#marigold promises smau | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

kararisa · 1 year

Text

marigold promises

pairing: albedo x gn!reader

genre: social media au, modern/college au, childhood friends to academic rivals to lovers, slow burn

summary: it was evident that you and albedo have changed in the five years you’ve spent apart, but you know better than to view him through the lens of nostalgia. with one goal on your mind – graduate valedictorian – who better to stand in your way than the studious, intelligent, ice-cold albedo? one thing’s for sure: he’s going down.

warnings: swearing, crack, light angst, unrealistic depictions of college, family issues, self-doubt, abandonment issues, side ships (tighnari gets paired with a moot); specific chapter warnings will be at the beginning of the chapter — will be updated as the series continues

status: ongoing

author's notes:

my first smau hehe. i've been working on this for a while so i'm really excited! updates will be sporadic but i'll do my best to update often.

the timestamps don't matter unless i say they do!

apologies in advance if i miss any grammar mistakes, english isn't my first language

pictures used are simply to add visual description and do not depict the reader's skin color, height, etc.

written chapters are marked with (☕︎)

profiles:

coffee addicts ([name]'s friends)

donut disco (albedo's friends)

year 1 — whether i like it or not || playlist

01. finally, a worthy opponent! || 02. why pay for netflix?

03. if looks could kill || 04. impromptu cramming session

05. enigma (☕︎) || bonus. i hate it here

06. temporary truce || bonus. crisis companion

07. crack theory || bonus. bread

08. twin pendants (☕︎) || 09. no harm in asking

10. the print shop by the mondmart || 11. #TCUClubFair

12. save me a slice || 13. miss you too

14. caffeinate me up || 15. u ok?

16. hell week (☕︎) || 17. dean's lister

18. please send help || 19. 6/10 difficulty (☕︎)

20. #ynsweep || 21. equilibrium (☕︎)

22. look me in the eyes (☕︎) || 23. team bonding

24. how could i, when it's you? (☕︎) || 25. kiss for good luck

year 2 — we make a good team, partner || playlist

26. lab partner thief || 27. dodoco

28. not even remotely subtle || 29. jealousy doesn't look good on you

bonus. ultra secret project proposal || 30. ice cream for three (☕︎)

31. "just" the lab report (☕︎) || 32. a letter and a promise (☕︎)

33. that damn cardigan || 34. shit happens, that's life

35. on instinct || 36. don't be a stranger

bonus. soft launch season

year 3 — promise me this || playlist

37. the college experience || 38. keep it coming

39. the day the world stopped moving (☕︎) || bonus. an unexpected call (☕︎)

40. i can sense your denial || 41. what is wrong with me

42. stubborn™ (☕︎) || 43. strawberry hair tie

44. get your shit together || 45. in spite of it all (☕︎)

46. right here

tba

year 4 — these bonds that bind us || playlist

tba

taglist: @fvkkyu @mintreen @edreee @khyllynnn @xxmirrorballxx @aiikalvr @yaefics @ch35hir3 @aequha @alch3myy @lovely-althxa @nei-rinn @cridtiins @zestrya @skylions-den @moriiartt @theother-victoria @sunsethw4 @dazaisfavgf @serossidechick @koiir @lazy-sanns

— the taglist is currently CLOSED! shoot me an ask or a reply if you've changed your url or you'd like to be removed!

#genshin smau #albedo x reader #albedo x you #albedo smau #genshin x reader #genshin x you #genshin albedo #genshin fluff #albedo fluff #genshin imagines #albedo imagines #genshin scenarios #genshin modern au #marigold promises smau #genshin college au #🏹 — navi

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zoropookie · 13 days

Note

Aether anon I have returned with information on that albedo smau

last updated on the 4th if september 2023

last mention of it on author’s blog on 21 of November 2023

on 28th September 2023 author said they were losing interest, ever since they instead focused on their scara smau darling, starling

end of january 2024 they said updates would be a lot slower because they have college stuff changing courses or something going on and didnt update anything since

the author is kararisa

the name of the smau is marigold promises

and here you have the genre and summary of ut

☹️ i get it, sometimes the smau aint hitting enough for writers. it’s still sad though

#zoropookie #eutopiastar

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kararisa · 8 months

Text

marigold promises

— 42. stubborn™ (☕︎ = 0.8k words)

It’s a Thursday afternoon when you spot Albedo in all his stubborn, golden-haired glory at a nearby flower shop.

