aether is telling you about his newest expedition in nod krai, mentioning things like columbina, and how much paimon loved their food. his new friends, new enemies, and a clue to his next journey... it was both breathtaking and hitching all at once and-
"and... oh, well you know how they are i- mmh!" it was already too late when your lips were on his, aether's eyes widen before easing into you.
he hadn't even realized it but he already had cupped your face and was already trying to lean into you for more. "huh? why'd you stop?"
kaveh is ranting to you about his most recent client, i mean, his infastructure was astounding, and certainly nothing went wrong with the prototype, who the hell just cancels out of nowhere?! what was this jerk even thinking??
"it's just- aarrgghh! infuriating!" you could see the steam coming out from his ears, his eyebrows quirking in his usual way. a small pout forming, and when his mouth finally was about to move- "an- mmm..."
he already had his hand tilting your chin upwards, letting out a pleased groan. "ah, leaving way too soon. you trying to tell me to shut up, or something?"
dottore and you were just walking in silence, silence that didn't include him. because for.. you stopped counting, but probably around fifteen minutes of just talking about his newest plan. something about... well probably snezhnaya and the gods again. you didn't really know.
"hah, can't you believe it. could mortals really be as... stupid?" - "what about me?" - "i know you aren't stupid enough to think you're includ-"
placing your lips on his briefly was enough for him to stop, and let you take the lead for a few steps. "you coming, zan'?" - "you... are interesting."
pantalone loves the time off he gets because god, he barely gets time off anymore. especially with the new currency plan he has in mind, and now he had the time to tell you all about it! so, what happens when that's not all you wanna hear from him?
"you see the pinnacle of my plan, yes? it's something i've been working on for a wh- mmm," he already closed his eyes, he was taken a bit aback yet he found himself already wanting more.
trying to lean in for one more before you pull away toooo far... "hmm? you started this, do you really wanna run off?"
itto being itto was him talking about his newest beetle, checking out how how its size would make any other challengers cower, you couldn't really find yourself wanting to listen. not when you hadn't seen him in a week and this is what he was doing?
"can you believe it, babe?! i beat him before ten second even hit the clock, i'm just amaz- mmhmmm! mmmh..." before he knew it he already (and very nervously) placed his arms around your waist.
"good... lord, you taste... nice, baby, is that the chapstick i got you last week? ack! okay, sorry!"
cyno is haha very tediously telling you a joke. and you just couldn't take it anymore so you just leaned in and made sure it was a gesture he wouldn't forget about and would stop telling you about how a shoe made out of a banana its called a slipper.
"wasn't that funny? why... babe, why aren't you laughing, beautiful? did i- mmmh." for how 'funny' his jokes are, he finds his hands caressing the sensitive skin of your lower back. pulling your closer by your waist.
"mmm, you... you are something." - "better than your jokes?" - "ill have to consider, you're a good kisser."
tighnari was just talking and talking and talking about the mushrooms he had been recently using for the dishes he had been so insistent on cooking. in which he did but realized pretty late that you had left that dish untouched, thinking of touching something else instead.
"and, you know how often these appear? how lucky are we that we have them growing our garden? baby? are you li- mmh!" you could already visualize his ears pointing upwards in the shock, only to feel him lean into your lips a little more.
"you... you are so... you are gonna be the death of me."
durin has you leaning on his shoulder while the rest of your friends danced in the middle of angel's share. sharing apple juice with each other that felt even more romantic and cheesy than it should've.
it was cute in a way really, it got to a point where varka and albedo have commented, and now here he was. your favorite dragon talking about his newest conch he-
"-found in liyue, isn't that great? hat guy took me out there, i wish you were there. all the views reminded me of you. so here, keep the co- what are y- mmn..." subconsciously his wings flap at the sudden warm sensation on his lips.
"y- you... what?"
lohen is busy talking to you about his latest encounter with the abyss. ringing an arm around your shoulder as he shows you around, pulling you close and super distinctively inhales your scent in. i hope you know that he cuts off a lot of his sentences just to tell you how nice you smell and look and are today.
"geez. you're amazing, i can't help but appreciate y- mmmn! mmn..." you can tell he was a little surprised but pulls you in more. it really get to a point where you need to pull away to breathe.
"oh? you seem excited. now you wanna back away."
varka is the kind of guy to pull you in by the waist, and starts to trail his kisses down your neck that turns to bites. has his free hand already cupping your face. it's so habiskjdasdjkhsa that the guy who was trying to hit on you just a moment ago. he would've just told the guy to fuck off but he doesn't mind this either.
"oh? what makes you think they aren't take- huh? what's that ba- mmn!" taken offguard the moment he feels you on him but again, hey. he likes showing off what's his.
nothing sexier than that picture with the italian players on top of eachother after the win and the english ones going through the 5 stages of grief in the back
(writing this during my period hehe. TW: lohen ragebaiting reader)
Imagine Lohen testing the period cramp simulator you ordered just to appease his bloodthirsty curiosity on how "terrible" and "painful" the actual period cramps are.
When the belt was finally attached to his hips, your lover entrusted you to control the intensity of the device as much as you pleased, as long as the pain was enjoyable.
So you started with baby steps, beginning with level one. Just a mild pulsating sensation, and that's about it. Lohen doesn't seem fazed, just bored. Giving you a look that said, "Is that all you've got?" while his head was cocked to the side and his smirk was taunting.
Encouraged (while also annoyed) by his unimpressed reaction, you slightly increased the intensity to level two. This time the pulsating sensation became more pronounced, but still bearable. Yet, your lover remained unfazed, his eyes still challenging you to push further.
He shakes his head, as if to say, "That's still not enough."
Your irritation was beginning to show now that you weren't also satisfied enough by his unaffected demeanor and wanted more of a reaction from him. You ramped up the intensity to its highest level, where the pulsations become almost overwhelming.
Your face contorted in a mix of anticipation and amusement at his unyielding stoicism. Surprisingly, Lohen hesitantly squirmed in his seat, a slight grimace crossing his features as he finally showed a crack in his cool facade. Finally!
The belt around his waist draws out a vibration enough to hear, seeing as the simulator motioned into waves. It was a small victory, but enough to satisfy your need for a reaction from him.
"How was it?"
Lohen looks at you, his face grimaced. "Babe, are period cramps really this painful?"
You let out an indignant huff, nodding. "Well, yeah—"
"Because," he drawled, leaning back despite the device making his abdomen twitch, "it really felt like having an upset stomach."
What the fuck did he say?
"Huh?"
Lohen, oblivious to the danger he had just stepped into, lifted a shoulder in a careless shrug.
"You know. Like when you eat something questionable and spend the next hour contemplating your life choices." He flashed you a crooked grin. "Unpleasant, certainly, but I wouldn't exactly classify it as the legendary agony you've all described."
He followed his sentence with an amused laugh; you didn't join in with his amusement. You just stared at him with a look that may quantify as an invitation for murder.
"Lohen."
"Yes, babe?"
"You mean to tell me..." You stared at him in disbelief, clutching the controller tighter. "You just compared my monthly suffering to food poisoning?"
His grin widened, somehow. "I'm saying," he corrected with infuriating confidence, "that perhaps you lot have a tendency to dramatize—"
Oh, you’re not listening to his bullshit anymore.
You launched the controller at his head. "YOU MOTHERFUCKER!" you screeched.
Lohen yelped and barely managed to catch it with one hand. "Wha—Hey?!"
"I swear I'm going to kill you!" You ran after your lover, who was now sprinting away in fear. For the first time, this is the only time Lohen feared death, no less from his lover.
"Lohen!" you shrieked, chasing after him through the hallway. "GET BACK HERE!"
Lohen nearly tripped over his own feet trying to put distance between himself and your rapidly approaching figure. Despite the simulator still strapped around his hips and set to maximum intensity, self-preservation apparently outweighed pain.
