SHINJIDAI - HoneyWorks Ft. Cater Diamond, Deuce Spade, Idia Shroud, And Silver

SHINJIDAI - HoneyWorks ft. Cater Diamond, Deuce Spade, Idia Shroud, and Silver

when you’re tired.

how they comfort you when you’re too tired to take care of yourself.

feat. kaedehara kazuha ; xiao ; scaramouche. wanderer ; albedo ; venti ; tighnari ; gn! reader.

cw: comfort. them being caring boyfriends. self indulgent. mentions of crying. mild blood and injury in xiao’s + albedo’s. use of the pet-name ‘princess’ in albedo’s. soft scara.

kaedehara kazuha

with droopy eyes, you stare at the piece of paper in front of you. the words written on it no longer make sense to you, feeling more like just swirling ink rather than symbols with meaning.

you rub your eyes for the nth time this evening.

when was the last time you ate or drank something?

you can’t remember.

with a sigh, you try to re-focus again.

all those annotations in your handwriting… did you write them? you must have done so, you guess, but the opaque clouds of your mind don’t let you access that piece of memory.

just as another yawn was leaving your lips, an airy voice pulls you out of your daze.

“someone’s tired.” kazuha chuckles.

“hey, kazuha.” you respond, rather unenthusiastically.

kazuha’s brow furrows at that. you’re usually brimming with excitement and running to him as soon as he gets home.

are you not feeling alright?

the next groan you let out and the way you keep furiously rubbing at your eyes let the samurai know that, you are, in fact, more than tired.

“dove, is everything alright?” kazuha asks. his arms wrap around your middle from behind, chin resting atop your shoulder. his warm eyes are akin to an autumn gale, wisps of worry and concern laced with the dark crimson of maple leaves.

and then, you start shaking.

“no, kazuha.” you sniffle. “nothing is alright.” your lower lip quivers, the tidal wave before the storm of your tears and sobs. “i can’t do this anymore… i’m tired, and work piles up, and i’m useless because i won’t be able to finish on time, and, and…”

a finger to your lips silences you.

“shhh, don’t say those things about yourself, my petal.” your lover’s bandaged hand interlaces with yours, his thumb tracing unspoken verses over the back of it.

it’s warm, you think.

i’ve got you, he means.

tenderly, akin to the flutter of bird wings, kazuha wipes away the tears streaming down your face.

after every gentle touch, his angel kisses follow, flowers blooming in the shape of a welcome warmth where cold rivers marked a path before.

your sobs fall silent, your tormenting rain halting before the bright sun that kaedehara kazuha is.

“close your eyes, my hummingbird.” he whispers, the sound of a comforting autumn breeze reaching your ears. “rest for a while, my love.” he finishes, butterfly kisses landing like cherry blossom petals over your visage.

kazuha’s arms hold you securely against his chest. his voice reciting the first poem he dedicated to you lulls you to sleep.

he looks at you, nuzzled against his torso, and a melancholic smile paints his face in hues of bittersweet.

kazuha wishes you could always smile. but when you cannot, he’ll make sure to shelter you from your inner tempests.

xiao

with a click, the door to yours and xiao’s room at wangshu inn opens.

a sensation of relief washes over the yaksha, restlessly pacing the space when he sees your face in the doorway.

you weren’t here when he arrived and he didn’t hear you call his name either. he is glad you are here now.

his eyes of amber widen when he meets yours, in happiness at first. but alas, as they say, nothing gold can stay. for, as soon as xiao sees the scratches on your hands and cheek, his candlelight gaze becomes almost glassy, a frown marring his pretty face.

“xiao, i’m hom-”

“who did this?” he questions, perhaps harsher than he intended.

you don’t know when he moved, but your adeptus now stands by your side, his gloved hand holding onto your scratched up wrist.

“oh this?” you ask, owlishly blinking at the shallow injuries tainting your skin. “huh, i hadn’t even realized.” you yawn. “must have gotten these during my commissions.”

xiao inhales, breath hitching. you seem more tired lately. he doesn’t like how, even so, you keep giving yourself for the sake of others: completing any mission that needs to be done, helping citizens fulfill their requests, taking any commissions available at the adventurers’ guild… and so on and so forth.

your jessamine-soft touch to his cheek pulls xiao out of his trance.

“xiao… i’m fine.” you smile, tiredly, the dark circles under your eyes becoming more prominent. you yawn again. “i just need to sleep for a bit now.” you mumble, cheek leaning against the vigilant yaksha’s chest.

xiao’s cheeks heat up at the contact, arms circling you, not knowing where to place them exactly. you’re injured, what if his karma makes it worse? you need to heal up too… he can’t let you go to bed without cleaning your wounds first.

“y-y-you… you need to… those wounds… you need to treat them first.” he stammers.

you chuckle, half amused at his cuteness, half to try to ease him.

“i will…” you reach to peck his cheek. “why don’t you help me, love?” you ask, gaze locking with his crimson lined one.

“ah-… yeah.” he manages.

with trembling hands, the yaksha delicately bandages up your cuts. it’s endearing, you think, how shy and gentle he is, despite claiming to only know how to deal in death and slaughter.

as his fingers ghost over the newly tied bandages, you get lost in him; in the intense molten gold of his sharp irises, in the scarlet that surrounds them; in the dark jade of his silky hair and how it frames his cheekbones and jaw so perfectly; in his porcelain skin and the pretty pink that dots his cheeks… in xiao, in him and all that he is.

setting the remaining gauze atop the bedside table, your yaksha sits in front of you, eyes averted, cheeks abloom in shades of intense spring.

chuckling, you scoot closer to him. you settle in between his legs, the side of your face and your hands over the heart he declared forever yours.

