My name is Goldet and I come from Monstadt. I am the boss here at Wangshu Inn. Lest you think I’m the boss’ wife. I’m the boss, with a capital B-O-S-S. | inactive, here as my little time capsule
Make sure to follow these rules, or you will not be allowed to stay.
Firstly, just refer to me as Verr Goldet, she/her
This blog is a writing one, but asks will always be answered. Feel free to say anything to me, make a request, or to ask me about anyone at the Inn! I’ll try my best to get a response for you. Some rules and guidelines are here.
It should be noted that this blog is part of the @interwoven-fates network! Information is here, if you'd like to join us.
I will not write NSFW. Please also do not send NSFW-type asks. I am a minor ooc and am not comfortable with receiving such messages.
Requests are closed! Learn more here.
I will not write character x character.
I will, on occasion, write headcanons.
I will not write any ships concerning Qiqi, Klee, Diona, or Paimon unless they are platonic.
I will not write hilichurl x reader, so do not ask. There’s more information here.
Please keep in mind that I have not finished most story quests, and so do not know many characters as well as I should. If the character you would like to request is one I haven’t connected with yet, it will take longer to finish and I ask that you be patient with me in such endeavors.
All stories will be set at the Inn, partly for a worldbuilding challenge and partly because this is the Wangshu Inn. That said, however, request any character you’d like! As mentioned previously, some may take longer than others.
All stories are character x gender neutral reader.
That’s all! Enjoy your stay, and let me know if anything comes up.
(Ooc: I'll miss this too. I'm sending this to give the story line some sort of closure, since I don't know when you're going to go. I'm sad that you're leaving and I hope that somehow we meet again, but I'm very happy for you that you know what to do with your life. If you want you can save this for when you leave and I can send in a few more Interactions before you go, just message me about it.)
Skip ahead a year
Corpus walks up to Goldet
Hey mom, today's the day! I'm going to be going to Liyue harbor to meet up with boss Childe, there's some important business to be done now.
Brother comes out
But this won't be the last we'll see of each other, after all, this is our home now.
And you're our mother.
Both speak at the same time as they hug Goldet in the same body
We love you mom!
After what feels like far to little time, the fatui let's go and waves to their mom as they leave
Bye mom! Tell Xiao we said bye aswell!
Come back safely, my darlings. You’re more important than you know.
A/N: Special thanks to @glazelily for letting me use their single dad!Zhongli au! I was entranced with it and I wanted to see how it could be continued. Xiao was a baby when it took place, and I wanted to see how that would affect the way he looks at love and the way his family would contribute to it because he has a support system that he had effectively lost in canon. This is set in a modern au, as is the original au. Also, catch me spreading my fencer!Xiao agenda because I am willing to fight people about it. Fencer!Xiao is the love of my life. Pry this from my grave, I dare you. The book at the beginning is The Mill On the Floss by Maryann “George Eliot” Evans. I apologize for ooc Ganyu if she’s there omg
Pairing: modern!Xiao x gn!reader
Warnings: N/A
Of course he knew who you were. You’d been in the same grade since kindergarten. You were in the same IB cohort.
He didn’t know, though, why his face burned when he glanced at you and caught you staring. Or why he looked back at you again right after.
Or why he was entranced by what he saw.
He ignored it, though, and tried to focus on literature. Specifically, the group assignments the teacher was giving out for The Mill On the Floss and the very, very difficult task of actually staying awake.
“Xiao and (y/n), you’ll be working together to tell us about the evolution of the relationship between Maggie and Philip and how that shapes the story.”
Well, now he was awake.
~
You watched him out of the corner of your eye as you packed up your stuff, waiting to see if you’d have time to talk to him. When you managed to meet him at the door, it took all your courage to call his name.
“Hm?” He looked at you, and the sensation of his eyes meeting yours was one you’d never forget.
“Are you free tonight? I’d just… rather have this done before the math test next Tuesday.”
“Sure. I’ll see you at 5?”
You nodded.
~
You had not expected this to be what he meant. Still in your school clothes, you went to open the door.
“Hello! Sorry, I kind of thought you were going to call. I’ll grab us some snacks.”
“Oh. Sorry. I should’ve been clearer.” His eyes dropped, hand stilling on the outside door handle, inches from yours.
“It’s alright! Don’t worry about it. Come inside.”
~
The two of you kept up this little routine for a while- this was a huge midterm project. You had to evaluate the relationship and progression, connect global issues, find real-life applications, and about ten thousand other elements.
