Feel free to peruse the collection of memories we’ve weaved through the tags below (i.e. memories for Kaeya - #kaeya memories)
*rules are subject to change | *all works are owned by Hazel and Witch-Hazels-Musings. Reblogs are welcome, reposts without or without credit are not allowed - if you’d like to write the scenario sent, feel free, if you’re inspired by something I wrote reach out to me for permission first! | @witch-hazels-musings (main blog)
hi. this isn’t a request. might drop one but i just really wanted to say that your recent diluc fic made my day! it’s so good i couldn’t stop smiling or gushing about it to a friend 😭
i’m still all fuzzy inside. “ask of me anything else” … 🫠 like that just reminded me why i love rhis guy so much. THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS FIC.
I just love him so much
The fact that you'd even consider asking him to walk away while you are struggling ヾ(*’Ｏ’*)/ he wouldn't allow it!
I freaking love your work, it brings my so much joy to read <33 But what about the reader having severe social anxiety and has to go to this important event, but ends up freaking out and hiding somewhere to cry, and Diluc finds them, holds and comforts them 🥺🥺
"Are you alright?"
"Fine, I'm fine," you lied. "I'll just be a moment."
With a practiced smile, you excused yourself from the lively conversation and nodded passively to the guests filtering through the grand hall. On the outside, you were poised, collected, and demure but on the inside, you were panicking, and every placating laugh, every fake bloom in your eyes made the tightness in your chest worse.
The music drowned out the loud thud of you running into the closed door and the over-eager slam as it closed. You passed through the dimly lit room and pressed your hand against the cold marble counter.
"Breathe - brea-" you whispered while muted conversations drifted under the door. A woman ran by in a flutter of giggles, her shoes clattered on the floor and you used the extra noise to voice your growing discomfort. The pressure in your chest spread to your back, crept up your arms, and coiled around your neck leaving you gasping. "Bre-bre-hng-"
---
"Where is the guest of hon- ah, Sir Ragnvindr!" Diluc stopped mid-stride. A burly man in his later years bumped into him as he gripped the distracted Winery owner's bicep with drunken strength. "You have evaded me all evening. As a business owner, y'should learn to never squander opportune investments," the man said, breath wrought with notes of cherry and vineyard fresh grapes. Diluc kept his expression calm. "Now, my boy, shall we conclude our - um - what is that word?"
"If you'll kindly excuse me, sir, I have matters to attend to-"
"Business! That's the word. It would put me at a disadvantage not to square up this very instant. How shall we proceed?"
Diluc clenched his jaw and his eyes drifted to the door shrouded by several guests. "Perhaps it best we discuss this another day."
"I shall not leave this very spot." The man stamped his foot on the floor but became unbalanced. It drew the attention of others.
With ease, Diluc retracted his arm from the man's pawing grip and waved to Elzer. "Then might I suggest you speak to my Executive Chairman, he will provide the details in my stead."
"Right this way, sir." Elzer coaxed with an extended hand to the crowded table filled with other business owners wishing to add Dandelion Wine to their menus.
The man's expression soured as he looked Elzer up and down. "But -"
"Apologies, but I must insist. Do not wait up for me," Diluc said without looking back. His destination was set. He refused to get distracted.
---
The party swelled and you jumped at the sudden noise. Turning, you saw a figure making its way to you and you scolded yourself for not being fast enough to pull yourself together.
"Sorry," you said even though you had to clear your throat for it to sound coherent. "I just needed a second. I didn't mean to -"
"Hush." Diluc's face appeared from the shadows. Without pause, he pressed a curled finger under your chin and lifted your face which forced you to gaze into the stern expression that once intimidated you. That once made you question if he cared about you.
How foolish.
What else could the wrinkles near his eyes and that deepening frown be but affection?
"I've made you worry," you said and closed your eyes at his touch. His thumb ran across your cheek and you took in a shaky, tense breath.
"You have."
"I'm sorry. I just didn't want to distract you, not tonight." You took a step closer to him and breathed him in. His normal aging barrel scent mixed with the floral notes of fresh flowers. "There were just so many people asking me all these questions and I - I just ..."
"I'll escort you upstairs."
"No," you said, cutting him off before he could hold onto the thought longer than necessary. Another wave of anxiety flared in your chest so you grabbed his vest for support. He noticed.
"This is far too much to ask of you. I've had years to build up the tolerance to events such as these. I will not fault you for retiring to -"
You shook your head and tried to breathe. "I won't leave you alone."
"I am not alone."
"It's a bloodbath out there. If you go, I go. But just like - five minutes, please, okay?" Diluc's lips parted, the shape of your name forming on them but you held up your hand before he could speak. "Five."
You closed your eyes and lifted your head to the ceiling. A sharp pain shot through your jaw so unclenched it, swallowed, and breathed in through your nose. Your fingers trembled so you pulled them to you and told yourself to become steady.
"What would you have me do in these five minutes?" Diluc asked.
"Go. Go back out there. I'll be alright."
"I will not."
"Diluc, come on-"
"Ask of me anything else," he said and you opened your eyes to see that serious expression gazing back at you.
Heat fluttered in your stomach. "I don't know," you answered suddenly frustrated you couldn't come up with anything. It was still impossible for you to speak what your heart wanted, needed. You were so fragile - what if he said no? You couldn't handle that.