“xiao?”

“y-yes?” his arms awkwardly wrap around your waist, accommodating you comfortably against his torso.

“thank you.” your lids flutter closed.

moments with xiao really do erase every trace of exhaustion off of you.

scaramouche. wanderer

the plate slipping from between your fingers is the last straw. after the week you’ve had, seeing the pieces of china shattering before your eyes is the last thing you needed. it is like seeing your last remaining strength crumble to pieces, one by one.

your vision becomes blurry, big hot tears silently falling down your tired face. your grip on the kitchen counter is tight, knuckles white.

“hey, what’s all this ruckus?” a bothered voice questions.

you chide yourself internally. for being like this, especially in front of him. didn’t he despise human’s fragility?

your lips move but before you can reply, scaramouche beats you to it.

“you’re trembling…” the wanderer moves closer to where you are. why won’t you look at him? are you going to leave and betray him too? “hey, are you okay?”

still, you don’t move. hair hanging in front of your face, you are paralyzed. it seems all the stress and exhaustion from the past weeks has finally taken a toll on you.

the wanderer’s deep hyacinth eyes catch sight of the mess all around you: pieces of broken porcelain cluttering the sink and floor; a grotesque and mocking mirror of your current state.

“kuni…” you sob, not capable of keeping the tremor out of your voice. “i’m sorry… i’m so sorry… it’s all my fault…”

“what are you even apologizing for, dummy?” he cuts your rambling off.

with care, he takes ahold of your wrist, pulling you against his chest.

“i broke it…” you lean limp against your boyfriend. “the plate… it’s… it’s my fault. i’m sorry, i’m sorry i’m so tired.”

scaramouche sighs, exasperation lacing his huff.

“silly, what worries me is your state. have you even realized how utterly exhausted you look?” the lips of the almost god peck your brow, strands of starry midnight, a gentle tickle against your skin. “you need to rest. now.”

teary, you glance at the still uncooked ingredients lining the table.

“but i have to-”

“no you absolutely don’t.” your wanderer states, not leaving room for further discussion. his pristine hands cup your wet cheeks, stormy iris eyes lined in the color of roses fixed on yours. “dinner? i’ll take care of it. and it will be delicious.”

and with that, scaramouche guides you to your shared bedroom. tucking you in bed, he squeezes your hand before he leaves.

he hopes you have sweet dreams until dinner time.

albedo

the unforgiving cold of dragonspine definitely didn’t pair well with your drowsy state.

the days leading up to this weekend had been hard on you, worries and important decisions swirling around your mind in a spiral of confusion. fatigue and uncertainty seemed to rule your every thought.

and it is that, and the gelid winds of the mountains that led to your mishap.

despite your exhaustion, today you wanted to help your boyfriend with his research. with no hesitation, you braved the icy mountain’s cold to reach to his camp in dragonspine.

and if it wasn’t for the way albedo’s summer sky eyes visibly sparkled when he caught sight of you, you would have regretted the trip.

and somehow, there is a point when you regret it. when those same eyes look at you wide with concern, the sky beginning to cloud over, before the snow.

“[y/n]… [y/n]. [y/n]!” albedo calls you repeatedly, but you are like in a trance. the liquid you’re pouring into one of his flasks is already overflowing, yet you make no move to stop.

it is only when albedo’s hand snatches yours that you come to.

absentmindedly, you stare at your hand still holding the container with the substance you were pouring: it’s leaked onto the table, twisting swirls of smoke in ominous hues coming off the stain.

and then, when you process what albedo just prevented, you break down.

“did i… did i do that?” you ask, your voice so small albedo is afraid you might shatter, like a crystal figurine that clatters to the floor with just a mild breeze.

his free gloved hand takes the vase you were still holding and settles it on the desk. then, he holds both of your hands in his.

your skin is covered in goosebumps. you are shivering. and did your eyes always look so devoid of light and so tired?

“my princess,” he begins, cradling the back of your head against his chest. “have you not been sleeping lately?” he points out, fingers running through your hair.

tears form in the corners of your eyes. as much as you look pretty like this, your lashes akin to newly bloomed flowers in the morning dew, the alchemist hates to see you sad.

you sigh, palms resting against the chalk prince’s chest.

“to tell you the truth, no, i haven’t.” you close your eyes, icy tears rolling down your pretty face. “i couldn’t… these last few days…” you bring a hand to your temple. “it’s… it’s been complicated.”

albedo shrugs off his coat, draping it over your shoulders.

your eyes widen, warmth returning to your face. what if he gets cold because of you now?

but before you can speak, your lover silences you with his words.

“first, let’s get you all warm.” he tells you, your palm resting atop his. “then,” he leans in, leaving a sweet frosted kiss on the back of your hand. “you can tell me all about it of you wish.” he pulls you closer to his side, his fingers lacing with yours. “does a cup of hot chocolate sound good, my dearest?” albedo tucks a strand of hair behind your ear.

and how can you not smile? when your prince’s lips curve upwards, his golden hair and celeste eyes the picture perfect image of comfort against a background of ice and biting gales?

“that would be lovely, ‘bedo.” you murmur, basking in the warmth his embrace offers.

venti

the windborne bard’s aquamarine eyes lack their usual mischief today. not because he is unwell, but because the song of your heart is erratic. dissonant. a bell sounding, asking for help amidst the cold ocean in which you are drowning.

he’s noticed the way you carry yourself these days. a shadow of who you are, a truth you have built up, with stained glass depicting only the emotions you think others should see.

venti is aware of your exhaustion, of the emptiness that’s eating at you, a fairytale with a ripped out page, its happy ending torn to pieces.

he is a god, after all. the wind he rules over carries feelings and memories. notes and melodies telling the story of his people. and of course, yours too.

that is why, he decided today you will be taking the day off.

