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genshin-karebear · 1 year

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Desire To Touch

Thoma X GN! Reader (Drabble)

Warnings: This is too spicy to be fluffy but not spicy enough to be spicy… reader is touching his muscles

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He knew, of course he knew. How could he not when he pays so much attention to you? Sooner or later, he was bound to figure out what muscles on the male body caught your attention and held it for longer then it should. He was too observant not to notice the way your eyes glued themselves to his stomach when the material of his shirt pulled tight around it.

He’s your boyfriend, and he gave you permission to touch him when you felt the urge, but boyfriend or no, permission or no, the thought of outright asking made your cheeks grow just as warm as they would if his shirt were to be gone completely.

You couldn’t ask. You won’t ask.

But you really wanted to - archons, he looked so good right now.

“There. I think I got it!” Thoma said, sounding rather pleased as he slid the last shelf of your brand new bookcase into place. “It’s about time we got you a new shelf. Your other one looks like it will collapse if you add another book to it.”

“Hmm.” You replied, half-listening. The other half of your attention was on his shoulder blades, watching them move beneath his black shirt.

You were only able to see them because his red jacket was laying over the back of your couch. It wasn’t just his back - the short sleeves tightened around his biceps every time he moved his arms, showing off what years of meticulous housework can do to one’s body. Even his forearms were appealing, one showing off smooth skin while the other was protected by his bracer - what was it about that bracer that you found so attractive?

“(Y/N)?”

The call of your name snapped you back into the moment. “Huh?”

Thoma, looking a little concerned, set down the tools and walked around the coffee table. Your heart started racing as he got closer, and when he crouched in front of where you were sitting on the couch, looked you in the eye and took your hands in his, you could feel it pounding against your ribcage.

“Are you okay? Your mind is wandering again.” Thoma said, speaking softy and in an encouraging tone. He wanted you to open up to him about what was on your mind, but…

“I’m fine.” Your mouth moved on its own, old habits of hiding your needs coming back in full force. “I just got a new story idea, that’s all.”

Too shy to hold his gaze any longer, you looked down and almost instantly regretted it. His chest was right there, and below it, you could make out the shape of his abs. No normal person would have noticed but you and your freakish obsession did, and it certainly didn’t help that you were very aware of Thoma as it was.

You didn’t realize your lower lip was sitting between your teeth until Thoma placed a hand under your chin to lift it. “(Y/N), are you sure-”

“I’m fine!”

Your voice came out louder and shakier then you wanted, your body moving faster then normal as you shot to your feet - too fast, even. You were on your feet before your legs could adjust to balance your weight, and the miscommunication had you stumbling. Luckily, Thoma was right there and was quick enough to catch you while getting up himself.

“Woah! Easy, there. What’s the rush? You’re starting to worry me.”

Your heart was beating in your ears and almost drowned his voice out. The arms around your waist held you against his chest and abs, keeping you steady while all your weight leaned on him. Your hands, in the middle of your panic to grab onto something, chose his biceps and you could feel how firm they were beneath your palms. Your eyes found his collarbone, then followed the lines of tendons up his neck until they reached his lips, then his eyes.

You swallowed. “Hi.”

“Hi.” He repeated, tilting his head a little. He had to have seen the way your eyes felt back to his neck with the movement, right? “Are you going to tell me what’s gotten into you? I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s bothering you.”

Your face was so hot you thought it was going to melt. Internally, you were a mess. You wanted to tell him how badly you wanted to touch him but were too nervous to do so. ‘Is it really okay for me to touch him?’

Swallowing another lump in your throat, you hesitantly ran a hand up his arm, over his shoulder and down to the centre of his chest. You leaned back a little and waited, and when he didn’t stop you, you very slowly kept going, giving him plenty of time to back out and tell you to stop.

He didn’t, and a pleasant shiver ran down your spine as your palm glided over his abdomen.

Thoma sighed and you jumped a little, thinking you were in trouble. “This is what has you so distracted, huh? I should have known.”