At least, that’s how it felt.
You learned a lot about him along the way. From watching him, you noticed that he never took off his fingerless black gloves, had impeccable dress sense, and tended to fidget with a small charm that he wore on his wrist- it was a turquoise diamond with a small anemo symbol inside. You also noticed that, although he’d sit on your bed with you, he was almost afraid to get closer to you. You’d bumped your hand with his more than once because he’d been reaching out to it, and you certainly noticed the light blush that dusted his cheeks every time as he turned away swiftly.
From speaking to him, you learned of his calm, quiet demeanor hiding a strength you never knew. You learned of his family- his father and sister, and the parent he’d gained when his father fell for his sister’s kindergarten teacher. You learned that his favorite food was almond tofu, and you almost always had some for him. You learned that he tended to subsist on little sleep, but had a crazy immune system and rarely ever got sick. You learned that he was a fencer on weekends, and he played a lot of video games late at night. Once, he’d even managed to invite you to join him, and you agreed readily.
He learned all of this about you, too. He learned of your little fidgets, your small habits. He noticed how you seemed hesitant to touch him without his permission, and he saw how you tried to respect his space. He learned your favorite snacks and your family and your sleep schedule and favorite hobbies and sports and games.
Tragically, he hadn’t learned how to admit to himself that with every moment, he fell farther and farther for you. That much was obvious.
And if there was one thing you knew you learned about him, it was that he hated to confront his feelings. You didn’t have to know him well to see it in his eyes whenever you asked him a particularly difficult “would you rather” question.
But you hoped to know him well.
And this was the reason why, after the project had been presented, you asked him to hang out with you that weekend. To your surprise, he agreed.
“Do you want to go to my house?”
What.
Your surprise grew with every syllable that left his lips, but you plucked up your courage anyway. This needed to happen, and you needed to have this start or be over as soon as possible.
“I… hm… if you’re okay with it… can this be a date?”
You’d caught him off-guard, something that he told you didn’t really happen. He was blushing profusely, and for a bit was rendered entirely speechless.
“It’s alright if you say no. I won’t be weird about it or anything. I completely understand, if you do. Hopefully we can still be friends.”
“No! No, I-” He cut himself off, and you watched him choke on his words, already half grieving.
He took a deep breath, letting himself finally see.
“I’d love to make it a date. If you want to. Of course.”
You positively lit up, and your smile smoothed everything over. The world melted away when he was with you. He didn’t know exactly how any of this was supposed to go, but he knew he would do anything to make you smile like that again.
~
“Xiao! Did you invite someone over?” Ganyu called from the foyer.
“Yes.”
He heard his sister mutter something to the person outside, who was undoubtedly you, and then she let you in and went to get the boy.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Am I not allowed to have friends?” Maybe even more…
Ganyu sighed. “I’m not mad, Xiao. I just wish I knew, so I could prepare better.” She toyed with her sleeve. “I hope they’re not too put off by this reception. What’s their favorite tea? I’ll make you guys something.”
“[tea].” His tone softened. “Ganyu, they’ll love you. You’d be foolish to think otherwise.”
“I… I just want to make a good impression on your…”
“Date?”
“You have a date?”
“Yes…”
Ganyu looked away. “Are you okay with me leaving you guys alone?”
“Yes. We’re not going to do anything weird, Ganyu.”
“Is this who you’ve been visiting for the past few months?”
“Yes. We were assigned a project together. This is our first date. Why are you so invested?”
“There’s a lot of context that goes into how I should treat your guest, Xiao.”
He rolled his eyes, but gave his sister’s hand a squeeze anyway as he left the room to greet you.
~
You were so easy to talk to.
Also, you were absolutely a vision in the outfit you’d chosen. There was nothing to be said against how beautiful the fabric looked against your skin and the color with your eyes.
Perhaps you were less easy to talk to when all he wanted to do was gaze at you. That could be the issue.
Of course, it started off a little awkward, but the two of you quickly fell into the easy rhythm you’d developed over the past few weeks.
He hoped this would work out.
You were very quickly becoming the most splendid thing in his world.
How would Kaeya act around an S/O with Klee's personality. Not so much being a pyromaniac, but more excitable and curious
A/N: Hello Anon! Thank you so much for this! I hope you enjoy it. Here’s my Valentine’s present to you all, if it works. I feel so bad for my TOK classmates who may be seeing me write this. I promise I’m not generally like this- this request is the last one I’m doing. Writing y/n has a connotative association that I do not want on me because it is inaccurate and I care too much about my self-image
Pairing: Kaeya x gn!reader
Warnings: mentions of nightmares
Okay so: you definitely met through the knights because I said so.