You bit the inside of your cheek and turned from him. The pressure growing once again.
Diluc's hand invaded your peripherals as he ran his fingers over your ear, his thumb caressing your cheek in soothing, steady strokes. You leaned into the touch as his other hand captured yours and pressed it to his warm chest. He pulled you close, cupped the back of your head, and brought your temple to rest in the crook of his neck.
"I am loath to confess it brings me joy to see you struggling," Diluc said.
"Odd thing to say to me right now."
He chuckled and pressed his cheek against the top of your head. "I simply mean to say it is gratifying to not be the only one who dislikes these events. Truth be told, if it were not for Adelinde, I would refrain from hosting altogether."
"Maybe we can talk to her."
"I have tried."
"How about a nicely worded letter?"
He laughed again and you watched his thumb move back and forth across the back of your palm. It was nice. Gentle. "I suspect we can leverage five more minutes."
"Or, hear me out, we can just lock the door."
"She owns a master key."
"Five more minutes then," you said and laughed a real, yourself-again kind of laugh. One that drew his attention and brought his smiling lips to your own while deals and wine sampling carried on beyond the heavy wood door past a beaming maid who shooed off anyone who passed by.
His back was tired. Tense muscles ignited by the sunlight pouring through the window. Diluc rolled his shoulder, dug his fingers into his trapezius muscle, and squinted at the sharp pain that ran down his arm.
The forms on his desk hardly dwindled since this morning. He swore they multiplied each time he placed one neatly into an envelope and pressed his seal into the ruby wax.
A knock at his study drew his gaze. "Sir, Diluc, the barrels are ready for inspection." A muffled voice slipped under the doorframe, their movements silenced by the heavy wood.
"I will be there momentarily," Diluc responded as his father's fountain pen glided across the final page of a contract. Another seller from Inazuma. Requests from the sealed-away nation had increased substantially after the Raiden Shogun opened trade routes. While it meant the Winery was bound to see a profitable quarter, he was bound to see many more sleepless nights.
Diluc filed the contract away into a water-sealed container and dropped it into a small, wooden box meant for outgoing correspondence. Three other letters softened the container's fall. He hadn't even made it halfway through.
---
The halls of the Winery were filled with still light, the decorated walls made everything compact but he had grown used to the opulent clutter. As a child, he spent many hours staring at the picture frames. Distant lands he hoped one day to traverse; he did and found that each depiction served little justice to the actual thing. The ornate rug muffled his steps and he moved swiftly toward the stairs. He fussed with his vest until something soft grazed his arm.
A fresh bouquet of flowers was placed on a tall, rounded table near the balcony overlooking the lower floor. A rich, sweet, earthy aroma filled his nose. Shades of royal blue, amber, and honey mixed with lush green. He rubbed a petal with his thumb and index finger, the satin texture unaffected by the roughness of his hand.
The corner of his lips lifted.
---
"There you are," Diluc said from the garden's edge. He had a feeling you'd be out here. Hard at work preparing beautiful arrangements you'd later place in the Winery. If he wasn't careful, he'd be trapped here forever watching you weave through the swaying flowers. He thought to ask a painter to capture the scene, but, in the end, he decided against it - there were some things he preferred to keep to himself.
"Morning," you called out, rising from the flower bed. With the back of your hand, you pushed up your sun hat.
The metal click of the gate rang out as Diluc made his way into the garden, narrow paths made it difficult for him to see where his feet landed while you moved through them with practiced grace. "How long have you been out here?" he asked.
"About as long as you've been cooped up in your study. I figured once you'd ultimately emerged, you'd appreciate being greeted by something lovely," you explained as you shooed a bug away from the ends of his hair.
"So why were you not waiting for me then?" he asked, teasingly, but in his heart he was serious. Your face was the thing he enjoyed most.
You shook your head and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "I'll remember that for next time." With ease, you turned down the path and made your way to a sun-bleached table holding several bundles of partially trimmed flowers. He followed after you.
Diluc watched you work. Skilled fingers stripping the stems of their leaves, the soft clipping of prunes as you, one by one, measured the height of each flower. He moved in, drawn to you like the bees to the flowers.
"You smell divine," he professed and reached to steal your hat so he could kiss your head. The sun clung to every strand of your hair and warmed his desperate lips.
"Are you sure it's not just the flowers?" you asked, chuckling softly, your hands busy with bundling a fresh bouquet.
"I'm sure." Diluc stepped closer to you, his chest pressing against your back, his fingers trailing down your arm and fixing the shawl that had fallen off while you worked. He kissed the space below your ear and breathed you in. "I'd know the difference anywhere."
You turned just enough to look into his eyes and the sight of your face made his heart beat wildly. He shielded you with your hat and, with a gentle hand he cupped your throat, his thumb held your chin so he could keep you still and let his lips linger against your own until he was satisfied.
Even in a field of flowers, none of them compared to you - none could ever compare to
his favorite.
