Latest Posts by travellingarmy - Page 10

║Kaeya║Goodbye Kiss

Gender-neutral.

Angst.

Word count: 1.7k

---

It is time..

He had fulfilled his duties as a spy and so, it was time for the rightful heir to the throne to return to his home, Khaenri'ah. However, he guilts the thought of going back. In the beginning, he only had one reason of lingering around Mondstadt for a while but now that that he was done, there was really nothing left holding him back to return. So, why is he wavering?

His eyes- both visible- stare at the oh so familiar ceiling of your home. He had grown to love the sight of it over the years. His eyes seemed to sparkle in the night, a hand behind his head. Those eyes if his had always been unique and mysterious apropos to others one would meet along the way. It held a secret that makes one so interested in the soon-to-be former Cavalry Captain, but they could never unveil the truth behind them-- not even you.

Not even you who lay beside him bare and snuggled against him, a hand on his chest. Not even you who was most closest to the knight. If you couldn't do that, who could?

You made a sound during your sleep, gaining the attention of the man. His eyes glistened upon landing sight on you. His heart raced at everything you do. He was happy with you, but he also bitterly blames you for being the reason he was hesitating. Why did you go make such a man fall for you? No, what was it about him that made you fall into his arms? Surely, you could see just how scary those eyes of his, right?

Honestly, you were the first to approach him knowing the darkness that he had carried since young. You dare not question what his past was or where he came from. You openly loved him, but he was going to be your heartache.

If only, he thought, if only he didn't fall into the hole you had made, he would leave Mondstadt all behind without looking back. When did he trip? Was it the first glance of you? There was really something about your eyes that intrigued the male.. Yeah, that was probably it. Something in your eyes shone something he had not seen in himself. Your eyes were free of hidden motives and your quick-witted actions proved that.

Maybe, he was interested because he felt jealous of you. Jealous that you didn't have to carry a burden of a task since young. Maybe he had gotten close to you to take that glimmer in your eyes. After all, he was a man with ulterior motives, no?

Ah, that did no good to Kaeya. He tried to convince himself over and over that there was something he wanted to take from you but as you lay bare beside him, he felt himself at a loss.

You mumbled in your sleep, once more making sounds to gain the attention of the male. Whatever you were dreaming about, it obviously was a pleasant one. He chuckles lowly and put his free hand behind the back of your head, moving you closer to his lips so he could place a kiss on the crown of your head.

"I love you."

-

The clacking of hurried heels and boots greet you upon entering the headquarters. It was early in the morning but everyone was jolted awake and masked with a stern look, brows furrowing as they rush past you.

You knew what was happening. Otherwise, you would still be lazily getting out of bed. "Acting Grand Master," you greet the blonde whose back was facing you. The call of her title brought her attention from another knight to you. "(Y/N), I'm so glad you're here. Have you seen Kaeya?"

Indeed, you have seen Kaeya. Hoewever, it was just a glimpse before your tired eyes fluttered shut for another hour. "No, I haven't." Jean sighs but did not dwell on the thought of the captain. "Well, we'll just pray to Barbatos that he comes soon. We need all the hands to protect the city from the Abyss."

Something inside you churned. Something was calling out to you that you failed to listen. What is it? Why was dread washing over you at the thought of Kaeya? Surely, he would be fine to take on a couple Abyss mages and hilichurls, right? Well, it doesn't matter. Even if he can take down a whole army, you should still be by his side, fighting with him.

Not waiting for orders from the Acting Grand Master, you made a bolt towards the gate. Jean shouted your name but you ignored it as that churning feeling grew inside you. "Kaeya.."

The entirety of Mondstadt was surrounded at all fronts. All sorts of Abyss mages and hilichurls attacked like savages, using this chance to take down the city while the rest of the troops were still coming their way.

Your eyes darted around, hoping to see the Cavalry Captain somewhere amongst the many men who were trying to by more time for backup to come.

You bit your lips, drawing out the blood to trickle down. Where in Teyvat is Kaeya when you needed him most? It wasn't the time for him to go drinking in a bar, getting wasted.

Not wanting to waste more time dwelling on the thought, you took the lead, running past the other knights and heading deeper into the battle. "Captain!" A knight had called your title but you dare not turn around. Something was telling you that Kaeya was further in, and you were going tl follow it. Knowing Kaeya, it does sound like him for him to rush before anybody else. "Please, Kaeya.. Please be okay."

Clearing any enemies in your way, you felt your heart become lighter at the sight a his familiar back, but you dare not break into a smile. It would just make you lose your focus on the fight.

"Kaeya!" You called, but that failed to reach his ears amongst the chaos around. You were drawing near, noticing that the army started to grow thin in the back.

You were about to call him a second time but the words got stuck in your throat, seeing that the male was talking to an Abyss mage. It confused you. Why is the Abyss mage bowing to Kaeya? Why isn't it attacking Kaeya?

The mage looks up, eyes looking past Kaeya and onto you. "Your highness, behind you," the mage gestures him to look behind. Wait, did the mage call him 'your highness'?

Kaeya turned around to look at you, revealing you both of his eyes that held no warmth as usual when they laid upon you. You were stoned into the spot, mouth feeling dry. What were you supposed to say at this point? Your head dizzied, wanting to collapse on the ground for support.

When your silence was prolonging further activities, his eyes narrowed coldly and his mouth drew a wider frown of displeasure. "(Y/N), what are you doing here?" His voice was montoned and no longer spoke in a flirtatious manner.

The mystery behind his eyes were revealed to you; the mystery that all of Mondstadt wanted to know yet could not get close enough to know.

You gulped back the lump that grew. Surely, there is some misunderstanding, right? Kaeya just wanted to toy with the mage before he killed it, right? Yeah, that has to be it. "K, Kaeya, Acting Grand Master wants you back and help protect Mondstadt.." Your eyes slightly widen in desperation, searching for the truth.

"Oh? Does she now?" A smirk tug his lips yet his eyes stayed the same. He turns his full body to face you and rested his knuckle on his hip. He was toying with you. "Y, yeah.. You better get back before she gets mad at you."

Kaeya chuckles at the look in your eyes, knowing that look all too well. "Why should I go back? I'm not from here so I have no reason to protect it." He shakes his head, all the while smiling. "(Y/N), I'm sure you already know that I am not from here, yes?"

"Where are you going with this, Kaeya? Please stop playing around and come back," you spoke with a shaky voice.

His smile drops. Were you seriously trying to convince yourself that he was a good man? He sighs and walks close to you, grabbing your chin in his hands. "Oh, (Y/N), you could be so cute at times. It almost makes me want to take you with me," his words were sincere. "But the land of sinners is not a place to call home for someone like you. So, be good and listen to when I say to stay." A flick of sorrow failed to catch your eyes.

Kaeya had not slept that night, waiting for the sun to shine through the curtains to tell him that it was time. As much as he wanted to stay with you, he was a sinner who ruled a land abandoned by the gods. He had no place in Mondstadt- with you- knowing his origins.

A tear slipped from the corner of your eyes, but Kaeya did not dare to wipe it away in fear that his heart would waver.

"Be good.. Protect Mondstadt.." He shows you one last genuine smile that you loved. His eyes allowed itself to show you his true feelings for you once more as well which just made your heart squeeze itself.

He brings your face, your lips, close to his. He was giving you one last kiss. A kiss that you would miss for as long as you lived. A goodbye kiss.

Tears left your eyes as he deepened the cherishing kiss.

He soon pulls away, watching your tears fall silently onto the ground. He smiles and turns on his heels to walk away, the Abyss mage following close behind him.

Your legs gave in and fell onto the ground as you watch the man you loved walk away from you-- never to return to Mondstadt-- to you.

Kaeya dares not to look behind. If he did, he had a feeling that he'll run up and hug you to stop those tears of yours. This was goodbye.

"Forget me and find someone else, lest you will be broken."

---

║Kaeya║Diluc's Cousin 2

Continuation.

Part one!

Word count: 2.7k

---

"Master, your parents sent a letter demanding that you return to Fontaine," Ronan says, hand over his heart and bowing slightly as he gives you the news. You ignored him and stare out the window, sipping coffee that was freshly brewed and delivered directly to your room. It was pouring thus couldn't go to meet Kaeya.

You were in deep thought. It truly has been a long time since you departed in secret to Mondstadt and you knew that if you don't go home, your parents will send a person or two to bring you home. They weren't overbearing parents, no- they are just worried about your safety since you have been out of their sight for about two months now.

Setting the cup down, you turned to look at Ronan, who was urging you to follow the order with his eyes. "Alright," you sighed, "Send word to my parents that I'll return within a week. No more, no less. You know that I keep my words." Ronan nods, and seeing as you had a serious look, he trusts that you'll do as you had just said and excuses himself to go write the letter.

You turn away from the door to the wet landscape outside. You only had a week left with Kaeya and you were determined to spend every second of it with him.

-

"Kaeya!" You waved eagerly at the Cavalry Captain, gaining his attention by the loud yet enthusiastic call of his name. "(Y/N), good morning. It was a shame that yesterday was pouring," he said, a smile on his face. "Give me a moment and I'll be with you." You nod and see him walk to a knight and talked to them in a serious and ordering tone before going back to you. "Alright, I'm all yours for today."

You smiled at his words. It was just the two of you today, without your butler, Ronan, as you had ordered him to stay at Diluc's mansion. You wanted to spend the remaining days with Kaeya alone before returning home. "You know, I haven't met your cousin yet; I'm starting to think you don't have a cousin in Mondstadt," Kaeya said, strolling beside you.

"You don't believe me? Well, that's understandable since he is busy- both during the day and night," you said, "But, believe me, I do have a cousin and he is working at a tavern."

"Oh? At a tavern? That's interesting," Kaeya said. The day was fill with fun- eating, strolling both inside and outside of the city, hearing bards sing, and more eating. Kaeya is surprised that you could take so much food in and had asked if you were from Liyue instead, considering their iron stomachs.

The blue sky started to change to a mix of orange, yellow, and red as the sun started to set behind the cathedral of Mondstadt. That's when you realized that you had forgotten to tell Kaeya something important. "Um, Kaeya, thank you for guiding me around Mondstadt through my time here," you started off, getting the blue-haired male a quizzical stare at you. When he didn't say anything, you took it as to continue. "I'm returning to Fontaine by the end of this week."

There was silence on the receiving end of the conversation as darkness cast over at Kaeya's eyes. He had known that you won't be staying forever, but he didn't think it would be this month that you were leaving. I mean, there was probably still chaos that you wanted to get away from as he had calculated that the traveller- who is always causing something- had probably not yet reached the hydro region to fix it.

"I see."

You started to worry if he was unhappy but when he turned his head to the to stare at you, he was smiling. "Well, then, we should spend this week together as much, no?" He half-heartedly and forcibly laughs. You forced yourself to lightly chuckles as well, feeling already sad that you had to depart from your friend.

When you returned to Diluc's place, you find him sitting on a sofa in the living room, reading a book as he drinks his grape juice. "Diluc!" You came from behind and leaned over the sofa, wrapping your arms lazily around his neck. "I heard that you're leaving this week from your butler," he said, setting down his drink. "Mhm, so, will you spend at least a day with me?" You stare at his side profile.

"I'll set aside time in the morning tomorrow," he said. A smile appeared on your lips and you were beaming with excitement. You did spend time with Diluc throughout the month and something weeks but it wasn't as often which made you a bit sad. But, when he says he is free, you would take the opportunity to hang out with him. "You better keep your word," you said. Diluc knows how serious you are about keeping promises and so was he. He nods slightly before telling you to rest up otherwise you two won't have time to hang out tomorrow morning.

When the sun's light started to peek through the little gaps between the curtains, you were already up and ready to go. Diluc, on the other hand, was still asleep and you had to pull him out of bed. "(Y/N), it's barely six in the morning.."

"Hey, you said that we're going to hang out all morning and I'm not wasting a single second!" You tug on your cousin's arm. After a few more minutes, the fiery-haired male finally got up, telling you to leave the room as he changes his clothes.

You two skipped breakfast at home to eat breakfast outside, on your wishes, of course. You two strolled around and bought some things that caught your eyes for you to take home to Fontaine. "(Y/N), you don't need that," Diluc said for the nth time at another souvenir you had found that was sitting perfectly in the middle of Marjorie's store. "But, Diluc, I want to remember all the things in Mondstadt!" you said.

"You can always come back to visit Mondstadt," he states. "Yeah, in a couple of years.." you mumbled, pouting as he drags you away from the window. "As long as you can visit again and not be locked up inside some tower, you'll be fine with just a couple of souvenirs," Diluc said. You were a bit careless with mora and that's something Diluc caught up on when reading your letters sent from Fontaine and wanted you to stop spending so much of your father's money.

You didn't hide your sulking expression that Diluc would take time to figure it out. In the distance, to the direction you two were walking, Flora was at her usual spot, selling flowers to those who passed by. He thought it would be better to buy something meaningful like a flower bloomed only in Mondstadt rather than souvenirs of artifacts that can be found across Teyvat. He drags you by the hand to Flora's stall. "Hello there, mister. Do you care to buy a flower for the lovely person beside you?" the little girl asks with her usual, happy smile.

"Yes. Do you have a flower especially from Mondstadt?" he asks. Flora nods. "I have cecilia flowers which can only be found in Mondstadt's Starsnatch Cliff; a perfect flower to represent Mondstadt for travellers that comes from another part of Teyvat," she answers enthusiastically. Diluc agrees to buy a flower and hands it to you, who was busy looking at food from a far away stall.

"(Y/N)." You turn your attention to Diluc who held a single cecilia flower. "Instead of artifacts, why not have a flower?" A small smile appears on his face, a genuine one at that. You stare at the flower in his hands and returned him a smile of your own. "Aw, you should smile more often," you said and pulled on his face, stretching it to make his smile bigger, although at this point he's smile is that of a forced one and he looked annoyed more than anything.

You giggled and let go of his now reddened cheeks before accepting the flower. "I should be going now," Diluc suddenly says, "I'll see you at home; you better be home by then, understand?" You chuckled but nodded at his commanding voice before shoeing him away.

The morning was enjoyable on your part, but what about the Cavalry Captain who stood just a few feet behind you? A shadow loomed over him as he had just seen the intimate gestures you and Diluc had with a smile on your face he had never thought to see for another person. When did you two ever meet up, he asked himself. It was probably when he wasn't around.

He was about to greet you when a familiar red-head entered his line of sight with cecilia in hand, giving it to you with a smile that he had thought that was long gone.

Kaeya had to find out so he put on a perfected, fake smile that was scarier than any other smiles a person could see in a lifetime. "(Y/N)!" He calls out, getting your attention away from Diluc's disappearing figure and to him.

A smile tugged on your face when you see who had just called you. "Kaeya, I was about to go look for you!" you said as he walks closer to you. "Oh, really?" he asks, knowing that you had just parted away from someone else not too long ago. You nodded, not knowing the hidden venom in his tone. Kaeya was most ticked off when you nodded but then see the cecilia. "Oh? Did someone buy you that?" he asked innocently as if he hadn't just seen Diluc give you the flower.

"Yeah, how did you know?" you ask in pure surprise and awe. "Lucky guess," he lied, "So, care to tell me who bought you this?" His eyes were cold and you were completely unaware.

Your eyes softened and smile gently when you thought of who everyone thought of as cold giving you a flower. "Someone dear to me," you answered. Kaeya felt something foreign well up in his chest. It felt as if it was squeezing his heart to pieces. How could Diluc be someone already so dear to you when you had just arrived in Mondstadt. He wanted to ask, believe me, but he had to hold himself from asking since your love life wasn't something he should be concerned with and reminded himself that you'll leave the city soon enough so there couldn't possibly be something between you and himself.

You pulled him along and enjoyed the rest of the day. When the sky was dark enough to see the stars and moon, it was time to part for the day. You part ways with him at the fountain in the center of the city, but instead of going back home, Kaeya followed you in secret.

He had followed you to Angel's Share- where Diluc was at- and watched as you entered the busy tavern. It was clear to him that something was up between the two of you so he stayed, hidden around the corner of a building that had a perfect view of the door to the tavern. It took hours of just standing there until you had left the tavern with Diluc, chatting something amongst you two and laughing about it. Then, Kaeya notices that you had your arm wrapped around his as you both headed out of the city's walls.

The next day, Kaeya had watched you intensely, waiting for something to happen. You caught on but didn't want to say anything about it to only feel awkward later. Slowly, you reached your arms out to an item that the stall you two were at had to offer. "(Y/N), mind if I ask you something?" he asked in a tone that made your skin jump. "A-ah, sure. What is it?" You were honestly afraid and worried about what he was going to ask since he was practically emitting his cryo vision around him.

"I had been wondering, do you perhaps stay somewhere outside of the city? I always see you leaving the gate when we part," he said, lying about the part that he always sees you leaving; he just found out yesterday when he saw you with Diluc.

"Ah, yes, I am. Is there something wrong about it?" you answered honestly. It was about it that Kaeya could stop himself from asking as he part his lips to utter the words he'd been dying to say. "(Y/N)?" A voice that both knew all too perfectly well caught the attention of both of them. Diluc.

"Diluc!" you eagerly call. Diluc looks to Kaeya who stood behind you, his eyes narrowed at the sight of Kaeya. "Kaeya, what are you doing here?" he asks in a dark, almost growling, tone. "You know Kaeya, Diluc?" you asked, surprised that neither told you of the other.

"You could say that," Kaeya asks, a smirk growing on his lips. It was time for his answer to be revealed. "So, (Y/N), who--.." You caught Kaeya off with full of excitement. "Wow, this is perfect then!" you say. "Kaeya, this is my cousin, Diluc! See, I didn't lie when I said I have a cousin in Mondstadt."

Kaeya's shadowy gaze lighten up as he heard the words leave from your very own mouth. "Cousins..?" he repeats, processing the familiar word in his mind. "Mhm, that's right."

Kaeya's heart lightened up and felt kind of ashamed that he didn't think of another possibility to your relationship with Diluc even though you said that the only other person you knew here was your cousin thus wouldn't be out with anybody else.

-

"Safe travels, (Y/N)," Diluc says warmly. "Thank you for your hospitality," you thanked with a smile. Then, you realized you had forgotten to do one last thing. "Oh, right! I still need to say goodbye to Kaeya!" you said out loud. "Well, I'll be going to the city before I go back. Make sure to read the letters I send and to write back, okay?" Diluc nods and see you out.

"Ronan, let me visit Kaeya before going to Fontaine," you said. Ronan complies to your wishes since it was the day of the departure after all.

When you entered within the city's wall, your eyes immediately started to look for Kaeya. After a while, you still couldn't find him and thought that he was out on a mission. It saddens you but you decided to wait until he comes back since you'd hate it if the person you know leaves without a goodbye.

A few more hours passes by and you lit up when you see Kaeya entering the city. "Kaeya!" Kaeya turns to you, surprised that you were still loitering around when you should be leaving.

"(Y/N), what are you still doing in Mondstadt? I thought you left.." his words trailing to a whisper on the second half. He was happy that you were still around and knew why you haven't departed yet.

You wrapped your arms around his waist and pulled him closer, leaning your head against his chest. Kaeya's face reddened at the sudden action. "(Y-Y/N), you.." The Cavalry Captain couldn't think of anything to say as he was still busy being flustered at the hug. You smiled and took this chance to kiss his cheeks and moved away from him to take a better look.

"I- Why did you kiss me?" He was getting redder by the second as he placed his hand on the cheek you had kissed. "It's the way the people of Fontaine bids farewell," you said with a cheeky smile. Kaeya regains his calm exterior, but his heart was still pounding rapidly in his chest. "I'll be writing to you when I arrive at Fontaine so you better write back, okay?" He smiles and nods, bidding you farewell.

It was the first visit in a while and the first encounter with him. But, you both clearly could tell that something could be developed between the two of you and maybe in your next visit, either will take action for it.

---

║Kaeya║Diluc's Cousin 1

From Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Word count: 2.1k

---

No one in Mondstadt has ever known that Diluc- the cold and expressionless man- had a surviving family and for a reason; they live all the way at the hydro region, Fontaine, and the last visit was at least more than 10 years ago.

Diluc had been exchanging letters with them throughout the years though and although not completely knowing each little secret of the other's, family blood is what made the two stay put in each other's heart.

-

The sound of hooves trotting was getting louder from the distance and servants of Master Diluc looked up from their works in curiosity. The carriage was intricately designed- from the shape to its little silver linings- but foreign to what Mondstadt know as carriage.

Other than the coachman, a man stepped out from the carriage. He was well dressed in foreign clothing. But, instead of walking up to any of the servants, he waited at the side. Was there someone in there?

Just as the thought passed through each servants, another came out of the carriage. This one was dressed much fancier than the man and everyone could tell that they were of that in higher status than they were.

The mysterious person looked around before their gem-like eyes landed on the servants. They approached them calmly but the servants were on edge.

"Where is Diluc?" were the first words the person had asked. The person were looking at each other before a maid had spoken up-- most likely the head maid since their clothing was a tad different than the others.

"I'm sorry, but Master Diluc is out today," she answered. Her form was strict and firm, confirming that she was the head maid.