Honestly, I do think that you know and encourage Klee
You’re generally easily excited, and love to joke around and you’re very impulsive
Kaeya absolutely adores this
He loves seeing you happy or excited, and he’s glad to have someone to banter with
Personally, I headcanon that he enables all of Klee’s decisions, good or bad, and I feel like he would definitely do the same for you
He would absolutely loathe putting you in danger, though, so he often comes with you
You see the good in everyone, and this is why he’s drawn to you. He knows who he is- and what he is
You’re the dearest person to him, and you do not think he is a monster
So, because he trusts you with all and everything, he believes you
You make him a better person
You are his home
I do think you’d wake up earlier than him, and would often make breakfast
Which means he’ll hug you from behind and leave his head on your shoulder and press kisses to the spot
Because he’s Like That
He loves seeing you flustered, and flirts with you a lot
You normally have lunch together, and you adore having picnics and little tea parties
Sometimes you’ll barge into his office with cake and just chat as he works
Those are his favorite moments- the unannounced ones that are always spent giggling with you
You have a lot of energy during the day, so it’s reasonable to assume you also get tired quickly enough once the day is done
He loves having you close to him, and he loves how secure it feels when you’re in his arms
He adores cuddling with you
If he has nightmares, you help him focus on your heartbeat and his and sometimes you’ll tell him stories, and he calms with his face in the crook of your neck
If you do, he’ll hold you close and talk to you until you’re distracted, and you calm and fall asleep with a soft smile on your face, rested gently against his chest
Overall, any memory with you quickly becomes his favorite
You’re the love of his life, the sun in his sky
You brighten everything, and he’s grateful for you
Can I please get some hurt comfort for Ayaks where the reader is a spy against the Shogun, but got found out and publicly executed, however they were somehow able to survive and now Ayaka is nursing them back to health?
Moving On From Eternity
A/N: It's perfect! Thank you so much, Unkown!
Pairing: Kamisato Ayaka x reader
Warnings: injuries, surgery is prevalent, talk of death at the beginning
Three weeks.
It had been three weeks since that day.
Three weeks since she watched the sky get torn apart for you- three weeks since her heart was torn out.
Three weeks since yours had stopped beating.
Public executions were never given funerals, partially because there wasn’t normally enough to bury. Kamisato Ayaka had tried her best to pull strings for you, eventually securing you a small plaque. At the Komore Teahouse. Because Thoma felt bad for her.
Yet another way she’d failed you.
She was thinking of you again. She was thinking too much and too painfully. She closed her eyes as she made her way down the stairs, waiting for the tears on her eyelashes to cool.
She reopened her eyes when they did, effectively erasing any trace of redness that would’ve indicated her feelings before she gently wiped them away.
And then blinked twice.
And rubbed her eyes again.
“Hey, songbird. Sorry about… everything.”
~
You, who died three weeks ago, had actually not. Clearly. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be on the floor of the Komore Teahouse’s basement, greatly injured. It had taken you a while both to hide from the Shogun and make it here unfollowed.
The look on your beloved’s face made your heart break.
“(Y/n)?”
Her voice was so quiet- so full of hope that she was afraid to let in. It trembled, and she was frozen and you saw it, and you held out your arms to her.
The moment of disbelief that hung around her was blissfully short before she hurried to your side. Her tears started again, and yours did, too.
“How…?”
“Electrogranum. They gave me a lot of extra immunity against her. My elemental shield, too, though. I have a teleport, remember?”
She nodded, gently tracing your face with her fingertips. “You’re alive…”
You took her hand, pressing a kiss to it. “I am…
“I’m alive, but I’m not… okay. These injuries are still too severe for me to do anything.”
“Right.” She snapped out of it, all business. “I’ll go find what I can. Thoma will be down in a little bit to keep you company until I get back, okay?”
“Okay… I love you.”
She smiled back at you, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead. “I love you too. Stay awake.”
~
Ayaka was nervous. It wasn’t very visible, but Thoma knew it from the way she kept glancing at your unconscious form and the way her face dropped to somewhere between worry and focus.
“Don’t worry. I gave them a few herbs so they won’t feel it. You’ll do fine.”
