word count ! idk but its long lol
pairing ! albedo, bennett, diluc, kaeya, razor & venti x gn!reader
genre ! fluff, angst
.｡.:*☆ ALBEDO !
giving: gift giving, words of affirmation | receiving: physical touch, quality time
He likes to bring you trinkets from his expeditions. A cecilia from when he went sketching at Starsnatch Cliff, a particularly bright crystalfly in a bottle. They can be virtually anything as long as he thinks it’s interesting enough to bring back to you. The blonde also does not intend to be a sweet talker, it just sort of happened. He doesn’t see the point in lying, so when he tells you he loves you, it leaves no room in your heart for doubt. Albedo is a no-nonsense man and his words are solid as stone.
When you go out of your way to see him, it makes his chest feel tight. The alchemist doesn’t consider himself someone interesting, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it not? Your hands seem to fit perfectly into his, and when you smile at him over your shoulder as you frolic in the snow, he thinks to himself, ‘this is what it means to live.’
.｡.:*☆ BENNETT !
giving: acts of service | receiving: words of affirmation, quality time
Poor boy is so afraid of you leaving. He knows his curse scares people away, and he can’t blame them. Although he tells himself not to expect much, a piece of his heart can’t help but hope that you’re different. Bennett’s the first to volunteer if you need any assistance and will come back with fresh cuts and bruises after each trip. Even though you’ve told him multiple times to stop putting himself in danger, he doesn’t know how else to make you stay.
The first time you told him you loved him, he cried.You’re his shining light, and he never fails to remind you how thankful he is to be able to call himself your lover. At night, when the two of you are laying under the stars with his face in your chest and your legs intertwined, he feels calmer than with anyone else. The whispers of the wind almost drown out your voice from how softly you speak, but he can hear you loud and clear. “You’re it for me,” you say. He holds you tighter in response and relishes in your presence.
.｡.:*☆ DILUC !
giving: acts of service, gift giving | receiving: words of affirmation, physical touch
Despite being known as Mond’s most eligible bachelor, Diluc has never had a romantic partner. He traverses your relationship like a newborn fawn, uncharacteristically shaky and unsure. With the amount of wealth that he has, he finds it no big deal to buy you whatever you may desire. He knows that he can’t always spend time with you considering his responsibilities to the winery as well as his vigilante work, so he hopes to make up for it with gifts. Even if you tell him that you’re not interested in his money, he finds that he enjoys seeing the surprised expression on your face when he gifts you something you’ve had your eye on. Trying to get him to stop is a lost cause.
Surprisingly, the claymore wielder is incredibly easy to fluster. A passing comment from you saying he looks good in a specific pair of pants (and a loving tap to his bottom) will leave him blushing for the rest of the day. It doesn’t go unnoticed by the rest of the manor’s staff, as well as a certain calvary captain, that Diluc has bought a few more similarly designed pairs. He’ll huff and deny it when you tease him. If he tries to ignore you, just grab his chin and pull him into a kiss and he’ll be putty in your hands once more.
.｡.:*☆ KAEYA !
giving: physical touch | receiving: quality time, words of affirmation
Good luck trying to get him off of you. Kaeya is infamous for his flirty nature, and once he get’s into a relationship, it seems to have increased tenfold. When he isn’t on duty, the two of you are often found hanging around Good Hunter or the Angel’s Share, much to the dismay of Diluc. His hands are constantly on your skin, often slipping underneath your shirt to hold onto your waist. One major downside is that his fingers are always cold. Have fun with that.
Even when he has a lover, Kaeya is no less secretive. Trying to get him to open up will get you forcefully shut down. It’s not that he doesn’t trust you, he just thinks that you’re better off not knowing. He doesn’t see the point in burdening you with his fears and trauma. Let him come to you instead. Soft spoken words of support will mean more to him than you’ll ever know.
.｡.:*☆ RAZOR !
giving: acts of service | receiving: physical touch
Much like Bennett, Razor isn’t quite sure how to show you how much you mean to him. His vocabulary is incredibly limited despite his lessons with Lisa. He shows his appreciation by helping you gather materials and fighting off potential threats on your adventures. You’ll never go hungry with him as your boyfriend, and you can rest easy knowing that the wolf boy will protect you.