Now, he reached a dead end. Slowly, he turned his body to face you, with his arms innocently raised, and a pleading look in his eyes. But the belt buzzed violently, causing him to finally wince. He must have accidentally pressed the button to increase the intensity further.
"Oh, gods," he hissed, grabbing his abdomen for half a second before remembering you were trying to murder him. "Could we perhaps discuss this like civilized adults—?!"
"To hell with your civilized discussion!"
"Hey, hey, kids! What's the commotion here, eh?"
A booming voice abruptly cut through the chaos. Both of you froze, then turned your curious gazes to the familiar voice. Honestly, Lohen thought it was an angel coming to save him from his impending doom, but to his dismay, standing a few feet away was Varka.
Meanwhile, the Grand Master carefully took in the scene before him. Lohen, disheveled and pale, was clutching a mysterious controller while wearing some strange contraption around his waist. …Is that a period cramp simulator? Then you, breathing heavily with murder in your eyes.
Varka sighed. Must he be punished with unrowdy behavior even during his rare moments of peace? He slowly turned toward Lohen. "What did you say?"
Lohen straightened. "...I may have implied that period cramps aren't quite as devastating as they're often described."
The room went quiet.
Varka blinked once, and he gazed at you, who was also looking back at him with anticipation. Then he let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "...Son."
Lohen frowned. "What?"
"Whatever you did," Varka said, voice carrying the exhausted wisdom of a man who had clearly witnessed too many foolish decisions throughout his life, "you deserved it."
"What?"
He ignored Lohen's confused look as he turned to you, gently patting your shoulder. "Whatever you're trying to do, continue," he said, his tone filled with encouragement.
"Grand Master?!"
Your smile went wicked after receiving the green light of the Grand Master himself. "Gladly, Grand Master."
Varka looked at Lohen one last time, giving a mock shrug. "Could've saved yourself a lot of trouble if you just kept your mouth shut,"
synopsis. lohen thinks you've been overworking yourself lately. one day, he decides that enough is enough.
— content. no sex but incredibly intimate + suggestive yes the massage is that good . minor sadist/masochistic dynamics (lohen and reader are implied freaks), nudity, slighttt yandere-adjacent thoughts, all consensual!
— notes. 1.6k words, i blacked out and woke up to this being written what the hellll (girl did not proofread) 😂😂😂 this aint me .
"... You could be a little more gentle with it, y'know."
The rope tightens at your wrists, binding them together with one skillful knot, and you can't help but wince.
A hum escapes Lohen's lips.
"Sorry, sorry," he breathes, his fingers loosening up the rope at the slip in your wrists, just enough to ease the burn. He really is sorry — as much as he loves to see you squirm, putting you in more pain than you find enjoyable isn't something that gets him going, but …
His eyes trail up to your bare back, skin highlighted against the rising moon. The curve of your breasts and stomach sunken into the sheets, your face pressed against the pillow, looking up at him with half-lidded eyes. Akin to a wounded deer in a hunter's trap.
(You're exactly where you want to be.
Lohen swallows the urge to swallow you completely.)
"I just … got excited." He mutters, voice uneven, fingers tying the knot one last time.
A whine escapes your lips again, more embarrassed this time — puffed with indignation.
"Ah, don't be so impolite." He scolds, giving the knot a small tap, "You did this to yourself, you know."
Another whine, followed by an attempt to kick him away. He placates your attack all too easily, crawling to sit at your thighs, fingers running along your arm.
You've been working far too hard for his liking lately, practically slaving away under Varka's iron fist like a horse dragging a wagon, perpetually serving under the heel of your city. Hell, even as radiant as you look now, the moonlight only accentuates the bags under your eyes from paperwork, and welts forming on your forearms and back from training for the practical exam.
(The audacity for someone else to even think about bruising you is enough to make his blood boil.
That job is his and his alone.)
And you deserve better than to be working yourself to the bone like this. You're too eager to please the Grandmaster, he thinks, too hungry for the title of a knight that it clouds your mind, pulling your attention away from what really matters to serve a drunk seen in Angel's Share more than his own office.
So he decided to take matters into his own hands. Force you to have the tender loving care you know you deserve but won't take for whatever reason, from the only person who could give it to you correctly.
Well. As tender as Lohen can be, anyways.
"Didn't know you were going to attack me in my own bed." You grumble, head sinking into the pillow with a pout on your lips, "Jeez, babe, you — ah—"
His fingers press into the divots between your spine and the inner edge of your scapulae, feeling your shudder underneath his touch. His teeth press against his lips, knuckles sinking into the dense knots in your back impulsively, a shaky groan jerking from your throat.
"Aww," he croons, "Too much for you?"
You don't answer him, your chest feeling unbearably warm both from the embarrassment and the feeling of his hands on you. The dull ache in the back of your trapezius begins to disappear, months of work falling to relief to Lohen's fingers.
It's an intoxicating friction, the type that pulls you away from your worries about tomorrow, the type that sinks you deeper into him.
His thumbs at the ridges of your shoulder blade, dragging rigid circles at the bone and muscle until the lattice of stress releases underneath him, and he gets to start all over again — on the deltoids of your shoulders, edges of your ribs, reaching under your tied-up hands to get the obliques on your lower back.
(The pain is sharp, barren relief hidden inside of it. His fingers feel foreign, more methodical than he usually is, like the handle to a sharp knife, prodding past your skin and flesh to reach something deeper, suppressed hunger gnashing for more of you.
But it's good. He always is.)
Lohen doesn't show affection easily. It's something that got messed up in his childhood along with everything else, he can't act like a lovesick mutt like Varka nor a stoic gentleman like Diluc, but he does love you. He loves you enough to tie you up to get you to relent to feeling good for yourself for once, loves you enough to break down that pesky hyperdiligence of yours.
And you did need this — he knows your schedule both off and on training, he knows you haven't had an ounce of free time for anything else besides him, knows you haven't been sleeping or eating well. Lohen knows everything about you (loves everything about you), and you've been a fool to try to hide it from him.
Your body twitches underneath him as he works at your knots, nails pressing into your palms, low groan and gasps as you writhe like candy in his ears.
His lips press together from the way his body reacts, the way blood rushes down with every moan, the way his pants tighten as your ass pushes up against him.
Lohen hisses.
"Y—you're doing this on purpose?"
Your eyes squeeze shut, shaking your head 'no' emphatically, lips smearing against the velvet plush of your pillow.
He curses. This is about you feeling good; his own physical wants have no reason to be acted on. He jabs into a spot he hasn't touched yet, earning a garbled yelp from you before continuing on.
It's the knight in him — the part that wanted to join the Knights of Favonius before he became as twisted as he is — the need to care for you, keep you safe forever. You're both knights in practice, and both of you could practice a little bit of self-restraint for tonight.
Eventually, Lohen's movements slow. He's certain he's taken care of every part of your body at this point, paying extra attention to the soles of your feet so they'll be able to carry you tomorrow, to the muscle that pulls your shoulders back so you'll be able to fight properly.
And you're just so beautiful. Like the cobblestone walls of the city under the heat of the sun, his heart can't help but want to burn under your gaze. He'd do it happily, he thinks. No use preserving something you seem so keen on making yours.
So he can't help but stare with bated breath at the shaky exhale you take to recover from the assault of how good everything feels. It's been long enough that the moon highlights a different part of your face — eyelashes fluttering, the scent of eucalyptus and dew right outside your window, eyes bleary with tears.
(A fray edge of the rope finds itself clasped between your fingers. A loose edge — you could escape any time you wanted to, if you truly desired to.)
Your voice comes out as a whisper.
"Please, stop staring."
It's all your fault. All your damn fault, he repeats in his head like a mantra, that he's like this.
"Never." He cobbles the word out through gritted teeth, his fingers digging into the fat at your waist.