“Sorry.” Your apology was meek.

“No, it’s okay. I’m not mad.” He lifted your chin until your eyes met his. “I just wish you had said something sooner. I-” His face turned red. “I told you, I don’t mind if you… want to touch me.”

Maybe it was because he didn’t know what else to say, or maybe he knew that you wouldn’t be able to respond to his statement, but regardless, the shy encounter ended with an innocent kiss on the lips.

#genshin impact #x reader #thoma #thoma drabbles

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genshin-karebear · 1 year

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I don’t apologize in advance for the Drabble I’m gonna drop sometime tonight.

@witch-hazels-musings this is entirely your fault

#kare is in brain rot #of course it’s over Thoma #Hazel exploited my weakness on discord #i’m so screwed

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genshin-karebear · 1 year

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Christmas Kisses

Kaeya, Diluc, Zhongli, Xiao, Kazuha, Thoma, Ayato, Itto, Heizou, Cyno, Alhaitham, Childe X GN!reader

Warnings: Fluffy Christmas special, spoilers for some character’s backgrounds (Zhongli)

Kaeya 🎄

Mondstadt hardly looked the same, covered in a heavy blanket of snow as it was, but you’d believe anywhere was home so long as it had a man with silky navy hair and a silver tongue that put the festive ringing of bells to shame.

The falling snowflakes were so small and incredibly detailed but none of them were prettier then the smile he wore. Millions of once in a lifetime patterns made of frozen water were dancing in the wind but you’d much rather keep a constant watch on the lips that pulled into smiles or parted to laugh.

The ice beneath your shoes was slippery yet you felt more stable on it then on solid ground. The arms that held you guided you, encouraging words mixed with playful and harmless teases kept your fears of falling away, and the promise he made as a reward for your success was the ultimate push that helped you reach the end.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of celebratory wine and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of playful banter, wonderful surprises, and a soothing sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Diluc 🎁

Dawn Winery twinkled brighter then usual, decorated with festive ornaments as it was, but it was still home because a man with fluffy red hair and warm hands that rivalled the fireplace cherished it and called this place home, too.

The flickering candles were everywhere and giving off light but none of them were a brighter beacon than he. The windows kept the rushing snow outside, the doors kept the chill of the howling wind out, but no place made you feel safer then the space between arms that cradled you against his heart.

The cushions beneath you dipped but you knew he wouldn’t let you sink too far. The arms that held you kept you close, reassuring words and reminiscing memories kept your mind from the storm raging outside, and the care he showed for your well-being, the effort he made to keep you happy, was more then you ever could have wished for.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of virgin cider and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of unwavering devotion, unquestionable protection, and a soothing sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Zhongli 🌟

Liyue Harbor looked like a completely different world, every post and railing illuminated in colourful lights as it was, but it was still the land of your home because an ex-archon with elegant black hair and the wisest of souls still walked these streets.

The polite greetings of passerby’s were touching but no voice made your heart leap like his did as he returned their welcoming words. Countless attractions were vying for your attention, waiting to be found by your eyes, but the stories that fell from his lips always captured you best.

The breeze was chilly but the man walking next to you made it worth bearing. The arm he linked with yours, the tales he told of ancient traditions lost to time, his patience in answering your questions, he was always so eager to share his old world with you and the fact he wished to do so solidified the important place you held in his life.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of osmanthus wine and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of a being at peace, many life experiences, and a soothing sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Xiao ☃️

Wangshu Inn has seen all sorts of traditions, welcoming people of all sorts as it did, but no matter who came through it will forever be home because a yaksha with shiny dark hair and protective instincts always returned here.

The lively conversations happening below sounded interesting but the silence he offered on the balcony was comforting. Friends and staff below waved you over but you smiled and declined, wanting nothing more then to be next to the man who was able to drive darkness away and restore light to your life.