"So, where is he?" they asked once more. The head maid was confused, had this person not understood what she said? "He may not be here, yes, but I'm sure you know where he is."

The head maid was hesitant but comply to answer, "He is in the city as of now. If you so wish, I will inform Master Diluc that a person was looking for them."

"Eh? Really? Then I guess I'll wait here.." The head maid noted that this person was not someone to anger-- oh how she is praying to the Anemo Archon for her master to hurry. "Then would you like--.."

"What's going on here?" A familiar voice lifted the invisible weight of the maid. "Master Diluc, this person is looking for you."

"Hm? An uninvited guest? Well, sorry to inform you this, but I'm not meeting with anyone today. Please come again another time," Diluc said sternly.

The person was silent which confused Diluc. Then, "Are you really going to say that to me?" the person said and turned around with a grin. "Long time no see, Diluc."

"(Y-Y/N)? What are you doing here? I was not informed of your arrival," Diluc says with wide eyes of surprise.

"Hm? I'm sure I've mentioned it in the last letter.." you put a finger over your mouth, thinking about the last letter. "Oh, I must've forgotten, whoopsies." You stick out your tongue and lightly knock your head.

Diluc sighs and had ordered a couple servants to prepare a room for you. "I'm assuming you'd be staying for a while," he says and looks at you.

You nodded happily. "How have you been?" you say and walk beside him, looking at him from the corner of your eyes. "Okay. How about you?" You looked away from him and answered that you have been good as well, but just that there were things going on in Fontaine that made you travel all the way to Mondstadt. "Oh, you told me about the traveller in one of your letters-- are they still in Mondstadt?" you ask excitedly.

"They had left a couple of weeks ago. I believe they are in Liyue as of now," he answered which made you a bit sad. Being a vision user of hydro, you were curious how someone could have obtain an element without one.

"It's been a long travel, I assume," Diluc says as soon as you both got to the foot of what will be your room. "You rest well."

You nod. "Will you be free tomorrow? I want to go see the city with you," you say. "I'm afraid that I can't accompany you tomorrow but I'll have someone guide you throughout the city."

"Thank you, but I'll be fine with Ronan," you said to witch he nods and excused himself so you can rest.

-

"So, this is Mondstadt!?" You gazed around with an obvious awe. It had been so long that you had forgotten what it looked like. The wind blow pass gently and the atmosphere was very lively.

You roamed the place and caused many to look at you oddly but you were too busy running around to notice-- except your butler, who is having a hard time trying to catch up with you.

"Ronan, hurry up! We don't have all day." You turned to look at the old man with excitement. "I'm sorry for delaying you," Ronan says and caught up to you. Ronan had never seen you so excited before and he had guessed it was because you had finally gotten away from the mess at Fontaine. But, he was happy as well since he had never seen his master so free.

After hours of roaming, you finally gotten tired and wanted to grab lunch. You sat down outside of some restuarant and told Ronan to order food for you. "Um, you want me to order the whole menu? Are you sure?" Ronan asks, sweat dropping. You nodded and told him that you wanted to try all of Mondstadt's foods. Ronan excused himself from your presence and went to order.

You looked around and found the fourth bard today. "Mondstadt has a lot of bards.." you say to no one in particular. You were thinking of bringing one home to Fontaine, but you want the best bard.

"Agreed. Are you thinking of bringing one home?" An unfamiliar voice spooked you from behind and you looked over your shoulder to see a man with an eyepatch. His hair was a long blue that was tied and wore fur as a decoration on his shoulder. But, what got you curious was his eye.

"Um, who are you?" you ask, eyes following his every movement to him sitting down in front of you. "Kaeya," he answers, crossing his legs and arms. "I've heard that a foreigner has been running around today. Might that be you?"

"I guess? How often does Mondstadt have travellers coming?" you ask in pure curiosity. Kaeya chuckles. "Often, but mostly for the wine here," he answers and put his face on the back of his hands, leaning closer to you. "So, where did you come from?"

"From Fontaine," you answered. "Oh? That's quite the travel then. What made you come all the way to Mondstadt? Surely it isn't because of the wine," he asks, a light flickering pass his eye.

"You're right. I came here to visit my cousin." Just the thought of Diluc made you smile. "But he's busy today so I came to look for myself."

Ronan soon came back to your side. "Sorry for the wait, they had said that they will bring it over shortly," he said and you nodded. "Um, sorry for my rudeness, but may I ask who this man is?" Ronan looks at Kaeya.

"Oh, I don't know who he is either. He introduced himself as Kaeya," you said. Ronan pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. This occurred quite often back in Fontaine; someone random just casually walks and chats with you in public. Ronan warned you not to talk to other that is irrelevant but you don't listen. "It's fine. I think he's a nice person," you say and turned around to talk to Kaeya.

"Oh~ so it seems that you're someone not to be messed with," Kaeya said, eyeing Ronan. Ronan- despite his age- can fight as if he was in his prime life and Kaeya could see that. You two chatted throughout your lunch and parted not long after. When the two of you did, it was only then that Kaeya noticed that he hadn't gotten your name.

-

It was the second day of you touring Mondstadt and getting odd eyes from people. This time, you went near the cathedral to hear a certain bard sing. "Ronan, Ronan! Look, at that bard." You pull on your butler's sleeves repeatedly. "Yes, I am looking," Ronan said, tired at this point.

"Ah, just the person I was hoping to run into," a voice from the distance spoke and you and Ronan turned to your left to see Kaeya. "Mister Kaeya, hello!" you greeted enthusiastically.

"Are you interested in the bard?" he asks as he faced the short bard in green. "Yeah, I think he's way better than the other ones I've heard so far, even though it's a first that I've heard bards sing."

Kaeya stood silent for a while as if he was thinking of something. Then, "It's about lunch time, is it not? Want to grab a bite with me? There's a place that you probably haven't went to yet that serves good local food," Kaeya said to which you hurriedly nod your head.

When you got there, the smell was so strong that it made your stomach growl. "Haha, and here I thought that the food you ordered yesterday was enough for a week," Kaeya laughs. He ordered a couple of Mondstadt's most served food and both of you went to find a seat.

You chatted about the most randomness of things and also about you and the place you grew up in. It was quite the company, you admit. It would truly be sad if you left to go home anytime soon.

-

You had gotten to know Kaeya quite well throughout the two weeks you had spent with him and even consider him a friend. He was secretive at times which makes you question him but never pushed that thought.

"Ronan, I am your master, so you must obey me," you said and cross your arm. Ronan had pushed you to finally go home but you outright refused before he finished saying anything.

"Yes, I apologize for angering you," he said, putting a hand over his heart and bowing deeply. You had come to love Mondstadt and Ronan feared that you will never go home and stay with Kaeya thus was making a fuss of returning home to Fontaine, albeit he was happy that you finally get to rest from the chaos in Fontaine.

"You're forgiven. Now, let's go find Kaeya!" You walked away in your normal, speedy walk, excited to see Kaeya. After a while of searching, you couldn't find him anywhere in the usual spots. "Ronan, did Mister Kaeya say that he'd be somewhere today?"

"He did not. Perhaps he's busy today," answered Ronan which disappointed you. "Well, I guess we'll have to go bother Diluc today.." And that's what you did for today. When Diluc said that he'd take a day off for you at some point, you declined, saying that you were okay and that you met a person to company you while he was off at work, but now that Kaeya was not around, you thought that it was time to take him up on his word.

It wasn't until tomorrow that you finally got to meet up with Kaeya who excused himself as he was out on a short-notice mission.

"Did you miss me that much?" he asks, chuckling a bit. You nodded. "Yeah, I did. But, don't worry about yesterday; I still had my share of fun," you said in earnest. Kaeya was a bit caught off guard with how honest you had spoken but soon regained the smirk that everyone knows, and is either in love with or scared of. "My, you are quite honest," Kaeya points out. "You should be careful, (Y/N)."

"Hm? I'm not following you, Mister Kaeya," you said, "But if you mean that I can't handle myself, I'm a vision user as well so I can defend myself." You show him a determined fist and fiery eyes. Kaeya chuckles at your silly gesture. "That's not what I meant and could you drop the mister? Don't you think we can consider ourselves friends?" he says.

"Friends..?" The word you've heard multiple times out of other people's mouth, yet still foreign to you that Kaeya can practically see your gears churn inside your head. Then, "I've never had friends so will you be my first friend?" you ask. Kaeya smiles and reaches an arm across the table and ruffles your hair. "I'd love to."

---

Part two!

║Kaeya║A Cold War

Gender-neutral.

Word count: 3k

---

You two had been at it for quite some time now. The war between you and the Cavalry Captain, Kaeya, didn't look like it was going to end any time soon. "Honestly, this has gone for far too long that it's silly at this point," Lisa sighs, watching the two of you from afar. "When are they going to make up?" Jean, who stood beside the librarian, nodded in agreement.

You and Kaeya had crossed paths in front of the fountain in the centre of the city one fateful morning. Snarling and angry at the sight of the male, you turned around with a huff and walked away. Although he was your captain, you two clearly showed a much stronger relationship than commander and knight; you two were friends until the fight two weeks ago.

Kaeya sighs at your retreating figure and walked over to the two, tall females who he had noticed was watching. "Good morning," he greets, a hand raised and a smile on his face. "Kaeya, when are you two going to talk?" Lisa asks, a concerned expression on her face.

He shrugs, pretending not to care of the matter. "Who knows?" he simply say. "Anyway, if that's all you're going to talk about, I'd rather get going with my missions." The Cavalry Captain walks away without letting either of the two say anything. Lisa sighs at the retreating captain. "Both of them really are like couple in quarrel," she states, resting her cheeks on her hands. "I find it very cute." Lisa keeps going on about how you two acted like a couple even though you two obviously weren't. Jean looks over at the witch with dismay and shook her head.

You and Kaeya really showed the citizens of Mondstadt of how you two were at war at each other. Kaeya had started to become a grouch and cold while you were fuming with a fit of anger and it showed in everything you do- from training and wiping out hilichurls to simply eating and easy chores.

"We should get (Y/N) to do something else right now, rather than let them wait for Kaeya's orders," Jean says, knowing that even if Kaeya got a mission for you, you won't even listen to him and go do your own thing. It was also bad for you to linger around the city and throw passionate anger into everything you do as citizens reports how an underling of the Cavalry Captain is scaring away people- be it customers or the people themselves.

You were heading off to the training area to train even more. Although you were kind of sore from training from morning till night yesterday, it didn't keep you from training today so that you can make the blue-haired male take back the words he said to you two weeks ago. "You're not capable in doing these alone!" The words rung repeatedly in your head and made you even more angrier, but mostly saddened.

As much as you appreciate Kaeya's concern of your safety, it can sometimes make you question your worth. What are you good for if you are basically told to sit back and do nothing? That's not why you became a knight in the first place; you wanted to seek thrill while protecting the citizens of Mondstadt and you won't improve if he tells you to slack off.

"(Y/N)," a voice calls from behind you, stopping you on your way to the training grounds. You turned around to see the Acting Grand Master with a couple sheets of paper. You guessed it was most likely missions for you. "Are these tasks?" you ask, no sign of hostility in your tone as you spoke with the blonde.

"Yes, we're short of hands right now and was hoping you could take a look at them," she said and hands you over the papers. It is true that since the Grand Master took most of the knights, there aren't a lot of knights left in the city. But, the tasks given to you can be given to any other knights at any time; Jean just wants to help you clear your mind. "Okay, I will. Thank you!" A flare of determination and excitement reflected your hyped tone.

Jean smiles before waving bye and getting to her own things. You look at the papers in hand, seeing that some would take longer than others, but can still be done all today. Not caring to read the full details, you headed to the locations written and wipe out any and all enemies.

In the end, you did clear them all and felt really proud of yourself that you managed to do all tasks alone. You kind of wanted to boast at Kaeya's face but you were too prideful let that happen.

You were making your way inside the city, now late at night, feeling even more sore than yesterday. Although it was hurting you, it felt rewarding since you haven't done this much moving around under Kaeya's orders.

When you got home, you went straight to your bedroom, rather than eating dinner and washing up. You felt the stinging soreness wash over your body when you were taking of your shirt. "Ack!" You immediately lower your arms as a reaction to the pain. "I should deal with this.." you mumbled. You decided to deal with it tomorrow since you don't have the energy to do so tonight.

The next day, you went to the training field, albeit still sore from two days worth of strained movements. The pain really made you question if you had done anything at all to contribute to the Knights of Favonius; you see the Acting Grand Master put her all into everything and the build up of stress and strain on her, Outrider Amber running around and helping anyone who she comes across and scouting areas around Mondstadt, and even the traveller from some place else is doing something much greater such as helping Dvalin, but what about you? You felt miserable.

You headed to the Knights of Favonius' headquarters to see if Jean could give you some missions for today. You knocked on the door lightly and entered when you hear a quick and muffled 'come in'. "Good morning. Sorry to bother you this early in the morning, Acting Grand Master," you started, closing the door behind you. "I was wondering if you could give me any more tasks?"

Jean looks up from her work and smiled. "Ah, (Y/N), good morning," she says. "I heard you came back late last night. Did I give you too much to work?" You shook your head immensely. "No, no, it's just the trips that made it long."

"I see. Well, I don't have any missions right now.. Why don't you see Kaeya and ask if he has any for you?" Jean says nonchalantly as she discreetly adds, pretending she doesn't know what is going on between you and him. Your head slightly drops at the mention of his name. You didn't want to go to him- not now, at least. "Ah, he probably doesn't have any either. It's fine, I'll do some training on my own," you said and left the headquarters.

When you said that you'll train on your own, you mean to go search for some dangers that will help you improve. You still are feeling sore all over but dismiss it. You did, however, applied some essential oil to help relieve your muscle pain and thought that that alone would help. You headed out of the city's wall and looked for some tough opponents.

Kaeya's eyes narrowed as he saw you leaving through the gates, a worrisome feeling in his guts, but he wasn't going to let that feeling in the pit of his stomach get to him. He felt that he was in the right and that you were too stubborn. Your stubbornness and prideful personality made him really irritated, but he felt sad that you two didn't get to chat like before.

He shrugs his shoulders and went to bother anyone who he sees- most likely Diluc, who was at Angel's Share at the moment.

Nightfall started to set in and you hadn't returned- no sightings of you ever walking around the streets since thos morning. Kaeya wasn't aware of this since he thought you were home like he had always expected of you. It wasn't until the next day when he was summoned to the headquarters by Jean that he knew of your absence since yesterday. "Hey, what did you call me for?" Kaeya says, his usual, playful smirk on his face. However, that fell when he saw Jean and Lisa's expression and feel the atmosphere of the room. "What is it now?" His stomach started to churn in an awful feeling and only one thing was on his mind- you.

"It's about (Y/N)," Jean starts off, making Kaeya starting to feel even worse. "A ruin guard has been found awoken near the Thousand Wind Temple by someone in the Adventurers Guild and no one has seen (Y/N) since yesterday morning. I have a feeling that they are the one who woken it up."

Upon hearing the news, he clenches his fists and his jaws tightened, a shadowed cast over his face as he narrowed his eyes. But, "What does this have to do with me?" he asks coldly. Lisa and Jean looks over at each other with a concerned expression. "Kaeya--" Lisa started off but was immediately caught of by the male.

"They said that they can handle anything so shouldn't you two put some faith in them as well?" he said, raising his voice in anger, recalling what you said to him two weeks ago. "Kaeya, I am aware of the fight you two had but this has honestly gone for far too long that it's silly," Jean says in a calm tone. "Isn't the reason why you don't allow them on dangerous missions is because you care about them?" This hit Kaeya and he hang his head low. It was true that he cares about you deeply and doesn't show the same feeling to anybody else but you.

He imagined scenarios of situations you could be in right now and it made that feeling inside him snap. He turns around and storms off, shutting the door with a boom.

Praying. He was praying to the Archons of your safety as he feels something went trailing down his face from his eyes. It was blurring his vision but he ignores them, running through the darken day.

When he reached to the location of the sightings, he found the ruin guard, awake and walking, but no signs of you. He quickly disposed of the ruin guard and searched the area for you or anything that was on you that dropped that might give him some hope.

A few metres away, there your body lie on the cold ground. "(Y/N)!" Kaeya runs over to your side and felt his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. You were all bruised up along with scratches and blood that was either still running from open wounds or had already dried up. Your eyes were closed and he worried for the worse. Rushing to kneel beside you, heb helped you sit up against a rock, putting his hands under your chin to feel for a pulse. To his relief, he found it beating and pulled your body into his chest, one hand behind your head as the other wrapped around your shoulders. "(Y/N)," he whispers your name, his heart feeling lighter.

Your eyes slowly opens from the sudden warmth that engulfed you. "Nngh!" The moment your mind became conscious, the pain from the battle and the soreness from training before suddenly rushed all over your body. "Ack!"

Kaeya immediately pulls away from you, his face full of worry. "(Y/N), are you okay?" he asks. You look at Kaeya with surprise. "Why.. Are you here?" There was no anger in your tone as you were too exhausted. "I came looking for you, dummy. Now, let me take you back so ease up." You gave a quick nod and closed your eyes, falling into another sleep. Making sure you were asleep, he stood up with you in his arms and made his way back inside the city.

He went to see Barbara in the cathedral so that she could heal you. "My, they're badly injured! Hurry, bring them here," she exclaims with a hand over her mouth at the sight of your badly figure and gestures towards the infirmary. Kaeya listened and places you on one of the beds inside and let her do her thing.

She left as soon as she healed any and all visible, major wounds. Kaeya sits down on the wooden chair beside the bed and waits for you to wake up. You were asleep all throughout the day and only woken up the next morning.

You felt something at the side of you and you slowly turned your head but hissed at the sudden pain, closing your eyes in reaction. Although it lessened thanks to Barbara, the pain didn't fully go away.

Once it subsided, you open your eyes to see whatever was beside you. To your surprise, it was Kaeya. His arms were crossed on top of the bed and rested his head on top of it, sleeping with his lips slightly parted. Your heart warmed and remembered the little scene when he hugged your bruised body.

It looked like he slept late and didn't even bother to comb his hair- meaning to say, he didn't go home and return early in the morning. In that moment, you let your pride down as well as forgave him for what he said two weeks ago. You weakly reached your arms out and tucked a strand of his unkempt hair behind his ear.

You suddenly remembered the reason why you two fought in the first place- you went out to a dungeon, alone, on a mission that you secretly accepted without the help of the Cavalry Captain. It was a simple wiping out of a hilichurl camp but there was no knowledge of an abyss image nearby since it wasn't written on the report.

When Kaeya received word you left on a mission, he was upset and immediately left to find you. He found you soon enough, wiping out hilichurls. His eyes looked off to behind you and see a cryo abyss mage. "(Y/N)!" he warned. You turned to look at him and that's when the abyss image shot an ice crystal. It hit your left arm and you roared in pain. Kaeya quickly made due of the image and quickly rushed to check your wound.

"What were you thinking- going out on a mission alone!?" he angrily asked, gripping your upper arm. "Kaeya, you're hurting me!" you hissed.

"I told you time and time again that you should tell me when you're going out!" he said, raising his voice. "I was doing just--"

"Just fine!? You were hit by an abyss mage, goddamit!"

"It's just a scratch--" He cuts you off again, his tone now booming with anger. "Yeah, it's just a scratch, but what about the next time you go out alone? You could be heavily wounded or even worse!" He wasn't listening to a word you said and the grip on you looked like it wasn't loosening anytime soon.

"Kaeya, would you just listen to me!?" you shouted back in the same volume and tone as his. "I am more than capable as a knight to wipe a few hilichurls and an abyss mage!"

His anger didn't subside but he let's go of your arms, head down as a shadow casted over his face. "So, that's how this is going to be, huh? Alright, then I'll leave you be. See if I care." The words broke your heart. Kaeya turned around and left you there with your head down. That was the last time you guys talked to each other before the cold war.

He groans at the touch, making your heart flutter. Then, you see his visible eyelids open slowly, revealing his unique, blue eyes. He straightened up in his seat with a loud yawn before looking over at you. "(Y/N)..!" he says your name, his visible eye showing surprise.

"Good morning," you weakly greet, a gentle smile tugging your lips. A few short seconds passed before he quickly draws you into an intoxicating embrace. You returned the hug as you bury your smiling face into the crook of his neck. "You dummy. Why did you go out and pick a fight with a ruin guard?" he whispers, deepening the hug.

"I wanted you to know that you can depend on me.." you answer, tears starting to form. "I'm not a child that needs protecting; I'm a knight so please look at me as you would to any other knights." Kaeya pulls back and stare into your eyes. "I'm afraid I can't do that," he said, his eyes stern and serious. "What--"

"Because.. You're different," he cuts you off. You look at him with questioning eyes. "I can't bring myself to not care for you nor can I bring myself to treat you like any other subordinates of mine because I love you." The three words that you never thought you'd hear from the Cavalry Captain came out so easily- it's as if he wanted to say it for so long. "I can't bear to lose you, (Y/N). And just seeing you hurt hurts me more than you realize."

"I.." You looked down on your blanket. "I'm sorry that I made you worried.. I didn't know that's how you felt."

"No, I'm sorry. I should have really told you before you got into anymore danger," he said. You two smiled and pulled you back to a loving embrace. Then, "I love you too, Kaeya."