Xiao opened his eyes and the light shined in. through the breaks in the leaves and swaying branches, through the passing clouds, and in between the birds that soared without him. he watched as they went with their flock, haloed in gold.
he turned his head to the cliff edge, one leg dangling absently as his hand unfurled to catch a falling petal from a perilously clinging tree. its roots deep and mingled with the falling stone. the color reminded him of the gentle images that had slowly taken over the dark of his mind. the hue that, bit by bit, tore down his torment and replaced it with a warmth he'd left behind eons ago.
you called his name, and he fell to meet you.
Xiao reappeared on the other side of the fog and found you standing there, arms held out and holding a small box. It was tradition. Every year on the same day, the same day Morax first beckoned him into breath, you were there to offer him some mortal trinket. He stopped trying to convince you to let the day go by like any other before it, and all the ones after. You never backed down. Though he never cared much for the item you gave him, he had grown desperately attached to how you looked at him when he opened it.
your smile.
your laugh.
your eyes.
He had seen mortals fall so many times he lost count, each blurred into the next like ripples in a stream. But you floated, drifted, and flourished in his gaze. A testament to what was possible, what humanity could give.
a being haunted by a tainted soul shouldn't be allowed so close.
"What do you want to do next?" you asked him as if the world was in the palm of your hands and, if it were within his power, he'd put it there.
Xiao mulled over the question, pondered on an answer. It didn't matter as long as - he dropped his head and tried to speak clearly. "May I lay on your lap?"
He peered at you with sharp eyes and felt his chest ignite at your expression. Perhaps it was too much of a request - he shouldn't be touching you anyway, it wasn't safe.
You didn't reply with your voice, instead, you sat on the ground, legs bent, and held your hand to him. He breathed and moved to rest against you.
Your warmth seeped into his skin. The back of his neck burned at the contact. Swallowing, he adjusted until the grass below him lay flat until his fingers relaxed against his chest and - only slightly - dug into his clothes.
"Comfortable?" you asked as your fingers brushed his bangs. Gentle, slow strokes that lulled his eyes heavy. He nodded and you continued to trail featherlight fingers across his brow, through his hair. He turned into the familiar. into the safety of you.
His eyes closed and the colors bloomed so brightly the darkness receded until the shape of you remained.
Okay, simple- Xiao celebrating readers birthday! Gn reader so all of our friends can enjoy it 💓 I'd like to know how he would try to celebrate with them, considering he's lived so long and knows hardly anything about mortal traditions! thanks muah ♡
Xiao struggled to understand the importance of this day. He didn't see the relevance of celebrating one's creation - for someone who has lived through hundreds of creations, none were more important than the other. It was a day. Like all other passing days that floated by him in the endless stream.
Wasn't it just a day?
---
Sighing, he bolted up from his lounge about in the tree. Every thought swirled into one like petals caught in the whirl of the wind. He shook his head in the hopes that one might fall to the side and tell him what to do.
The voice of his Archon caressed his memories like rich smoke. Morax strung ideas together like wind chimes, like music notes that would enchant even disinterested listeners.
Elegant soirees, luxurious dinners, fanciful evenings filled with entertainment - these didn't seem like you
He scratched his head and groaned.
The timid sounds of an uncertain half-qilin Adeptus sputtered out possibilities before recalling them with quick, 'or perhaps not's.'
Something simple, nothing too vivacious or flashy. A walk through the mountains or a personal gift, a night out at sea, or maybe a nap? - more doable, but not enough
Crackling power and ancient customs. He spoke with the spirits and heard their suggestions - tore apart their riddles, their games, their metaphors lost to the age.
He poked in the stories you loved dearly. They told him little. Words after words that he couldn't follow, but he lingered on them and waited anyway.
A kiss on the hand, a body held close - ideas to make him blush, he closed the book
Xiao let his eyes close. Tomorrow.
What about tomorrow?
---
The flutter of the wind woke you from your dreams. Waves of morning mist and spice filled your nose. You turned your head toward the familiarity.
"Hello, little wind," you hummed and opened your eyes to see Adeptus Xiao resting in the open window. You made sure to leave it open, just a crack, just enough to tell the wind it was free to come and go as it pleases.
Xiao adjusted his head to better look at you, his chin resting on his hand as it cupped his bent knee. "Morning," he replied without emotion but the corner of his lips rose at the sight of you. "Get ready, I have something to show you."
"A surprise?" You perked up, sat up straighter and leaned toward him. He didn't answer, instead he slipped from the window and you flew from your bed to get ready.
---
"Xiao! Xiao where did you g-oh!" You shouted when the Adeptus appeared before you in a puff of green and indigo. The edges of his body still covered by the fog as if he were holding it open.
"Ready?" he asked as he held out his hand.
"Ready," you answered, breath stuck in your chest by the beat of your fluttering heart.
Xiao pulled you to him, his arm wapped around you while he held your hand against his chest. You dipped your head against his and hummed at the whisper of his voice against your skin. "Don't let go."
In an instant you were lost in the pool of his smoke. But you weren't afraid. You were never afraid.
Not even when you reappeared hundreds of feet above the ground.
A gust of wind ripped through your hair, your clothes. You gasped at the force of it. Soon the wind eased and you were able to look down at your dangling feet to the lush and beautiful ground below. A field of flowers spread out untouched, unbothered. Beautiful white petals floated on the breeze and made the air smell like sweet sage. You swore you'd seen every inch of Liyue. So where was this?