—

the sun rises, and with it, your meager rest comes to an end. commissions at the adventurer’s guild and citizens’ requests won’t complete themselves alone, as much as you’d like that.

the heaviness in your step subsides a little after talking to hertha. one of the requests involves a trip to windrise. it says to bring two apples and a bottle of dandelion wine. the requester, anonymous.

a pleased hum escapes you as you make your way to angel’s share to make the purchase.

windrise. that place brings happy memories. it’s yours and venti’s favorite place to go on dates.

vennessa’s tree. under which you and venti had your first kiss.

the thought alone is enough to put a smile on your lips and for your cheeks to rival the heat of the red that tints the apples’ peels.

with a newfound skip on your step, you start the trip to windrise.

but alas, your vitality is short lived. for when the shadow of vennessa’s tree casts a sun-splattered canopy over you, you deflate upon seeing no one around.

then, when you were ready to turn around and leave, a dandelion scented breeze blows by.

“missed me, my windblume?” a familiar voice asks.

there, perched atop one of the huge tree’s branches, is none other than your lover.

“venti!” you exclaim, a smile gracing your features.

“ehe” with agility, he soars down his perch, hovering upside down just inches from you.

“if i had known it was you, i would have dressed up more…” you trail off, averting your gaze to the side.

“ehh? but you always look gorgeous to me, my warrior.” venti tells you, turquoise-marine eyes earnest.

you fluster, wide eyes looking up at his cute face.

then, he’s kissing you. and you’re cupping his face. and kissing him back. and the basket with the apples and wine clatters to the ground. and neither of you care.

because what could be more important than each other?

when you pull away for air, venti lands in front of you. picking up the basket, he says:

“hm, but my request doesn’t end here, windblume.” he takes your hand in his free one, tugging you along towards the big tree.

“now you must join me and relax for the rest of the day, ‘mkay?” the anemo archon requests, kissing your heated cheek.

and how could you ever say no to your cute boyfriend?

you can’t. that is your weakness.

and your saving grace today.

tighnari

the clock is about to strike midnight. silence only broken by the stars’ static and the chirping of nocturnal insects has settled over avidya forest.

one by one, the lights on each cabin have been going out, leaving way to the moonlight to reign over the vast expanse of green.

there is one house, however, that remains alight. the person inside seems to be busy, relentlessly tackling multiple tasks and papers.

this image would go unnoticed my most passersby. a busy student, some would think. a night owl, others would judge.

there is someone, nevertheless, who knows the truth happening right now behind those windows. nothing escapes the head forest ranger’s sharp hearing, after all.

with serious eyes, tighnari heads towards the source of the light. when he reaches your house, he doesn’t even have to knock: it’s open.

not that knocking would have done any good, anyway: you’re fast asleep.

hastily scattered around the table lie several notebooks and papers. some of them are finished, others have just a few scribbles on them.

and on top of all of this mess is you. sleeping soundly, pen still in your hand.

it’s good that at least you are getting some rest, tighnari thinks. but he can’t leave you like this. in this posture, you’re definitely going to be sore the next morning.

as carefully as he can, your boyfriend hoists you up. you stir a little in his arms, but not enough to wake up.

tenderly, he lays you on your bed, tucking the covers snug around you.

but still, he feels bad leaving you by yourself. it hasn’t escaped him how tired you look lately.

so he stays.

tighnari places a chair by your bed, and just as he was going to sit on it, something catches on his tail.

“‘nari…” you mumble, bleary eyes staring up at him, one of your hands buried in the soft dark green fur of his tail. “what are you doing here?… wait… oh no!” you sit up, lifting the covers off of you, standing up so quickly you feel dizzy. you stumble, and if it weren’t for tighnari’s arms looping around your middle, you would have hit the floor. “i fell asleep! tighnari, why didn’t you wake me up? i have to go back to work now!…”

“no. absolutely not.” his tone, commanding.

“but…” you look up into his teal-hazel eyes. he levels you with a warning gaze. there is nothing to bargain for here, he seems to say.

“no. none of it.” the forest ranger holds you by the shoulders. “you are going to sleep now. and i’m going to stay with you. no buts.”

there is no use arguing with him on this one, is there? your work will have to wait.

releasing the tension you had been holding in with a long sigh, you get in bed, while your boyfriend takes the chair.

“what are you doing?” you ask him. “if you’re going to stay the night i’m not letting you sleep in a chair.”

the pink of zaytun peaches dyes tighnari’s skin prettily.

“no buts. no arguing.” you chuckle, tugging him by the hand. “now, come here.” you tell him, sweetly.

and the fennec fox obliges. for how could he not? when your touch and warmth are so addicting?

besides, you look so cute and comfortable, cuddled against his side like this.

The Dorm Leaders With Crushes (Pt. 1)

●Not edited○OOC Characters (?)●

Riddle Rosehearts

"A crush? Pathetic, romantic feelings are a waste of time."