After losing his pack not once, but twice, Razor’s unknowingly clingy. You are his lupical, and he doesn’t want to let you go. He loves any sort of affection you give and will unashamedly ask for more. Head pats are an instant hit, followed closely by cuddles near the campfire. If you detangle and brush through the matted mess that is his hair, he’ll fall asleep in minutes
.｡.:*☆ VENTI !
giving: physical touch | receiving: quality time
The bard is nothing if not cheeky. Unfortunately, this means he’ll often use his anemo powers to blow up your clothes, much to your annoyance. Venti will hang off of you if you’ll let him and will confess his love for you everywhere he goes. He’s especially fond of linking pinkies, as well as rubbing his nose against yours. After the two of you say ‘i love you’ for the first time, a new ballad about the wind god’s lover can be heard from the Angel’s Share.
Despite his airy personality, one mustn’t forget that Barbatos is one of the original Seven. Venti has seen war, suffered the loss of a loved one, and knows more than most the fragility of human mortality. As much as he hates it, you know your time in this world is short compared to the centuries he has lived. You go out of your way to clear your schedule when he’s in town, and treasure every moment you have with him. Venti may come and go, but he will always come home to you.
hi. this isn't as much of a showdown but i tried my best ok. idk what to really put here but i hope u enjoy it
part 1 | interlude 1 | part 2 | interlude 2
The Anemo Archon is one that's quite difficult to find. He is a free spirit, moving gracefully along with the wind. It can be an admirable trait but it also makes him impossible to find. Meili also personally thinks he may be avoiding her. Unlucky for him, she will not give up on her search. If anything, the avoidance is only making her more irritated and more determined to find the little pest.
Barbatos is not in any of his regular spots, but she expected something of the sort. That annoying wisp is avoiding her so any spots he frequents are now all places he avoids. If there's anything the Anemo Archon is good at, it's running. However, Meili is a dragon. Meili is a predator and she is good at tracking down prey.
At the edge of Starsnatch Cliff is where she sits for now. When she finds Barbatos, she will need to tell him that the cathedral really needs more security. The Holy Lyre der Himmel was quite easy for her to pick up without notice. The illusion on it was easily shattered but it doesn't take much energy to truly mend it.
(Meili was quite tempted to destroy that statue of his in front of the cathedral down to rubble. She refrained. It would not be good to get undesired attention drawn to herself. Perhaps another time.)
Embedded into the earth behind her is the Vortex Vanquisher, the power pulsing towards her in calming waves as she carelessly plucks at the lyre's strings. Would her little gem enjoy a lyre? This one is much too worn down for them, even with her mending. She will have to gather another one for them.
Her attention is grabbed by the flowing wind as it rushes around her. It's not the wind of that little pest, she notes. Meili pushes her hair out of her face as she waits, turning her attention back to the lyre in her lap. She hums, waiting for the wind to settle to talk to who has joined her.
"Dvalin," she greets without looking. She feels his rumbling in response more than she hears it. She turns her head when the other dragon nudges her arm. Meili finally looks over, before pausing. "You've grown since I've last seen you," she notes with a fond smile. "I have missed you, little hatchling."
"Little?" He replies with an amused snort. "I have missed you too, Mei. It's been a long time." His tone sounds fond and wistful, thoughtful. She wishes she had visited him sooner. It truly has been too long.
Meili laughs as she stands, turning to look at Dvalin as she speaks. "Whether I take a human form or not, you will always be a little hatchling to me, dear Dvalin." She hums and leans forward with a rueful smile. "However, I am not here for a reunion today."
Dvalin leans his head down, resting on the ground to talk face to face with her. She can't help but smile as he gives her his full attention. Meili has always adored this little hatchling. She places a hand on his snout, a content rumble emitting from her chest.
Meili sighs as she pulls away, the content purr trailing off as she becomes serious. "Barbatos. Do you know of his current location?" She asks as she tugs the spear free from the ground. Meili shoves the lyre into a satchel, tugging the strap over her head to keep it with her.
