「 . . i enjoy listening to music as i do other things, or just to pass time. My favorite music artists are some of the following; Dutch Melrose, ATEEZ, ENHYPEN, DM Dokuro, chase atlantic, Isabel LaRosa, HoYo-Mix, Artic Monkeys, etc. 」
Requests are strictly xreader or, povs with you as the center and no other characters involved. ++ genre that you desired listed and stuff like that. Just the usual.
! . . 「 Heads up!! 」 - - a fair warning.
I do not write for male reader. My apologies, i'm not really comfortable with that. And i also reject requests that has NSFW contents within it. Suggestive contents are acceptable but not too far. Gore is also acceptable since i'm not very sensitive with blood.
Phainon with an s/o that once said 'Whenever you feels frustrated and wants to cry but you can't, I will cry in your stead' and when they faced with Flame Reaver, their tears subconsciously flows down their face
I will weep for you if you couldn’t
Summary: You told Phainon that you can cry in his stead if he couldn’t and he promised that he would wipe your tears if you do.
Pairing: Phainon x reader
tw: character death(reader), angst.
a/n: honestly, who hurt you anon? and did you kiss the brick before throwing it at me? /j thank you for the idea, now please enjoy the suffering with me. ( ◜‿◝ )♡
You and Phainon shared a special connection. One that even the two of you couldn't explain with logic nor alchemy. It’s as if Phainon had secretly given you a piece of him and you tucked it close to your heart since.
Whenever the destined hero is too frustrated, heart burden by grief, mind heavy with emotion. He would seek you out, searching for you even if you are nowhere to be found, his feet would bring him to you. No matter the distance. He will find you because you have a piece of him with you.
Seeing your silhouette in the distance, alone by yourself. His steady stride quicken into a sprint as he rush toward you, crashing into you without warning as his arms embrace your form. His face bury in the crook of your neck, his rigid shoulders relaxing as you ruffled his white hair.
Silent comfortably settle between the two of you until you decide to cradle his face into your hands. Observing his feature, the usual cheerful smile is replace with a frown, his bright gaze dimming into a restless gaze. You could tell that he wanted to cry but you’re not sure what’s holding him back.
“You know it’s okay for you to cry, right?” Your finger brushing over his cheekbone while he’s leaning over your warm hands, eyes close as if concentrating.
“I can’t.” He replied, eyes still shut. His hands holding your hands as he nuzzle into your palm. “I can’t falter at times like this.” He reason, “If I falter, everyone will loss the little faith they had left.”
You did not said anything and neither did he. Instead you let the silent settle while you plant a kiss over each of his cheek, “Then, when you can’t. Let me cry in your stead.” You whisper, enough for him to hear. Phainon look at you, confusion took over his tired feature. Before he could raise a question, you peck his lips, surprising him. When you pull away, his brows almost knitted together, lips pursing into a pout.
His hands let go of yours as each of them rest on your cheeks, his forehead resting on yours. “I don’t like that.” Phainon muttered in a hush tone. “I don’t want you to cry.” He added.
Your hands that was cupping his face then rest on top of his, “If you don’t like it, wipe my tears for me.” You close your eyes, your cheeks already wet with tears, “I will cry in your stead and you will wipe it in my stead. Romantic, isn’t it?”
Phainon could only let out a small chuckle. Not to mock but he’s at loss for words. He couldn’t possibly win against you despite the fact he’s one of Anaxa’s student who had won over 10 yearly debate. It feels as though his debating experience are nothing in front of you as he wipe your tears. “Don’t cry, my dear.” He coax.
A soft laugh left your lips, “I will cry until your frustrations fade.”
With a grin, Phainon spoke with confident. “Then, I will keep wiping your tears until it dry out.”
It's a promise between the two of you. An exchange, Phainon once again gave you a part of him and you did the same.
Whenever he’s frustrated or overwhelmed but couldn’t— can not let himself shed tears, he will seek you out and you will cry in his stead while he wipe the tears in your stead. Until your tears dried, he will stay by your side. Whispering sweet nothing, kissing you and cradling you in his arms.
It’s a connection only the two of you have. Something sacred only you and him shared. It’s so sacred that it could transit time and space even the reset of the cycle won’t be able to break it.
The darken sky have cause the masses to panic. Flame swallowing the holy city, the dawn device has fell apart as horrified scream filled your ears and the smell of iron sting your nose. Your gaze locked onto the black cloak swordmaster, frozen in fear as you could feels death grazing at your ankles.
He took a small step forward as if daring you to run but your feet stay in place, not daring to move, trembling in horror of the looming death he’s bringing with each step.
However, your gaze remind on him. Engraving the image of the cloak person into your mind, burning his silhouette into your retina. Not minding how your nails digging into the palm of your flesh as long as your gaze remind fixed on him.
As you’re ready to face your death, a cold armored hand caresses your cheek instead. Wiping away the tears you didn't realized had stream down your face. “Cry... No more...” A voice you don’t recognize but feel familiar with enter your ears. The Flame Reaver repeat those three word like a broken record.
Through your blurry vision, you could see and feels the frustration, exhaustion and burning rage from how the Flame Reaver look at you. Yet his touch is gentle. The way he’s caressing you is careful.
You knew who’s person behind that mask because only one person could make you cry like this in his stead. You clutch to his hand with your hands, tears streaming down your face as you cry his frustration, exhaustion and rage out for him.
While he repeat the same three word over and over again. His thumb brushing the tears you shed in his stead.
The sword stab into the ground as he pull you into a tight embrace, one that is warm. Yet you knew it was mean to lull you gently into the embrace of death.
• the familiar weight of your Kasugai crow on your shoulder, giving you a new mission straight from the Master.
° lower demon slayers bowing their heads in respect and awe when you go by, addressing you as "my lady", recognizing you as one of the Hashira.
• the golden buttons shining on your uniform as you secure your blade at your hip and your Haori over your shoulders.
° how relieved and happy the lower members are to see you when you show up to save them - plucking them away to safety right from death's claws as you kill the demons in one swift strike.
• how cold and quiet the morning feels when you practice - your haori cast off, only with your top and the uniform pants, panting softly while dancing through the forms of your Breathing style, a few Kakushi stopping in their tracks to watch from afar.
° your estate - well taken care of and with the lightning falling peacefully over the sliding doors, the smell of tea and wisteria surrounding every corner of the tatami mats.
• silently passing under Torii gates in the dark of midnight, a silent prayer on your lips to be safe on your patrol.
° the quiet buzz right before a demon's eyes show up in your way, the silent storm in your mind as you unsheath your sword. The weight of the hilt in your hand. The breathless "Total Concentration Breathing, First form..."
• the soft glint of your Nichirin Blade right before the first strike. The delicate sound of sharp steel cutting through air with a fast and elegant movement.
° the practiced footwork of a powerful sword-wielder - it feels like a dance among demons whose throats are cut off in the blink of an eye , without ever interrupting the dance.
• the smell of blood. The feel of it dripping from your hand to the ground, the pouring of red down the tips of your hair. Hazy, adrenaline-filled eyes fixing the path through the forest, knowing the fight isn't quite finished yet.
° the ashy smell of demons evaporating. The familiar twist of disgust on their faces before disappearing forever.
• the relief you feel washing down while watching the sunrise on the top of the mountain you patrolled. Blood is staining your hands and your uniform, but the sky begins to light up and despite everything, you cling to one thought - the night is over. You're alive.
° the soft rustle of the wood as the gate to a Wisteria House opens, the fuss of the host - "Come in, my lady ! It is our honor ! I ll have everything prepared at once !" and the first warm meal after a dark night of patrolling.
• the genuine joy to see your fellow Hashira alive and well at the meeting you've been summoned to - to see the strength of the Demon Slayer Corps untouched. To see Tengen and Rengoku joking together, Mitsuri trying to hide her chuckle while Obanai drinks her sight in perched somewhere nearby. Shinobu's gentle teasing while Sanemi asks only her how she has been, and Giyuu's deep eyes focusing on you without saying anything before looking away. Muichiro's blank gaze just before you talk to him, patting the child's hair out of habit, and his reflex to stand just a bit closer to you. Smaller hands than yours gripping the edge of your Haori as you speak. Gyomei's huge stature towering over you while praying for your health, his deep voice settling over the Pillars in quiet authority.
° the Master's gentle voice, which almost brings you to tears. The love in his tone, the honesty in "How happy i am to have you here once more, my children..."
• knowing the entire Corps relies on you. Knowing the responsibility that weighs down on your shoulders every time the Hashira gather and the Master speaks in a graver tone than usual.
° the Butterfly girls holding hands around you, happy to play with you just for a few minutes before you leave for a mission. You bring them something sweet every time you visit, acting as if it's a secret. Shinobu thanks you in private, with a gentle smile and delicate words.
• Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke bugging you to be their Master. To make them your tsugukos. Hugging their heads to your chest when they've almost died on a mission and you only reach them after sunrise.
° Tanjiro thanking you for worrying for them. Recognizing the worried look in a mother's eyes, yet saying nothing of it.
• Muichiro mindlessly bringing you paperplanes. As thanks for feeding him and taking care of him when his foggy mind made it harder than usual.
° Genya peeking out to look at you when you spar with Sanemi. Trying to learn from afar how to get close to his brother.
• your sword and Haori hanged off the wall in the main room of your estate, a low table in the centre of the room that watches over the garden.
° the bitter taste of Japanese green tea as it pours down your throat; and you remember, just before picking up your sword to train and meditate : you are a Hashira.
Mayhaps could I request Mydei with spouse reader who is just so atrociously down bad for their husband? It's not even about his title or anything, they are just down horrid (totally not projecting)
Even better if it started off as an arranged marriage
𐙚⋆.˚Mydei — honkai star rail
Hellooo!! I kinda had a hard time writing this one💔 but i hope you enjoy!!😽😽😽
⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁.𖥔 ݁ ˖
You had been warned about Mydei before the wedding.