She gave a tense nod.
“Here. Let’s get started.”
~
The two of them had fallen into a soft rhythm in patching you up, and the work was done quickly enough.
But so was the damage.
One of your wounds had gotten infected.
You would be okay, but you’d require constant attention. Thoma had an associate who’d come to professionally help you, but Ayaka had agreed to stay by your side.
~
When your eyes fluttered open, you found yourself on a very comfortable bed. More specifically, it was also a very familiar bed.
It was Ayaka’s bed.
“You’re up!” The joy in her voice was unmistakable as she shot up to go to you. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m… definitely feeling…” You managed, trying to sit up as she frantically tried to stop you from doing so. “Don’t. You might undo the stitches.”
“Stitches?”
“Yes. Your wounds were severe. One’s infected, as well. You’re going to need to stay here.” She traced a gentle hand over your forehead. “You’ve got a fever. I guess that’s why. Thoma’s getting professional help.”
You leaned into her touch. “You’re leaving?”
“No. Never. I’ll be by your side as long as I can be.”
And so you reached out to her, and she joined you. She cuddled close, your feverish warmth interrupted by her cool hands. She rested one above your heart, and every beat reminded her that it was real.
You’re alive. You’re alive. You’re alive.
~
Ayaka paced now, in the study adjacent to her room. How would she manage to bring you back into Inazuman society? She’d been worrying about the issue since the doctor arrived, and she was dismissed.
Your appearance would have to be changed, of course. That was the easiest place to start. The Raiden
Shogun and all her guards knew who you were, and posters of you had been all over Inazuma before your capture. It was highly unlikely that the people had forgotten about you. Perhaps she could have you smuggled out to Sumeru- there was a guild of mages focused on tailoring appearance. She could deal with your hair and clothing easily enough here, but your eyes would have to be done by someone else.
It was kind of sad. She loved your eyes.
Of course, she’d mourn then.
But she didn’t want to send you so far away without her. What if something happened again? She wanted to be there to protect you this time. And smuggling was tricky business, at least until they would be able to hand you off to Captain Beidou.
You could be smuggled in after, passed off as a Sumerian immigrant, envoy, or scholar. Then she could have an excuse to quarter you in her estate properly, and then maybe you could have an okay future if you ended up staying.
Provided you liked your fake new name. And that you managed to respond to it. And that you were going to be okay becoming a whole different person.
And that she’d be able to adapt to it.
Ayaka sighed, leaning against the desk with a hand pressed to her forehead. This was going to be insane. And yet, it still seemed a bit too simple.
~
You’d been confined to Ayaka’s bed for weeks now. She wouldn’t let you get up for fear of your health, and then after the doctor said it was okay, for fear that someone may recognize you through the window. She had no valet, and had requested that no staff other than Thoma enter her chambers. She brought you food and clothes herself, and opened the window if you asked, for the breeze.
She was very busy, but always tried to take tea with you. She didn’t have a specific time, but would walk in at a random point each day with a tea tray to talk to you. You welcomed her company.
You could tell that she was really trying to make sure everything was okay for you, but you saw through it all. You were trying to help her relax, just as worried for her as she was for you.
“I’ve requested new clothes made for you.” She started, nervous and veiling it well. You could see something off, but you didn’t know what.
“Really? Ayaka, you didn’t have to.” You sat up, watching her cross the room. “Whatever for?”
She leaned on the side of the bed, eyes averted. “You’re being smuggled out. To Sumeru.”
“What?”
“You’ll be recognized here. In Sumeru, your appearance will be altered and identity changed, and then we can smuggle you back and you can go on and live a normal life here. If you choose to stay with me, you’ll be able to.”
Your gaze dropped to your lap. “You won’t be coming, will you?” It was less a question, and more of a statement. You had been thinking it the whole time, but saying so made it real. You didn’t want it to be real.
She shook her head, eyes pricking with tears. “I can’t. You’ll be gone too long and it’ll look really bad for the entire Yashiro Commission if I’m gone. We’ll fall behind a lot, too.” She finally looked to you, taking one of your hands in hers. “I’ll write to you, and send for people to keep you company. I have connections in Sumeru and farther- wherever you choose to go after, whatever you choose to do, I’ll help you. You’ll never be alone.”
You couldn’t argue. You knew your Ayaka. She wouldn’t send you away like this unless she knew no other solution, and this was the most efficient way. So you changed the course of your questioning. “What other preparations have been made? And how long do I have?”