Your eyes squeeze shut again, taking a deep breath of the fresh air that was denied to you minutes ago. He'd be content to stare at you forever like this, stuck in time posed like a beast over its prey, locked in an eternal state of—
A grunt escapes his lips as his world gets turned upside down. Literally.
When Lohen opens his eyes again, you're straddling his hips, rope in hand. A beat of excitement stops his heart for a moment before it comes back in full force, the notion of you on top of him kindred to something dangerous.
"You were thinking of something weird, weren't you?" You mumble, your torso slowly falling to his, burrowing your face into his neck. "Freak."
Radiant, more than the sun could ever be. You're so bright, a guiding angel that came to him, someone he would follow until his knees broke — a broken moan slips from his throat unintentionally when your bruised lips brush against his collarbone. He feels your tongue lick at the skin, teeth scrape as if you could reach the bone, acting as if you might devour him. Your muscles feel more refreshed than ever; you might as well put them to good use.
It's the knight in you— the part that wanted someone to devote your life to — to kiss a bloodstained hand if it's his, to embrace whatever shadows come with the man you love. And who's to say a knight can't be greedy sometimes?
"Let me take care of you, Lohen."
Your voice feels warm on his skin, feverish as your head dips lower, nuzzling at the heat between his legs.
"A—ah—"
Perhaps it'll be okay if time passes afterall, he thinks. Maybe there are multiple poses he'd like to be in with you under the dim light of the moon. Defined by the quiet rustle of the sheets, Lohen yields his idea of strength to you, just for the night.
And maybe the morning too.
…
Your exam starts at 11, right? Plenty of time.
hi he's like okay i guess . i don't care about him
Lohen x apprentice!reader:part two to this. Hopefully this is good😵 prolly not, but I tried my best I swear!! Not proofread bc I was making my storage room and an exp farm. Idk the word count:(( aaaaaa lohen come out already i wanna know more abt u
Somehow, after that..event, Lohen has gotten even more insufferable.
It’s bad enough that he’s seen you literally naked, fed him by hand, and slept with him beside you in flimsy clothing—somehow, he wants more! In fact, you’ve confronted Alice and Varka about his renewed interest of bothering your life.
“Uh..not quite my problem, missy.” He said as he laughed it off awkwardly, running away.
“Sounds to me like you need an Alice Special Treatment!” Like hell you’d risk angering the heavens for the sake of one man.
Needless to say, they did absolutely nothing and the maniac has continued to torture you by popping up at your door, sitting at your chair, sometimes even just outright laying down your bed. “When did you become part of this household?” “You mean how I got your key? Don’t worry about it, little mage. You adore me, anyway.” Oh, you could just rip his hair out.
It might be the first time you’ve ever wanted Alice’s experiment to be repeated. Unfortunately, you can’t exactly threaten the life of a skilled warrior and go against your own principles solely because he was annoying.
You really did just have to suck it up and adapt. Which shouldn’t be that hard. Except of course, it very much is.
Right now, Lohen found himself sitting right beside your work station, nudging every once in a while. He heard you murmur a while back, “Do you not have work to do?” but he chose to ignore it for the sake of not being kicked out. Instead, he observes.
You were busy practicing a type of magic you’d found fascinating. You’ve never had the chance to learn it until Alice gave you the key a few days ago—to try and make up for giving you the Vice Captain.
“In my defense, dear, I tried telling you it was him! You cut me off, so it’s your fault.” What a way to deflect the blame!
“Say…” Oh no, he’s speaking again. You sighed and turned your gaze toward him, setting your hands on the table. You probably needed a break, anyway. “What.” “Don’t be like that! I’m trying to offer myself as a test subject, here.”
“Excuse me?” Did you hear it right? Probably, given that he’s all smiles as he chewed gum (you don’t even know where he got it, really). “You’re trying something, yes? I’m a very willing torture— erm, test subject. No grudges.” He held his hand up, swearing as he grinned.
“Do you even know what I’m trying to do?” You sighed, clicking your tongue as you rested your chin on your palm, looking at him in distaste.
He’d be lying if he said that gaze of yours didn’t do anything near making his heart skip. Ah..I should focus. “Given who your mentor is, something probably bordering dangerous.” He tried shrugging it off in an attempt to conceal the slight shake in his voice. He’s excited. He’ll probably end up unable to function properly for at least 3 days.
You hummed in agreement. Can’t argue with that. “Still..you have duties as a Vice Captain, right? Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask you that. Are you sure you have time to be hanging around with me like this? Well, leeching.” His smile faltered a little before it went back to normal, “I’m quite free. Besides..” he leaned closer, “I’m yours, anyway.”
Shivering lightly, you pushed him by the chest. That does no good to the heart. Proximity is dangerous, treat it with care. “I believe we’ve already established you’re not a rabbit and you’re not my pet.” He rolled his eyes, murmuring softly to himself, “not what I meant.” before recovering to a better heard voice. “Does it not increase your chances? Of success?” “Again, you don’t even know—“ “Then say it already.” He sounded a bit exasperated now.
Now, you’re not as eccentric as your mentor nor the other Hexenzirkel members. But, you had to be, to some degree, to even be accepted as an apprentice. To be someone who challenged fate itself, someone who can promise change.
Thus, you’re no different in terms of desires. You’ve been trying different ways of magic, typically similar to your mentor, but less hazardous to people or were-people. And lately, you’ve been interested in Alchemy and Environmental Engineering. Which brings you to your current experiment: a device, life-form, or even simply a potion that can alter a space or land into a better version of itself. A direct opposition of the Withering found in the wilderness of Sumeru, something that creates improvement rather than help innovation. However, a device would be better. You’re not about to risk utilizing the art of khemia, nor do you want to go for something as simple as a potion.
Lohen’s eyes scanned you for a moment as a small pout almost reached his lips. “You’re taking too long to answer.” That seemed to snap you back to reality, as you looked at him once again. “I’m thinking of creating something that can be attached to humans. A device to improve the land they’re walking on.” You respond while in deep thought still, gears turning and turning to find the best possible way to make it happen.
“How..benevolent.” He hoped it was something like an explosive device. Well..experiments ought to still show unfortunate results. “As I’ve said, I don’t mind being used.” You hate how his voice seems to sound excited at the end of his sentence. “A flawed device is prone to explosion. You’d end up losing a limb.”
“Sounds fun.”
-
“Lohen!” Your voice rang out and echoed in the silence of the forest, startling the animals that quietly gathered. This included the boar, which you currently have the appetite to fucking eat, that attacked the device that was strapped on Lohen’s ankle. Obviously, it exploded.
Your worried voice sounded so tantalizing to him. Better than he thought it would. He was fine—quick enough to use his spear in taking it off of him before it did any real damage to his ankle.
But you didn’t need to know that.
Panting from running as fast as you could, you cleared out the smoke coming from the device, eyes immediately trying to discern his current state.
Lohen looked somewhat pained (you’re not sure if it’s that or he’s actually excited), breathing sometimes coming out in quiet gasps (really, hopefully from pain). “How much does it hurt? Did the boar bite you in any way, as well?” Your questions were hurried but logical, as you tried to be. Kneeling beside him, your face contorted with nervous anticipation. You still couldn’t quite see the damage yet. Somehow, a piece of cloth is covering the ‘wound’.
“It’s not too bad..” he says after a while with a grunt, biting his lip. Then, he signaled you to come closer with his hands before it found yours, grasping. You let him entwine his hands with yours without thinking much of it. “What is it? Your pain tolerance should be high enough. Wait here, I’ll try and make a heal—“ “Little mage, listen.” He cut you off, resting his forehead with yours. Your eyes looked at him with quiet regret. This is exactly what you told him would happen.
Still, you waited for his words as he closed his eyes every now and then, seemingly collecting himself.