○ Riddle's just embarrassed because he does, in fact, have a crush

○ Riddle genuinely doesn't mind crushes, though he says otherwise, he believes they are a natural part of life. Unfortunately his mother drilled it into his head at a young age that any and all forms of attraction are a sin, so he's initially very repulsed with himself for developing these feelings

○ He's never had a crush due to homeschooling, and he didn't expect to develop one while at Night Raven College, but it developed fast. Immediately after seeing you at the entrance ceremony, Riddle's brain went "That's the one," as you were getting screeched at by a feral Grim

○ Riddle first recognized his true feelings for you after his overblot, when you grabbed him by the hand and helped him up from the ground. He had an inkling he might have liked you before, but you didn't get a very good first impression of each other, so he left it alone

○ Riddle is quite smart, and he is able to recognize these feelings rather quickly. Despite not really ever feeling any romantic attraction before, he's quick to understand it. What deters him from actually doing anything is both his inexperience with romance and his position as dorm leader; he doesn't want his newfound feelings for you to distract him from his duties

○ The Queen of Heartslabyul yet the King of Avoiding His Feelings. Riddle knows full well he likes you, and he can tell you like him back based on your body language, yet he won't say anything. Ever. He may drop a very, very tiny hint, but he's inexperienced with this, so he's very shy when it comes to you

○ Either you will have to make a move on him, or find a way to get him to accidentally confess, otherwise his lips are sealed. Luckily, while Riddle may be a tad more lenient with you when it comes to breaking rules, if you break enough, he just may end up snapping

"This is unacceptable, you've broken thirteen rules in the past few hours! I'm so disappointed, both in you and myself; I can't believe I had the gall to develop a crush on someone worse than Ace... Wait, no!"

Leona Kingscholar

"What are you blabbering on about? I don't care about some dumb crush."

○ Leona knows what crushes are, but he's the least likely to develop one. He's the twenty year old dorm leader of Savanaclaw, most students at Night Raven College are usually fifteen to nineteen, and Leona is anything but a creep

○ He doesn't really have any sort of an opinion on crushes, they're just something that hapoens from time to time. The only distinctive feeling he has towards it is that it's a waste of time, like many other things, because it takes a lot of effort

○ It takes a while for Leona to develop a crush, and even longer for him to decide whether it's important enough for him to want to act in it, or to disregard the feeling completely. He doesn't necessarily have a type, he just doesn't care about people he deems unimportant

○ Leona is very smart when he puts in the effort to try, yet he's a little dense when it comes to matters of the heart. No matter what your gender is, you would most likely have to point it out to him that he treats you differently than others. From there, Leona begins to notice how he feels differently about you compared to anyone else, and then he'll figure out if he wants to pursue a relationship or not

○ It takes Leona a few months to figure out that he's crushing on you. While he claims he's too mature for a schoolboy crush, that's exactly how he feels when he sees you stop by the botanical gardens to quietly study while he's "sleeping" (Leona won't admit it, but he's faking it so he can spend time with you without scaring you off)

○ He's not the best at talking about his feelings. Leona might even spend some time in denial about the fact that he likes you, insisting you're just an insignificant herbivore, and that he doesn't deserve you- he's wrong about both, however

○ Once he's accepted that he likes you, and is convinced you feel the same, Leona is quite smug, and insists you ask him out. He'll corner you in the back of the garden, a grin tugging the corners of his lips up while he insists you ask him on a date

"Come on, little herbivore, I don't bite. If you don't want this, then I'll leave and we'll never speak of this again. But if you do, then just say the words, and I'll be yours."

Azul Ashengrotto

"A 'crush', you say? Unfortunately, I don't have one; I'm far too busy to deal with my own emotions."

○ Azul swears up and down he doesn't have a crush, and he doesn't think he has one, but the twins point it out how obvious he is when he talks to you

○ He's never actually given much thought to crushes; Azul's most likely had some in the past, but never acted on anything because he deemed it as a distraction from his goals

○ It takes a bit of time before Azul can develop a crush. Unlike some of the other dorm leaders, Azul can't develop a crush solely on appearances, he has to get to know someone first, and then develops feeling for them. Unfortunately, that means he's usually immediately friend-zoned

○ Jade and Floyd most likely had to spell it out for Azul that he liked you. Azul has a tendency to talk about you a bit more than others; it's not very noticable, but the twins picked up on it. So when Floyd complains that the Octavinelle dorm leader is always talking about you, and Jade agrees with him, Azul is a little stunned for a moment

○ Azul is very smart; he's intelligent and a good, albeit shady, businessman. However, with more emotional matters, he's not the brightest. Azul isn't very good at picking up on crushes, and when he does, he goes through a stage of denial because "How can [he] be a good dorm leader and manager of the Mostro Lounge if [he is] distracted by a silly crush?" It probably took a month after developing the crush to recognize it

○ As mentioned before, Azul will deny his feelings for a short period of time, and he might avoid you during this time. It isn't because of you, you're not the issue, it's just he's worried about his many duties. Additionally, although he'd never admit it, Azul is extremely insecure, and a large part of him thinks that he's too shady, too unworthy to be with you

○ Eventually Azul will accept his feelings, and though he'd prefer to not act on them, the twins "convince" Azul to do otherwise. He'll slowly start leaving hints, becoming a tad more flirty and helpful towards you. However, it may take a while before an actual confession escapes his lips

"Prefect, I know our relationship is... difficult, to say the least, and it's a friendship I'm grateful for, but I'm afraid it may not be enough. How would you like to go to town this weekend? I-In exchange for some help around the Mostro Lounge, of course."

Kalim Al-Asim

"Ooh, a crush? I do have one right now actually! And it's on the best person in Twisted Wonderland!"

○ Kalim is probably one of the only students at Night Raven College to know what a crush is, and admit that they have one

○ Kalim actually finds crushes very cute! He thinks it's sweet to like someone, and to value them as a person. He also just likes the giddy feeling that comes with having a crush

○ He can develop crushes relatively quickly, but Kalim is just not the best at recognizing the feeling. It's the sort of thing where he'll look back at a friend he used to have a few years prior, and suddenly go "Oh, I think I used to like them." At least with you, it was a bit easier to recognize

○ Kalim is always talking about you and how much he adores you, no matter what. He sees no problem in expressing how amazing your "friends" are. But Jamil most likely made a snarky comment about how if Kalim loves you so much, he should marry you. Kalim's face had heated up so badly, he thought he would explode, before he squeaked out a "Maybe I will!"

