#ch: kaeya | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

pocarinapyon · 1 year

Text

🌶️🌶️ Jealousy-Jealousy: A New Banner version A2 (Albedo, Childe, Venti, Zhongli)

A new character banner is just around the corner and the excited you couldn't help but rave about how cool they are. Naturally, you pre-farmed materials and even spent moolah for a five-star weapon, claiming they deserve only the best of best (Meaning: four star weapons and artifacts are not allowed!! And let's not get started on the artifact stats! 😡).

Inside the world of Genshin, your bond ten boys couldn't help but feel jealous. The flames of jealousy fueled further when you used them to grind for the new character's items. How sickening was it to think that they have become stepping stones of your new favourite character?

The boys decided. When they materialize in your world, they will make sure to mark you and to indulge in their sinful fantasies of you. You are theirs and only theirs, after all.

But one night, to their surprise, their competitors were summoned along with them. How will the boys act? Will they fight with each other until one of them gets to have you all for themselves? Or will they work together in pleasing and glorifying your body?

Just like how you teamed them up in game.

Contents include [a brief scene introduction], and [the actual chilis].

Starring : Albedo, Childe, Venti, Zhongli (GangB.)

Tags / Warnings : 🌶️🌶️ [Chilis] Seggs; Scattered cuss words; The Archons calling each other by their Archon name; the boys being chatty in the first part; Implied rape; Petnames (if it bothers you); Somnophilia; Childe...respecting you???; Albedo making a "souvenir" 😏; Creampie; The boys being possessive; I might have given Zhongli a non-canon ability; Zhongli being a gentleman on the streets but a freak under the sheets; Albedo holding back 👀...for an experiment!; Anal (don't worry, you're vacated 👍🏼); Squirting; etc.; 👑/🖥️ [SAGAU/(Reverse) Isekai]; Based on the SAGAU/Reverse Isekai concept linked below but with chilis

Again, this post was done on mobile and I don't have anyone to beta this so if there are major minor mistakes, please forgive me. 😭

Future Plan : Version B1 Bennett??, Diluc Ragnvindr, Kaedehara Kazuha, Kaeya Alberich (Separate) - but I will post something else before B1: either a new one (ALHAITHAM, COME HOME BABY!!!) or from my backlog (Reimagined and rewritten. The ones drafted before I was separated with my PC... Yes, you read that right. I was separated with my precious PC 🥲)

Links : Pinned Post, JJ version A1 (Albedo / Childe / Venti / Zhongli) Separate, JJ Request (Venti), SAGAU/Reverse Isekai concept, A Good Experiment (Albedo, Childe, Diluc, Kaeya) Separate

Target audience is female (bodied) reader.

To whoever is reading, please enjoy.

-------------------------

Surrounding your bed, wordlessly judging each other, were the characters selected on your Party Setup screen. Albedo, Childe, Venti, and Zhongli were supposed to farm more items but the drowsy you were so exhausted that you fell asleep after selecting your line-up. The moment you stepped into dreamland was when the Genshin men materialized in your room, each hoping to have an intimate alone time with you but was gravely disappointed to learn three others came with them.

The clock continuously counted each passing second, its ticking the only sound echoing in the room. With a strum on his lyre, the first to break the deafening silence was Venti.

"Ehe~ I wonder what's everyone waiting for?" the bard asked innocently, yet they all knew what he exactly meant.

"Tch! For [your name]'s sake, I am not going to do the deed in front of other people," Childe quickly retorted.

"Oh?" Zhongli exclaimed in amusement. "Apologies. I assumed you to be the first to take advantage of this situation, Childe. Knowing you, I presumed you would wish us to watch you conquer [your name]."

Flabbergasted, Childe's mouth gaped like a fish. It was true that he was someone known to conquer the battlefield, winning victories even against the largest and strongest of preys. But this - this "battle" was you. And as someone who was taught some manners, Childe - Ajax - could not bring himself to just carelessly strip your vulnerable form while other vicious predators watched.

"Of course, it is something I will not allow," the Geo Archon added.

"Let me guess, Mister Zhongli wants to bury himself inside [your name] as well, doesn't he?" Childe interrogated, glaring at the gentleman whose arms were crossed together.

"I do not simply wish to bury myself. I will defile [your name]."

Even before the Harbinger could respond back, the Anemo Archon blurted.

"Eeh?! That's very kinky of you, Morax! You mean you want your cum oozing out of [your name]? Or you want to cover her body with it? Or you just want to stretch her out with your biiiig dick?" To this, the Geo Archon responded with a low chuckle.

"Heh! Mister Zhongli, I didn't expect you to be this vulgar! In fact, I thought you'd be the first to give [your name] some respect. It seems I was fooled. But hey, it's just like that time in Liyue, yeah?" Childe growled. "Not today, Morax. Did you seriously think I would just let you toy my wife?"

"Not without us, right??" Venti chortled, earning him an angry glance from the Snezhnayan man.

"Haha... Even if you wished to, I believe you are not capable to stop me."

Chaos was about to transpire as the Geo Archon and the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger shot daggers at one another, both waiting and ready to pounce, their flames fueled by the playful Anemo Archon's remarks. However, the quiet Chief Alchemist knew better. He knew that if you started to wake up, they will disappear and this evening will be a wasted opportunity. Of course, none of them wanted that.

"Ahem. Everyone, I have a proposal to make," Albedo spoke, catching the attention of the group. "It may sound absurd but I think we should learn how to share. We need to work together if we want to take advantage of this moment."

Share. Work together. Big words. Would it really be possible for these possessive men to actually share? To work together? But no matter how much they resented it, it was the only feasible thing to do. After all, their common goal was to make the most out of their capability to manifest in your world. And with Albedo's agreeable logical idea, using their unique abilities, everyone decided to cooperate.

...

It was a very uncompromising position for you as three men, all with the desire to leave no inch of you untouched, feasted on your unconscious form. You had no choice for you were their sleeping beauty and they could toy you as they pleased.

"Ehe~! Albedo was right! I didn't know you were sensitive here, Windblume?" Venti remarked as he nibbled on the flesh of your side, making you softly gasp in pleasure.

"Hey, Mister Albedo, aren't you going to join us?" Childe asked, squeezing both your erected nipples. "You three did a good job, you know? See, I can do basically whatever I want without waking [your name] up!" he enthusiastically said, roughly kneading your two lumps of flesh with his broad hands. "You're really missing out."

"Indeed," Zhongli concurred, loosening your pussy with three digits. "If you fear [your name] will awaken from sleep then worry not. Barbatos may not look like it but rest assured he has induced our beloved in deep slumber with his lullaby."

"Ehehe! Morax actually praised me! But giving our muse a pleasant dream is an important recipe too. Plus, you did so much with your potions. Now come and join us!"

Venti leaned his cheeks on your tummy and skillfully rubbed your clit. The double whammy on your womanhood made you moan louder, to which Childe pouted. Still giving your breasts attention, Childe invaded your parted mouth with his tongue and muffled your erotic voice with a sloppy kiss.

"Thank you all for your offer but please don't mind me," Albedo, still clothed, politely declined as he smiled contentedly at the profane scene before him.

After capturing the image in his mind, Albedo returned to his clipboard and engraved the erotic memory in art. Meanwhile, the other three men returned to their own businesses and continued to abuse your defenseless body.

Zhongli retracted his hands from you then positioned himself in front of your entrance. The Liyue god spread your slick with the tip of his cock while pumping his shaft, lubricating his big erection in the process. To this, Venti got up, gave Zhongli enough room, and continued to play your sensitive nub. Meanwhile, Childe peeked at the pornographic scene and began to choke his own cock with his hands. Now feeling your cunt weep in loneliness, Zhongli smirked and pushed his whole length inside of you in one push, making you arch your body and gasp lewdly in response. Venti mused at your angelic voice while Childe squeezed his own manhood harder.

Childe pumped his shaft faster, turning himself on by watching the two Archons molest your body. The Geo Archon rocked his hips to and fro, sensually massaging the walls of your tight cunt. Meanwhile, the Anemo Archon excitedly puffed your mouth with his cock, stifling whatever lewd sound came from your lips. Sounds of clapping flesh, Zhongli's low growl, Venti's melodious moan, and Childe's choked groans were the only music echoing your room. The three men pleasured themselves with your body until all of them released at once: Zhongli's filling your pussy, Venti's serving as your swig, and Childe's staining your tummy.

Cooperating with each other, they all switched places. Childe scooped the cum littered on your body before feeding it to your quivering lips. He then began to give life to his flaccid manhood by giving it a massage. Meanwhile, Venti gave your pussy a quick lick before rubbing his energetic cock on your slit to coat it with love juice. Zhongli, on the other hand, sat back to watch.

The Anemo Archon squeezed your plush thighs before slowly entering your wet cunt. Venti relished the way how your gummy walls felt and took his precious time bottoming out. He buried himself deep, grinding and rocking his pelvis against yours to explore your warmth. On the other hand, Childe spitted on his erection to serve as lubricant. He pumped his shaft while prodding the tip of his cock on your lips. He parted your mouth so he could feed you his whole length in a nice deep throat.

Venti's and Childe's rhythm started differently, wherein Childe's was abusive while Venti's was leisurely. It didn't take long before they both got lost in pleasure, now corrupting your holes wildly. Zhongli ogled the wanton love-making before him and watched how Venti and Childe came together deep inside of you accompanied by the harmonious sound of an excited squeal and a low grunt.

After coming down from their highs, the three men swapped places again, this time with a special request from Childe.

"Mister Zhongli, why don't you take the rear for me?"

The three men adjusted your positions wherein Zhongli penetrated your behind, Childe entered your womanhood, and Venti made use of your mouth. Zhongli did slow, shallow thrusts to let Childe enjoy brutalizing your tighter than ever wet cunt. Meanwhile, Venti simply let his cock sit in your mouth. The two Archons did not move and let Childe debauched you roughly, their resting cocks stimulated by your rocking body.

Having Zhongli in your ass, your pussy hot tighter that it became hard to move inside - a challenge Childe made for himself. The Harbinger knew you liked it rough so he eagerly pistoned his cock in fast deep thrusts. The wet walls squeezing him clenched and he knew you were going to cum. He kept pounding and pounding until he shook in overstimulation and unintentionally released all his seeds.

Childe heaved as he filled you to the brim. With a plop, he unsheathed himself from you to let the cream flow out of your abused pussy. It was cue for the two Archons to continue stimulating themselves. Venti placed the head of his manhood inside your mouth, your teeth grazing the neck of his penis, and massaged his shaft. Meanwhile, Zhongli fucked your rear in slow deep thrusts. In their own pace, the Archons reached their highs and soon came inside your holes.

The three men ogled your form: your holes leaking a mix of love juice; your chest rising up and down in taking deep breaths; your lips quivering as drool dripped its corner. Thoughts of how they defiled you played in their minds. Yet a common question plagued them.

Were you able to cum?

"Thank you all for your cooperation. May I have the honour?" Albedo spoke gently.

The men gave way so the Chief Alchemist could have his chance. Albedo observed the bastardized state you were in.

Damn did you look hot.

"I'm here, my princess," Albedo whispered in your ear as he freed his cock from its moist restraints.

Albedo pecked your lips and tucked the strands of hair away from sticking on your forehead. He caressed your hips, slid his hands down your thighs then pressed your clit, making you gasp in pleasure. A good reaction. His lips smugly curled upward before he sheathed himself fully inside your cunt.

The three men had their erections from watching Albedo pump your pussy in a mating press - each of his thrusts making a lewd squelch. Stray erotic moans often escaped your lips, further arousing the watchers and luring them deeper into depravity. Albedo kept his pace calculated, pistoning with the right combination of depth, rhythm, and speed.

Your breathing became erratic as your body begged Albedo to fuck you more. But it wasn't enough. Albedo kept teasing you - pretending to give you orgasm only to stop - until your pussy tried to suck him deeper.