"He has committed a terrible crime to Our Divinity and to my little gem. It's time for me to have a chat with the wisp," her voice drops into a snarl. She shakes her head and takes a deep breath. It would not do to lose her temper. Not here. Not to Dvalin.
He hums as he considers the request. "He currently resides in Old Mondstadt. He has hidden there ever since Morax has sent over a message. I can take you there if you wish. He has been tense since he sensed your arrival."
Meili smiles fondly. Perhaps one day she'll bring her little gem to meet him. Dvalin is kind and even if he can sense her rage, he still brings her to the Anemo Archon. She does not get angry over little things and he knows it. He knows her anger is over something serious.
"I would appreciate that, little hatchling," she says. It doesn't take long to pull herself onto his back. Shifting forms would take too long and she wishes to face the annoying wisp as herself. Dvalin launches them up into the sky, the wind whipping around them as he flies. Curiously, she leans forward to ask, "are you aware of what Barbatos has done?"
"Not entirely," Dvalin replies. It's a leisurely flight, a comforting air around them. Perhaps it's because they have missed each other all these years. "I have my suspicions however. Mei, you never truly get involved unless it has something to do with you or something against your morals. If you are here to talk to Barbatos, it means this is something that is truly important."
"It is," she hums as she watches the scenery of the nation fly by. "He has done something both against my morals and something to do with me. More specifically, to do with my little gem. They're quite dear to me and Barbatos has hurt them severely. It's due time for us to have a little chat."
Old Mondstadt is in the distance and she knows they will be there soon. Meili truly does wish to share what has happened with Dvalin. She wishes to go into detail, explain everything, explain why she's so angry at the wind wisp and her stupid brother-- not her brother! Morax, the blundering fool. An explanation to Dvalin is something she wishes to give but talking to that little pest is something that she finds far more important.
"You will inform me more of his actions another time, yes?" Dvalin asks, curiosity colouring his voice. She chuckles and places a hand on the back of his neck, rubbing comforting circles on the skin.
"Of course, little hatchling."
He rumbles and shakes his head, as if annoyed by the pet name. Meili knows it's all for show and so she laughs. She knows when they arrive in Old Mondstadt, this calm and peaceful air will dissipate. She knows that this is a temporary peace. Dvalin is free to side with whoever he chooses, but deep down, Meili's worried that one day they will be on opposing sides.
Dvalin is loyal and for most of his existence, he has loved Barbatos. Meili, while endlessly fond of Dvalin, was not a constant presence. She did not check in often. Barbatos is flighty at best but even he has spent more time with the little hatchling than she has. She loves him but she knows she was not there for him, was not aware when he was taken advantage of. She only wishes that she could go back in time to take care of him.
"That spear," he starts. They're just now entering Old Mondstadt and she can tell he's slowing down. "Are you using it as a means to an end?"
"Do not worry," Meili says. She watches as they descend, as Dvalin latches onto the crumbling tower. "I do not plan to kill him. However it is good for Barbatos to remember that I could. They forget that I am not weak. I did not survive the war just to be labeled as a damsel in distress."
He snorts, shaking his head as Meili slides down. She grins up at him as she straightens up. "They forgot you are a healer by choice?" He questions. She nods with a scoff and Dvalin sighs. "Barbatos is in the tower here," he continues on. "I don't know which part he is in currently. If he attempts to leave, I will inform you."
Meili smiles, her heart flooding with warmth. Truly, what did she do to deserve Dvalin? He has been too kind when he doesn't even know the full story. "Thank you, little hatchling," she ducks her head. "I swear to you that I will explain everything in depth soon."
Dvalin nudges his nose against her gently, a soft rumble in the air. "I trust you, Mei. Talk some sense into Barbatos. I will keep watch." With that, he launches up into the air and she watches as he starts to circle the ruins.
Meili sighs and summons the spear, twirling it in her hands before she starts her search. The wind is unnaturally calm, as if the little wisp were trying to hide. Her boots make quiet thumps as she travels through the tower ruins, the only sound cutting through the eerie silence.