“Just messages to Sumeru and to Captain Beidou. I’m hoping Kazuha will agree to look after you in Sumeru until after. We’ll work on getting you out once timings are finalized and everything is in. You still have a few weeks, at least. I just… wanted you to have time to prepare. Mentally. For whatever comes next.”
You gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Ayaka, why are you acting like I’ll leave forever? You know exactly where I’m going and what I’ll do after. I’ll always come back to you, okay?”
She nodded. “I don’t want to limit
you.”
“You won’t. I choose to be with you.”
She smiles, and the room seems to light up.
~
The two of you went on like this for a while as you watched everything fall into place. Captain Beidou agreed, and your part was discussed at length as you awaited your recovery. You were to be disguised as one of her pirates, and Ayaka had even obtained fake identification for you, should you need it. Your cargo would be loaded onto the Alcor with cargo and would then be dropped off with Kazuha in Sumeru to be received by someone named Cyno, and would stay in Liyue's Wangshu Inn for a while, until you were out of the public eye. Ayaka told you that you didn’t have to worry about finding him- he’d know who you are.
The two of you went through your specific things together- clothes and personal items were picked out from shops and recovered from your old home, and Ayaka packed you a personal bag of mochi, poetry, and stationary for the journey.
And every night, she stayed up with you and told you stories, calming you when the Shogun struck you down in your own dreams.
~
The day had arrived. Ayaka had to admit, you looked dashing in your disguise. She was not to be seen with you, and could not go with you on your departure to minimize the risk of suspicion. And so, behind the huge doors of the gate, she handed a small envelope off to Thoma and carefully adjusted your coat.
The letter was addressed to you, but you wouldn't see it until later.
“Stay safe, okay?”
You nodded.
And then she took your hand, and slid a subtle ring onto your finger. It was not an engagement ring, but she did have a matching one. She placed her hand next to yours, showing you how the rings interlocked.
There were tears in her eyes.
“Come back home to me. Please.”
You pulled her into a hug. “I will. I love you.”
“I love you too.” She pulled away to cup your cheek, and you pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“You are my home.”
@its-sexy-beastington-to-you here's the rest of your request! I'm sorry I couldn't see it through, but I hope I was able to bring you some joy.
Warnings: unconsciousness, wounds, traveler story spoilers (pre-dainsleif quest 2.3), kidnapping, il dottore being il dottore
Section 1: The Final Story Fragments
Chapter 4: Guyun Stone Forest- Expedition Day 2
(Y/n) is hurt. (Y/n) is hurt. (Y/n) is hurt.
The words played in Aether’s mind over and over again as he fought. He lost all discretion, slashing and stabbing with everything in him.
The battle was over in a matter of moments.
At least, it should’ve been- as Aether finished off the skirmisher, a scream pierced through the air.
Paimon’s scream.
He glanced back just in time to watch you sway a little on your feet, and then fall to the ground.
The skirmisher that had just hit you wasted no time in throwing Paimon into a sack and running off.
Aether hadn’t run this fast since Khanrei’ah.
~
“(Y/N)?”
You sat up, aching. Everything was too bright, and you pressed your fingers to your forehead. Aether was on his knees before you, arms outstretched to you.
You whimpered, arms shaking from the effort of trying to hold up your battered form. You flopped into his gentle hold, letting him hug you close.
“Are you okay? Can you hear me?”
You nodded.
“Fatui.” He muttered. “They got away with Paimon.”
And it’s my fault.
Paimon had been with you, hadn’t she? You had a vision. You were perfectly capable of protecting her, wounded arm notwithstanding.
And still, you’d failed.
You kept your gaze on the ground, shaking your head sadly.
“We’ll find her.” Aether whispered. “We have to.”
You nodded, trying to force the self-deprecation back.
Section 2: How It Would've Ended
I intended Dottore to be behind Paimon's kidnapping- he wanted to test on her and utilize her to accomplish his goals. Aether was to call Xiao as you fell unconscious, and he'd help you track Dottore to Nantianmen. He would not be able to continue with you from there. You'd find more clues and primogems there, as well as discover the Primogeovishap and your feelings. You'd end up having to fight the creature, and Aether would get injured and you would have to save him. In his delirium, it's confession time. When he regains true consciousness, you work it out and decide to put it aside until Paimon is safe. At this point, the Fatui arrive again, and you find your way to their leader through them. There's a big reveal for Dottore being the villain, as neither of you recognize him and he has to introduce himself and why he's in Liyue. There's a huge battle. You win, and Paimon is saved, and then you and Aether get together and everyone returns to the Wangshu Inn tired, but relatively safe and happy.
