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I have ch 4.5 ready too, but I'm waiting for the right time to upload it. :}

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✦❘༻𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝙼𝚢 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝༺❘✦

Ch. 2 - The Day I've Been Betrothed

Malleus Draconia x fem!reader

Chapter list + Summary

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Do not steal/copy + paste my works and upload it anywhere else.

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

You remembered that day.. 

“Mn..” Soft.. The bed, it was soft and warm, making you not want to get up despite the sun having risen hours ago and blaring its light on your face. You buried your face further into the pillow. Ever since the war had come to a halt just shy of six months ago, it had been peaceful and you could sleep easily without a constant nagging thought of enemies breaking down your door in the middle of your sleep. Your home is still situated within the kingdom’s territories, but it was so far out– far from the castle and the main city– that enemies would have no trouble infiltrating it and not alerting the castle of their presence within the land. 

Sure, you had guards situated outside and inside the manor and even had your father who was a commander of one of the Queen’s troupes but still, it did not completely quell your nervous anxiety. You’ve heard what creatures faes were during on one of the tea parties you’ve been invited to and honestly, you didn’t think the kingdom would last against them should the war go on for much longer. Unlike faes who are all natural-born magic users, not many humans possess them, yourself included, so it was not like the citizens could defend themselves while troupes were stretched far and thin across the land. Speaking of, since the war killed many soldiers, your father had to gather some of his from the manor, leaving not many to protect you which only did nothing but raise your alertness especially during nighttime where you’re aware that you could not see anyone past what the light of the lamp posts outside could reach. Those faes.. If they have sharp hearing, surely they have keen eyes, especially at night. You feel a chill crawl up your arms every time you think about it.

You planned to sleep just until a bit before lunchtime, enjoying the peaceful time. “My lady?” A soft knock was at your door, following an equally soft voice of a girl. When you ignored it to continue dreaming, another knock sounded and this time, it was a bit more firm and loud. “My lady, it’s half past eight now.” 

Sighing, you slowly sat up on your bed, the ruffling sound of your silk sheets could just barely be heard on the other side of the door. “Mm.. Come in..” Groggily, you finally answered. You rubbed your eyes tiredly when the servant girl came. “Thank you, my lady,” she said and smiled warmly. 

“What do you need?” You yawned and stretched your arms to shake away what the feeling of sleep remained.  “Yes, of course, my lady. I shall not dawdle longer,” she gets to the point and explained her reason.

“What?” You blinked owlishly after she had finished telling you. “The palace had asked to see me? Today?” You were surprised in all honesty since anything related to the palace is usually your father’s business. Besides that, you were still not of age to be handling matters of the court. 

“Yes, my lady. And the Queen had asked that you arrive on time– exactly 1 in the afternoon sharp,” she answers with immeasurable patience. You turn your head to the window adjacent to your bed and look at the rustling of leaves just past it with two black birds perched on a branch nearest to you. You were silent for a while. It was not as if you planned to decline order’s from Her Majesty, but you were wondering what today was for her to wish an audience with a baron’s daughter who has not made an effort to look worthwhile in banquets. One would assume that there is no chain of hierarchy within nobility, but they were quite wrong. It was a fight of popularity within the circle and you found yourself at the bottom of it.

—

“Huh, it seems that I’m not the only one who the Queen asked for..” You mumbled, looking at the long line of carriages outside, yours included. You peek your head out of the carriage window and find that those who have been invited were young ladies around the same age as you. If I remember correctly, they’re mostly unbetrothed daughters. You say mostly as opposed to all since you were unsure. You grew curious, especially after knowing that if you were told to come alone, it must mean that all these important daughters are without a guard either. 

Finally, your carriage rolls to the front of the castle and someone from the palace opens the door and helps you out. You had informed your father about the situation just before you left in your best dress. Seeing as you were going to meet the queen, you chose a red dress adorned in white pearls and lace. White pearls were also added to your updo to complete the look. 

But I guess the others also thought the same.. You sweatdropped at the number of girls wearing a red dress crowding the front steps of the castle, some flashier than others while some more modest. The questioning look they had on their face and the soft murmurs made you believe that they were in the same boat as you were; not having a single clue why you had been called so abruptly on the most random of days.

“Alright ladies, if I could have your attention.” The man who had been standing at the top of the stairs finally spoke loudly to draw attention after looking satisfied that all were accounted for. “Her Majesty, the Queen, is waiting for you all in the throne room, but I will first escort you to our great hall.” 

The ladies looked at each other with questioning eyes before shyly following after the man. You followed of course since you were one of the invited guests. With all these people, you had expected your audience with Her Majesty to be brief; maybe she just needed to ask you a favour. However, that proved to be wrong when you saw the carefully decorated hall with long tables on each side draped in a white tablecloth. On them were vases of  carefully assorted white and red roses and a few food and drinks. 

