like that, we’re never going to make it to Wolvendom.”
“Is that a complaint?”
“Absolutely not.” He tugs you closer briefly and kisses your temple. “Just an observation.”
You laugh and let him pull you along the path, fingers still intertwined.
Wolvendom feels different.
The moment you cross into the forest proper, something shifts. The air is cooler here, filtered through the trees. You hear the wind through leaves, distant birdsong, the soft crunch of earth beneath your feet.
You stay close to Varka.
“Nervous?” he asks.
“A little,” you admit. “But good nervous. Like before something exciting.”
“That’s the right way to feel.” He glances at you, expression warm. “They can sense fear, but they can also sense intent. You’re curious, not threatening. They’ll know the difference.”
“You sound like you speak wolf.”
“Might as well.” His grin is slightly wolfish itself. “Spent enough time with them over the years.”
You’re about to respond when you feel a prickle of awareness. The sense of being watched.
You still.
Varka notices.
“Easy,” he murmurs. “They’re just checking us out.”
“How many?”
“Three. Maybe four.”
You scan the trees. Can’t see anything yet. But you can feel them.
Then you sense a movement in the shadows.
A wolf steps into view. Large. Pale fur with gray undertones that catch the dappled sunlight. Eyes focused directly on you.
Your breath catches.
“Beautiful,” you whisper.
The wolf’s ears flick forward.
Another one appears. Then a third—this one smaller, younger maybe, with darker fur and bright, curious eyes.
They don’t approach immediately. They just watch.
“They won’t rush you,” Varka says quietly. “Wolves are patient. They assess first, act second.”
“Smart.”
“Very.”
You glance at him. He’s completely relaxed. Like this is the most natural thing in the world.
The largest wolf takes a step forward.
Your hand moves instinctively. A subconscious seeking of safety.
Varka notices. His hand finds yours, squeezes gently.
“You’re alright,” he murmurs. “I’m right here.”
“I know.” Your voice is steadier than you feel. “I’m okay.”
The wolf stops a few paces away, still watching you.
Then, slowly, it lowers its head slightly.
“It’s okay if you want to move closer,” Varka says. “Just move slow. Let them come to you.”
You take a breath. Then you crouch down carefully, making yourself smaller, less threatening.
The wolf’s ears perk up.
“Hi,” you say softly. “I’m not going to hurt you. I promise.”
The younger wolf inches forward first. Braver or more curious, you’re not sure which. It approaches with careful steps, nose working, taking in your scent.
You extend your hand slowly, palm down, letting it sniff.
There’s a pause that feels like an eternity.
Then—warmth.
A wet nose against your fingers, soft fur brushing your palm.
Your face lights up immediately. “Oh—”
The wolf huffs softly.
“They like you,” Varka observes. There’s something in his voice. Satisfaction, maybe. Pride.
“I like them too,” you breathe. Your fingers carefully stroke the wolf’s head. The fur is softer than you expected. Thick and warm. “They’re incredible.”
The larger wolf moves closer now. More confident.
It circles around you once, still assessing, then settles beside you. Close enough to touch.
Your gaze drifts to Varka, eyes bright with wonder. “Can I—?”
“Go ahead.”
You reach out slowly, let your fingers sink into the thick fur. The wolf leans into the touch slightly, a rumbling sound emanating from its chest.
“Is that—is it purring?”
Varka laughs. “Not quite. But close enough. Means it’s content.”
You’re grinning now. This is better than anything you could have imagined.
The third wolf finally approaches—the one that had been hanging back. This one is leaner, with lighter fur and sharp, intelligent eyes. It sniffs your other hand, then settles on your other side.
You’re surrounded by wolves. And you’ve never felt safer.
“This is amazing,” you whisper.
“Yeah.” But Varka’s not looking at the wolves. He’s looking at you. “It is.”
Time passes differently in Wolvendom.
You’re not sure how long you stay there, sitting in the clearing with wolves sprawled around you like oversized dogs, Varka beside you, the forest peaceful and still.
You learn things without words.
How the younger wolf likes having its ears scratched. How the large one watches the perimeter even while resting, always alert. How the lean one occasionally huffs at the others, some wolfish commentary you can’t quite interpret.
“You’re a natural,” Varka observes at one point.
You glance at him. “I’m just sitting here.”
“Exactly.” He shifts slightly closer. “Most people would be tense. Nervous. Trying too hard. But you’re just being. They respond to that.”
You consider this. Then look at the wolves. Then back at Varka.
“You’re like them,” you say suddenly.
That catches him off guard. His eyebrows rise. “Am I?”
You nod, more confident now. “Yeah. You’re both careful with who you trust, but once you do, you’re loyal. Protective. And you both pretend to be more easygoing than you actually are.”
Varka’s quiet for a moment.
“And,” you continue, warming to the theme, “you both know when to be playful and when to be serious. When to approach and when to wait. You read people the way they read intentions.”
Varka huffs a quiet laugh. “That might be the most flattering comparison anyone’s made.”
“It’s true though.”
“Maybe.” His expression softens. “Though I’d argue I’m significantly less fluffy.”
You laugh. “Significantly.”
“And I don’t howl.”
“That you’ll admit to.”
“Hey now.” But he’s grinning.
The large wolf lifts its head and glances between Varka and you.
Then it huffs and puts its head back down.
“See?” you say. “Even they agree.”
“Ganging up on me,” Varka mutters. But there’s warmth in it. Affection.
He shifts closer. Close enough that your shoulders touch. The contact is grounding and familiar.
“Thank you,” you say quietly. “For bringing me here.”
“Thank you for wanting to come.” Varka pauses. “Not everyone would. Gets their ideas about wolves from stories. Big bad wolf and all that.”
“They’re not bad. They’re just themselves.”
“Exactly.” His hand finds yours and threads your fingers together. “Just like people. Some good. Some bad. Most just trying to survive.”
You glance between your joined hands, the wolves around you and him.