I wanted the titles to progress with the location- they'd be titled with Nantianmen rather than Guyun Stone Forest once we got there. As well as this, I wanted to tie in the primogems from the Geovishap expedition event that happened in the leadup to the Primo Geovishap and Azhdaha, and I am proud of my worldbuilding here. I scouted out all the locations in the game itself, so, if you'd like, you can follow the route that I took for the written chapters.
I've made the decision to cancel Mysteries and Mistakes. I have a chapter half-written, and I'll publish that, as well as a synopsis of the rest of the story. It's a lot and I can't manage it right now, but I hope what I was able to do is good enough for you all.
A/N: hehe zhongli meteor go brrrr hopefully you catch where I slipped it in
Pairing: Kazuha x gn!reader
Warnings: fight scenes, some injury but it's not super graphic
Prompt: for @stellumi’s webtoon event, the first few chapters of Soleil!
“Can you tell it again? The plant kingdom story?”
“Liyue?”
“Yeah!” A small child, maybe seven, sat learning botany at their father’s knee. Well, not sat so much as used their little trowel and dug little holes for the seeds to go in.
“Okay.” As Morax gently corrected your form, he began to speak. “Liyue is a secret plant kingdom. Ruled by nature itself, the world is always golden with sunlight. The trees there can reach the stars! It’s full of magic and wonder.” He watched your eyes brighten- there was enough magic and wonder there that he didn’t need any fairy tales. “Did you know, there are even little plant people who live in Liyue?”
You absolutely lit up. “You mean like little plant friends?” Your father grinned back down at you. “Exactly like that.”
You stared down at a small mint plant that sat before you. “Like that one?”
He ruffled your hair gently. “Kind of. That plant friend’s name is mint! They’re more like little plant people.”
“Do you think the story is true? Is Liyue a real place?”
“There are a lot of ways to think about it. Why not?” Your eyes sparkled. “But, you know, you have to have a pure heart to go there.”
“Huh?”
“Yeah! You won’t be able to see any of it otherwise. Fortunately for you, (y/n) you won’t have any problems. You’ve got the purest heart of us all.”
And with that, he pulled you into his arms, and you stayed there.
~
You’re much older now. At least, one might hope so.
Your eyes opened as your alarm beeped to no end, the memory of your father fading as you sat up and stretched.
You pressed snooze to no avail, going through a cartoonish series of events to turn the alarm off. And as soon as you were able to find peace among the blankets again, your phone started pinging, sending you flying out of bed. You had somewhere to go!
Of course, you went right back to the bed when you were all ready, sitting with your phone in your hand. “It really is today, isn’t it… and Thoma’s already up and ready to go…” You looked around, trying to distract yourself. “Okay, but today is also… a good nap day! Or something! We can go visit Dad tomorrow. He’ll understand. I do have work to finish up, anyway” You could feel the disapproval of the houseplants by your bed.
You worked as a florist, but, of course, had taken the day off today. You did custom orders out of your home, and so never had to leave.
“No, I’m definitely not making excuses to not go out, I-” You stopped lying to yourself. “Okay… today is unique. I should go.”
As you left, you turned back to your plants. “I’ll be back soon, everyone!”
~
He’s not here.
“Did I take too long to get here?” Maybe he left.
You could feel him lean over your shoulder to whisper to you in the most playfully annoying fashion ever. “No, you didn’t. But I did text you over an hour ago. I was worried!”
“Oh. Sorry about that, Docto-.”
“Oh, stop. I’m not actually a flower doctor, you know that.”
“You take care of flowers. Flower doctor.”
He sighed. “Speaking of, here.” He handed over a bouquet of silk flowers. “For your father. These were his favorites, right?” You nodded. “Thank you.”
~
“We really did bring a lot, didn’t we?”
You smiled. “Yeah. The space seems much more full now. Like a party. Dad would’ve loved it.” Your eyes were trained on the flowers. “They’re beautiful. Dad would’ve loved this… I can remember him so clearly…”
“Me too.”
There was a lull where Thoma seemed to be trying to find the right thing to say, and was failing. Finally, you watched him let out a strained breath, and when he spoke, his eyes were not on you. “Hey, (y/n)... I know it’s been hard for you, and I just… I want you to know I’m always here for you. If you ever need to talk or anything, I’m right by your side, okay?”