The three men surrounded you and Albedo, pumping their cocks in desperation. Moans and grunts filled the room orchestrated by Albedo's rough pistoning. Climax was fast approaching and all of you were on edge. It didn't take long before you came and squirted all over Albedo. The scene made the watchers spill their seeds all over, each with their own grunts and growls. Albedo unsheathed himself and, with a choked moan, he joined in spurting his cum.

Basking in the joy of orgasm, everyone panted in satisfaction. Albedo, in exhaustion, leaned his forehead on yours before victoriously declaring.

"Hah... My love, only I can make you feel this good."

-------------------------

Hello, everyone and thank you for reading Jealousy-Jealousy version A2! I hope you all enjoyed it.

It's my first time writing a smut fic with multiple partners at once. And, uhn.... It's spicier in my mind, though. 😅

Also, my favouritism is showing, lol!

Anyway.

To whoever read this, thank you for your time. Here, have some raw meat. 🥩

Please feel free to cook it however you want.

Links : Pinned Post, JJ version A1 (Albedo / Childe / Venti / Zhongli) Separate, JJ Request (Venti), SAGAU/Reverse Isekai concept, A Good Experiment (Albedo, Childe, Diluc, Kaeya) Separate

Venti = Battery and Crowd Control cutie; Childe = Main DPS and massacrer of all (except Hydro Mimics, that's Albedo's job lol); Zhongli = Shielder and prophet of Osmanthus Wine; Albedo = Off-field sub-DPS and pretty boy who bitch slaps enemies with his Rite of Progeniture;

Geo Resonance FTW!!

#genshin impact #genshin fanfic #genshin smut #genshin sagau #sagau smut #genshin albedo #genshin tartaglia #genshin childe #genshin venti #genshin barbatos #genshin zhongli #genshin albedo smut #genshin childe smut #genshin tartaglia smut #genshin venti smut #genshin zhongli smut #genshin imagines #genshin isekai

539 notes · View notes

witch-hazels-musings · 1 year

Text

nepenthe

Warning: slight angst/ much comfort - sfw, domestic (unconditional love), character perspective | sending love to our sad boys

character x GN reader | anthology

Includes: Childe, Dainsleif, Diluc, Kaeya

Hope.

A dying concept. One withering away slowly, painfully, until nothing but the hollow truth is left behind. Hope is debilitating - so why not let it go?

Childe

Sounds. It’s always sounds that wake him. Soft rattles, distant shouts, blood-wrenching screams he’d wish would let him rest but, alas, he could never escape what destiny kept throwing at him. Childe’s steady, heavy breathing began to ease as he captured several in his lungs. It energized the body that itched to move so he stretched his limbs and arched his back until reality came back into clarity.

The pillow he held was wet so he pushed it away and let his face fall on the bedsheets below. They smelled familiar, comfortable. So much so that he crawled his way to the source only to find nothing there for him to touch, to pull against him, to wrap his yearning arms around just so he could hear a gentle protest. His brows furrowed and he opened his eyes.

How come you have left me. I told you not to, didn’t I?

Pushing up on his arms, he collapsed on bent legs, his bare arm pushing into the mattress as he yawned and shook his head. Tufts of hair slapping about in an un-brushed mess.

‘Let me help,’ he expected someone to say but none came, and he hated it. He felt an itch, an unease somewhere in his chest that nothing could satisfy. An elongated mirror reflected his displeasure back at him.

Scanning the room, he searched for answers. A closet left unattended, a desk where he expected to see a figure bent over and working on something he didn’t understand, a hand on a hip as it stood in the doorway, waiting for him to get out of bed already. He found nothing except an unease and a clinging scent that had no owner.

Frustrated, he crawled out of bed. The floor was warmed only by the sun spilling in through the windows. Even the house itself felt vacant. As he headed for the bedroom door, he heard something that made him pause and, just like a wish he would make as a kid, an angel appeared in his doorway.

“O-Oh, hello sleepy,” you beamed, your hand filled with two cups of steaming liquid. You passed by him and he smelled it; the thing he was missing. “I’ll place your cup here while you get rea-aye! Childe!”

He lifted you from the floor not caring that you protested. Like he’d done it countless times, he hoisted you up and over him so he could practically body-slam you onto the unmade bed. His arms closed, secure around your waist while you fought with the sheets to breathe.

“Childe!” You struggled against him, shock and awe plastered on your very existence.

“Sleep more.”

“What do you mean sleep more?” He pushed you forward with powerful legs while his bare and muscular arms pulled you against his chest. Your back felt so comfortable he wondered why he woke up with a pillow instead of you. “Ch-”

“--n’t call me that.” He mumbled against the back of your neck and draped a leg over your own. “You smell good.”

He felt you shiver, it made his heart pound, “do I, Ajax?”

“Yes,” he said with satisfaction in his heart but hunger everywhere else.

Hope. It holds the lifeline to a life we want to believe in.

Hope. And it sounds like your name.

Dainsleif

His back ached so he adjusted. His legs felt tight so he uncrossed them. His hand felt empty so he reached for what should have been there. The panic in his heart rose slowly until his nails dug into the earth, void of what should have touched them.

Dainsleif opened his eyes against his own better judgement. The sun in the leaves was brighter than he anticipated so he blocked it out with his hand. Birds sung above him, the leaves rustled gently. The world moved on but he felt stuck.

A quiet keeper with nothing left to keep.

Curiously, he searched for signs of what was lost to him. A life he never imagined, a place unmeant for a being like him. This knowledge he knew but somewhere he refused to listen anymore, and now, now he wish he had.

Pressure on his arm lingered, the weight of another pushed against him but his side was vacant, ready to be filled. Carefully, he lifted himself from the ground so he could wander, follow, or listen as he needed. The camp before him looked undisturbed. The barrier above him was still holding, the thick canvas rustling in the morning breeze. The fire just out of reach burned as if it had recently been lit, a kettle steaming above it. There were signs, signals. He just had to read them correctly.

Pacing around the campsite, he noticed a set of footprints and set off in the direction they went. Dain wanted to run, wanted to sprint after them but their trail was so faint her might have missed a turn, a backtrack; one miss-step and he could become even more lost than he already was.

A splash caught his attention and soon he reached the edge of the tree line that gave view to a babbling riverbed. There you were, standing at its bank with your hand in the stream and body perched on a rock. It appeared you were washing something, perhaps an old shirt that had wandered a journey far more dangerous than he’d ever wish upon it. He thought seeing you there would give him back the ability to breathe, but it didn’t.

He stepped and you found him.

“Dain, morning,” you called with a ring in your voice. The one he’d recognize above all else, the one he’d remember until all else faded. His. His one.

When he drew close enough, he stood above you while you sat on the rock. Your hand wet from the cool river, arm exposed to the sunlight that had already started affecting your skin. He’d block it all out if he could.

“Hey, I’m almost -- Dain?” He leaned in, his hand flush against the spring-touched stone and he captured what he knew he shouldn’t with lips that had known no other for centuries.

Hope. It holds the lifeline to a life we want to believe in.

Hope. And it sounds like your name.

Diluc

It took a while for his senses to return. For the pull of sleep to fall away from him like frost on morning leaves. His breathing shifted from steady, slow movements to deliberate ones, ones that filled his ears as if to rouse him more. Diluc could feel it all. The bedsheets beneath him, the silken one against his stomach. His hand as it rose and fell on his bare chest, twitching fingers spurring to life. He adjusted in the down-pillow and became washed in a scent so powerful it opened his eyes.

He expected to find you there. Resting peacefully at his side. Perhaps you would face him and he could take in your radiance, or you’d have your back to him so he could be gifted with a place for his tender kiss. It was likely you’d already be awake, a book in your hand or document to review. Hair out of place but oh so perfect. He expected to see you, turning to him with a smile he’d recognize and a voice that called his name. You weren’t, and his heart ached because of it.

Diluc rose from the bed. Strong arms flexing to keep him up-right as he scanned the room in search of something to ease his unsteady nerves. There was nothing except for the lingering knowledge you were once here.

A shirt draped over the back of a chair. Items you’d picked out in the city strewn across the dresser her gave up trying to keep clear. The bathroom door left ajar but the wafting remnants of shampoo spilled from inside. He rubbed the back of his head, let his hands run across his tired face before they fell in between the legs he’d walk for miles on just to see you one more time.

The world is still, but he is not.

Diluc adjusted his shirt; memories of your fingers buttoning it closed, of your hand running down his chest. They made him smile and he shook his head in the mirror at what a man he’d become. The belt around his waist tightened, the engravement on the leather made him pause when his thumb ran over it. A gift from you. Practical, personal, something to carry you with him no matter where he wandered. You were always protecting him, in more ways than one. When he reached for his tie, he flung it around his neck knowing he didn’t need to see to put it on, and made his way down the hall.

Maid’s bowed in respect, attendants continue on their duties while he searched, meandered; he was lost.

A gentle melody spilled from the kitchen, drew him in. It was empty save for one soul who reeled him in like a fish accepting they’d been caught. His hands reached for their hips, his chin settled against them and elicited a laugh that filled his heart more than anything ever had.

“Goodmorning, handsome,” you hummed, head turning to press a kiss to his lonely cheek. He replied with one of his own to your upper shoulder. “I made coffee, want some?”

“In a minute,” Diluc spun you to face him, let his forehead rest against your own, breathed in what he was missing from his bed.

“I love you too,” you professed as you adjusted his skewed tie while he waited for yesterday to fade so he could welcome in today.

Hope. It holds the lifeline to a life we want to believe in.

Hope. And it sounds like your name.

Kaeya

The night comes unexpectedly. Each and every time he falls without knowing - perhaps it’s on purpose that goes until he forgets. Is it hard to face the truth Mr. Calvary Captain? He’s uncertain but there is one thing he knows.

His dreams have come again. Those dreams that leave a bitter taste in his mouth until he finds something sweet to drown them out. His own twisted sense of curative measures that never last long. Licking his lips makes him grimace so he reaches for what clears his senses.

A scared hand extends across silken sheets, searches, yearns for the warmth that should be there but finds only cold. In a flash his eyes open as if seeing will confirm that what holds him together hasn’t really left him, not yet, please not yet. What he see’s brings him no comfort; tense fingers gripping the nothingness that’s seeped in once again. He raises his head, moves to the other side of the bed. Traces, only traces are what’s left.

Kaeya feels his heart plummet into his stomach. It stops, it all stops, and in the early morning a familiar feeling creeps back in.

Once the abandoned child, always abandoned.

Kaeya tears the sheets away from his legs, the cool air hits his skin: his chest, his thighs, his arms and back. He can feel the cold as much as he has command of it. A noise from behind him pulls his attention. The open window whistling as if to mock his nerves so he quickly moves to quiet it.

His eyes adjust and start to see life where it should be. A bag dropped to the floor, contents spilling out as they often are. A jacket, a hat, it’s all where it should be but their owner is missing and he needs to see - needs to be where that heart beats. Needs to feel the gentle hand that cups his face, the one that takes his with them, the one that cares for him as much as he does them.

A noise from beyond the closed door reminds him there is still a chance so he makes his way there and hopes what lies beyond can chase away the thoughts creeping in.

A kettle whistles, a voice floats down to meet him so when he reaches the end of the hall and sees the figure who should be at his side standing alone in the half-lit kitchen; he wonders why it’s still so hard to breathe. To ease the pain in his chest that was left by an empty side of the bed.

When you turn to him, as if you knew he was there all alone, the face you show him is one of love and with open arms you welcome him home.

“Morning. It’s still a bit early, did I wake you?” you say, unbeknownst to the turmoil he awoke too. You moved to the island counter, hand pressing onto the marble while the other extended to him. He swallowed.

“And here I thought you were being loud on purpose,” he pushed through, attempting to hold onto the tease that kept him afloat all these years, “what, did you miss me?”

“So what If I did. I’m allowed,” you played back and he was happy for it.

He grabbed your lower back, pulling you to him as he breathed desperately, oh so desperately, across your lips, “show me how much.”