"I didn't know what to get you," Xiao spoke but it sounded like his voice was in the wind. "No human has ever set foot here."
"Where are we?" You shouted only to realize you didn't need to. You laughed, apologized, and asked again, "what is this place?"
Xiao glanced across the scene. You noticed the edges fell away into clouds, waterfalls from nowhere poured over the island's cliffs into nothing. A golden shimmer rushed over the field.
"The place of my birth," Xiao answered.
You searched his eyes, their amber light reflective of the sheen that passed across the flowers below. The small streams and waterfalls reminiscent of the colors of his hair. A ghostly bird took off somewhere in your peripherals.
"I have been told it is customary to give gifts on ones birthday, the flowers I gave to you were from this place, but it did not seem right to give the same gift twice."
You blinked, "The hair pin you made me ... Was from your birth place?"
"Yes." Xiao glanced downward. The two of you vanished and reappeared closer to the ground, your bodies hovering just above the rich flowers. You could see he was speaking the truth. "You cannot set foot here, so be careful."
"oh," you exhaled and pulled your hand back to your chest. The aroma of the earth riled up every memory you had of Xiao. It smelled like him, like home. "Xiao, why did you want to show me this?"
"For your birthday," he answered.
You laughed. He hadn't said it yet, but his directness tickled your emotions. "Yes, but you said no one had ever set foot here so ... Why me?"
Xiao paused, then looked at you, "Because it is you."
Moved by his words, you threw your arms around him. "This is the best gift you could have ever given me," you breathed and watched as the two of you became swallowed by the drifting petals.
"Happy Birthday," he said and held you dearly to him in the places the most dear to him.
hello! i’d like to request a scenario of Diluc x reader who loves his hair, loves playing with it, the color, length, everything about it. thank you!
He sat between your legs with his head dipping toward you every few seconds. The heat of his skin seeped into your fingers as you drug them across his brow; through his hair in slow, steady rakes. Every once in a while he'd hum making you shove down the joy bubbling in your throat.
"Feel good?" you asked, shifting closer to him. His fingers grazed your leg, a considerate touch he gave to catch you if you moved too far.
"It does," he hummed, a long sigh escaping his lips. "You don't need to do this you know." You heard him, but you also heard the pain in his voice at the thought of you stopping what you were doing.
"As you've said, multiple times, but I want to do this. Let me pamper you," you leaned forward, kissing the side of his head and breathing him in. "Plus, this lets me play with your hair. And you know how much I love that."
"As you've said, multiple times," he mimicked you and you tapped the tip of his nose making him laugh - rich, deep, beautiful.
"Mmhm, so let me have my fun."
"As you wish," he gave up, falling more against you but not so much that his weight would hurt you.
Carefully, you untied the ribbon holding his hair back and rested it on the couch. Gathering his red locks in your hands, you sprawled it over your thighs before running your fingers over the top of his head and through the burning strands. You made slow, methodical movements as you worked through his tangles, pressed down and pulled back his bangs with gentle pressure. His breathing began to slow, setting a tender rhythm to your mensurations.
"We should probably go before Adelinde scolds us," you chuckled, but Diluc didn't move. "Diluc?" Leaning forward, you stopped when you saw his eyes closed, lips slightly parted as he breathed.
He was asleep. Comfortably asleep.
Brushing his hair from his forehead, you gave him a warm kiss and returned to playing with it all while being extremely careful not to wake him from the sleep he so rarely found.
Something about your work makes my heart beat with an excitement, perhaps it's the lovely scenarios, perhaps it's the wonderful skill of yours to make the most mundane things– the most normal things– turn into something worth remembering.
Your blogs– both, witch-hazels-musings and this one– they give me this feeling, I could say it's an example of what 'serendipity' means.
To read your works feels akin to lying in the garden of a house I dream to have, grass cushioning my head and a book in hand. Your writing feels so dreamy to me, if I could, I would cherish it for as long as I can.
Some evenings, as today's, I come back to your blogs in hope of finding something to make me smile after hours of repeating routines. Something about your work is like the sun on a spring day, warm and blissful.
And so today, I write this to say thank you. Thank you– for every time your works made me smile, and for when they make me daydream a beautiful scene. Thank you.
I'm always moved deeply when someone writes how my works makes them feel, or shares their perspectives with me and I must say this took me days to digest, to soak in, to work through my emotions as I read this over and over.
I've been feeling so uncertain about my writing lately - that it's not good enough, its not cut out to make it beyond here, that I need to change my works to fit elsewhere but this reminded me why I write the way I do - and how it conveys what I hope it always does.
Thank you for your message, your time; for reading my stories and thinking they are worthy to come back to.
I'm honored, and profoundly grateful for this message
Hey I was wondering if you had a request google form like your other account or if I should just request through "ask"? I hope your having a wonderful day (:
Hi! This blog doesn't have a Google form for requesting, you are welcome to send your asks in via the ask option - thank you so much for noticing those and asking to being respectful about my requests system! ♡(ӦｖӦ｡)
warning: mention of injury (non-specific), hint at blood, reader faints/passes out | Childe X gn reader
--
--
You stumbled through the dark alleys of the city. A waft of drenched earth and vomit filled your nose and you hoped you didn't step in any. Your body was heavy but you knew you couldn't stop, not when you were so close.