"Little songbird?" She calls out. The pet name tastes of ash on her tongue but she ignores it. If she pretends that everything is fine then perhaps… Meili takes a look around and pouts, a crafted look of sadness. "My little wisp?" She calls, her tone carefully sounding meek.
There's a slight breeze and she bites the inside of her cheek to suppress her smile. Barbatos was once someone she loved as a child, but if he thinks he can run into her arms as if nothing happened… Then he truly has deluded himself.
"Mei?"
Meili turns and meets the gaze of the Anemo Archon. He peers out behind some ruins, a hesitant but hopeful look on his face. If she drops the facade now, she has no doubt that he will bolt.
(Barbatos once called her mama. All cheerful and playful as he ran from an angered Morax. She remembers smiling, laughing at the annoyed noise that escaped her brother. Her little songbird ran towards her and she wrapped her arms around him. He presses his face into her side, breathlessly giggling as she glares playfully at an irritated Morax.)
This is not her little songbird. Meili must remember that. Even if a part of her protests against her planned harshness, she will carry on. One day, perhaps, he can earn that title back. Far, far in the future.
She swallows through the lump in her throat and forces a bright smile. Meili takes the Vortex Vanquisher and sticks it into the ground. He brightens, still hesitant but shining with hope. He lets out a happy noise when she opens her arms.
(Meili caught her little wisp in her arms as she laughed loudly. "What are you doing, you little rascal?" She teased as he grinned up at her.
"What are you talking about?" He blinked innocently. It would be believable if it weren't for her brother, fuming and soaking wet as he tore into the room. "Mama!" Barbatos cried as he burrowed into her arms. "I didn't do anything! I love you!!")
Barbatos crashes into her and she stumbles. A part of her warms at the feeling of him in her arms. Mine, it whispers. She denies it. Not hers. This isn't her little wisp. This isn't her songbird. Her little songbird wouldn't..
("I.. I was in Mondstadt first," they said. They shrink into the pillows, curling up in a way that she warned against. It disturbed the bandages, their injuries, but she knows better now to insist on it. "I was happy, you know? This was a place I dreamed of being able to experience. I don't really know how I got here in the first place but I wasn't going to waste the opportunity that I had!"
Meili placed down her pencil and paper, the ones she used to doodle, and looked up at her little one. "They were harsh and attacked you?" She guessed. They nodded with a light sniff.
"I knew of Venti, of Barbatos. I thought he'd be able to help me, you know? I didn't know of whatever All-Creator they were talking about. I wasn't trying to… to pretend to be some deity! I just.. I just wanted to make friends.. " They trailed off. She stood to make her way over to their bed and they had shuffled over to make room for her to sit.
"Barbatos hadn't helped you," she said.
They shook their head. "He pointed his bow at me and said I was a disgrace.")
"Mei! I was so worried that you were going to be angry with me!"
("Meili, he hunted me down.")
"Zhongli sent me a letter explaining what happened and I was kinda scared you know? I should've known he was just being a blockhead again!"
("I couldn't stay in Mondstadt because he was always watching. If I stopped for a single moment he would be there.")
"I told him that he shouldn't have pushed so hard! You would've figured it out eventually! I knew you would never forsake the Divine One!"
("He kept calling me a slippery pest who needed to be put down.")
"Mei, I always believed in you! Morax is a fool sometimes. I know you're too smart to be played like a fiddle by some impersonator~"
("I was so scared I was going to die..")
In her arms is Barbatos. For a single moment she lets herself mourn for her little songbird. Her little wisp. He has grown into something she cannot stand and she cannot let her heart be soft for such a person.
Her arms are loosely wrapped around his shoulders. She's hunched over, her body tense as she squeezes her eyes shut. Her sweet innocent songbird is dead. It didn't hurt this much when she confronted Zho-- Morax. Perhaps it's because she can still see parts of her little wisp. It's an illusion, she tells herself. He's gone.
(She lets herself think of her little gem when they were bed ridden. She thinks of the broken pieces of arrowheads that were embedded in those wounds. She thinks of her little gem smiling and finally remembers that this little pest is still trying to kill them.)