Even though you shouldn’t based on your assessment, you were surprised. It was almost like a banquet, if it weren’t for the lack of people. But you were pleased to know that there was something to eat since you had spent the last hour getting to the palace and did not have the time to enjoy lunch. That was one of the many disadvantages to live so far out of the kingdom’s walls. Although, you believed that you weren’t the only one that was famished; the look on the others suggest that they had fretted over what to wear to have eaten. It might have been due to different reasons, but it was certain that the majority had not eaten. 

“I apologize for the short notice,” the man spoke and then gestured to the tables and chairs in the centre of the hall. “I had assumed that you all must have not eaten so we had prepared you all sorts of food to fit your preferences.

“Please enjoy yourselves while I wait for further orders from Her Majesty,” he ends his little speech and exits from a side door tucked further into the room’s corner. There were slight murmurs before you dispersed. Some chose to sit while others stood idly by at the long table, but one thing remained the same: they all looked tense. Surely, seeing all these people must have caught them off guard. 

You wandered off to one of the long tables to see if there was something small you could eat so you wouldn’t be seen as a glutton. Although, despite all of the food laid out that was meant to be eaten, it had been barely touched. No doubt it is because they were too nervous. Understandable since you had this nagging feeling that you were being observed the moment you entered the hall and no, it wasn’t from the servants that came and went. Was this a test of some sort? 

With a small plate in one hand, your eyes scanned the hall for any abnormality, but you were disappointed to see that nothing seemed off. Actually, you should feel relieved if it truly is just you being overly sensitive. 

Still.. 

One thing that your father taught you that he learned while he was still a knight in training was to always trust your gut when you feel a predator’s gaze. Even if you don’t see it, this feeling of being watched that settles in you is not something you should brush aside. 

This time, you subconsciously craned your neck up. To the left side of the room, there was a door leading out to a small balcony that watched over the hall. There, you see it opened and although there were no lights, you squint your eyes at a particular part just past the frame of the door. You swear you can see.. Eyes? But they seemed to contrast the darkness behind it; it was glowing and unlike the shine of normal eyes when light is reflected on them. An abnormality. 

You stare at it long and soon, you see its eyes trailing. Trailing until it lands on you. ‘Oh!’ They really are real and just aren't a glass orb with a similar look of eyes. You should be scared, that much you understand, but when you finally look at it, you feel oddly calm. You didn’t feel relaxed, but you did feel like it meant no harm. 

After having what felt like prolonged minutes of a staring contest, the eyes vanish and you can faintly hear the sound of shoes walking away. Huh.. How odd.

—

You were all now ushered to the throne room just a few minutes after. “Greetings, your Majesty.” You all spoke in unison and curtsied. When you look back up, your attention was drawn to an oddity in the room which just stood beside the queen. There was a man standing there silently. He looks frightening. He was dressed in black head to toe adorned in silver here and there like his shoulder pads and the chain that held his cloak together. Other than that, the only striking features were the red crystal brooch on his cravat and his.. Eyes. 

You blinked owlishly as you stared at him— well, specifically his eyes. They were the same striking deep colour like the one you saw earlier. Was it him? As if to answer your question, when his wandering eyes stop on you, you swear you can see his eyes smiling musingly. Before you could dwell on it, your thoughts were interrupted when the guide spoke. At this point, you believed him to be the Queen’s advisor. 

“If you could please form rows..” He directs, gesturing with his right hand. There were looks of uneasiness passed around but did as told. When you got into formation, you couldn’t help but look towards the throne once more. This time, you see Her Majesty talking with the strange– huh? You blinked a couple times thinking that you might be seeing this but you’re sure you really were looking at pointy ears; not human ears. 

“Wonderful,” the advisor said and then offered the stage to the queen. When your eyes land on her strikingly beautiful figure, you feel your face warm in awe. She’s like a cold beauty.. Her eyebrows were naturally shaped into a high arch so whatever she does— or in most cases, whatever one does, she seems to always look down on people. 

“As you may have heard, today marks the start of proceeding through peaceful treaties with the Valley of Thorns,” she begins and you all couldn’t help but be all captivated by her stunning beauty when she spoke. “To keep the peace going during my reign as monarch, we had agreed to make arrangements so that no matter what, that peace will be unshakable.

“If you will.” She looks to her side—at her advisor— all the while having her nose still pointed high and to the front to show her superiority. “Yes, Your Majesty.” He does a quick bow and does the talking again. "Ahem. For the treaty to happen, the Valley of Thorns' Queen has chosen a representative to come in her stead."  

So he’s a fae, you thought. You’re well learned about the creatures that are at war with your homeland and something notable to know are their ears. You’ve been overly cautious of everyone after learning it and for a while, looked at the side of their head’s first. Silly, I know. 

You know how important this was and that you should listen carefully, but you couldn’t help but be drawn by the strange man who was talking to the queen with words you couldn’t hear from where you were and how low they were speaking. Normally, one would slightly shiver in the presence of the queen, but all he had on was an unreadable expression. 

“Very well..” The advisor looks side-eyeing at the fae just on the other side of the queen. When he looks at him directly, you notice his confidence slightly deterred, now speaking with a slight nervousness in his tone. “Uh– Ahem. These are all the noble ladies that you requested for.. Sir.” 