After around 10 minutes passed with you two being on the same position, it was starting to get suspicious. You didn’t yet have it in you to remove his hold on your hand as it could very much be something to ease the pain, but his choice of look was starting to feel strange. Did he have to rest his head on your forehead like that? Eventually, the proximity and physical contact got you as you felt heat rise from your neck and to your cheeks and ears, gulping. This is not what you should be feeling in this situation.
As you contemplated whether or not you should move and say something, a few minutes had passed once again. This time, Lohen’s composure fully broke. “Are you that worried for me, little mage?” “Obviously! Look, come on and get up—“ “hold me, then.” “You don’t sound pained at all?!”
You were nearing your wit’s end when his other hand, the one not holding yours, removed the cloth covering the ankle where the device was attached. Aside from the fabric itself being somewhat torn, he looked completely fine. Was he bluffing? You couldn’t be too sure yet, and you’d rather not risk accusing someone to be faking pain.
“..how did it not..?” Your confusion was adorable, he thought. “I do believe I avoided the actual explosion.” You nodded and gulped, relief flooding your senses before you tried standing up, only to feel his hand grip yours tightly. “A-ah, it does still hurt, you know?” He’s quite the terrible actor, given that his expression shows he very much wasn’t in pain. You grunt, “Does it now?” He nodded, trying his best to fake a frown despite the smile gnawing at his lips. You sighed deeply.
Whatever it is he’s trying to gain from this, he did still help you. So you suck it up once again, lifting his arm and letting it rest upon your shoulders as you helped him get up.
By the time you were back in your humble home, you’d have heard the endless tales of his battles. All you got from it was that he was reckless, really. Still, you sat him atop your bed as you collapsed beside him as well. He basically had you carry him, the way you had to drag his weight! He grinned, lying down as well. “Well? The pain?” Ah, right. “Subsided.” You hummed, “great. Thanks, you can leave.” His eyes widened slightly as he tried to wince. “O-ow..? Uh, not that much.” Oh, great. Suddenly it’s not bearable.
“And what will help?” Absolutely nothing, you surmise. There’s no cure for his insanity. “I think…” he began, thinking for a moment before your sight changed from the side of your bedroom into his something harder. Like a chest. Like, his chest. Why do you always somehow find yourself in this situation, you wonder?
“This, probably.” He continued as he sighed in relief, trying to keep his chuckle to himself as his hands wrapped yours around him. “It’s not a very effective way of healing, I’ll have you know.” You mumbled against him as you tried distancing. He snickered, “Really? Don’t lie to me, little mage. Last time I experienced this I turned back into a human.” Like hell that’s a legitimate solution! Before you could respond, he sat upright, sitting you on his lap as well as he inhaled your scent. His arms wrapped you, making himself comfortable as he sat back. His subordinates can rest for a while before he trains them. They probably need it, anyway.
"I just saw the latest leaks that Lohen's constellation is a rabbit. So, what if Alice turned him into a rabbit and asked you to take care of him? You have no idea the rabbit is actually Lohen, and the two of you end up eating, bathing, and sleeping together."
OH DEAR, ANOTHER ONE HERE?
Lohen x apprentice!reader: approximately 1.4k words (I genuinely cannot stop writing unless I’m satisfied with the background of the scenarios). Uhh might be ooc Lohen cuz..well..there’s really not much known about him. Use of “you” only. Not proofread bc I had to stop writing 7 times and continued building my mc house instead.
ALICE has always been one for entertaining almost every idea that pops into her or her daughter’s head. Somehow, as her newly appointed apprentice, you’ve been on the receiving end of the results. In fact, when it came to rather..material things, she’d just shove it to your hands like you had no choice! (Which you didn’t, really.) Hence, every time a guest comes over, you’d always hear about how ‘personalized’ your room was—given that there were things decorated that were contrasting, to say the least.
Looking around your room in a humble home in Mondstadt, you’d just have to agree with them, sighing as you recalled a memory of one of her whims.
“I tried experimenting on turning hilichurls into plushies!” She once excitedly exclaimed, holding up a cotton-made, somewhat creepy miniature of a hilichurl. “Isn’t it cute? My, my, I’d say we can even dress it up!” Giggling, she set it down for a moment as she talked (mostly to herself), while you had to stand there in silence. Because, what? What does she mean, she just turned a hilichurl into a damned toy?! Needless to say, that toy now rests in your nightstand with a few other trinkets. ‘Oh goodness, the poor hilichurl..he even has a frilly dress on now..’
If Alice wasn’t enough of a headache for you with all her weird experiments, the Vice Captain just had to come to the picture as well. He’d approached you with a smile once, on your first encounter outside Mondstadt’s gates, when Alice first sent you to the town. He was sent to welcome you in, and you thought he was a rather strange but easy to talk to guy. He was just to show you around, and it was the case for at least a week. Until after, asking if you knew how to fight. Once you responded no, he’d asked if you can make something to fight.
Obviously not! Was he crazy?! You had to smile at him just to not explode.
Since then, you’d tried avoiding him and Alice (which, really, you can only do so much before you get sentenced to #dropout).
Again, it’s not like you can hide from Alice anyway. Because she just showed up in your room. With a bunny.
“What the—!” Your shock was cut short by your mentor’s hand shutting you up as she tutted. “Now, now. I did tell you not to curse, yes?” You almost scoffed. Still, you nodded and she retracted her hand from your mouth to the.. oh, that’s a rabbit. Bunnies, you’ve seen, are definitely smaller. Oh dear, here’s another one of her experiments…
“This young one was–!” It was your turn to cut her off, “–was another unfortunate experiment? Or a just-to-be?” You sighed, taking the rabbit in your hand. It looks normal, even if it had unusually red and some sort of blue colored eyes. Still, you figured she was just about to use it. Hell, maybe she already started. Poor, unfortunate thing. You hugged it, caressing the fur in an attempt to comfort the animal. “Master, please stop torturing these souls!”
She gasped, hand on her heart like she was offended. “I do none of the sort, I’ll have you know! This is all in the name of advancing magic, dear.” As if. You rolled your eyes, “Okay, and how would this cutie have helped?” The rabbit seemed to jump a bit at that, which made you look pensively. “You’ll see! Buh-bye now, take care of him, ‘kay?” Before you could react properly, she was gone. So this is a male?
Clicking your tongue, you turned your attention back to the rabbit at hand. “You hungry, little guy?” Cooing at its affectionate nature—which seemed off, for some reason— you made your way to your kitchen area. You didn’t have much besides a few staple food items like cabbage, so you figured it would do. Not even bothering to cut it, you tore out a piece as you leveled your head the same as the animal, nudging the piece to its direction. “Here, eat.”
You swear the rabbit looked pissed. Shit, maybe it’s the type to explode? How different is this from the one that Outrider had? Better treat it nicely. Laughing awkwardly to yourself, you spoke in a slower, nicer tone. “Um..uh..bunny, eat this so you don’t die of hunger, ‘kay? Do you not like it? Aww.” Taking it into your arms once again, you tried feeding it to the best of your abilities.
After a while, it seemed to relax in its position in your chest. Yes, chest. Well, maybe it was comfy. “You sleepy, little guy? You know, you’re much better company than I thought.” Sighing, you thought of the people around you. It might be strange to be acquainted with an animal, but at least it doesn’t pose a threat. Yet. “Better than a certain mentor of mine or a crazy, battle maniac of a knight, at least.”
The rabbit didn’t seem to like that because you swear it just attempted to kill you with the way it jumped to your face. “Hey—!” What monster is this?! It almost tackled you into the ground!
After a good 10 minutes of arguing (?) with the animal, you were left laying down on the floor, breathless. You had to admit defeat—fortunately it didn’t kill you, but somehow it now opted to rest on your neck. Scary part is it seems ready to use its claws. You take back your earlier statement, this rabbit was nuts! Another scarier part is that it stinks.