“I’m glad you’re one of the good ones,” you say.
Varka’s expression does something complicated. Soft and surprised and pleased all at once.
“C’mere,” he murmurs.
You shift closer. He wraps an arm around you, pulling you against his side.
The wolves don’t move, don’t seem bothered at all by the closeness.
“They’re not worried about you,” you observe.
“Why would they be?” His voice is warm. “They know what I am.”
“What’s that?”
“Someone who protects what matters.”
Your breath catches slightly.
He tilts your chin up gently. His eyes are warm. That blue that always reminds you of clear skies and open spaces.
“And you,” he says quietly, “matter.”
Then he kisses you.
It's soft at first. Gentle. The kind of kiss that says I'm glad you're here and this means something without words.
But then something shifts.
Maybe it’s the peace of this place. Maybe it’s being surrounded by wolves that have accepted you. Maybe it’s just the two of you, away from the city and duties and everything else.
His hand slides into your hair, gripping slightly. You pull him towards you, needing him closer.
Varka makes a low sound against your mouth, and the kiss deepens. Your breath catches, your hand curling into his coat without thinking.
His other hand finds your waist, pulling you against him.
When he tilts his head, deepening the kiss further, you make a soft sound that you barely recognize as your own.
He responds immediately, kissing you harder, one hand still fisted in your hair while the other spans your lower back, holding you steady.
When you finally break apart, his eyes are dark. Wild in a way you’ve never quite seen before.
His forehead rests against yours. “That was—”
“Yeah,” you agree breathlessly.
He laughs quietly. The sound rumbles through his chest where you’re pressed against him.
He presses another soft kiss to your lips. Then your nose. Then your forehead. “You’re incredible.”
Your chest feels too full. Too warm.
“Varka—”
He kisses you again. Softer this time. Slower.
When you pull back this time, you’re both smiling.
The younger wolf has moved even closer, watching with blatant curiosity.
“Nosy,” Varka tells it, but there’s no heat in it.
The wolf huffs.
You laugh. Rest your head against Varka’s shoulder, letting the peace of this place settle into your bones.
“Can we come back?” you ask eventually. “Sometime?”
“Anytime you want.” Varka presses a kiss to your temple. “They’ve accepted you now. You’re pack-adjacent.”
“Pack-adjacent?”
“Honorary member.” His smile is soft. “Means you’re welcome here. Always.”
You nestle closer. “Good. Because I think I could get used to this.”
“The wolves or me?”
“Both.”
He laughs.
The afternoon sun filters through the trees, painting everything in gold. The wolves rest peacefully around you. Varka’s arm is steady and sure around your shoulders.
And for this moment, in this place, everything is exactly right.
“Hey,” he murmurs after a while.
“Mm?”
“For the record?” His voice is quiet. “I’m really glad you overheard Razor talking to Lisa.”
You smile against his shoulder. “Me too.”
The forest sighs around you. The wolves breathe steady and calm.
And you think that maybe some of the best things in life come from simple curiosity and someone willing to share their world with you.
Even if that world includes wolves.
Especially if it does.
⋆ ✦ ⋆
A/N: Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. :) More Varka to follow soon.
⇝ in which you spin the bottle w/ genshin men ... again. (modern / college au)
⇝ part 1
⇝ includes ; varka, venti, wriothesley, kaeya, diluc
⇝ a/n ; hi everyone! this post is rather formulaic so i apologize if that bothers you .. otherwise, enjoy!
how did you end up here again? you swore on your life not to touch that bottle, but here you were, hands deftly flicking the long emptied glass, and watching as it spun round and round.
you can feel people lean in to watch, can see the anticipation in everyone's eyes. who will it be?
the bottle lands, you raise your eyes, and he's already looking back at you.
varka
you're not sure how your upperclassman got roped into this game in the first place. or how he got into the party. varka tended to show up when he pleased, and didn't bother coughing up an invitation. that did not, however, deter him from looking happy as ever when the bottle spun his way.
he stood, stretching his arms above his head - the muscles in his chest and abdomen flexing in a very distracting manner - before lowering them to offer you a hand.
"shall we?" he says, crooking an expectant eyebrow, "it'd be impolite to keep the crowd waiting."
he pulls you to your feet with ease, then lets go of your hand, striding ahead of you with all the confidence of a man who has done this before.
the closet door clicks shut behind you. the whispers of other partygoers fade to a barely audible murmur.
the closet is significantly smaller than you anticipated. varka is significantly larger. he crowds you against the wall without even trying, hands resting idly at his sides.
he's quiet for a moment, before, "you look nervous." he says. his tone is gentle, but the smile on his face tells you he's teasing.
you mumble something dismissive in response, eyes darting away from him. you try to focus on something other than his proximity. or his smell. or, god, his shoulders ..
but it's hard when he braces a hand next to your head, not necessarily to trap (though it feels like it), but to give him a better angle. you feel his fingers tilt your face up, "c'mon, seven minutes is a long time to sit in silence."
when you don't respond, he retracts, "hey - we don't have to do anything, it's just a stupid game -"
you cut him off, a hand on his wrist, his fingertips still resting on your face. no way in hell were you going to let this chance slip away. "varka," you say, then trail off, unable to find the words.
luckily, that's all he needs, as he presses forward again with renewed confidence, "y'know, i've been looking for an excuse to do this." he says, leaning forward just enough for you to feel his breath, "you gonna keep me waiting?"
you make a frustrated noise, and pull him into a kiss by the collar. varka goes without complaint, letting out a startled laugh against your lips. his hands snake around your waist to tug you closer, fingers sliding under your shirt just enough to make you twitch. he steadies you like that, anchored against him rather than pinned, and keeps it slow, giving you time to breathe.
someone bangs on the door, shouting about time, varka groans as he pulls back, face flushed pink.