The stars above shimmered with a silver glow but they didn’t take your breath away like he did. Snow coated the roof and the top of the railing but it’s softness didn’t even begin to compare to to his touches. The gentleness he offered never failed to make crystal flies dance in your chest and always brought a cozy warmth to your cheeks.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of sparkling snow and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of shy affections, innocent yet unsure gestures, and a soothing sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Kazuha 🎄

The Crux Fleet celebrated things in their own way, sailing the seas and singing sailors songs as they do, but even out on the ocean the holiday spirit found its way thanks to the man with smooth white hair and poetic tendencies on board.

The smell of beer and other alcoholic mixtures surrounded the ship like a dome but the air around him somehow managed to remain clear. Men and woman alike danced and played games, but the melody he played on a leaf brought a sense of calm to the chaos, a calm that followed him everywhere.

Snowflakes disappeared into the waves rolling against the side of the ship, returning to its natural state just as he always said things did. Poem after poem fell onto your ears, harmonious words stringing together to make vow after vow that were for your ears only. His body wandered, but his heart hasn’t strayed since it came to know yours.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of fresh sake and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of beautiful phrases, unforgettable scenery, and a soothing sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Thoma 🎁

Komore Teahouse was always ready for an event and this time was no different, decorated with a tree and garland as it was, but it gave off a cozy sense of home because a man with with soft yellow hair and fullfuling hugs made it that way.

The scent of sweets and spices lingered in the air but no desert made your tastebuds dance unless he fed them to you. The hot chocolate in your hug warmed your hands but it was his smile that warmed your heart and everything on its surface. Even on the coldest day, he brought the warmth of summer sunshine.

The world outside was dark but even with the lights on and the stove lit, his presence kept the place bright. His laughter brought the joy of the holiday and his smile was the only gift you could ever ask for. His love made you fall in love again, his kindness revived you, and this day only meant so much because he was here to celebrate it with you.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of icing sugar and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of unconditional love, wishes of never ending moments, and a sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Ayato 🌟

The Kamisato Estate always had a professional aura to it, serving as a place for meetings and work as it did, but homely festivities still found a place at the insistence of a man with sleek light blue hair and a mischievous laugh that always told when he was up to something.

Little surprises found you at every corner but there was nothing you desired to find more then an opening in your lover’s defences. The way the corner of his lips curled when you snuck in an act of affection made you giggle and eager to find another opportunity to give more.

The atmosphere that filled the estate was one that hadn’t been felt in a long time. The staff, who usually worried about their lord and lady after leaving for their holiday break, no longer felt anxious to do so. The tender gaze he reserved for you was that of a smitten man, one who would be in good company and well cared for in their absence.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of festive peppermint and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of defences coming down, visions of the future, and a sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Itto ☃️

Hanamizaka wouldn’t be Hanamizaka without a busting atmosphere, and scattered with trees decorated in ornaments, tinsel and lights as it was, the district felt even more like home because of an Oni with wild white hair and boisterous optimism.

A gang of snowmen and challenges of who could make the biggest snow angel fed into the holiday spirit, snowball fights and snow forts bringing out the child in you. The way he begged you to play such games with him brought such a big smile to your face it made your cheeks hurt to hold it.

Some less spirited citizens shot you looks as you raced throw the snow covered streets but you hardly noticed in the face of his unbridled joy. All that existed in the world was the man who made your heart pound with reckless adventure and brought a level of joy to your life you didn’t know existed. He gave you everything, even when he gave you nothing.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of gingerbread treats and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of the joy of living, the bonds of friendship, and a sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Heizou 🎄

The Tenryou Police Station hardly looked like a place for holding criminals, full of holiday cheer and a feast as it was, but something about it reminded you of home, undoubtedly because a man with pretty maroon hair and strong intuition was there with you.

Doushins played drinking games and caught up with old friends, while the more serious members found an excuse to work. The one you expected to be part of the latter surprised you by dropping clever little clues that sent you on a scavenger hunt around the station. You found every item.