Tomorrow you'd regret your decision, but tonight you were scared.
The walkway narrowed. Split off into multiple directions and you fought back tears trying to remember which one was right. Then a wave of familiarity hit you. Quickly, you made your way toward the one place you never imagined would be a sanctuary.
You wanted to knock but, instead, your numb legs and clouded eyes made you fall against the door. Panting, you recollected yourself right as a gust of heat and patchouli hit you.
He looked at you. Annoyance slipping into confusion, landing on surprise with a hint of worry. You noticed his hand hover over the doorknob.
Please don't close it, you thought
Swaying, you blinked to clear your watery eyes, "I -- I didn't know where else to go," your voice cracked as you looked at him. "I didn't -" the energy you held onto like a child gripping the leg of their parent disintegrated into the dreary night. You collapsed and the world went dark.
--
He caught you at the last second. Your body felt cold in his arms, your clothes were damp from the nighttime air, hair clung to the back of your neck and about your forehead. you looked paler than he remembered.
"What happened to you?" he asked as he examined your features. Something off-color caught his attention as it seeped through your clothes, rubbed off on your palm.
For all intent and purposes he should drop you. Let you lie on the cold cobblestone and shut the door but he found himself unable to. Found himself drawn to you - out of everyone you could go to. Why him?
Clenching his jaw, Childe lifted you in his arms and carried you into the flickering warmth of his home.
The light from the study spilled into the hall. You knew. Of course you knew who was in there at this hour.
Tightening your arms wrapped around your chest, you moved silently toward the door and found him, still in full attire, sitting on the other side of the grand desk, half-asleep.
He stirred when you passed through the threshold. Blinked, shook his head and turned to the clock sandwiched between the massive bookshelves. "I thought you were asleep. Is there something wro-"
You knew what he would say before he had a chance to say it, "Nothings wrong." Quickly, quietly, you made your way to him. It didn't take long for him to take the fabric of your clothes in his hand. As soon as you stepped into his reach, his fingers took perch. He was extra clingy when he was exhausted. "Come to bed," you coaxed him with your fingers by dragging them along the edge of his jaw, passing over and through his disheveled hair. How many times had he ruffled those burning locks whilst in deep thought, you wondered.
"I will soon. You should return yourself; it's late," he said even as he nuzzled the palm you pressed against his cheek. The bags under his eyes looked worse tonight.
Without asking you slipped between him and the desk. It wasn't difficult. He always did welcome you near him.
Being careful with your balance, you placed a hand on either arm of his chair and leaned in. With a soft kiss on his nose you waited for his eyes to look into yours, "I don't want to sleep alone tonight." He was drawn in by you but you pulled away before he could close the distance. "Come to bed with me, Diluc," you hummed in a hushed tone to make him listen. Searching his eyes you could tell he was fighting a battle you'd never know.
why he always forgot himself for the sake of everyone ... you'd never understand it.
This was the vow you took however, and if he swore to look out for them, you'd be the one to look out for him.
"Alright," he relented so you rewarded him with a kiss and patiently waited for him to rise from his chair, relinquish the coat that weighed far too much so you could escort him to the one place he could lay his head without shame.
He fell asleep in an instant but you stayed up to run your fingers through his hair, to guard the man who held so much more than just your heart.
How about a story with Ganyu, 'Head laying in the others lap while both read' and 'running fingers through the others hair's?
Your eyes followed the string of words on the page. Every second you learned something new, answered a question that had been left uncertain. There were only 50 pages left in your book, how was Philyabi going to make it in time?! You turned the page hoping to reach a resolution. You turned the page again and the chapter ended.
"What?" you wordlessly exclaimed and immediately began to read the next chapter but was interrupted by the chime of the clock. With a sigh, you tucked the bookmark in between the pages and set it to the side. "Ganyu, time to go back to --" you went quiet when you saw the relaxed, sleeping figure of the blue-haired adeptis resting in your lap. Her head lulled toward you. Several strands of hair falling across her brow and tickling her nose as she breathed.
You wanted to squeal at how adorable she looked but you didn't dare make anymore noise. It was a miracle she took a break with you in the first place, even more of one that she invaded your personal space - her words - by resting her head in your lap. You didn't mind, you welcomed it - as you explained to her each time she tried to back out. You recalled the sweetly pink tint of her cheeks as she verified it was alright, remembered how she asked if she were hurting you when she settled down.
You chuckled and brushed her hair back. The book she was 'reading' lay against her stomach, rising and falling with every steady breath. You reached for it but decided to let it be.
In the distance you heard the sound of people going on about their day; work never stopped here which was the primary reason you wanted to help Ganyu rest. Footsteps drew closer and you hoped they wouldn't walk this way. Just imagining the look on her face if someone were to find her resting or - worse - sleeping. You rolled your eyes a the thought.
Wanting to take a moment to capitalize on this situation, you carefully reached for the book you set aside and placed it on the other side of Ganyu's face. She wouldn't be unrecognizable, but at least this way she wouldn't be as vulnerable.
Picking up where you left off, you took your time to soak up the moment and spoil the one who held your heart by playing with her soft, feather-like hair.