The fae’s eyes wanders over the heads of many until it lands on you, but you felt like its wandering eyes were just for show. That its true purpose was to spot you. You didn’t realize that you gulped a nervous feeling down. What does he plan to do? You see him now taking slow and elegant steps down the little steps that lead to the throne. 

“And what is your name, my dear?” Before you knew it, he was in front of you and looking with kind eyes. You stiffened up and stuttered out, “I’I’m [Name], sir.. From house–” “I don’t need your family name. To tell me your family name is to give up your life,” he interjects with a serious look on his face that tells you that he was indeed telling you the truth. You stood stone cold. You swear you felt your heart drop. 

He sees the look on your face but continues to talk, this time holding a hand out. “Your hand,” he said, hinting with his eyes. It took a second for you to snap back from your daze, blinking a couple times, and another to understand what he was asking for. While all the ladies look on apprehensively, you hesitantly place a hand on his palm. You had no idea what he planned to do and the cold sweat on your forehead was totally understandable, but it was soon answered rather blindingly. The moment your hand brushes with his, a soft light that seemed to come out of nowhere engulfed the both of you. 

Air gets caught in your lungs as a million images— a million scenes go through your mind. You also felt lighter as if you were floating— or to better describe your situation, drowning. Drowning in a pool of memories. It felt like you were looking back at memories, but you don’t recall having these as yours. Suddenly, you felt afraid. Just what are these..?

Before you could piece what they really were, you were brought back to the present with everyone looking at you worriedly and.. With sympathy? You were confused. Why were they looking at you like that? It was then you noticed that a single tear has cascaded down your cheek. 

There were so many ‘memories’ but one thing stood out to you. ‘They were all..’ You recall one particular memory and it alone gave you massive heartache.

You look at the fae who now stood in front of you with eyes just like the rest of them. And although it’s small, he is finally smiling, but also sympathetically. You wanted to croak out what you’ve been wanting to ask since seeing whatever those things were, but you couldn’t. You felt that the tears that were trying so hard to fight back down will suddenly have a chokehold on you and you didn’t want to cry in front of so many people. You bite your bottom lip as you stare in disbelief at him and that was all you could do.

—

“My lady.” There is a soft knock on the other side of the door with an equal soft voice. Normally, you would grumble incoherently and ignore it until they went away, but here you were, wide awake before the sun could have even greeted you with a proper soft, warm light gently caressing your face. 

“Come in.” Your voice is hoarse but is clear nonetheless. The same servant girl walked inside with a smile that shows how much she doesn’t know from yesterday’s event. Yesterday.. You hadn’t slept a wink when you recalled what you witnessed yesterday and it shows from the dark circles under your eyes. 

“Oh, my lady, you’re awake early,” she points out with a look of cluelessness. “Do you want to have breakfast right now? Your father is about to leave for his duties after breakfast.” 

“…” You stared aimlessly at the blanket that draped over your lap. It was only when she had to repeat herself that you answered with a quiet ‘yes’. 

You went downstairs with your nightgown and tried to have a normal breakfast and by which it meant trying to smile through the entire meal and ask your father about his plans for the day. He had known about the letter that the queen sent yesterday since he was still at the manor to receive the messenger so you had to lie through your teeth that everything was fine. You had told him briefly about what occurred, leaving out the small details such as the fae approaching you and.. ‘Whatever that was.’

‘I have no idea what that was all about yesterday, but I’m sure he meant no harm..’ Now sitting in the great chamber, you were now in a fresh change of clothes. You had no plans to go out today so you wore a simple dress and indulged in reading a book you had randomly picked up from the library’s shelf in your home. 

It was still midday with the sun still way above your head so you shouldn’t have gotten so startled when there was a knock on the front door. You were curious so you placed your book beside you on the sofa and got up to peek around the hall’s corner. One of the maids stationed at the entrance opened the door to reveal a man who dressed in a tabard embroidered with the card suits and a hat to match. Another of the queen’s messengers?

When he had made eye contact with you, you knew it was time to get out of your hiding spot and receive him. “My lady, are you the lady of this house?” The messenger takes his hat off and places it over his chest in respect. “I am.. Is something the matter? If so, my father isn’t here right now..” You said as you walked closer to the door. The servant steps aside for you to fully face the man. “Ah, you’re mistaken, my lady. It is you that I come for,” he explains. “If you will, Her Majesty, the Queen, has asked for your attendance relating to your marriage.” 

Now this is where you became visibly confused. You don’t recall being betrothed to someone and your father had made sure to tell you time and time again that he won’t force you into any proposals and that marriage was free reign for you to decide. You trust him so you earnestly believe that there must be a misunderstanding somewhere. “My lady, the Queen said this to be of urgence so..” “Alright. Just give me a minute to change.” 

—

You didn’t believe that you’d be invited to the palace again and in just a matter of hours. ‘Since the Queen sent the invitation..’ You looked out the window to see if there were carriages from other noble daughters but to your surprise, you pulled right up at the castle’s steps without any delay and got safely escorted down the carriage. 