○ It won't take too long for Kalim to finally figure out that you're more than a friend to him. After Jamil points out his obvious adoration of you, Kalim is quick to realize just what the feeling he's experiencing is

○ Kalim will absolutely admit his feelings to you, but because he's so friendly and because he does it so frequently, he's worried you think it's a joke when he says "I love you"

○ Kalim is a little socially unaware, but he truly means well. If you're ever uncomfortable with his displays of affection, he'll immediately stop. He really does like you though, to the point where a wave from you across the cafeteria is enough to have him blabbing to Jamil about how much he adores you

"I love you! I mean, I know I say it a lot, and it might not be 'love' like that yet, but I really like you! But you don't feel the same, that's okay! You're my best friend and I don't want to ruin that!"

● Sorry for the delay in writing, preparing for finals has been tough, but I'm officially finished with my exams and I'll be writing more often now

Scarabia Masterlist

~Kalim Al-Asim

○ The Dorm Leaders With Crushes (Pt. 1)

~Jamil Viper

○ N/a

— promise you’ll forget me

featured: liyue men x fem!reader

cw: generally gn but uses she/her (an itty bit), pet names, angst, hurt/comfort, a sliver of fluff, mention of character death, a little wholesome if you’re delusional enough (me)

synopsis: “When I die, promise me you’ll forget me. Erase me from your memories, bury me in the past, and live.”

a/n: my 3 babygirls + if I caused anyone any distress from this soft angst then let me know !! so I can continue wrecking havoc :)

── ꨄ︎ Xiao

Xiao stared at you, frozen in place and eyes widening as those words fell from your lips. He was in shock, completely baffled at how casually you uttered those words. As if they meant nothing… he grimly thought, As if you could ever mean nothing. His hands trembled, balling them into fists and digging his nails into the back of his palm. Had his silent affection, loving kisses, acts of devotion, and fierce protection not been testament enough to the impact you had on him? Had you not realized that you wielded the same amount of power over him as his previous master had with his true name? The Yaksha was almost amazed at your ignorance. “How dare you speak so carelessly…” he growled. Xiao was already fully aware of the reality of your inevitable death; it’s a truth that even the Conquerer of Demons, himself, adamantly refuses to revisit. He was bitterly aware that your time in Teyvat — your days together — was on borrowed time compared to his. That’s just the fate of a human's life in comparison to an Adeptus. He knew that the day will come when he would be forced to confront the tragic cycle of life and death once again, and if only for the sake of his Archon, he’ll grit his teeth and face it when the time comes. But to ask him to forget you, to erase you from his memories? You, who he cherishes most of all. You, who stealthily slithered into his heart and made a home in the remnants of his damned soul. You, who he foolishly fell in love with. There was no force in this wretched world that could ever submit him to abandon the little joy he was given in his life. And to ask that of him was to condemn him to a far crueler fate than that of the karmic debt he harbors on his shoulders.

Glowering at the wooden floorboards of the Wangshu Inn, Xiaos piercing eyes flickered up at you. “Do not make such absurd requests of me again.” He sneered. Flinching in surprise, you questioningly glanced at your lover. Shifting your gaze down, you noticed the deathly grip he held on the patio's railing and the cracking lines spreading beneath his fingertips. “Xiao… wait, I didn’t mean to—“ but your words were cut short by the solemn glint in his yellow stare. “There are many things I struggle to comprehend about you mortals, so tell me,” attentively, your ears perked up and your breathing paused as he spoke, “could you forget me so easily if I asked you to? Is your affection for me simply…” biting the inside of his cheek, his expression shifted to one of sorrowful hesitation, “temporary?” Your entire body tensed. Xiao had made a bad habit of hiding his less ‘acceptable’ emotions in an attempt to not burden you — no matter how many times you reassured him — so to glimpse at that fragile vulnerability and find the newly seed of doubt you had planted, it made your heart wrench in your chest. You blinked a few times as each flutter of your lashes only gathered more and more wet droplets onto them. “No! Xiao! I would ne-.. ver….” and that’s when you realized the weight of what you had asked him. Rejected.. I made him feel rejected, You internally groaned. Sighing you carefully took a few steps towards him, “Listen to me,” you softly spoke, “I don’t want you to live in mourning after I pass. You don’t deserve that, Xiao,” and his eyes widened, “I want you to be happy,” softening your gaze, you continued, “I want you to continue enjoying the gifts life brings, no matter how big or small they might be!” Standing in front of him, you reached a hand out to gently caress his cheek and dotingly smiled when he instinctively leaned into your touch. “I want you to keep spending time with humans, and one day you may even find new companions who’ll add to your happiness.” Nonsense, he thought. The Adeptus revers you almost as highly as his Archon and you think some feeble companions could ever compare? Xiao placed his hand atop yours and gingerly kissed your palm. His eyes reflected a tender intensity as he peered down at you, “Our connection is too strong, y/n.” his arms wrapped protectively around you, holding you tightly as if he wasn’t careful enough you’d disappear and be gone forever. Xiao hovered his lips above yours as he rested his forehead on you, and closed his eyes, “No matter what challenges time brings, or what you, yourself, try to do to sever our bond,” pressing his lips on yours, he kissed you as he quietly whispered, “I will love you, always.”