“You first,” you hum.

So he did. With a kiss that bent your back and brought you close to him, he showed you just how near he was to losing himself to the feeling. All his life he’s given in to the will of others but now he wishes to give it all to you; only you, as long as you are here and he can know the warmth that comes from your touch - even for a moment.

Hope. It holds the lifeline to a life we want to believe in.

Hope. And it sounds like your name.

nepenthe :: a potion used by the ancients to induce forgetfulness of pain or sorrow

566 notes · View notes

theabysscomeshome · 1 year

Text

Constantly thinking about the tiny snippets we've had of Dad Alberich, and the vibe it's given me of a man entirely dedicated to a family duty/mission/obsession to the detriment of every other aspect of life including showing affection to his kid. Thinking of a parent raising a kid high on expectation and low on praise, and only awkward occasional moments trying to show them pride and affection.

And how point for point similar this is to my headcanons of Fredrica, to the point where tiny Kaeya may straight up have felt deja vu on meeting her. And the points of commonality this gives him with Jean, as two kids wanting so badly to please a (nearly) unpleasable parent. And points of difference, aa Kaeya has likely broken the family duty in a way Jean could never bring herself to.

This lives in my brain rent free and I cannot believe they have likely never talked about this at all.

#ch: kaeya #ch: jean #drom breeds plotbunnies that will never be written

45 notes · View notes

reddriot · 2 years

Text

Let the Stars Lead the Way ✧ Kaeya Alberich

Kaeya Alberich x Reader ✧ 10.9k words

Synopsis ✧ Though you’ve never left the confines of the underground city of Khaenri’ah, you have always wished to see real stars. Kaeya might have the ability to make your dream come true—but the journey to see the stars leads you down a path you never could have imagined.

Tags ✧ No pronouns used for Reader, childhood friends to lovers, near death experience, fluff, angst, an unnecessary amount of kiss scenes.

Note ✧ Some of the things about Khaenri’ah (and Albedo, Dainsleif, and Kaeya) do not follow cannon! This was supposed to be my contribution for the Attack on Academia summer collab back in 2021, and it’s taken me a long while to finish >.< I hope you will enjoy reading it! A huge thank you to @thewangshuinn @akirasgalaxy and @izukxnnie for beta reading this, and to @sipsteainanxiety and @cellotonins for encouraging me to finish! <3

–

frozen homeland’s demise: an ancient hourglass with fine powdered snow flowing in it. even the coldest winter cannot freeze the flow of time.

–

“Hey, everyone! Come look at this!” A kid beckons his friends over to a display in the museum. Motivated by the excitement in his voice, they leave the ornate ceramics on the outskirts of the room that they were peering at, and crowd around the glass box. Each of them have a small backpack on their shoulders, and some clutch a brown paper bag.

“Woah…” they breathe, fascinated.

The glass casing rests on a white platform in the center of the room, raised high enough that the shorter second graders have to tiptoe to get a close look at what rests inside. An hourglass sparkles under the display lights. It's made of varying shades of blue crystal, minerals, and glass, as if it were carved out of ice. Within the timepiece, it is not sand that falls from one end to the other. Instead, flakes of snow and ice swirl around on either side of the bulb, and some continuously drift through the neck from top to bottom. There seems to be an endless flow of snow, as if it’s been recording the passage of time since the very beginning.

(It has, although very few people have the privilege of knowing that.)

“What is it?” someone asks.

Everyone tries to read the plaque, but the words are complicated and the sentences are long, so it’s a struggle to figure out what it means or where it came from.

A voice speaks up from behind them, smooth and masculine. “That’s the Frozen Homeland’s Demise timepiece.”

The children turn around, and their eyes grow wide as they take in the man that walks up to them. He looks like he just stepped out of the pages of a fairy tale that is full of princes and dragons, danger and adventure.

(They don’t know how close to the truth this comparison is. Though he’s not from a fairy tale, he certainly is not from this world, and his story involves a journey, true love, a fallen nation, and the passage of time.)

His outfit is almost completely blue—not unlike the hourglass. A navy sleeveless jacket rests on top of a white, long sleeve shirt. Black boots nearly reach his knees, and a brown belt with golden accents tightens dark pants around his waist. A pale blue charm hangs off the belt, framed in gold. The child closest to him can see a snowflake in the middle of the charm, and it emanates a soft, cool light. Dark blue hair is tied into a ponytail and sweeps over his shoulder, drawing the children’s eyes to a blue earring that dangles from one ear.

Most people would never believe that he works at this museum. But a nametag is pinned to his jacket, and “Kaeya” is printed on it.

“Kaeya, at your service. Would you like to know more about this hourglass?”

There’s a wave of heads bobbing, and the bravest child quickly says, “Yes please, Mister Kaeya!”

Kaeya smiles, one blue eye twinkling. The other is hidden by a black eyepatch, and a kid whispers to her friend, wondering if he’s a pirate.

“There are no other pieces in the museum that are quite like this one. Thirty or so years ago, the Frozen Homeland’s Demise was found at the site of two meteorites crashing into Earth at the same time. Curiously enough, no fragments of space rock were ever found. Only this hourglass was left in the craters—slightly dusty, but none worse for the wear.”

He peers at the plaque on the display. A look of amusement passes across his face, as if there’s an inside joke between him and this hourglass.

“What does it say?” a child asks.

“The only thing that I haven’t mentioned is that ‘this timepiece has unknown origins. It cannot be connected to any civilization that previously or currently exists on Earth.’ That’s it for the official museum description!” Kaeya pauses, then looks at the children, eyebrow raised. “I do know a story about this hourglass though. Want to hear it?”

A chorus of “Yes!” fills the museum room. The kids are all fascinated by him, and his voice enchants them.

Kaeya sweeps an arm out at the benches pressed up against one wall of the room. “Why don’t you take a seat?” He waits as they scramble to get seated, small legs swinging back and forth, before he speaks again.

“Our story begins in Khaneri’ah. A nation not governed by gods, but ruled by the people. Few plants naturally exist on Khaenri’ah grounds, but humankind manages to survive by developing the ability to create life—the art of Khemia.

“And so, the people can thrive below the surface of the Earth. But there are those who long for the sunlight. Two adventurers break away from their homes and make their way to the surface, where they find this timepiece.

“But how does this story even begin? It begins with a small question, spoken into existence under the cover of night, that lights a spark and starts our adventurers on their journey.”

–

“Don’t you ever wonder what real stars look like?” you ask wistfully. Your hands are tucked under your head as you recline on a blanket spread across your roof. “These Starlight Crystals probably aren’t the same.”

Kaeya looks at you out of the corner of his eye. You’re staring up into the “sky,” though it really is just the expanse of stone that forms the roof over Khaenri’ah. Starlight Crystals glow brightly, chasing away the darkness with a steady blue light. Though the question you ask is vaguely interesting, he’s more fascinated by the shadows dancing across your face, and the way your eyes shine with reflected light.

“Mmm, sure,” he says in response. “Seeing real stars would be pretty neat. Although, I’d rather see what real snow is like. I wonder if it’s anything compared to what I can do with my Vision.”

That’s a lie. If he had the power, Kaeya would find a way to let you see the stars. Not just to grant your wish, but to satisfy his own curiosity: would you look even more beautiful under real starlight?

But his comment makes you snicker. “All you can do is make little snowflakes–” that isn’t true, but you like to tease, “–and there’s no way you could beat a blizzard.”

“How would you know?” he shoots back, poking you in the side. He laughs when you yelp and twist away from him, and the sounds of his amusement make you even happier. “You’ve never seen one.”

“Yeah, well neither have you!”

Kaeya scoffs. “If we ever see a blizzard, you’ll realize that you’re wrong.”

You open your mouth to shoot back a response, but your name is called from inside the house.

“It’s late; come back inside! Kaeya, you head to bed too!”

You sit up and look at him. He stares back at you, blue eyes shining even in the dark. Then he grins. “How do they know that I’m here?”

Rolling your eyes, you smack his shoulder and get to your feet, gathering up the blanket. “Because you’re always hanging around me like a pesky Syrupfly. I just can’t seem to get rid of you.”

Kaeya stands up too, handing you the blanket he was lying on. “Really? Because it seems to me that you don’t even want to get rid of me.”

“Oh please,” you say, holding back laughter, “I only put up with you because we grew up together.” Your name is called again, with more impatience this time, so you know you have to go. You hold out a hand. “Help me home?”

His slightly cooler hand slides into yours, and he nods at your question. “Of course.”

With a sweep of his free hand, the air turns chilly, making you shiver and clutch the blankets closer to your chest. Frost crystalizes on your roof and spreads as the temperature drops. More impressively, however, is the icy staircase that starts from the edge of your roof and stretches down to stop at your bedroom window. Though Kaeya has done this for you hundreds of times—ever since he got his Cryo Vision and was able to start creating structures out of ice—it never fails to amaze you.

“Thanks, Kaeya.” You withdraw your hand from his and start making your way down the steps. “Goodnight!”

A soft smile spreads on his face as he watches you toss your blankets through your window, before climbing in yourself. “Goodnight,” he calls after you.

Only once you’re safely inside your home and the bedroom window shuts behind you, does Kaeya move from your roof onto the roof of his own home. He creates his own ice platforms to slip inside his room, where he throws himself onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling.

The question you asked whirls in his mind. He imagines running away with you to go and see the surface of Khaenri’ah. Would real stars actually look different from the Starlight Crystals?

But then his dad calls for him, and Kaeya’s daydream crumbles into nothing.

He’s only fourteen—just barely a teenager—and is starting to train to be a knight. You’ve been attending school to learn the art of Khemia, and you love it there. Most nights when you meet him on the roof, you talk on and on about the new concepts you learned, questions you have, or the classmates that you’ve become friends with.

(His chest always hurts the slightest bit when you sing Albedo’s praises. Surely you like Kaeya better, right?)

The point is, both of you are still young, and you both have a bright future ahead. You can’t throw that away for a moment of curiosity.

So Kaeya buries that seed of a question, and goes downstairs to see what his dad wants.

But buried seeds are still seeds that are planted. That tiny question asked in passing will grow and grow and grow, until it bursts through the soil and stretches for the light, making its presence known. And by then, the roots will have taken such a deep hold that no force will be able to dislodge it.

–

Kaeya hisses and flinches away from your touch, scooting back on the dining table he sits on. His cheek stings, skin scraped and raw after a tough day of training.

“Stop moving!” you snap. Though your voice is harsh, your hands are gentle as you cup his face in one hand and dab on ointment with the other, and Kaeya knows you’re just concerned.

After all, the two of you only have each other now. It’s been nearly two years since a large Khemia-related accident took out a handful of buildings. You and Kaeya were out for the day, while the rest of your family were at home getting dinner ready. Instead of coming home to dinner, you and Kaeya returned to find rubble in a haze of acrid smoke. He hasn’t been quite the same ever since; the loss of family has forced him to grow up, as it did you, in order to take care of yourselves.

An ache starts in his chest, but he’s pulled out of these dark memories by your voice.

“What the heck do they make you do in training? Shows of strength that gets you hurt instead? Such a useless way of teaching.” You keep muttering complaints under your breath as you move on to cleaning the scrapes on his knuckles.

Kaeya smiles slightly but doesn’t comment. It’s better to let you think that all his injuries are from sparring with his peers and instructors. He doesn’t want you to know that his bloodied knuckles are the result of a few disgusting peers who made one too many dirty comments about you for him to stand. He was supposed to spar against them with a sword, but he taunted them enough to make them throw the first punch. And of course he had to use his fists to make the fight more fair. If you found out, you’d scold him for getting into a scuffle, and worry over it hurting his chances of becoming a member of the Royal Guard.

You don’t need to stress over him. He’s at the top of his group of trainees, and all his instructors love him. It doesn’t hurt that he’s learned to be more charismatic over the years. As he grew taller and his voice became deeper, he mastered making words flow off his tongue like honey and wine, and even you aren’t unaffected.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” he says. “It doesn’t hurt, especially since you’re here. Although a kiss would help me feel better; you up for that?”