“Ah, Lady [Name], we have been expecting you here today.” The advisor from yesterday was also in front of the carriage with a kind smile. You weren’t sure if you were growing two heads or something because while people do approach you kindly, it was rare and only happens during parties where you’d be forced to interact and the same goes for the others. It’s hard to believe that you’d be talking to the queen’s advisor. 

“Come, let us go. Her Majesty has been waiting for you for quite some time now,” he said smilingly and began to lead the way up the same very steps and down the familiar halls as yesterday. When you entered the throne room, the queen was sitting on her throne with a perfect posture. 

“Your Majesty, Lady [Name] has arrived.” He does a bow before turning his attention to you and gestures with his hand to go to the throne. You did so, walking across the long room all the while looking at the queen to see her expressions. “Greetings, Your Majesty..” You do a curtsy and stay like that until given the word. 

“You may stand.” You did as told and stared at her, your hands in front of you and fidgeting nervously. “Well then, I congratulate you on your marriage,” she said plainly. You were stone cold like a statue. ‘Marriage? So, it’s really true..?’ Your brows knit together and look at her with dubiety as if you had misheard it. “I.. Uhm.. You’re Majesty, could you have mistaken me for a daughter from another family?” You ask. You could feel your fingers growing cold and your heart slightly quickening. 

“You are the daughter of that baron from the far east of the kingdom, yes?” She asks, although she was mainly just pointing it out. “Ah.. Yes, Your Majesty..” You tried to find some confidence in your tone, but it was already nerve-wracking to be in the presence of such a cold beauty. “Then make no mistake that I have called upon you today,” she said rather coldly. How could this have happened? You were sure that your father hadn’t mentioned anything about you getting married.. And if that were to be the case, why would the crown need to come and congratulate you? Marriages between aristocrats happen all the time and not once had you heard about being congratulated by the queen.

You chose your words carefully.“T-then.. Who am I being wedded off to, Your Majesty?” Every millisecond she doesn’t answer, the more your head starts to spiral until you feel dizzy. “Why, to the prince of the Valley of Thorns,” she answers with a raised brow and adds, “You were there to hear it, yes?” 

Your eyes widened and felt a large, gaping hole in your stomach as if someone had ripped through it. You were frozen on the spot, not believing your ears. It was your fault that you weren’t really paying attention to the advisor yesterday, really. Otherwise, you would have made sure to not let guests come to the house, not even that messenger. You could have prolonged this news or even better, prevented it from not attending yesterday at all. You felt tricked, realizing how brief the explanations were from yesterday.

The queen could see the conflict in your eyes and decided to say something, “Lady [Name], I assure that you will be in good hands. The crown prince is amongst the strongest magic users out of all the rest in the world, which is why we have no choice but to go into a period of peace..” She grumbles lowly at the last part, but you heard it nonetheless. “No matter what happens, it is a sure fact he’ll protect you as written in the agreement.” 

You could only nod in a silent agreement. Before you could leave, she said one more thing, “Do remember that the Rose Kingdom is your home and so it will forever be open to you. I entrust that should anything happen, you will return home, Lady [Name].” 

You had only a week to prepare your belongings after telling your father that night on the same very day before someone from the Valley of Thorns had come to pick you up at your door in a black carriage pulled by equally scary horses. Where did it bring you? Well, to your new forever home of course.

That was the day when your chapter had suddenly taken a turn..

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║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.

I’m so sorry that you are feeling this way, your mental health is much more important than the fandom so if you have to take a break you should! And if anyone says anything mean to you I’ll definitely defend my friend (ง’̀-‘́)ง you should do what makes you comfortable and if it’s not interacting with the fandom than that’s okay, I know the genshin fandom can be pretty toxic and people will attack you for having a different opinion or ship different characters together than them and it’s so childish and immature that people will gaslight and harass others for different opinions. I rarely interact with people in fandoms because of this and only write for the characters cause it’s fun for me and I like to do it for people. I have tough skin so it’s hard to effect me and I don’t really care what people say to me over the internet but I hate when people attack or offend the people I’m friends with so if you ever need someone to talk or vent to my private message is always open for you if you ever need it. I hope this gif of baby chicks cuddling a cat makes you smile 💜

Thank you for saying that you'll be there! It really makes me happy. The gif does make me happy as well! It's very cute. ^♡^ And I am going the same route as your perspective; rather than being too involved with the fandom and fighting other fellow lovers of said fandom over childish things, I will write because I love the characters. Even though I left Genshin's fandom, I still can't help but love all the characters. :3 ❤

.·:*¨༺𝙽𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗༻¨*:·.

Genshin Impact Masterlist (DISCONTINUED)

Genshin Impact Materlist 2.0 (Coming soon)

Honkai Star Rail (Coming soon)

Twisted Wonderland Masterlist

---

The Golden Will (Coming soon)

~

More coming soon!

Note: I update really slow so if you're patient enough to wait for next post, I would be so much appreciative. ^^

~

Wondering if I've taken your request? Check the master list and see if there is something for the character with "coming soon" + "request"! :)

║Scaramouche║Cold Heart

Requested from Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Warning: Used foul language (b*st*rd is considered foul, right?)