Meili lets herself laugh, her voice sounding broken and slightly unhinged. She can feel his confusion but he doesn't tense even when she tightens her grip. It's only when sharp claws tightly keep him in place does he realize. "Oh, Barbatos," she croons. She leans back to look him in the eyes. Her little wisp is gone and all that's left of him is this pest. "I am flattered with your belief in me but I do believe it is misplaced~"
Barbatos blanches and tries to pull away from her grasp. She doesn't let him, grabbing his chin roughly to dig the claws into his skin. She never brings out more than her horns, but her feelings of rage and undertones of mourning has let some parts of her hidden draconic nature emerge.
"My little wisp," she says mockingly. There's a part of her that aches at the pet name and she lets it fuel her rage. "Do you truly believe that I will let you hurt a child?"
"M-Mei!" He cries out and she tightens her grip. "You- you don't understand! They're a criminal, Mei!"
"Oh, I'm aware," she spits. "I've heard the explanations from Morax, of the excuses. The impersonator who walked into Mondstadt one day and was immediately ridiculed. Tell me, little songbird, did they even claim to be the Divine One?"
He struggles in her grip and she drops him to the floor. She digs out the spear and twirls it in her hand as he stumbles, scrambling to stand up from his place on the floor.
"Did they truly impersonate the All-Creator? Or did they simply exist?"
Meili looms over him as she slowly stalks back over to him. He's shifting in place, one foot behind the other as he looks ready to bolt.
"Little wisp," she whispers mockingly. "If you run, I will find you. We're just here to have a little chat is all."
Barbatos takes a glance at the spear in her hand, at the Vortex Vanquisher and she simply grins.
"Oh, this little thing? It's just a precaution, you know how it is~" She flicks dirt off the tip of the spear nonchalantly. "Morax was the one to start our little fight. Did he mention that or did he say I was too aggressive and he had to do something to amend that?"
He stays silent, his body tense as he keeps his eyes on her. A big difference than her encounter with Morax. Perhaps he will actually listen to what she says. Whether or not he believes it is another issue altogether.
"Now," she starts. "Let me put it like this." Meili straightens with a grin, eyes narrowed as she stares at the little pest. "Imagine that you wake up in a different realm than you were used to. It looks beautiful and resembles something that you remember. You go to make friends and you're immediately scorned."
She hums and stalks forward. Meili throws an arm over her shoulder and puts her claws beneath his chin. She lifts his gaze as she continues. "You don't know what they're talking about or what they're referring to. You just got there after all. You see someone you think you remember and you go to ask for help. Someone who you're fond of, who you trust. They call you a disgrace."
Meili tugs him closer and he stares at the arm thrown over his shoulders. More specifically the spear she's wielding. She shakes it in her grasp and laughs. "Then they start a nationwide hunt!" She gasps, as if truly shocked.
She lets out a low growl and shakes her head. "Somehow, my little gem knew you as the God of Freedom. They had hoped, out of everyone, you would help. Instead you trapped them and now you continue to try and take their freedom."
Meili twirls the Vortex Vanquisher idly as she steps away from him. She clicks her tongue and sighs. "Little songbird, I am truly disappointed in you. They had asked for help and instead you tried to kill them. They wish to have the freedom to live peacefully and here you are, trying to ruin that. Do you really think I would go along with something like that?"
"Mei, they're-"
"-Don't call me that."
Barbatos startles at the hiss and ducks his head. "Meili," he says slowly. "They ruin the image of the All-Creator. Surely you understand that…?"
"Pathetic," she sneers. "You truly are a little pest. The only resemblance you have to my dear songbird is your appearance and that's not even your own."
Meili doesn't blink as he flinches back, instead pulling out the Holy Lyre der Himmel out of the satchel. Without a moment of hesitation, she throws it full force to the ground and it shatters into splinted pieces. "You should get the cathedral to increase their security," she hums. "It's pretty bad."
She lets the spear vanish in with sparkling lights and pushes past the pest. "Don't come near my house, little pest, I'll tear you to shreds if I see you anywhere near my little gem."