You snort and smack his shoulder, hiding your embarrassment by turning to put the tin of ointment away. “In your dreams, Kaeya.”

You’re used to him giving some kind of retort so the silence is unexpected. Brows furrowed, you turn around and look at him.

Oh.

He’s flustered. One hand covers the lower half of his face, and his head is turned to the side. His eyes flit around the room, looking anywhere except at you. Then he decides to take a leap of faith and mutters, “Yeah,” and now you’re the one with heated cheeks and the sudden inability to look him in the eyes.

Something bright and hopeful flutters in your stomach. “Yeah?” you echo, drawing on your courage as you move back toward him. His legs spread apart so you can step between them, hands settling on your hips, and you're back in the same position you had taken when you were putting ointment on his cheek.

But this time, the air is thick and full of tension. You’re very aware of the breaths that leave your mouth, and of the way his chest rises and falls, white shirt clinging to his shoulders.

“You dream about kissing me?” Your voice is soft and gentle. The hope that flutters in your stomach escapes through your mouth, coating your tongue in sugar.

“I do,” Kaeya says. His response is more confident, gravely and hot, especially after seeing your reaction.

You rest your forearms on his shoulders, fingers lacing together behind his neck. “Why don’t we make that dream a reality?”

“It would be my pleasure.” The following smile and his darkening eyes warms you from the inside out.

There's pressure on your hips from Kaeya squeezing slightly, pulling you even closer so his thighs are unyielding by your sides, your chest pressed against his. You look into his eyes, pools of deep blue that flicker from your eyes down to your lips. And then, he leans toward you.

He brushes his lips against yours, gently at first, as if he’s kissing the wings of Crystalflies. It’s sweet and slow, both of you testing the waters of what it feels like to finally kiss each other. When you pull away, delight sparkles in your eyes and a slow rush of warmth travels from head to toe.

You want more.

(You’re the sweetest thing he’s ever seen, tasted, touched.)

Kaeya seems to read your mind—or he feels the exact same way—because one hand leaves your hip to rest at the back of your neck. He pulls you in for another kiss; this time slotting his mouth over yours like he’s there to steal the air from your lungs, like he’s there to consume every bit of yourself that you’re willing to give. He’s been longing for you to see him as more than a friend for years and years. And now that he knows how you feel about him, he’s not going to hold back.

The kisses seem to last forever. Your mouth moves against his, and he even runs his tongue over your lower lip, pleased by the soft noises he draws from you. When you have to break away for air, his eyes don’t leave yours until you lean back in for more.

Finally, the two of you separate, the scorching heat turning into a simmer. You can see that his lips are swollen, and know yours must be too. His hands return to rest on your hips, and he gently maneuvers you to sit sideways on his thighs.

You look at him. “So where does this leave us?”

“Well…” Kaeya starts, then pauses. He wants to be sure that he’s wording this question the right way. “Would you want to be in a relationship with me?”

A wide smile spreads across your face, and you duck your head down for a moment to hide the delight that tingles through your body at his question. When you look back up, you nod eagerly. “Yes! I- I’d like that very much.”

Kaeya grins at your reply. He winks at you, and his smile turns into more of a smirk that makes you roll your eyes before he even speaks. “You just can’t seem to get rid of me, huh?”

“Maybe I don’t want to get rid of you anymore,” you huff, pushing off his lap.

“That’s quite a change in tune from what you were saying that night we stargazed.”

Your eyes widen at his mention of the memory. Does Kaeya treasure that moment as much as you do? “I was fourteen back then! You don’t tell your crush you want them to stick around when you’re in your early teens. Don’t worry,” you continue, “I won’t try to get rid of you as long as you stay out of fights from now on.”

A noise of surprise punches out of Kaeya’s lungs. “How did you know?”

Your eyes gleam. “I had my suspicions, but your reaction just told me.”

“Damn it,” he mutters. “I can’t hide anything from you; you know me too well.”

“I really do. But Kaeya, promise me that you’ll at least try to stay out of fights with other students again. I don’t want you risking your standing as a Royal Guard candidate.”

He hesitates, but nods a moment later. If you’re asking him to try, he’ll try his hardest for you. “I promise—only if you’ll seal it with a kiss.”

Your smile is sweet and it’s the most beautiful thing Kaeya has ever seen. “That, I can easily do.”

–

The ringing of the bell towers reverberates through your bones, jolting you out of your thoughts as they signal four o’clock with deep and loud chimes. There’s a flurry of movement as you rush to clean up experiment papers into organized stacks before you slip them into the appropriate folders. Crumpled balls of paper get swept off your desk and into the waste bin. A few miss and hit the floor, so you crouch and pick them up, chucking them into the trash before checking your desk for anything else to clean up. It’s spotless, so you grab your satchel and hurry out the door.

As you leave your office, you pause as you pass by an open doorway. A familiar head of ashy blonde hair is hunched over a dark paper as sticks of pale chalk sketch designs from a genius’ mind.

“It’s time to go, Albedo! Don’t stay too late.”

He makes a sound of acknowledgement, but doesn’t change positions. But at least you’ve reminded him to leave soon, so you move on past his doorway and hurry to exit the top Khemia guild in Khaenri’ah.

You don’t know how you’ve made it here—although Kaeya always tells you that it’s because of your intelligence, hard work, and kind heart—but you’re lucky to be able to work at a place like this. However, when the work day is over, you want to hurry home and see a certain Cryo user that you can’t ever seem to get rid of.

You rush through the guild gates and immediately head down the path to take you home, when a familiar voice stops you in your tracks.

“What’s the hurry, sweetheart?”

A smile lights up your face at the smooth words, and you spin around. “Kaeya!” He’s already stepping toward you, and it’s easy to melt into his embrace as strong arms pull you tightly against his chest.

“What are you doing here? Did training end early?” You pull back from the hug to look at him.

He nods, then gestures his hand at the road that leads to home. You start walking as he replies, “Mm, it did. Today is the last day of group training. I’ll never have to see some of them again, thank goodness; half of them are as bright as Iron Chunks.” A look of amusement briefly flits across his face when you snicker at his comment. It’s no secret that he dislikes over half of his peers for one reason or another—and they probably dislike Kaeya for his quick wits and sharp tongue in return.

(Though that tongue can be quite sweet when he wants it to be.)

“Next week is for us to train individually. We’re supposed to exercise self discipline as we make a final push before the Royal Guard assessments. But…” he trails off.

You see a particular twinkle in his eyes, and shake your head in fond exasperation. “What are you planning on doing instead?”

“The question is, what are we planning on doing instead?” He slides his hand under the strap of your satchel and lifts it up. In one smooth movement, he slings it over his shoulder and spins to walk backwards down the road ahead of you. He’s grinning from ear to ear, and who knows what he has in store for you.

“C’mon, Kaeya, tell me! What are we doing instead?”

“Well,” he starts off, then looks around. He takes your hand and pulls you to his side, slinging his arm around your shoulders so he can whisper into your ear. “We’re going on vacation.”

Your eyes widen. “To the less crowded places of Khaenri’ah? That’ll be great for you to get some more training in, and we can both enjoy some time away from all these people.”

Blue strands of hair brush against your cheek as Kaeya shakes his head. “We’re going to a place that isn’t anywhere near this underground prison.”

A shiver runs down your spine. You haven’t thought about the confining walls of the cave that blocks Khaenri’ah off from the surface in so long. But now that he’s mentioned it, you want to break free.

“Where?” Your voice is the quietest whisper, hope catching in your throat and making the word caress Kaeya’s ear.

“Where else can we go but up?”

An indescribable noise of excitement escapes your mouth, and you stop in the middle of the street to throw your arms around Kaeya. He hugs you tightly in return, until you break away and pull him into an alley.

He follows willingly, stopping as you back up against a wall. His hands shift to cup your face, thumbs rubbing gently against your cheeks, forehead pressed against yours as he stares into your eyes.

You break first.

Your mouth meets his in a wave of passion. You’re expressing your surprise, your delight, your gratitude in these kisses. And he lets you do that, groaning as you nip at his lips, then soothe the sting away with your tongue. He gets caught up in the kisses—how could he not, when the one he loves is lighting a fire that burns through all that he is?—and it takes minutes, or maybe hours, for him to slowly pull away from you.

He swipes his thumb gently across your glistening lips, then presses his mouth to them one last time.

“You’re beautiful,” he blurts out, because you’re so breathtaking that he can’t help it.

You turn your head to ghost your lips against his palm; the barest of kisses. “And you’re too good to me. We’re really going to see the stars?”

Kaeya nods. “We really are. Only the best for you, sweetheart, as you deserve.”

Your smile is brilliant as he takes your hand in his, leading you out of the alley and onto the main street, where you head for home.

–

It takes one day for Kaeya to plan everything, because when he puts his mind to something, it’ll be done in no time. This leaves five days for your trip to the surface, and one day to return home and for him to prepare for the exams.

You do what you need to do at work: take the following week off to the surprise of your boss (you’ve never asked for vacation before, so she’s more than willing to let you take it), and give Albedo a spare key to your office so he can water the plants (if he remembers to pull his nose out of chalk drawings and experiments). Then you get home to pack bags for both you and Kaeya (because even though he has a sharp mind, he thinks he can survive off of one change of clothing).

By the time night falls and the Molten Sunorbs have gone out, you and Kaeya are ready. Your stomach is full from a warm meal, and you’re vibrating with energy after a long afternoon nap that Kaeya insisted you take.

“Ready to go?” Kaeya asks, leaning against the doorframe to your bedroom.

You look up from your bag, and nod. “Yep, just one more thing.” Grabbing a picture frame off a shelf, your eyes soften as you take in the smiling faces.

A warm hand settles on your lower back, and Kaeya looks at the picture too. “That was a long, long time ago.”

It’s a drawing of you, your family, Kaeya, and his father, standing behind the dining table and grinning at the artist. The small piece of artwork catches part of a birthday cake, with two numbered candles sticking out of it to show that you’re turning ten. Kaeya—being the little rascal that he is—has a hand behind your head, making two fingers stick up from your hair like bunny ears.

“I want to take them with us to see the stars,” you tell Kaeya softly, a little embarrassed.

His smile is reassuring. “That’s a good idea. Pack it in your bag, and we’ll be sure to give them the best view.”

You carefully put the picture frame into your bag. Kaeya helps you into a jacket, telling you that it’s supposed to be late fall up on the surface, so the nights will be chillier than it gets down in Khaenri’ah.

The weight of your backpack settles on your shoulders, and you do one last sweep of the house to make sure you have everything.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

Kaeya leads you through the streets, choosing to walk on alleyways and side streets to avoid being seen as much as possible. Then the city is behind you, and it’s just a winding road heading north and trees and bushes all around. You’re traveling toward one of the few entrances to the surface, one of the smaller ones that shouldn’t have as many guards patrolling the area.

In fact, as you crouch in some bushes with Kaeya by your side, you realize this entrance is barely guarded at all.

Only two figures stand before the opening in the rock wall. You look at Kaeya, and raise an eyebrow in a silent question.

Through the dark, you can see Kaeya’s answering grin, before his arm sweeps up over his head. It takes a second for you to realize that he’s throwing a handful of stones into the bushes far away from your hiding spot.

The stones strike against the leaves, creating a wave of rustling in the silent night before they hit the ground.

“Did you hear that?” one of the guards asks, alert and nervous.

“It would be wise for us to take a look around,” the other says, his voice smoother and deeper than the first.

As soon as the guards move away from the entrance to search the bushes, you and Kaeya start moving too.

The sound of guards walking through the bushes covers your own footsteps as you rush to where the foliage ends. There’s a stretch of ground to cross between you and the entrance, and it’s wide open and exposed. If the guards were to turn around, you’d be caught in an instant.

But you’re so close to seeing the outside. You can’t stop now.