You nodded gratefully, but Thoma was beginning to ramble. You were unable to get a response in before he continued.
“I- I know it’s been a year since you last went out and you’re keeping yourself all alone… and I don’t want it to hurt you more. It’s so hard to believe that he’s gone and I just-”
“Stop it.” Your voice took on a hidden rawness. “He’s not gone. He is not.”
“No- no… of course not! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean-”
And then, suddenly, you were back to sunshine, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Thoma! It’s alright. And anyway, I’m not alone! I have my plants to keep me company, remember?”
“I- yeah… if you say so. I’m… meeting up with some people for lunch. Do you want to come? It’s on your way back. My treat.”
You offer him a dazzling smile. Forced, but dazzling nonetheless. “Thank you, but I have some stuff to do. I think I’ll pass.”
“Of course. Yeah. It’s fine. Do you want me to walk you home?”
“No, I’d hate to make you late.” You’d also wanted to stop at the bakery for comfort food, but that was for you to know and him to Not Know.
“Alright.” He pulls you in for a quick, very welcome hug. “I’ll see you another time, then?”
“Yeah. See you.”
“Make sure to let me know you got home safe, okay?”
You laughed. “Okay, I will. Bye!”
He waved at you as you left, watching you walk back towards the grave rather than to the way out. When he turned to stay with you, you waved him off with a smile. “Don’t be late!”
He laughed. “Fine. See you!”
~
You took a longer path home, lost in thought and because it was farther to get to the bakery. Now you walked through the front door, placing the bag of baked goods of your choice on the bed. You sat beside it, facing your plants, and texted Thoma before dropping your phone with a sigh.
“He’s just silly, right? We’re okay.” You whispered to the mint plant before you. “It’s just you and me. We don’t need the world outside, right?”
You barely noticed the single tear that traced down your cheek until it landed on a mint leaf. “Sorry. Let me get that.”
You wiped the tear away with your fingertip, and that was when you noticed it.
The plant was moving.
You looked towards the base of the stems, where the motion was coming from, and out stepped a little plant person!
This must be some weird dream. There’s no way…
Despite your better judgement, you reached out to them. If they felt immaterial, you’d know it wasn’t real.
But it can’t be real.
Which was why you were incredibly surprised when it stepped into your palm.
“(y/n)-” He began, hoping to catch you before you freaked out.
It talks! “How do you know my name?”
“I’ve known you for so long. I happen to understand your thought process well.” He gave you a small smile, and it was a different kind of smile. “We’ve formed a bond. I’ve been at your side this whole time. You’ve shown me so much care and kindness, (y/n).”
“Then you’re… you’re the plant I normally talk to! You’re Mint!”
The tiny creature’s smile turned wistful. “That’s the name you gave me.”
Your excitement was very evident in your grin as you twisted around, trying to observe the small thing from every angle as if hoping he showed any resemblance to what you thought you were talking to. Perhaps it would’ve helped if you had envisioned more than a potted mint plant with a smiley face.
However, Mint was not smiling anymore. He looked sad- very sad. One could almost describe it as hopeless. “That’s not my true name, though.
“I am Prince Kazuha of Liyue.”
“You’re a plant prince?” Liyue?
He nodded. “And my kingdom is in danger. My people sent me to your world to find a human who can help us. And, (y/n), there’s a reason you can see me in my true form.”
You wracked your brain for memories of the fairy tale your father had told you. “I… have a pure heart?”
He nodded. “I’d hate to force this on you, (y/n). But please know you’re the only one who can help us. Please come with us.”
“Listen. I know we formally have only just met, but you’re my Mint, Kazuha. I’ll help you in any way I can. I’m willing to go with you.”
He looked overjoyed, and the smile that flitted across your face in response helped to hide the wish you’d kept within.
Maybe I can reconnect with Baba, too.
He offered you a small berry, and you took it. “You have to absorb or consume an essence of Liyue for your body to form a tether there. Then you’ll be able to enter.”
It took you a second to decipher. “Okay.”
You ate the berry and darkness surrounded you.
~
Whoa…
Everything was infinitely taller than you, and you were little and tiny. The silk flower that you’d found attached to your head edged your vision in a rosy glow. Sunlight filtered through soft leaves far above you in every shade of green- no emerald could’ve ever compared.
There was a castle in the distance, shimmering water floating around it.
And the whole world seemed to be holding its breath.