Angst.

Word count: 600+

---

You should have known. The moment he came into your life with a suspiciously bright attitude with all sunshine and rainbows despite how he looks-- it should have been obvious that he wanted something from you.

"Why are you doing this?" you ask, looking up at him as tears drip onto the wooden floor. Where did the man you loved go? The one who stood before you was nobody you know. He was different; cold.

Scaramouche looks down at your body that sat on the floor, one side of your cheek red from the slap you received from him. "Why?" he repeats, kneeling on one knee to be on your eye level. "Because I came to collect your parents' debt."

Your eyes widen in disbelief, realization sticking down upon you. "Yeah, that's right, (Y/N)." A sadistic smile adorns his crazed eyes as he cups your chin. "It's been years since they paid-- even going to another nation to hide. But now matter, we Fatui will always find our debtors."

Your eyes follow as he stands up, looking down on you as if you were some pest. "But I must praise them." He gestures behind him-- to the two lump of bodies on the floor. "They actually got away from us for a long time."

"Anyway, I guess I'll take them being dead as their payment," he said, making his way to the front door, fixing his hat.

Just before he could step outside, you had to ask, "Then, why did you pretend that you loved me?" Your voice croaked, filled with betrayal and sadness. Scaramouche turns his head to look at you, eyes holding no affection towards you. A smile crept on his face, quite amused by your question. "Why? I thought that I'd toy with you for a little while," he answers. "I not only get to kill your parents, but break their precious child as well. I'd say that's double the entertainment."

It was unbelievable and sickening to think. You gave him your love and even showed yourself in your most vulnerable state in an enclosed space, but he only gotten entertainment from all that?

"You bastard." You grit your teeth. "I'll kill you!" Scaramouche laughs at your words, finding it hard to believe that you could even stand a chance against him. His body now somewhat facing you, he stares at you side eye with wicked eyes as a hand covers part of his face. "I'd like to see you try."

With that, he leaves you in the dark house with only the sun that shone through the open door as your light.

Now far from your sight, Scaramouche was left to his own thoughts. Admittedly, he did love you. When he first saw you out on the streets? That's when he fell for you. He really did enjoy the time he spent with you, already missing your warmth and smile that was his world.

He didn't know his debtors had a child, so when he knew, he was torn. He wanted to leave the Fatui then and there, but there would be nothing for him after and he knew that he would be killed by the other Harbingers for betraying the Tsaritsa.

However, he didn't need to kill you so he left you alive, although knowing how much hate you now had for the little Skirmisher. He knows that there was nothing he could do to amend the relationship and he accepts that, waiting for the day when you come to hunt him down.

"Then kill me, (Y/N), because I am a wicked man."

---

║Diluc║ Surprise!

Requested from Wattpad.

Female reader.

Fluff

Word count: 1.8k

All rights reserved.

---

You didn't know how long you have been like this-- constant nausea, vomiting, feeling sick in the morning.. You honestly thought you were just sick until the day that Lisa invited you for tea.

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Diluc asks, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, watching as you brushed your hair. You look at the mirror and at the redhead, and with a smile, you answered. "I'll be alright, really."

You could tell that Diluc wasn't buying it, concerned about your wellbeing as you have been feeling unwell for the past couple of days. "Relax, Diluc. I'm really okay, but if something ever happens to me, Lisa will be there," you say calmly and hope that he would loosen up. "And also," you turn to look over your shoulders, "I am one of the captains of the Knights of Favonius. I'm pretty strong if you ask me." You grin, pointing a thumb at yourself.

Diluc straightens himself from where he stood, a small smile adorning his charming face, and moves to where you were. Once close, he cups your face, making you turn your head, and place a kiss on your head.

"Of course," he says right after. You smiled and he brings his lips close to yours until they were touching. He pulls you closer, tangling his bare hands through your locks of hair.

However, that didn't last long and you were the first to pull away to Diluc's disappointment. "You can't trick me into staying, Diluc. I'm still going," you said and lightly laugh. "Fine. Go before I'll make you stay," he said and you laughed once more before standing up.

With a peck on his cheek, you left to go meet up with Lisa who was impatiently waiting on one of the tables situated right outside at the tea shop.

"(Y/N), why took you so long? I almost thought you had forgotten your promise," Lisa greets, crossing her legs one on top of the other. "Haha, sorry.." Was all you could say and took your seat across from her.

"Ah, never mind, as long as you're here, we can spend our day off together enjoying the fresh air," she said. "As much as I enjoy being around the library, it's quite stuffy."

"Although I can't relate with your duties as a librarian, I can understand how nice it is to take breaks from work," you said, beckoning a waitress over to get your order and thanking her once she has written all of your order.

"I knew you would understand, (Y/N)." She sighs, "I don't understand how Jean manages everything all at once.. I insisted that she should take a break today as well but she refuses."

"Well, she'll continue taking all that work until the Grand Master comes back from his expedition. There's no stopping her right now," you said.