"round two later, yeah?" he says, pressing one last kiss to the corner of your mouth before the door opens and light spills in again.
venti
venti, ever theatrical, acts incredibly surprised when the bottle lands on him. "i had a feeling today was going to be a good day," he says, all cheek as he offers you a little bow and pulls you up with a hand - too eager.
he practically drags you into the dark closet, swinging the door shut with a cheerful hum. he is immediately too close. you can smell the wine on his lips, can see the flush of alcohol on his cheeks. he's inebriated, but the way he looks at you seems all-too-clear.
"tell me -" he begins, leaning in just a little closer, toeing the line between friendly and intimate, "do you know just what this game entails?"
it's a murmured couple of words, spoken that way to make you blush. and, damn, if it didn't work. he pulls back after that, giving you an innocent smile, "relax, i'm teasing, we can just talk, if you'd like. i have this great story about an apple farmer and a -"
he pauses for a second, grin flickering for a moment as he takes you in.
"- and a very distracting friend of theirs." he clears his throat, jumping back to a performative tone, "truly riveting. very romantic."
venti lets out a half-laugh, something nervous and breathy and excited all at once. he tilts his head a little, braids swaying slightly. "although," his voice takes on a sing-song tone, "we are on borrowed time. no time like the present, hm? we could make this a little more memorable."
his finger hooks into the sleeve of your shirt, tugging just enough for you to notice, he watches your reaction very closely, "just one kiss. or - i can behave. whatever you want." he adds, smiling gently.
you swallow, when did it get so hot in here? and when did venti get so .. suave? "just one kiss?" you echo, stumbling closer when venti tugs again.
"well, i'm a man of my word, of course!" he grins against your lips as he presses closer.
venti keeps his promise, he brushes his mouth against yours softly, briefly. it's light, curious, like he's testing something out. he smells like dandelions and tastes like alcohol - the combination making you a little woozy.
when he pulls back, a hand having snaked up to cup your face, he grins dreamily, his ears red as the apples he eats. his forehead bumps yours, "i'm very glad that bottle landed on me." he muses, pressing one last lingering kiss to your cheek before the door swings open.
venti saunters out of the closet ahead of you. he glances over his shoulder once, shooting you a wink that promises more to come later.
wriothesley
how were you supposed to survive seven minutes with this man? alone, in a dark closet, with a number of people listening?
when the bottle had landed on him, wriothesley, in all his unbothered glory, had simply quirked a brow and shrugged, like it was all part of his plan. "rules are rules, right?" he said, standing with an easy grace.
there was a faint murmur in the room, half teasing jeers, half nervous laughter, but he ignored it, rolling his shoulders like he was prepping for a boxing match rather than a party game.
when you take his hand to let him pull you up, it's warm, grounding. he's not excitable like venti - he doesn't crowd you as soon as the closet door shuts. instead, he leans back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, watching you in the dim lighting.
"relax," he murmurs if you look nervous, "i'm not going to make this uncomfortable."
the way he says it isn't teasing or smug, it's factual. a simple truth, a promise. the room feels warmer now, you swallow thickly, eyeing the way his hair falls around his face, the way he kicks one leg up against the wall.
"although," he adds after a second longer, voice taking on a different tone, one you can't quite pinpoint, "i don't mind that it's you."
he pushes off the wall then, taking a small step closer, just enough for you to notice. you can smell something like leather and tea on him. his shoulder brushes yours as he tilts his head down to look at you.
"you know how this game goes," he continues, "people expect something."
his hand comes up then, finally brushing your jaw, applying just enough pressure to make you look up at him, "but i'm not interested in doing anything you don't want."
his thumb lingers. he's waiting, you realize, for your response.
if you tease him? if you step closer, hold his hand to your face, his eyebrows lift, a faint smile quirking at his lips. "oh?" he cocks his head to the side, "careful. don't want to start anything we can't finish in seven minutes."
he uses his hand on your jaw to guide you closer, then, his forehead brushes yours briefly - to test - before he kisses you. he's slow, methodical, his other hand resting at your waist.
it deepens. like he forgot about the timer, the door, the party entirely. one hand tangles in your hair, the other sliding to rest at the small of your back when -
a harsh knock on the door accompanied by someone yelling "time's up!"
wriothesley pulls back, panting softly. he steps away from you, his fingers brushing yours ever-so-slightly. "that was nice." he mutters, like he's forgotten himself - forgotten his cool demeanor.
as the door opens, he leans in just enough to murmur something low in your ear. something about a promise of 'next time'.
kaeya
he, of course, doesn't even flinch when the bottle lands on him. "oh my, what a fortunate turn of events," he says smoothly, the words tumbling out like they're practiced.
you follow after him with a nervous glance at the others in the room, each one whispering something into another's ear, the rumors about you and kaeya spreading before the door even shuts.
kaeya watches you shut the door before speaking, "seven minutes. a rather generous amount of time. i can think of many, many things two people could get done in that kind of time frame."
if you're nervous, maybe you're blushing or stumbling over words, he lets out a scoff, something between fond and exasperated, "oh, relax. i'm not desperate. i won't force you into anything. if you want to stand in silence for seven minutes, then so be it."
he means it, you realize. which somehow makes it worse. you fight between wanting to keep a safe distance and wanting to get much, much closer.
but, if you step closer, reach for his hand or his arm, he pauses. he raises an eyebrow, amused, playful, but not entirely sure of himself anymore, ".. ah."
a gloved hand catches your wrist, not letting you step back, but not pulling you in either, "so that's not it, is it?"
his hand slips lower, fingers brushing yours, smirk slowly falling back into place as he watches you try to gather your courage. cute, cute, cute, he thinks to himself.