---

║Jean║A Defeated Battle

Warning: Hints towards s*ic*d*.

Female reader.

Angst.

Word count: 1.1k

---

Your heart beat with inconsistency everytime you looked at her. From her graceful movements as she diligently does each tasks to small things such as staring at her eyes, lips, and nose-- they were all beautiful to you and you don't think that you would ever get tired of her even after years invested into the relationship.

However, no matter how beautiful she looked, a frown crept up your face as you watch her talk to the Cavalry Captain right outside of the Knights of Favonius' headquarters. She looked drained of energy-- no, she is drained of energy and the bags under her eyes proved that.

Lately, work has started to took a toll on her, but she couldn't rest just yet. However, she has made sure to eat something once every couple of hours to get some temporary energy boost. It was something you reminded her time and time again, all in a light tone since even if she did forget to eat, you would bring her homemade food and force feed her.

"Oh, right, I should probably get going.." you mumbled, remembering that you still had something to do and can't loiter around and watch Jean at work.

With one more glance, you walked away from the scene and soon, out of the city's walls. What you had to do dealt with you going all the way to Starsnatch Cliff.

The breeze was perfect with it not being too cold and when you got there you stood near the edge of the cliff, looking at the green below. It would be a frightening thing to do but to you, it made you feel free. You extended your arms on your sides and closed your eyes, a smile appearing on your face.

You stood there for a while before turning around, eyes landing on a large rock that was surrounded with cecilias. Walking closer to it, one will see that there was a gravestone to it. Crouching down in front of it, you extended your arms to touch the stone, your fingertips tracing the outlined words that was engraved into it.

A sigh escaped your mouth unknowingly and your smile hid no longer that bitterness you held when you look at the stone. "How long..?" you muttered.

You didn't want to stay long so with one more lingering stare, you stood up and brush any dirt off of you and return to the city.

Walking past crowds of people, you returned to the headquarters. Quietly, you opened the door to Jean's office and smiled when you saw her asleep on her desk. It wasn't the best of places to sleep, but at least she was sleeping.

Walking around the desk, you reach your arms towards the sleeping female, but stopped when you saw tears streaming down her face. "(Y/N).." she sniffles. Your heart ached, suddenly feeling bitter.

You forced a smile, although it did nothing to mask your sadness. However, what was done was done and you could not revive the dead.

Yes, you are dead and have been for quite some time.

Memories of time not long ago suddenly came and reminded you of the happy times you spent with the female. The memories leading up to your death was not a happy one, however. It consisted of fighting and battling an inevitable end.

You closed your eyes and remembered the events that occurred just moments before your death. It was full of tears that night.

"I can't take it anymore, (Y/N)!" the blonde shouted, grabbing your shoulders harshly. "Can't you do it for me? Can't you try to fight for me!?"

You averted your eyes to the ground, tears streaming down both of your faces. "We can do it together!" "Don't you love me?" You remained silent, taking all the words she had once said as your heart continued to break. Then, "I do love you.." you said. "Then why can't you try..?" She fell on her knees and cried onto you, gripping your shirt tightly, fearing that you would leave at that moment.

That night was full of tears and sobs were the only sound to be heard in that house that night. Hesitantly, you gently tried to pick her up. "Hey.. Let's go to sleep now, okay?" you whispered gently, getting her to look at you. "I promise I'll try, but I'm feeling tired right now so can we pick this up tomorrow?" Oh how it was such an obvious lie that the blonde easily fell for.

Sniffling, she stood up and nod, energy drained from the constant battle she had to go through with you. That night, she held you tightly and she buried her head on your chest.

Afraid that you would leave that night, she stayed awake. "You'll try.." she croaked, her mouth dry from the shouting. "You'll get past this, (Y/N), so please try.."

You brushed her hair, also awake deep into the night. "I'll try.. For you.." It was yet another lie that rolled off your tongue so easily and she believed it.

The next day, you knew you could no longer make her go through your own battle with you. She had a bright future ahead while you were lost in the dark. You were too blind to see that light that was in front of you-- the one who was helping you fight the monsters that tried to- who eventually succeeded- get you.

When Jean was at work, you took that chance and took what was to be your last stroll all the way to the top of Starsnatch Cliff-- the last place you were seen.

You looked at the ground below, feeling your heart flutter at the thought of finally being free. With one step forward and another, you knew that it would be your last steps in the waking world.

Feeling the rush of wind blowing past you, you closed your eyes and smiled widely. You came to a conclusion that even if a place was called the City of Freedom, it could not free one's self from the void that chased behind them all their life. The City of Freedom could not protect people from their own darkness.

It was selfish of you. You had made someone love you and gave all their love to you, but you took it for granted.

Now, you had to watch the blonde work diligently during the day with obvious fatigue and cry during night, sometimes crying at your gravestone that was placed on top of the cliff. And you couldn't do a single thing-- not even able to comfort her.

Even knowing this, you put your ghostly hands on her shoulders and leaned to kiss her head.

"Sleep well, my love."

---

║Jean║Stress

Female reader as requested.

Fluff.

Word count: 800+

---

"What's wrong, (Y/N)? You seem to be spacing out," the purple witch says  setting down her teacup. You sighed, setting down your own before looking at the librarian. "Ah, you noticed, huh?" you half-asked, looking at the cup with eyes reflecting your worried thoughts.

There was silence, the gentle wind rustling the leaves of the tree that provided shade for you and the other female across you. "I'm just worried about Jea-- Ah, Acting Grand Master's health," you admitted willingly, feeling a tinge on your cheeks when you thought about the blonde.

Lisa's eyes widened slightly in amusement then relaxed into a smile. "Well, you can go and check up on her, you know?" she says, bringing her cup closer to her lips once more to take a sip. "A, ah! I couldn't.. I, I mean, I would love to, but I..!!" You stopped, not wanting to embarrass yourself with your hasty words and just avert your eyes to the ground awkwardly.

Lisa chuckles, seeing how easy it was for you to turn pink. "I don't think she wants to be bothered right now.. Seeing as she is piled up with work, you know?" you confessed. Lisa sighs then leaned her body forward, head resting on the palm of her hands. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind and I bet she'd love to see you. After all, aren't you her lover?" She smiles, seeing you look at her.

"Ah, you're right, but um.." You avert your gaze as quickly as it stared at the female, scratching your cheeks weakily. "Oh, I'm sure it will be fine!" Lisa stands up, looking down at you with a hand on her hip. "Come on. If you really care for her, then it's best to check up on her."

You were hesitant, but ended up following the Witch of Purple Rose to the Favonius Headquarters.

Lisa lightly knocks on the office's door, waiting for a muffled voice through the wooden door of permission to enter. "Jean, a pretty fairy came to see you," Lisa greets when she opens the door.

Jean looks up from her work to stare at you and Lisa. "Oh, (Y/N), what brings you here?" she ask. "Oh, I came to see you.." you confessed, feeling down at the sight of the blonde's messy desk. She hasn't been home for the past couple of days and it made you worry, but you weren't brave enough to just drag her home.

Lisa quietly slips out of the room, leaving you all alone with the Dandelion Knight to chat. "I'm sure I have worried you, right?" Jean asks, standing up from behind the desk to walk over to you. "A bit, yeah.. I just want you to come home and rest."

She sighs and offered you to sit down with her on the sofa backed against one of the walls of the room. "I'm almost finished with my work; I promise I'll be home soon," she says, smiling to reassure you. However, you didn't buy it, seeing the papers on her desk.

Jean notices your eyes on the paper and takes your hands in hers, trying her best to reassure you. "Most of them are completed, I promise you," she says and changes topic. "How are you?"

"I'm alright.. I just wish that you would come home," you say, relaxing under the sunlight that shone through the windows. Jean smiles at your caring personality and rested her head on one of your shoulders, letting an airy chuckle when you stiffened. "Can I rest on you for a while?" she asks,

"Of course," you answered, hearing her voice croak fatigue. After a while, you notice that she was rather too still, yet relaxed, and soon realized that she fell asleep. It was saddening to know that she was just that tired and made it so that she would be comfortable sleeping, laying down on the sofa and used yourself as a pillow for her to rest. She most likely will wake up if the warmth that you bring her suddenly fades, so you stayed.

You undo her ponytail so that her head wouldn't hurt and stroke her head gently, lacing your fingers through her golden locks. After days of not coming home, you missed just laying down with her in the comfort of your bed, stroking her hair as the two of you chat. Of course, she was asleep right now, but you were still happy about it.

"Rest well, Jean," you say softly and kissed the crown of her head, soon feeling your eyelids fall heavy under the warmth of the sun. When Jean wakes up, she will definitely feel much more energised and that is all you care about.

---

║Diluc║Family Outing

Female reader as requested.

Fluff.

Word count: 2.8k

---

The manor was no longer the silent and lonely house that everyone used to know before he met you, and now that he has made a family with you, his heart felt comfort knowing that he has two little angels to return to each and every night.

"Wake up, Daddy! Wake up, Mommy!" a child's voice sang throughout the empty halls and continued to do so until it got inside your room. The owner of the voice frown when they saw you still sleeping-- well underneath the blankets.

However, that frown was replaced by a giggle and smile, taking this opportunity to jump right on your stomach since you were the closest.

You groan in a tired pain, but after a few seconds, you opened your eyes, looking at the little human sitting at the bottom of the bed. A wide smile greets you and you couldn't help but smile back.

"Yay! Mommy is awake!" They cheer, clapping excitedly. You look towards the person who lay beside you, sleeping peacefully as he pretended not to hear the loud child, his arms around your waist getting a bit tighter.

Diluc came home awfully late last night, eyes holding fatigue with light bags under his eyes, so it was understandable as to why he dare not wake up.

You pulled away from his wrap, making space between you and him before patting that spot, hinting the little girl to join.

If you didn't know any better, you might have thought that the smile on her face couldn't get any wider.

Crawling beside you, you placed a kiss on their forehead, wrapping one arm on their small waist. "Good morning, Nuri. How was your sleep?" Your voice a bit hoarse, still just waking up.

"At first, Nuri had trouble sleeping because of how excited I am!" Nuri exclaims, but soon added, "But Nuri had a good sleep! Mommy and Daddy showed up in my dream and we ate ice cream!"

You chuckled at her words, heart feeling warm. "That's good to hear," you simply answered, unable to reply with energy and wondered how the child had so much energy. The sun was still peeking through the horizon, yet she acted as if it was nine already.

"Are we going to go now?" Nuri asks. You look at the male, snoozing tiredly. "In a couple more minutes, okay?" you said, making the child frown a bit. "But Nuri wants to eat ice cream now!" she states.

"You will have as many ice creams as you want soon-- just let Daddy sleep a bit more, okay?" you assured the girl. She pouts, but nodded.

After a few minutes, you got up, reminding Nuri to not wake Diluc up just yet as you go shower to shake the remaining sleep off of you.

Upon stepping back into the bedroom, Nuri was sitting beside Diluc, poking his cheeks lightly as she admires his complexion. "Nuri, let's go get you change, okay? Then we'll wake your father," you said, offering her a hand to latch onto.

She looks over at you and jumps off of the bed, her excitement just getting higher as you two left the room and allowing Diluc to sleep in silence for a while.

"I want to eat loads of ice cream!" Nuri states excitedly, swinging her legs as she sat and letting you tie her hair. "I also want to play with Klee!"

"I'm sure we'll run into her if she isn't confined in her room," you said, just finishing tying her red hair into a ponytail and putting on a ribbon to top it off. Nuri smiles when she saw herself in the mirror and quickly hops off of the chair. "Can we go wake Daddy up now?" she asks, to which you nod.

"Alright, go wake Daddy," you urge the child when you two got back to the master's bedroom. Nuri nods and quickly leaves your side, doing the same thing when she woke you up- jumping onto his stomach.

"Wake up, Daddy!" Nuri said. Diluc groans from the sudden pain, eyes fluttering open to stare at the child. "Nuri..? What are you doing here?" Diluc greets, voice hoarse upon wake.

"You promised Nuri that you will take her out today, so get your butt out of bed!" Nuri orders, shaking the male with whatever strength she's got.

Diluc chuckles at her weak strength, but nevertheless, straightened up on bed. "Good morning to you too," he said, lifting the child up in the air and soon showing a smile of his own.

He turns his head towards you as you make your way to the two. You sat at the other side of the bed and gave a quick peck on his lips. "Good morning," you said. He returns the greeting by kissing you, but this time, letting it linger for a while longer. "Stop kissing and let's go already! I want ice cream!" Nuri weakily punches Diluc's stomach. You and Diluc chuckled, but complied to her orders in the end.

After Diluc changed into his daily choice of clothing, you three met in the dining room where Adelinde had ready set breakfast for the three of you.

"Slow down, Nuri. You'll choke if you eat like that," you said, seeing the girl practically vacuuming her breakfast. "But I want to go out and if we eat quickly, we'll get to go faster!" Even when saying so, she slows down.

After that, you three finally set off, walking all the way to the city where all the fun was.

Strolling around for a bit, Nuri's eyes landed on a toy store with a large window displaying the toys inside. Quickly, she tugs on Diluc's coat, drawing his attention. "Daddy, I want toys!" Nuri said, pointing to the toys on display, eyes pleading like that of a puppy wanting treats.

Diluc stares through the window and smiled at the girl, nodding and letting himself be taken into the store with her, you trailing behind.

Inside, Nuri quickly separates herself from you two to look at the many toys and soon return with a lot in her hands. "Daddy, Daddy, can I get these and those?" she asks, pointing at a couple of toys in the shelf as well as hinting the ones in her hands.

"Uh, Nuri, that's quite a lot, don't you think?" You sweat dropped at her pleas. However, "You can buy whatever you want," Diluc states. Nuri smiles widely and giggles, saying her thank yous to Diluc.

"Diluc, don't you think you're spoiling her too much?" you ask. He reassures you by intertwining your hands together. "If it is something she wants, I will get it for her-- no matter the cost. Besides, I make a lot of money that I don't know what to do with them other than spoiling you two," he said, smiling at you.

You nudge him lightly with your free hand, to which he chuckles. "Daddy, I'm done choosing!" Nuri said, waving from the counter.

"Can you wrap them up in boxes separately? I'll send my butler to get them later," Diluc said to the person behind the counter and placed a pouch full of mora. "Yes, of course, sir. But, uh, I'm sure that this is too much," the person gestures at the pouch.

"Oh, you can keep the change," Diluc said, earning a thank you from them. "Well then, shall we go?" he asks Nuri. She smiles and held his free hand, exiting the store happily.

When you three stepped out, you were greeted by an all too familiar voice. "Oh? So it seems that Master Diluc, (Y/N), and Nuri are out for a family stroll," Kaeya greets and approaches the family.

"Uncle Kaeya!" Nuri smiles widely at the sight of the male and let go of Diluc's hand to run to Kaeya, leaping into his already open arms and lifting her up to meet his eye.

A visible, wide smile appears in Kaeya's face as he chuckles. "Why if it isn't my little fairy," he said, rubbing his nose on hers, earning her to giggle.

"So, what have you been up to, my little fairy?" he asks. "I bought lots of toys for me and Klee!" she answers, putting her small hands on his shoulders.

"Oh? I'm sure Klee would be happy to hear that," Kaeya said, dismissing the glare he's earning from Diluc.

You chuckled at your husband's jealousy and squeeze his hand softly. Everytime Kaeya was around, almost always did Nuri go to Kaeya, even though she has been told time and time again by Diluc to not trust any of the inefficient knights.

"Sir Kaeya, don't you have some things to attend to?" Diluc asks, getting the captain's attention. "Oh, I'm free of work at the moment." He smugly smirks. Seeing his brother jealous was something he loved to see and make it a point to show up at some point to earn Nuri's attention.

"Huh, really? As far as I'm concerned, your other knights are standing at their posts and doing their duties.. Are you saying that you are slacking off?" Diluc shots back.

"Maybe I am." Kaeya shrugs, his smirk not dropping from his face. "I will happily slack off from work to enjoy my time with this angelic fairy." He hints at Nuri.

Diluc gumbles curses under his breath, clearly upset at his brother's presence.

Luckily, a fellow knight intruded, clearing looking for Kaeya. "Sir Kaeya, Acting Grandmaster wishes to see you," tha knight said, straightening his posture.

Kaeya eyed the knight. "Oh? What for?" he asks. "She asks of you to take care of Klee for a while, sir," the knight answers.

Kaeya frowns a bit, but that soon changed into a smile. "Oh, Nuri, would you like to see Klee now?" He turns his head to the child.

"I'm afraid I won't allow that, Sir Kaeya," Diluc steps in, not wanting his child to be inside the Knight's of Favonius' headquarters, even if it's just for a quick visit.

"Oh come on, I'm sure she would love to see Klee. Aren't I right, Nuri?" Kaeya asks with a confident smirk. And to his correction, Nuri nods. "See, Master Diluc? You don't want to upset your daughter now, would you?"

"Nuri, do you want to get ice cream now?" Diluc changes the conversation to his favour. He doesn't like giving Nuri sweets so early in the day, but it had to be done just this once.

Nuri's eyes glimmers and nods quickly, tugging on Kaeya's clothes to out her down so she can go to her father. At that point, Kaeya lost to ice cream and put her down.

"Ah.. Klee would be so sad.." Kaeya tries to change the child's mind, but to no avail. When ice cream was involved, Nuri tend to forget everything else and focus on getting ice cream.

"Well then, that settles this. Sir Kaeya, let us not meet a second time today," Diluc bids to the knight. "Oh, don't worry. I'll be sure to see Nuri again today~" Kaeya said, irking the redhead. Taking Nuri into his arms, he walks away, you following beside them.

"Daddy, will you really buy me ice cream?" Nuri asks for reassurance. Diluc nods. "I don't back out of my words," Diluc said.

"I want chocolate!" Nuri says once inside the ice cream shop. "Chocolate? Isn't it a little too early, Nuri?" Diluc points out.

She huffs and crosses her arms. "You said you will buy me ice cream and I want chocolate!" she said. Diluc sighs and went to buy her a small chocolate ice cream and in a cone as requested by her.

"What do you want, love?" he asks you, knowing that Nuri's love for ice cream was shared with you. "I'm sure you want your favourite, right?" You giggle and nodded. It felt special to you how he remembers everything about you-- from your favourite things in the world to your fears.

You exited the shop, Diluc smiling at his two angels enjoying their ice cream, although he still doesn't approve of eating something so unhealthy early the day.

From that time till lunch, you three went into stores that caught Nuri's eyes, Diluc paying for everything that the little girl wanted with no hesitation-- a luxury that only vieux riche can experience.

Soon it was time for lunch and Nuri became hungry. "Where do you want to eat, Nuri?" you ask. "I want ice cream!" she quickly answers.

"You've had your once-a-day ice cream, Nuri," Diluc points out, making Nuri pout. "But I want ice cream.."

Seeing her sad, Diluc quickly added to his words. "You will get a second ice cream after lunch, okay?" he said, lifting her spirits up. "Second ice cream? Yay!" She claps her hands. "Then, I want to eat at Miss Sara's," she answers. Nuri doesn't know the name of the places within the city, so when she says 'Miss Sara's', she means Good Hunter.

"Hi, Miss Sara!" Nuri greets, waving her small hands. Sara smiles and greeted the child, then going off to asking your orders.

Diluc was one to not like going in public places, unless he had some business. But now that he has Nuri, that changed in order to make her happy.

Sitting down, Nuri excitedly hums and swing her legs, wanting to get a second ice cream that only happens once in a blue moon.

"Ho~ You three don't certainly loiter around in one place." Behind Nuri, came an approaching Kaeya, however, he wasn't alone this time, so when Nuri turned, a huge smile tugged on the girl's face. "Klee!"

"Hi, Nuri!" Klee runs to Nuri's side, giggling. "Do you want to see my new toys?" the young knight asks and Nuri nods excitedly.

"Klee, you know what Acting Grandmaster said about showing your bombs within the walls, right?" Kaeya reminded. Klee pouts. "But I'm just showing it to Nuri.."

"Don't worry, Klee! We can play with it outside next time!" Nuri comforts the girl.

Bringing two chairs to the table, Klee sat beside Nuri and chatted with her more while Kaeya smugly looks at Diluc. "I thought I said to never appear again," Diluc grumbles.

"And I said that I will definitely be back." This only made Kaeya's smirk wider, clearly satisfied.

While the two children chatted away smilingly, the two male adults bickered over the childish of topics, you also joining when being asked for personal opinion.

Even after leaving Good Hunter, Kaeya and Klee tagged along in the family stroll due to Nuri's request. "We can take care of Klee. You can go back," Diluc states, crossing his arms and staring at the male on the opposite side of you, using you as a sort of barrier between himself and the knight.

"I'm afraid I can't do that, Master Diluc. After all, I have been personally assigned by the Acting Grandmaster~" Diluc glares at him and cursed him once again.

"It's okay, Diluc. He's still family, so it's natural for him to join," you said, holding his hand. "Mhm, that's right~" Kaeya hums in agreement.

When Nuri asked for her second ice cream, Diluc ended up buying ice cream for everyone-- except for himself, of course. That meant he also had to buy one for Kaeya so that Nuri wouldn't be upset with him.