“Okay, you maniac, if you don’t kill me first with your claws I’m gonna be killed by your hygiene.” Huffing, you strutted towards your bathroom. “Guess we’ll have to make sure you’re clean.” You had to bathe yourself, anyway. You set it down on the counter, preparing before undressing yourself and getting in the bath.
Until sudden splashes of water poured down your form as the rabbit jumped in with you. For goodness sake’s, isn’t it supposed to be scared of water?! “Ah come on! I was gonna clean you up after me.” Still, it’s not like you had the skill to battle and argue and nag a crazy rabbit in the bath, so you just suck it up, taking it into your arms once again as you grumpily reach for the soap.
You swear the rabbit looked pleased with himself as you held him in all your naked glory. Archons, even animals are perverted now? This is starting to get real strange, but you chose to ignore it for the sake of your sanity and tried your best to not displease the little animal. (Keyword: best, as it somehow had a goal to knock down everything that could be knocked down. It even got a hold of something sharp for some reason..)
By the time you’re getting into bed, you’ve stopped caring about the details. It’s been a real exhausting day. For some reason, this little maniac reminded you of someone who, for some reason, has yet to show himself at your doorstep with a request to make something for him yet again. In a way, it’s like an animal counterpart..
But you couldn’t think straight enough to care. Opting to put on meager clothes, because you’d rather not suffer through the heat of sleeping beside an animal with fur, and embraced it anyway. Even if it might just pounce and kill during your slumber. “Goodnight, little guy. You should..really thank me for.. getting you off of her hands, you know..?” You smiled as best as you could while your mind was fighting with unconsciousness, which won in the end anyway as you drifted off to sleep.
Unfortunately, you might have thought too much about the Vice Captain before you slept.
Because why else would he be in your bed, sleeping beside you, and basically cuddling you if not for you being in some sort of weird dream?!
That thought quickly evaporated as he shifted in his sleep, seemingly. No, this couldn’t be the knight that bothered you with that teasing smile and eyes. He looked too peaceful and innocent. You refuse to accept it.
Maybe you did something to offend the archons as he suddenly stirs awake, eyes taking in your form. “Oh? What a lovely sight to see in the morning. Dare I say, rivaling the one last night.” His lower morning voice echoed through the room, somehow having more audacity to shift closer and nuzzle into your form, as if he wasn’t already holding you with his hand in your waist and his other underneath your head. “You seem uncomfortable, little mage. I thought you found me cute?”
Lohen who almost always ends up at your doorstep all battered and bruised after a fierce fight against the Wild Hunt, eyes gleaming with the excitement from his earlier fight as he asks you to take care of him once again. He really liked the way your eyes widened at the sight, how careful your hands handled his hand, how soft your voice got whenever you’d talk about how he should be more careful.
Lohen whose hands find their way around your waist as you clean up his wounds, sighing at his antics. “You’d let me hold you like this?” He murmured, mouth opening to nip at the cold of your skin, not enough to draw blood yet but enough for you to wince in pain.
Lohen who coaxes you into lying down with him, because he just can’t keep sitting down, it’s bad for his wounds, right? ignoring hushed protests as he yapped and yapped about how laughable his opponents were, trying to trap him by taking your shape. Of course he killed them immediately anyway, he knew better than those pests. They didn’t quite get your frightened form right— he’d know, of course. He’s seen it when he challenged forced you to a fight.
Lohen who lets his hands wander from your waist to your neck, caressing the area like you had a bruise. You didn’t, not yet. Maybe later he’ll add one. Leaning into your ear, he whispered, “You’d look good in red. Maybe I should buy you a new set?”
Lohen who laughs as you pushed him in a fit, embarrassed by the suggestion. Is he seriously implying you should sleep with him?! Sitting up, your sigh gets rudely interrupted by being pulled back down, lohen suddenly atop your form. Holding your hands above you, he leaned in, your lips almost touching as he spoke. “Come now, surely you’re no stranger to such thoughts?”
Lohen who finds it cute how you struggle to get your head straight. Surely you knew you two weren’t just friends? You’d be a fool to think the Vice Captain would show just anyone his wounds. He wanted to see you get used to the sight, maybe then you’d entertain his fantasies a bit more.
Lohen who’d thank you as he released you, standing up to leave with a smile on his face and a gleam in his eyes. Now not from excitement from the fight, but satisfaction.
Lohen who really loved to tease and rile you up, just to see the way you looked all flushed and breathy. Maybe next time, he’d bite.
everytime you two meet around the knight of favonius hq, he couldnt help but to pull you aside just to cup your face and squish your cheeks gently.
to you, it might looked like an innocent exchange, which you dont mind at all. but it was a different perspective from lohen's side. he was panting, almost like a mad dog as he admires your glossy eyes, the way your lips looking so kissable at the moment that he might do just that until both of you are breathless. the plumpiness of your cheeks that he loves oh so much, he couldnt resist to give it a few wet kisses.
"lohen, stop. that tickles," you giggled, lightly pushing him away by his chest. he adored the sound that you made, like a hymn to his ears. he took the initiative to nibble the flesh.
"lord, you're so cute and adorable. i could just eat you up like this," he mumbled with his mouth full of your cheek. he could already imagine himself eating you in both ways to satisfy his bottomless hunger for you. all for him. you're his, and no one gets to taste you like he did.
he was dangerously considering that you two should have a quick getaway time together, because dear barbatos your face is making him feel things ten times the normal amount, its borderline unhealthy.
not to mention that being around you made him hard. extremely hard.
he was drunk on you, a little bit tipsy from a wine called moments with you. he slumped over and embraced you like he meant it, all while nuzzling his face against your neck.
"i love you so SO much, sugarplum. i dont think i can live without you~"
and his statement wasnt even an exaggeration. he wont hesitate to kill anyone who dares to harm you.
"alright, my sweet talking vice captain. we should go back to work before jean finds us loitering like this. we can meet back home later."
oh the things he wants to do to you. you'd better be prepared by then.
-
a/n: this twink got control over me. i want him to do stuffs to me like, plsssss lohen one chance 🙏🏻😭
ᝰ.tagged .ᐟ SFW · gn!reader · pre-release lohen so he might be ooc · basic yandere warnings · lohen being lohen · 💡 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟎
we have yet to know about his background and barely dipped our toes into the vast ocean of complexity that is his character, but i like to toy with the idea that lohen is clumsy about romance and love.
he seems to have a darker past, which maybe then somewhat warped and shaped his perception on what makes him feel ‘good’ (i.e. adrenaline)? maybe he hasn’t really gotten to explore much when it comes to the joy of loving and treasuring someone in his life. so when it hits him that he’s somehow defaulted into calculating the most efficient way to protect you, and how worry weighs more in his mind compared to the excitement of being engaged in battle, he’s thrown out of the loop so hard he doesn’t really know what to do. perhaps that’s why his behavior comes off as… strange, to put it mildly.
the first time, you dropped your handkerchief, and it’s by pure coincidence that he sees it. lohen had fully wanted to return it, but the moment he picks up the item, it dawns on him that this— this simple item now in his hand, is a thread that connects you to him.
it’s soft and it smells like you. suddenly, something warm and akin to the giddiness of finding a new challenge to conquer are popping inside his chest. it’s a familiar feeling, so similar to the satisfaction of feeling his blade cut cleanly through a frozen hydro slime.
he decides to keep it.
the second time is more intentional. well, just a little bit. the knights partying in the tavern is a familiar routine, but tonight he can’t help but watch as you drank. he’s seated beside you and strategically places himself as your shoulder to lean on when you had a glass too much, and when you do— it causes him to think perhaps this would be the feeling of consuming a pyro slime. eventually, his eyes strays towards your mug, and he wonders if it’ll taste like your lips. he fakes a drunken grin, ignores varka’s raised eyebrows, and chugs from your mug, just right where your lips just were. when he laughs from the way you protest and smack his chest, his lips are tingling, just like when he tasted the poisons he brews with his own hands.