He noticed your need for a break before you said anything and promptly escorted you outside. There was no wind nor was the snow falling any longer, but something still felt magical and when a small box wrapped green paper tied with a red bow suddenly appeared in front of your face, the playful look in his gorgeous eyes gave it all away.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of delicious spices and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of discovering truth, insightful observations and a sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Cyno 🎁

The Akademiya was prepped for knowledge of a different kind, posters of foreign traditions and decorations from all nations sprucing up the halls as they did, but it was still home because a man with floofy white hair and a persistence for jokes kept peace and order.

Scholars debated on which traditions came first and which legends held the most truth, but the only conversation that you cared for was the debate you held with him about which dish to try first. His ability to supervise the gathering while also keeping personal watch over you couldn’t be matched.

Glances kept being made your way but no one was brave enough to approach with the general standing so close. Some thought the gentle smile on his face was a miracle, but if anyone had paid attention long before, they would have known the Mahamatra’s expression always softens when it comes to you. His job was an honour, but being with you was more so.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of rich cinnamon and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of unbreakable loyalty, the glitter of a found treasure, and a sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Alhaitham 🌟

The scribe’s office didn’t match the rest of the Akademiya, lacking much of the holiday decor as it was, but the man with lush silver hair and biting sarcasm was unable to stop you from putting up a miniature evergreen tree.

Novels filled with festive fairy tales somehow found their way onto his shelves, hidden between books that most found too difficult to read. The ‘reindeer’ glitter that sprinkled his windowsills was getting everywhere but he hardly minded the mess if it meant you would keep smiling that brightly.

The party for two you made in his office was pleasant, the sweets you brought delicious but nothing was more satisfying then the gentle look in his eye that contrasted his remarks. His chuckles, occasional sweet phrases and reminders to slow down and enjoy the moment was his own way of showing him he cared.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of fruit-filled treats and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of a variety of languages, thorough calculations, and a sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

Childe ☃️

His childhood home looked like any other home, decorated for the holidays as it was, but it also felt like your home because the man with messy ginger hair and a love for family welcomed you in and incorporated you into his family.

The table was lined with a feast, the food hot and steaming and children battling for seconds. He made sure everyone was well fed and of course that included you - he was keeping up with your needs faster then you could realize them for yourself. Perhaps he was feeding you a little too much.

When the time for games arrived he invited you to play and teamed you with you against his siblings, who were quickly warming up to you. They laughed with you, joked with you, and the man was filled with pride at how well you were fitting in. He knew his family would love you just as he loved you, but seeing it with his own eyes reaffirmed what he already knew.

Your Christmas kiss tasted of Snezhnayan delicacies and happiness. What does happiness taste like, you ask? It tastes of intense passion, a desire to make you his, and a sweetness of a soul that’s intertwined with yours.

#genshin impact #x reader #kaeya alberich #thoma #diluc ragnvindr #zhongli #tartalgia #childe #xiao #shikanoin heizou #kamisato ayato #arattaki itto #kadehara kazuha #Cyno #alhaitham #christmas

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genshin-karebear · 1 year

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Sweet Dreams, My Dear

Pairings: Alhaitham, Xiao, Cyno, Kazuha, Zhongli X GN!reader

Warnings: Comfort, reader can’t fall asleep, short and sweet, pre-relationship for Cyno

A gift for my dear @clemmywrites who has been struggling to sleep the last few nights. I wish you sweeter dreams ahead my friend

Silver moonlight created a spotlight for the shadows dancing across the wall. A tree branch swayed, small dark figures resembling woodland creatures pranced, but the beauty of the ballet was starting to lose you and frustration was creeping in. You didn’t want to watch a performance. You wanted to sleep.

The desire to sleep was so great that you couldn’t help but almost feel annoyed by the man snoozing behind you. Alhaitham had fallen asleep over an hour ago, unaware that you weren’t so lucky. He was laying on his back, one arm draped over his stomach, the other lifted next to his head so that his hand was tucked beneath his head. You were on your side, back flush against his side, your pillow pulled down so that you weren’t laying on his raised arm. Every breath he took made his ribcage expand and collapse, and while the sensation would normally feel soothing, tonight it was nothing but a reminder that your mind was too active to allow such luxury.