"Anyway, enough about work. I don't want to talk about anything related to that as it will ruin my mood," Lisa said, soon bringing up Diluc into the conversation as a change of pace. "So~ How is Master Diluc?"

"Huh? Uh, he's doing well. Why the sudden interest?" you returned with a question, eyes travelling to the waitress that came back with your drink and sweets. It was around quarter to 11 in the morning so you thought that it was okay to eat something a little sweet, and even if it wasn't, Diluc wasn't around to pester you to not eat sugary things around this time.

"What? I can't ask how one of the bachelors of Mondstadt that was suddenly taken by a charming woman is doing?" she jokes, chuckling as she takes a sip of her tea. "You're making me embarrassed," you said, hiding your red cheeks behind your cup

"Haha, you're quite cute like that. I didn't think that the fiery captain could blush like this," she says, continuing to make you embarrass. "Lisa!" She laughs, but stops with her teasing.

You stuff your face with a macaroon, feeling the tingling feeling in your cheeks fading out. However, just one bite and you felt sick, almost vomiting. Oh no, not this again, you thought to yourself.

Lisa was quick to notice and stood up from her seat, making her way to you and resting a gentle hand on your back. "Hey, are you okay?" she asks, clearly showing her concerns.

You waft one of your hands in small motions while the other clutch your stomach, your posture hunching forward. "I'm alright.. I've been having morning sickness is all.."

That was it. That was all that was needed to be heard for the librarian to ask a question you never thought you would hear yourself in public. "(Y/N).. When was the last time you and Diluc have intercourse?"

Your body froze and blinked a couple of times before turning your head back to look at her. "Eh?"

She sighs and goes back to sit down. "I need you to answer my questions honestly, okay?" she says, cupping your hands in hers. "When was the last time you guys, you know, done it together?" she asks.

Your face became warm and pink fast. It was an embarrassing question and felt really uncomfortable to answer, but Lisa was quite serious about this. "W, well, uh, we did it a couple of times the past couple of weeks, I think..?" you gave a vague answer.

She asked a couple more questions before coming to a conclusion. A sigh escape her lips and she looks straight into your eyes. "(Y/N), you're pregnant," she finalize.

"Eh!?" Surprise was written all over your face. You look at your stomach, almost amazed that a human was growing inside you for the past couple of days without your knowledge.

"Well, are you going to tell him?" she asks after she set her cup down, finally able to relax now that the questioning was done with.

You thought about it, taking the long silence to think it through. You loved Diluc just as much as he loves you so there was really no reason to hide this from him. "Yeah, I will tonight." You smiled. But how would should you suprise him?

-

Lisa told you that it would be best for you to go home and rest so here you were, in the comfort of yours and Diluc's home.

It would take another couple of hours for him to finish with work at the tavern, and with his Darknight Hero work, you estimated that he'll be back close to midnight. So, during that time, you were preparing the surprise.

You weren't the best at making clothes, seeing as you were a knight and not some housewife, so you got Adelinde's assistance. She was very excited to hear news that there would be an additional member of the family so she was more than happy to teah you.

"Master Diluc has been quite lonely since his father death and the separation with his brother," she spoke, cutting through the silence. "So when I saw how much he loved you, I was optimistic that he could find happiness again." You turn your head to look at the woman beside you and in turn, she looks at you, a smile gracing her face. You couldn't help but smile as well.

-

It was close to midnight and you had taken your work upstairs in your shared bedroom, telling Adelinde to get some rest.

Happy that you were almost close to finishing the surprise, you put your focus on it that you didn't hear Diluc entering the room. He was about to call for you but seeing as you were so concentrated with something on your lap, he became curious and moved quietly to where you sat. He watches over your shoulder as you stitch the last few loose fabrics curiously.

"I did it!" You smiled, raising your work up to your eye level. "Oh? That looks cute, love," Diluc says from behind you. Your skin jumped at the sudden fright and turned your head back to the redhead. "D, Diluc!? When did you.." You reflexively hid the clothing behind you.

"I came not too long ago. I saw how invested you were so I did not bother you," he said. "Can I have a proper look at it?"

You bit your bottom lip. It was now or never. "Before that, let me get something first.." You moved away from the curious man and over to your bedside drawer, taking a small wooden sword that you had someone paint to look like the sword he wields and then going back to him.

"Here you go." You gave him the sword. He eyed it, clearly not sure what to say about it. You then raised the thing you were working so hard on the whole day and waited for any reaction from him. It was much like his close but one fit for a child.

"Did you do that all by yourself?" he asks, not sure where the conversation would lead to. "Well, Adelinde helped teaching me the basics but other than that, yes!"

"I see. Although that is quite impressive, what is it for?" This is when your smile grew wider. "Take a guess."

"Oh? No hints?" He tilts his head to the side. "Hm.. Well, someday a little someone will get to wear this."

Diluc stood there with his fingers hooked under his chin, thoughts drifting off to what little possibilities there could be, eyeing on the tiny clothes.