"is there, perhaps, something you want to ask me?"
he gives you an innocent look, the implication clear. he wants you to say it.
you mutter a few choice words under your breath, heat rushing to your face, before, "kiss me, kaeya."
kaeya blinks, he wasn't expecting you to come out and say it so readily, but he recovers fast; "oh, well, if you insist."
it doesn't take much more convincing before kaeya is on you, hands resting at your hips to guide you closer, mouth moving against yours with practiced ease.
your fingers curl into the front of his shirt, he hums against your mouth - a low, pleased sound.
when the timer runs out and the door bursts open, he steps back smoothly. his smirk remains, but the way he tucks a strand of your hair behind your ear is different now. softer.
"until next time." he murmurs, voice thick with promise.
diluc
much unlike his brother, diluc does flinch when the bottle lands on him. his shoulders stiffen. he blinks slowly like this is somehow a betrayal and it's entirely your fault.
there is a heavy beat of silence.
then someone - probably kaeya - snickers - "rules are rules, diluc. get in there."
you expect him to argue, to brush the game off as juvenile. instead, he exhales slowly, like he's forcing himself to relax, "very well." his voice is purposefully flat, but you catch the tension underneath.
he barely looks at you, just a brief glance in your direction before he clears his throat and gestures toward the closet.
ever the gentleman, diluc holds the door open for you. and, ever the gentleman, diluc plants himself as far away as physically possible once the door shuts.
his posture is straight, his eyes flit about the dark room, trying to find something to focus on, before they hesitantly settle on you. "you, er, you needn't feel pressured. we can wait it out."
it's not at all surprising. of course he'd give you an out - in fact, you assume it's as much of an out for him as it is for you.
but the thing is -
he hasn't stopped looking at you. he may think he's subtle, but when it's just the two of you, it's easy to catch the way his eyes dart to your lips and then back up, the way he shifts his weight awkwardly like he's restraining himself.
you tilt your head. he notices. you take a step closer. he definitely notices, "is that really what you want to do?" you ask, voice carefully even, as to not scare him away.
".. [name]. what are you doing?" he asks, arms slowly uncrossing as your fingers find the front of his coat.
his breath hitches when he realizes. he looks at your hand, then slowly lifts his eyes back to you, his own fingers twitching like they're unsure where to go.
"are you certain?" he murmurs, voice rougher now, "i am not fond of games."
you let out a gentle laugh, nodding your head, "diluc. just kiss me."
he doesn't surge forward like kaeya or varka. instead, diluc swallows, blinking slowly.
when his hands find your waist, it's a light, barely there touch. he pulls you just a little closer, more determined now, like once he starts, he's not stopping.
his kiss is intense. controlled heat and restraint, the kind that comes from holding back far too long. you feel his thumb press into your side, rumpling your shirt as he angles his head.
when a knock echoes through the closet, diluc all but stumbles back. his breath is heavier, his eyes darkened. the door opens in front of you. and diluc, briefly, gently, smooths down your shirt again, something like a smile pulling at his lips, "apologies." he mumbles.
the way his fingers linger against your waist suggests he is not sorry at all.
Notes; Varka x reader, short drabble, suggestive, post coitus cuddles, based on prompt 13 from @maplewood-valley
A borrowed cloak, a quick briefing, and a source of warmth you thought you had no intention of ever acknowledging. Several things had brought you to the grand master's tent tonight.
None of it warranted the way your limbs were tangled together now, both your breaths coming out in warm little pants as exertion finally dug its claws into your bodies. Varka's arm was heavy, slung across your body like it belonged.
"You know," he began, "if I let you stay tonight, things won’t be the same tomorrow."
Under any other circumstances you'd have laughed at how meek he sounded, there was nothing remotely boisterous or confident in his voice. The man cradling you was no fierce wolf but a nervous dog.
If only this moment of being swallowed by him could last, the firm press of his naked body against your back feeling safer than any plate armor could.
Knights sleeping with each other wasn't unusual, especially on expeditions as long as this. But both of you knew that there was more at stake than simply a companion to keep the bed warm, even if those words would never be granted life.
Intimacy and attachment beyond camaraderie was a dangerous thing when the slightest change in the wind could carry disaster.
You breathed a quiet sigh. "Give me a moment to collect myself before I leave grand master."
The mass of muscle behind you tensed, and you felt the knife twist in your heart as well, but it was better this way.
Varka didn't let you pull away so much as an inch.
His lips brushed against your nape with each whispered word. "Don't. Stay. I need things to change."
With the expedition team finally back home, some feelings are going to be addressed.
content: fluff + fem!reader + varka is a shy flustered mess in front of you + more fluff + kissing
hope you enjoy hehe!!
—
”I’m in love with you.”
His face is flushed with heat, his blue eyes flickering all over the place but on you. He’s fiddling with his hands, clearly nervous. A man of his size, of his grand position is shy and nervous. His hair falls in front of his face, he goes to brush it aside but you beat him to it.
Varka is visibly surprised by your action, but he can’t deny how good it felt to momentarily feel your touch on him. But you still haven’t given a reply to his confession.
Varka is made in a shy mess in your proximity. Longing touches that’s lasting for a second too long and yearning glances filled with nothing but love and the need to be with you. His heart beats for you and inhales the air you breathe. Dandelion wine might best every beverage out there, but you’re the one thing he will never stop having a fill of.
“Crap, this confession must have made it so weird right? I should’ve just kept my mouth shut.” He mumbles the last part, which doesn’t get missed by you.
Varka was about to say something and you as well, before someone from the knights called for his attention. Varka tells them he will be there shortly.
Just as he was about to apologize and excuse himself, you grasp onto his hand and you stop in your actions. It was a spur of the moment thing. A confession has never been spoken to you, you have no idea what to say or how to react. But to make such a good man like Varka, unbeknownst to him, return your feelings so instead of feeling pure ecstasy you’re just made into a surprised speechless mess.
Varka’s hand is warm and large in your grasp, you can feel the callouses on his skin and you softly brush your thumb on the inside of his palm before taking it to your cheek and lean into it.
Surprise is an understatement to what Varka feels right now. He steps in closer to you, heart beating way faster than it usually does.