Finally giving up, you peeled the blanket away and slid your leg towards the edge of the mattress. That was when a voice, heavy and thick with sleep, broke the silence. “What is it?”

Some nights Alhaitham slept soundly, and others, the smallest sound or movement made him stir. He had been still for so long you thought escaping without him noticing would be safe, but apparently not.

“I can’t sleep.” You whispered, hoping he would soon nod off again. As a fellow Akademiya student, you knew the value of a good night’s rest. “I’m gonna find something to do. I’ll keep it quiet.”

Because of his roommate, you would normally never just get up and walk around in the middle of the night unless it was for bathroom purposes. However, Kaveh would be away for the next several days on a project, so you didn’t have to worry about disturbing him. Or risk making Alhaitham feel a little jealous if you happened to run into the blonde.

Alhaitham let out a deep breath, and you weren’t sure if it was a legitimate sigh or not. “Come here.”

Fumbling a little, you turned towards him and fell back to his side, your head resting on his chest. The arm on his stomach lifted a little, welcoming yours into the space. His hand found your skin, slowly running up and down between your wrist and elbow with small pauses at each joint.

His eyes remained closed and his face kept looking towards the ceiling. “Are exams stressing you out again?”

“No- well, yes, but it’s not actively on my mind right now. I just… can’t sleep.”

“Just because you’re not thinking about it right now, doesn’t mean it isn’t still affecting you. Try turning it off.”

You huffed air out through your nose. “I’ve been trying, ‘Haitham. It’s not working.”

His other arm moved, dropping from its place next to his head so he could pull the blanket higher up to cover your shoulder completely. Instead of returning to where it was, it extended along the side of your body so his hand could rest on your hip, thumb drawing small circles over the blanket.

His head turned a little and titled down, his voice a little closer now. “Then, focus on something else. Close your eyes and fixate on your other senses.”

Taking in a deep breath, you tried to follow his guidance, starting with your sense of smell. Alhaitham naturally had a very rustic, comforting scent - old parchment and burning candles, kind of what you imagined an ancient library to smell like. Not too surprising, considering what the Haravatat Darshan was known for. Next, you focused on what you could hear. There wasn’t much to listen to, apart from Alhaitham’s breathing. So, you honed in on that, and eventually discovered the faint beats of his heart on the other side of his chest. Although faint, you could hear enough to know it was in a perfect rhythm, each one timed perfectly and not a second later.

“Getting tired, yet?” His question was so soft you almost missed it, but with it came a wave of drowsiness.

Not wanting to risk disrupting it, you hummed in response instead of giving a verbal reply. Your sense of touch seemed to heighten, as you suddenly became more aware of your surroundings. The blanket felt warmer then it had all night, Alhaitham’s caresses more soothing to you now. Your eyelids were getting heavier, as was the rest of your body. The last thing you remember is a soft brush of lips against the top of your head, then, you were lost to sleep.

The gentle light from your beside lamp didn’t illuminate the entire room, but it did a good job of keeping the area around your bed bathed in soft gold. You sat against your headboard, cocooned in a fuzzy blanket with only your face and hands exposed. In your lap was a sketchbook, one that you bought a few days ago and already had several pages filled with portraits and landscapes made of ink and led. Places you’d much rather see in your dreams, compared to the unhappy ones that have been plaguing you recently.

A rush of air suddenly flew through the room and you jumped, nearly dropping your pencil. Heart racing, a startled cry building in your throat, your head snapped in the direction of the disturbance and relief quickly quelled the anxiety. The figure standing in the middle of your room was no stranger, but the person who made you feel safer then anyone else on earth.

Waving a hand in front of his face, Xiao’s mask disappeared. Those golden eyes of his held concern and curiosity. “Why haven’t you gone to sleep yet?”

You shrugged and cast your gaze back to your sketchbook. “I don’t want to.”