So you nod at Kaeya, and he counts down with his fingers. Three, two, one, and you run. Feet as quick and light as possible, arms pumping, breath rushing out of your mouth.

Though you try to be quiet, you hear a guard’s voice as you sprint through the opening and exit the city of Khaenri’ah. Kaeya moves even faster at the words, taking your hand in his and guiding you along.

“Hey! Dainsleif, did you hear that?”

“No,” comes the reply, “but look here. Something is moving.”

“Where?!” There’s a pause, then a groan. “Dainsleif, that’s just a squirrel.” The guard shakes his head, and gestures back to the passageway, unaware that there was much more than a squirrel hiding in the bushes a few moments ago. “C’mon. You need to get some sleep once your shift ends.”

The guard turns his back on Dainsleif, taking up his position by the entrance. He misses the slight quirk of the blonde’s lips, and the words that Dainsleif whispers.

“Let the stars lead the way, and guide you straight and true.”

–

You and Kaeya miss the rest of the guards’ conversation as you take your first steps on land outside the cave walls of Khaenri’ah. Here, the ground is mainly rock, with the occasional hardy weed sprouting through cracks and reaching for the sky.

Kaeya takes the lead, moving at a quick pace for a good chunk of time, surefooted despite the limited light that the waning moon provides. As you follow, pale clouds puff out before your face as you exhale, before getting blown away by the wind. Your eyes widen at this phenomenon. It’s never gotten cold enough below ground for you to see your breath before your face. And the cold bite of wind brings scents of open space and sky; it’s freedom from the confines of your underground home.

It has only been ten minutes since you left the walls of the cave, yet you’ve experienced so many new things already. You wonder what incredible wonders the rest of the journey will bring.

After there’s no sign of guards chasing you down, you and Kaeya come to a stop. He shrugs off his pack and sets it down by a rock before helping you with yours. You’re more out of breath than he is, and he can’t help but poke fun at you.

“Don’t work out much, do you?”

You groan and roll your shoulders, trying to relieve the pressure of carrying the heavy backpack full of supplies. “Yeah yeah, laugh all you want. We both know you’re the one that spends all day training while I’m in the lab making things that can blow you up.” You end with a haughty sniff and plop onto a flat rock, then laugh as Kaeya fakes a full-body shudder of fear.

“Why I decided to date someone who could potentially concoct something to kill me is beyond me,” he responds, sitting down by your side.

“You love it,” you say with a cheeky wink.

“Yeah. I love you.”

The declaration warms you from the inside out, and you snuggle into his side and rest your head on his shoulder. “I love you too,” you murmur, as he wraps his arm around you, pulling you in even closer.

By chance, your eyes sweep up to the open sky above. Your breath catches in your throat.

Though it is night, a multitude of colors fill the expanse up high. It’s nothing like the slab of solid black that the cave walls of Khaenri’ah becomes at night. This sky, the real sky, is like one of Albedo’s vibrant paintings, but more.

Deep blues blend with rich purples, and swirl with brighter colors that remind you of Kaeya’s eyes and hair. And though the sight is gorgeous, and unlike anything you’ve ever seen, there’s something else that holds your attention more.

Absentmindedly, you reach a hand out and tip Kaeya’s chin up. His mouth parts in wonder as he takes in the beauty up above.

“The stars,” you breathe. “Real stars.”

An abundance of lights glitter and shine against the tapestry of the night sky. Some are silvery, others slightly yellow or red or blue. There are large stars and small stars, some that seem to blink out of existence for a second before reappearing, and others that shine steadily.

There’s so many of them in such a large expanse of darkness, that it makes you feel so small, and almost lonely.

But there’s a bit of movement against your left side, and Kaeya’s presence reminds you that you’re not alone at all.

“So?” Kaeya asks. “How does it feel to fulfill a childhood dream?”

You take a second to respond, trying to figure out how to express everything that is welling up within you right now. “It’s surreal,” you breathe. “I mean– who would have thought? There are more stars in one patch of sky than there are Starlight Crystals in all of Khaenri’ah. It’s beautiful.”

Kaeya looks at you out of the corner of his eyes and loses all air in his lungs. Your eyes shine with the reflected light of countless stars. Puffs of white air escape your sweet, parted lips. The expression on your face can only be described as awestruck, as you bask in the glory of the night sky.

And he thinks you are just so, so– “–beautiful.”

“Right?” you ask, looking at Kaeya. “The stars and the sky-”

“No,” he interrupts. “You’re beautiful.”

A bashful smile spreads across your face and you turn your face to press a kiss against his shoulder. “Thank you.” The genuine and involuntarily uttered compliment makes you feel warm and comfortable; an intangible barrier that wards off the cold.

He watches as you return to stargazing before he eventually leaves your side to start setting up camp. It takes a few minutes to find a patch of ground flat enough for Kaeya to assemble the tent. Putting it together goes rather quickly, and soon you have shelter for the night.

By then, you’ve reluctantly torn yourself away from looking at the sky to start a fire. You have always been better at dealing with flames than Kaeya and the difference in skill had only become greater once you started studying Khemia. The flames crackle and eat away at the small branches you gathered from what little vegetation grows nearby. Using the warmth, you heat up pieces of already cooked meat you had prepared, sharing the slices with Kaeya. He breaks off pieces of bread from a loaf in one of his bags, passing some to you as well.

As the two of you eat, Kaeya pulls out a map. It’s a map of the ground above the city of Khaenri’ah, showing valleys and hills and one giant, sloping mountain.

A long, slender finger taps at the peak of the mountain. You peer at the text right above his nail. “Blizzardpeak Ruins?”

Kaeya nods. “That’s where we’re heading. It’s the highest place around, and we should get the best view of the stars and the land below from there.”

Your teeth catch your lower lip before you speak. “That sounds wonderful, but… isn’t the name a little ominous?”

“Oh?” He grins. “Worried about a bit of snow?” Kaeya pretends he doesn’t see your eyes rolling. “Don’t worry, it’s not winter yet. It wouldn’t be natural for blizzards to appear right now.”

(His words are true, in the fact that it’s just nearing the end of fall. But not all blizzards are due to natural causes; a little magic, or the pull of fate, can go a long way in stirring up a storm.)

Slightly satisfied, you nod and say, “I guess we’re going to Blizzardpeak Ruins tomorrow, then.”

The two of you settle in for the night, trying to get enough rest for the climb tomorrow. Though you each start off under your own piles of coats and blankets, you eventually end up tangled in each other’s arms. Drawn closer together through a search for warmth, or pulled by the flames of attraction that burn bright between you.

And as you sleep, the stars twinkle down from above. They shine steadily, even as thick clouds roll over the sky like curtains, concealing the light with layer upon layer of water droplets that start to crystallize in the cold air high above a mountain peak.

–

“Kaeya, why the heck is there a blizzard here?” you shriek. The wind whips the words out of your mouth, freezing your lips and chilling your lungs. Snow pelts your face, and the speed of the flakes makes your face sting.

Kaeya doesn’t know how to respond. He only pauses until you catch up to him, before wrapping an arm tightly around your shoulders to help you push through the snow and brace yourself against the wind. Violent shivers travel through your body, and it shakes his arm as well. The feeling makes his lips thin, concern forming in the pit of his stomach.

As a Cryo user, he’s resistant to the cold. Yet he is starting to lose feeling in his fingers and toes, despite wearing gloves and boots, and he can only imagine how bad it is for you.

He is beginning to regret ever suggesting that you visit the ruins.

He fears that if he cannot find you shelter soon, you’ll be in ruins.

For now, he can only urge you to keep going with quiet encouragement, and hope that he’ll get you to a safe place sooner rather than later.

–

You, too, are hoping. You’re not quite certain how you got into this mess, but you desperately want to get out of it.

There had been no signs of an incoming blizzard. Sure, there had been thick clouds in the sky when you awoke and started the trek up Blizzardpeak Mountain, but the air grew warmer the longer the sun shone. Then as if you crossed some invisible boundary, the wind picked up, temperatures dropped, and big flakes of snow started falling from the sky. You and Kaeya had tried turning around, but the path that was behind you seemed to have disappeared. No matter how far you tried walking downhill, you only returned to the path leading farther up the mountain.

And that leads you to this moment: freezing from head to toe, trudging through shin-high snow, leaning more and more on Kaeya as you lose the strength to talk, to walk, to breathe.

It feels warm now. Almost too warm, with your fingers prickling and burning with heat, hotter than they should be feeling with all the snow and wind around you. Your eyelids are heavy, lashes frozen together in crystalline spikes, and it’s getting harder to open your eyes after every blink.

Kaeya’s voice seems to grow more quiet, fading to join the howling of the wind that only drives you toward slumber.

“Kaeya?” You somehow manage to push his name past your frozen lips.

It’s spoken so weakly, yet he hears you. “Yes, sweetheart?”

“I’m kinda tired. Is it okay if I s-sleep?”

His heart stops. He stumbles over his own feet, catches his balance. “N-no, no, my love, stay awake for me, okay? I’ll- I’ll get you someplace safe, someplace warm. Just keep moving for me, promise?”

You hum, concentrating on doing what he asks by putting one foot in front of the other. “I’m always safe when ‘m with you,” you say after a bit of silence. Kaeya is scared by your voice; it’s haunting, dreamlike. He’s afraid you’ll be nothing but a dream if he can’t do something. “And I’m warm enough now, just… tired.”

“You can’t- you can’t sleep now, keep your eyes open. We’re almost there. Just focus on walking and listen to my voice, stay awake for me. C’mon, let me see those pretty eyes of yours.” He knows he’s rambling, begging desperately, but he’ll do anything to keep you awake. You don’t react to his pleading, nor his flirty line, but you’re still moving and that’s enough for him.

Kaeya keeps up the stream of words, just so you have something to focus on besides pushing through the snow. He speaks even when his throat turns raw from breathing in the biting air, even when he can’t feel his lips move. He speaks, because as long as he can see white puffs of air escape your mouth before being whipped away by the wind, he has hope.

That hope dwindles the more he climbs, pulling you along; he’s starting to lean on you just as much as you’re leaning on him. There is no end in sight.

But then-

-a spot of darkness appears in the distance, standing out against the bright white terrain. Kaeya squints, lashes encrusted with snowflakes. He’s trying to figure out what it is but his thoughts are slime condensate, and the only thing he can focus on is taking one step at a time, dragging you with him.

By the time he reaches the object and realizes it’s a broken pillar of stone—and the ruins must lie just beyond it—he does not have the energy to carry on any further.

If I had the strength to cry, I would, he thinks, as his legs buckle and he drops to his knees in the snow. His arms can barely slow the fall for you, and his chest heaves in an almost-sob at the knowledge that this is the end. This is the end, and he has failed you.

There are two copies of you in his vision, and darkness is devouring the white of snow. It’s a sluggish shuffle for Kaeya to wrap himself around you, cradling your upper body in his arms as he ducks his head down into the curve of your neck. Your slow, shallow exhales against his cheek are the only thing he can feel.

He hopes, as the darkness closes in, that the warmth of his body will allow you to live just a little longer.

If this is how he has to go, at least he has you in his arms.

–

Kaeya returns to the world slowly.

He’s disoriented at first, unsure of where he is or what he is doing since his eyes are shut. Then he feels the heat. Warmth envelops him from head to toe which is strange because, because-

It takes a long moment for him to recall why being so warm is weird to him. (Howling winds, snow, blizzard, slipping into eternal sleep while cradling your cold body in his arms.)

Everything rushes back to him at once.

Oh, please, no.

His chest has to be torn right open with the pain he feels, and the pain is all-consuming; he is so, so empty. Tears start to form, slipping out of his shut eyes. Kaeya presses his face harder into the side of your neck, crying in anguish, desperately wondering why he’s still alive when you are so still in his arms. The tears track a silvery trail across his skin, reminiscent of starlight, before they drip onto your neck, sliding until they soak into your clothes.

With his entire body shaking from the strength of his sobs, it’s no wonder that he doesn’t notice your eyes slowly opening and one hand reaching up to gently stroke his hair in an effort to comfort him.