That he was quiet. Stoic. That you’d never know what he was thinking. That he was a difficult man to understand, let alone love. That this marriage, arranged for diplomacy and structure, was destined to be little more than cordial distance and shared titles.
They couldn’t have known that you were a disaster.
Not in the political sense. No, in that you were already, hopelessly, horrifyingly infatuated with him by the time you arrived at the capital. Not with his influence. Not with the legacy he carried like armor. But with him—the elegance in how he held himself, the sheer gravity in his silence, the way he could say your name and make it sound like it belonged in a poem.
He met you with courteous bows and an unreadable gaze.
You met him with heart palpitations and a mouth dry enough to parch stars.
The wedding was brief and immaculate. He offered his hand. You took it like a lifeline. The entire time, you wanted to say, My husband is so beautiful I could scream, but you were trying not to combust in public.
Your chambers were adjacent, not shared.
Your roles were parallel, not intertwined.
Your feelings? Definitely not mutual.
You fell first. Fast. Hard. Unreasonably.
He would pass you in the hall, nodding politely, and you'd nearly drop whatever you were holding. Once he said, “You look well,” and you had to sit down for five minutes to recover. You once caught a glimpse of him in the early morning—hair slightly mussed, collar undone—and it haunted your dreams for a week.
He didn’t flirt. Didn’t tease. He spoke to you gently, always gently, and kept his distance with care. Like you were precious. Like he was afraid of hurting you.
And yet—despite how cold others claimed he could be, he never looked away from you. He always answered. He always listened.
It was maddening.
You tried being subtle. Which, for someone as disastrously down bad as you were, meant:
Staring.
Standing closer than necessary.
Fumbling compliments like, “Your hands are so elegant— I MEAN efficient—no, wait—beautiful! NO. STRONG??”
You were a walking embarrassment.
And Mydei? Ever composed.
⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁.𖥔 ݁ ˖
The change happened quietly.
A shoulder offered when you stumbled slightly in public—fingers steadying your elbow, his hand lingering just a moment longer than required.
“My apologies,” he murmured. “I should’ve stood closer.”
The silence that followed was deafening.
Later, during a diplomatic dinner, you’d leaned into him more than propriety allowed. His breath hitched—hitched—when you brushed his arm.
“Do you... mind?” you asked, already wanting to dissolve into the carpet.
He looked at you. Not through you. At you. And said, “No. I rather prefer it.”
You nearly passed out.
⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁.𖥔 ݁ ˖
And now, tonight.
He had just returned from a series of long negotiations. Hours of speaking in that calm voice of his, delivering strategies and commands like scripture. You were waiting in his study, legs swinging over the edge of the chair like a child too jittery to sit still.
The door opened. He walked in, loosened his coat, and stopped.
“You’re here.”
“Always,” you chirped. “I mean. Not always. Not in a weird way—well, maybe weird, but not creepy. Definitely not—”
His mouth twitched. The smallest smile.
You melted.
“I made tea,” you added, voice pitching embarrassingly high. “If you want. Or need. Or don’t. I just thought you might. Because, you know, you’re—you.”
He walked to you slowly, soundlessly. Took the cup from your hand.
You felt the heat of his fingers even after they left.
“You’re trembling,” he said.
“Am I? Oh. Wow. So I am.”
He studied you then, truly studied you. “Are you afraid of me?”
“No!” You answered too fast. Too loud. “Never. You could ruin me with one word and I’d still follow you around like a lost puppy. Wait. Ignore that. That’s insane.”
“It’s honest.”
“...That’s worse.”
He took a breath, then placed the tea down, untouched. “Why do you speak like that around me?”
“Like what?”
“Like I might vanish. Or like you’re ashamed to want me to stay.”
The air cracked.
You opened your mouth. Closed it. Then, helplessly, whispered: “Because I’ve never been in love with someone who makes me feel like this.”
Mydei’s gaze softened.
“I thought… I was the only one,” you added, laughing weakly. “People said you’d never care. That I’d always be a name on a contract to you. But I don’t care about the arrangement. Or your rank. Or what we were supposed to be. I just—”
You paused.
“I just really, really love my husband.”
There was silence. You waited for his rejection, his polite dismissal, his cool, distant kindness.
But instead—
He stepped closer.
Then, softly:
“I know.”
You blinked.
“I’ve known for some time,” he continued, voice lower now, more intimate. “I didn’t think you’d stay. Most people in my life do not.”
“Why—why wouldn’t I stay?” you asked, stunned.
“Because I’m not easy to love. I’m not expressive. Or thrilling. I move slowly. Deliberately. I don’t chase.”
“I don’t need you to chase me,” you said, standing. “I’m already here.”
Mydei’s hand reached for yours. Hesitated. Then laced your fingers together with a gentleness that felt like reverence.
“I find you… extraordinary,” he said.
You made a sound halfway between a squeal and a sob.
“I didn’t know how to say it,” he added. “But I think I’ve always admired the way you look at me. Like I am more than duty.”
“You are,” you whispered.
His other hand cupped your cheek. “Then allow me to return the favor. Stay with me tonight.”
“Just stay, or—”
“Just stay. For now.”
You nodded, utterly starstruck.
And that night, lying beside him in soft silence, his fingers curled lightly around yours and his heartbeat a steady rhythm against your side, you realized something wonderful:
He might not say much.
But you didn’t need declarations. Not when he held you like this.
Not when he whispered, so faintly you thought you imagined it:
sum: you knew this day was coming, that your time with him was ticking; but you'll always wish you could've had him for a little longer.
wc: 991
warnings: 3.1 story quest spoilers, ooc mydei, written before mydei release
a/n: ok maybe i did have stay a little longer and die with a smile playing when i wrote this
likes & reblogs are appreciated :)
You had a dream once, a long time ago, around the time you and Mydei had first unofficially gotten together. Most of your memory of it has been eroded by time, but you remembered one part of it quite vividly. Mydei had left, and he was never coming back.
The days following it were plagued with a relentless anxiety that took hold of your fragile state of mind, waiting anxiously for his return from his latest battle. You know death evades him now and forever, but you also knew that if death could not take him away, then he'd be the one to do it himself.
However, even before this dreaded dream, you felt as if you already knew deep down that he was going to leave you one day, even before you would die. You knew the weight of the crown that yearns to rest on his head and the burden he carries for being unable to lead his people home, and that one day he'd finally allow himself to bear its weight atop his head. You just didn't expect it to be today.
On your way back from grocery shopping at Marmoreal Market, you had overhead some gossip that started floating around.
“I heard Mydei will be leaving Okhema.”
“Leaving? As in, permanently?”
“That's what the rumours say, that he is bidding farewell to all those dear to him.”
It had frozen you in your steps, the crowd fading into nothing but muted sounds. You could see your hands starting to shake, and you suddenly felt as if you were drowning. Your vision had started to blur, the telltale sign of tears blurring your line of sight. With your head down and anxiety clawing up your throat, you make it home and break down into silent sobs the moment the door closes.
~~
Mydei had thought long and hard about this decision of his. He could accept leaving behind most, in the name of reclaiming his home and protecting what remains of his people and the Okhemans, but if he had one regret that truly gnawed at his immortal existence, it would be leaving you behind. You, who loved him sincerely, with every beat of your mortal heart, who always waited for his return regardless of how much time had passed, who always cleaned his wounds gently even if he insisted that it was of no use. You, who did it because you loved and cared for him. And now, he has to leave you too.
The walk to your house is agonising. He finds himself taking his time, taking in the sights of Marmoreal Market, the eternal sunlight and the bustling crowd one last time. He thinks he can take the silence in Castrum Kremnos, but he doesn't know if he can take the lack of you.
Mydei stands in front of your door, hesitant. He wants to, he has to, knock on the door. He needs to see you one last time, to feel your lips on his again, to say goodbye even as it devastates both you and him. Because you deserve at least that much.
He raises his hand, and finally knocks. You don't answer, but he opens the door anyway. He knows your schedule like the back of his hand, and he knows you're home right now. He's proven right when he sees you standing in your kitchen, your back towards him as your arms rest on the counter. You don't turn to face him, and it hurts. He deserves it.
“(Y/n),” your name leaves his lips in a sound that's all too pleasing to your ears, but you resist the desire to turn around, to see him standing in front of you.
“Mydei.” His name leaves your lips, and he wishes that he wasn't going to do this.
Silence settles over, Mydei not daring to push you and you not daring to face him.
“...It's true, then? That you're leaving forever?” You force yourself to speak, desperately holding back the sobs that threaten to shatter your voice.
“Yes, that's why I've come to see you, one last time.” He is straightforward with his answer, because he knows that time is not and never on his side. He wants you to turn around, even if your face is stained by tears.
He takes a tentative step forward, unbecoming of a king like him. Gently, he takes you in his arms again, in a silent apology. You finally let your tears go, turning around to bury yourself in his chest, your tears running down your cheeks only to land on him.
You don't know how long you've stayed there, crying like a child in the arms of your lover. When your sobs finally calm down into hiccups do you speak.
“Stay a little longer, please?” You plead in your broken voice, your watery eyes meeting his. “Please, just until I fall asleep.”
Mydei has never been one to deny your requests, and he doesn't plan to start. He leads you to your room and settles on your bed, pulling you on top of him and holding you with a tenderness only you have had the privilege of seeing.
Even as your tears continuously fall, he doesn't say anything. All he does, and all he can do, is to just hold you one last time.
“Goodbye, my king.” You murmur, before he hears your breathing even. He waits a few moments before he manoeuvres himself out of the bed, taking great care to not wake you. He pulls the blanket over you and looks at you, trying to carve your every feature into his head. You'll always be beautiful to him, your visage forever home in him. He kneels by your side one last time, and lays a gentle kiss on your lips, savouring the feeling.