He gives you a small wave when he sees you approach. Honestly, he should be given an award for how stubborn he is.

“Hey.” Albedo greets.

“Hey yourself.” you give him an unimpressed look. “I thought I told you to go ahead without me?”

Undeterred by your disapproving gaze, Albedo simply grins. "I'm well aware, Cupcake," he responds. "But I wanted to wait for you.

Accepting his unexpected gesture, you let out a small sigh and a flicker of appreciation softens your expression. Realizing that Albedo's intentions were rooted in a genuine desire to just be there for you, you find yourself grateful for his presence.

As the two of you set off, a steady, synchronized rhythm forms in your steps. The world around you fades into the background as you both navigate the bustling streets, heading toward the nearest train station. Conversations, mingled with the sounds of passing traffic, weave a tapestry of ambient noise that accompanies your journey.

You playfully bump your shoulder into his, a teasing tone in your voice when you ask. “You missed me, didn’t you?”

“What makes you say that?”

“Well, why else would you come to pick me up after my internships finished?”

He huffs, “We saw each other this morning.”

“That doesn’t answer my question, smartass.”

Instead of answering, he brings up the ongoing group project in one of the subjects you share, and you take that as your signal to change the topic.

The two of you begin to exchange ideas and share your perspectives, but in your haste to set up another meeting, Albedo reminds you of the international competition qualifiers taking place tomorrow.

Ah right. The qualifiers.

Albedo notices the shift in your demeanor as he brings it up. "You'll do just fine," he assures you. "In fact, you're the second smartest person I know."

You raise an eyebrow, casting a skeptical glance his way. "So, I suppose the smartest person you know is yourself?"

He grins mischievously. "Who else would I be referring to?"

You respond with a hint of sarcasm, rolling your eyes. "Well, I appreciate the vote of confidence. But it's not the qualifiers that make me hesitant; it's the Mora I'll have to scrape together if I do qualify."

With the way the organizers allocate the competitions, you could end up staying in Mondstadt or being flown across Teyvat for a few days.

But regardless of the location, you have to compete. If only to please your family. If you fail to qualify, they’ll take it as you neglecting your extracurricular activities. On the other hand, if you prioritize your participation, they may accuse you of losing focus on your studies.

It’s as if you don’t consistently place on top of your batch.

On top of all that, your family pesters you incessantly about when you’ll next visit. You find yourself using the excuse of being occupied with school and competitions, and the phrase “maybe next time” becomes your new mantra. Mercifully, they don’t comment on it, but you know you won’t be able to run away from them forever.

Albedo gives you a questioning look. You know that look in his eyes — it’s that inquisitiveness you’ve grown all too familiar with. Even so, he doesn’t push for an answer

“Honestly,” telling him what’s really going on comes easily. Too easily for your liking, but you’re not gonna dwell too deeply into that. “I’m pretty strapped for Mora. I’m sure you know how expensive these competitions can get.”

“I get where you’re coming from,” Albedo responds. “But I asked the clubs about it earlier this morning, and they said they’re actively seeking sponsors. If luck is on our side, we might even get the privilege of being able to participate without having to pay anything.”

You attempt to mask the visible relief that washes over your face, not wanting to appear overly relieved or dependent. If it all goes right, you might not even have to ask your parents for a single Mora.

The two of you arrive at the bustling train station shortly after.

Albedo turns to you when you get to the station platform, “And here’s where we part ways, Cupcake. I gotta go babysit Klee again.”

“Want me to come with you?”

“I can’t ask that of you. Besides, you probably have at least some responsibilities that await your unwavering attention.”

“Oh come on. I’m the one offering here,” you groan. “Tell you what. If you let me come with you, we can get started on our lab report. I can even help you babysit Klee.”

He gives you a skeptical look, “You can’t possibly mean that.”

You shrug, “Maybe I just miss Klee. You ever think of that, Sunshine?”

“You’re not gonna let this go until I say yes, aren’t you?”

“Well, will you look at that? You do know me after all.”

Albedo simply sighs in response, making his way to the platform, “Come on. If we loiter for any longer, we’re going to miss the next train.”