“What’s wrong, Kaeya?”

Your voice is scratchy from the cold, but it’s the sweetest thing he’s ever heard. He jolts, pulling his head up to gaze down at you, blue eyes glistening yet wide open in wonder. It can’t be.

Somehow, there you are before him, a concerned look on your face. Your hand cups his cheek, thumb stroking across his skin to catch the tears that slip down his face.

“Y-you- you’re…” He fumbles over his words, trying to reconcile the grief he was feeling just moments ago with the pure relief that rushes through his veins. It’s like his heart just started to beat again.

But you don’t give him time to recover before your right hand grabs his jacket and pulls him down toward you, and his lips meet yours. It’s a bruising kiss; the impact presses teeth against lips with a sting of pain, but that pain reminds you that you’re alive.

It’s a kiss of relief, of celebration, a promise that neither of you will let the other get that close to the end ever again. It’s a kiss that says “we’re reunited” and “you’re mine” and “I am so in love with you.”

When you finally pull away from him, you have to spend a moment catching your breath. His eyes never leave yours as the two of you sit on the ground in silence, and he keeps his arms around you as if you’ll disappear if he lets go.

There are so many things that are said in the quiet moment between you. You’d love to kiss Kaeya some more out of relief, but you are still stuck in the middle of a blizzard, although– “Is it just me, or is everything a bit orange?”

At your question, both of you look around, taking in the warm haze that is orange and yellow and red like firelight, caused by a dome that encompasses both of you. Then slowly, you lift up your left hand, staring with wide eyes as you uncurl your fingers.

A Pyro vision rests on your palm.

–

“Out of all the different elements in the world, you just had to get the one that’s the complete opposite of mine, huh?” Kaeya teases, watching as you melt some snow in a cup to drink.

You wink at him. “Someone has to keep you on your toes, and Pyro is the best to go up against your Cryo. Maybe I’ll be the one to beat Kaeya, the mighty Royal Guard.”

An amused chuckle fills the space. “You’ll have to train with your Vision first to figure out what you can do before taking me on.”

“I can heal, that’s for sure.” You turn solemn, recalling your close call out in the blizzard. It was only thanks to your Vision—appearing at just the right moment—that you both were able to survive the cold, healed as you were encompassed by the warm shield created with your newfound powers.

Sensing your change in mood, Kaeya moves closer on the stones you sit on, wrapping an arm around your shoulders to pull you close to him. “And you do a wonderful job of it.”

You sit in silence for a bit, gazing out at the landscape before you. After regaining consciousness, and under the protection of your Pyro shield, you decided to make your way into the ruins. Seeing the broken column had given you hope that there would be some type of shelter if you explored further. And you were right. In fact, the amount of shelter that is available to you was a surprise.

There’s something strange about this place. Many of the stone buildings stand tall, somehow not crumbling from the flow of time. The blizzard swirls around the outskirts of the ruins, but not a flake of snow touches the ground beyond the broken column. So you don’t need to constantly keep your Pyro abilities active, and it honestly isn’t too terrible in the shelter of one of the buildings. You’ve even found food in some of the houses, and none of it has gone bad—as if it’s been preserved by something, just as the buildings have been kept well.

Deep in thought, you continue to stare out at the buildings as if by looking hard enough, they’ll reveal their secrets to you.

–

A few hours later, you decide to further explore the not-quite-ruins. After all, you’ve been spending most of your time on the edge by the blizzard.

Kaeya stays by your side, passing you some dried fruit to eat as you walk. The stone buildings are all the same style, just like the one you and Kaeya have selected to stay in. It’s a bit eerie though, to be walking down the empty streets with only Kaeya and the howling winds as company. All the streets slope upward toward the peak of the mountain, and when you suggest following the road to see where it leads at the top, he agrees easily.

It takes maybe fifteen minutes to get to the end of the road. There’s a circular area in the middle of the small town, which is nothing strange except for the pedestal in the center. And on that pedestal rests an elaborate hourglass.

“Woah.” Your eyes are wide as you step closer for a better look.

“That’s interesting,” Kaeya muses. He bends to peer at it as well, taking in the details.

It’s completely made of blue crystal, dark blue on either end that fades into a lighter blue near the middle, where a substance flows through one bulb of the hourglass into the other. But what flows in the glass is not sand. Instead, little particles mimic the snow that swirls around these ruins in the blizzard. More peculiarly, no matter how long you look at the snowflakes in the bottom half of the hourglass, they never seem to accumulate at all.

The khemist in you is fascinated. “Do you think we can touch it?”

Your eagerness makes Kaeya smile, and he nods in encouragement.

Although the hourglass is pretty large—the height of your two hands, and the base almost too big for you to grab with one hand—it’s surprisingly light. You lift it up and turn it slowly, allowing both you and Kaeya to take in the elaborate design. It’s baffling, too; you truly cannot figure out how the snow seems to never accumulate in the bottom and never deplete from the top.

(That is one mystery you’ll never be able to solve.)

As it makes a full rotation in your hands, you once again stare at the diamond shaped gold and silver filigree on the front side. There’s a slight tingle in the fingers of your left hand, which builds and builds to the point where– “Ow! What the heck?” –you have to drop the hourglass back onto the pedestal and shake out your hand.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Kaeya’s hands are comforting on your shoulders as he turns you to face him.

Flexing your fingers, you open your mouth to respond to him. But when you look into his eyes, all you can do is gasp in shock. “Kaeya, y-your eye! It’s glowing.”

His brows furrow, and one hand reaches up toward his face. “Are you sure? Which one?”

“That one, your right one. It’s shining like gold.”

“It doesn’t feel any different,” he murmurs as you cradle his face in your hands and peer at his golden eye.

It’s luminescent, shining more brilliantly than the Molten Sunorbs that brighten Khaenri’ah in the daytime. And honestly, it suits him rather well, adding a bit of warmth to the otherwise cool blue of his natural eye and hair color. But how and why did it change when you touched the hourglass?

Kaeya’s hand wraps around your own, bringing your left arm down between the two of you. “You’re glowing too.”

Golden swirls of light thread across your hand. Tendrils snake up to your wrist, where they trail off and fade back into your skin. It concerns you, just like Kaeya’s eye does, but it doesn’t hurt at all, nor does it feel like anything has changed.

“Are you feeling okay?” he asks. His fingers lightly dance across your skin, tracing the patterns of light.

You nod firmly. “I think the hourglass has a lot of power. It’s probably what preserved this town; it kept the buildings frozen in time. I’m just worried about what that means for us.”

“Hopefully nothing,” Kaeya says, “but regardless of what happens, we’ll get through it together, alright?”

“Alright,” you echo softly, warmed by the thought that you have this man by your side. “Together.”

–

Four days pass by rather quickly. You’ve explored many of the buildings in this frozen town, started to practice using your Pyro abilities, watched Kaeya keep up his sword drills, and pored over your Khemia notes to try and design something new. But now, as dusk falls, you and Kaeya need to start thinking about going home.

“The blizzard is still going strong,” Kaeya says over dinner.

The bowl of soup warms you up, as does the fire you had lit within a couple minutes of you concentrating on a pile of kindling. “We need to leave tomorrow though, if you’re to make it back in time for the Royal Guard exams. Even if the blizzard is still there or not.”

“Can you do it?” He refers to the idea you mentioned: activating your healing shield to keep out the cold as the two of you move through the blizzard.

Your lips press into a thin line. It’s only been a few days since you got your Vision. You don’t even know how you activated the shield in the first place, let alone how it started healing. But you won’t let Kaeya sacrifice his future as a member of the Royal Guard just because he took it upon himself to fulfill your wish to see the stars.

“I’ll do it. I have to.”

–

You don’t have to. The skies are miraculously (or perhaps, magically) clear of clouds on the fifth morning. Though pristine snow layers the ground and threatens to blind you as it reflects the sun, the wind is much more gentle and you can trudge through it all the way home.

(That is, if you have a home to return to.)

And so you make the journey down the mountain, leaving the not-quite-ruins and the strange, powerful hourglass behind.

It’s a long trek, and the snow makes your legs ridiculously cold—until you remember to flare up your Pyro abilities and just warm you up overall. Kaeya complains about you not helping him out, and you spend a couple minutes bickering with him (“You’re a Cryo user, you’re supposed to be fine with the cold!”) before relenting with a roll of your eyes and a good natured grin, expanding your circle of warmth to encompass him too.

You leave the snow behind by the afternoon, and the slope of the mountain levels out into rolling hills of stone and weeds.

By the time you get close to the entryway to Khaenri’ah, the sun has started to dip below the horizon, and the sky is painted in flames of orange and blood red hues. It is under this ominous backdrop that you walk to the tunnel you used to exit the city.

But there is no tunnel, or city, at all.

You can’t breathe. “K-kaeya?” Your voice trembles, just like your legs.

He can’t find the words to respond. All he can do is stand by your side at the edge of this cliff, tears forming in his eyes at the silent wasteland that sprawls out below.

The cave doesn’t exist anymore. It’s as if a giant meteor hurled to the ground, collapsing cave walls and crushing everything that once was your beloved city. Amid the rubble, there are patches of scorched and long-dead grasses. A few lone arches and pillars are visible among the rock. You don’t recognize your home anymore, and emptiness swells in your stomach as tears start to fall.

“What- what happened?”

“The gods happened,” a stranger answers.

You and Kaeya spin around, and there’s the sound of sliding metal as he instinctively unsheathes his sword, taking a step forward to place himself between you and the newcomer.

“Who are you?” Kaeya demands.

The stranger is calm despite the blade that is pointed at him. “I am Dainsleif. We have not met—officially, at least—though we did have a run-in five hundred years or so ago.”

Your eyes are wide and no longer full of tears, startled and wary of Dainsleif’s sudden appearance. “What do you mean, five hundred years ago?”

“I was a guard, once, and was tasked with watching a tunnel that led from Khaenri’ah to the outside. During one of those shifts, a guard on duty with me was certain he heard someone. After investigating, we discovered only a squirrel in the bushes—but I know there were two other people in the vicinity that night.”

Kaeya immediately recalls that night and the voices he heard as he ran through the entryway. “So you deliberately let us go? Why?” he asks.

“I took fate into my own hands because the two of you play an important part in the future of this world. The stars told me so.” He doesn’t elaborate on those cryptic words, instead holding out a brown sack. When Kaeya hesitantly takes it, Dainsleif speaks yet again. “If you are to avenge our fallen city, there is much for you to learn. First, change into those clothes. It will be difficult to assimilate into Mondstadt with the outdated garments that you wear now.”

You’re still heartbroken at the discovery of your destroyed home, but your desire for more knowledge—to understand exactly what happened—outweighs your grief. And truth be told, there wasn’t much left for you back in Khaenri’ah. On the night you journeyed to see the stars, you had brought your whole world with you in the form of the man that stands by your side.

So, you nod in acquiescence and step aside with Kaeya to change into your new clothes.

–

“Is all this red because of my Vision?” You tug at the hem of your jacket—a red and black piece with golden accents. Kaeya’s own outfit is in many shades of blue, seeming to match his Cryo vision.

He looks… great, you think, feeling your face heat up.

His lips curl into a smirk and warmth fills him at the flustered expression that he incites from you. “Looking good,” he says, eyes lingering on the way the jacket and white shirt underneath clings to your chest and shoulders. A long finger hooks into your belt, and he tugs you forward so your body is right up against him as he captures your lips with his own in a kiss.

Though you want to, you don’t let yourself get lost in his affection, aware that someone is waiting for you. With reluctance, you pull away from Kaeya to face Dainsleif.

Dainsleif says nothing but glances over both of you, satisfied with how the new clothes make you look like Mondstadt citizens. Then his gaze pauses on your hand that glows with golden patterns, and Kaeya’s radiant eye. “It would be in your best interests to cover the effects of the timepiece.”

“You know about the hourglass?” Your eyes narrow. This man needs to start talking soon, and catch you up to speed on what has been happening in the past five hundred years.