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

417 years have gone by since Xiao last held you in his embrace. And although he was pleased he was able to offer you a long, happy and loving life, Xiao would be blatantly lying if he said he’d moved on from your death. And if not for your last — somewhat reasonable — request, he likely wouldn’t have intervened with the lives of mortals, or reluctantly accepted their friendship. If that was what you truly would’ve wanted for him then he’ll hold his complaints and trust your judgement. It was bittersweet, really. If you were still alive, he knew in his heart you’d be fascinated by these mortals' new technology and inventions; he wonders what you’d say of this new era. And he can’t help the smile that tugs on his lips as he thinks of how you’d fawn over these silly contraptions, There’s no doubt you’d be foolishly fascinated by such simple trinkets, he thinks, but archons what he wouldn’t do to see your eyes sparkle with wonder again. And although Teyvat has undergone infinite changes, there is but one acre of land that the Yaksha has ensured remains untouched by humans, Adeptus or demons alike. It was a sort of sanctuary for him. A place of refuge, meditation, reflection, and heartache; but above all, it was where Xiao would religiously visit to honor the love he had, and continues to have, for you — his one and only. The area was radiant, nothing less than one of Liyues hidden gems. The ground was vibrant with lush grass, lively wildlife, and blanketed with all your favorite flowers; flowers Xiao had helped you plant and nurture. What once started as your personal garden ended up flourishing with vines, plants and new ecosystems. It could honestly be described as a mini forest, and the Adeptus wonders if it’s prosperity is because of you. Either way, you would’ve loved it, and that thought alone was enough. Thinking back, Xiao couldn’t believe he was so ignorant. Initially, he thought the whole custom was silly when Morax first casually mentioned it one day. ‘Marriage, is a unity humans practice as well here in Teyvat. It is a unity between lovers — a ceremonial alliance, if you will.’ To him, the idea seemed pointless, but the thought never left his head since. He’s already submitted himself to you in every way, but if his Archon had advised marriage was also a custom between mortals then perhaps you would like to marry as well. So this sacred area is where you both wed. The beaming smile and buzzing excitement you showed that day was forever engraved in his memories. Xiao still keeps the silver ring you slid on his finger with him. Though as of recent centuries he hasn’t worn it as much in order to preserve its integrity, but sometimes, when he’s laying amidst the swaying grass and reminiscing of times gone past, he’ll slip it on and think of you. On rare occasions the Yaksha would even stage a performance, the way he used to when he danced beneath the moonlight as you watched in awe. Whether sunlight warms his skin, rain splashes on his hair and wets his clothes, or strong currents of the wind whistles loudly through the air, he’ll dance to the natural rhythm of Teyvat. A performance reserved only for you. Other times he’ll rest on a bed of soft moss as his honey eyes gaze at the starry sky till morning illuminates the world once more. Simply remembering the sound of your voice, your touch, your laugh, and he’ll wonder, wherever you are in this vast universe, if you think of him too.

── ꨄ︎ Zhongli

The sound of glass shattering echoed throughout the mountaintop of Mt. Aocang. The traditional, delicately crafted teacup Zhongli held was now shattered into pieces in the palm of his hand, and the tea previously filling it was now spilled all over the god's lap. Unaware that his sudden vise-like grip was to blame for its broken state. He saw your lips move and your body apprehensively patting his clothes dry with a cloth, but he couldn’t hear a thing. Zhongli simply stayed in place as his golden eyes stared at you. Yes, it’s true that the former Geo Archon has encountered countless tragic fates and lost several friends and close relationships to the erosion of time. And it’s only been recent, with the reawakening of Azhdaha, that he had to reluctantly reevaluate and reaccept his cursed fate of eternity until the last remnants of his body eroded back into the stones of old. Azhdaha reminded him his future was pitiful. Doomed to solidarity as punishment for being a God. It was for that exact reason that Zhongli heavily contemplated the idea of entering a relationship with a human for a very long time before officially committing to you. However, it was also through that slow-burn romance that an unexpected love blossomed. Its tender passion awoke a primal instinct that had long laid dormant in the depths of Morax’s innate desires — it caught the Archon, himself, off guard. The love of a God cannot be easily earned or discarded. It entails complete submission, adoration, and devotion. Then again, it might be the reason Zhongli wasn’t avoidant of the inevitable outcome of this relationship. He fully accepted the consequences of his decision if it meant enjoying just a moment of tranquility in your embrace. He’d be willing to endure a thousand years of heartache if it meant hearing your voice just once, and he’d suffer through thousands more if even to kiss the fabric that clung to your body.

Zhongli, blinked from his trance and looked down to see you patting his clothes dry with red fingertips and scathed palms from the burning hot tea. Swiftly, he took hold of your hands and took the cloth away from you. He felt a pang of guilt as he carefully cascaded his thumb across the searing flush of your warmed skin. “I do apologize, my love.” shifting his gaze up to you, he continued, “It seems that your request has taken me aback.” Tightening your hold on his hands, you knitted your brows in worry, “Oh.. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.” you pouted. Zhongli removed his gloves, and your attention trailed to the geo marks decorating his golden skin. So pretty, you thought. “There is no need to fret, darling.” His voice was deep and affectionate. An obvious difference compared to the usual somber and nonchalant tone he speaks with, and it made your heart flutter knowing it was only ever exposed to you. But then suddenly, his expression turned serious. “However, that request would be a breach of contract, and I simply, will not break it.” Your eyes widened for a moment before quirking an eyebrow up in question. You momentarily tilted your head in curiosity, and the Archon couldn’t help but feel his gaze soften, just a little, in response to your small habit. Fluttering your eyes on him, you asked, “What contract?” What contract? He silently mused, as if the answer itself was blatantly obvious — which to him, it was. Lowly chucking, he wrapped his large hand around your wrist and slipped his fingertips up to caress your palm. Raising your hand up to his lips, he languidly met your gaze with his adoring one. “If you do not recall, then allow me to remind you.” Closing his eyes, he placed a kiss on your fingertip, “I have sworn myself each time I touch your skin.” He placed a kiss on another, “Each time my mind had been desperately surrendered by thoughts of you.” Then another, fluttering his long lashes, he peered at you with half-lidded eyes as his pupils dilated to slits “In every moment our bodies intimately intertwine together amidst the heat of our love.” Gasping at his sudden confession, your heart sped up in a fervent fluster. He leaned in close, “I am bound to you, my love, for all eternity.” Zhongli kissed you once, and then twice. He placed his hands on your hips and pulled you in, almost urging you to sit on his lap. Deepening the kiss the Geo Archon could only pray his kisses could hope to portray even a sliver of the love he has for you.