— previous || masterlist || next

summary: it's been two years since you've been reunited with your childhood friend. while your rivalry has blossomed into something friendly, you can't exactly say the same for the way your heart skips a beat whenever albedo so much as looks at you. however, as the pressure to excel in your academics starts to burn you out, it begs the question: how much force can a person endure before they break?

author's notes:

hey everyone ^^ bit more of a serious note. with college starting up this week, i'm unfortunately going to have less time to update. this does means that updates will be more inconsistent and sporadic, but i'll do my best to update whenever i have the time. thank you all for your unwavering support. i'll see you on the flipside 🫡

taglist (i):

@fvkkyu @mintreen @edreee @khyllynnn @xxmirrorballxx @krnzysh @yaefics @unsterblich-prinz @aequha @alch3myy @syriiina @nei-rinn @cridtiins @zestrya @skylions-den @moriiartt @theother-victoria @sunsethw4 @dazaisfavgf @serossidechick @koiir @lazy-sanns @sweetbunnybunbun @dee-zbignuts @redactedhimbo @yurstepm0m @fanfictwarrior @atlaszi @saoiirsee @ireallylikehamsters @kissingkzuha @whosxangel @kitsuvil @orionicchaos @blurr3db3rry @semi-orangeapple @kunikuzushiit @atlatcaheart @wrrapedroundmyfingerlikearing @scarafrisbee @lost-wicked-artist @kairxse @elysiasbae @eurekatanya @empathum @tatiratty @zannivrs @mikismusings @sunoo-bby @astolary

— the taglist is currently CLOSED! shoot me an ask or a reply if you've changed your url or you'd like to be removed.

#genshin smau #genshin impact smau #albedo smau #albedo x reader #albedo x you #genshin x reader #genshin x you #genshin fluff #albedo fluff #genshin imagines #genshin modern au #genshin college au #marigold promises smau

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kararisa · 10 months

Text

marigold promises

— 39. the day the world stopped moving (☕︎ = 0.8k words)

notes: and we're back to our regularly scheduled program~ hope you guys like the chapter ^^

The warmth of the sun on your skin, the gentle breeze that carries the scent of freshly cut grass and Sweet Flowers as you lay down on a soft picnic blanket underneath the protective shadow of the tall oak tree behind you. Yes, the perfect environment for a study session.

Your laptop sits on your left, its screen slowly growing dim as you leave your lab report unattended. Sitting to your right is Albedo, who’s currently occupied with a textbook. Aside from the sounds of nature and the occasional sound of a turning page, courtesy of your study partner, it’s pretty quiet in this little corner of paradise.

You take a breath, caught up in this brief moment of serenity. How you wish you could stay here for just a moment longer and forget about all your worries.

Alas, you can’t afford to grow careless. With the deadline for the internships that you’re eyeing fast approaching, you’ve been scrambling to try and finish up your applications while juggling with the multitude of group works and quizzes your classes keep handing out to you.

The closing of a book and rustling of papers to your right pulls you from your thoughts. You turn to Albedo, who, after pulling out a wire-bound sketchbook and a pencil, proceeds to sketch his surroundings.

His hair is in its usual updo, glowing golden as it catches the sunlight. Silhouetted by the golden light, he looks almost ethereal in the way his observant gaze scans the environment. Albedo taps the end of his pencil as he focuses on his surroundings, and he once again directs his attention back to his sketch.

You watch this cycle repeat itself a handful more times, your laptop screen now asleep, your lab report long forgotten as your study partner’s hand glides across his paper canvas.

His gaze drifts to you, and you suddenly feel very exposed.

Plastering on an easygoing smile, you ask him the first question on your mind in the hopes to draw his attention away from the fact that you were shamelessly staring at him. “What are you sketching?”

If he noticed you staring, he doesn’t show it when he answers, “Hold still, I’d like to sketch you as well.”

That… What the fuck, how do you even respond to that?

“Must be pretty bored if you can only think to draw me, Sunshine.” you retort.

Albedo lets out a small laugh, “I’m offended, Cupcake. I only sketch subjects that I find interesting.”

You make every effort to conceal your astonishment, scoffing as you look him straight in the eye, “What, you want me to pose or something?”

He sighs, “Just stay comfortable.”

Laying down on the dirt, even when on a picnic blanket, is hardly the epitome of comfort. You shift your position, trying to relax and hide the growing blush on your cheeks.

You feel a hand on your shoulder, “If you tense up like that, your shoulders are gonna get stiff. Relax.”

“I am very relaxed, thank you very much,” you say, brushing off his hand

“You can tell me if you’re uncomfortable with me sketching you. Just say the word and I’ll stop.”

“It’s... It’s fine. Just sketch me already, will you?”

He shuffles closer to you, muttering under his breath. “So stubborn.”

You tell him to fuck off in response.