“Does this mean your feelings are the same?” The nod to his question sends waves of joy through his big body and he puts his other hand around your midsection and softly pulls you in.
“I thought your silence was a rejection.” He breathes out, relieved and happy.
“I’m sorry, it was just hard to know how to react. This is all new to me.” You look at Varka, feeling embarrassed.
“What is new, sweetheart?” Oh damn him, he just had to say that and send you into even more of an internal mess.
“Confessions, relationships—“ you begin and then avoid his piercing eyes on you. “—love.” You mumble and then you feel yourself getting further pressed up against Varka’s body. He’s warm and sturdy, you put your hands on his chest.
“We shall take it slow, if you desire it. I’ve liked you for years now, I can do it for eternities more.” His words make your eyes widen in surprise before letting out a giggle. Unbeknownst to you, the same pair of blue eyes you adore is now longingly looking at your mouth.
“I think I’d like that, yeah.”
—
Then the worst day ever happened.
The expedition has been a talk for days now, but now it’s put into motion and you can’t help the waves of feelings in you. Varka is the one leading the expedition, of course he is, he’s the Grandmaster. He’s doing this for the safety of Monstadt. And Teyvat perhaps.
You watch him amongst the crowd as he greets his bye’s to everyone, giving them big smiles and thanking for their prayers of safety to Barbatos.
You think back to moments before this.
You had been rushed inside his office by Varka and he locked the door. You grew a little worried until you see a little trinket in his hand and he hands it to you in his palm.
“I can’t say how long this expedition will go on, but should it go on for years, I want you to have this.” He motions you to take the trinket and you do.
“Varka, whats going on?”
“I want to say, no, if your feelings stay the same and your heart beats for mine like mine does for you—“ Varka breathes out, he looks nervous. “—give this trinket back to me. It’s something Boreas had given me years back.” Your eyes widens at his words.
“Varka, I—“
“Shall your heart beat for an another in the time I’m gone, you can give this trinket back to Jean.“
You both look at each other for Barbatos knows how long. You feel the slight weight of the trinket in your hand and Varka’s more heavier look on you. This man wears his heart on his sleeves for you. You can’t see anything but warmth and affection in his eyes. Despite telling you to give the trinket back to Jean should you like someone else, it’s as if his love for you grows every second without hesitation.
“Okay.”
Such a short word, but it reassures Varka. You know it cause his tense shoulders are relaxed now.
Back to current situation, Varka is approaching you. He gently holds your face in his bigger palms and looks at you, taking in the image of the one he loves, the touch and warmth of your skin before craning down and pressing a soft lingering kiss on your forehead. You lean into him as he does that, gripping onto the sides of his body.
This was your first act of kissing. Varka was true to his words like he is to his oath as a knight and Grandmaster. He did take it at your pace in your relationship, never did anything to cause you discomfort. He voiced clearly he will never do something without your consent. Your pace is his pace.
Varka steps away then and takes his bag before stepping out of Monstadt soil. But he could feel in the wind, telling him to turn around and he did. And you leaped into his arms. Varka drops his bag and embraces you.
Your feelings is getting out like crashing waves, you bury your face in Varka’s neck and hold onto him so tight you wish were glue and to be at his side at all times.
Varka nuzzles into the crook of your neck, breathing in your scent. Taking in the feeling of your arms around his neck and your thighs squeezing his waist. Then you pull your head away, your face stricken with tears and something aches in Varka at the sight of you in tears.
“Give me a proper kiss when you come back.”
—
It went on for longer than you thought. Years.
You hold onto the trinket in your hand, looking at the details. Such a precious thing is in your hands, which shows the amount of trust Varka has in you. You put away the trinket before you felt your feelings come crashing down on you again. You miss Varka.
That’s when you heard the bells and the shouting from outside your home. You look out the window and see the familiar banners of the Knight of Favonius. You immediately run outside and join the ecstatic crowd.
But you can’t find the man you’re looking for until you hear a booming laughter, a sound you could only imagine in your head and listen to in your dreams.
His back was to you, his hands on his hips and his head thrown back as he laughs in the endearing way he does. And as if he could feel you looking at him, he turns around and immediately finds you amongst the crowd.
His eyes zero in on you so fast, you jumped back a little in surprise and you see how he was about to walk towards you when someone else gets his attention, he looks at you and the knight before turning around, his back facing you again.
And all day, you haven’t had a moment alone with Varka. Even during the party at the tavern could make you be able to talk to him properly. Or at the event near the Favonius Headquarters. You could only manage to greet him and he gets swooped away by someone else.
You can’t fault him for that. Being away for so long, work has been piled up, people want to know of his adventures throughout Teyvat, especially the one in Nod-Krai and meeting a trilune goddess.
The scenery on the cliff near the Cathedral never fails to stun you into awe. As you fiddle with the trinket in your hand, you jump back in surprise when you hear a familiar voice. You almost drop the trinket, and Varka sees the trinket in your hand and he can’t help the happiness he feels. There’s hope.
“Varka!” You lightly squeak out his name before covering your mouth, embarrassed at the sound you gave out. Varka laughs a little before taking one step closer to you.
“I figured you would be here, it seems your taste in scenery hasn’t changed in years.” You chuckle at his words, nodding your head as you look at the view before looking at Varka again.
And he looks at you. The exact same way he did the day he confessed, the days leading up the expedition and before he left. Your palms grow sweaty at his gaze and proximity. Your heart flutters at finally being alone with the man you’ve missed for years. And still love.
“We finally have a chance to be alone.” Varka lets out a chuckle and you nod, smiling. Your words lost on you and Varka rubs his hand on his other arm before pointing at the trinket.
“The trinket is still with you it seems.” You nod again at his words, looking at the trinket.
“Have you been doing well?” You look at Varka, he says a yes before throwing the question back to you, to which you nod your head at.
“Got into alchemy a little bit, with the help of Sucrose and Albedo.” Varka nods his head, eyes widening a little in surprise.