The thought of falling asleep and suffering another horrible dream filled you with dread. Xiao’s been away the past few nights dealing with rising threats on the borders of Liyue. Though you had no proof, part of you wondered if his absence contributed to your increased rate in nightmares. You’ve gotten so used to sleeping with him around over the last few months.

Xiao approached your bed and sat on the edge. “You… don’t want to? You’re human. Sleep isn’t negotiable.”

You shrunk back a little, feeling like a child being scolded. “I know…”

You tried to hide behind your sketchbook, but Xiao, with everything careful hands, took it and set it aside. “You’re scared of something. Tell me.”

He reached towards you, hesitated for a moment, then gently pinched your chin and lifted your head until your eyes met his. You’ve always been weak to those eyes, unable to conceal a thing from those pools of pure cold.

“I’ve been having bad dreams, Xiao.” You admitted with a sheepish smile. “That’s all, I promise.”

Releasing your chin, the adeptus sat back and observed you for a minute. The dark circles beneath your eyes couldn’t be too bad, right?

“You won’t need to worry about that anymore. I’m here now.” Xiao said in a voice full of determination. “So rest. I’ll watch over you.”

Your face felt warm, but that didn’t stop you from adjusting until you were comfortably laying down. You reached for Xiao’s hand and he allowed you to grab it and hold it between your own. The contact was so simple yet it brought you more happiness then anyone would ever know.

“Xiao?” You spoke his name, not that you had anything to say, you just liked the way it felt rolling off your tongue.

“You’re supposed to be sleeping, not talking.” He replied, his words cold but tone far from. He paused to a moment, then slipped free from your grasp. “Hold on a moment.”

He stood up and approached your art desk, grabbing a packet of plastic stars. Breaking the seal, Xiao poured the stars into his hand and returned to your bedside. His eyes narrowed as he focused, a small whirlwind forming around his hand. With the help of Anemo, he sent the stars flying towards your ceiling where they then attached themselves, and as soon as the light in the lamp went out, the stars took on a light of their own.

“There.” The yaksha said, sitting on the mattress once more and reclaiming your hand. “Now it is certain you won’t have anything but good dreams tonight.”

Losing sleep over your studies wasn’t anything new. No student was safe from the stress of the Akademiya; spotting dark circles beneath your peers eyes was as common as finding a plant in the rainforest. After several days of poor sleep, and with the weight of your assignment finally off your chest, you thought tonight would be the night you finally caught up on sleep. Funny how you now found yourself sitting in the empty House of Daena instead of curled up all warm and cozy in your bed.

If you weren’t so focused on the text in front of you, you might have been creeped out by the shadows created by the lamp at the edge of the table. You might have heard the creek of old wood as the door to the magnificent library opened. You might have even sensed the approaching figure before it had the chance to sneak up on you.

“You’re not supposed to be here.”

The voice sounded like a clash of thunder in the silence, catching you completely off guard and startling you so bad you screeched and jumped up, smacking both your thighs off the bottom of the table. This resulted in a loss of balance, and you fell back into the chair only for the chair to tilt and bring you to the ground with it.

You groaned and peeled your eyes open. The face staring down at you was one you recognized, though really, anyone would recognize those tall black ears on the top of his headpiece.

You huffed and crossed your arms. “You really shouldn’t sneak up on people in the dark like that.”

“You’re not supposed to be in here after dark.” Cyno held out a hand and you accepted it, allowing him to help you to your feet. “You’re not one to break the rules of the Akademiya. What are you doing here?”

“I can’t sleep.” You explained, dusting off your clothes and straightening them out. “Figured I may as well get a head start on my next assignment instead of laying in bed doing nothing.”

“Even if you’re doing nothing, you should be taking a break to rest your mind, otherwise you’ll burn yourself out completely.”

“Easier said then done. Five minutes is all it takes to fall five hours behind, General Mahamatra.” Flashing a smile, you closed up the book you borrowed. “I appreciate the concern Cyno, I really do, but I’ll be okay. Promise.”