The hour slips away unnoticed, and Albedo starts to pack up his things

“Let’s go,” he reaches out a hand to you, “I’m sure you don’t want to be late for labs.”

“We have thirty minutes, Sunshine.”

“Lawrence Hall is a ten-minute walk from here.”

“We can make that five minutes if we run.”

“Do you really want to sprint to class?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time we’ve done it.”

He gives you an unimpressed look, “Just get up, will you?”

But you had other plans.

In one swift motion you grab his hand tightly and pull him down. Albedo loses his footing and he tumbles on top of you.

For a split second, your faces stood inches apart, and you swear that the world stopped moving as you felt his warm breath on your lips. And right then and there, it felt like you were the only two people in the world and this moment was all that mattered.

His pale blonde hair frames his face, soft strands falling effortlessly across his forehead and brushing against your cheeks. Sunlight, streaming through the leaves of the tree above you, shimmers like a halo around his head.

Caught up in the moment, you gaze into his eyes. His teal eyes, full of warmth, stare into yours and reflect every emotion you’re feeling. Shock, apprehension, desire.

Albedo looks even more ethereal like this.

And he’s so close.

But he’s not close enough.

The moment passes just as quickly as it started, and you both scramble to your feet, almost as if you were afraid of what might happen if you stayed that way for even a moment longer.

Albedo avoids eye contact, reaching for his bag. “We should head to class.”

“Right.” The sense of longing is palpable in the air as you pack your things. And you swear that both of you were blushing.

— previous || masterlist || next

author's notes:

and here's where Nilou joins the cousin roster

albeyn's love languages are banter and eye contact fr

finally finished up the playlist for year 3 so go give that a listen if u want ^^ (there might even be a hint as to what might happen this year if u listen to it wink wink)

featured song: Upuan by Ben&Ben

taglist (i):

— the taglist is currently CLOSED! shoot me an ask or a reply if you've changed your url or you'd like to be removed.

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kararisa · 1 year

Text

marigold promises

— 31. "just" the lab report [☕︎ = 0.4k words]

As the hours tick by and the sun dips below the horizon, you find yourself still nestled on the worn couch in the cramped living room, poring over your textbooks. It's hardly an ideal study environment — the constant bickering between the seven-year-old you're babysitting and the sibling she likes to annoy hardly contributes to your concentration. Yet you stay anyway, driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. You crave answers like a desert craves rain, and you won't rest until you've found them.

After all, it would be nice to see Rhinedottir again after all these years, wouldn’t it?

More time passes; the night sky unfurls. The clock marks the time 5:58 p.m., and a comfortable silence settles between the three of you. You and Albedo finally complete your lab report while Klee hunches over her worksheets, studying for an upcoming quiz.

“It’s getting pretty late, Cupcake,” Albedo starts. “Do you want to go ahead and head back to campus?”

You wave off his concern. “Curfew isn’t until a couple of hours from now. I can wait.”

The room falls silent again as you all return to your tasks. The only sounds are the scratch of Klee's pencil on paper and the faint hum of the AC. The stillness of the moment is interrupted only by the occasional rustle of pages or the tapping of keys on a keyboard. You feel a sense of calm wash over you, grateful for the respite from the chaos of the day.

You wish you could stay wrapped in this tranquility, even for just a moment longer.

But at last, the sound of the door unlocking rewards your hours of patience. Now that the moment is actually here, though, you find yourself frozen in place, all the words you’ve prepared escaping you.

Rhinedottir has always been strict with Albedo. She had never truly approved of your friendship with him, claiming that associating themselves with a competitor would only serve as a source of distraction.

That’s definitely one thing she has in common with your mother.

“Mom!” Klee gasps and runs to the door, laughing as she’s snatched into an embrace.

Their mother laughs in turn, “Klee, Albedo. How have you two been? Not too bored without me I hope.”

You recognize that voice. And it’s not the voice you expected to hear.

“Mhm! Albedo brought someone here and they’re super nice.” Klee rambles on about everything you did as she and her mother make their way into the living room.

You finally get a look at her.

"[Name]?" Alice greets, her look of surprise turning into one of joy, "It's been so long since I've last seen you! How have you been?"