After hours of strolling, the sun was seen setting in the horizon, hinting you that Nuri's bedtime was soon.

"Alright, Nuri, time to say bye-bye to Klee," you said, intruding into the girl's happy conversation. "Already?" Nuri pouts.

"Yes, we have to get home before dinnertime," you state. Reluctantly and sadly, Nuri said her goodbyes to the red knight.

"See you soon, Nuri!" Klee waves from the gate, her doing the same as she held your hand. Once gone from the bridge, it was time for her turn to go home. "Now, let's get you back inside the headquarters," Kaeya said. "Otherwise, Acting Grandmaster will totally have it in for me."

Inside Dawn Winery and after dinner, you brought Nuri to her personal bathroom to bathe her and quickly get her into her sleepwear while Diluc went to your shared bathroom to do the same and later joining you two in her bedroom.

"Daddy, I want you to read The Legend of Venessa!" Nuri said when she got on her bed, pulling it from under her pillow. "Again?" you ask. She nods with no hesitation to having her favourite book be re-read to her.

"Alright.." Diluc complies to her demands, reading the same words for the umpteenth time until you both hear her lightly snore. She prefers Diluc over you when reading her bedtime stories because of how nice his voice sounds.

You got up from your sitting position at the side of her bed, pushing any strands of hair and placing a kiss on her forehead.

Now, it was yours and Diluc's turn to sleep, going to your shared bedroom that was just a few doors away from Nuri's.

He wraps his arms around your waist and brought you close for more warmth than what the blanket could provide. "Good night, angel," he said and kissing the crown of your head. Tiredly, you hummed. "Good night, Diluc."

---

║Diluc║Found You 2

A continuation requested by someone on Wattpad.

Be warned: This could absolutely be a sh**y post.

Word count: 2.7k

---

All felt like a dream when he had taken you away from your home. It was a slip through the day like wind passing through a blocked off cave of old. So now, you were going back home-- your true home, Mondstadt, and in Dawn Winery.

"Do you need anything? Snacks, clothes, collection items-- anything?" Diluc asks, sitting beside you on the sofa as wood in the fireplace crackle under the fire that lit up part of the room. "I'm okay," you answered, smiling.

Diluc, ever since you've returned, has stayed at a good distance from you so that you would never disappear from him again. He knew that when he took you from Fontaine, it was kind of abrupt and that your father would be out to get you, most likely knowing where you are hiding. So, for the time being, you two were staying at a luxurious inn within Liyue.

It was close to Mondstadt which does sound like a horrible place to stay, being that since it is the neighbouring nation, your father would send people to Liyue. However, that is why you two stayed there. If your father does send people to Mondstadt and did not find you there, he most likely will not assume that you are in Liyue since he would think that it is a foolish idea.

"Let's just stay like this for a while," you said, leaning on his shoulder and closing your eyes.

Your thoughts wandered. If your father does find you, there was no way in Teyvat will you let him drag you back to that gloom of a home, wanting to try and fight for yours and Diluc's happiness. You know that you can't hide forever and that this was simply a mean to by time-- to take a rest until you decide to face your father.

And so, why did you leave home? The word 'gloom' has most likely stood out.

You left home after your father became that of a tyrant in the house, when your mother had fallen out of love with him, and you couldn't stand his new persona-- always shouting and even starting to slap you at the littlest of mistakes that he used to brush off. He would even have someone monitor you and report everything to that man, giving you that feel of lost freedom.

That progressed to worse treatment when he started to see you not as his child but an object. Everytime he saw you, he remembers your mother and that would get him riled up.

When he knew that you ran away, he was furious. You are to bend to his wishes as his child, no? That is what plagues his mind.

Originally, both parents were to have a split custody, but she lost even that half the authority, given how much money your father bribed to keep you as a way to make your mother regret.

"Hey, (Y/N)?" Diluc calls your name, gently putting a hand over yours. You dismissed your thoughts and hummed to his call. "What is it, Diluc?" you ask softly, eyes still closed, feeling have tired.

"I am sure you're thinking about your father, so this may sound that I am prying into your life.." At that, you understood as to what he was leading on, and you were kind of expecting it, seeing as you didn't tell him anything. "I don't want to pressure you into telling me so I'll wait until you want to.." he adds, rubbing his thumb on your hand.

"Mn.. Thank you," you said. It was a long journey to Mondstadt and with the many stops to avoid encountering any of your father's servants, it tired you out honestly.

-

It takes a couple months to travel from Fontaine to Mondstadt, but added a couple weeks hiding in Liyue. You didn't feel as if you were truly hiding though-- you and Diluc stroll around Liyue, completely out in the open, but there were many people so that you two won't stand out.

During that time, Diluc took you out to dinner and bought you anything that you wanted, even tossing in things that he thinks you might like and the stuff that you eyed for a little longer to not be considered as a glimpse.

"Diluc, there really is no need to buy me these," you hastily said, trying to reach the item in his hands which he switch to the other to make it further away from you. "It's fine. The money I earned from Dawn Winery and the tavern won't stop," he said, quickly paying it so it left you no room to dissuade him.

Life was like that for a while until a letter from the head butler of Dawn Winery sent an emergency letter through Diluc's bird, saying that there were two people loitering around Dawn Winery who look like they were from Fontaine, seeing their unique clothing.

The letter wrote that they have been watching the winery and not leaving when forced to.

"I don't think it's time to go back just yet. We'll just tire them out," Diluc said, referring to the Fontainians, as he scans through the letter.

The next day, was that of any other day, but what you didn't expect was to see your father in Liyue.

Seeing as his head was turned to somewhere else- most likely searching for you as he passes by Liyue- you took it as a chance to drag Diluc into one of the stores, hiding behind one of the shelves inside.

"(Y/N)?" He calls, but then looks at where you were staring at and knew what was happening. "You saw your father, didn't you?" he asks and you nod.

You guessed that he couldn't wait for a couple more months to hunt down for you and that is why he is personally finding you, finally standing up from his stupid chair in his office.

"He's most likely going to Dawn Winery.." Diluc states, narrowing his eyes at the people outside.

You were off in your thoughts, dwelling on decisions to be made hastily. Have you been prolonging the search that long now? As much as you didn't want to face that man, you had to someday because there really aren't much places to hide in Teyvat-- aside from the land of sinners, Khaenri'ah.

You look out the window, now seeing your father gone from the spot he once stood. Sighing, you and Diluc walked out of the store, but didn't dare put your guards down as you made your way back to the inn. Just because he wasn't in your sights doesn't mean he has fully left Liyue.

His eyes were that of a hawk and there is no way he wouldn't see you even amongst the wave of people, and he has other eyes just in case he does miss you.

You two only relaxed once back in the safe zone, deciding to not stroll around for a couple of days and only letting Diluc run errands since he most likely wasn't one to be recognized to be with you.

During those days, there have been a brief exchange of letters through Diluc's bird. The letters also included one from the Knights of Favonius' Cavalry Captain, Kaeya, saying that a nobleman from some place off was being a hassle in the city. And with the level of intellect that the knight holds, he deducted that it had something to do with Diluc's absences at the tavern.

Then, one night, when you and Diluc were sitting comfortably on a sofa, you spoke, "Diluc, I think we should go back." You intertwined your hands with his, feeling warm throughout your body.

You gulped back fear of your father and decided to face him. There was no way will you ever let yourself be dragged back to that house of his.

And so, the travel to Mondstadt took no less than a day and was soon facing Dawn Winery-- the only place you called home.

"Master Diluc, welcome back," the head maid, Adelinde, greet. Diluc's eyes darted to the maid and immediately asked for a report about what happened in Mondstadt while he was gone.

"The Knights of Favonius has been trying to please a group of foreigners for the past days," Adelinde answers. "A particular man was searching for a person named (Y/N) and has been causing trouble for the knights."

Diluc's eyes befell on you, getting your attention on him. Then, "Where is this man right now, Miss Adelinde?" you ask straightly, facing the maid.

"Ah, they are still within Mondstadt's walls," she answers.

With that, you look towards Diluc and gave a firm nod to reassure the male of your decision. You knew of Diluc's worries and fears from the past days spent together. He was afraid that you would leave again, but just didn't quite express it.

Seeing your determined look, he nods and the two of you walked to Mondstadt, soon being greeted by the Cavalry Captain. "Master Diluc, why the frown? Here I thought you had a wondrous time being away from your work for so long," Kaeya states, still able to pull a sly smile. "You know.. The knights were having quite the time as well, trying to--"

"Sir Kaeya, could you speed this up and tell me where that nobleman is right now?" Diluc cuts off, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the captain.

"Oh, so you're well-informed even when you are gone," Kaeya says. "I'm sure one of your servants filled you in about that nobleman already, so if you are looking for him, he's at the headquarters talking to the Acting Grandmaster, saying that if we ever found their child, we should send him a letter." With that, Kaeya's eyes narrowed on you, knowing full well of who you were. After all, you, too, were a foreigner to Mondstadt well before-- he just had to connect a simple series of dots.

You, however, remained silent and paid no mind to the male. "Alright, we'll be off," Diluc says, holding your hand and walking off towards the headquarters.

Just as you two set foot on the final set of stairs, you see an all too familiar man stepping out from the headquarters. However, you weren't jolted with fear anymore, gripping onto Diluc's hands tightly.

It didn't take long for your father's eyes to meet yours, a hint of anger on his face. But since you were with another person, he had to calm down as to not have a bad impression. He was still a businessman after all and seeing how well-dressed Diluc was, he knew he was someone of the same level as he was.

"(Y/N), is that you?" he played off, asking with a forced smile on his face that would make one want to punch him.

"Drop the act, I know why you're here," Diluc steps in, eyes cold for a man who wields pyro. Hearing this, your father frowns and cursed you in his head.

"Alright, since you know why I'm here, why don't you hand me my child back?" the man said.

"I'm afraid I won't let you, sir," Diluc said, which just upset the old man further. "I don't think you have the right to say this. I am their father and as their father, I have the right to take them home," your father said.

"They may be your child, but they are at the matured age to decide what they want to do with themselves. I believe that you have no power to control them anymore," Diluc asserted firmly.

"Who do you think you are!?" your father suddenly booms, anger masking his face read. "Don't you know who I am!?"

"No, I do not. But let me ask you this, do you know who I am?" Diluc asks. Your father huffs. "Why do you matter?" he shots a question back.

"I am well aware of your status in Fontaine, but none of that matters to me," Diluc said. "I'm sure you suspected as much, but I hold the most power in Mondstadt just as you hold in Fontaine."

"But you are in Mondstadt and have no backing whatsoever, making you at the bottom," he continues. "Under me, you can't take them away from here."

Your father clench his teeth at the words thrown at him. He was suppose to have control over you, right? Again, this is what's plaguing his mind, but what can he do? It was true that he was nothing but a foreigner. However, he was still planning on getting you back home so with that said, he lunges at you, ordering the people who serves him to catch you.

Diluc put an arm in front of you. He was ready to use his pyro vision, but was still wavering to use it against another human being.

Luckily for him, instead of having your father be burnt to death, ice blocked you two from your father. "Oh~ who knew that you were this man's child," Kaeya steps in, pretending to not know anything even though you were already aware. "And, Master Diluc, you must know you can't harm others with our visions. It will make a bad impression of our nation."

"Kaeya.. What are you doing here?" Diluc grumbles. "Oh, you know, just thought that the Acting Grandmaster might need me soon~" he openly tells a lie, then turning towards your father. "I'm sorry, sir. I'm sure your hands are numbing due to being locked in ice, hm?"

"Remove my hands from these!" your father shouts. "Ah, but only when I'm sure you won't harm another person. I'm a knight and as a knight, I have to protect others." Kaeya shrugs, looking quite smug with himself, earning your father to growl.

But still knowing he was furious, Kaeya released him from the ice. "I'm sorry to intrude in your family business, but I might have overheard the conversation," Kaeya said, looking from you to the vieux riche.

"What do you want? I don't think you were ever part of this business," you father spat at Kaeya. However, he remained calm-- clearly unfazed by such small talk. "I'm sorry, sir, but I don't think you have the right to take our citizens forcefully," Kaeya said.

"Citizens? They're not even from here!" he shouts angrily, showing a clenched fist at the captain. "Oh? They're not? Huh, now, I may be wrong- which I highly doubt- but I am sure they are Master Diluc's lover, yes? So to say, lovers should be in one place," Kaeya said, closing his visible eye and holds a pointing finger as he speaks.

You notice your father about to lunge at Kaeya, but before he could do that, Kaeya's eyelids open and revealed a cold gaze. "Sir, you have been quite the handful lately. I think you best be off to the safety of your nation. We Mondstadtians won't just idle by and watch, you know?" Kaeya said, his gaze making your father seem small.

With one more mean look, your father fled from Mondstadt altogether in fear of being locked in prison in Mondstadt, never to return in search of you.

"I could have handled that, you know?" Diluc states, eyes boring through Kaeya like a knife. "I know, but I wanted to step in, in fear of you burning that man alive~" Kaeya shrugs. "Well then, I'll be off now~" Kaeya turns around and walks away, hand up in the air as a mean of a wave.

Silence soon fell-- a comfortable silence, of course. You felt relieved and your heart felt lighter at the fact that your father was never going to show up in front of you again. You would have picked a fight, but Kaeya stepped in. Nevertheless, you were grateful since you might've been the one to kill your own father.

"Then, shall we be off?" Diluc spoke, hands intertwining with yours. You look away from the direction Kaeya walked off to and smiled at Diluc, nodding. "I want some rest," you said, earning Diluc to smile.

"Sure. Let's go home."

---

║Diluc║Found You 1

I was reading this oneshot in Tumblr (I forgot who it was from T^T) and wanted to write my take on how I imagined it would end.

Angst at first, I guess?

Word count: 2.8k

---

You left like you were never there- there in Mondstadt, there in Angel's Share, there in Dawn Winery, and in his heart.

Travelling across Teyvat to run away from home, you encountered a fiery-haired young man dressed in foreign clothing. It wasn't a nice encounter in the beginning, of course; You stumbled upon the City of Freedom to hide for a while from the man who you had known as your father and had some encounters with the red-headed man that didn't create the best to be engraved in one's memories.

You later found yourself about to run out of mora thus you seeked out for a job. The job was at a tavern called Angel's Share. You really didn't know anything then but you regretted it once knowing who else was there. It was awkward at first and you certainly despised him. But soon, you found yourself enjoying his company. It started as a small, awkward conversation that slowly began to progress into a longer, and much enjoyable, conversation.

You went by an alias in the City of Freedom in fear that your father's men would find you. "What is your reason for being here?" he had asked one-time when it was just the two of you left at the tavern, cleaning glasses that the customers had drank out of. "Just a break," you had lied. He could tell that there was something more than that but didn't press further, guessing that you'll open up to him someday. Someday. If only that day hadn't come, you would've told him.

One night, you had been found hiding in Mondstadt by one of your father's men. They didn't directly approach you, no. Instead, a letter was given to you by the owner of the inn, saying that they were tasked to hand it to you. One look at it, you felt something drop in the pit of your stomach. There was only two words written in that letter which ended everything for you: found you.

You knew you had to move sooner or else you would have been caught, but because of the fiery-red head, you stayed and now you were found. It was pointless to run away now since you were most likely being watched nearby as you re-read the words.

Stuffing back the sheet of paper into the envelope and then tossing it in the garbage, you went to Angel's Share as usual with him there, waiting, unbeknownst of the eyes that secretly followed you to the tavern; you knew, of course.

You chatted with him as if it was another one of your normal days in hiding going under by your alias. When it was time for closing, you walked with him to the inn and asked if he wanted to come into the room you booked. He agreed blindly. There, you confessed since you were away from the eyes and ears that followed you all day. You confessed that you had been in hiding and that you were found. He knew what it meant and begged you to stay, gripping your shoulders harshly. Tears welled up in your eyes as yoy look away from his teary ones and breaking as you hear him plead, voice cracking up for the first time.

When he found out that pleading didn't work, he did the only he could do at this breaking moment; he kissed you. You stood there paralyzed and felt your heart breaking at his attempt of making you stay. The kiss escalated from that but you didn't stop him.

When all had died down and he fell asleep, head buried into your chest and arms wrapping tightly around you, afraid that you would disappear that night, you played with his hair. It was the first time you had touched his hair and had him touch you in a way you would never let anyone else do, but it would be the last time as well. "I'm sorry, Diluc," you softly whisper. Kissing the top of his head, you waited for the opportune moment where his grip loosened enough for you to escape his grasp without waking him up.

You picked up your clothes that decorated the floor and packed up what little things you had in a suitcase. When you were reaching to open the door, you took one last look back at the sleeping male. You quickly looked away as you were feeling guilty of leaving him after he gave you all of him.

When you walked out of the inn, the man who had followed you throughout the day stepped out of the shadows and greeted you with respect. "Master, the carriage is park just outside of Springvale. We must make haste before your father gets even more furious." You didn't answer him as your gaze remain on the ground before you. Nevertheless, you followed silently to Springvale and entered the carriage.

You departed in the silence of the night, leaving no trace for the red to find you.

-

How long has it been since then, you thought to yourself, staring blankly at the blue sky that seems to mock you in your gloomy state.

You sat alone at a table for one on your balcony, a tall tree in front of the house helping block out most of the sunlight and keep you cool in the heat. "Master/Miss, here's your grape juice and pastry that you wanted." A servant had entered your private room and set down a drink and a sweet for you. "Thanks, you may leave," you ordered in a cold tone. Ever since your return, you acted much different than before you left for Mondstadt. All you had been drinking was either water or grape juice and was feeling more tired by the day. You had completely lost the ball of energy that all of the servants once knew and loved.

You look down at the book on your lap and decided whether or not you wanted to continue reading it. You chose to close the book and wanted to take a nap in this weather. Slowly, you close your eyes but not before catching glimpses of someone in foreign clothing passing by aimlessly in the crowd.

When you awoke, you were gently being tapped on the shoulders by a maid. "Master/Miss, it's getting late and cold so you shouldn't be out here." They helped you straightened up and lead you inside. "I'll be skipping dinner tonight," you said and flopped on your bed, not bothering to change your clothes. The maid said a quick yes and left the room to give you your rest.

Since returning, you barely said a word to your father and ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner in your room. He didn't say anything about it as well so you continued to do just that.

Your hands dug underneath your pillow and felt something cold and hard. You straightened up and pulled it out; it was a red pendant that was given by Diluc many months ago. A smile cracked from your usually frowny lips at the thought of Diluc. Only he could make you smile now.

-

"Master, shouldn't we tell your father that you'll be heading out?" A butler that you had tasked to follow you around today asks, fearing that he would be the one to blame for not telling him. "Tch. He probably knows I'm out right now," you say, exasperated that he had to bring it up.

You wanted a stroll, that was it, but the butler just had to ruin the walk by mentioning your father. You aimlessly wandered the streets and looked at things that you found eye catching before continuing your walk. You speeded up your walk to sort of run away from your butler's worrying questions to save yourself the annoyance.

Amidst the crowd, that seemed to blur around you as they make haste for the place they needed to be, you had caught glimpse of a bright, red hair that made you stop and draw your attention to them. In that moment, you felt something in you drop as well as feel your heart starting to beat faster. It couldn't possibly be..

The thought was soon answered when the back of the fiery-haired male turned around, seeming to look for something or someone.

Your eyes widened and you stood there, stupefied to do anything and felt your throat run dry. Diluc. Why was he here, you asked yourself. Could it have been that he found out where you lived? But, that's highly impossible since you hadn't told him where you were from nor gave hints through your speech and actions that would help distinguish you from others.

Diluc's wandering gaze soon stopped when it landed on you. His cold look soon melted away like ice being melted by the heat when his were on you. As you two hold your ground, metres away from each other, you felt the need to run into his arms and let him take you away, but it was impossible to do that when you can't even go out without having at least one person trailing you from behind.

He slowly reaches his arm out as if he was expecting you to run to him anytime soon and grab his extended hand. "Master/Miss(Y/N)!" Your butler had finally caught up with you and you avert your focus away from him. "Master/Miss, you shouldn't leave my sight like this or else your father will scold you!" You dismissed his statement and mumbled a quick 'let's go' and turned to walk in the opposite direction that Diluc stood.

You were kind of relief that your butler had come at the right time and called you by your name since maybe that'll help with hiding your identity you used in Mondstadt. It crushed you to do this to him but the person he is most likely searching for had gone in the whispers of the night, leaving no trace of existence. You were not the you in Mondstadt that he knew and loved to the point he'd travel across Teyvat just to search for.

-

"Who gave you the right to issue your own orders?" you bellowed as you glare down at the maid who was on her knees. The maid had been working in the household before you had ran away to know you weren't the same anymore. "I'm sorry, Master/Miss, please forgive me," she said, staring at the ground, afraid to stare at your menacing eyes.

Instead of beating her up like a terrible person, you huffed and turned to walk out of the door. No one dared to follow you out in your fuming fit, albeit they might receive a scolding from your father.