Just Diluc teaching you how to fight and defend yourself TT
"Stand with your back straight. Mmm, just like that," Diluc explained as he moved behind you, eyes locked, focused. You felt your cheeks burn under such a heavy gaze but tried to ignore it. "Elbows in."
"But pushing them out seems more stable," you commented, flaring your elbows outward.
"It's weaker. See," Diluc appeared before you. Without warning, he reached for your wrists, pushing against them with force and causing the wooden blade to knock back toward your face. You dodged out of the way, surprised. "You want to keep your stance tight. Otherwise, you'll be pushed off your guard," he shot you a smile and tapped your arms as a sign to bring your elbows in.
"Okay," you nodded, dropping your gaze to his chest only to let them fall to the hilt of your fake sword. Repositioning, you relaxed your muscles before getting back into position a few steps away from him. "How's this?" you asked, flashing your eyes at your arms, pulling them in even more.
"Much better," he hummed in approval before stepping out of view again.
For the next hour, Diluc instructed you on how to move while wielding a blade. He made you stand for several minutes in each position so you could get the feel of it, let your body become familiar with it before he made you move from stance to stance. It felt more like a dance than swordplay. Sliding one foot slowly forward, pivoting and shifting your hips to turn when he snapped his fingers. You were always impressed by the way Diluc moved when he fought - you wondered if his skills stemmed from the countless hours he had in the ballroom.
"That's it for now," he dropped his head, pulled on his glove and walked back to a small table he'd set up hours before your arrival. You practically collapsed. The wooden sword dug into the ground as you fell toward it like a crutch.
"I - I thought," you took in a dry breath, swallowing air and spit, "I thought we were going to practice fighting. You know, like - like hit things?" You twisted so you could see him. He was pouring something into a glass and you desperately hoped it was water.
"It's too early for that. We've got time; for now, you need your rest." Diluc walked back toward you and offered you the cup. You took it eagerly, downing it in seconds even though it made you cough. He watched you for a moment, jaw clenching. "I, um, never did ask ..."
"Ask what?" you gasped in between gulps.
"Ask what made you interested in taking up a blade."
He tilted his head and you noted how his foot moved to keep the pointed tip of the blade from sliding in the dirt. "Well, it's kind of embarrassing." He raised an eyebrow so you shyly explained, "I wanted to ... wanted to learn so I could protect - um - you. You know, if, for some reason, you got into trouble and couldn't protect yourself. Not that I think you wouldn't be able to though, just in case ..." Wincing, you bit the rim of the cup, "told you it was embarrassing."
Diluc searched your eyes, rubbed his chin with a bent finger before reaching for the cup. You stood a bit straighter as he guided you up with his other hand. Gently pushing against your chin so he could see your eyes.
"If that is the case," he began, "then I will ensure you never have to lift your blade." His sincerity pierced your heart. You loved Diluc, had for so so long but you never told him and you were sure he didn't feel the same, but if ever his words sounded like a confession ... "Though I do not like the idea, if this is your wish. I will teach you what I know."
He let you go, walking back toward the table to refill the cup with fresh water. You wanted to chase after him but your legs felt like rubber. "If you don't like it --"
"I will not deny the thought of you in danger sits poorly with me. However," he admitted and when he turned around to make his way back to you he looked annoyed, "The thought of someone else teaching you sits even worse."
"Even Kaeya? He said he'd be happy to -"
"Are you inviting me to eat dinner with you?"
"Especially, Kaeya," he grumbled, cutting you off and looking pale at the mere thought. "Drink." Diluc held out the cup for you to take again as if that would settle the conversation entirely. "Tomorrow we will continue with proper swings." You nodded, taking much smaller sips of the water this time. When you looked back up at him his cheeks were tinted pink and he was avoiding your gaze. "Since it is late. Would you be inclined to join m-- ahem - dinner is being prepared shortly and Adelinde would be happy to have another at the table." His eyes flashed your way but didn't stay long.
Diluc cleared his throat and composed himself, "I am."
"Well," you thought as you hid partly in the cup, "I am hungry."
Diluc looked at you. You looked at Diluc. "Alright," he affirmed and offered out his hand to take your wooden sword before leading you toward the Dawn Winery in nervous, excited silence.
Hazel i am daydreaming daily of gardening with Thoma and being tackled playfully into the dirt for a slew of sweet sunshiny kisses ☀️🌻🥺💛
It was hot, so you were thankful for the hat blocking the rays from touching your face. It helped with the burn you were certain your shoulders and arms would be feeling tomorrow, but that was about all it could do. Sweat ran down your brow, you wiped it away with the back of your dirty hand.
"Almost done over here," you called to Thoma who knelt in the garden behind you. His back moved underneath his dark black shirt; if you were hot, how miserable was he?
"Ah, perfect," Thoma's cheery voice sounded, a soft huff following. The two of you continued to work, until the final plant was nestled comfortably in the tilled soil. "There," Thoma hummed in pride, hands on his hips as he looked down at his work. Even on his knees, he was rather tall. "All done?"
"Mmhm," you placed the small shovel into the bucket beside you with a successful clang. "I'm going to need more stakes. I want to prepare these veggies as much as I can before they have a mind of their own and wander out of the garden bed," you explained, bending your back into a nice stretch. You heard Thoma shuffle toward you, checking your work.