— previous || masterlist || next

summary: you and albedo have finally reached a mutual understanding as your first year of college comes to a close. with a new school year comes a new beginning, and you start off strong with albedo asking you the oddest of arrangements: "would you like to be lab partners?"

author's notes:

idk how the college campus curfew works so shush suspend your disbelief. you’re sleeping in the same room as albedo ok

he also just bought you a shirt, undergarments, and some sweatpants. gotta make sure you’re comfy

featured song: Coming Back to Me by Leith Ross

taglist (i):

@fvkkyu @mintreen @edreee @khyllynnn @xxmirrorballxx @aiikalvr @yaefics @unsterblich-prinz @aequha @alch3myy @lovely-althxa @nei-rinn @cridtiins @zestrya @skylions-den @moriiartt @theother-victoria @sunsethw4 @dazaisfavgf @serossidechick @koiir @lazy-sanns @sweetbunnybunbun @dee-zbignuts @redactedhimbo @yurstepm0m @fanfictwarrior @fuyaa @saoiirsee @ireallylikehamsters @kissingkzuha @whosxangel @kitsuvil @orionicchaos @blurr3db3rry @semi-orangeapple @kunikuzushiit @atlatcaheart @wrrapedroundmyfingerlikearing @scarafrisbee @lost-wicked-artist @kairxse @elysiasbae @eurekatanya @empathum @tatiratty @zannivrs @mikismusings @sunoo-bby @astolary

— the taglist is currently CLOSED! shoot me an ask or a reply if you've changed your url or you'd like to be removed.

#genshin smau #genshin impact smau #albedo x reader #albedo x you #genshin x reader #genshin x you #genshin fluff #albedo fluff #genshin imagines #genshin modern au #genshin college au #albedo smau #marigold promises smau

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kararisa · 9 months

Text

marigold promises

— 40. i can sense your denial

— previous || masterlist || next

author's notes:

double update boom shakalaka

featured song: is your bedroom ceiling bored? (feat. Cavetown) by Sody

taglist (i):

— the taglist is currently CLOSED! shoot me an ask or a reply if you've changed your url or you'd like to be removed.

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kararisa · 1 year

Text

marigold promises

— 32. a letter and a promise [☕︎ = 2.5k words]

notes: happy birthday to me~ in celebration, here's my gift to all of you <3

cw: abandonment

10:08 p.m.

You haven't had lights out this early in months.

There's a first time for everything, you suppose. A good time as any to sleep in the same room as your estranged rival-turned-lab partner.

It's hardly the first time you've let impulse dictate your decisions — and it certainly won't be the last — but you would be lying if you said you were certain about how you felt about this whole mess you've gotten yourself into. In your infinite search for answers, all you've gotten are infinitely more questions.

What the hell is going on?

You shift on your mattress, disturbing the stillness of the night with the sound of crumpling fabric and soft shuffles. Albedo's room is more decorated than you thought it would be; certainly bigger compared to the rooms you get with a private one-bedroom dorm back on campus. An entire wall is covered in sketches and paintings — all of them his handiwork — with some photographs littered in between them. His desk lies in organized chaos, a mess of papers laying atop an old textbook with a decently organized box of pens and highlighters on the side.

Not paying you any mind, Albedo lays in his bed with his back facing you. The only light in this room comes from his phone which he's been reading from for the past few minutes, and honestly, you wouldn't be surprised if he's flipping through his digital flashcards just to get some last-minute studying done.

Your shuffling disturbs the silence once more. Not once would you have thought that pushing through with your half-baked idea would have led to… this. Whatever this is. Is there a word to describe how surreal this all feels? A theory to explain how the hell you got here?

How do you wrap your head around the fact that Alice walked through that door?

Sure, you may have thrown out a theory to Yanfei a while ago, but that doesn't even begin to explain how Klee is connected to all of this. The fact of the matter is your theory is incomplete.

Albedo finally turns to you and asks, "How long are you going to keep tossing and turning? At this rate, you're going to wear out the mattress." You glare at him and respond, "It's not my fault I can't seem to get comfortable. I'm not used to sleeping with someone else in the room."

Amusement colors Albedo's voice as he replies, "Sounds like a 'you' problem."

Your frustration grows, and you snap back, "Well, you better hope I don't suffocate you tonight, asshole." You hear him snicker as you turn around, hoping to finally drift off into a peaceful sleep

Suddenly, you hear more shuffling from Albedo's side of the room. "I'm going to head out for a walk. Want to come with me?"

"A walk at this hour?" you asked incredulously.

"I can't sleep either, so come on. This won't take long," Albedo replied.

In response, you sit up and rest your hands on the mattress, “Where we headed off to?”

“It’s a train station away, won’t take longer than 10 minutes to get there.”