it’s addicting. you’re addicting.
lohen finds himself subconsciously seeking your presence, then. tracking you itself is already a game that brings him much amusement; but being near you? it’s like his entire insides did a somersault that rearranged his entire organs, his brain zinged by a powerful electric current, and his lungs squeezed tight with a cord. it’s a good thing, he tries to reassure you when you asked why he was hanging around you and received this exact answer. your utterly concerned gaze sent him out to a quick hilichurl camp clearance side quest that night; he’s not sure why, but he wanted to squeeze you until you bruised, however he’s learned you did not appreciate being hurt that much. shame, but perhaps that could change with time.
he loves you, he really does. he’s just not the most normal guys out there. but if you find it in your heart to be patient with him, he could make a good lover… probably.
lohen sneaks into darling's room and asks for cuddles
-
mornings in mondstadt are always peaceful. the wind and breeze blowing softly, carrying the songs and poems written by the bards of the city of freedom everywhere. the hustle and bustle of the plaza and the chiming bell of the cathedral adds more liveliness for the region ruled by barbatos.
in your cozy bed, you can hear the knights training just outside of your room at the knights of favonius' hq. but you cant be bothered by it. you were up late last night, and you've decided to spend the rest of your day in your humble abode.
that was the plan, until the soft sunlight hit your face, along with the chirps of finches from the nearby tree. instead of muffled noises, the sound is clear, as if you had left the windows ajar before, which you dont.
you still dont want to wake up though, trying to turn the other side and pull your blanket to cover your face. however, you find yourself unable to move about, nor your blanket was to be found anywhere near you.
and the fact that you failed to sense someone was straddling you is both concerning, yet endearing for the preparator.
you grumble, sighing before fluttering your eyes open. you were expecting your usual ceiling, but someone is blocking your view. his familiar mint green hair and piercing two toned eyes immediately wakes you up from your grogginess.
"l-lohen ? what ..." looming on top of you, he's looking down at you with a gentle gaze, no malicious shenanigans whatsoever that he always pulled on the knights occassionally. he just sits there, smiling softly as both his hands rest on both side of your head.
"good morning, sleepyhead. sleep well ?" he asks in a quiet voice. you are no stranger to this side of lohen, especially in private. as much as a battle maniac he is, its hard to believe he has a soft spot for you in his heart.
you simply nod. you bask in the tranquil of the early morning, observing your beloved in this rare moment. his coat is slipping down from his shoulder, revealing his sleeveless undershirt with a peek of his developing muscles.
"good." lohen leans down, pressing his face on the nape of your neck while peppering your skin with little kisses. he carefully drops his weight on top of you, enveloping your presence with his. he wraps his arms around your body, quietly caressing your mess of a hair.
lohen continues to kiss upwards your neck, your ear and cheek, before trailing down your jawline with much passion that it sends shivers down your spine.
"h-how long have you been here ?" you squeak, trying your best to not let out any weird noises. you cant help but to feel fuzzy with how he's treating you right now.
he chuckles at the shakiness of your voice, but doesnt comment anything about it. "since .... dawn ? and, you are quite the careless one. leaving your windows unlocked at night ? who knows anyone might break in while you're sleeping. thats a no no."
his lips finally finds the corner of your lips before straightening his back to see your face. bashful, red and shy. just the way he loves it. he adores you like this.
"thats because my boyfriend here doesnt like using the door like everyone else. its your fault for not wanting my spare key." your arguement is valid indeed. lohen has make it his habit to climb through your windows since the first day you both date each other. without a doubt, your boyfriend is something else and you've just grown accustomed to his antics.
he laughs, but not to mock you. he absolutely loves it when you try to talk back to him. its somewhat hot. threading his fingers through your bangs, he places a loving kiss on your forehead, while his other hand caressing your cheek gently. "you could've force me to take it and lock the windows at night. dont tell me you secretly enjoyi-"
"its not like that !" hands slapping his mouth shut from spewing more nonsense, which in return, makes him laughs again, yet muffled at your reaction. he pries your hand away before kissing the knuckles, like the knight he is.
"alright, alright. no more teasing~ how about we cuddle for a bit ? i know you have the time today." which is true. you dont have anything urgent to be done today. might as well take his suggestion into consideration.
even so, you cant bring yourself to refuse him everytime when he asks so nicely like this. as if saying 'yes', you curl your arms around his body. surprisingly, he doesnt reek of poison or blood this time. perhaps he has already cleaned himself up before sneaking into your room.
"you owe me another hour of sleep."
"sugarplum, i wont mind if you decided to hibernate like a wolf. be greedy, wont you ?"
lohen finally slips out from his coat and tosses it somewhere in your room. cupping your face, he gives you the most slow and passionate morning kiss. the way his lips fit right onto yours is like puzzle pieces. he moves carefully, not wanting to overwhelm you this early.
after a minute, he parts from you, resting his forehead against yours as he smiles sheepishly in victory, satisfied that he can spend his time with you like this.
"im not letting you out of my sight today, sugarplum."
"dont plan to, my dear vice captain."
-
a/n: this was inspired by @ISB_47 lohen's fanart on twitter. unfortunately, i dont know how to do the hyperlink thingy to show you guys which fanart is it 🧍🏻♀️but to give you an idea, its lohen straddling us in bed, with his coat slipping off and exposing his shoulder //slurps// and he has this soft and sweet smile that i just woaoskdkdkfllfkskdkfk i am softie lohen believer 🫠
"I spy with my little red eye something blonde and definitely a worthy opponent to cripple under my heel… It's the Honorary Knight! Hey, what brings you here? Oh, just a little stroll? Cool, cool. Hmm? What are these flowers I'm holding? Hahaha, it's Qingxin! I had it delivered all the way to Liyue, just to surpriiiiseee a special someone. And who might that be? Well, take a guess. They're someone I'm willing to rip this world apart for if someone else dared to even lay a strand of hair on their head. Someone that I'm willing to be used by in any way they see fit. They can collar me, punish me, or even abandon me, and I would still crawl back to them on my hands and knees like a happy, wagging dog eager for their affection. As long as they're happy, I'm happy. Sooo, any guesses? Why the frightened expression, dude?"
II. CHAT: SADISTIC TENDENCIES
"Hmm, I wonder what other toys I can use to make them squirm… Something that could bring tears of pleasure and pain at the same time. Maybe some hot wax or a flogger with sharp edges. Hehehehe…"
III. CHAT: PAPERWORK
"Can this stupid paperwork disappear any faster? That damn Varka knows I have a date with them tonight, and I can't be stuck here all fucking day. I swear, I'm thiiisss close to setting the headquarters on fire just to get out of here."
IV. ABOUT THE OTHERS
"Hmm? How did the others react to my relationship with them? Bahahaha! Oh, they didn't believe me at first; they thought I manipulated them or something. Yeah, the other knights made up these bizarre rumors about us, like when I probably threatened them with a dagger to their neck to make them date me. Can you believe that? I'm crazy, but I'm not that crazy... probably. Anyway, eventually they saw how happy we were together and accepted it. Some of them even apologized for doubting us. Whatever, it's one thing to doubt, but it's another thing to spread false rumors. It's all water under the bridge now, though. But I regret not teaching those fools a very thorough, valuable lesson because I would rather not anger my lover."