"Yeah, okay," he nodded, eyeing the freshly planted veggies. "Let's take a break first though, alright?" You agreed but before you got up, you brushed the dirt that had fallen on your apron to the ground. "Ah- hold on," Thoma's fingers came into view, one hand lifted your chin while the other moved to push your hat up slightly. "Got a little dirt on your face. Let me --"
Your heart skipped a beat, you looked away at him, unable to look in his eyes, "Thanks." Thoma hummed in reply, his thumb gently running over your forehead. Butterflies erupted in your stomach, a rush of energy washed over you that you tried to hold in.
"There, now you look great," he smiled with so much light the restraint you were barely holding in broke. Quickly, you launched toward him, tackling him to the ground. He caught you, held you against him as his arms wrapped around your body. "What was that for?" he chuckled and pushed your hat up.
"I just ... I like you," you explained when you could see his face again. A rush of giggly joy ran up your spine and burst through your lips. The sound of your laugh was sure to have a positive effective on the vegetables.
Thoma cupped your face and pulled it toward him. His lips were warm against your heated skin but you didn't mind; you'd let Thoma kiss you in any and every way he wanted. "I like you too," he affirmed, another kiss landing at the corner of your mouth.
It was sweet the way he kissed you. It was wonderful the sensation of his lips on yours. It was perfect to feel his hand holding the top of your head to keep you close. It was the best, hottest day.
i was wondering if i could req for the memories with injury prompt 4 (trying to hide your injury until you faint) with ayato please?
i hope you have a good day!!
The pain in your side throbbed with every step. Each breath was agonizing but there was no way you could stop now, not when you were so close. Your home was only a few minutes away but it felt like a thousand. Sweat ran down your neck, the clarity of your vision came and went, your head pounded. You gripped your side but that made it so much worse.
Something came into view. A shadow or apparition appeared out of thin air, moved on the wind and whispered words you couldn't make out. For some reason you smiled at it. Perhaps if you appeased the spectral it would pass you by and let you make it the rest of the way home. It drew nearer to you, its strange voice becoming more concerned when you wouldn't answer its questions.
Why was your body so heavy.
Everything went dark.
----
Ayato caught you just before you hit the ground. Your body was burning, the hand you had pressed against your side was stained with splotches of red. Carefully, he turned you until you were facing up and the complexion of your skin made him clench his jaw.
"What trouble have you found, y/n?" He asked, brushing the strands of hair clinging to your forehead. Without a second thought he hoisted you into his arms and carried you down the path, away from your home.
----
It was hard to open your eyes when you finally came to. They were heavy with exhaustion, stung and itched but you couldn't find the strength to lift your hands to ease their discomfort. Your lips felt chapped, you wanted water.
Slowly, fighting your tired eyes, you scanned your surroundings. It took a while but soon you realized you weren't in your bed, you weren't even in your own home. There was no way you could afford decorations as fancy as these. You wanted to call out, get up, find your bearings but your body simply refused to cooperate.
There was a noise deeper in the room, further away than you could make out so you closed your eyes and pretended you were asleep. If nothing else, you could gain back your strength and strike when ready.
"... sleeping ..." you heard a voice mumble but couldn't quite make out what they were saying. Straining your ears, you tried to pick out more.
"how ... the recovery?" Another voice? So there were at least two people in the room with you. Great.
"... wound is taken care ... there ... need to rest is all."
"I see," there was a long pause before more unintelligible words were shared followed by shuffling feet drifting into the silence. You were about to peek but heard noises near you. A chair scraping across a cushioned floor, beads rattling against one another. Someone was close. "So, are you done pretending you are asleep? Or shall we play this game a little longer?" The voice said, their tone direct, unimpressed. It was strange. You didn't see their face but you knew exactly who was speaking to you.
"... ayato?" You asked, voice cracking as you spoke. When you opened your eyes, you saw Kamisato Ayato sitting with his legs crossed, hands resting on his knee and eyes piercing as they looked you over.
"Did I not tell you to pace yourself?"
"I had it under control," you bit back but it sounded more like a squeaking in the presence of a python. Out of all the places and all the people who could have found you .... Honestly, you weren't sure why he was so attentive to you. You weren't part of a clan, weren't one of his attendants he could boss around - you were an adventurer who happened to be in the same places he was far more often than most. He overwhelmed you. Like a child playing with a magnifying glass, Ayato always made you feel exposed, and now, you had no where to hide.
"Oh, under control you say? Goodness. Then perhaps it was my imagination when you collapsed in front of me. Naturally you were fairing quite well on your own, that was clear."
"You can ... stop now. I get your point," a shot of pain passed through your chest making you wince. With a trembling hand, you managed to work your way to the injury and press against it. You were sure it was healed, but there were other bumps and bruises the healers were likely to miss. They, of course, didn't see how you got them. You took several deep breaths, kept your eyes closed so you could focus. Something cold touched your cheek and when you opened your eyes Ayato was gently dabbing a cool cloth to your face.
"I see you're still in pain. I will have my attendant fetch the healer."
"It's alright. Don't bot-" but it was too late. His hand moved and somewhere in the shadows more shuffling feet came and went. "Thank you," you relented, drifting more into the coolness of the cloth.