“Where are we even going for it to warrant a ride on the train?”

He takes out a cardigan from his closet, rolling his eyes, “Are you coming or not?”

“Fuck you, I was already getting up.”

Gods, you should have brought a jacket.

Considering it’s Mondstadt, you shouldn’t have been too surprised by the frigid air, biting through your clothes and clinging onto your skin — even after the holidays have long since passed.

You and Albedo sit on a bench overlooking the playground you saw just this afternoon, the slushie you're holding making your hand slowly go numb. The swings, seesaws, and merry-go-rounds stood silently as if frozen in time. The only sound was the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze. The moon, half-shrouded by clouds, cast a pale glow over the empty park.

Despite the darkness, the playground retained its picturesque innocence. The colorful slides and climbing frames looked like candy-colored castles, while the surrounding trees provided a natural canopy that seemed to cocoon the play area in a protective embrace.

You take a sip of your drink. You and Albedo sit on opposite sides of the bench. The silence between you two stretches on into the night.

You want so desperately to move closer, to say something, to close the distance between you. But where do you even start?

As the sweetness of the slushie fades, so too does your illusion of distraction. You can feel the weight of your rival-turned-lab partner's gaze upon you, a silent challenge that threatens to unravel your composure.

You hear an amused sigh coming from your left, "You can sit closer, Cupcake. I don't bite." You don't know why, but you choose to inch closer.

And closer.

So close that your knee brushes against his for just a moment, and you pull away like that one second of contact had burned your skin.

You take another sip, desperate to stave off the flood of thoughts and emotions that threaten to overwhelm you. But as you feel Albedo's eyes on you, you turn your head to meet his gaze.

"Aren't you cold?" he asks.

"I wasn't able to bring a jacket, Sunshine." you shrug. Like hell you were going to admit that you've been freezing since you stepped out off the train.

In response, he takes off his cardigan and drapes it around your shoulders.

The ivory-colored cardigan enfolds you in its loving embrace, a gentle shield from the harshness of the cold. Its large buttons run down the front, each one a drop of brown against the ivory backdrop. You feel the three gray stars stitched into each sleeve as you put your arms through the sleeves.

You hug the cardigan closer.

"You seem to have a lot on your mind," Albedo adjusts the folded-over collar. You try to ignore the fact that his hand nearly brushed against your neck.

"It's nothing." you shake your head.

"Please, I know you better than that. You can talk to me about it if you want to."

Would it really be appropriate to bring up the many questions that have been brewing in your mind? His private life, his family affairs, they’re none of your business.

And yet.

A heavy silence falls between you and Albedo. Finally, you break the stillness with a tentative whisper: “I was just thinking about your mom.” You notice Albedo’s shoulders tense, and you realize that your words have hit a nerve. “What about her?” he asks, a subtle unease in his voice that you barely notice. But it’s there.

This was a mistake.

“She’s nice…” you clarify, “Just like how I remember her.”

You shouldn’t have brought it up. You shouldn’t have brought it up. A rushed apology spills from your lips, “Sorry, that wasn’t very appropriate of me.”

“It’s alright.” his tone is surprisingly gentle. “I kind of expected that you’d at least be a bit curious, really.”

“Still,” you say, “I shouldn’t have just brought it up like that.”

Silence falls between the two of you once again, and you take the time to empty your drink. With no other way to feign distraction, you finally take a look at the boy to your left. He tucks a stray strand of his pale blond hair behind his ear, and you can’t think of a moment that you’ve seen him free from his usual up-do. He idly fiddles with the straw of his empty slushie cup. A glint of silver catches the moonlight; it’s there that you see his pendant, his moon pendant, resting right between his collarbones.

You would do anything to ignore the palpable tension in the air. Tension that you caused.

“You have my permission to ask,” Albedo starts, “If you want to.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to pry.”

“Yes. So please, ask me.”

A pause.

A breath.

And you finally ask him the question that has been plaguing your mind since the day he returned to you: “When you left, six years ago… What happened?”

He leans back. You feel his knee brush against yours, but this time you can’t bring yourself to move away. Albedo meets your gaze and asks, “How much do you know?”

You shrug, “Not much. Just that you and your mother packed up for Fontaine one day and left.”

“That’s half correct. She was offered an opportunity to work at Aurum Labs — one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Who wouldn’t say yes?”