You were hoping to see Diluc again but you weren't sure if he had come here for you or for some other matter. He probably hated your guts the moment he woke up in that bright morning to see his lover gone the very night when he pleaded for your stay. It was understandable and you didn't oppose to him being angry with you since you would probably be hurt and angry if you were in his shoes. Oh how cold and selfish of you to do that.

You smiled bitterly as you closed your eyes and recall the night that made you who you are now. Then, without knowing, you walked straight into the person you thought wouldn't loiter around the place till today- Diluc.

He grabbed you by the shoulders gently so that you wouldn't have fallen backwards and hurt yourself. Your eyes widened at the sight of the blanked-face male who towered over you with a menacing gaze far worse than the one you gave the maid.

"Um, my apologies, I-" "Zion?" You felt as if your heart suddenly stopped beating at the call of your alias. Your mind raced and panicked of what to do. Then, "I beg your pardon?" you said, playing him for a fool. Surely, he had heard the butler from your last outing call out your name and not Zion so you pretend to not understand.

Diluc stares at you for a couple more seconds before letting go of your shoulders. "Apologies. You look like someone I know," Diluc says, eyes slightly focusing on the ground. He bought it. But, you also now know that the reason he's here was to search for you- the one who broke him. You really wanted to just hug him at that moment but you knew better since you won't be able to escape with him now that your father knew you hid in Mondstadt.

"Oh, is that so?" you say lowly, slightly feeling yourself feel lighter. You wanted to run from thie situation, but then he'd find out. "Um, I'm sorry that I won't be able to help you. I must be going now.. I wish you luck in finding that person." You hurriedly waved him goodbye as you made a speedy walk away. Diluc, who stood at the same spot as he watched you disappear, had his frown replaced by a smirk and eyes soften from his cold ones. He had found something amusing.

You made a dash past everybody and locked yourself in your room, back leaning against the door. It felt suffocating when you talked with him; his intoxicating smell that you craved for so long suddenly engulfing you, your mind lost it.

-

You stayed home for two weeks, hoping that Diluc would be gone by now, before going out on a gloomy day. The clouds were darker in colour and looked like it was about to rain, but it didn't look like rain clouds. You strolled in the quiet streets early in the morning. It was a perfect time to take a stroll for anybody, really. The air was light of breeze and it wasn't bright-- the perfect whether for thoughts like yours.

"Found you."

The words that escaped from the familiar voice stopped you on your tracks and felt as if your heart was glass that slipped between one's hand. That intoxicating smell immediately wrapped around you as you slowly turn your head to look over your shoulders. There, the man who had been chasing you for months stood there with his stoic face.

He walks closer to you and left no more than a couple centimetres of gap between you and him. His lips cracks into a smile, taking in your pale-faced expression.

"How did you.." You gulped back a lump in your throat. "How did you figure me out?" Your eyes looked as if they were pleading as you stared into his eyes.

"It's what you said to me two weeks ago," he said. "Um, I'm sorry that I won't be able to help you. I must be going now.. I wish you luck in finding that person." That's when Diluc knew that you were the one who he had been looking for. "I didn't say that I was looking for someone, yet you assumed it without asking questions. You slipped up."

Your body now turned to him, your head droop down since you couldn't bear to look at his eyes, feeling the guilt come onto you harder. "I'm really a selfish and cold person, aren't I?" You chuckled, smiling bitterly at the ground. When he didn't say anything, you burst into anger, staring at him with your pleading eyes, grabbing him by the collar. "Please, say something- anything!"

"You're right."

Those two words calmed you down, letting go of him and backing away a little, your eyes returning to the ground. "You showed up in Mondstadt, showed me beautiful parts of you, giving me all of you, but disappeared silently just as you came.. You really are heartless, (Y/N)," Diluc said, crushing you even more. "But.."

Diluc then wrapped an arm around your waist and placed your chin between his index finger and his thumb, giving you no way of avoiding his face. "But, I still love you."

Tears were falling down the side of your face from the build up of many emotions from the moment you left that night. Diluc smiled which made you smile through the tears.

He placed his lips onto yours with the love he'd been wanting to give you and you kissed back with the equal love he gave. When you parted, Diluc said, "Please, come home with me. I know of your father and your situation but I can promise you that I'll protect you."

Without hesitation, you nodded. He escorted you to a carriage that was parked closed by and disappeared from the place you no longer called home as silently as you did when you left him in that inn.

"How did you know where I was?" you asked, a bright smile on your face. He smiles and held your hand tighter. "It took a while but I had distributed people across Teyvat and one of them found someone that fit an exact description of you here." The words warmed your heart and you rested your head on his shoulders.

"I found you, (Y/N), and I'm never letting you go."

---

Part two.

║Chongyun║Ghost

Requested from Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Word count: 2.6k

---

"Hey, Chongyun, do like doing whatever you're doing?" you ask, balancing the flat side of a pencil on your upper lip. He tears his eyes away from a book he was invested in, focusing his attention to you

"Exorcism, I mean."

"Of course," he plainly answers without hesitation, a bit confused as to why you suddenly brought it up. You look at him skeptically from the side of your eyes before placing the pencil down on the table. "Are you sure you aren't saying that because your family is consisted of exorcist?" you say, "I mean, if my line of family were full of exorcist, I might feel a bit burdened and pressured.. Feeling as if I have no other choice but to carry out the family name.."

He takes your thoughts into consideration, agreeing that it does sound reasonable. "I understand what you are saying, but believe me, being an exorcist is what I love doing," he reassures, and you, not wanting to push the topic further, let it go at that, enjoying another comfortable silence under the setting sun the shone through the windows of the living room.

Chongyun has been visiting you frequently for the past week that him being there wasn't a bother to you now. Well, it didn't bother you at all, it was just that your heart couldn't handle itself whenever he was around; you shyly admit that you have a small crush on the exorcist.

"Oh, right, I--" Just as you were speaking, the front door burst open, causing you and Chongyun to be startled and look over the sofa, seeing another bluenette stepping inside. "Xingqiu, you can't just barge into someone's house like that!" you shout, fuming with a slight anger. "And you'll break the door!"

Xingqiu stood there, looking a bit clueless as if he totally forgot why he came to your house. "Hey, Xingqiu, what are you doing here?" Chongyun ask, setting down the book to the space beside him and stood up, facing the other male. "Chongyun, so you're here again, huh?" Xingqiu asks, not even bothering to greet either the two of you. His eyes started to wander around the place, looking quite worried and something else that you couldn't quite place your fingers on.

"Not going to greet us politely, huh?" you commented with a bored expression. Chongyun stares at you then back to Xingqiu. "Hey, wanna take this outside?" he asks, snapping Xingqui out from his daze. "Oh, right, is.." Xingqiu trails, not wanting to say anything further, eyes hiding something deep within their colours that was covered with great anxiousness.

Chongyun nods silently. "Yeah, it's okay," he says and then turns to you. "Ill be right back, (Y/N)." You nodded quietly, a bit concerned for the bookworm as he looks your way, yet not say anything. He looked out of it and you planned to ask Chongyun once he comes back.

The two males went outside, closing the door behind as they leave. You strain your ears to eavesdrop on their conversation, but the door muffled out clear words, so you gave up, slouching into the seat.

It took no more than 10 minutes for them to chat outside before Xingqiu leaves the premises and Chongyun returning back inside. However, Xingqiu looked somewhat panicked with eyes filled of worry and the other element that you couldn't quite pinpoint. "What were you guys talking about? Xingqiu looked a bit off," you say, eyes following the bluenette back to his spot beside you.

"It's nothing.. Xingqiu has just been having nightmares, is all," he hesitantly says, eyes not looking your way as he utters so. You were quite surprised. Xingqiu? Having nightmares? That was truly new and quite something to tease him about-- but that was something you won't do, since it was something concerning if he looked the way he did.

"Oh, it's getting late," Chongyun comments, looking out the window behind you. "Should I cook you something to eat before I leave?" You shook your head, "The snacks from earlier kind of spoiled my appetite for tonight. I'll see you tomorrow."

He nods and bid you a good night before exiting your house.

You stayed in the living room for a while then cleaned up any mess and locked the front door before going to your room and changing into your sleepwear.

Letting out a tired sigh, you sunk under the warmth of your comforters, burying your face into one of the pillows. No matter how tired you may be, your thoughts did it's usual thing- wandering around aimlessly and thinking whatever it wants to, which brought you to Chongyun.

It was something you think about each night and it never fails to make your heart squeal. You had been picking up unusual behaviours from him throughout the week such as accompanying you everywhere-- be it to your kitchen or outside the streets of Liyue. It kind of made you more confident about confessing to him.

Someday, you'll confess, you thought to yourself and drifted off to sleep, dreaming a happy dream of the potential future if he does happen to reciprocate your feelings.

When the sun shone through your curtains, Chongyun was already at your door, waiting for you to open the door. "Good morning, did you already have breakfast?" Chongyun greets. "Not yet," you answered and move out of the way to let him in.

"I'll go make something for you right now," Chongyun says, giving you one look before heading to the kitchen where you watch him make breakfast for the both of you. It was unnatural at first, but with the amount of persistence, you allowed Chongyun to make breakfast for you each day.

"Thank you for the meal," you say and took your chopsticks, taking a bite before complimenting his skills.

It was a quiet morning, both of you enjoying breakfast. Then, "Say, (Y/N), is there something you want to do before you die?" Chongyun suddenly asks. You look away from your bowl and look at him curiously, though his gaze was on his bowl. "That's out of the blue.." you comment, chuckling a bit.

He places his chopsticks down and closed his eyes, sighing. "Well, is there?" He looks up at you, revealing his cat-like eyes. At that, you knew he wasn't going to let you change topics, not that you have anything else to talk about, and that it was something that most people suddenly brings up suddenly. "Hm.. I don't think so. I mean, I'm really happy with my life right now and being by yours and Xingqiu's side," you say, taking the topic with much thought.

"You're lying," he affirms, catching you with surprised eyes. "What do you mean?" you ask, quite confused at how strongly he believes his words. "There is not one person who doesn't have at least one thing that they want to have or want to do before they die," he expresses.

You weren't sure why he was taking the topic so seriously. He asked you this multiple times before and back then, he just hums in response. But since he pushed the topic on, you have no other choice but to think it thoroughly.

You thought about things that you used to want to do, but they were sooner or later fulfilled. Then, your reoccurring fantasy popped into your head as stealthily as it could: Chongyun reciprocating your feelings. You guessed that it was the only thing left to do in this world-- maybe going on adventures with him as a couple.

Knowing this, your face flushes red-- the same colour when Chongyun accidentally ate something spicy to make him hot. "Hm? (Y/N)?" Chongyun stares at you quizically. "Well, did you figure it out?"

"Oh, ah, uhm.. I-- It's nothing!" you stutter, averting your eyes from him and chuckling awkwardly. Did he possibly know and that's why he was asking? You didn't know. "Can you tell--" You caught him off. "Ah, why are you being so pushy today, hm? Do you want me to say something specific?" you ask. Seeing your sudden burst, Chongyun decided to leave it at that, returning the atmosphere to the comfortable silence to help you relax and forget about what he asked.

"Hey, Chongyun, you haven't been doing any exorcism at all these past few days-- what's up with that?" you brought up, now located in the living room where both of you spend most of the day away doing whatever pops inside your head. "Ah, I just have much free time, is all," he answers, sounding as if he predicted you'd question him about it sooner or later.

"Really? Well, I heard that there was a ghost that's been haunting an old lady's place and many other series of hauntings.." Upon hearing your own words, you gasped. "Wait, could Xingqui's nightmare be linked to this?" You turn your upper body to face the male.

"Oh, uh, I guess..?" Chongyun says and shrugs, not knowing what else to say. You crossed your arms, mentally patting yourself. It was silence after that, doing your own thing as Chongyun does his.

"Hey, you wanna go somewhere?" Chongyun asks, getting your attention. "Sure? Where do you want to go?" You look at him, eyes following up as he stands up. "You'll find out," is all he said and you had no other choice but to follow.

Out on the streets, you both bumped into Xingqui, who looked quite sleep deprived, looking down at the grown below him. "Hey, have you been crying?" was the first thing you say, seeing redness around his eyes. You went to put a hand on his arm, but he flinched when you did so.

He looks up. "Oh, hey.." he greets tiredly. "Xingqiu, are you okay?" Chongyun ask, visibly concerned for his best friend.

Xingqiu was quiet for a while, looking hesitant to speak. "Chongyun, when will you finally do it? I can't stand this any longer and knowing that you're always going there is driving me insane!" He harshly grabs Chongyun shoulders.

"Calm down, Xingqiu." You put a hand on his shoulders, feeling him stiffen for a quick second before letting go of Chongyun. Xingqiu did not act the way he used to be and it worried both you and Chongyun.

The hydro male took a breather, both of you allowing him to do so. Then, "When will you let go?" he whispers, his tone breaking.

Your heart tightened. You did not know what was happening with Xingqiu, but it hurt you seeing him looking like a mess. He wasn't his usual self.

You looked over to the icy male, eyes filled with worried. He looks at you, eyes also filled with the same emotion, yet hiding something else within it.

Sighing, Chongyun spoke, "Come with me, Xingqiu, and you too, (Y/N)." You nodded, and followed, looking over to Xingqiu every now and then whose head was down, hiding the emotions swirling in his eyes.

Soon, the three of you returned to your house. You were confused, but didn't say anything and letting Chongyun speak. "(Y/N), you like me, don't you?" Chongyun suddenly ask, back facing you as his front faces your house.

The air in you felt as if it was punched out. "How did you.." You couldn't finish it. How did he figure it out? Did Xingqiu tell him? You did tell Xingqiu your feelings for the exorcist, but to think he betrayed you? You turn to the traitor. "Xingqiu--" You were cut off. "It's useless, (Y/N).." Chongyun gave a heavy sigh.

"He can't hear you."

You were confused. What did he mean? "(Y/N), I am going to guess the one thing you want before you die.." Chongyun says. "You like me and want to confess your feelings, right? It'll feel much heavy if you don't." He didn't directly answer your question, but he was getting there.

"Yesterday, Xingqiu told me about it and I guess that is the one thing you want to do or else you can't rest."

"(Y/N), do you know why I kept visiting you?" Chongyun asks. You, however, couldn't give a reply, too confused to see where he was getting at. "I was trying to exorcise you."

"What do you mean by that, Chongyun? I don't understand," you say. First, Xingqiu can't hear you and second, he is trying to exercise you? It was confusing and it would be understandable.. For other restless spirits.

Chongyun turns his body to face you, however, his head was the same a Xingqiu's; head facing down. "(Y/N), you're dead."

Your heart dropped to the pit of your stomach upon hearing it. It sounded absolutely absurd and you didn't believe it.

Quickly, you turn to Xingqiu and grabbed him by his shoulders, tears threatening to fall. However, when you made contact with him, he flinches. "Hey, Xingqiu, don't play with me right now!" you raise your voice that would be loud to annoy him to break this little prank, but he just stares at you-- or rather, looking your way with a sadded expression but not really at you.

".. Hey, Chongyun, they're in front of me, aren't they?" Xingqiu ask, cracking a sad smile as tears start to trickle his face. Chongyun nods silently.

Knowing this, Xingqiu continues. "(Y/N), I can't hear you or see you.. But let me apologise.. I'm sorry.. It's my fault that you.. Died," he says. "If we hadn't gone to that cliff after it rained, I would still be able to talk with you."

It took a while to understand and recall what he was saying, but the locked memory- the last puzzle to understanding everything- returned to you. That day, you had slipped and fallen, and because at how sudden it was, you panicked and was unable to spread your glider, leading to your death.

Xingqiu has been recuperating from the horror and guilt, having nightmares of the scene he had witnessed that day.

Chongyun was the one to find your spirit bounded to your house and the streets of Liyue being an exorcist and all, so he took it upon himself to make sure you rest in peace. However, since you weren't aware you were dead, it made it difficult for him to make that happen. So, he hung around you, sneakily exercising you when you two hung out in your house.

Tears fall down on the side of your face, now having memory of it, and turned to Chongyun who looked at you with sadness.

Sadness. That was the one emotion you couldn't figure out.

"I.. I'm really sorry, (Y/N)," Chongyun spoke softly, looking at you. "I don't want you to go, but as an exorcist.. And to relieve Xingqui's nightmares.. I, I have no other choice."

"But before you go, I want you to know that I've always liked you.. I was.. Hoping to tell you how I felt, but I guess I can't now," voice breaking as he confesses.

"No.. I, I don't want to go!" you shout and clung onto his shoulders. "I'm not going, I'm not going!" More tears fell faster than it did before as you pleaded to stay.

He places his hands on your shoulders, tears of his own trickling down his face. "Please, wait for me in the next life," he says.

The reason why Chongyun excels than that of other exorcist was because of his energy, and that was something you knew. And so, a stubborn and tireless spirit such as yourself was nothing for him once he got you to awaken and face what was to be your eternal rest.

"Sweet dreams."

---

║Chongyun║Tired

Male reader.

A bit N/SFW-ish.

Word count: 1.3k

---

He was out, again, on a request from some rich heiress who has been having sleepless nights because of some ghost that hunts her house. The details didn't concern you and you couldn't care less about the heiress or her situation. In fact, you wish that she suffered from it, but you wouldn't say that out loud. Alright, to come clean, you were upset that she had to suddenly come and request for the best exorcist on the one day he was going to take a break since he didn't have any requests. You were deprived of love from him, so it was completely understandable.

"It's not fair.. He never spends time with me, and when we do have time, it's always at night-- when he comes home!" you shout in anger, poking the cake with your fork aggressively, Xingqiu watching fearfully and in silence, afraid to upset you any more than you already were. However, much to his already frightened state, you had to go and glare at him. "Hey, say something, you good-for-nothing bookworm!"

He flinches. "U, uh.. Well, we can do something to take your mind off of him for a while.. Until he comes back, of course," he suggests, sweat dropping frivolously and hands shaking slightly when he takes hold of his cup. He takes a sip, trying hard to maintain eye contact with you, hiding his quivering lips behind the cup.

Unfortunately and fortunately for him, it seemed that you were not up for the idea, but you didn't yell, sighing as you dip into your seat. Feeling relieved, Xingqiu sets his cup down, "Well, we can always hit the book--" You glared at him which made him shut up to further irritate you and remained silent. He honestly don't know how you and Chongyun managed to last as long as your relationship goes with you being the way you were.

Not wanting to stay any longer, he looks for an excuse, looking at his imaginary watch. "Oh, would you look at that.. It's my curfew now, so I best be off. See you tomorrow, (Y/N)." He stood up and hastily made his way to the door and turn to look at you over her shoulders. "Don't worry about the bill. This is my family's business, after all." With that, he left you where you were, not getting a chance to stop him.

You sighed, letting your mind wander around in the lonely table for a while until deciding to head home, guessing that Chongyun would be home anytime soon-- if he was to come home tonight, that is.

Unfortunately, he didn't come home and so, Xingqiu was stuck babysitting you until your boyfriend came home to deal with you. You were getting impatient, upset, but most of all, needy for his love.

So, when he came home at night, you were elated to see him home. However, that happiness-- although still there-- was replaces with concern for the bluenette. He looked exhausted. "Hey, you look tired," was the first thing you said when he stepped inside. "Oh, do I?" he asks, and as if on cue, he stumbles forward, his eyelids becoming unbearably heavy. Lucky for him, your fast reflexes caught him. You sighed and carried him in your arms, walking towards your shared bedroom, where you engulfed him in your warmth.

When the sun rose, hinting for a new day, Chongyun was still asleep in your arms. You, however, were wide awake and was lacing your fingers through his soft, blue hair and kissed his forehead. The reason you and Chongyun remained together was that you were very caring for the boy-- though Xingqiu wouldn't believe that, seeing as you had straight-up exploded at him for reasons he wasn't involved with.

Chongyun's eyelids fluttered open, revealing his beautiful set of eyes. "Good morning," you say softly. Being the smaller spoon, he looks up to meet your eyes. He smiles and greets your a good morning as well. You two remained in each other's embrace for a while, before Chongyun sighs, "I have more requests of me.." he confesses, but you held him closer. "Those can wait. Today, you are resting at home whether you like it or not," you say. Chongyun would fight, but he knew you too well to know that you would go extra measure such as tying him to the bed to makes sure he stayed put.

"I'll make breakfast and after that, we can cuddle, okay?" you suggest, to which he hums in agreement, liking the idea of spending time with you. You did just that-- getting up and making breakfast for the two of you. Afterwards, you two returned to the bedroom, just enjoying in each other's presence all day.

The positions kept on changing at the cuddle session that you were now the one who was laying on your beloved's chest, listening to his heartbeat. "Hey, you don't need to go out every time someone requests for you, you know?" you say, breaking the comfortable silence.

"But I have to know.. How to control this congenital--" You cut him off, tired of him repeating the same thing. "I know, but you do know I'm here too, right?" you say. "We're not spending much time." The one thing you have ever wanted to come clean about, finally lifted something within you. You have always wanted to talk to him about it, but respected him too much to do so.

"I.. I'm sorry, (Y/N). I didn't think I.." Chongyun trails, feeling bad that he made you feel so lonely all this time. "It's fine. I will wait for you anyway," you said, wrapping your arms around him and burying your head closer to his chest, wanting the silence once more.