“You’ve voiced before how you wanted to try it out, do you still do it?” You smile, especially at the fact he remembers even though it’s been years since you last saw him.
“It’s a little intimidating, but it’s fun. I like it.” You say, still with a smile on your face. You look at Varka and your heart is even more of a mess when you see how his blue eyes flickers down to your mouth. And you see how he slightly licks his lips before gulping down on nothing. You remember what you’ve told him before he left. And you remember what he told you the same day.
“I’ve missed you. A lot.” You voice out and Varka breathes out, in relief.
“I’ve thought about you everyday.” Varka says as he steps in a little closer.
You grip onto the trinket, gathering courage.
“You told me to give the trinket back to Jean should my heart beat for another.” You start off, Varka feels his shoulder tense at your words and he grows nervous.
“But it’s been years and my heart still beats for you, Varka.” And you immediately feel yourself get engulfed in a pair of arms you’ve wished to be in for Barbatos knows how long. To be with the man who made you feel nothing but safe and loved.
“My heart was with you the moment I left Monstadt soil.” You feel your eyes brimming with tears and you bury your face into Varka’s chest, wrapping your arms around him. The trinket in your fist as you hold onto Varka.
“I’ve thought of you everyday and loved you even when I was gone. I had Albedo paint me a picture of you, you know.” You giggle amidst your soft crying.
“Why would you do that? Poor Albedo.” Varka laughs as he grasps onto your head and takes a good look at you. He gently wipes your tears off your cheeks, his gaze soft on you.
“I was going crazy thinking I forgot the face of the woman I love.” His blue eyes are all over your face, his hand on your head is as gentle as ever.
“And I think you might have forgotten something else.” Your words make him ponder until he catches you briefly look at his lips and he figures it out.
“I thought it was a spur of the moment thing, what you said.” Varka’s hands slightly trails down your neck.
“You gave me a kiss on the forehead, it’s only right you give me a proper kiss—“ you stop yourself, feeling embarrassed and nervous at your sudden act of confidence. “—somewhere else than my forehead.” You mumble.
It was quiet for a moment between you two. The wind was softly blowing, and cause of Varka’s body warmth the wind doesn’t send a chill down your body. Then you feel it.
His right hand slips down, wrapping his arm around your midsection and the left is still gently holding your neck, his fingers touching your hair. And you feel yourself get lifted, your feet dangling in the air.
A small sound of surprise lefts your lips, your arms around his neck while your legs are wrapped around his midsection and you feel Varka’s mouth on your cheek.
“Like this?” He asks and you look at him, heart beating too fast for your own good. But you like it. Pressed up against his chest, you can feel how Varka’s own heart is beating in tune with yours. You nod your head.
Another kiss on your other cheek, one each on each eyelid down to your temple before he lifts your head with his left hand. With his thumb on your chin, he presses a kiss on your jaw, close to your pulse point.
A soft press to the corner of your mouth and as if it took as long as the expedition, finally his lips are on yours and you feel like you could finally breathe. You feel how Varka’s own body relaxes against you.
It was a soft press of your lips for a moment, Varka breathes through his nose and then his lips starts to softly move.
Butterflies and tingling sensations is all over your body at his kisses. He kisses like you’re a dandelion flower, careful to not let you fall apart. He kisses like he drinks, with happiness and delight. He kisses like this is not a dream, it’s reality. He kisses like there’s no ending to his love for you.
“This is nothing like how I imagined.” Soft mutters against your mouth, heart beating faster and waves of feelings surging through your bodies.
The kiss gets softly broken apart, tender kisses down your jaw to your neck before he settles there. One last chaste kiss on your neck and he breathes in the scent of you. His right arm is tightly yet gently gripped around you, as to not hurt you.
You tighten your own arms around his neck, you see the trinket, still in your hand and you smile to yourself. Varka’s home, he’s in your arms and your love growing stronger every minute. You nuzzle into his hair as you grip onto the trinket he put in your safekeeping.
—
This is not how it happened in canon I knowwwwww I wrote it before it came out but I forgot I had this in my drafts 😔 but I hoped you enjoyed this nevertheless <3
Cw: smooches, reader is sick as hell, i think there's blood but i don't remember
Summary: you're sick and Varka comes to cuddle you, also, you're in a secret relationship with Varka, and you're a knight in the expedition
Notes: i'm also sick as hell, that's why i wrote this. I have P.E tomorrow and i'm at the edge of grabbing the rope
You were, without a doubt, very sick.
Or well, that's what Varka guessed atleast.
After lots of shared romantic moments in the expedition, he knows when your breathing gets difficult. He knows when your nose is an un-normal tone of red, and he definetely notices the tiny snot flowing out of your nose in battle.
It was from a pure mistake, is what you say to yourself.
Varka wanted to do something for you, something sweet. At night, he pulled you aside from the other knights, and in between giggles, kisses and so, he walked you to the local river.
It was sweet, romantic. You both dived in and enjoyed the nice snacks Varka had brought and sat together in a picnic.
Yet the next morning you woke up with that recognizable, raspy throat pain.
It wasn't like you were lying, you just... didn't told him.
The mistake here was not getting sick, or well, not only. The mistake was getting sick and NOT telling the big man about it.
He noticed everything. You were one of his best knights AND his partner after all.
It was really weird. Among all of the knights, you almost never caught a cold in winter, and overall you would not get sick often... unlike this time.
It was the third day after the late-night date. Afternoon. And you felt like stepping onto the other side.
You were at your tent. You could barely speak, you had a fever, your nose was all runny, and yet you still did the patrol in the morning.
Well, silly you was still paying the consequences.
That's when you heard a signature heavy stepping sound at the entrance. A clinking armor could be heard, and a signature smell of alcohol mixed with iron was present in the air.
It was, without any doubt, your lover; Varka.
His gaze roamed over the tent, and a small pout came up to his lips.