When Mydei steps out of your house and finally starts his path back home, he allows a tear to fall.
pretty in pink꒱mydei 'n fem reader ᰔ fluff 'n slight suggestive ⊹ word count 0.4k
MODERN!AU in which BOXER!MYDEIMOS is a professional who has held multiple world championships, nicknamed THE UNDYING known for his exceptional punching power, competitive and arrogant behavior, perfectly toned and healthy body, and famous significant other.
“If you want to know me better, observe me in battle or fight me yourself." He says this to everyone who dares to challenge him or deny his talent and skills unless it’s his pretty IDOL!GIRLFRIEND who he loves more than anything but Mydei is annoyed.
Not because of a loss—he doesn’t lose. Not because of training—it’s routine. No, he’s irritated because of you, his most beloved, and your questionable choices on Instagram.
A picture. A very damning picture was posted on your story.
It’s him, flexing a bicep with a pink ribbon tied around the muscle. His other arm is around your waist, effortlessly possessive. And now, the internet has seen it. His fans. His rivals. The Chrysos Heirs Organisation. The entire damn world.
“Delete it,” he says, voice low, controlled.
You, of course, are completely unbothered. Instead, you plop onto his lap, all smiles as you reach for his hair, playing with the braid you just finished styling. That iconic braid you did once became part of his new visual and styling set.
“Baby, I won’t delete it,” you say sweetly, twirling a strand between your fingers. “You look so hot, like always, but—”
“But?” He arches a brow, unimpressed. You bite back a grin, knowing full well why he’s upset. He can take a thousand punches, and shrug off every insult from his opponents, but the idea of being teased for something as harmless as a pink ribbon? Oh, that riles him up.
Worse, what if people somehow figure out that he likes pink? That his championship-winning boxing gloves had pink accents because he suggested it? That your latest album’s pink aesthetic wasn’t your idea but his?
Of course, you’d never tell anyone that. But teasing him? Oh, you’d do that forever.
“Princess,” he sighs, one strong hand rubbing your thigh, warm and grounding. At first, he didn't want to use pet names, but you got this man weak in the knees. He has no choice but to obey your every wish. What a loving and amazing boyfriend. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”
Your phone buzzes. The comment section is already in flames.
“The Undying got tamed?”, “Mydei, pink suits you!”, “Whipped.”
You giggle. He groans.
“I hate you,” he mutters.
“You love me,” you correct, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
His grip tightens, fingers digging in ever so slightly. A warning and a promise. You hum, tilting your head. “If you want me to delete it… fight me for it?”
His eyes suddenly shift from your thighс to your face, lips curling into a smirk as he mockingly chuckles. The dangerous zone you are entering now is going to eat you alive.
“Careful what you ask for, doll.”
Because in or out of the ring, Mydei never backs down from a challenge.
₊˚⊹ ᰔ IN WHICH mydei has been acting more suspicious lately, and the chrysos heirs are determined to get to the bottom of it.
content. fluff + crack! not proofread and probably ooc. happy valentines! 🫶
mydei is acting strange today.
it hasn't just been today, but the past few weeks that he's been off in his own head — mydei, who's known for bringing havoc wherever he steps, has been mysteriously off the grid.
he's only present in meetings in a physical sense, his mind obviously filled with thoughts about other matters unrelated to his job — he's not even present in the non-mandatory meetings (even though he always used to), nor does he bathe and cleanse in the palace's hero pools.
aglaea thinks a trial of judgement might have to be made, trianne thinks he's just homesick, but ultimately, the heirs decide that it's best for phainon to figure out what's going on with him.
so, he does.
mydei is always up before the sun begins to rise (that part hasn't changed for some reason, much to phainon's dismay), so he starts to tail him before it gets bright, hiding behind the tree bark as mydei gets ready for the new day, stepping out of his home and walking straight into the plaza.
things feel normal for the first few hours — his rival is meticulous in his work, so he oversees their small military force with great care, even if he looks a little out of it sometimes. phainon doesn't usually spend the day staring him down every second, so he chalks it up to the man taking small breaks when no one's watching.
the first alarm bells ring when mydei finishes work far faster than usual, and takes off as fast as he can.
the deliverer decides that a bird's eye view would be best to keep a keen eye on the warrior who seems to be in a rush to go somewhere.
he finds out two things in the five minutes he sprints after mydei: one, that running after him puts all of his other workouts to shame, and two, the place that he's so keen on going to is a chocolate store.
phainon stops in his tracks immediately, skidding on the wooden rooftop he was running on.
he takes the moment to catch his breath, huffs of air escaping his lips as he wonders what insane titan possessed mydeimos "health nut" the undying, who refused to drink sparkling water a week ago, to willingly step into and out of a sweets store of all places.
hurriedly, he pulls out his teleslate.
Phainon: He just walked out with like two boxes of chocolates
Castorice: are you sure that's the same mydei
Phainon: Trust me, I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it either
Aglaea: Chocolates? Is he alright?
Tribbie: maybe he's just feeling sad ☹️ get better mydei!
Castorice: we're rooting for you, mydei!
unless it's to check up on his people and buy local cuisines and ingredients from kremnos, mydei rarely lets his presence made known in public, especially in the local markets where citizens are constantly crowding the booths.
that's why the second alarm bell rings when he not only confidently enters the market, but peruses the selection carefully.
mydei walks around, his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes intense like a man on a mission as he glances over flowers, rings, stuffed dromas, and golden scarabs, before stopping at a second-rate shop.
phainon doesn't mean to assume, he really doesn't, but the shop looks unkempt at best, and suspicious at worst — a ratted purple tent covering the objects inside, the market is too open for him to move and find a different view, so he stays planted, crouching lower out of mydei's field of vision.
he watches with bated breath as an elderly man comes out, greeting mydei with a smile. the warrior gives him a polite one in return, bending down to whisper something in the man's ear.
phainon's too far away to hear the conversation, but the elder visibly stiffens when mydei speaks to him, immediately rushing back into the shop to grab a small box, and placing it into mydei's open palms.
mydei's gleeful smile almost looks evil when he clasps onto the box, patting the trembling man on the shoulder before heading on his way right back out.
for the second time, phainon reaches for his teleslate.
Phainon: I think he just robbed someone in the market
Aglaea: What?
Castorice: what
Tribbie: WHAT
Phainon: Should I confirm with the man or keep following him?
Aglaea: Keep following him. I'll send someone to the market, keep us updated.
Castorice: we're rooting for you, phainon!
putting the teleslate back in his pocket, he sighs, getting rather weary of mydei's incessant energy.
it's his duty as a chrysos heir to make sure another one isn't doing anything suspicious, though, so he'll honor it, even if it means stalking the man through the holy city until it's sunset.
he follows mydei right up to the edges of okhema, and the final alarm bell rings when he turns around, his eyes scanning everything on ground level as if to make sure there's no one to follow him, before slinking off into a back alley.
phainon thinks he might be going crazy. there's no way mydei of all people would be doing something shady, and much less illegal, would he?
a squeal echoes off the walls of the dark alleyway, interrupting his doubts.
he jumps into action imediately, jumping over a planter pot or two to get to the cry for help faster, his breath quickening as he sees a figure standing close to the heir. phainon automatically reaches for his claymore, his fingers itching and ready to protect an innocent before he hears the figure laugh.
it's a familiar laugh, he realizes, it's you, the regular he often sees at the baths.
he inches closer, peeking his head down past the rooftop, finding mydei opening the box of chocolates for you, an uncharacteristically soft smile playing on his features.
"mydei," you frown, "i thought we said we didn't want to do anything special for valentines."
"i wanted to surprise you," he inches it closer to you, "don't be foolish, take a bite."
"i can't!" a small whine enters your protest, "I didn't get you anything, how could i—?"
"take it," he insists. he drops his voice lower, a softer question escaping his lips, "for me?"
you feel your face heat up at the request. how could you say no to a face like that?
you pluck a chocolate heart from the box, pointing to it's twin that lives on the other side with your pinky finger, gesturing for mydei to pick it up. "c'mon, loverboy. only if you do too."
he rolls his eyes, picking up the heart.
phainon stares in abject horror as you feed the man the chocolate, pushing the sugar against his lips as he does the same to you. you end the exchange with another excited squeal, flinging yourself haphazardly into mydei's arms — he stumbles back just a little bit, small bars of chocolate littering the streets as he stabilizes himself against the stone, one arm wrapped around yours.
phainon's teleslate buzzes (has it been buzzing this entire time?), and he gets momentarily distracted from the scene below him to find castorice sending in another message.
Tribbie: i just checked with the man, he gave him a gift for his child! i think it was handmade by mydei, and he was refining it or something
Aglaea: Oh, that's quite sweet, actually.
Castorice: aww that's so cute!
Aglaea: Any news, Phainon?
Tribbie: i think he's ignoring us ☹️
Aglaea: He wouldn't dare.
Castorice: phainon, are you there?
he moves to respond, before glancing down at you once more. you're still hugging mydei, your face buried into his chest as you mumble something under your breath. the problem isn't you, no, but the man you have your arms wrapped around making direct eye-contact with phainon.
his eyes flicker from phainon's to yours, before he delicately pushes you off his body, his expression morphing into a kinder one.
"i still have another present for you," he presses a tender kiss to your forehead, "let's leave all the single people here and go somewhere else."
"hm, what people—?"
"ugly ones." he grabs your hand, cocking his head farther down the alleyway, "c'mon, there's a way out back this way."
you agree easily, following him without a care in the world — you don't really care where you go with mydei, as long as you get to be with him.
unbeknownst to you, mydei looks back to phainon —a rival, but a friend and confidant nonetheless, someone he could always rely on in the heat of battle — with a shit-eating grin on his face, the type of smug look that only a mother (and you, apparently) could love.
single, and ugly.
phainon's eye twitches.