"Oh, and Barbatos?" She calls over her shoulder. She continues before he can respond, holding up a lyre in the air. His personal lyre. "Take care of your belongings better. You're pretty bad at it."
Meili leaves without another word. Hopefully her little gem would like a lyre? She hopes they will play her a tune with it.
𐐪𐑂 pt.1 with diluc, kaeya, childe, and zhongli here!
𐐪𐑂 includes: xiao, venti, albedo
𐐪𐑂 genre(s): fluff
xiao
carefully, like he’s scared of hurting you
it should be clear that xiao,, does not like pda,, whatsoever,,,
however, even he— one of the most powerful adepti— cannot resist leaning into the touch of the person he loves
he always searches for your hand so he can hold it; something about your fingers being weaved together so intimately makes him feel at ease
when you hold his hand, he can make sure you’re still there, that you’re safe by his side
xiao idly traces the lines on the palm of your hand (it’s sort of a stress reliever for him)
he loves his personal space, don’t get me wrong— but i guarantee he will always have his fingers interlocked with yours
he grazes his thumb over your knuckles, hoping such a simple movement will convey his feelings
when you fall asleep with your hand still interlocked with his, 9 out of 10 times he will still be there when you wake up
during the night, he had pulled you closer to him too
“i will never let you fall prey to the darkness,” you heard him murmur one night when he thought you were asleep, “even if i get swallowed by it in the process. i promise that.”
venti
playfully, happily dragging you along with him
it’s common knowledge that venti brings his lyre with him everywhere he goes
that includes festivals, on walks outside the city, and during late nights at angel’s share
he enjoys each and every moment from the first note on his lyre to the last lyric of his songs, but his fondest memories are from private sessions with you
he’ll carry you with a breeze he creates, lifting you up into the branches of that massive oak tree at windrise
venti can barely describe the fluttering feeling in his stomach when you lean on him as he sings
by the end of the song, his face is flushed a brilliant shade of red
he can’t hold you when he sings (he can’t reach his lyre if he does) so he appreciates when you do little things like that
even still, any physical contact you initiate has his heart beating out of his chest
he just prays to himself barbatos that you don’t hear it
and when you exclaim, “venti, your face is as red as an apple!”
he reaches his hand up to scratch the back of his neck awkwardly, pairing it with a chuckle and refusing to meet your gaze
“well— i mean.. when you’re being as cute as you are, how else am i supposed to react?”
albedo
searchingly, trying to figure out what you like and don’t like
see also: sheepishly, because he’s so new to this
albedo’s sole purpose is to “find the truth of this world,” as he calls it
so why not include romantic relationships as part of his research? he has the opportunity and all
not that he’s only in it for the research— he genuinely loves you
he just has a bit of difficulty expressing his feelings through words, especially since he has spent his whole life from a logical standpoint
at least, he knows how to express his love through actions
oftentimes you will glance over at him and catch him staring at you, but you think nothing of it and look away
next thing you know, his arms are snaking around your torso from behind and he’s resting his chin on your shoulder
he apologizes afterwards, a flush of pink dusting his cheeks (he tries to hide it with his hand), saying it was “out of instinct”
sometimes he gifts you little trinkets
“here, i saw this earlier and it reminded me of you, so i bought it,” he says as he places the gift in the palm of your hand
oh, but he usually makes do with lingering touches in public (he doesn’t know if he’s doing this right or not, to be fair)
shoulders grazing shoulders now and then, and every once in awhile he hooks his pinkie with yours when you walk together
he likes being close with you— he’s just curious to know why it feels so right
how your minds seem to think of the same idea at the same time, how your hands lock together like matching puzzle pieces
it feels like the world slows down when you’re with him, and he relishes in the calm feeling that washes over him
albedo is not someone you would expect to confess heartfelt feelings out loud, but you can feel all the emotions he feels by simply flipping through his sketchbook, filled with drawings of you
everything he does, even the littlest, allegedly unimportant things— it’s all evidence of his affection
We are a simple autistic system. We find a word or phrase we like, we immediately pass it around like a hot potato until this causes us to become blurry because we can't tell who's saying it anymore.