He had to duck his head to go through the entrance, his massive body bumping in all of the spots it could possibly bump in.
His expression was a mix of worry, affection, and a tiny bit of triumph. Because he had gussed correctly that you were sick.
Varka 1-0 you
But winning was not his real worry here.
You groaned to acknowledge his presence, which only deepened the pout on his face.
He settled next to you. Legs messily crossed and back hunching over you.
He lightly reached out and caressed your cheek. You turned to face him. And he just saw the most deep eyebags of his life.
He let out a breathless laugh, and kept stroking your cheek.
"Sweet pea... what's up with you, huh? Why didn't you tell me?"
You gave him a weak smile, reached out and lightly held his hand on yours.
A pathetic kiss left your lips.
He laughed again, and messily laid down next to you.
"I was worried i– i didn't see you at lunch. With the other knights, you know? You should've told me.." he reprimanded.
It was true. You should have told him, after all, you are his partner. Yet your cowardness won, and now you had to handle a Varka with big, sad puppy eyes.
"So, ya didn't eat, huh?" You shook your head. The last thing you ate was breakfast, since food rasped your throat.
"Shit... sweetheart, why–" he huffed. You meakly watched as he tried to stood, yet you tugged on his shirt.
He waited for a response, even a small mutter.
"Stay" you said, your voice strained.
He groaned "fine, fine!... BUT, you're eating right after. Understood? Those are orders."
Even if the last part was mere teasing, you could hear the worry latching onto his voice. You didn't nod, nor responded, but he took it as a yes.
He rolled closer. His warm, big arms wrapped wherever they fitted. He ended up with an arm deeply enveloped around you; while the other caressed the back of your head, and lightly tugged at your hair.
"No, no, Varka.." you protested weakly.
He didn't pulled away inmediately, just stared into your eyes with confusion.
"You're... sniff you're gonna get sick.."
His mouth turned into a small "o" shape, before a big smooch landed on your cheek.
"You're adorable, darlin'. Truly. HAH... no illness can affect the grandmaster. None! And even if they do, i'll wear 'em with pride, since it's from my sweetheart."
You tried to squirm away from his grasp, yet another kiss landed on your mouth. Your eyes shut close as you melted into it. His mouth tasted of alcohol and a mix of what the knights had for lunch.
Gross. But eh. After all, it was the grandmaster kissing you. How could you complain? Yet you quickly ran out of breath and had to pull away.
He pulled away with an obnoxiously loud noise. He laughed, caressed your hair, and when he saw the snot running out of your nose, he laughed harder. Then handed you one of the paper towels that was spread around the tent.
"Hahhh.... HAH, y'know your nose looks kinda like that one deer. You know, the funny one, with the red nose?"
You snorted, it rasped your throat. You playfully pushed him away as he tried to wipe your snot away.
A few minutes later, both of your bodies rested comfortably on the tent. Your breathing was slow as he stroked your hair, every now and then he would whisper sweet murmurs that had your pale cheeks turning a pretty pink.
Safe to say, lunch was long forgotten at this point.
(He woke up sick the next day)
I love this specific pic of Varka sm you don't understand
tags: beard!varka, stubble!varka, varka x reader, fluff, avoidance
there is always one reason why varka shaved his face clean although you always love his beard or stubble. by your perspective and personal taste, he looks much hotter with his beard. but no, that one day he swore to you that he will always keep his face clean whenever he's with you.
long story short, it was that time where you are officially become a couple. you feel joy of course, who expected the grandmaster of knights of favonius is interested in a mere shop owner like you? that time, he still has his beard. you would not say it was beard, it was stubble.
when you agreed with him to be a couple, that thing naturally happen. you still remember the way he kisses you at starsnatch cliff, with the sun slowly down as your spectator. it was a wonderful kiss you must say. you didn't even remember his stubble spiked your face when you kissed.
well, the way he dominated the kiss spikes more than his stubble.
but after the kiss ended, you feel the heat on your chin. positively thinking, it is because of his stubble. and it will be gone after a while.
your judgement is partially correct. after he took you home safely, the itch was gone. but when you checked yourself at the mirror, you can see your chin is red.
'irritation. probably will gone later.' is what you think. which is a misjudgment because it did not gone at all.
in fact, it turned darker and darker day by day. to the point it kinda ruin your confidence because in close, it looked terrible. the skin looked bumpy with hyperpigmentation around the chin area.
you even refused to meet varka for a while. there's no way you would let varka see you in this condition. you even go as far as closing your shop and playing hide and seek with him.
varka was frustrated of course. he thought, didn't the last date went well? didn't they finally become a couple? didn't the kiss feels mindblowing? then why are you avoiding him like this?
it come to the point, your avoidance against him affects his work as a grandmaster. and who's the worst victim if varka is acting up? jean of course.
"grandmaster, i don't know what happened to you but please you still have much work to do for now." he groaned. physically, he was in his office doing paperwork. mentally, he kept thinking about your 180 degree behavior towards him.
"this might not working at all." he needed to talk to you. asked you directly for your ambiguous actions. if you accepted him, why avoiding him?
he sneaked outside of his office when mika took his break for a while. he just need answers and after he got it, he will continue his work.
as long as he could see you again. as long as he hear your voice again. you maybe be out when you knew he was working. and his judgement was correct.
he caught you covered half of your lower face in brown shawl while looking around the hall. even the confident you rather lowered your head and walk quickly. until you look around and saw his face.
he saw your panic face as you run, but varka is much quicker. with one big leap, he suddenly standing in front of you. the leap surprised you that you almost fall to your back. the shawl that covered half of your face lowered, showing the bumps and the dark skin of your chin. even there's a crust slowly building around the area.
"y/n! please! talk to me for a while" he could see the embarrassment and shock on your face. he didn't even realize your chin yet. he felt guilty for surprising you and made you panic like that.
"varka! aren't you supposed to work now?" you try to change the topic, doing anything so varka would not talked about your chin.