Phainon: It's an imposter. I'll bring you his head, Aglaea.
the teleslate buzzes once more while he readies his claymore to demolish the man that can't be more than a few blocks down — the man probably laughing his ass off with you, and doing other couple stuff that phainon couldn't even dream about.
as far as he's concerned, though, love dies today.
Castorice: we're rooting for you, phainon!
i am so tired goodnight ueueueue will be dreaming about my phainon/mydei polycule 🙏🙏🙏
The sun shined bright in the vast blue sky, as it always did in the Eternal City. Each footstep you took felt more draining by the minute, like a harsh shackle had been placed onto the soft flesh, the chains rattling loudly inside your mind but the soft echoes within the massive hallway were a gentle reminder that was not the predicament you were in.
An intricate golden bowl was in your hands, its content filled to the brim with various red fruits to consume, the produce fresh and ripe. It was difficult to not grab a little something from the bowl as you walked down the hallway, the sweet juices of the fruit filling your mouth to the brim as you hummed in pleasure, glee shining in your eyes, a (somewhat) pathetic attempt at trying to keep your heartbeat steady and nerves at bay.
Speaking with Mydeimos could be such a daunting thing to do. Whenever his gaze would fall onto you, it felt as though the earth would just swallow your body whole. Tiny bugs most likely had a better standing in his eye than you ever did so why were you rushing to speak to him again?
With a nervous chuckle, you recalled the small acts of kindness the harsh prince would show you. No matter the function or event he would always save a seat for you somewhere, or how he always made sure you came out unscathed from battle or if he was feeling more generous than usual, perhaps be would even share his drink with you.
Naturally, whenever someone would call him out on these little shenanigans, Mydei would shut that person down with lightning speed. He's a lot of things but he is not impolite, he'd reason with a frown.
The relationship you had with him was odd. He terrified you to the core but you still could not bring yourself to genuinely dislike him. Earlier today you had noticed that the man was feeling down - his gaze felt heavier than usual whenever you'd lock eyes, his shoulders were both too rigid and slumped at the same time, everything about him was just off.
And what better way to cheer him up than to bring him something sweet to bite?
The chirping of birds could be heard in the distance as you neared the garden. Greenery and various blooms thrived all over the place, the occasional hint of gold bringing even more life into this small corner of heaven. In a matter of moments you spotted him sitting by his lonesome, golden hair shining brightly beneath the massive tree he sat under, his back facing you. The cascading shadows of the looming branches gave the otherwise serene garden a dark energy, as if some hidden evil was just waiting to jump at you. It gave an even bigger edge to Mydei, his figure looking even more massive than it usually was, the red markings on his body almost looking like real droplets blood, dripping down his being, a warning that you should not approach the resting beast.
Even beasts crave attention. Mydei was no different. Even with all his strength, even with all his might, his wisdom, his curse - he still had a heart, even if he did not act like it.
You carefully made you way towards the man as the grass beneath your feet gave way, masking the sound of upcoming footsteps. Inching closer and closer to him felt wrong but raw, as if you were testing your luck against something. The warrior said nothing as you stood behind him, which made you wonder if he was even aware of your presence.
"What brings you here, little pest?"
Ah, of course. How silly to think that he would be none the wiser of you being close, let alone right behind him. You felt like face palming due to your idiocy but it was too late to back out of this now. Lowering yourself onto the ground, you placed the golden bowl right next to the man, the red fruit tempting him to take a bite.
Wordlessly, he did.
Golden claws inched close to the bowl, his hand now full with strawberries, raspberries and pomegranate seeds as he brought it to his mouth and swallowed it all down with a single gulp.
Wow. Perhaps bringing him a drink would have also been appropriate...
You sat like that in silence with him, your arms resting on your lap as you watched Mydei scarf down the fine fruit, his Adam apple boping up and down each time he would swallow. If he was not so fast, perhaps it could have even been hypnotizing... In a matter of moments, the bowl was completely empty and Mydei let out a sigh, his head now slightly turned towards you. He hummed, the sound low and rumbly, as if he was trying to figure out what to say. His red eye almost looked like a slit underneath the shadows which made you gulp accidentally.
He snorted, the sound loud and amused.
"You are such a confusing person. Has anyone ever told you that?" asked Mydei, his voice even and composed.
"I scare the living daylights out of you, and yet, you never fail to seek me out."
He... He was not wrong. Each time he would open his mouth, you felt like bursting into tears. Whenever he would go out of his way to talk to you, his words would always sting like nothing else, the harsh jabs wounding your heart in the process.
But even with all of the hurt, all of the discomfort he would cause you, there was a bizarre sense of comfort there. It felt less like the sweet embrace of safety and more like a thorny promise to always be there, no matter what. Perhaps you were a little insane, because why else would you do this?
You didn't even realize that you had outstretched your hands and had started to wrap them around his body. Halfway through the action you had realized just what you were doing, which the prince noticed by the sudden jolt. Warmth consumed you both as he allowed you to stay there, to embrace him in the shadows as he pondered on what he ought to do with you.
He hated you. He hated how weak you made him, utterly despised how he felt his soul come to life whenever you took time to pamper him like this. Bringing him fruits, honestly...
Your worst crime of all was having such a fragile and gentle heart. In his eyes, he could easily rip it open, claws tainted with your blood as he could already picture you begging him for mercy, to please not harm you and he would grin, because you had no right to hold so much power over him.
There were many things he wished to say. Many jabs, so many truths he wished to reveal but he ultimately chose not to.
Seeing you willingly come to him like this was enough for him. Even the strongest of predators needed to plan accordingly. Right now, he would bide his time and strike when it was right. Mydei was ready to sink his claws and fangs deep inside you and perhaps you'd let him.
That was the true horror of the situation at hand. The fact that he could maul you beyond recognition and you still would not have the heart to hate him... How dastardly.
How precious.
As a beast, he was pleased to know that such fine prey had so willingly submitted to him. But, as a man, his heart could not help but to shed a tear at the thought that there was someone who actually cared.
as heir to the throne, you were more than prepared to face the consequences of losing a war. your duty will forever remain for as long as you breathe, and if that meant bearing the weight of countless sacrificed souls and carrying it with you for the rest of your life, or even being forced to watch your land burn before your eyes was the price you had to pay, then so be it.
the last consequence you could have ever expected and were the least prepared for, however, was an offer of marriage from the ruler of the victorious nation.
CONTAINS : gn!reader, 3.5k wc, fluff, slightly suggestive ending, royalty!au, marriage of convenience (kind of), vague mentions of war & blood, mentioned assassination attempt, mentions of having children (very vague and in the "heir to the throne" kind of way), use of "mydeimos" and "mydei", reader is having an existential crisis; mydei is, um, mydei-ing, written pre-3.0
A/N : is this ooc? um... we will find out haha !! (the moment i saw this man i was wondering how i could royal au-ifiy him (outside of him already being a crown prince, that is). i thought of him being a mercenary or personal guard, but @sfznyxio ty for putting the words 'king' and 'mydei' in the same sentence when u showed his drip in the server bc this idea was born and now i am terminally unwell for him 🙏 but also how did this turn into an actual fic when it was literally a 2 para brainrot in discord... where did this plot come from...)
King Mydeimos, present ruler of Kremnos Kingdom, is infamous across the lands. He is a rumoured tyrant thought to have killed his bloodline in order to obtain this position, whose name alone strikes fear into many, and the very same being who just won the war against your own kingdom.
When marching through the capital to reach the steps of the palace after seizing victory and bathed in the lights of glory, his troops following close behind, you thought he would demand for the materialistic spoils such as the kingdom’s trove, maybe choose to seize control over the defeated land and its troops, or perhaps even wreak further havoc within the castle walls. Given the name he has built for himself, it certainly wouldn't surprise you if he decided to forgo all formality and instead brandish his sword like a blood-bathed barbarian.
And so when he appears in the palace entrance, the setting sun giving his rugged appearance a far more... put together look than expected (you refuse to admit the enemy's ruler to be... handsome, of all things), a recitation of prayers hammered into your head throughout the years of etiquette training spring to mind. If you're destined to fall here, you at least wish to perish with thankful thoughts!
...At least, that was the original plan.
So why is it now you're hearing him ask your father and mother, the king and queen of this now defeated kingdom, for your hand in marriage? Where did this sudden formality come from? No, why is he suddenly bowing to his defeated enemies? And— lord almighty above, did he really have to do this here and now? In front of your nation's high council and his own men, no less!
It is safe to assume every jaw except for Mydeimos' dropped into the nether realm, all eyes gawking at his tall, unperturbed figure bowing in respect towards your parents in the centre.
Having probably sensed the rather awkward air bubbling amidst the dumbfounded troops, your parents turn to you in wait for your decision. Despite the apparent pleas in their eyes for you to not agree to such a ludicrous turn of events, what choice do you really have other than to accept? Who knows what this so-called tyrant could do should you refuse this offer when he is being so lenient!
An audible gulp escapes the base of your throat the moment his scalding gaze locks onto you after your hesitant words of approval, searing a trail of where his eyes trails onto your skin.
Seriously, you haven't been on the receiving end of many — if any — wars, but you're almost positive they don't end this... pleasantly, for a lack of better words.
(Who would've thought you would be a spoils of war, as opposed to the national treasure trove...)
Set to depart when the sun rises, there is little time to gather your bearings and your belongings. Servants are bustling while your parents crowd around you, asking if you're really going to go through with this and, “You can say no! If they don't take your rejection well, we can smite them with our army!”
To that, all you have to say is, “...What army? They're all dead.”