However, things started to turn away from that cute cuddle session when you move your hands underneath his shirt, rubbing his sides slowly. You confess, secretly of course, that while he was away, you have.. Done some shameful things with yourself. And now that he is back, it flared up even more, wanting more than just a hug from him. You also admit that you may or may not have planned the majority of today to lead it up to this point.

"Chongyun, don't you know how much I missed you?" you ask, feeling your lips tugging to a naughty smile as you trail your hands on his stomach. You looked up and see that his face was flaring red. "Well?" You moved closer to his face. "I, I, uhm.."

You smiled, showing eyes of hunger and leaned towards one of his ears. "I'll show you," you whispered huskily, your hands now trailing below his waist-- to his crotch.

He moans when your hands were pressing against his crotch, though not going past the thin clothing that blocks your hands from his private. "(Y- Y/N), we-- ngh..!" He stops when you stroked his thing beneath. "Do you want to know what I've been doing, Chongyun?" you ask. "All the naughty things I've been thinking about for when you come home?"

You see that his positive energy is emitting that will replace his soon-to-be gone cold exterior. "I'm sure you want to, no?" you ask again, smiling at the male. When he doesn't answer, you spoke again. "I need an answer, Chongyun."

He nods quickly. Your eyes narrowed and crashed your lips with his, soon slipping your tongue inside and fought for dominance-- to which you won. The kiss, your hand that soon slipped below his underpants, and the other feeling his sides and stomach-- it was all too much for the exorcist, moaning as he let you do whatever you want with him.

You pulled away from the kiss, a thin line of saliva connecting your lips. "Why don't you rest for a week?" you suggest, a smirk placing on your lips as your eyes grows darker, filled of lust. "I'll take care of it."

---

║Chongyun║Hot

Gender-neutral.

N/SFW-ish. Not really though?

Word count: 1.4k

---

You, Chongyun, and Xingqiu were the inseparable trio. People in Liyue Harbor would see one of you three and can assume that the other two are somewhere nearby. However, you weren't quite happy knowing that you and Chongyun were just friends. Xingqui caught on quickly at your odd behaviours and teased you about it. Of course, he'd help you once having a laugh or two, though he might not be the best person to go to when seeking for a wingman.

"Xingqiu, for the nth time, we are not going to try that!" you said, in utter horror at the suggestion coming from the male's mouth. "How come? You will never know once you try it," he points out. The silly idea he was going on about was you gliding from the highest of mountains with a broken glider and hope that Chongyun would catch you. It was honestly a dumb and dangerous idea.

"I'll die!" You stare at the evil male in disbelief, seriously confused how no one in his immediate family see how wicked he could be. "Maybe you'll live.. Anyway, if you don't want to try it, you got any ideas?" he ask, seeing you ponder to yourself, fingers underneath your chin. "Well, uh.."

Xingqiu sighs, knowing you have nothing better than what he had suggested. "Why don't you simply say that you like him?" He shrugs. "What is the harm in doing that?"

"Our friendship!?" you say, looking straight at the your male friend. "What if he doesn't like me back? Our friendship will be torn!" Xingqiu looks back at you with a blank look. "How would you know? I mean, you haven't tried telling him."

The male was really uncomfortable, you thought to yourself, sighing a sigh of someone having their energy drained.

"Ah, it's whatever.. Let's drop this topic and talk about something else," you say. "You have any plans for tonight?" The bluenette looks off to the distance and remained silent. Then, "Ah! I got it!" he exclaims, jumping up from the bench and earned himself a quizzical you. He turns and looks down at you, sitting down on the bench looking up at him, with a snicker. A sudden rush of shivers ran down your spine. Whatever he was planning to do, it will not end good for someone. Not when he snickered so wickedly.

"I'll see you tonight, (Y/N)!" He had his back faced to you and skipped away while laughing lowly to himself. You were left there with one question: what did he mean when he said that he'll meet you tonight? It wasn't something you dwelled upon since it will be answered tonight.

During that night, you were in your living room, reading a book to get yourself tired and head to bed. It was quarter past eight, yet there was no Xingqiu at your door. You had come to think that it was a blessing. Remembering his evil smirk, you definitely knew that if he were to come, it was because of a wicked plan of his.

When time rolled around to quarter to nine, you decided it was best to turn off the lights of the living room and head to your room. Surely, he wouldn't come tonight, so you think.

Oh were you truly wrong. You had fallen asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow, but around early twelve, you received a knock on your front door-- Actually, it was a banging on your door, seeing as the lights were off and the house was still for the night. Hearing this, you jolted wide awake from your slumber, heart in a panic. There wasn't anybody home and your parents were out to the neighbouring city for business, and definitely won't be back around this time.

You didn't want to open the door, but you didn't want the person or persons breaking it down either, so you tiptoe all the way to the window that could just about see whomever could be at the door, peeking out from the curtains slightly so that they won't see you.

To your surprise, it was someone you know. They look a bit out of it from where you were staring and rushed to the door to open it. "Chongyun!" you exclaim, staring at the red-faced male. "Hey, you alright?" You rested a hand on his shoulder, seeing that he wasn't even staring directly at you. The small interaction made his body give in and collapsed. You were quick, luckily, and caught him, wrapping your arms to support him. "Hey, Chongyun? Chongyun?" There was no answer from the male. You look around the surroundings to see any suspicious person or persons, and when you came to a conclucsion that there wasn't a soul around that could have done this, you dragged him inside and flopped his body on the sofa.

Seeing as he was red and panting, you place a hand on his head. He was burning up, but it didn't look like he was sick, and he was definitely fine in the morning before leaving you with Xingqiu. "Hey, did something happen when you went out?" you ask, hoping that he would answer. He didn't give you a verbal answer and shook his head instead. Then, it struck you. "Don't tell me you've eaten something spicy!"

He was silent. The hand that rested on his forehead was brought down to his cheeks by him. He leans into your hands and started placing kisses onto your palm and sucking it, eyes closed as he does so. Your cheeks became warm with a tingling sense as you watch him. "Hey, uh, let me go get you milk to, uhm.." Words failed to form, your heart feeling as if it was about to explode from his actions.

His eyelids fluttered open, narrowed, as he stare at you with eyes that you couldn't quite decipher what it was hiding. Seeing your state, Chongyun took this as an opportunity to flip the both of you around, him now hovering above you. Your red-face only became much more obvious as you stared at his eyes.

It finally hit you. The eyes he had were that of a predator looking at its prey; hungry. Eating spicy food didn't mean that he was like that of a drunk, rather, it made him much more hyper. Meaning to say, he put on a little show for you.

A smile forms on the blunette's lips as he stared at you. "Say, (Y/N), do you like me?" The question caught you off guard and felt as if the air was punched out of your stomach. "I, what? Who told you that?" you stammered. The hyperactive side of him was truly strange to people whom had never had encountered him before, like he was a totally different person.

"Ah, so you do like me!" He laughs. This state was truly bizarre, even for someone like you whom have known him far longer than anybody. His laugh had died down and with it, his smile vanishes and eyes were devoid of any light, staring at you seriously. Then, he droops his head in the crook between your shoulders and neck and the both of you stayed in that position for a while. At this point, you were sure that he could feel your heart beating against your ribcage.

His head then shifted and his lips were close to your ears. You let a low moan when he nibbled on the sensitive part of it and he snickers, his breath hitting your ear which made it much worse. "Hey, guess what?" he asks with a sly smile, that you couldn't see, tugging his lips. He moved his head back a little and you look at him from the side of your eyes. "I. Like. You. Too!" You didn't know what to say, but luckily for you, he had fallen asleep, resting his head on your chest. You know that he may not remember what happened, so tomorrow, you are sure to tell him.

Your fingers entangled with his soft hair, his soft breathing lulling you to your slumber.

Unbeknownst to you, there was a little devil sitting in his room with nothing but a lamp to illuminate his face, reading a book with a proud smirk. He may or may not be the one who invited his dear, icy friend to dinner and give him a little something that would make him the way he was. "Oh~ This is an interesting chapter."

---

║Childe║So Long

Zhongli is here as well.

Angst.

Word count: 2k

---

"I don't think I can keep up with this.." The words that came out of his mouth made your heart ache and worried. You didn't understand what he was getting at, or maybe you did know what he was saying but just didn't want to admit it. "What are you saying, Tartaglia?" you asked to make sure, feeling your heart slowly deteriorate. You reached your soft hands and cupped his face, trying to make him look at you.

"I know you're smart, (Y/N)." He looked up at you with cold eyes, no love could be seen in them at all. "I'm breaking up with you."

Those words. The words you so desperately wished you never heard from the person you loved came out of his mouth without hesitation. At that moment, your whole world came crumbling down as easily as the Anemo Archon blowing the snow of Pilos Peek away.

"You're not serious, are you? This is one of your pranks, right?" You clutched his collar and looked desperately in his eyes, to look for any signs of his mischievous glimmer. He avoids looking at your now tearful eyes. When you couldn't, you pleaded and pleaded for him to be joking and saying that it wasn't a funny joke. Then, "(Y/N)." The call of your name in his cold tone and the hand on your wrist said it all to you.

On that beautiful morning, you got up to make breakfast, expecting Tartaglia home from his work as a Harbinger with bags underneath his eyes. Who knew that that bright blue sky above you had something else in store for you. Instead of it greeting you, it was there to comfort you of what was to come that day.

You let go of his collar, staring down at the ground as you watch your tears hit the wooden floor. "I see.. I'll pack my things." You packed your stuff in less than half an hour and was at the door with your belongings- which was only your clothing in a bag since you thought it would be best to leave home items with him. "I've made you breakfast.. Make sure you eat it and get some rest."

"So long, Tartaglia."

That was the last time you last spoke to him and the last time you saw him. You returned to your parents for a couple of months before disappearing one night to Liyue, not giving them a single clue as to where their beloved child went.

When you arrived at Liyue, you started a whole new life of independence and to get away from the place that holds the most memories of Tartaglia and you, forever.

Although you had a lot of mora- considering as you are from Snezhnaya- you didn't want to spend too much on a place to sleep. Finding shelter was the easy part, it was finding a job that was the most difficult part of a independent life, especially in Liyue. It wasn't until one bright day, when you were out shopping, that you landed yourself a job at Wangsheng Funeral Parlour.

You saw a tall, ombre-haired, and well-dressed man fumbling around in his pockets and an impatient look of another person just a few metres away. Curious, you walked closer. "I, I'm sorry. Could you please hold on to that as I come back with my wallet?" the well-dressed man says, almost pleading to the one behind the stall.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we have a lot of customers; we can't simply wait for you to come back," they answered, crossing their arms. You see that the ombre-haired male looked a bit saddened and out of the kindness of your heart, you intervened. "Oh, hey, there you are," you greet, acting as if you knew the male. You pretend to curiously look at the items and acted as if you knew what was happening. "Ah, did you forget your wallet again? Here, let me pay for his things."

You took out your wallet and paid for the things the male brought, which wasn't that much. Again, you're from Snezhnaya. When you two were far away from the eyes of the impatient person, the man thanked you. "Oh, it's no problem. I just felt kind of bad and wanted to help," you said, smiling.

"Is there any way I can repay you? I can get my wallet from my house and-" You waved him off. "It's fine, trust me. I really just wanted to help," you reassure the man.

He stares at you in silence with his unique eyes, inspecting you from head to toe before finally saying something. "You're not from around here, are you?" he asks. You shook your head and answered, "No. I actually moved here not too long ago."

You see the male's eyes light up. "Then, I'm assuming you don't have a job, am I correct?" he says to which you nod. "This works well with me. Then, come to Wangsheng Funeral Parlour tomorrow." He didn't give you a chance to say anything as he quickly bids goodbye, leaving you questioning until the next day.

It wasn't hard to find the funeral parlour with the help of locals to point you to the right direction. When you got there, you see a woman in Liyue esque clothing in front of the door. "Um, excuse me." You walked closer to the female, getting her to turn her head towards you. "I was told by someone to come here today."

With just those words, the woman's eyes lit up and gave a small smile. "Ah, I've heard about you from Mr. Zhongli." You gave her a quizzical look. Was that his name, you thought. "He said that the person who comes to me in your description and looking for him, to hire you on the spot." It felt surreal to you, but the woman reassured you that what she said is true.

Since then you and Zhongli have gotten closer and passed the point of acquaintance and co-workers. In just a couple of months, you two became lovers and in years, you were engaged. You thought you would never have the heart to love anybody else but Tartaglia. Who knew that your fated person was just a sea away? You two were very happy, but then he came into your life again and the still healing heart cracked a bit.

Zhongli said that he would be leaving the house earlier today, but that he'll see you at work. You didn't question him and gave a quick kiss on the lips before he left. After a few hours, it was time for you to also get out of the house and go to work.

You expected to see Zhongli already at the parlour, but when you asked the female at the front, she said that Zhongli hadn't entered the building once. You didn't mind it, of course, and went to do your things. It wasn't until lunch break that you went searching for Zhongli.

It wasn't hard to spot him out on the streets since he was very tall. His back was facing you and could see that there was a person in front of him, seeing a bit of their shoulders. A smile tugs your lips at the sight of him and jog towards him. "Zhongli!" you called out. The male turns around and a smile soon appears on his charming face. "Ah, good afternoon, my dear," he says, cupping your face and kissed your forehead. "Sorry, have I made you worried by not showing up at work?" You shook your head, knowing that you have full trust in him. "Ah.. This is awkward.." The voice that was soon to be a whisper in the wind suddenly howls back into your ears.

Zhongli slightly turns his body so that you could see the person whom he had been talking to. Your eyes widened and felt your heart drop into the pit of your stomach and many questions arose. "Tar-"

"Oh, right. This is Childe," Zhongli says, cutting you from your soft whisper. You look at Zhongli and knew that he knows nothing of the past history between you and Tartaglia and you decided to keep it that way by not saying anything about it. "Childe, this is (Y/N), the one whom I'm happy with."

You didn't want to talk to him, but if you said nothing, Zhongli might be suspicious. "Ah, hello, I'm (Y/N)," you greet, putting on a forced smile full of bitterness and hate towards the male. "Hey, I'm Childe." He puts on a smile which made you wanna gag. "I've heard about you from Mr. Zhongli over here."

"I'll join you for lunch after I'm done talking to Childe here, alright, my dear?" Zhongli says and you nod quietly and stood beside him, counting seconds until they were done and had to part.

You didn't want to bring Tartaglia up once in your new and happy relationship with Zhongli so you talked about different things that won't be tied anywhere close to the man who broke your heart many moons ago. It was difficult though, since Zhongli has been talking to him more often and he's freely walking the streets where you two might cross.

You thought you could keep it up, until one evening, when you were passing by the harbour. You see Tartaglia by the docks, staring out at the vast, blue see before him, eyes dimmed as if he was staring off to space. It was very unfortunate that you had to walk pass the male but you had to go home. "(Y/N)."

The call of your name from his mouth made you stop on your tracks. He turns around and stares at your side profile. You bit the inside of your cheeks and stare at the ground. "Hey, listen, can we talk?" he asks. There was a tone in his voice that made you want to hear him out, but you thought to yourself of the day he broke up with you in a cold tone. "Please?"

You sighed and walked towards him, head still not meeting his eyes. You too just stood there as your head remained on the ground and his eyes were staring off into the distance. Then, "I guess I should congratulate you in your engagement," he starts off, his voice soft. You hummed in response.

"Uhm, your family is worried about you in Snezhnaya, you know? They came to my house and asked where you were," he said. You didn't know where he was getting at but let him continue. "They are still looking for you even after so many years."

"Why are you saying all this, Tartaglia?" you say his name with venom, finally meeting his eyes with hate. However, his was gentle and soft. "Ah, I, I don't really know," he says and looks at the ground slightly, putting his hands in his pocket. "If we're done here, I'm leaving." You turn around and walked away, but then stop to look over your shoulders at the male whose body was faced towards you, eyes reflecting the moon and stars above.

"Forget that we were ever a thing and pretend that we are no more than mere acquaintances. Isn't the reason why you broke up with me is because you were tired? Well, I've done the moving on and wish nothing more to never have met you." It was your turn to stare at the man before you with cold eyes and devoid of light. "After you're done here, leave. So long, Tartaglia."

Looking at your back that will never turn around to look at him with the same eyes, Tartaglia knew that what he did many years ago really broke you. He never wanted this to happen and when he knew of your engagement with Zhongli, his heart broke. If only he was stronger back then to protect you, you two would be the one with rings meant as promises to each other.

"So long, my love."

---

║Childe║Changed

Requested from Wattpad.

Female reader as requested.

Word count: 4.1k

---

Liyue is a prosperous city that attracts many and all sorts of people from business-related work to thieves who wish to earn extra cash. Everyone goes to Liyue with something on their mind that they hope to find in the city. There's even you- a normal person and a vision user- who came to Liyue all the way from Qingce village to look for a job. Everyone in Liyue all came with different reasons, but was all tied to Liyue.

Originally, your goal was to make enough money for a lifetime and then return to the mountains and help the elderly care for the fields and other needed work. That's just how your character was, but then an unforeseen event occurred and now you were in Liyue for a person.

"(Y/N), can you go pick up a batch of qingxin flower near Qingyun Peak? I'd ask Qiqi, but I sent her already to look for another herb." Baizhu enters the back room where you were sorting out the herbs in alphabetical order. "Sure, Dr. Baizhu. I'll do it right after I'm done these," you said.

"Thank you, (Y/N). Sorry for troubling you. I would go if I was fit for such exhausting travels, but you know how weak my body is," he said and you nod in understanding. He was the great doctor, but can't even heal his own illness. You didn't care about that as it wasn't your business and depart for the pharmacy when you were done at the back.

Looking at the sky above you and the position of the sun, you could tell that you will return late at night even when you run. You left from the sight of the city with only a satchel for the flowers. It was dangerous, yes, but you can fully protect yourself just as Qiqi can with her petite stature.

You were exhausted even before seeing a qingxin flower, but you did not stop. If you did, you'd have to camp the night out in the wilderness and that was something you were never fond of. Right now, you could tell that it was somewhere 3-4 in the afternoon- soon to be evening- and you departed from Liyue around 10 in the morning. "Please, Geo Lord, let me find these flowers soon," you say a quick prayer before stepping foot in the mountain area.

As if Rex Lapis had heard your little prayer, you found enough to satisfy Baizhu for two weeks at least, but the time it took was too long and by the time you decided it was enough, it was seven at night. You cried when you thought about how long it took just to reach the outer edge of Jeuyun Karst. "No! I am not camping out here!" you say out loud and determinedly made your way down the mountains- a bit slower when descending- and use what little energy you had with your determination to push dismiss your aching feet.

However, it seems that Rex Lapis didn't allow your travel back to be safe as you were soon facing a Lawachurl. "For the love of..!" Your sword appeared on your right hand and made sure that the satchel was sealed shut before engaging to fight the beast.

The beast, although bigger and most likely stronger than you, had a slower reaction time and decided to use that as an advantage so you dodge its fists and jump when he smashes the ground, but then, a sudden jolt of pain shot through your whole body when a stone came at you. You dodged it by a hair's length but collapsed soon afterwards. "My damn feet..!" Your body- especially your legs- was exhausted from the nonstop walk which made your reflexes a bit slower.

The lawachurl made it's slow approach towards you with its towering stature. You thought of a quick escape, but you just needed your body to co-operate with you. "Come on. Move!" You were pushing your exhausted legs past its limits, but knew it was your end when it raised its two arms that was to crush your smaller frame.

Your body suddenly jolts with energy and you found yourself suspended in air. You took this chance and use your vision to enhance your sword and bash the lawachurl's head open. It cried out as you jump away from it and watch as it disintegrated like any other wretched beast. You were left panting and scratched up, but you were happy that none of the flowers had fallen out.

"Ho~ What's a beauty doing out here so late at night?" A voice suddenly made its way to your ears and turned to your right, your sword blocking your body. The owner of the voice suddenly appeared before you and clashed his make-shift weapon with yours in an instant. "Oh? You've got quick reflexes even when you're exhausted. I should praise you for that."

"What are you doing?" you say through gritted teeth and push your sword. Then to your relief, the person jumps back a couple metres away, their weapon disappearing, and you sighed as you collapsed on the ground, your sword disappearing. "Haha, sorry to scare you. I was passing by and saw that a beauty was in a pickle," they said. "I was deciding whether or not if I should help you out, but you already took care of it." They shrug and puts their hands on their waist and grins at you.

You look at the person before you with a cautious gaze. They were male with ginger hair, blue eyes, and foreign clothing, and by the looks of it, he was somewhere near your age. "So, you're saying that you saw me, but didn't bother on helping me right away?"

The male looks at you and shrugs again. "I was going to help you since you're cute, but like I said- you already took care of it."

"And if I wasn't cute, you'd just leave me here to die!?" You were exhausted, but still manage to pull the look of disbelief. You waited for a reply, but instead, got a change of topic. "Anyway, what are you doing here so far from safety?" he asks and made his way towards you, his weapon out of sight as to not make you alert.