Many of the Akademiya students feared and avoided the General Mahamatra, but talking to Cyno has always come easy to you. You didn’t have the biggest pool of friends, if any at all; many of your classmates were cunning and seemed to only make friends for the purposes of one-upping them. With Cyno, you didn’t have to worry about that. He looked out for people, and you found that admirable.

“I’ll walk you home.” The general suddenly said. “The Akademiya may be safe at night, but the streets in the city aren’t as heavily guarded.”

“Are you sure?” You asked, clutching your notebook to your chest. “I don’t want you to get in trouble for leaving in the middle of your shift.”

“It’s fine. There are more Matra on duty. They’re perfectly capable of handling things here on their own for a little while.”

Unsure of how to refuse his kind offer, you accepted. The walk from the Akademiya to your home on the outskirts was uneventful and filled with small talk and jokes. You knew Cyno had a reputation when it came to his jokes, but even if they didn’t make you laugh until your stomach hurt, they still made you smile.

“Here we are.” You said, finally reaching the front door of you’re cozy little cottage style home. “Thank you for walking me back, Cyno. I promise I’ll stay out of the library after hours.”

He nodded, and just as you were about to enter your residence, he spoke. “They say warm milk mixed with honey is a natural remedy to aid with sleep. You should give it a try. Dawn is still many hours away.”

“I’ll give it a shot, thank you.” You smiled at him, hoping he wouldn’t notice how fast your heart was racing in your chest.

As a creature of daylight, it wasn’t often you got to view the world bathed in starlight. Not that there was much to see really; the ocean stretched on for miles and if there was something in the distance, there was no way to spot it. The gentle rocking of the ship over the waves, a natural lullaby to you, wasn’t doing the trick this time. At least the full moon and clustered stars were awake to keep you company.

You’re not sure when you started humming, but you suddenly became aware that the melody in your head came from a pleasant song from your childhood. Smiling at little you started to hum louder, which then turned to whispered words and grew a little louder until you were singing in a soft voice only for the waves below the bow of the ship to hear.

When your song finally came to an end, a soft, poetic voice chimed in. “The beauty of song, a serenade of love, how you’ve captured me.”

A breathy giggle slipped through your parted lips as you looked over your shoulder. “If I knew you were in the crow’s nest, I would have been quieter. Sorry, Kazuha.”

While you knew you weren’t singing that loud, Kazuha’s sense of hearing is incredible. The thing’s he’s able to hear on the wind make it impossible to escape his awareness. So, the question wasn’t how he heard you, but rather, how long had he been listening?

Kazuha strolled up beside you, a gentle hand coming to rest on your lower back. “What troubles you this late, my love?”

A sigh escaped as you straightened up. “It’s nothing big, I’m just… a little homesick, that’s all. I can’t stop wondering how my family is doing. I hope my mother is feeling better.”

“The medicine you bought from Bubu Pharmacy is quite strong. Within a few days, I’m sure your mother will be feeling much better.”

“I hope so.”

While leaving home wasn’t the easiest decision to make, considering everything going on, there wasn’t much else you could do. Working for Beidou and sending back a portion of the mora you’d earn would be the best way for you to contribute, and besides, you’ve become so accustomed to being with the crew and Kazuha that skipping this trip and remaining in Liyue would drive you mad. Who would you be able to talk to freely if they weren’t around?

“Kazu?” You called him softly by nickname. “Do you ever get homesick?”

“I do.” He answered, gazing out at the dark sea. “Occasionally, we’ll encounter someone or something that reminds me of home. It could be the smell of tea that brings me back to the many tea houses in the city, or perhaps a tree that resembles the maple or sakura trees scattered all through Inazuma. When I remember these things, I do sometimes find myself longing to see my homeland again.”