They didn't take that very well, if their concerning increase in flowing tears have anything to say about it.
The send-off is nothing too grandiose, save for the entire palace standing at the gates shouting farewells through tear-streaked wails and blowing handkerchiefs. Your parents are at the forefront of it all. Your mother holds your hands as she tells you to return promptly if it gets too much regardless of the consequences (you appreciate the sentiment, but you don't want to burden your family nor your nation because of a dislike), while your father stands before Mydeimos with an order for him to treat you well and respectfully and, “If you damage even a mere hair on my beloved child's head, I will have your head on display!”
...Perhaps that would have been more threatening if not for the slight tremble of his legs and waver in his voice but, again, you appreciate the sentiment. Mydeimos, if anything, takes it in stride with a calm nod of his head and a promise to take care of you. Really, does anything other than the battlefield phase him...?
Soon you're in the carriage and settled opposite your soon-to-be husband, on your way to your new life with a heavy heart. Is this what all your training to take over the throne has surmounted to? Have all your efforts and dedication spent on being the perfect heir for your kingdom simply come down to being wed to an enemy nation's ruler?
Well, perhaps “enemy” is not the right term anymore; not when both your kingdom's are now in a mutually beneficial alliance, along with the promise for one of your heirs becoming next in line for your kingdom's throne.
Ha! What makes him so sure you will have more than one between you?
...Was what you had asked back when he first made the declaration to your parents, only for him to respond in kind with, “If you'd rather adopt, then we can do so.”
(Bastard. Can't he break composure at least a little?)
As the ride drags on, silence permeates. Whether it is the lingering nerves you hid from your parents or this suffocating intimidation confined within the small carriage space, one question still remains at the forefront of your mind: why did he decide to marry you? Truly, it miffs you. He could have just left you to suffer in the downfall of your nation if he wished to do so, or even let you stay as the heir to the now-allianced kingdom.
Upon questioning his motives for your hand in marriage, his response was merely a slow blink before uttering, "The council wouldn't stop pestering me about getting married."
Oh. Was it really that simple of a reason?
Lips pursed, you press a little more. “Then why did you add benefits, such as an alliance with my kingdom? Even if you, King Mydeimos, were to just—”
“Mydei.”
“—just cut down…” trailing off at the sudden interruption, you blink at his cross-armed figure seated across from you. “Oh, um, what?”
“Mydei,” he repeats once more, attention solely focused on you. “No need to bother with formalities. Just refer to me as such.”
“Oh, well, alright... Mydei?” At your uncertain tone, he nods, as though urging for you to carry on. “Right, well, as I was saying... What was I saying...?”
Without missing a beat, he responds, “You were asking why I offered your kingdom a mutually beneficial alliance when I have the means to cut down the nation with brute force and take what I want through violence.”
“Oh, right…” Huh. Did you say all of that? Well, you certainly were thinking of it, but were you that harsh in your wording? Considering how he recited it all without hesitation, you probably did say all of that, with him being a pretty good listener and you perhaps needing to think over your words before you speak them. “So what is your answer to my curiosity?”
“I simply thought you would be happier if I spared your land and made an offer both of us would benefit from.”
“...I see. Well, thank you for your consideration.”
“Think nothing of it.”
And so the ride continues in silence once more, though this time you find yourself more at ease compared to the prior situation. You, however, still have your doubts about the benefits he gave with the alliance proposal, amongst the absurdity of this entire situation.
...Is the man sitting before you really the feared tyrannical ruler people made him out to be? Surely he is being far too merciful for someone of such reputation. There has been no threats, no coercion (well, if you don’t count the whole marriage fiasco as such, but you did willingly agree to it…), no usage of violence — did people perhaps badmouth the wrong monarch?
Then again, the majority of his prowess and achievements stem from the battlefield. Was all this information just mere hearsay from those jealous of his noteworthy feats, or do their words truly hold some merit in their claim? And really, what do you know about Mydei? From his thoughts, to his motives, to the reasoning behind each action… you know nothing.
Well, considering how he has entertained each of your whims thus far, he has the ability to entertain one more, right?
“Mydei, if I may,” you start, looking to him for approval to continue. When he nods encouragingly, you continue. “You said you made an offer we would both benefit from. While I acknowledge the military and protection we receive from you, what benefit do you reap from us?”
Had you not been eyeing him so intently, perhaps the subtle stiffening of his muscles or twitch of his fingers would have remained unnoticed.
“Apart from the high quality agricultural and material trade, I have obtained one more thing. Rather than a benefit, however,” he trails off, gaze shifting to the carriage floor. His voice tapers slightly, subtleties of fondness seeping into his tone. When his eyes move to meet your own once more, your mouth runs dry at the undeniable warmth which swirls within his gaze, the rapid pounding of your heart betraying your thoughts. “I consider meeting and having the privilege of marrying you to be the most priceless of rewards I could have obtained.”
(...Who knew a subtle smile could be so beautiful.)
Settling into your new role as the co-ruler of Kremnos was a far easier transition than you’d anticipated. Despite some initial apprehension at your sudden intrusion into the citizen’s lives and you being from another nation, the reactions you were greeted with upon arrival were well-within your expectations.
Apprehension? Sure. Skepticism? Great. Concern over your abilities? Fantastic! Immediate, wholehearted acceptance with preparations already made for your arrival? Um… Come again?
Yes. Compared to the civilian’s very normal, completely expected doubt and uncertainty about you being thrust into the role of their new co-ruler, the same cannot be said about the palace staff. The moment Mydei helped you out of the carriage, a line of servants were at the ready, lined up with the necessary preparations already made to look after you. Your dumbfoundedness must have been quite obvious for Mydei to take note, squeezing your hand with enough pressure and warmth to anchor you down and fill you with comfort before guiding you through the tunnel of awaiting servants ready to receive his orders.
While a little unnerving the palace staff’s ready acceptance and preparation for your arrival may have been, you cannot deny the flicker of warmth which surges when spotting something that reminds you of home.
That particular fruit you enjoy only found in your homeland? An abundance has been procured with the palace gardener equipped with all the necessities used to grow it, alongside a bed of your favourite assortment of flowers already beginning to show signs of blooming.
There was a certain dessert you enjoyed partaking in? Look no further, for the palace patissier has already mastered all the techniques needed to make it the most delicious version you have ever tasted!
Oh, you’re used to having a certain textile in each of your fabrics and certain colours are more to your preference? Don’t worry, the temporary bedroom used until your wedding is made to your liking, and once the wedding is complete your shared bedroom will have all the necessary arrangements!
Truly, the experience of having practically everything needed for your stay to be comfortable already prepared was an… interesting one, to say the least.
It doesn’t escape you, however, the manner in which everyone is rigid in demeanour and stiff with etiquette when in the presence of Mydei. Ducking their heads to avoid eye contact, tensing their bodies as though afraid one subtle movement will trigger his wrath, rushing away as quickly as possible once given their respective orders.
He doesn’t appear bothered; if anything, matters outside of you and battle don’t seem to move him at all. He merely regards everything as a duty to be carried out, an honour to uphold and see through so long as he bears the weight of his title.
Despite his admitted nonchalance for most matters, you have seen him be expressive on several accounts.
Like that time you were both strolling through the extensive garden holding pleasant conversation about each other’s day, stopping to admire the roses and ready to sing the gardener’s praises, only to catch the smile and unfairly soft expression directed towards you. (Seriously, the difference a smile and relaxed expression can make on his features should be criminal.)
Or the days you choose to visit the training ground and catch the battle-hardened fervour of a warrior which radiate so starkly within his typically stoic demeanour, easily parrying and holding his own against even a large number of his knights rushing to best him, only to hastily avert your eyes when he takes note of your presence and amble his way towards you with a towel in hand. (Well, his torso is practically on full-display all day, but somehow seeing him entirely shirtless after a particularly gruelling training is a little… different.)
Not to mention that one night during your third month in Kremnos wherein an assassin managed to slip through surveillance and sneak into your room, only to be thwarted mere moments before the fatal strike as a sword pierced their torso, their cries of agony quickly silencing and the flecks of warmth clinging to your skin promptly discarded as the deafening hammering of your heart drowned out everything in the vicinity. You weren’t sure how long you were out of it for, but the image of Mydei’s distraught expression and uncharacteristic loss of composure is a sight you’re certain will never leave, much like the rare vulnerability found in his fragile, broken whispers of, “Not again... I thought I’d lost you again. Why must fate be so cruel? Please… Just this once, stay with me until the end.”
(You never really questioned how Mydei caught wind of the attempt or what he meant by his whispered words, too caught up in your near-death experience to properly process anything, but the immeasurable relief upon being embraced within his familiarity was undeniable as you melted into him, allowing him to stay by your side for the night and then the following nights soon after as his attentiveness only grew.)
The time from your first arrival has flown, and now, five months later, the long-awaited wedding is finally being held.
The ceremony itself was nothing too grand. Despite Mydei asking for your thoughts and preferences on how the ceremony should be held, the ideas he’d suggested aligned perfectly with your own preferences: a simple ceremony with the necessary guests in attendance for privacy, a ceremonial carriage ride through the capital to honour the matrimonial bond between you alongside quelling any uncertainties the citizens may have, and to end it all off with a banquet to diminish the doubt brewing from within the nobility of high society.
Thankfully, everything went off without a hitch. Your parents attended the ceremony and greeted you with a tearful embrace upon seeing you in your wedding attire. As it turns out, they will be staying as guests within the palace for about a week, all thanks to Mydei’s preparations. Apparently.
(Upon asking your parents who is taking care of the kingdom’s affairs in their place, you probably should have suspected it to be the trusted, overworked aide who has been by your father’s side since young. Despite his already cushy salary, he should get a raise for having to deal with all this.)