"None of your business," was all you could say in your exhausted state. "Ouch, no need to be so cold," the male says, though not even trying to mask hurt. You were tired of talking to the irritatingly brunette and wanted to return to the pharmacy. Slowly, you pushed yourself off the ground and took a step slowly. But, your body failed in fulfilling that and you fell forward and into the arms of the man, his hands holding your arms out of reflex. "Oh, don't tell me you've fallen for me now--" He stopped his teasing when he noticed that you were out cold. "Ah, what am I going to do?"

-

When you awoke, you found yourself facing a ceiling and feel the the comfort of a soft pillow and mattress and a warm blanket covering your body. You slowly sat up, hissing at the soreness and pain that washed over your body with a now conscious mind. The first thing you notice when looking at your hands and arms was that they were bandaged up and even feel a bandage on your left cheek.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty. It's about time you woke up," an irritating voice comes and greet you and chuckles. You recalled the fight with the lawachurl and the brunette who suddenly jumped out of nowhere and pick a fight with you. You turn your head to the right and see the same brunette at a small table, sipping his drink. The sun shone from behind him which made him look as if he was glowing. Now that it was daytime, you can properly see his face and was almost taken aback by how charming he looked.

He could see how your irises expanded at the sight of him which made him smirk. "Oh? You suddenly interested in me now?" he teasingly say and you suddenly broke out from the trance you were in just now. "Don't joke around with me," you said, remembering to what you has awoke to. "Anyway, where did you bring me?"

"Straight to the question with such a demanding tone. That's quite new to me," the brunette says. "Anyway, you can call me Childe, but I rather you call me babe." He chuckles which really upset you and you didn't mask to hide your frown. "I don't care who you are. I want to know where I am."

He looks at you and sighs. "Man, you're going to be a difficult one, aren't you? We are at Wangshu Inn," he finally answers. "I don't know where you live so I brought you here and bandaged you up. On that note, you should thank me."

You looked at your hands and then at the brunette who rested his cheek on the back of his hands and a leg crossing over the other, grinning cheekily at you. "Thank you." You got up, your body still aching from the fight. You see that you were still fully clothed and you mentally sighed out of relief before snatching your satchel on the nightstand beside the bed and leaving the room and soon the inn.

"(Y/N), I was worried when you didn't return last night and was about to send Qiqi to help you," Baizhu greets you at the pharmacy. "Qiqi was worried," Qiqi greets as well, wrapping her arms around your legs as a mean for a hug.

"Sorry, Doctor Baizhu. I had ran into some trouble and was tired to walk back last night," you said. "Oh, and I gathered a lot of qingxin flower for you." You took off the satchel off your shoulders and handed it to the doctor. "Hope these are enough."

"I'm sure it is. Thank you, (Y/N)," he said and puts the satchel full of qingxin flowers on the counter. "Alright, why don't you go ahead and rest for two days to heal your wounds? He looks over at your bandaged arms and face. You were grateful and thanked him before leaving the pharmacy.

-

The second day, your body wasn't hurting as much, but your wounds were still wrapped up in bandages which you changed when you got home. You found yourself lacking of food so you were out early in the morning on grocery shopping. "Ham.. Eggs.. Milk.." you read your list loud enough just for you to hear. But, since your eyes were glued onto the thin sheet of paper, you didn't notice a person suddenly appear before you and block your way before bumping into their chest.

"Ah, my apologies. I wasn't looking ahead," you say and rub your nose. "Hoh~ Well, what do you know? I thought you looked familiar and I was correct. Seems like we meet again." The all too familiar voice spoke above you, making you freeze up on the spot.

Slowly, you raise your head and see none other than the male from two days ago. "Is it just me or are we possibly fated to be together? Do you remember my name?" he asks, a grin forms on his charming face. "I'm afraid I don't," you said half-heartedly and excused yourself before brushing shoulders with him as you walk away. But, he grabs your elbow and stops you from walking any further. You look over your shoulders and give him the 'what gives' kind of look. "Well, since you forgot, I'll remind you again; my name is Childe," he says and leans close to your face. His eyes were a deep blue even under the light and felt as if you were drowning under water, where the water was an alluring colour of a pretty, deep blue. You were mesmerized, but notice that there was more to what the little pond you had found in his ocean eyes which made you much alert. Childe notice the fiery flames in your eyes suddenly on guard and he chuckles before straightening up.

"So, what's your name?" he asks. "I'm sorry, but I don't believe we're on the comfortable terms to know each other's names, sir," you stated. Your words are constructed to be polite, but your tone says otherwise. "Aw, you're going to play it the hard way with your saviour?" He forces a pout that was definitely not going to make you feel guilty so you stood there just staring at the brunette. He laughs and puts a hand on his hip. "Very well, I will do whatever I can to make you tell me your name."

You were about to turn your head and walk away, when a voice rang out across the streets. "Master Childe~" A high-pitched, flirtatious voice calls his name, drawing you both behind him. By the way they dressed, you could immediately tell that the female before you two was one of the many scums that could be found in large cities and that being said, you know exactly what kind of person the man whom called himself Childe is like.

"Master Childe, I've found you~ Did you know how sad I was when you didn't show up for two days?" The female clung onto the male's arm, completely dismissing your presence. Now that he was distracted, you took this chance to slip away from him and do your grocery shopping.

However, just because you slipped away today, didn't mean you slipped away forever or that you can do it the next time, and with that in mind, Childe was seen hanging around you- well, more like pestering you. But, with time, you soon came to accept the fact that the man wouldn't stop any time soon and told him your name and exchange words with him.

Of course, you had your doubts and had your guard up around him, seeing as he had a scum following him around almost daily, but you soon realize that you could see past the one part of him that didn't make up even one percent of him.

In months, you felt something in your chest that you know was wrong, but you couldn't help it as it dealt with him.

"Hey, (Y/N), wanna go on a little date for dinner?" Childe asks, approaching you out on the streets. When he said 'date' you know that it wasn't an actual date; it was a thing he said meaning to buy you lunch or dinner as a friend.

"You'll have to wait for an hour for me to get off work," you said, making your way up the steps of the pharmacy. "That's not long at all, apropos to getting your name, that is. I can wait," he said and gives you one of his dorky grin. You shooed him away and he did just that, off to reserve a seat for the two of you.

The hour felt long and made you impatient that it even shows. Baizhu looks over at you and smirks, knowing the reason had to be related to the young man he had been seeing occupying most of your time and mind. "(Y/N), since your shift is close to an end, why don't I let you go now? It makes no difference and Qiqi is here to help out if needed," Baizhu said, seeing as you face light up. "Really? Thank you so much Doctor!" you cheer, not even hiding the fact that you were indeed impatient to see Childe. You made haste around the counter and leave the pharmacy.

"Where is (Y/N)?" Qiqi asks, coming out from the back of the building, holding some sort of plant. "She just left, Qiqi," Baizhu answers and see that Qiqi became sad and pouted. "Qiqi was going to ask her if she'd search for the cocogoat with Qiqi.." Baizhu chuckles and put a hand on top of the little girl's head. "Sorry, Qiqi, but she's on a date."

"A date? What do you mean?" With that, Baizhu was now occupied trying to explain to the best he could as to what a date meant in the said case.

Just a few metres in front of you, you see Childe's back towards you as he chatted with a Liyue local. You were about to call out his name when a girl suddenly steps into view, blocking you from getting close to Childe. "So, you're the one hanging around Master Childe, huh?" was the first thing she said and looks at you up and down in disgust. "I don't get it. I mean, you don't even got the parts to be Master Childe's best."

Oh dear.. You know the girl all too well as she was the one you saw running to Childe and throwing herself at him. Childe has many more of the scums around him, but this one was around him the most. You bet that she brawled with the other scums because she wants Childe all to herself- well, his money.

"Hey, look, I'm going to be really nice here and tell you politely to leave Master Childe alone. He doesn't have time to loiter around someone who's body is of no use," she says and gives you a wicked grin, putting a hand on her hip to show dominance. You were unfazed and gave her a blank expression. "I'm sorry, but who are you to decide who I can and can not hang out with?" you ask.

"Hah, don't get on my bad list, girlie. Just so you know Master Childe slept with me the most," she states proudly. The words did hurt you, but it didn't make you cave into a cowardice. You kind of guessed he has slept with many women, considering how he had scums all over him. "Okay, I get that you're a scum, but you haven't answered my question."

You could see that the girl was already breaking and you couldn't help but snicker at how easy she was. "Listen here, I bet you haven't even gotten a taste of what Master Childe can do, considering how small your breast is," she laughs, looking at your average ones. "And I bet once he's gotten a taste of you, he'd be done and leave you."

You honestly didn't know where this conversation was going, but you stayed calm and hear her. "Oh? Then, tell me how I should please him to make him stay with me for- let's say.. Forever?" You cross your arms, still not letting her get to you.

"Psh, you think he'd stay with you even if I tell you?" She was hysterical, her face twisting to make her look like a witch. "Look, I'm sorry, but I really don't have time to talk to you. Have a good day," you said. You were about to brush shoulders with her when she grabbed hold of your arm and weakily throws you back. "Hey, you're not going anywhere until I know you're not going to hang around him."

"Sorry, but I can't comply to your wishes as it was your 'Master Childe' that came onto me," you state, grinning with your own wicked grin.

The girl snaps and lunges herself at you, but before she could even lay her long nails at you, you pulled out your sword and point it at her throat, just mere millimetres to lunging it in. Your face was still cool as ice, but the girl's mocking face turned to horror. "Listen, scum, I don't have time for idle chit chat as I have a date with your Master Childe," you said and lean to her ears so that only she could hear what you had to say next. "I don't care who you are, what you are to him, and I know that you can't even touch me so you best behave before my patience runs out and I plunge this sword at your pretty face. I'm being nice here and have pretty high patience so you best run along now."

The girl nodded frantically and runs past you. You turn around and watch as the girl disappears from sight. "Maybe you should call me Master," a voice whispers, feeling their breath tickling your ears. You turn around and was faced with the grinning ginger. "That is not going to happen."

"Maybe some day." He shrugs, which you immediately said no to. "Haha, but you said this was a date so that's a step close, no?" Your face flushed, forgetting that he was close by and had heard what you said to the girl. "Gah, I was just trying to let that girl feel mad," you said.

"Oh? You sure you don't want to call this a date?" he asks, giving you that glimmering eye look. "You can call it whatever as long as I get a free meal," you say and brush past him.

"Well, I know another way for you to get a free meal, but I wouldn't call it a date," he snickers and your lightly dusted face heated up quickly, knowing what he meant. "Shut up!"

"What? I was saying that we can always hunt," he lies, acting innocent to frame your impurity. "If you're not going to take me on that 'date', then I'm going back to the pharmacy," you said. He chuckles and fall in step with you, leading you the an expensive restaurant.

After the meal, you two were walking along the docks in silence, the ocean in the background was shimmering and wondered if it was a million noctilicious jade instead of pure water.

"So, what did you talk about with that girl from earlier?" Childe suddenly asks in a light tone. Your mind suddenly thought back to the event that had occurred with the girl and what she said about Childe sleeping with her. You wanted to ask, but you felt as if it wasn't right since it was his life and you didn't even know how to approach such question. "I'm sure you already know," you said.

"No, I don't so do enlighten me, since it was about me," he says. Then, you thought that it was the perfect time to add what you wanted to ask and took the chance. "Eh, nothing much. She kept on bragging how you slept with her multiple times though," you managed to slip in and shrug, playing it cool.

"Woah, woah, woah! She said that!?" Childe stops on his tracks and you turn to look at him. "That girl.. I swear that I haven't slept with her, or anyone for that matter!" Childe says, seeing his eyes look almost quite desperate to reassure you.

Your heart felt lighter, but decided to go on with the teasing. "Oh, really?" He nods almost instantly and you had to conceal your laughter. "Well, she said how you good you tasted and how well you did in bed to the point that I believed in it," you said, covering your mouth with a hand to hide your devilish smirk.

"You don't believe me?" he asks. "Nope," you said, not giving in to his saddened eyes. Then, almost in an instant, Childe walks closer to you and grabs your shoulders harshly. "Hey, what are you--" Your lips were sealed with his own. His lips was soft which caused a spark to jolt within you and making your legs almost became like jelly, giving in to the kiss.

Your hands were on his chest as he wraps an arm around your waist and the other on the back of your head. His tongue easily slipped past your lips and was now in a battle with yours, but that battle had ended sooner than you wished for when he pulls back and found the both of you panting. "I swear to you, (Y/N), that I didn't sleep with her," he says in a low voice.

To his surprise, you laughed. "I was just teasing around with you. Of course, I believe you," you said and smiled. The brunette stare at you in disbelief and when your laughter died down, you were kind of worried if you made a mistake in doing that. Then, he brings his lips back to yours with much more tenderness and you wrapped your arms around his neck, bringing him closer to you.

He pulls away again to your disappointment. "You are the only one I'd ever sleep with," he says, his wrap around your waist becoming tighter. "Then you better ditch those other girls or you're sleeping with no one," you joked before bringing him for another kiss, this time being longer.

---

║Amber║Gliding Accident

Fluff.

Word count: 1.1k

---

Amber was, no doubt, the best at gliding and deserved the title of "Mondstat's Gliding Champion". You were exceptionally skilled as well, but you would praise the girl more than boast about yourself.

"I have to have a license?" you ask the brown-haired female in front of you. She nods. "Yes, even though you are very good at gliding, we do have to have a gliding license if we want to freely glide," she says. "Ah, so is there any way to get the license?" you ask.

The brunette nods her head. "Let's meet up in Windrise in about an hour since I still have another task to finish. I'll be your instructor," she says. You nod and so, in about an hour, you met up with the Outrider at the specified location.

"Woo, the wind is great today!" Amber exclaims, a knuckle resting on her hip. "Alright, are you ready?" She turns to you. You nodded confidently. "You'll do just fine, I believe in you," she says. "I'll he waiting at the bottom, okay? Meet you there!" The female waves before gliding down to the meeting point.

You took a deep breath in. Doing the test felt more pressuring and scary than you had thought and would prefer to fight the dragon.

Once calm, you jumped off of the cliff and spread the glider open. The glide was smooth and you mentally grin to yourself at how wel you were doing. However, unbeknownst to you, there was a tear in your glider.

When you got close to Amber, that is when the tear widens and throws you off balance. Amber gasps, seeing the ripped glider and reached her arms to catch you. "Gah, (Y/N)!" You closed your eyes as you fall unsteadily down. Luckily, she did catch you and tumbled down with a thud. "Nngh.. Hey, are you okay?" she asks, underneath you.

Opening your eyes, you were faced with her chest. With a gasp, you hover above her, a light dust of pink masking your cheeks. There was also one on hers. The two of you stare at each other, the gentle wind rustling the grass was the only sound that was making.

The atmosphere became too unbearable for you and noticed that you had been staring too long. "Oh, uhm.. S, sorry." You push away from her, standing up. "It's alright.. " she whispers-- a bit unlike her.

You extended an arm and she shyly took it, standing up herself. There was yet another awkward silence, both of you averting your gaze from the other, yet kept hold of each other.

"Oh, ah, we should call this off for another time.." she says, her face growing a darker shade of red. "Ah, okay.." There was silence for a few more seconds before she removes her hand and bid you bye for the day. "Well, that was awkward," Paimon says beside you, almost cheekily.

It was almost a week since you guys last chatted-- almost a week since that awkward scene that never stopped replaying in your head. You two had crossed on multiple occasions, but Amber was always the first to look away, making you think that she disliked you and wanted to show the space between you two.

The way she avoided you made you upset and so, when she was walking past you one day, you pulled her to the side to talk. "What do you need, (Y/N)?" she asks, although she wasn't looking straight at you. "Why are you avoiding me?" you ask. "I, I am not avoiding you.. Just busy, is all," she says, fiddling with her hands.

"Yes, you are. You aren't even staring at me," you say. Even when saying so, Amber did not look at you. Sighing, you say, "Amber, please, look at me. It hurts me seeing that you are openly avoiding me." You look down.

Hearing this, the girl finally looks to you. "Listen.. I, I like you," you confess. "And you avoiding me is not something I like." The girl's heart fluttered and raced. She became shy. "Well, I, I don't like you!" she stutters, face flushing red. Your heart felt like it was being squeezed as you watch her run away hurriedly. "Fufu, you got rejected!" Paimon comments.

You remained silent, deep in your own thoughts. She truly was trying to make that gap obvious, wasn't she? You kind of regret telling her how you felt, but it really did make you upset that she was avoiding you.

"But it's not over yet," you mumbled. Paimon looks at you quizically. You look towards Paimon and grin before walking off towards the opposite direction where the female left.

You decided to give her some space for a couple of days, having it to be your turn to avoid her by any means. You could tell that she was staring at you every time you past her, but paid no mind to it. That was how it went until one day where you pulled her once more to a place where no eyes could watch. Your floating companion wasn't there with you, giving her food to stay put wherever she may be.

"I-- (Y/N)?" Amber calls, being held between the wall and you. "I will tell you this again- I like you, Amber," you say, confidently this time. You could see it in her eyes that she was taken aback. "I, I.." She looks away before finishing her words. "I don't like you."

"Really? Then, why don't you look me in the eyes and say it?" you say, face showing seriousness. The confident and outgoing Outrider became shy underneath you. When a good amount of seconds of silence went by, you sighed and turned away from her, ready go walk away. Seeing this, she panicked and grabbed hold of your sleeves. "Ah, w, wait!" she stutters. You looked over your shoulder and see she was a reddened mess as she looks at the ground before her. "I, I, uh.."

You were honestly going to wait for her to say it, but the cute look on her face made it seem impossible, so you took this as her swallowing back what she said and kissed her.

Her eyes widened at the sudden kiss, but soon melt into it, allowing herself to be pushed against the wall. The kiss was soon broken and you stared lovingly into her eyes, a smirk on you face. "I knew you'd come around if I leave you."

"Be quiet!" she flares shyly, looking away. You smiled and kiss her cheek. "I like you, Amber," you repeat once again.

"I, I like you too.."

---

║Albedo║Notice Me

Fluff.

Word count: 1.1k

---

You were either too dumb to notice or purposely doing it-- either way, Albedo didn't stop in his attempt to court you. However, he was getting pretty impatient and irritated at how you dismiss his approach.

"(Y/N), don't you think this flower is beautiful?" he asks, eyes trained on the flower in his hand. You turned your head towards the blonde and stare at the flower. "Yeah, I guess.. Why are you asking?" As a knight under the command of Mondstadt's Chief Alchemist and Captain of the Investigation Team, you were assigned to follow him outside the city's wall and to the outskirts of the region.

Apparently, an adventurer from the Adventurer's Guild had stumbled upon a ruin that had been sealed away by a pile of huge rocks, and since the Knight of Favonius' takeover of the ruin, it was your duty to look inside the ruin for anything. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it is something. Although, you didn't know why you were the only one that Albedo wanted to come in his search, or did you?

You have seen the way he looks at you; his face was stoic as ever but his eyes held a warmth that was never directed to anybody else-- not even Sucrose who stays by his side more than you. But, you refused to return his feelings. It wasn't as if you didn't have any mutual feelings towards the alchemist, you just thought it would be fun to act dumb. You want to see more from him; you want to see him grow more annoyed at every of his failed attempts to court you.

"I suddenly thought of you. Don't you think it suits you?" He turns to stare at you with his cerulean eyes, showing you that same glimmer filled with hearts. It was one of his many approaches. You laughed, dismissing his way to flirt with you. It's cute, really. "You speak as if I'm dead." Ah, there you go again. His eyes narrow slightly and something that looked like disappointment flash in his eyes before he returned to his stone-faced look.

"No, you aren't.." His eyes returned to the flower and then tossing it off to the side at random. "My apologies if it sounded that way." He walks deeper inside the ruin, leaving you to trail not too far from him. At this point, you weren't sure if you had saddened him but since you didn't know, you huffed a smile and followed quietly. Was he finally at his breaking point, upset that things always failed to go the way he wanted it to go with you?

If you want a straightforward answer, then it's yes.

-

"Are you sure you should be continuing to ignore his interactions?" Amber asks, sitting across you while both of you enjoy lunch at Good Hunter's. The Outrider had caught wind of the changes with the Chief Alchemist not too soon he started to boldly ask you out fo a meal in a more discreet way. "Hm? What do you mean?" you ask, feigning idiocy.

The brunette sighs. "You've seen how Sir Albedo looks at you, don't lie!" Amber says, taking a bite out of her sticky honey roast. You remained silent, watching her eat to a point that made her awkward. Was it time to throw in the towel and go along with his attempts? It has been prolonging for too long, after all. "Uh.. (Y/N)?" You blinked a couple of times before your attention was on the female.

You laughed. "Sorry, I don't understand what you mean." You gave a closed-eyed smile at the female. No, now is not the right time to kick the bucket just yet. If you did, you won't have the chances to look at his frustrated look when every time he fails and gets a laugh out of it. There is no fun in that. And you were one to be remembered by how much you seek fun and laughter out of things.

Amber stares at you defeatedly, brows slightly dipping. "Whatever you say.." You laughed. "Don't think about it too much and ruin your pretty little head. Just eat your food." You rested your face on the palm of your hand. Amber stares at you, raising a brow before returning her energy to munch on the food, quickly forgetting the conversation.