“I have much to explain, and will have the time to do so as we travel to Mondstadt. Shall we?” With that, Dainsleif turns his back on you and starts walking away from the ruins of Khaenri’ah.

Kaeya returns your searching look with a shrug, before tilting his head in the direction of the other man. “If he knows the events of the past five centuries, we’ll need to go with him to get as much information from him as possible. After that, we can decide how to proceed, yeah?”

“On to another adventure, I suppose.”

And so, with Kaeya by your side, you follow the stranger from your homeland toward another nation you know little of (but is a nation you soon will call home).

–

“Aww, man!”

“Mister Kaeya, is that it?”

“You can’t just stop there!” The children whine and plead, longing to hear more of this fascinating story.

Kaeya laughs at their enthusiasm and holds up a hand to try and calm the chatter. They immediately stop talking, sitting straight with wide eyes staring intently at the man who is much more than just a museum staff member.

“Not to worry, there’s still much more to cover in this tale of adventures. However,” he pauses, glancing at someone who leans against one of the exhibit room walls, “I’m afraid we are out of time today. It looks like you all need to join the rest of your class.” Immediately, groans of disappointment fill the room. “If you ever return to this museum though, I’ll be more than happy to continue the story.”

As the children reluctantly get off the bench, one girl approaches Kaeya. “Can you give us at least a little sneak peek? Pleaaaase?”

He can’t say no to those wide eyes and adorable pout that reminds him of you from a long time ago, so he smiles and says, “Alright. I’ll tell you this: the next part of this adventure involves friends old and new, a handful of dangerous enemies, powerful archons that have lived for centuries, and the fate of seven nations that are ruled by them.”

“What about the hourglass? How does it get down to Earth?”

Instead of answering directly, Kaeya presents a question. “How does anyone enter or exit a room?”

Another child pipes up, face scrunched up in careful thought. “By walking through a door?”

“Exactly. This story will end with a doorway, and that is how the hourglass—and our protagonists—make their way to Earth.”

(It’s a little bit more than that; magic was involved too, just as it was with the blizzard. But it’s enough for the children for now, and is all that time allows.)

“Kaeya!”

Kaeya turns at your voice, affection shining in his visible eye. All the children turn to face you too, studying your red, black, and gold outfit, as well as the vibrant red charm that hangs around your neck.

“Are you telling them those myths again? Their teacher is waiting for them!” You stride over to him, and poke him once in the chest as you reprimand him.

His grin comes easily and he lifts his arms up in surrender.

Before you pull your finger away, he quickly grabs your hand and presses a kiss to the back of it, though his lips touch the soft leather of a glove instead of bare skin. Though he’s been doing this for years, the public display of affection never fails to fluster you, and you can only stare at him with parted lips as your body temperature rises—no thanks to your Pyro Vision.

Kaeya winks at you. He knows you can turn it around on him in an instant if you so wished, as you also never lost the ability to render him at a loss for words, but you won’t do so right in front of these children (you’ve gained a bit more self control than him over the years). He straightens up and turns to the kids. Some of them are staring at you two in expressions of open disgust that only elementary schoolers can manage, but that doesn’t faze him. “Come on. Let’s get you all back to your teacher.”

He leads the way, placing a hand on your lower back to escort you along with him. “How was your group of children?” His voice is low and gentle in your ear.

“They were a pleasure to work with. None of them were menaces like you when you were a kid. Actually, you still are a menace.”

He chuckles, and you scrunch up your nose at him. “Well you fell in love with this menace, so I’m certainly not the one that got the short end of the stick.”

Your retort is cut off by the approach of the second graders’ teacher, looking relieved that all of his students are finally present and accounted for.

“Thank you so much,” he says. “I’ve been hearing raving reviews from the students so far, and I’m sure this group will only have good things to say as well.”

“It’s our pleasure,” you respond. “They are all such lovely students and I truly enjoyed showing them around.”

The teacher exchanges some more words with you and Kaeya, before he starts to corral his students toward the bus.

As they leave, a boy who had listened to Kaeya’s story turns around. He’s an observant child, as most kids are, and he has the bravery that comes with being young so he unabashedly asks, “Mister Kaeya! Is what you told us really just a story?”

“I don’t know,” Kaeya says with a grin. “Why don’t you tell me?” He lifts up his hand and snaps. The crisp noise cuts through the air, just as a single snowflake drifts from his fingers and floats toward the child, only stopping when it lands on the kid’s nose and melts into a droplet of water.

The child’s mouth falls open. He can only stare as Kaeya winks and you wave with your gloved right hand, before both of you turn and disappear into the depths of the museum.

To some, the story behind the hourglass is simply a myth. But to you and Kaeya, it once was—and still is—your reality.

–

Note ✧ Thank you for reading! A lot of what happens to Kaeya and Reader in the current timeline of Teyvat is unexplained, but if you are curious… send me an ask, maybe share your own theories, and I’ll see what I can do! (Some things to consider: do they reunite with Albedo? Which Mondstadt citizens do they befriend? How does the hourglass return to them? How do they travel to Earth?)

send me your thoughts! ✧ masterlist ✧ join the taglist

#genshin impact #kaeya x reader #genshin impact x reader #kaeya alberich x reader #kaeya alberich #reader insert #type: text #type: game #game: genshin impact #ch: kaeya alberich #my writing #my writing: fic #my writing: let the stars lead the way

85 notes · View notes

yaeggravate · 8 months

Text

suggestion: kaeya's name is taken from the hindi word छाया (chhaaya) for shadow

arguments for:

the abyss (and possibly also khaenri'ah) is associated with mirrors and inversion; the inverted statue, the sign of apaosha, kaeya's vision is mirrored, the script around the ruin machines are mirrored etc. a shadow is a reverse projection of an object. we know kaeya is connected to the abyss and from khaenri'ah.

kaeya's character story says he lived in his brother's shadow for most of his life and that they were often likened to twins. twins in this game always seem to have a light/dark dichotomy. it's kind of like with makoto and ei, (ei's name (影) in chinese also means shadow.) and lyney and lynette (her title is "elegance in the shadows").

his alternative outfit is called sailwind shadow

he played the role of a thief who lived in a dark realm searching for light; this actually parallels the story of "the tale of those without shadows" that you can find in game.

shadow fits thematically with khaenri'ah as it was an underground nation. their last ruling dynasty was also known as the eclipse dynasty. an eclipse is defined as "the passing into the shadow of a celestial body".

in shakespeare's play midsummer night's dream, the character oberon is derived from kaeya's last name alberich. oberon is the king of fairies but in the play one of the characters also calls him the king of shadows.

it wouldn't be odd for kaeya's name to be derived from hindi. i mean just look at him lol, but one major hint is that his constellation is a peacock, an animal commonly associated and indigenous to india.

arguments against:

uhhh kaeya in game is pronounced with a hard k instead of a soft ch that's it (but in the japanese dub they pronounce his name as gaia so i don't think the pronunciation matters that much here)

#.txt #this is just one possibility we have no idea what his name means #anyway i was thinking about this again after i read lynette's character story #lore bytes #kaeya alberich

97 notes · View notes

dragetunge · 7 months

Text

Send Me 💬 + a Name and My Muse will Talk About That Person @inanthesis sent: 💬 + Kaeya :)

[❇]—;

"Kaeya huh..." The smith tapped a finger to his chin in thought. There were certain things he could say about the Calvary Captain. Perhaps he should start at the beginning? "I would be lying if I said I didn't find him insufferable when I first came to Mondstadt." He hadn't liked being disturbed so often when he came to the nation of freedom. But after a couple of tries it seemed the Calvary Captain wore him down. "But it seems he's very good at what he does with the Knights. The lower ranking Knights seem to hold a great regard for him. I've had the pleasure of seeing it first hand as to why."

"He likes to think he's funny but truthfully his "jokes" are just awful. I don't think he should persue a career in comedy anytime soon." The smith merely shook his head. When had his opinion of Kaeya truly changed? Was it when the Calvary Captain helped him in saving Toothless from the Treasure Hoarders who had taken him? Perhaps it was when he left for a few months to work in Liyue. He had found himself missing the other when he worked. Bothering him as he always did. Which surprised him more than anything. Perhaps that was part of the Calvary Captain's charm?

"I don't think I need to mention he is rather attractive. But I'm sure he's very well aware of that. I'm sure if I were to say anything he'd just let it go to his head." Hiccup huffed a bit before continuing "But his eye....the color of it reminds me of Noctilucous Jade from Liyue... how it shimmers the brightest during the night. It rather rivals that of the stars huh..." The smiths cheeks tinted pink as he cleared his throat.

"And Toothless doesn't entirely hate him...so I suppose he's alright."

#inanthesis #ic #ch; kaeya #🔥▓◤PEACE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED: Answered◥#//boy is smitten kfdjgnfd

3 notes · View notes

cosmicfates · 18 days

Note

“If I sing you a love song, will you always remember?“ (from Kyo to Kaeya)

"Of course, I remember everything about you Kyo,"

He'd cup the shorter male's face in both his hands before leaning down and kissing him softly. The Cryo user would chuckle softly as he pulled away from the other male. He did wonder how Kyokai would react if he ever saw him fully, rather than with his mostly blind eyes.

"I sometimes wonder how you would react if you were ever able to actually see me."

#stellaignisrosea #ch. Kaeya #primary verse #Sh. KaeKyo

1 note · View note

hiraya-rawr · 2 years

Text

Loyalties 03

( Diluc x Fatui Reader ) Mini Series

synopsis !! trapped to be interrogated for distributing delusions, you find yourself torn between loyalty to the Fatui and love for Diluc.

note !! this was a rather difficult chapter to write during my personal break maybe because I couldn't find myself properly setting the mood; anywaay here we go!

contains !! gn reader, implied torture, dark themes, hurt/comfort, alcohol consumption, manipulation

ch.01 || ch.02 || ch.03 || ch.04

— Favonius Cathedral, City of Mondstadt

"Normally, I wouldn't question your methods, but this was quite the save, wasn't it, sir Kaeya?"

Sweet and light sounding, Lisa greets the Cavalry Captain the minute he stepped out of the looming Cathedral doors, with one manicured hand stretched out to him. "I was just about ready to doubt you when the seizures started. Just how did you find out that the children would be fine?"

Kaeya smiles back, offering his arm out for her to hold as they walk down the Cathedral steps.

Of course he's caught her attention. The prodigy and most distinguished graduate of Sumeru Academia was unable to find a cure; yet, a mere Cavalry Captain ordered a risky 'hypothesis' that not only saved lives, but also opened new doors to investigating Delusions and their side effects

He could answer the question but that would warrant too much of an explanation— with information he had no right to divulge (as of now, he promises, because Kaeya Alberich does not hold back on betrayal).

"I'm surprised to see you out and about, Miss Lisa. Do you have business in the Cathedral?"

He's deflecting the question. Lisa is completely aware of it, yet she continues to smile. Alright then, there are more important matters for now, she thinks.

"As a matter of fact, I was searching for my sweet, little Razor. I thought he would be here with that boy. . . Bennett, was it?"

"Perhaps you're better off visiting the Adventures' Guild for them." Kaeya suggests.

"I thought so as well, but I've heard of Bennett's um– apparent propensity for misfortune. I was worried that," Her voice softens, "With the Fatui offering out Delusions to children, the two might have stumbled into some trouble."

Kaeya nods as Lisa releases her hold on his arm. The librarian had only been worried. "I see. . . Unfortunately, I haven't a clue as to where Bennett or Razor could be. Outrider Amber might know."

"I suppose I'll check with her. . . Are you heading to the Headquarters as well, sir Kaeya?"

He shakes his head, "No, I'm off duty as of now so I figured I'll have a drink or two in Angel's Share."

That's an excuse. He needs to check if the Darknight Hero successfully ended the delusion trade (definitely not to check on his brother's mental state, right?).