And as you stand here now, chatting idly with some of the knights in attendance who were present in the whole proposal fiasco, you find yourself believing that perhaps your new life here will not be as bad as you feared.
You have to admit, letting loose every now and then is rather rewarding. After all those mental and passive aggressive battles with some of the nobles before eventually gaining their respect and approval (you didn’t have strict heir training just to have nothing to show for it!), you can now relax and let the night pass by. With the knights talking joyfully amongst themselves, you’re sure the night will fly by.
Their topic of conversation shifts constantly, ranging from battle tactics to which is the best amongst savoury, sweet, or spicy to debates about whether that one maid and apprentice chef are secretly dating.
Eventually, the topic of conversation loops back around to your newly sealed marriage; you know, the whole premise for the current celebration. One of the knights, tickled a light pink in the face from the warmth of the venue and the drink half-emptied in hand, turns to you with a jovial grin.
“Y’know, until you came into the picture, I’ve never seen our king so happy and expressive. It’s a nice change.”
Another chimes, “Yeah! I’ve definitely seen him smile a few times when you visit the training grounds! Though he still glares daggers into my soul when we spar…”
“That’s because you suck and His Majesty gets a migraine just from the sight of your sloppy footwork.”
“Wha— hey! You’re the one with a weak swing and can’t even break the training dummy in one strike!”
“I’m telling you the material is tougher on the ones I’m given!”
A breathy laugh escapes you at their back and forth. Sometimes you forget how playful the knights can be outside of their intimidating demeanour, though you suppose their leader is similar in his own right.
Taking a light sip from your drink, the chatter of the knights slowly die down. Just as you’re about to ask if everything is alright, a warmth you have become able to identify looms over your back. It doesn’t take a genius to know why they stopped their bickering.
“What were you all discussing?” Mydei asks, moving to stand beside you with a drink of his own in hand. You weren’t expecting to see him until later, what with how swamped he appeared with greetings and talks of his own.
His knights seemed to have thought the same as you, if their apparent dumbfounded reactions were anything to go by.
“Oh, um, well…”
“We were, uh…”
“We were just chatting like good ole pals, haha…”
Stifling a laugh at their poor attempts, you decide it would be best to give them a helping hand. Mydei’s curious gaze certainly isn’t helping their case.
With an amused sigh you begin, “Nothing much. Just how much they admire and look up to you—”
“We were discussing how your dear spouse thoroughly enjoys the sight of your body at the training grounds!”
A deafening silence.
…You take back every nice thing you said about them. You hope Mydei exchanges all the training dummies except for his own for super-ultra-mega tough ones, just so they can feel the embarrassment you currently do when they are unable to break a mere training dummy.
First off, how did they even know this highly confidential information?! You most certainly were not openly ogling at your now-husband! (At least, you hope you weren’t…)
Second of all, here you were trying to help them save face from all their bickering, and what do you get in return? A loss of your own!
And third of all, that is blatant slander! In front Mydei, their king and commander, and your spouse, no less!
Ha ha. You don't know whether to laugh or cry at this turn of events.
In hopes of salvaging what remains of your thoroughly battered and bruised image, And there it appears, you quickly turn towards Mydei, a myriad of retorts ready to fire on the tip of your tongue. It fizzles out just as quickly as it appears upon what you find yourself gazing at. Though barely noticeable, the lingering remnants of his laughter which spill from that wretched curve of his lips never fails to speed up this traitorous heart of yours. And when his unabashedly amused gaze meets your own mortified one, your mind regains its former desperation.
Before you can think up a retort in a last-ditch effort to save face, he swiftly leans into your ear and whispers, “I would like to hear more about this. Perhaps you can enlighten me when we return to our quarters later.”
…Nevermind. Perhaps it is Mydei who should be getting the super-ultra-mega tough training dummy so he can taste humiliation for the first time in his life.
(However, despite the horrendously dizzying flush you are currently victim to, if it meant seeing his warm gaze and heart-melting smile more often then, perhaps, you wouldn’t mind embarrassing yourself in front of him every now and then.)
(Not too often, of course. That would be too much.)
if you enjoyed this, reblogs and/or comments are greatly appreciated <33
trivia !!
wanted to add this section in case some might be wondering why i went with the timeloop trope yet again (if u did not figure that out from the bits and pieces throughout the fic + mainly the assassination attempt scene then, um, oops. haha.) BUT !! i actually decided to do a spin of his lore for it.
so in his drip market post, it says:
Kremnos, swallowed by mist! City riven between chaos and war! The blood of patricide flows through its royal line, and its god bears the title of calamity.
The undying Mydeimos, the lion apart from the rest. O Chrysos Heir that seeks the Coreflame of Strife, you must suffer a thousand deaths, be bathed in blood on the path home, and bear the madness of fate alone, for one was must slay a god to become one. Iron-hooves pound across the wilderness for the campaign, and must eventually soak in the blood of their homeland.
and mydei is also known by the following aliases "the last prince" and "the undying". now all of this info is more than likely referring to his ability to survive torturous pain, as opposed to dying and and resurrecting a thousand times (or maybe i am right... who knows...), but my first thoughts went to how he had the ability to come back to a certain point in this past after the so-called fate drove him to madness which he alone must bear.
in this context, i wanted for him to be a king who suffered a thousand deaths, but lived through a thousand lives of the same never-ending fate, doomed to watch the fall and bear the madness and watch as you in each and every lifetime suffer at the hands of a fate he cannot save you from. and that is why he marries you because he knows you even if you do not know him and will always choose to lead the same path if it means he has you by his side once more.
...does this make sense? maybe it does, maybe it does not, but what matters is it made sense to me ;w;
oops got a little carried away there with lore and theories um !! haha !! anywho that is enough from me ,,, if u read this trivia then hi !! ty for sitting through and reading my deep dive into the crumbs of lore and how i put my own spin on it :'D
Most of the time, MC views their friends and lovers as normal civilians, just people trying to get by. But, of course, there are times where they can't help but remember that they're the elites of the elites.
Lucifer's red eyes are glowing through the shadow casted by the dark alley where a low-level demon thought it would be nice to stand in his path, "Huh?" He mumbled to himself then scoffed "Huh." they sounded the same to you, but the way he looked down at the demon, it surely is different treatment from how he is to you.
It's insane how much Mammon treats other people. Sure, you've come with him to play in the casino before, but this is your first time entering a... Private room. And surely, this is your first time seeing someone, Mammon, go crazy while playing Russian roulette. His beautiful laugh boomed inside the room as his opponent is about to pull the trigger, the suicide shot. "Haaah, shit! This is the type of shit I live for!" He laughed as he nuzzled on your neck while waiting for his opponents brain to scatter on the wall.
You thought Leviathan is just an extreme case of introvertness, but obviously—it's not just that. "Yeah, yeah..." He mumbled, bored, as countless nobles came to greet the head of the navy. But there was this one interesting occurance, a noble that held his hand. Sure his composure was commendable but as soon as the noble turned its back, his hand covered his mouth and you saw a glimpse of him stick his tongue out as if vomiting. Your eyes widened. Soon, maids started hurrying to his side, changing his gloves and spraying his hands with alcohol. "Opportunistic pigs... I hate greed demons." You heard him whisper, obviously not intending for you to hear.
Satan was the type to stay calm and often as a gentleman, maybe to you only. During one meeting between some nobles though, he looked particularly mad. "You sure have a lot to say." He suddenly gave off a threatening smile as he fix his position on the seat, then all of a sudden—splat. That disgusting sound rang on your ears as the head of the noble was blown away and then you saw a familiar tail coming from under the table that pierced the nobles head strong enough for it to blow away.
the small things genshin men do when they’re in love with you (can be read as pre-established or already established relationship)
word count : 414
genre : fluff fluff fluff
warnings : none!
GENSHIN MEN who always have a ready supply of your favourite snacks to hand, so when you finally mention you’re hungry, they hold out a begrudged hand and mumble “here.” (inside he’s screaming that he was the one who came to your aid) (yes, it was by giving you a sweet treat, and what about it?)
scaramouche, alhaitham, + your fav
GENSHIN MEN who always, without fail, return with a gift of something that reminded them of you after going out. whether it be something small, like a bouquet of flowers or a souvenir from whichever land they went to, or an elegant necklace embedded with crystals that would, and i quote, “compliment your eyes perfectly”
zhongli, diluc, thoma, neuvillette, ayato, kazuha, + your fav
GENSHIN MEN whose eyes immediately scan any room he enters for a glimpse of you, his mood throughout the time he has to be there heavily depending on your presence. a teasing grin spreads across his face as he locks eyes with you because, after all, what’s the point of him being there if you’re not?
kaeya, childe, lyney, + your fav
GENSHIN MEN who “subtly” inch closer to you as you sit together, always needing to have some part of their body touching you, even if it’s just their knee. (the same men will also act as ifyou’re imagining things if you call him out – “what? I was always sitting like this” in whatever tone seems fitting to them).
scaramouche, xiao, kaveh, kazuha, + your fav
GENSHIN MEN who will shamelessly through his arm over your shoulder in public, when you’re sitting together, walking together, honestly whenever its convenient. no, this does not change if you’re not dating. like i said, shameless.
itto, kaeya, childe + your fav
GENSHIN MEN who, before you start dating, glare down any man or woman that attempts to approach you, or even look as if they want to approach you, leaving you to complain “why don’t people ever approach me?”, missing the almost smug look on his face. (he knows that if he doesn’t ask you out, someone else will, but he’s too stubborn to admit he likes you)
scaramouche, xiao, alhaitham, kaeya, + your fav
GENSHIN MEN who offer you their shoulder when they notice you’re even the slightest bit sleepy, even if it’s barely noticeable. they are very perceptible, and always the gentlemen.