He loosely crosses his arms as he looks towards the playground ahead of you, “She sat me down one day and told me about her decision. She would be leaving for Fontaine, and I would stay here. In Mondstadt. My own mother thought I was a burden, and that I would hinder her in her career. So”— Albedo gives a bitter laugh — “She left. She left me with nothing but a letter and a promise that a friend of hers would take care of me in her stead. And what’s worse is that a part of me still wishes she’d come back for me.”

Ah.

That explains a lot. It explains so much.

But more questions fill your mind. How long has this been weighing on him? How long has he had to carry these burdens alone?

How long?

What do you say? He needs you, damn it. Say something.

But no words come.

So you do the next best thing: you reach out and place a hesitant hand on his shoulder. A small gesture to let him know that you’re here for him.

He looks at you in response, surprise flickering across his face before he quickly averts his gaze. "Don't look at me like that," he says, his voice shaking.

Puzzled, you quietly ask, "Like what?"

"Like you don't hate me."

You want nothing more than to comfort him and tell him that everything will be alright. Say something for fucks sake.

Albedo’s hand goes to his pendant, his moon pendant, and clutches it tight, “I never bothered to text or call, I didn’t even put in the effort of sending you a letter. I could have done something but I didn’t. And I was horrible to you last year. I’m so, so sorry.”

The weight of your shared history and the silence between you threatens to suffocate you.

It wasn’t always like this.

From the moment you met, it was clear that the two of you were cut from the same cloth.

When the two of you were young, when the world was kind, you would spend countless hours poring over books and debating complex ideas. The difference between you two was once thinner than a razor.

But six years have gone by, and you're not the same kids that met in those fields near your childhood homes one summer day. The friendly debates became heated, the discussions competitive. You found yourselves vying for the same academic accolades, the same opportunities, the same ranking. You both became obsessed with outdoing each other, with proving that you were the better scholar.

As you grew older, you began to realize that the world can be a harsh, unforgiving, and mean place, baring its fangs and showing you just how cruel life can get. It's a sobering realization that comes slowly, creeping up on you with each passing year until you can no longer ignore it.

Maybe you got a little meaner too.

We are tabula rasa. Every person begins their life as a blank slate, devoid of any preconceived notions or beliefs. As people grow and develop, they begin to form their own understanding of the world. They learn to distinguish between light and dark, hot and cold, rough and smooth. They begin to recognize the faces of their caregivers, the sound of their voices, and the touch of their hands.

It is in the people around you that one learns about love, kindness, compassion. But it is also where one learns about anger, an ugly mixture of frustration and hostility that surges through your body like a raging fire; about bitterness, a knot in your stomach that eats away at you from the inside; about envy, that plants resentment in your heart and feeds off your inadequacy. And it is where one learns of hatred, a venomous emotion that seeps into your very soul, poisoning every aspect of your being.

Yes, you were angry at Albedo. Yes, you were bitter when he first acted like you were nothing more than an obstacle to him. Yes, you were envious of his seemingly limitless intelligence, how answers to even the most difficult of questions came easily to him.

But could you ever hate him? Did you ever hate him?

You learn that dreams shatter like fragile glass, scattering sharp, jagged shards that cut deep into your very being. Promises, once steadfast and true, crumble like dry leaves underfoot, leaving you with nothing but bitter disappointment and a sense of betrayal. In the aftermath, you find yourself picking up the pieces of your shattered dreams, each shard slicing through your fingers and embedding itself deep within your skin.

You learn that the harsh reality of the world seeps into your veins and becomes a part of you. Defines you.

But even as the weight of disappointment and betrayal threatens to drown you, life continues to move forward. People come and go, leaving their own marks on the world and on you.

In those five years you’ve spent apart, you can at least take comfort in the fact that he had gained a mother and a sister. Alice, who would once travel all across the world for her academic pursuits, chose to stay in Mondstadt for the sake of her children. Klee, who would keep him grounded, gave him someone to care for. You wonder what it would be like to have a family that truly cared for you as Alice and Klee cared for Albedo.

Your mother has always been obsessed with the numbers on your report card, endlessly doting on you while claiming to want the best for your future. Your father couldn’t care less. Why would he, when he was off working in another region? You grew up barely knowing him.

Rhinedottir was no better for Albedo than your parents were for you.

And yet.

As you and Albedo sit side-by-side, you realize that there is something here that you never had with your family. And sifting through the shards of your shattered promises, you realize that they are not entirely lost.

You take his long-empty slushie cup from his hands and place it on the ground. For a moment, the world falls away, leaving only the two of you under the gentle glow of the moon’s watchful gaze. The next words you speak cut through the silence, "I could never hate you."