"i'm on my break. so i come to talk to you since you keep avoiding me whenever i try to meet you after work." it was a lie of course. there is no way he would say to you if he escaped his work, mika, and jean right now.
then his eyes went lower to your lips, before finally focusing on your chin. it's like the blisters finally says hi to the main culprit. his instinct almost made him try to touch the blisters, but he hold back.
"what happened to you?" he looked at you with concern. yet you still try to hide it from him.
"it's nothing. just.. an allergy reaction." you try to dismissed him and avoid his stare. it feels uncomfortable seeing his worried face. not because you hated his presence or what. but you did not had the guts to tell him that it's all because of his stubble. you didn't want to add another matter to him, especially a guy with a position had more matters besides concerning a blister on chin. or your confidence issue.
but he seemed to noticed that you feel uncomfortable talking about the blisters. so he did what he could did. his hand went to your shawl and try to fix the shawl that once covered half of your face. he wanted to say something, but he afraid his words could accidentally hurt your feelings. it saddened his heart seeing you feel uncomfortable and insecure like this.
for you, his small gesture of fixing your shawl almost make your eyes watered. you aware if he's aware, and you aware if he try to choose his word so it would not accidentally hurt your feelings. poor this guy. you had already stressed him enough for avoiding him for a week and instead of demanding or complaining, he helped you fix your shawl instead so others would not noticed.
and you cried. not the ugly cry, but no matter how hard you hold back your tears, it still ended up falling. not because of shame, but it's because you feel guilty.
"sorry varka... i shouldn't have ignored you and make you worried.."
he pulled you into a hug and try to calm you down by patting you on back. it did not look romantic at all of course. but as long as you calmed down, he will keep doing it.
"it's okay... i know you have your reasons. is it.. because of... that?" you know what he meant, and you nodded. after a while, you finally calmed down. varka took you to the area with less people to talk so you would not feel embarrassed with your story.
you finally explained the reason why you keep ignoring and avoiding him for a while. and you finally told him the blisters on your chin is not because of allergic reaction, but it's because of the frictions with his stubble. you tried to go to the doctor and the only thing the doctor gave is an ointment. but it could not recover quickly and could take weeks. you purposefully went out to buy new ointment because you ran out of it. only to finally meet varka, the one guy you avoided the most.
varka would never expect stubble could cause infections. the only thing he remembered when he kissed you is your overwhelmed expression and the slightly red chin. he thought it was because of the friction and it would be gone after a while.
"do you mind if i see it again?" without answering, your hand go to lower down your shawl. now varka could observe it more. the condition is quite... bad. although it didn't affect your beauty, he understood you would feel insecure because it been a week and it still looks like that.
"does it hurt? are you hurt?" he asked you worriedly.
"it was better now... i'm sorry that i avoided you over this simple matter." he quickly shook his head. he feel bad that you keep saying sorry for this matter. in fact, he should be the one who says sorry because he made your chin becoming that. it you say it was better now, how worst your condition was?
"you are not at fault, y/n. i should be the one who says sorry because i caused the infection... and make a woman as gorgeous as you shall hide your beauty behind this shawl."
you giggled at his words. him and his sweet mouth always managed to make you flustered. varka sighed in relieve knowing you smiled.
"i also didn't expect it to happen either. looks like i have a beard, isn't it?"
"sorta. but you still look as charming as ever, and it saddened me to see you feel insecure about yourself." he did feel sad. not only because you afraid of his judgement, but because you feel insecure for something that you both did not expect.
"because it looks horrible! i can't even open my store because i'm afraid people would ask me a lot of questions..."
"you can say the grandmaster loves you way too much that his kisses left a mark on your chin." you laughed at what he said while slapping his bicep.
"that's lame."
"so being love by me is lame? how sad."
it's only been a week for varka to finally be able to talk with you again, and he was just so glad for it.
jean probably will scold him. who knows. but it was worth the problem.
"next time, i swear i'll shave before i kiss you." and varka truly mean it. he rather shaved to have his face clean rather than seeing you avoided him like this because of your insecurity. although for him you're still as beautiful as ever in his eyes.
"how about our next few dates, we spend it on either your home or mine? we can cook together."
Right Where You Left Me by Taylor Swift but it’s with Varka who disappeared for an expedition for a while and came bsck only to realize that it was him who left but it was also him who stayed at the restaurant.
He left for years, leaving you, his dear friend, on Mondstadt.
When he returned, you were already someone’s bride. He stood on the Cathedral’s door as he watched you exchange vows with the man you chose to spend a lifetime with. When the priest asked if there was someone who wished to object the wedding, he tried hard to stay still and shut the words in his mouth when he saw how happy you were at the altar. He has always imagined you there countless of times before. But it seems like he forgot to imagine himself standing beside you in the middle as you hold the hand of your soon-to-be-husband.
He could not blame you for not waiting. After all, there was not an us between you two, just two best friends since childhood who happens to witness each other’s best and worst. All he left was a promise to return. And he would not blame you for not holding unto that promise because he did not make it clear— even he himself doesn’t know if he’ll come back alive. But he did risk it all just to come back and make sure he’ll confess his feelings to you by the time he came back. But even that seems too far now.
That’s why he’s not angry that you choose to settle down with someone not him. Someone who’s gonna stay and doesn’t have to choose between you and his duty because it was all for you at the end of the day. He’s angry at himself for not making his intentions clear. And now, all he felt is regret as he watched you say the word “I do”— not to him.
While the folks at the tavern were celebrating the glorious wedding and the Grandmaster’s return, Varka couldn’t bring himself to booze when the one thing he has ever wanted slipped away from his fingers. Even as the years passed, words swept with the wind that the corner spot of the tavern is unspokenly reserved for the Grandmaster as he mourns for a love that didn’t even exist while you announce the family that you were having soon.
a/n: varka really got me going back to genshin and writing…