zhongli, diluc, kazuha, albedo, ayato, thoma, + your fav
They would do it in a heartbeat because without you there is no world. They don't care if it's wrong, all they care about is you, so don't you dare think they would ever let something harm you. Screams were heard all around you, and it wasn't very pleasant, they could tell, so they held you close and never let go. The danger was gone, nothing could harm you now and you were safe, all is fine... They swore to protect you and they will never break that promise. "I love you more than you could ever imagine" They said, trying to make you focus on them and not the fire behind you, "I love you too"
--: SCARAMOUCHE, Xiao, Acheron, CAPITANO, Arlecchino, Raiden Ei, Aventurine + Your Favs
I would let you burn for the world
They love you, they really do, but their Hero of a heart can't just let all those people die, they can't do it. They would rather kill the 'love of thier life' than watch so many innocent die. They cry as they hold the sword to your throat, they cry so much you would've thought you were dreaming. But you weren't, and the pain was real, so very real and you couldn't even cry. "I loved you..." were the last words they heard before your lifeless body fell into their arms.
pairings. blade, jingliu, gepard ; xiao, scara/wanderer x gn!reader
BLADE would. if it's you, then he'll sacrifice and leave everything behind all for the sake of you. but there's a feeling within him that tells him to sacrifice himself instead. letting everyone live on but at the same time, he still gets to save you. though, if we're talking just you against the world, then he wouldn't hesitate to let the world burn and watch every single being set ablaze with you beside him. you've practically became the remedy for his immortality. and a life without you felt like a curse just by thinking about it. "it's okay, blade." you say as your lover turns to you with a puzzled expression. "what is?" "to choose everyone else over me." he flicks your forehead harshly, making you frown. he was picking you and he wouldn't have it any other way.
JINGLIU would. no traces of hesitation found. her devotion towards you was infinite, and she wasn't about to betray her promise to you. she would choose you over and over again in this lifetime into the next and each one after that. because as long as she had you there with her, she didn't need the presence of anybody else. "you have no idea how much of a hold you have of me." she mutters, voice no louder than a whisper. caressing your under eyes, admiring how peaceful you looked as you slept soundly on her lap.
GEPARD wouldn't. his heart ached at the thought of losing you. he wanted to choose you, be there when you wake up. but as the captain of the silvermane guards who swore to maintain the peace of belobog until the day of his very last breath, he knew he wasn't in the right position to embrace the feeling of you in his arms and watch as the world breaks. "don't cry. please." you plead, wiping the tears that streamed down his cheeks with you thumbs. "i understand. okay?" you keep on saying that, but you had no idea how much he hated himself at that moment. he was basically on his knees begging for your forgiveness even though you already did so. it took everything in him to refrain himself from letting his deepest desires get the best of him.
XIAO wouldn't. you knew, he knew, you both expected his exact answer. and you tried your best to perceive how hard this was for him the same way it was difficult for you. much like blade, if he had the choice to give himself up instead, he would've done it. securing both the safety of his beloved and teyvat itself. his body molding into yours, refusing to let go. refusing to accept that this will be the last time he'd ever be able to hold you again this close. he sobs on your shoulder, staining your clothing. "shhh.. my love, you did the right thing. and i forgive you. i always will." the softness of your voice brought out his side of vulnerability that he will never allow anyone to ever see again other than you.
SCARAMOUCHE would. is that even a question? he was all prepared to leave this one heck of a world behind and be with you for eternity. he couldn't care any less of what he might be considered as. because in the end, he had you. his everlasting love that he shared with you was the one thing that kept him going. "isn't this exaggeration? could've just finished me off.." you whispered, toying with your fingers. your sentence threw him off. "and there i thought you've stopped being so stupid." you gave him a cheeky smile. an expression of yours he was ready to kill for.
okok with the all the different scenarios of wanderer having different significant others, i wanna ask one more (bc your interpretation of wanderer is just so???? good???? yeah the other anon is right, if you said you worked for hoyo id believe you)
what if wanderer had a half-human partner of sorts? they aren't limited to a mortal lifespan, yet they aren't immortal either? (i hope this isn't confusing in anyway)
In case you’re a half-human or a member of a humanoid long-life yet not immortal species (like Foxians from Star Rail universe, for example) Wanderer’s attitude won’t be that different from that he would’ve displayed towards his human partner. The problem of separation will remain – it doesn’t matter if you have an additional four hundred years (or so) to live, for you are fated to succumb to natural death and leave him anyway.
He will simply outlive you. And since he doesn’t want that intense emotional pain that comes with the loss of a cherished person to bother him anymore, distancing himself from you will be his natural response to the potential source of misery. He might eventually change his mind and accept the truth that treating you coldly for four centuries straight is stupid because your lifespan is still superior to that of a human (and thus he’d have just the right amount of time to derive genuine pleasure from your relationship instead of waking up to harsh reality once those extremely short fifty years left for his human lover to live would’ve passed in a blink), but it’d certainly not happen overnight – that ice that imprisons his invisible yet tender heart will definitely not melt so quickly.
If members of your race are blessed with durability or if you (as a half-human hybrid) harbor unusual strength yourself, he’ll be willing to discard some rules – you’ll still be able to accompany him and contribute to your battle achievements together, have real fun and all of that. But on the emotional side of things, he’d prefer to keep his aloof, apathetic, and bitter front. Love is a sin and strong attachments are the bane of any living being’s existence; if he exposes himself to any of those for too long, he’ll fall into that pit of despair himself. Again. And he certainly does not want to repeat the same mistake twice, for he has had enough.
Wanderer is not ready to end his story, for he has many things to do and some scores yet to settle. But he’d not object if you decide to join him on his journey – even if you’ll depart sooner or later, he’d at least learn to enjoy that special “battle couple” bond you’d form. Don’t expect to make love under the trees or something, however – while he was taught to embrace the cruelty of this world instead of cursing it and vowing to burn it, he is not sure he’d be able to subdue his very special brand of grief when you shall “abandon” him after all that “explicit romance” you had together – it’s not the kind of consequence he wants his second life to be impacted by.
Yet it might happen. And if he can prevent it from happening, then he’s more than willing to deny himself the satisfaction of giving and receiving passionate love. At the end of the day, it's not as if he was made to long after something so human as “love” in the first place... Right?
⋆.˚ - Genshin impact characters getting jelly when you recieve flowers and love letters by someone other than themselves !
⋆.˚ - Gender neutral reader & they are referred as "partner"
⋆.˚ - cw's: jealousy , petnames such as 'dove' , 'my love' are used.
⋆.˚ - a/n: i missed writing , sorry for being away for a while <3 anyway, I'm so bored and i need more requests ! And i might start writing for other fandoms soon , maybe.
━━ ౨ৎ 𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐑
It was no suprise that you were indeed popular amongst your friends and colleagues at work; you were pretty , smart , nice and everything someone could want in a person. Which unfortunately for Wanderer , made you very desirable to others.
"What is that ?" he hissed and pointed at the paper in your hand with a heart shaped wax seal. "It's a letter, dear." you replied shortly . You earned a scoff from him, "I know what it is. What does it say?"
He visibly gagged at the loving words written onto the paper. "...cringe." he tore it from your hands and threw it away. "Don't be so cruel, they probably poured their whole heart our into that." you frowned at him.
You earned a scoff from him, " So what? You're my partner and everyone should know that by now. " Wanderer is such a drama queen. "Calm down, you're acting like I reciprocate their feelings..." you rolled your eyes at him.
"Do you?" his face darkened . You giggled, "of course not ! You know I love you." you placed a hand on top of his and he finally gave you a small smile, "I love you too."
━━ ౨ৎ 𝐊𝐀𝐙𝐔𝐇𝐀
Kazuha rarely feels any jealousy towards anyone who shows affection to you; because you deserve all the love you can get! However , one person in particular has taken a liking to you to the point you're suffocated by them every second with gifts. And Kazuha is fed up with feeling like the third wheel.
"Are those from them?" Kazuha asked , gesturing at the bouquet of roses in your arms. "mhm!" you hummed back. "oh...they're nice." he put on a half fake smile. You noticed this and took his hand in yours, "Are you okay?"
"Yes...why wouldn't I be?" he raised an eyebrow. "You look upset." Kazuha looks down at the roses, "Do these gifts not bother you, dove? don't you get annoyed?" He squeezed your hand.
"hmmm...actually now that you mention it, sometimes it's too much. Do you dislike the gifts?" you wanted Kazuha to open up more to you. "uh...maybe." he said it with hesitation. "they're getting close to you, too close for my liking."
"it's completely fine to feel that way. Kazuha, you know you're the only one I have my eyes on , right?" you giggled lightly. "I know . I don't think you're the type of person to run off with another man." Kazuha removed the roses from your hands so he could wrap his arms around you in a very warm hug.
when someone else flirts with you in front of them.
heizou, wanderer, neuvillette ♡ gn!reader
warnings: not proofread, neuvillette may be ooc, wanderer is a little crazy 😊
notes: i played heizous hangout quest and he got me 😭😭
frankly, heizou is amused.
"you're beautiful," some random stranger states, "do you happen to be free this weekend?"
you blink in confusion, glancing back and forth between the detective and the strange person. does he not see the way heizou's hand is linked with yours?
"well, someone clearly isn't a detective," heizou states, not bothering to lower the volume of his voice. when the person still doesn't quite understand what heizou means, he lifts your laced hands up to eye-level, emphasizing the fact that he's not letting go anytime soon.
"please don't interrupt," the stranger states, suddenly feigning ignorance to heizou's presence.
"oh!" heizou exclaims, unbothered. "sorry about that!" you can tell by the look on his face and the tone of his voice that shikanoin heizou is, in fact, not sorry. he's not sorry at all.
heizou brings the back of your hand up to his lips, staring directly at the stranger whilst doing so. still, the random man does not budge.