"Do not fret, when you have recovered you can repay my hospitality."
"Why does that sound ominous?" you teased, a tired smile tugging at your lips as you breathed through the last tinge of pain. You looked over to Ayato and wished you hadn't because the expression he held made your heart clench and breath hitch.
There was a devious smile rising up his cheeks, he had moved closer to you which made it easier for you to smell his clothes. Was he making your head swim or was it the pain coming back? "I'm sure you know that everything comes at a cost and, as it appears I've spared no expense to your recovery, this will substantial." The sound of a sliding door alerted Ayato to the oncoming attendants which made him lean back in his chair and give you some much needed space. Your thoughts were fuzzy, skin was burning. It was so hard to think. "In any case," he said as he stood to let the others near you, "it may be several days before you are fully healed. You may take your time of course. If there is anything you need, just let one of my staff know in advance." He gestured to the attendants in the room before placing his hands behind his back and stretching to stand at his full height.
There were so many hands around you that you were starting to feel overwhelmed. These people did know you weren't royalty, right? All of this for some towns person ... it seemed, excessive.
"Ah yes," Ayato drew your attention once more. Even though it was difficult to see him completely through the moving arms and bodies surrounding you, you tried your best to look at him. "I hope you don't mind my appearance every now and then. This is my room of course and I may need a few things from time to time. Mmm, well, I must attend to other matters so I'll excuse myself for now." He bowed, slightly, before turning to leave. For a moment you stared off into space until the realization hit you.
"Is this ... am I in Ayato's ... bed ...?" you asked no one in particular hoping to clarify what you just heard when some dutiful attendant answered you.
"Master Ayato instructed for you to be tended to here. Is there anything else we can get to make you more comfortable?"
"... no ..."
"Splendid. We will only be a moment then," they said as they helped you sit up so they could assess your injuries and you, for the first time, got a full view of Kamisato Ayato's bedroom.
Hey! Thank you for doing requests! May I ask for a ''tugging at the other’s clothes to keep them close'' - Kazuha version, please? :)
Ty again. Have a nice weekend!
It was so busy you could sense every person who brushed past you, smell their clothes as if they'd just been cleaned, could hear their conversations even though you were trying to focus on the mission. It was already hard to secretly gather information, but doing it in one of the densest parts of the city made it even more so. Still, you pressed on, slipping through the crowd like you practice, but no matter how skillful you were, you knew no one was better than the Scarlet Leaves in the Wind.
You thought about the times you watched your teacher, Kazuha, move like a dance around the obstacles you could hardly pass through. He ducked, dodged, and moved as if the wind was whispering its secrets to him. It was a beautiful sight to see - and one impossible to recreate. Though, you wanted to learn. Wanted to be helpful to the cause - to him. So, you practiced. Over and over again, and now, you were ready to test those skills.
Your target was easy to spot. Their burly movements were like a rock in a stream, parting the waves of people as they passed through. It did make it difficult to adapt to the ripples; more than once, you bumped into people just to keep them in your sight. Eventually, you came to a clearing and found a shadowed overhand to slide under while your mark meandered to a vendor stall and loudly talked about deeds better left in the dark.
It was comical how they blurted out the information you were tasked with retrieving. At this rate, you'd have what you needed and then some. When you were about to slip away, you noted a peculiar comment, an unusual order they shouldn't have requested. It piqued your interest and could prove useful to the resistance.
Soon they were on the move, and you set out to follow.
Suddenly, something tugged on the back of your clothes. It was subtle, hardly noticeable if you weren't hypersensitive to everything around you. Curious, you glanced back to see what it was and were surprised to find Kazuha's fingers pinching your tunic.
His features were hidden but when he stepped toward you, you took note of his expression and turned back to focus on the crowd. "The breeze has shifted," he said, tugging against your clothes again, "don't drift."
You were sure there wasn't a need for him to be concerned. Even though the mission was simple, you made sure to come prepared in the event it strayed. Kazuha taught you to be ready at every turn, and you stayed faithful to his teachings. So to hear his warning, something must be bothering him, even if he wouldn't share it with you.
"I am steadfast," you replied, thinking it would be enough for him to release you, but he didn't.
It would be too risky if you turned around to face him. He was still hidden in the shadows, unknown to the guards and eyes who would be on alert for him. It was better he stayed as free as the wind. But you wanted to reassure him, need to. So you moved your arm to reach for him, even if all you grabbed was the edge of his haori.
You tugged on the fabric just enough for him to hear you.
One tug - I promise to be careful.
Two tugs -- I'll stay in your line of sight.
Three tugs ---
You waited, focusing all your attention on the tension near your back until ...
Three tugs
Kazuha let you go, and as suddenly as his presence wrapped around you, it faded away. You sighed, returning your attention to the bustling crowd ahead of you, eyes scanning for the target. When you found them, you made sure to move with the flow of the people. Weaving too-and-fro like a leaf on the wind - like your samurai.
You were alone, but you didn't feel that way, not with the subtle feeling of familiar eyes on you. You wanted to turn and find them, spot them in the shadows, but you stayed forward, focused, and drew strength from the three slow tugs still lingering in the wrinkles of your clothes.