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

And so a millennium has passed, he hums. 1,231 years to be exact. Since your passing, Zhongli counted each year that came and went. Placing an incense down on the shrine he built in your memory, the Archon kneeled before your golden statue and prayed — he’s not quite sure to who, and he’s not sure if there’s anyone listening, but if there is, he hopes it’s you. Today had been an unusual day given that he doesn’t normally visit your shrine so late in the evening, but no matter what he did it seemed like unforeseen circumstances kept getting in the way of his preplanned visit. And after several attempts of trying to untangle himself from piling responsibilities, he sighed and decided it was best to just visit you by the end of today no matter what or who dared get in his way. Which brings us to now. However, shortly after he started his peaceful meditation, he was disturbed by someone’s quiet shuffles behind him. Fluttering his eyes open, his sharp gaze glared in the direction the noise was coming from. Even though it’s location wasn’t necessarily private, this shrine was his personal alter of worship, a private haven, who the hell was foolish enough to intrude on its sacred premises? Snapping his head around, his menacing gaze immediately widened into one of pure shock. It surely.. can’t be..? He muttered in disbelief. “Oh! I’m sorry I-um- I didn’t realize someone was here!” The voice awkwardly spoke, and as they turned to leave, his lips moved before he could realize he was talking, “What’s your name?” Blinking in surprise, the woman sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck, “Ah. I’m h/n, heh.” Walking closer she carefully inspected the handsome man as he stared at her like she was some sort of ghost. “Is this your shrine?” Looking up at the statue she softly smiled, “I’ve been coming here for weeks.” she confessed, and Zhongli slowly stood from his position. It’s her. The depths of the dragons innate need for his mate had violently awoken from its slumber, and he felt the bond he mourned for centuries, suddenly call out to each and every one of his senses. It’s her. Your reincarnation. Lighting her own stick of incense and bowing, the woman — you — glanced back at him, “I found this place by accident, and I bring my own incense to pay my respects as well. But honestly, I don’t know why I come here.” You chuckled. “Maybe it’s because her statue looks similar to me, or maybe … it’s because I can’t help but feel like this place calls to me.” Shaking your head, you bashfully looked away, “Sounds crazy, right?” “No.. no, not at all….” Softening his gaze, he offered a smile. There’s no mistaking it. I can sense her soul, years of longing and heartache clutched his heart, I could recognize it anywhere. And so the both of you spent the evening chatting away over tea the man you came to know as ‘Zhongli’ had prepared, and when nighttime shadowed the streets you both politely took your leaves. Zhongli deeply considered whether or not he should look for you again, but he soon realized he couldn’t bring himself to disrupt the new life you had built — even if it didn’t include him. He told himself he was happy, satisfied knowing your soul had returned even if every cell in his body painfully yearned to be with his lover again. Being given the opportunity to drink tea with you should be privilege enough. It wasn’t until you visited the shrine early one morning that you finally found him. After a brief catch-up, he noticed you nervously shifting, “Is something the matter?” He worriedly asked. With a deep breathe you confessed what’d been on your mind since your last encounter. “Have we met before?” You began, and his entire body froze, “I know this might seem strange but…” and unconsciously his body leaned in closer as his primal instincts begged him to caress your skin once more, but he forced himself rooted. Until you uttered a single sentence and momentarily tilted your head in curiosity that he felt his heart struck, and daresay, even gave the god hope. “I can’t help but feel like…. I’ve met you before, a long time ago.”

── ꨄ︎ Childe

Strumming his fingertips, Childe hummed in contemplation. He’s well aware of the repercussions that come with being 11th of the Fatui Harbingers, and he’s hyper-aware of the vile leverage his enemies would try to obtain when discovering the infamous Harbinger has taken a lover. However, the thing about Childe is that he actually openly welcomes his enemies to try to even get remotely near you. Honestly, your request is just straight-up hilarious to him. But he supposes he can’t blame you. After all, you haven’t a clue of the extent your lover has and, even as you ask, is taking to ensure your safety. It’s stressful, really, but the man loves challenges — “Let them come, let them ALL come!” He manically laughs, before lowering his head, “I’ll kill them all where they stand.” he snarls. Every loud and flamboyant confession, every playful kiss, every subtle caress of your skin, and each lingering touch holds an ulterior motive aside from just affection. It’s a warning. But you never noticed, have you? While you’re pushing him away in a flustered daze, you don’t notice how his cheeky smile and crescent eyes fall the second you turn in a huff and his gaze narrows to a sinister glare — directly locking eyes with the spies creeping atop rooftops. How he never directly answers your questions when he disappears for a few minutes only to return scathed and sometimes even bleeding. Brushing away your worry with a tender smile as he pinches your cheek, “Heh, don’t worry so much!” He’ll coo. Your request isn’t even an option. Childe would die for you, kill for you, live for you. He’ll do whatever it takes to stand above a pile of bloody corpses if only to force them to bow before you. You, the promised ruler of the world he’ll craft. And should you fall, he would build his empire on the blood of millions just to keep his promise.