"what's up with this guy?" heizou mumbles, loud enough for just you to hear. you laugh, and heizou can't seem to tear his eyes away from you, his gaze belonging wholly to your existence.
when the stranger glares at him, heizou merely shrugs, a smirk fixed onto his face. the oblivious person then turns to you, a gentle smile on his face.
"might i have the honor of knowing your name? i am kenzaburou kadenokouji, and seeing you has blessed me with the inspiration to write my greatest upcoming novel: 'i was reincarnated as the raiden shogun's plane of euthymia, where i did nothing for 500 years before finally meeting the love of my life in the middle of the city?!'"
your mouth hangs agape, flabbergasted at this surreal experience.
heizou, however, is not fazed in the slightest. "is this based off of true events?"
"do not interrupt an artist's craft," kadenokouji replies, before extending a hand towards your free one.
so he knows i'm holding their hand, is all heizou thinks. without another thought, the detective pushes the writer's palm away, tugging you towards him.
"you're going to need to find inspiration from someone else! my intuition tells me that this isn't going to work out," heizou declares, his thumb coming to rub the back of your hand, as if he's trying to reassure you.
(you think that it's more for him, though. because although heizou is a self-assured, confident man, he is sometimes shrouded deeply in fear, swayed by the same emotions that make him so human, so lovely.)
(it also doesn't help that you adore novels. a majority of heizou's worries are attributed to how you devour those absurd reincarnation stories.)
"no, no... together," kadenokouji trails off, dismissing heizou with the flick of his hand. "together, we will defy fate! and with you, beautiful stranger, i will publish the greatest novel known to inazuma!"
"he's delusional," heizou mutters, but it sounds as if he's more impressed than incredulous.
"i have a boyfriend," you reply, still recovering from shock. "he's right next to me."
kadenokouji takes it the wrong way. "wow, you move pretty fast! although we just met, and i still don't know your name, i am completely fine with this sudden turn of events!"
"wow," heizou mutters to himself, almost amazed, "this guy's pretty good."
"he's like the opposite of you," you whisper, leaning closer towards heizou, "completely oblivious."
that gives heizou an idea.
"sorry pal, but they only like detectives," he declares.
"that's okay! i've been meaning to write a detective novel, you know, i am always switching things up!" kadenokouji exclaims, not taking the hint (but it's not even a hint, it's a full blown answer).
"oh, really? have you ever heard of shikanoin heizou?"
you and heizou exchange not-so-discreet glances (it's not like kadenokouji notices, anyway). heizou winks at you, as if urging you to stay quiet so he can get the spotlight in a novel that he's always been dreaming of.
"yes, yes! i love doushin shikanoin's work—in fact, i've been meaning to ask him for some information regarding his famous intuition! i plan on basing the main character of that novel off of him, really!"
"that sounds great! you know, doushin shikanoin believes that he needs the publicity, so your novel would be the perfect match!"
"is that really so? that's incredible! i must reach out to him immediately!" kadenokouji says, his attention belonging wholly to this newfound idea.
"i can relay the message to him," heizou replies, "what would you like to ask?"
"yes, thank you! please ask him if he's willing to meet me outside the tenryou commission for an hour or two for me to ask questions! and if he's willing to tell me about his intuition and how it works! my novel's main character will also have something akin to his intuition, but not exactly because i am always original and meaningful with my work—"
"alright, i will!" heizou declares proudly, "he'll hear of it by today!"
"thank you, kind sir! if i might be so bold to inquire, what is your name?" kadenokouji asks, suddenly becoming heizou's biggest fan whilst forgetting about your presence. how the tables have turned.
"shikanoin heizou," he states, the smile on his face never wavering. "my intuition tells me you're going to fall to the floor in utter shock!"
his intuition, as always, is correct. kadenokouji collapses to the floor as if he had just witnessed the most terrible thing, all the color draining from his face while his jaw hangs wide open.
"d-doushin shikanoin?!"
"that's me! also, could you include me in the novel's credits? you know, being a detective isn't always just about skill. in this day and age, we need publicity! we need a name for ourselves!"
kadenokouji faints.
"did you come from another world?" someone asks. "'cause you look otherworldly."
"that was ridiculous," wanderer mutters, "and redundant."
"is he bothering you, your highness?" the person queries, taking a step towards you. their hand reaches out for yours, as if they're trying to take you away, but wanderer is quick to intervene.
he blocks you with his figure, the vision on his chest beginning to glow vividly as a gust of wind rushes through the akademiya's library, sending papers and books flying. scholars panic as their research projects flutter all across the marble floor, and usually, that'd be enough to deter a sane man.
unfortunately for you, your admirer (the other one) is no sane man. you suppose that you attract a certain group of people.
"so you think you're a big shot 'cause you have a vision, huh?" the stranger asks, unimpressed.
"hah! you don't even know who you're talking to," wanderer replies, clenching his fists. he takes a step toward your admirer, the air around him becoming tense and unwelcoming as it begins to manifest into something grim, something violent.
you're not in the mood for a suspension right now.
"wanderer!" you exclaim, tugging at his sleeve. "let's go somewhere else. this guy's just weird."
"you go first. i have things to deal with," wanderer replies, irritated. but the way he looks at you doesn't quite match the tone in his voice, because when the wanderer's cornflower pupils fixate on you, they melt. you mold him into something quiet, something lovely, when you do so much as exist.
briefly, the wind brushes past your face, kissing you with its tender touch.
(all you have to do is exist, and that'll be more than enough for him.)
"he's not worth your time," you say, not releasing your hold on the puppet's wrist. even though wanderer could easily escape your grip, he chooses not to—instead, he basks in your touch, inching closer towards you, letting you hold the strings of his artificial limbs to move him as you please.
wanderer relinquishes himself to you. wholly. and he trusts you with his fate, with his severed strings.
"whatever."
his severed string manifests anew, wrapping around his pinky and yours, turning red—not red from blood, but rather, from love—and knotting.
you are bound to him.
and then he gives in.
(he does a lot of that when it comes to you.)
"surrendering already, huh?" the stranger asks, clearly not knowing his place. "i knew you were nothing but bark."
oh, you think, sighing, this guy's an idiot!
"does the akademiya accept anyone who applies?" wanderer asks, contemplating murder. still, he doesn't release himself from your hold.
"that's what i was thinking when i saw you. leave us alone!"
a category 5 hurricane begins to brew in the akademiya library at the word "us." scholars begin to evacuate the premises whilst the insane man stands amidst it all, still trying his best to court you despite getting blown away.
i tried my best, you tell yourself, glancing away.
you let go of wanderer's hand, and then you close your eyes.
"let me know when you're done," you mutter, voice drowned by the whistle of the winds and the screams of scholars whose projects are getting engulfed by the storm.
wanderer, of course, hears you. he can always hear you, picking out your voice from the cacophony, taking the sound and placing it deep within his empty chest, letting it resonate and replay there. instead of a heartbeat, wanderer has your voice echoing throughout his torso, fusing into his artificial ribs.
he is bound to you.
a breeze wisps past your nose. even with the whirling winds and the threat of suspension lingering around your figure, no harm ever comes your way.
you are in the eye of the hurricane.
the eye of the beholder. it melts.
neuvillette is flabbergasted.
back in fontaine, he had the luxury of comfort. everyone knew that the two of you were together, so he never had to deal with someone trying to court you, much less in front of him.
this is how he experiences culture shock. not by the customs of other nations, but rather, by the sheer audacity that some people have. especially when your hand is laced tightly with his.
"i think... i think..." the stranger trails off, his voice filled with an adoration that makes neuvillette's stomach churn. "... i'm getting lost in your eyes, beautiful."
the stranger reaches his hand out to give you a rose, a dashing grin on his face. you smile awkwardly.
"sorry, i'm taken."
"taken... by my good looks?" the stranger asks, putting a hand under his face to emphasize his features. neuvillette squeezes your hand.
"no, they are taken by me. we are partners," neuvillette explains, his tone remaining polite.
"partners in work?"
"yes, but—" neuvillette starts, but is quickly interrupted. you spare him an endearing glance, charmed by his honesty.
the tips of his pointed ears begin to blossom red. again, he squeezes your hand.
"no, we are married," you state blandly, and the stranger's gaze flickers over to your hands, searching for a ring. neuvillette doesn't like the look on the stranger's face; it's evident in the way the iudex narrows his eyes, the way he steps forward a little even though he'd usually try to avoid confrontation.
"i could get you a ring," the stranger says, clearly not getting the hint, "and you wouldn't have to lie about being married."
"there is nothing we owe to you that requires us to prove our marriage. we are married, and that is all you need to know," neuvillette declares firmly, his tone becoming harsh.
"but words alone don't mean anything," the stranger replies with a shrug.
neuvillette furrows his brows, clearly stumped by the stranger's statement. he disagrees—words don't mean everything, but they are definitely worth something.
"just back off," you suddenly chime in, tugging neuvillette closer to you. he lets you string him along to your whims, allowing his figure to inch towards yours, finding its place by your side.
"i'm not interested in you. i already have a lover."
the stranger rolls his eyes.
"ugh. i didn't even like you anyway."
neuvillette frowns. "now that is completely incorrect. just moments prior, you were—"
"just shut up!" the stranger yells, not even bothering to listen to neuvillette's explanation.
clouds begin to form.
"let's go, neuvillette," you say, rubbing the back of the iudex's hand with your thumb. "don't worry too much about that guy."
he looks at you, and the sun emerges.
"you're right. thank you, [name]."
a ring dangles from the silver chain on your neck; it's a vibrant shade of blue.
it glows.
"and you wanted to try this land's water, right?"
he lets you string him along, a gentle smile on his face.
"yes," he vows, "i do."
his hand slots perfectly into yours, and the world is engulfed by a radiant glow.