Afterwards, the Outrider had to separate from you, bidding you goodbye for now. You turned on your heels, presumably heading towards the headquarters. You hadn't seen Albedo at all today and wondered if he's out somewhere. You chuckled at the thought if whether or not he'd try his luck again but to only fail.

Unknowingly, the person of question approaches you from behind while your guard was down. You yelp as he grabs your shoulder and turn you around and backing you against a wall. It happened all too fast and it showed on your face, eyes wide as you comprehend what just happened.

You blinked twice and soon, your focus was on the alchemist, Albedo. He had one of his hand on the wall- besides your head- and stare at you with a tight lip. "Huh, Albedo? What do you--" "I like you." The word came out so easily that you weren't sure that you heard that right. Yeah, you know that he likes you but to boldly confess? You didn't expect that from a man like him.

"S, sorry, could you repeat that? I think I've--" "No, you haven't," he said, cutting you off once more. " I like you, (Y/N). And I know you're smart to have caught on so why are you dodging my attempts?" Oh boy, he really has become impatient. It was visible in his eyes that he wasn't going to try anymore.

Blood rushes to your face. "I, uh.." "Don't act dumb. Tell me whether or not you hold any feelings for me. If not, I will back away from you," he said in all seriousness. He couldn't continue playing chase anymore.

When you hadn't said anything in a reasonable amount of time, he sighs and turns on his heels, ready to walk away and forget ever courting you. When you realized this, you took his hand, stopping his and returning his attention to you, looking over his shoulder. "W, wait, I.." You avert your eyes to the side, not wanting him to leave and to never look at you the way you wanted ever again. "I, I like you too.." Finally, the words he wanted to hear from you finally left your tongue and made him smile.

You let go of his hand as he turns his whole body towards you. He then cups your face between his hands and brought your foreheads together, forcing you to look at him. Heat rushes to your face by ten folds at the closeness. "I'm happy to hear that."

---

║Aether║Hate Me

Angst??

Word count: 2.2k

---

The stars- when looked from way down below in Teyvat- was much smaller, this is what you concluded as you gazed at the dark sky being glittered with little white dots.

"How many months has it been?" you muttered to yourself, subconsciously clutching the grass under your hands. 'Since I have felt this way?'

As you dwell in your own thoughts, you didn't hear the oncoming person and was spooked at the sudden contact of their hands on your shoulders. "Hey." It was Aether, the Outlander that is not from here- from Teyvat. The one who trespassed to this world.

"Is something bothering you?" he asks, sitting down beside you, gazing the stars as well. Yes, there was something bothering you, but that was something you dare not tell him until that day comes. But, you were conflicted. When that day truly comes, is your heart still as merciless and cold as before or has your heart fallen to a trap by the male beside you?

"No.." you lied. "Just couldn't sleep." It wasn't truly a lie, per se. You couldn't sleep and it was because of the pondering thought of the day when the Outlander's journey will finally draw to an end.

"Same here, but it seems that Paimon is having a good sleep," he chuckles, looking over his shoulder to stare into a make-shift tent at his small companion. "May I join you?" he asks when his eyes returns to meet yours.

You nodded. "I mean, you already are here anyway," you stated. He chuckles. After that, silence befell on the two of you as you both ogle at the stars.

Your heart ached as you repeatedly ask yourself, "Could I kill him?". When you met them, it wasn't by mere fate. You wanted to meet the Outlander simply to assess his being in your world and nothing more, but oh were you so wrong. Instead, you joined him in his adventure-- ate with him, chat with him, laugh with him. Now, you regret staying any longer than you had planned because you didn't know what to do with your feelings.

"May I.. Lean on you?" you ask, eyes now on the ground. Aether turns to observe your face, seeing a lot of mixed emotions swirling in your eyes. What were they? He does not know. But he does knows that whatever it was, it was too much for you that you seemed lost. So, with that said, he nods. "Of course."

Content with the answer, you leaned on his shoulder, closing your eyes. Aether returns to gaze at the stars until you had fallen asleep. Quietly, he brought you back inside the tent and returned to sit outside. The day, he thought to himself, is coming. Knowing this, his hands clenched into a tight fist.

What is that day? The day when he finally meets the one who took his sister. He looks behind him once more, asking himself whether or not to leave you there. He doesn't want you to get involved, especially when that god who took his sister was most likely going to kill you, a weak mortal who is powerless to the divinity that even Archons feared.

Aether did not sleep throughout that night, waiting for the sun to rise to tell him that it was finally the day he gets his sister back.

Paimon woken up from her slumber, greeting the Outlander outside. "You're up early," she yawned. "Good morning, Paimon," Aether greets.

After the remaining sleep finally shaken off of her, she spoke right into the matter. "So, are you ready?" she asks. Aether nods sternly and then turns to your sleeping figure. "But we have to wait until a little someone has woken up," he adds.

"You sure that's the wisest choice? I mean, you're fighting a divine that is way too powerful," Paimon points out, fearing for your safety. "Yeah.." He will allow you to decide to leave the field of battle rather than forcing you to go. You might not have a vision, but you were certainly a fiery one and more than capable to kill and Archon if need be.

When you awoke, you three finally went to Celestia- the place where the god resides. Upon stepping onto the land far above the ground of Teyvat, you noticed how barren it was and clearly not one worth the praises of mortals below.

"I think that is where the god lives!" Paimon points to the obvious choice of a building. Right in the centre of all things and much more grander than the ones surrounding it.

"But where are the other gods?" Paimon asks, seeing as there was not even a single soul around. The Outlander were told many times that Celestia was a haven and in it, resides those fit to be a god. But now seeing Celestia with your own eyes, the words of the people turned sour as it was completely false.

Walking head on to the grand door, you were greeted with a wide room that was empty of all things except pillars that decorated the sides and a single red carpet that stretched outwards, stopping right at the throne in the end.

Paimon fidgets as the Outlander makes his way inside, eyes darting around the room for any signs of the god.

You stayed far behind, not even taking another step when you stepped inside the room.

When Aether was at the foot of the throne, the room began to dim a colour red as large cubes appeared out of nowhere. Aether and Paimon looks at the cubes, full with alertness.

"H, hey.. Aren't those people inside?" Paimon shakily points at one of them and gestures to some others.

"You're right." A voice somewhere far off the room answered, their voice booming louder than Paimon's.

It was the god.

The god was in the same room.

But that god..

Aether reflexively turns to look at his back at the sound of the all too familiar voice-- at you. "H, huh? (Y/N), you're not.." Paimon trails.

No longer the face the two met and recognize, orange eyes stare down at them; cold and one of a merciless being. "I am the one who you seek, Aether." You are the one he seeks and in doing so, he planned to kill you and get his sister back.

Aether's eyes widened and in that moment, his heart shattered like a fragile crystal. He felt betrayed, but most of all, saddened that you- the one who joined his adventures one day- was the god.

He shook his feelings, remembering the reason why he started to look for all the Archons in the first place. Gritting his teeth and sword in hand, he stances himself to fight. "Tell me, where is Lumine?" he demands. He doesn't want to fight you and hope that there was some sort of explanation for your actions.

"Your sister? Who knows? She might be in one of those cubes or escaped successfully," your voice monotoned, free of any emotions that you might've once had. Stretching your arms outwards, a black vortex of a cube appeared to your beck and call just like before-- when the two of you met in your true form all those years ago.

"Aether," you began, watching him dodge your incoming attacks, "I'll let you in on some knowledge. These people- the ones inside the cubes- have the right to godhood." Your feelings dissipated that night when you fell asleep and your eyes showed that. If he wanted to kill you then you have to kill him first.

"This is Celestia, the place all mortals wish to be in. The seven embedded words of praises in their heads and give me chosen ones as their duty as Archon," you continued, "I govern Celestia and Teyvat. If I see a person not fit of living, I erase them-- this applies to Archons as well."

"Many have tried to rebell against me so I had to cleanse this world as their great divine," you state. "You came at the wrong time, Aether-- well, not like I would have allowed you to trespass in the first place."

"You do not belong in this world. But in this world, I allowed you to die. Unfortunately, that didn't happen," you said.

"Why can't we just talk this over, (Y/N)?" Aether shouts from across the room, already scrabed by one of your attacks. "Why? As the divine, I have no time to talk to foolish people like you," you answered. "My role is to punish."

After time, one of your attacks took a blow on him and he fell backwards, sword far from his reach. You floated down and walked towards him, kneeling to take a closer look at his eyes that held hesitation. "Aether, do you not wish to kill me?" you ask. "You are wavering, Outlander."

"No, I don't," he grunts. Your blinked your eyes twice, showing great surprise. Something flickered in your chest. Were you the one wavering instead?

"Oh? Have I fooled you into thinking I was your friend all along? How foolish." Your eyes darkened. "If you want your sister, you better kill me."

"And what if I don't? What if I just continue to make you talk?" he asks. "I will have no choice but to kill you," you answered almost immediately, as if you have thought of the scenario before.

"I know you won't." Those word he said struck you deep. He was right, you admit. You have fallen in love with the Outlander and the single tear he saw that trickled down your face as you sleep showed that. "Please, we can talk this out. What you're doing isn't right, (Y/N), and you know that."

"These people that you've locked up doesn't deserve this," he said. His heart turned sour for you, but he did not give up in pestering you with questions, using your feelings as he does. "Didn't you feel happy when you went on an adventure with me?" he ask. "Or did you treat it as entertainment?"

No, he was wrong. You didn't think it was something foolish. You truly did enjoy what you two did- talking, laughing, and the other fun things you two did. Your heart opened up because of that. "I.." You tried to speak, but nothing came out.

"I like you, (Y/N). So please, tell me why you're doing this!" he confesses, voice loud that it echoes throughout the room. Your eyes widened. He likes you? Your heart fluttered and all signs of the coldness you once wore faded-- never to return again.

"I, I'm sorry.." You cried, on your knees as you buried your face into your hands. Aether instinctively hugged you and you accepted, crying even more. He admits, he still holds hatred towards you, but getting you to lower your guard and help him rather than kill you was a much better idea.

His sword disappeared from the ground and reappeared in his hands. Should he kill you? Now that you were at your weakest, he could easily kill you. But just as he had said to you, he liked you and killing you might make him go insane.

Not knowing what to decide he asks, "(Y/N), where is my sister?" You look him in the eyes, tears staining your face. "I, I don't know.." You don't know? What does that even mean?

"She isn't in one of my cubes, you can see it for yourself," you said. Aether looks at each cubed prison. You're right, Lumine wasn't in any of them. "But didn't you take my sister?" he asks, feeling blood boil up in his veins.

"I did, but I don't know what happened after that, please believe me," you pleaded, subconsciously gripping your hands onto his shirt, not knowing how to explain this uneasiness in your heart when you stare at him. "S, she might be dead.."

This was it for Aether and the next thing you knew, pain washed all over your body and coughed out blood. You stare at Aether with wide eyes filled with shock flowing him as he takes out the sword from your back and standing up.

He stares down at you, eyes now visible with hatred, watching as you collapsed onto your side and coughed out more blood that splat onto the cold, hard floor.

"A, Aether.. I.. I thought.." You couldn't continue-- not when pain was everywhere. "If only you weren't the god.." he muttered. "But if you don't have my sister, what use are you to me?"

He grits his teeth and kicked you to lay on your back before he stomped on your stomach, letting it stay there. You cried out in pain. "If you don't have her, it means that she could have been dead all this time for all I know!"

More tears fell onto the floor, staring at the man who just confessed to you not too long ago and let your guard down.

Light in your eyes started to die out, but he didn't care and watch it does so, uttering one last thing:

"I hate you."

---

║Aether║Intertwined Fates

Gender-neutral.

Word count: 800+

---

His name lingers on your tongue everytime you say it. You didn't know who he was and such a name was foreign to the nations of Teyvat, but it sounded so perfectly when you utter it.

Aether.

You weren't much of a talker so you didn't know many people, but for some reason, you always seem to utter that name-- be it out loud or in your mind. You didn't mind though, loving how the name rolls off your tongue.

A smile slowly crept up to your face-- a small smile, but there's no difference.

"Hey, (Y/N), you're kinda scaring me, you know?" Your friend- whose name is completely irrelevant- spoke, eyeing you weirdly. Lately, you have been smiling to yourself and always utter 'Aether' which started to creep her out and some others, although they don't express it.

"Ah, sorry.." You rub your hand on the back of your neck. "Anyway, I'm quite curious," they start, waiting for you to show a gesture to continue. "Why is it that you're smiling a lot? Did you find someone you like~?" They poke your shoulder while covering their mouth with their other hand, although it did not hide their huge, teasing grin.

"I don't know.." you answered truthfully, looking down at the ground. You were truly wondering if this 'Aether' guy was actually real or not. All your life you have had that name being left your lips like a sort of prayer, but you have not met a person whose name is Aether. Sometimes, you think you just made it up, but something in you begs to differ.

"Huh? That's a weird answer, don't you think?" they ask, face visible of confusion. You shrug, saying nothing.

Having no choice but to take your response as answer, they switched the topic. "Well then, we should probably bring our fair share of logs home or we'll freeze to death. Snezhnaya's cold doesn't show mercy to anyone." They hinted at the pile of chopped wood on the ground.

You nod, walking home with the logs in tow. "Welcome home. I see you brought a lot back," your mother greets, a smile obvious on her face.

You nod and put the pile of wood on its rack, placed by the fireplace. "Well, if you need me, I'll be in my room," you muttered before leaving.

Snezhnaya and its ruler was merciless. There wasn't much entertainment than that of Mondstadt, the city of bards. So, in your room, there you sat on a sofa that was backed against a window, turning your upper body to stare outside at the frozen wasteland to at least have something entertaining to watch.

Staring at the stars, you were suddenly reminded of the name 'Aether'. You wonder, is this person ever going to come, or will you forever utter that name?

Tired out from the workout of dragging wood, you decided to skip dinner and go to sleep, getting deep under your blanket for warmth.

The next day, your friend had invited you to hangout around the town since they didn't like sitting around and doing nothing. "Hey, did you hear?" they excitedly ask, eager for you to respond. "No, what's up?" you ask, looking at him side eye.

"There's a commotion going on that the Honourary Knight from Mondstadt is in Snezhnaya!" they said, finally relieved of the build-up excitement. 'The Honourary Knight?' you question. Such person has been a talk across Teyvat, but for what reason could they be travelling? You did not know.

"Let's go see the knight!" Your friend took you by the wrist and dragged you to the square of the town. "Hey, look, I think that's them!" They point towards a blonde male.

Stopping when your friend does, your heart fluttered upon seeing the knight. Why did he feel so familiar? You have never met him, but you can't shake the feeling that you know his name.

The knight turns your way and at that moment, realization struck you and it seemed as if he, too, seem to know. "Aether," you called, barely audible.

"Huh? That name again..?" your friend said, but his attention was turned away from you and to the approaching blonde male. "Ah, he's coming this way..!" they quickly say lowly, clenching their teeth.

The knight stops in front of you and your friend quickly straightened his posture. "H- hey, you're the Honourary Knight, right?" your friend points out. You look at them, not knowing why they were so nervous when he looked relaxed. "Um, yes, I am," the blonde answers and looks at you in a seeming manner. "I'm Aether."

That was it. That was all you needed to hear. "Do you.. Perhaps know my name..?" you ask, now regretting that such a silly question came out of your mouth.

A smile parts his lips and gentle eyes sparkle back at you. "Of course. I have been searching for you.. (Y/N)."

---

 ╚»★«╝ Genshin Impact Masterlist ╚»★«╝

This masterlist has been discontinued.

Please read the rules first.

I will add the other characters when someone requests for them.

The ones that are not specified are gender neutral. ^^ (Or I've forgotten to specify it)

╔═════ஜ۩۞۩ஜ═════╗

Aether

Intertwined Fates

Hate Me

Albedo

Notice Me

Distraction

Amber

Gliding Accident

Childe

Changed (Female reader)

So long

Love Me (R-rated. Female reader.)

I Love You

Chongyun

Hot

Tired (Male reader)

Ghost 

Diluc

Found You 1

Found You 2

Family Outing

Adopted (Male reader)

Surprise! (Female reader)

Happy Birthday

Jean

Stress (Female reader)

A Defeated Battle (Female reader)

Kaeya

A Cold War

Diluc’s Cousin 1

Diluc’s Cousin 2

Goodbye Kiss

Happy Birthday 

Flirt

Ningguang

Inspiration 

Razor

What Is Love? 

Scaramouche

Cold Heart

Nyah!?

Tsundere

Mr. Short (Male reader)

Jealousy

Bothersome (R-rated)

Venti

Rest of Time (Female reader)

Sensitive (Female reader)

Messing Around

Not A God

Stars (R-rated. Female reader)

Tag! You’re It

Frappuccino 

Xiao

Come Back

Snowflake

Misunderstanding

Xingqiu

Dear You

Out of Love

Zhongli

Where Glaze Lilies Bloom 1 (Female reader)

Where Glaze Lilies Bloom 2 (Female reader)

In Return

Family Outing

Happy Birthday 

Happy Birthday (Different content)

Other

Holiday Special in Mondstadt (Platonic)

Holiday Special in Liyue (Platonic)

╚═════ஜ۩۞۩ஜ═════╝

╚»★«╝NSFW Rules  (Genshin  Impact Edition)╚»★«╝

Please read before requesting.

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

ஜ۩۞۩ஜ Warning ஜ۩۞۩ஜ

I’d like to make this clear: only those of 18+ can request. Please state your age when requesting (not really needed, but I sometimes will ignore them).

If you are not that of 18+ and request/read these oneshots, I am not responsible for you.

╚»★«╝ I will not write ╚»★«╝

╔═════ஜ۩۞۩ஜ═════╗

• Incest

• Necrophilia (or anything related)

• Weird kinks (piss, spitting)

• Scat play

• Knife play

Those are the only things I can think of for now

╚═════ஜ۩۞۩ஜ═════╝

• I’m not really comfortable to write sub!character x reader but on rare occasions, I will accept them

• All characters are aged up

╚»★«╝ Characters you can request for ╚»★«╝

• Albedo

• Beidou

• Childe

• Diluc

• Jean

• Kaeya

• Lisa

• Ningguang

• Scaramouche

• Venti

• Xiao

• Zhongli

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

And just like the general rules, if you request and want the story to go in a particular way, please add a description

NSFW oneshots comes second. Normal requests are top priority

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

I’m pretty lenient with requests

╚»★«╝ General Rules for Genshin Impact ╚»★«╝

Wattpad version.

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

Rules for NSFW is located here!

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

If you request something that is against my rules, your request will be ignored.

• You can request as many times as you want (when it is open)

-> But it would be nice to allow others to request

• I only take oneshots. No headcannons, scenarios, etc.

ஜ۩۞۩ஜ Do's ஜ۩۞۩ஜ

╔═════ஜ۩۞۩ஜ═════╗

• Fluff

•Angst

•Whatever else there is

• Yandere themes

• NSFW (please read those rules first)

╚═════ஜ۩۞۩ஜ═════╝

ஜ۩۞۩ஜ Don'ts ஜ۩۞۩ஜ

╔═════ஜ۩۞۩ஜ═════╗

• Character x ocs

• Character x character

• Two or more characters x readers (yet)

• I will not write about mental illnesses, disorders, etc. (I don’t really know much about them so if you come up to me and request for them, it might anger others if it is incorrect)

╚═════ஜ۩۞۩ஜ═════╝

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

•  If you request and want the story to go in a particular way, please add a description

-> If you don't care how it goes, just give me the character and the genre

•  I get to choose which ones I will write according to my level of comfort

•  I will write everything gender-neutral unless it has been requested otherwise

• Do not request when it is closed. Those requests will be invalid and will be ignored

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

You can read my works here!

I DON’T KNOW WHO NEEDS TO SEE THIS, BUT I HAVE TO POST THIS. IT IS SIMPLY TOO BEAUTIFUL AND CUTE MY HEART CAN’T HANDLE ITTTTTTTTTT 😭

𝑫̲̅𝒆̲̅𝒄̲̅𝒆̲̅𝒑̲̅𝒕̲̅𝒊̲̅𝒐̲̅𝒏̲̅ 𝒐̲̅𝒇̲̅ 𝒕̲̅𝒉̲̅𝒆̲̅ 𝑯̲̅𝒆̲̅𝒂̲̅𝒓̲̅𝒕̲̅

Genre: Modern Fantasy AU

Relationship: Tartaglia x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: In human population of billions, only 30% of the world’s population are born with elemental powers and top-secret school institutions teaches them how to use the power they were gifted with.

Prologue: The Fatui is moving in the shadows once again. (Y/N) of Mondstadt University was assigned to Liyue High to investigate what the said organization was up to this time. In this mission of hers, she met a carefree boy named Tartaglia which will result in series of ups and downs with unexpected turns of events.

𝑴̲̅𝒂̲̅𝒔̲̅𝒕̲̅𝒆̲̅𝒓̲̅𝒍̲̅𝒊̲̅𝒔̲̅𝒕̲̅

Mondstadt Squad || Liyue Squad (note: to be updated)

part 1 - farewells and beginnings 

part 2 - sexy attraction 

part 3 - who the hell are you?

part 4 - a fight? that’s festive

part 5 - curiosity peaks 

more to come….