That didn't take long as a look of surprise took the place of his once calm face. He stares at you, mouth hung open. "(Y/N).. Are you..?" He couldn't form the words, mouth dry from the news.

You nod, biting your bottom lip, a bit nervous of what he was going to say next.

What took centuries was actually a few, long seconds of silence. Then, he surprises you with a hug so tight and warm. Relief washes over you as you returned the hug.

"Please tell me that this isn't a joke.." he whispers. "It isn't, I promise," you reassured and you felt his hug growing tighter, but not enough to actually suffocate you.

He pulls away not too long after, eyes a bit red from joyful tears. "How did you find out?" he asks with obvious excitement. "Lisa told me," you answered.

He pulled you into a long kiss, arms wrapped around your waist, and you returned it with the same amount of love.

"Thank you, for being my light," he said in a low tone, that was close to a whisper, once he broken the kiss. "And thank you for bringing in another angel." You giggled at that.

"I love you, Diluc," you said, loving eyes looking deep into his red, fiery eyes.

"I love you too."

~♡~

Can I be Tea Anon??

-🍵

Ooh, of course! :0 I'm so happy to have you, Tea Anon.

I’m kinda imagining that for Diasomnia chapter, Sebek will be the one to overblot because “wAKasAMa!!” Like, he would overblot because of the MC/Yuu or someone else not worshipping enough/praising/bowing down/listening to orders from Malleus. 😂

║Xiao║ Misunderstanding

Requested from Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Fluff.

Word count: 1.8k

---

A familiar sound of laughter could be heard coming from somewhere at the lower part of Wangshu Inn that had gotten the attention of the last surviving yaksha. A laugh that he found annoying, yet would miss if it weren't around. Your laugh.

He wasn't going to admit it, but he would always wait for you to come to meet him daily. He would rush in clearing the area for monsters, not wanting you or any other mortal getting hurt-- but you especially.

However, he notices that your laughter that grew closer from the stairs leading up to the highest part of the inn- where he was- was seemingly.. Too joyous, let's say. What were you laughing at? Were you talking to Verr Goldet on your way to him? No, she's always behind the reception desk during working hours; no way is she with you. And as rude as it may be, her humour was quite dry to have you cracking up that much.

The curious yaksha's golden eyes look towards the door, waiting for you to step on the last remaining stairs that'll finally allow him to see you and whatever- or whomever- was making you laugh. He knew that you weren't alone as he heard a second set of shoes. They were heavy. A man? Well, that was soon answered when he saw your figure peeking in his line of sight, along with the person you came with. Although he doesn't show it, what he saw was not a pleasant sight.

Who was the guy next to you?

His eyes narrow. Something in him made him feel.. Strange. He doesn't know what word (or words) to use to describe such mortal feeling but he knows that he hated it-- hated the sight with you laughing the way you did to another. You never laughed like that when you were with him.

You looked away from the person with who you had such a wonderful conversation with and to Xiao who was leaning against the railing. You didn't notice that something was off with him; he looked annoyed just like every other day you met with him so you greeted him with a smile. "Xiao! Hey, sorry to keep you waiting," you said. Xiao did not reply to your greeting and focused his attention on the taller male beside you. Then, "Who is he?" His head nods to the stranger, arms crossing. The guy seemed shady but nowhere in his perfect appearance could the yaksha pinpoint what was off with him.

"Oh, right. I should introduce you guys to each other. Xiao, this is Childe. Childe, this is Xiao-- the one I was talking to you about some moments ago," you said. "Hey, it's good to meet another of (Y/N)'s friends." Childe smiles, a hand rest on his hip. "Likewise," Xiao replies, although he didn't really mean it. All he wanted to know was what this Childe guy's relationship with you as you had never mentioned him in your guys' one-sided conversation before.

"Anyway, (Y/N), when are you finally going to accept my invitation?" Childe looks towards you with eager eyes. "What invitation?" You raised a brow at the ginger. "Eh? Did you forget? How could you, (Y/N)?" Childe dramatically clutches his shirt over his chest. "I thought you loved me!" Xiao's ears perked. "Just hurry up and tell me," you said.

He chuckles. "For our date, of course!" Childe leans closer to your face, giving you a close-eyed grin. Xiao, who had no choice but to listen, unknowingly tightened his grip on his arms. Date? So, you guys are..

Xiao clicks his tongue. "I need to go," he said briefly before disappearing into thin air with trickles of black and green smoke. You couldn't even ask where he was going. "Uh, weren't you gonna give him that?" Childe points at the tiffin in your hand. "Ah, you're right! Darn it.." You finally perfected how to make almond tofu and wanted Xiao to be the first to try your cooking so it was truly a shame that you weren't able to give it to him. "Well, since he left, can I have it?" Childe asks. "No! This is for Xiao only!" You glare at him. "And can you please stop calling our sparring sessions a date?" Childe only laughs at that.

"Well, I guess I'll leave this with Verr.." you said to yourself, eyeing at the tiffin. It was a shame that you won't get to see his reaction but you can always ask tomorrow. You wondered what it was that he needed to tend to but shortly concluded that he probably needed to take care of monsters around the area.