Childes eyes glimmered in amusement as he threw his head back and laughed. “Hahah—!! You really do have an active imagination babe!” Playfully ruffling your hair, he chuckled, “C’mon now, don’t say such nonsense.” His lips curled into a beaming smile, but you could tell by the edge laced in his words that he meant what he said. Huffing, you smacked his hand away, “I’m not joking, Ajax!” Sighing, you turned away in embarrassment, “I’m being…. I’m being serious, alright?” Pausing, Childe furrowed his brows, “You’re serious?” Rolling your eyes, you marched away feeling flustered and annoyed by your lover's reaction, “Yes! I’m being serious!” Normally, the incredulous stare Childe gave you would’ve made you tease him in any other situation, but as of now it only added to the searing burn on your cheeks. Following behind you, he grabbed your arm to stop you and delicately tugged you to look at him. “Hey, what are you saying?” Turning around, you were met with narrowed blue eyes and a frown, “Are you calling me weak?” And as much as you wanted to stay mad at him, you couldn’t help but crack a smile at his accusatory tone and pouty lips. Intertwining your fingers with his you stepped toward him until your face was only inches away from his pretty glaring eyes. Running your fingertips against his jaw, you lightly traced them across his freckled skin until you reached his messy, orange hair, “The only thing I think you are is dumb.” You lovingly purred. Scoffing he averted his gaze from yours. “Listen, Ajax,” you started, “I know you worry about me, and yes, even though you’re the strongest man I know—“ “Ever will know.” He corrected. Giggling you flicked his forehead, “Ever will know~” you repeated, before you cleared your throat and steeled your gaze, “If I do pass… promise me you’ll live for yourself, okay? Take care of yourself, and no matter what, don’t let my memory hold you back.” Hold me back? He chuckled. Gently placing both hands on your cheeks, he guided your head to fully face him, “Your life makes me feel alive, y/n, and if the day comes — which it won’t,” he sternly emphasized, “your memory will only serve as the reason I fight to survive.” Pulling you into his protective embrace he buried his face in your soft locks, “I’ll keep you safe.”

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

720 days. That’s 720 archon-forsaken days, and sleepless nights. It was clear to all, that a part of Childe never quite recovered the day he found your lifeless body lying alongside the jagged edges of stone slabs resting beneath a mountain cliff side. The image of your body lying still as a pool of your blood gushed from your mutilated wounds onto the unforgiving surface of the rocks became a memory deeply embedded in the Harbingers mind. Then again, perhaps it wasn’t something inside him that had shattered, but instead completely disappeared. Even now, he still feels likes he’s quietly being haunted by the agonizing screams he cried and tears that he endlessly shed as he held your bloody corpse in his possessive and shaky embrace. However, all of that paled in comparison to the unsettling numbness that nestled within his bones and tainted his heart when he caught sight of the item that dropped from your hand as he cradled you. It was mocking. Taunting, even. “The pendant…” he spoke, barely above a whisper. She protected.. the pendant I gave her? His azure stare darkened as the very last of his compassion died right there and then. Now they only harbored hatred and desolation. Reaching to pick up the pendant, Childe carefully brushed the blood staining it with his gloved thumb. This was the gold entwined, jade pendant he had gifted you during the firework showcase of your first Lantern Rite with him. It was intended as a good luck token — a marker of sorts. He promised you that so long as you held this pendant, he would always come to protect you; your lover vowed this. His breath trembled, and his jaw clenched as he glared at it with blurry eyes. He couldn’t help but wonder, Was she waiting for me, choking out a sob his fingers combed through your hair as he rested his forehead on yours and salty tears dripped down your cheek, to protect her? And that thought alone was enough to sever the remaining domestic threads of his heart. For the next two years, Childe spent every waking moment tracking your killer. His obsession only further manifested as time went by. Even his work as a Fatui Harbinger strained, yet none were brave enough to tell him otherwise. Either because of fear, or because the Tsaritsa ordered it so. During that time there were those who argued that Childe had gone on a blind rampage, and others argued the Harbinger became the vengeful embodiment of a man of focus, commitment, and sheer will. To be honest? Neither were completely right or wrong. He never hurt bystanders, yet he never hesitated slaughtering anyone who got in his way. As for those foolish enough to mislead him or hold information? Well, they suffered a fate worse than death. It wasn’t until he found himself deep within the shadowy crevices of the chasm that he finally met your murderer. It was a wretched demon that had ripped you away from him, a crime even death was too good for. The accumulated rage of a fallen God was nothing compared to the murderous hatred he harbored. In the end, Childe came victorious — albeit at the cost of his own life. Sliding against weathered stone, he sat down and aimlessly stared at the curvatures of the chasm. “Seems I couldn’t keep my promise, huh?” He chuckled, “Don’t be too mad at me.” Wincing in pain, he slipped out the pendent he gifted you from his Foul Legacy’s armor as he felt his eyelids grow heavy. Kissing it’s cold exterior, he took a breathy sigh, “Please, wait for me,” fluttering his eyes shut, a line of blood dribbled from his lips as he smiled, “just a little…. longer..”

side note!: new format ! let’s goooooooooo

Like this fic? Consider reblogging, interacting, and commenting! It’s always appreciated!! ᰔ

Pomefiore Masterlist

~Vil Schoenheit

○ The Dorm Leaders With Crushes (Pt. 2)

~Epel Felmier

○ N/a

~Rook Hunt

○ N/a