V. LOHEN'S TROUBLES
"Ugh… Being a big target for so many bastards across Teyvat is such a pain in the ass. The Fatui, Abyss scum, rival knights, and even some of the nobles in Mondstadt probably want me dead. I could deal with all that shit easily. But what really pisses me off is knowing they might try to use them to get to me. One wrong move and some coward thinks they can grab them just to make me vulnerable… Hah. The mere thought makes my blood boil. If anyone even dares to lay a finger on them as leverage against me, I’ll turn their entire bloodline into a cautionary tale. I’ll slaughter anything that tries to use them… but damn, it’s annoying that they even have the option."
VI. COMBAT: LOW HP
"Heh… is this all you’ve got? Pathetic. I can’t die yet—Fuck! I still need to go home to them. Don’t you dare make me break my promise to them…!"
VII. JEALOUSY
"Saaayyy, Honorary Knight. Are my eyes deceiving me, or are you pretty cozy with my lover recently… They're awfully adorable, hmm? Bet you want to hug them, hold their hand, maybe even steal them away from me? Ahahaha! …If you ever try it, I'll carve out those wandering eyes of yours and make you watch as I string your guts into a pretty little necklace for them. Okay? Hehehe... Just kidding! Or am I? You'll understand, right, Honorary Knight?"
VIII. DEMANDING RESPECT
"I thought it'd be a fun exercise to teach my fellow knights some basic respect and manners, especially when around my lover. Whatever my lover wants, they get. Anyone whining their asses off about it can take it up with me personally. I'll give them something to cry about, that's for sure."
IX. OBEDIENCE
"What is that look on your face? You want me to deliver this paperwork to Varka? Pshhh, do it yourself… Wait, my lover actually asked you to relay the message to me? Well, in that case, hand over the documents. Ah, ah, ah! I really insist."
X. ENCOURAGING VIOLENCE
"You'd be surprised that my lover encourages me to do whatever I want. It's probably because they know that I'll do it anyway, but the fact that they actually tell me to go wild as long as I come home safe? Hahaha! Fuck, that’s hot. They really are perfect for me. Because of their encouragement, I’ll slaughter entire camps of hilichurls, paint the snow red in Dragonspine, or carve my way through a Fatui ambush, whatever feels good. Honestly, their blessing makes the violence feel like foreplay, just saying."
Summary: You were only supposed to observe. Sit quietly, gather information, and leave without anyone noticing. Simple enough, except you forgot to account for the fact that Qifrey and Olruggio know exactly how you think. And now, thanks to one catastrophically backfired spell, you're not going anywhere at all.
Tags: Forced proximity, Tethered, friends to enemies to lovers?!, Brimmed hat reader, Shared history, It's so complicated, Olruggio and Qifrey being a united front, She's trying so hard to stay guarded, Slow burn, Found family if you squint
Warnings: Action scene, Minor injuries, Morally grey reader, Complicated loyalties
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦
You slid, ducking to avoid the onslaught of spells hurling towards you, courtesy of Qifrey. As annoying as his relentless pursuit of you was, you couldn’t deny that he was good. Scarily good, in fact. His sheer knowledge of magic theory allowed him to keep up with you even though he wasn’t utilizing any forbidden magic.
You winced at the burn of a scrape against your leg.
Olruggio had momentarily disappeared again. Though this time you expected it. Their pattern was simple yet effective. Qifrey aimed to overwhelm and draw all focus to him. In the gaps in your concentration, Olruggio swung in with a powerful blow, trying to catch you off guard. It had nearly worked.
Your eyes widened at the recognition of Qifrey’s pattern wavering, a sure indication of Olruggio’s pending attack, except it never came.
You flew back, angling your sylph shoes, thrown at the sight of Qifrey suddenly much closer to you than before. You cursed, hand clutching your pen ready to draw furiously before Olruggio barreled into you from behind.
Your sylph shoes disconnected from each other, sending you and Olruggio free-falling towards the ground. He gripped his hand against your shoulder, thumb biting into your collarbone, trying– and failing– to wrangle you into a still position.
“Stop resisting” He growled into your ear.
You thrashed, bringing your knee up to push against his stomach in an attempt to release his hands from your frame.
How bothersome. You were only supposed to bring intel for the Brimmed Caps. You really weren’t a combative witch. You hated going on missions that could warrant talking to people, forget getting into a fight with them.
You yelled in frustration as Olruggio brought you into a crushing hug, trapping you beneath his muscled arms. You squinted trying to see through the spinning of your quick downward spiral.
That’s why you had liked this mission in the first place. It was quiet and easy. Just sit and observe the comings and goings of Qifrey’s Atelier, unnoticed. How hard could that be? Plus, you were extra qualified for the job given you knew Qifrey and Olruggio quite well considering how close you were back when the three of you were apprentices at the Great Hall. You knew how they worked, how they thought. So how had this gone so terribly wrong?
You yelped in pain as Qifrey collided hard into the pair of you, crushing you as he attempted to slow your quick descent while holding onto you with a vise-like grip. You groaned, trying to push away from Olruggio’s rough embrace onto to feel your back push against Qifrey’s unmoving front. You were sandwiched.
You really weren’t a combat witch. They only sent you because you knew Qifrey and Olruggio better than the other Brimmed Hats. You truly knew them. And they knew you. That’s how they had trapped you so quickly. Afterall, you were only really good at crafting spells and what good was that talent in a fight?
You couldn’t help but smirk, bitterly to yourself.
What they hadn’t realized was that your crafting had come quite far in your years apart.
You shut your eyes, relaxing into their crushing hold.
There was a spell you were quite eager to try. Why not try it now?
You slowly wriggled your hand up to grasp your necklace– your last chance.
It was a repellent spell. It was simple really. So simple you were rather shocked no one else had thought it up. When activated, whomever or whatever was in direct contact with the user would be propelled far away. As if they were two positive poles on a magnet, theoretically.
You grimaced, hands hesitating against the cool metal of your necklace.
Theoretically, it would launch them away. Had you tried it yet? Not really. But the spell was self explanatory, and you had yet to craft a spell wrong, and really did you have another choice?
You steeled your nerves, fingers moving to rotate the wheel of the necklace, connecting the spell.
At first nothing changed.
You unfurrowed your brows, biting your lip in confusion, wrapped between the two men, hurdling to the ground, before a sudden burst of brilliant light blinded you.
You felt their grips loosen slightly before leaving you entirely at the feeling of searing heat at the spots their hands just were.
You couldn’t help the scream of pain that left you at the blistering heat.
Though you supposed you should be glad that it at least worked. Still, you couldn’t bring yourself to be too pleased. Why had it burned so horribly? That didn’t make sense. Something must have been off. But, at least, you were no longer being trapped between two broad chests anymore.
As quickly as the hands on you were gone, Qifrey crashed back into you, bracing his arms beneath the crook of your knee and the small of your back as he slammed his Sylph shoes together slowing the pair of you down just short of hitting the ground hard.
He groaned in a mix of relief and frustration before letting you push out from his grip.
You turned away from him quickly only to be met by Olruggio rubbing his forearms with a pained expression, presumably from the effects of your spell.
You paused, brows furrowed in thought.
So they had felt the heat too? But if that were true then they would have gained the same you did from the spell. So why weren’t you launched away from them? Or perhaps the effects nullified?
“What was that?” Qifrey rasped, rubbing at his sternum. He stood hunched over as if his body were begging him to collapse but his mind refused to let you go.
You dully registered Oruggio's determined stomp towards your direction before you instinctively stumbled back, still reeling from the effects of your ineffective spell.
He paused as if reevaluating whether getting into another chase with you was a smart idea, or something he would be able to even keep up with. You were always annoyingly good at running away from them.
Not giving him the liberty of deciding, you turned on your heel, breaking into a sprint away from where the three of you had crashed.
That blasted necklace. What a terribly crafted spell, you cursed yourself.
You risked a look over your shoulder, more to reassure yourself that you could get away. Yet, instead of them chasing quickly at your heels you watched as they stood unmoving, right where you had left them.
You scoffed.
You must have tired them out.