This moment suspended in time, unbroken, even as you shattered the silence and called for Kazuha. He’d disappeared…
A gust of warm wind behind you was what you felt first, but his hands slipping into yours as you turned was what really took your attention. “Kazuha?”
“Thank the archons… you’re okay, right? You didn’t get hurt?”
You nod, unable to say anything else. Now grown to full-size and no longer a potted plant, he was… charming. Very charming.
Especially when he smiled at you, the way he currently was. “Good.”
His gaze jerked past your shoulder, and his smile faded. “We have to go. Being out in the open isn’t safe anymore.”
“Anymore?”
“The invaders have taken over.” He pointed to the castle- his castle. It was in ruins, locked in black thorns. Clearly, the enemy was an invasive species. “They’ll hurt you.”
And then-
“Get back!” You were thrown behind him as the ambush began, and he nudged you into the foliage so you could hide.
~
I won’t let you harm them.
Kazuha’s whole motivation for fighting wasn’t long enough yet to make a haiku. Tragic.
But the thought barely registered as a much larger one took its place: he was losing. He couldn’t stick around. He had to get you to safer ground.
He whipped his sword around, sending a swirling storm of wind and leaves around the monster. By all rights, that should’ve finished it.
He should’ve won.
But if he had, why was pain flaring up his arm? Why had his blood turned to flame? Why were there pinpricks pressing into his side?
Why was there a monster towering over him, claws readied to kill. And in that split second, he locked eyes with you.
And you looked so afraid as he fell.
~
A shield of weak spring breezes was the only thing that separated the claw from Kazuha’s body, just a short distance from you.
You could see his energy fading. You felt the apology in his eyes and wished only that it was not for you.
And it was in that feeling that you found strength- the desire to never see him unhappy by your hand.
“Don’t hurt him!”
There was a flash of rose light as something crashed, and the monster’s claws… retracted. It whimpered, running away.
You didn’t stop to think- you grabbed Mint and ran.
~
Kazuha’s legs gave out beneath him a while later, and you caught him. He hadn’t said anything overall, and you had no way of knowing he was okay.
Which he very clearly was not.
He was pale and breathing hard, unable to look up at you as you gently sat him down.
“Kazuha, something happened back there. Let me see it.”
“...please don’t.”
“What? Why?”
He pulled back some of the fabric draped over his arm, and you saw a mess of leaves and vines just like the ones on the castle.
“I’ve been contaminated. My power had washed away most of the leaves before, but now…” He winced, in too much pain to finish.
You watched the vines spread. “Can’t you use more of your power?”
He shook his head. “It has a limit. I can only use it in emergencies.”
“This is an emergency! What happens if the vines overtake you?”
“Your life is more important. I have to keep you safe. For Liyue’s sake.”
“You’re their prince! Your life is just as important as mine!” You put your hands on his shoulders. “Stop being so self-sacrificial!” Your voice softened exponentially and you squeezed your eyes shut. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Perhaps that’s why you didn’t see the gentle rose glow that dissolved the contamination and healed Kazuha’s wound.
You heard his soft gasp, though.
“You did this to the invader, too…”
Your eyes opened. “It was much more violent then. But yeah. I don’t know how, but its claws disappeared.”
“You got them to retract? You can damage them?”
“I guess so?”
“That’s amazing!” He grabbed you and held you close, burying his face in your shoulder. This was the most contact the two of you have ever had- and the first contact you’d had in a year. Of course, you nestled into the embrace.
“Your power is incredible. It’ll be much easier to get to the meeting point from here.”
You stilled. “Meeting point?”
He pulled away, offering you a small nod. His face was still lit up. “My allies sent me to Teyvat to find a human who can help. We have to meet up with them at the designated spot.”
There wasn’t much you knew about Liyue, but you did know this- Kazuha was your companion. He’d always been.
And so, with all the conviction of a dream fulfilled, you began to plan the journey.
Happy birthday to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's very own @gilded-basalt! Have a wonderful day, Mr. Zhongli. Thank you for all of your knowledge and assistance!
I apologize in advance but I'll be deleting and then reposting the Secret Santa fic- the tags aren't working- so I'll tag you when that's done so you can find it again! Sorry, tumblr hates me--
And yes, I'd love to be moots! How are you?
Hi!! It’s totally okay don’t worry about it
NEW MUTUAL WOO I’m doing okay how are you? I just got back from vacation so I’m a little sleepy