Lisa lights up, "Ah! If you meet (Name) there, would you mind asking them about Razor as well? We often have tea together, they might have an idea where he is– or perhaps they've been with Razor all along. That boy does so admire them."

Had it not been for Kaeya's proficiency in keeping a mask, he would have flinched at the mention of your name. It hasn't even been two days since you were taken, and news in Mondstadt spreads slow. He wonders what Lisa -or Razor- would think if they knew what he did. That you're strapped to a chair in a private yet isolated Ragnvindr property. Would they be horrified? For you or against you? What would they think of him?

Not that it matters. Kaeya Alberich cares little for those who hurt his family.

Heh, he truly is no better than the Fatui.

"I'll inform you if I find the kids. Don't worry so much— for all we know, the Darknight Hero might've handled it already." Kaeya grins, waving Lisa away as he heads downtown.

— Angel's Share, City of Mondstadt

The tavern was as lively as always; perhaps a little too lively tonight with almost twice as many patrons crowding the first floor. Kaeya was quick to find out why from a stray knight.

"Master Diluc has blocked the entire second floor. As for why he did it. . . Who knows? Perhaps he's expecting some important guests. He didn't say."

Ignoring the "Do Not Enter" sign hanging from a chain on the staircase, Kaeya leaps over it with ease and climbs the stairs. He isn't sure what to expect; did Diluc perhaps invited suspects of the Delusion trade? Did a high-ranking Fatui offer a deal or a contract that needed further discussion? Whatever it is, Kaeya will be sure to assist his big brother the vigilante no matter what the situation.

What he didn't expect was to see Diluc collapsed on a corner table, a glass of wine in hand and several bottles surrounding him. Kaeya's jaw laxes at the sight.

What. The. F*ck.

Upon closer inspection, Kaeya notices the littered bottles were full. Every single one save for the opened fire whiskey on the table.

"Snezhnayan alcohol? Really? And here I thought you'd despise anything from that place." He sighs, settling himself across from the man whose face was buried between his arms on the table. "So you barred everyone from half the tavern space just so you could get wasted in peace?"

Kaeya's tone is light, if not teasing, but there's an undertone of distaste at the wine tycoon's actions.

How could Diluc allow someone to affect him this much? You'd think the redhead would've learned his lesson about betrayal before you came along.

"Are you even conscious?" Kaeya reaches out to poke Diluc's scalp, earning a groan. The cryo user rubs a hand over his face, honestly, this was so unnecessary.

"Here I was worrying about how the delusion trade. To think you went ahead and started drinking. Didn't you think I would like that as well? If not more than you?" He rambles, eyeing the fluff of red hair on the table. There's a muffled sound escaping it.

". . -urts. . . "

"Pardon?"

Diluc finally looks up from his folded arms, red eyes on Kaeya's own. It's redder than usual, outlining his eyes. Had he been crying?

The expression on his older brother's face. . . it's heartbreaking.

"I didn't think it would hurt this much, Kae," Diluc whimpers.

It's a sound that seems so soft and vulnerable, like he was nine years old again, crying good bye to a hollowed turtle shell as Kaeya held the lampgrass flowers. It only made the cavalry captain churn in contempt. How could you do this to Diluc?

Kaeya selfishly wonders if he's a little lower on Diluc's hate list now.

He also wonders if he went too easy on you.

Kaeya, unable to confront Diluc's hurt, decides to change the subject. ". . . Lisa is looking for (Name). It's only a matter of time before she gets suspicious. I suggest we make a report to Jean before word gets out of their disappearance."

"Like. . . admit it?" Diluc looks on desperately. Kaeya doesn't recognize the emotion.

"Admit what?"

"That they're Fatui? Admit that to Jean?"

Kaeya raises an eyebrow, "Yes?" his visible eye then narrows, "Don't tell me you plan to keep this under wraps? You're— you're protecting them?"

Diluc clenches his jaw.

"No."

Then,

"It's not that. It's not the time—" Diluc sighs, sitting straight before alcohol sways him, his stance losing balance while sitting. "Don't report to Jean."

"Diluc." Kaeya tsked.

"Kae."

". . . Fine. Not yet." Kaeya stands up, swiping a full bottle from the table to settle under his arm. "But eventually. And if you won't do it, I will." He turns to leave before a voice calls out to him again.

Kaeya faces Diluc, whose eyes are anywhere but on him.

"You said. . . you think I'd despise everything from Snezh." Diluc starts slowly, "I don't." He says, then in a quieter voice, "I can't. Can't despise everything from that place."

Kaeya frowns before turning on his heel, leaving the redhead alone.

•

The rim of a glass bottle settles on your lips and you mouth it willingly. Instead of alcohol like you'd expect, it's water. Almost warm to drink.

You blink. Eyes trailing up the gloved hand to see a redhead looking down on you. Diluc's expressionless face looks back but doesn't make eye contact.

"I'm. . ." You mumble, everything about this feels strange. It feels like warmth, it feels comforting, "I'm still in the basement, aren't I? Still strapped to that chair?"

Diluc nods.

Thunder roars outside. Whether you're too worn out to or too out of it to acknowledge the fear, you don't flinch at the sound.

"Kaeya is drafting a report on you. You'll be branded as a spy to Mond publicly. You wouldn't be allowed back again." He says nonchalantly. You remain silent.

You'll be a Persona Non Grata to Mondstadt. Unwelcomed in the Nation of Freedom.

A bowl of onion soup is pushed in front of you. You realize he's trying to feed you.

"You'll need to eat. It'll be a while before Jean gets the report. While waiting, we still have questions for you." He sounds impassive, almost cold. You allow yourself to nod as a spoonful is raised towards you.

Another rumble of thunder shakes the room. It must be a basement, judging by the way the walls shake.

Diluc places the bowl aside and walks away. He climbs the stairs and he shuts the door close. You realize he left it open when he entered.

He returns to yoyr side and thunder rumbles again, much quieter this time by the closed door.

Does he remember? Does he care? You don't dare ask.

In the quiet of the room and his spoonfuls of soup, he mutters;

"What is your mission?"

Before quickly replacing the interrogative question.

"Why me?"

Yes, why him? Infiltrate Mond and be the backbone of the Delusion trade was the mission. You played the role of an insider, bonding with merchants and understanding the innermost trade routes of the nation. It just so happens that alcohol circulated the most, making it easier to understand the market flow.

It didn't need to be him, yet you found yourself needing him.

"It didn't have to be you." You mutter in truth.

"But it was me. Why?" He asks again, sitting straighter now, "(Name), I want to try and understand—" why did you love?

You don't understand the question. To you, it was simple. You had a job to do and you met someone great while doing it. Betrayal was secondary to things like the Tsaritsa's will or love. Surely, Diluc would understand?

But Diluc came from the land of freedom. He doesn't bend to the will of Barbatos who racks up a tab in his own tavern. He doesn't take well to betrayal, not after what the knights did (what Kaeya did, what the Ordo did).

Diluc does not understand that.

When you don't reply, he settles for another question. Because he's learnt that questions are better than drawing your blade first (he should have done the same for his little brother. He knows better now.)

"Was anything true?"

Did you love him? was the question on his tongue but too afraid to say.

You bite your lip.

"If there's anything. . . anything you have to believe about me," You say slowly, carefully, "It's my feelings for you."

His eyes meet yours as you continue.

"But there are forces much bigger than us in this world, Diluc."

A flash of hurt crosses his face before it settles into something unreadable. The rest of the soup is eaten quietly.

•

"I really don't think we should be here."

"Shhh. Smells. Blood."

You stir, hearing footsteps on creaky wood and two boyish voices. One whiny, the other alert.

"That's even more of a reason! W-what if there's. . . ghosts?"

"Razor will protect friend Bennett."

"Why don't we just leave?"

"Shhh!"

They're closer now, the first step on the staircase. You snap awake, looking around the room to see Diluc and Kaeya gone. How long were you passed out?

"Person. Blood." Razor's voice points out from the stairs and you know he sees you. Bennett all but shrieks—

"G-ghost! Let's get out of here, Raz—"

"(Name)?" Razor tilts his head, recognizing your smell.

"What?" Bennett blinks.

"(Name)!" The wolf boy rushes down the stairs and you hold your breath. They don't know, do they? Did Kaeya pass the report to Jean? Has it been announced yet?

Judging by their frantic concern, you suppose not.

"B-bennett? Razor?" You exhale, glad to have had something to eat prior otherwise you wouldn't have had the strength to talk.

"Mx. (Name)!" Bennett rushes up to you, hands going over the restraints on your limbs. He doesn't hesitate to figure out how to remove them. Razor whimpers at the sight of you.

"(Name). Hurt?"

"Why— Who did this to you?" Bennett summons the power of pyro, the chain breaking under its pressure. It's impressive how someone so unlucky controls his flames.

"I'm alright," You reassure them and try to mean it, racking your brain for a logical excuse, "The Fatui might come back. We have to go." Finally freeing your wrists and massaging them. The skin around it is raw and painful.

A smaller version of Bennett's burst appears on the ground of your feet. Energy courses through you and you feel the skin healing, along with your fatigue and other wounds. You sigh in relief.

"Those bad guys! We have to report this to the knights!" Bennett says quickly, "They're not gonna get away with this!"

"Miss Lisa help. Knights help!" Razor nods as quickly, helping you up on wobbling legs. They don't notice your silence as you climb the stairs and exit the building to Wolvendom. The basement must be part of the Dawn Winery's storehouse.

The sun is setting, you guess you're approaching your third day of capture.

"How were you captured? What did they do to you? What about Master Diluc–?" Bennett rambles on.

"Why capture..?" Razor mutters from behind you, softer. You know he's more curious than suspicious. He wouldn't assume anything bad of you.

You think of your position. You don't know if you've been ousted, you aren't sure where to go from Mond— what you do know is there's a Fatui outpost by Springvale functioning under legal jurisdiction.

You look at the boys. Bennett continues to ramble how this shouldn't have happened and turning to the adults, while Razor growls about protecting those he care about.

You think of your mission.

Distributing delusions for the Tsaritsa.

Teenagers asking for power.

Ambition.

"Bennett, Razor, would you two come with me?"

•••

note !! I understand that I ended this with a pretty big plot diversion, but don't worry! the fic still focuses on diluc and reader's relationship :) next chapter would be the final chapter where everything falls into place!

gen taglist !! @absolut-wildflower @boundedbyfate @sadlonelybagel @eissaaaa @ladycoleigh @nejibot @milkypompon @bloodreaper08 @irethepotato @x-zho @roriver @mich-cola @mxsomn @ackrylik @nicebonescomrade @starforecasts @stygianoir @yuminako @eccedentesiast-sapphic @nebulaera @nuttytani @klutzkat @shizunxie

loyalties taglist !! @escapeis @leftdestiny-posts @manjimeowmeow @sup-zfam @hangezoessidehoe @liyacreate @sheepispink @juminsamore @shadowfireblue @radnvindr @ashjustlikesthings @yengre @ashgayasfuzz @chiisananingen @lavynne @senjusbuddy @i-x4o @shuriiiewrites @mizu-san @kitrinafalcon @rekikyansimp @probably-rk @theonlysol @vnsmiles @reisinnie @aomur @annoying-and-upset @evapori @mostydreamscape @mariinggg

character analysis / notes !! im so glad to know kaeya and diluc's canon relationship seems to fit in here. after studying their characters again, i feel like kaeya would be more law abiding in scenarios like this, wanting to be transparent with jean and the others, whereas diluc wouldve kept things to himself.

also!! diluc wouldve definitely learned his lesson about attacking first before talking it out :< i just think hed make more of an effort to understand people, the fact that you're fatui just makes it a little more difficult but he did/does love you, he wants to try dhhshxhs

if you read the last chapter, youd see i hinted that "youd have to be real lucky to escape" xp which is ironic bc bennett.

childe and venti would be in the next chapter :> finalized the outline for it and hoping i could get it out soon. it'll be a little difficult to write the conclusion but i hope it satisfies!

570 notes · View notes