That was a step up, you supposed. Back in your training days they used to run circles around you when it came to sparring. Though that hadn’t necessarily changed. You had just found ways to adapt.
You felt it before it happened. A sort of pull in the wrong direction, as if you were being repelled by some force– like the ink of a spell was fighting back.
You made it maybe ten steps before the air solidified against you, hard. It wasn’t a wall exactly, more like the wrong end of a magnet.
You yelped in surprise, bracing yourself as you fell backwards.
Still, the pull didn’t go away. You winced, rubbing your chest in attempts to dispel the magnetic-like yank before your body started to move, dragging back towards where Qifrey and Olruggio were still standing.
You scrambled into a sitting position, digging your heels and palms into the soil in a desperate attempt to stop the force dragging you back to them to no avail. You sped up faster and faster before colliding into Olruggio’s, now crouched, form.
He grunted at the force of the impact winding one arm around your waist and bringing the other to catch himself.
You feel a shiver run through you at the feeling of his strong forearm pinning you tight to him. Your own hands moved to rest against his arm as if to pull it away, but for some reason, you couldn’t bring yourself to do it.
You look up, squinting through the sun to stare at Qifrey, hovering over you. There were deep lines of stress in his face, present even as a child but more pronounced now. The once light and airy smile he once reserved for you was now a hard set line.
You groan, more in annoyance as you collapse back into Olruggio’s front, huffing.
Of course, the one time you want to try a new spell it just has to backfire entirely.
“What’s going on?” Olruggio rumbled, sending pleasant shockwaves through you at the feeling of his hum hitting your back.
Your gaze remained trained on Qifrey. How long would it take him to figure it out, you wonder. He was always clever when it came to deciphering the way you thought.
“This is one of your spells isn't it?” He ventured to guess, nudging his head towards the invisible wall you had hit.
You sighed, dusting off your clothes, more so that you had something to do rather than just sit, trapped between Olruggio’s hold and Qifrey’s stare.
“Yeah.” You offered, lamely.
The three of you plunged into a heavy silence, disturbed only by the rustle of your movements.
Unfortunately, it was one of your spells. Honestly it was quite impressive. You had never crafted a spell that backfired so horribly that it did the exact opposite of what it was intended to do.
Qifrey crouched down to your level, though he wasn’t looking at you, but rather your necklace. You couldn’t help but hold your breath as he moved to grab the cool metal with delicate fingers, grazing them against the flesh of your neck.
He scrutinized the spell, leaning forward in his own focus until his face was mere inches from yours.
You flushed, squirming in Olruggio’s hold.
“Olly, you can let me go, you know.” You gritted, angling your head back in attempts to catch Olruggio’s eyes.
“And risk you running again? No thanks.” He deadpanned, not unkindly.
You oddly found yourself glad at that fact before shaking your head, cursing at yourself. You had left them. They weren’t your people anymore. They shouldn’t be kind and you shouldn’t crave their kindness.
“You can let her go. She won’t run– she can’t.” Qifrey concluded, dropping the necklace, allowing it to thump back against your chest, though he didn’t move back.
“Your spell was quite wrong.”
Olruggio loosened his grip, but also chose not to move.
You huffed, rolling your eyes as you stretched your neck, relieving it from its soreness.
“Really?” You offered, uninterested.
You couldn’t help but bask in the comfort of their presence. You should be repulsed or even alarmed by how close they were, but all you felt was familiarity. A dull ache of remembrance at how life used to be.
“Next time you should use a sort of binding spell on yourself. Something that would make you temporarily impossible to hold onto.” Qifrey continued, ever the critique.
You felt a brow quirk up in amusement, “I thought you were against forbidden magic?”
“I am.” He corrected, voice suddenly sharp. “But that never seemed to stop you before.”
You couldn't help but wince at his sudden tone switch.
You had always found yourself rendered useless in anxiety when Qifrey would switch to the meaner version of him, threatening and erasing memories. Though usually, it was never aimed at you.
“Can someone explain what the hell is going on?” Olruggio grumbled.
You looked towards Qifrey, almost instinctively, to find his gaze already focused on you.
You sighed, turning to better face both of them.
“I wrote a new spell. One that would repel whomever was touching me. But, it backfired and instead I’m bonded to them.”
Olruggio stared at you blankly before moving his gaze to Qifrey as it to verify what you were saying.
You rolled your eyes, “I’m not lying.”
“Well, it’s not like you haven’t lied to us before.” Olruggio bit back without missing a beat.
You bit your tongue, looking down to your nails.
They weren’t wrong. You had lied. You had abandoned them. You had switched sides.
“So what then?”
You look up at the sound of Qifrey’s question.
“How long does it last?”
You furrowed your brows, wracking your brain for some answer you could give them.
You hated this. You hated not knowing something that you were supposed to be a master at. What could you possibly tell them? That you didn’t know? That you had acted rashly just as you always had? You were supposed to be changed– better. That’s why you were with the brimmed hats, afterall. What would they think when they realized you had acted just as stupidly as you used to act.
Qifrey brought his hand up to poke, noncommittally at your cheek.
You looked up at him to find his gaze trained on you expectantly.
How could they stand to look at you with something akin to kindness? How could they not feel anything but red hot anger?
You turned to look at Olruggio. If you squinted you might even dare to say he was looking at you with a look of distant fondness.
You felt your stomach twist.
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
“No.”
The three of you sat in silence. You fiddled with the blades of grass under you.
How would this even work? Would you stay at the Atelier? Would you become close to those four girls of theirs? Or would the brimmed hats track you down? You had become somewhat valuable to them, your innovations fueling a lot of their movement. How would they react when you didn’t come back at the end of the week?
“Stay.” Qifrey’s voice came out so quiet you almost missed it.
You stared at him in shock. He wanted you to stay? After everything? After all the time that passed? After what you had become?
You turned to look at Olruggio, craving a confirmation from him too.
He stared back at you with furrowed brows.
“And when the brimmed hats come back for her?”
You flinch at the accusation in his voice, no matter how true it was.
“I don’t know. What choice do we have though?” Qifrey questioned, voice hushed as if trying for a semblance of privacy.
Privacy from you.
You felt something twist bitterly in your stomach. Suddenly, for the first time, you felt as if you were on the outside of your little trio.
They argued back and forth for a little longer before turning their attention back to you. You can’t help but flush under the heat of their stares.
Olruggio cleared his throat, “Fine. You stay. Just until we figure this–” He gestured between the three of you.
Qifrey pushed off the ground, dusting his clothes off before holding his hand out to Olruggio and then to you.
Just like old times. You see the realization hit him too. How natural it felt. As if no time had passed at all.
You stare at it before pushing off the ground yourself, leaving his hand suspended and empty.
“The atelier is just past this hill.” Olruggio mumbled.
“I know.” You respond before you could think.
“Right.” Olruggio offered back, awkwardly.
You cursed yourself as the two began the trek back.
How could this possibly work? You would be stupid to delude yourself into thinking things would be how they used to. The two of them were as close as ever– closer even. And you were a brimmed hat.
You gasp at the now familiar pull in your chest, yanking you hard into Qifrey’s back. He stumbled, huffing in surprise at the force of your speed. Olruggio turned, closing his hand around your waist and Qifrey’s chest in attempts to stop the momentum of your collision.
“Sorry– sorry” You spluttered, blushed red in embarrassment. “I’ll keep up.”
Olruggio sighed, turning away from you to keep walking, followed quickly by Qifrey.
They didn’t wait for you, but they didn’t have to.
You knew your way home.
Author's note: If you wanna be on my taglist just say so in comments!
ALSO GUYS IM SORRY IK THE VOTE SAID ONESHOT/MORE INFO BUT I DIDN'T WANNA SPOIL AND IM TEMPTED TO MAKE A PART TWO... But hope yall like!