-

Tomorrow came but he didn't show up which was odd since even though he may look like he doesn't want you around, he never really pushed you away. In fact, there wasn't a silent agreement for when you two would meet up at the highest part of Wangshu Inn. You asked Verr if Xiao ever had the chance to eat your almond tofu but she said that he rejected it and that he would be turning in for the night.

A day turned to days until it was nearly a week. Again, you went to Wangshu Inn and again, Childe wasn't with you that day so it was a bit quiet. You didn't have anything else planned for today, wanting to spend today with Xiao since you didn't yesterday and the days before that.

It became the waiting game long ago and before you knew it, you could see the sun setting on the horizon yet again. Where was he? Yeah, he may be the conqueror of demons but you couldn't help but worry. After all, it was still possible for him to get hurt.

You waited a bit more until the sun was fully out of sight. Another day has ended and he still hasn't shown. Sighing defeatedly, you stood up from the chair that Verr had brought for you. However, before you could take a step away from the chair, Xiao appears before you at the centre of the balcony.

"Xiao!?" One look at him, you gasped at the state he was in. He still had his mask on and was covered in blood and scratch marks, using his spear as support. He was unaware of your presence, unable to focus as he was lightheaded.

You rushed to his side and that's when his head looks up from the ground to you. "(Y/N)? What are you doing here?" he managed to ask, sounding so weak and tired. "I was waiting for you.. But never mind that-- what happened to you?" You reached your hands for him and just when you made contact with his shoulders, he collapsed in your arms. "Xiao!"

Your voice was loud enough to alert Verr, Huai'an, and Yanxiao who rushed upstairs, all worried for the yaksha that protected Liyue quietly. "Xiao? What happened?" Verr asked, equally worried as you were. "Let's get him to his room first and patch him up. Save the questions after he's healed," Huai'an said. Agreeing, you brought Xiao to his room that was unoccupied for most of the time while Verr fetched the aid kit.

After giving you the kit, you were left with the task of bandaging the male, knowing that he would most likely refuse help from them. You sat on a wooden chair while he sat on his bed, things needed to patch him up were spread on the nightstand. It was quiet for the first couple of minutes since you were too busy cleaning his bloodied arm. It was only when you wrapped his upper arm nice and tight did you talk. "Uh, can you take off your shirt..?" you say softly that one would need to strain to hear, but not Xiao as he always had keen ears.

"Why are you here?" he asks coldly which caught you off guard. Sure he spoke with a seemingly cold tone but this time, it really sounded as if he didn't want you here. His eyes never once looked at yours when you were wrapping his arm.

"X, Xiao..? What's wrong?" You felt your heart squeeze itself. He remained tight-lipped. That day, when you brought Childe along, he felt a mix of emotions of jealousy, anger, and sadness. "Nothing is wrong. Just go.." he said. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Somewhere to be? No, I was waiting all day for you to come back," you said. "I was beginning to worry ab--" "I don't need your concerns. I have lived longer than you and fought many monsters. I can handle everything by myself," he cut you off, sharply. "Why don't you put those silly feelings of yours on someone else?"

"What wrong with you, Xiao?" you asked, not once raising your voice. "I told you, nothing is wrong with me--" He finally looked at you, but what he saw next made him stop and all those feelings he had previously dissipated. You weren't crying but tears were certainly threatening to fall as you bit your bottom lip. "I.. (Y/N).."

You shook your head, wiping the tears with your arms before you stare at him right in the eyes. "I was worried, Xiao. I was worried if you were hurt or worse!" you raised your voice, but not in anger. "What did I do to make you mad? Please, tell me!" Your eyes reflected desperation and sadness.

He looks away. He felt bad, knowing that it was wrong of him to lash out at you for something as stupid as feelings.. Feelings that you won't reciprocate.

"It's nothing.." he said, this time, in a calmer tone. "Why won't you tell me?" you asked, reaching your hands to cup his face so that he had no choice but to look at you.

He hesitated. He wasn't sure if it was right to tell you since you were with someone else, and he didn't want to ruin what friendship you two had. But the sadness in your eyes made it hard for him to keep it a secret. "I.. Was jealous.." He confesses, looking down at his lap, face feeling hot in embarrassment.

"Jealous? Of who?" you pushed on. He gulped before saying, "Your.. Boyfriend."

You blinked, confused. Then, "Boyfriend? But I don't have one.." you voiced. Xiao looks up at you, face showing surprise. "What? But that guy with you.. He said.." It took a while but you now soon know who he was referring to.

"Ah, we aren't in a relationship, I promise! When he said date, he was asking for a sparring match really," you explained. "A, and actually, I like you, Xiao.. I have always liked you."

Hearing the confession, Xiao did not wait for a second longer and put a hand behind your head, pushing you closer to him until your lips met with his. It surprised you at first but soon melted into the kiss, eyes fluttering shut. What felt like hours was actually just a few minutes and you two pulled away.

Looking at him, loving his golden eyes that were filled with love for you, you smiled. "Well, let's finish fixing you up."

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