His words held a lot of emotion, much so that you felt his sadness in your heart. “Would you ever go back permanently? You’re not wanted anymore by the Shogunate anymore…”

It pained you to bring it up, to consider the possibility that one day, he might decide to leave this life at sea behind and settle down in the archipelago of Electro. If that were to happen, what would you do? Attempt a long distance relationship? End things? Move to Inazuma with him? Leaving your family behind for weeks at a time was stressful enough. To go even longer without seeing them… You weren’t too sure how it would affect you. You loved travelling but there was comfort in knowing that your family was waiting for you back home.

Kazuha chuckled a little, and when his gaze turned back to you, you noticed how his crimson eyes appeared brighter. “No, I don’t think I would. I have become so accustomed to the life of a wanderer, that staying in one place is no longer possible for me. After a while, the air becomes stagnant, and it’s time to move on.”

“That’s a poetic way of looking at it.” You said, smiling a little. “Not that I except anything less, coming from you.”

Taking your hand in his, Kazuha brought it to his lips and brushed his lips over your skin. “I am honoured to have left a good impression of me in your mind. Why don’t you come relax with me in the crow’s nest for a while? The change may encourage your mind to relax for sleep.”

The bubbling of boiling water, the quiet ticking of the hands on the kitchen clock, were sounds you often heard un the early hours of the morning, not in the middle of the night. You tossed, you turned, you counted sheep, but neither your mind or body was ready for bed. So, you left your lover sound asleep in the warmth of his bed and headed into the kitchen to drew some chamomile tea. You’ve always felt that Zhongli’s tea was best, but waking him felt selfish.

You sat in the quiet kitchen, blowing on the steaming ceramic cup in your hand as you watched the stars twinkle beyond the open window. The air was a little chilly but not enough for you to feel cold enough for a coat. The white shirt you stole from your boyfriend was enough to keep you warm, the scent of him still lingering on the fabric bringing comfort.

A light in the hallway suddenly turned on. The sound of footsteps was getting closer, and before long, a handsome figure appeared beneath the arch. “My dear?”

“Yes? What’s the matter?”

“That is what I have come to ask you.” Entering the kitchen, Zhongli stopped next to your seated figure and delicately ran his fingers through the hair on the top of your scalp. “I sensed you leave the bed a while ago and grew concerned when you did not return.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.” You said, flashing him a reassuring smile. “I just thought a cup of tea would help me sleep.”

Zhongli hummed, the sound rich and deep. “I see. If you had woken me earlier, I would have helped you.”

You shook your head. “No, I couldn’t ask you to sacrifice your rest. You have to work tomorrow.”

Pulling a chair out, he sat next to you and placed his hand on the table, his palm turned upwards. Curious, you placed your hand in his and gave a soft sigh when he started running his thumb back and forth across your knuckles. He always knew just how to make you relax.

“I do not see it as a sacrifice. I have committed myself to you as a lover. I have sworn to love and care for you. Is it not normal for two people in love to help each other in times such as these?” He asked, those amber eyes of his making your face grow warm.

“Well, yes, but…”

One by one, Zhongli kissed each one of your fingers. “Finish your tea before it grows cold. Then, we’ll return to bed together. Is that alright?”

Nodding, you quickly emptied the cup and left it beside the sink so it wouldn’t break. Zhongli guided you back to the bedroom of his apartment and waited for you to get comfortable before joining you. You laid on our side, facing him and he turned to face you. Perhaps this was a mistake, because looking at him always made your heart race. How were you supposed to sleep with such an attractive, intelligent man looking at you?

Just as you thought this, he reached towards your face. Your eyes closed as he traced a line from the space between your brows to the tip of your nose. “Have I ever expressed how beautiful you are to me?”

“You have.” You replied, giggling a little. “Many times, in fact.”

His finger moved across the line of your jaw. “The weight of words alone cannot accurately explain how precious you are to me. I adore you very much, (Y/N).”

“Zh-Zhongli…” You we’re too flustered to open your eyes, despite the desperate urge to know what expression he was making right now. “I thought you were trying to help me fall asleep?”

“Is this not working? Allow me to try another method, then.”

#genshin impact #x reader #zhongli #xiao #kadehara kazuha #alhaitham #Cyno

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