Albedo turns to you. He watches you as you take off his cardigan and gently drape it over his shoulders, sharing the warmth he has given to you.

Giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze, you finally, finally, find the words you want to say: “It wasn’t your fault.”

In response, he lowers his head, causing some of his hair to fall in front of his face. You tuck a single strand behind his ear, your sun pendant catching the silvery light of the moon, before gently guiding his head to rest on your shoulder.

“It wasn’t your fault.”

— previous || masterlist || next

author's notes:

yes, albedo is wearing the iconic taylor swift cardigan. and yes, he is a swiftie

the theory of tabula rasa (latin for “scraped tablet” — i.e. a “clean slate”) is a philosophical theory by john locke. this was also my favorite part to write 🫶

this chapter was so hard to get just right that i’ve had to redo it twice, but i’m really happy with the final result ^^

featured songs: I Wish I Was the Moon by Ewan J Phillips & almost home by mxmtoon

taglist (i):

— the taglist is currently CLOSED! shoot me an ask or a reply if you've changed your url or you'd like to be removed.

#genshin smau #genshin impact smau #albedo x reader #albedo x you #genshin x reader #genshin x you #genshin fluff #genshin angst #albedo fluff #genshin imagines #genshin modern au #genshin college au #marigold promises smau

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kararisa · 1 year

Text

marigold promises

— 30. ice cream for three [☕︎ = 0.7k words]

notes: i'm back~ this also takes place a month after the start of second sem

Your concentration is broken by a sharp ring, and you glance up to see Albedo reaching for his phone.

"Sorry," he mouths, before answering the call. "Mom? Let me guess, you need me to pick her up?"

You watch as a small smile spreads across Albedo's face, and you realize this must be something he does for his Auntie Rhine on a regular basis; you’ve gathered that much from the handful of times he didn’t attend class to assist her with something, not to mention the one time he missed out a couple hours of training to help her out. But you never expected that he would have to pick up his sister. How often does he do this, you wonder.

“Alright, I’ll see you,” he hangs up and starts packing his things. "Sorry to cut this short, Cupcake."

You seize the opportunity before you. This could finally be your chance to get answers. “It’s cool. Say... is it alright if I join you?”

He raises an eyebrow at your request, “I’m sure you have better things to do than accompany me in picking up my sister from school.”

You lean forward, resting your elbows on the table. “Well, let’s just say I’m curious. I’d like to meet her if it’s alright with you.”

After a moment's hesitation, Albedo nods. “Alright. Hurry up and pack your things, I don’t want us to miss the next bus.”

Being a bus stop away from campus, Windrise Park quickly became a hotspot for any college students looking for a change of scenery while skipping class or anyone looking to relax.

The breeze picks up and rustles the nearby trees and flora, filling the air with a sweet, earthy scent. Further into the park lies a playground where you spot some children running as their laughter fills the air, most of them wearing the uniform of the nearby Favonius Academy. You see a child run up to her father on some nearby benches. He ruffles the child’s hair as a bright smile appears on her face.

Your chest tightens with longing as you watch the children be showered with a father's love, a mother's pride. You yearn for the warmth of a parent's love, but know that it will forever elude you.

Albedo walks beside you at a comfortable pace, his gait easygoing while he adjusts the strap of his bag. What is he like as a brother, you wonder. Does he tease her relentlessly? Does he laugh with her, does he comfort her when she cries? Has he shared in her joy, has he shared pride in her achievements?

The dodoco keychain on his belt loop answers your questions.

You and Albedo finally make it to the gates of the Favonius Academy when a young girl with pale blonde hair runs up and hugs Albedo.

“There you are.” Albedo’s eyes soften, his hand moving to ruffle his sister’s hair. She pushes his hand away, laughing as she does so. The girl’s light red eyes look into yours, and you immediately feel as if you are intruding on a private moment. She pulls on Albedo's sleeve while tilting her head at you.

“Klee, this is [name],” You respond to Albedo's gesture with a brief wave. “[name], this is my sister Klee.”

Klee's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh, so they're the one you keep talking about!" she beamed. "It's nice to meet you."

Albedo's composure slipped for a moment as he struggled to find the right words. "I'm sorry," he stammered. "She can be quite... enthusiastic."

You laugh at the absurdity; it’s hard not to be endeared by Klee’s contagious enthusiasm. In some ways, she reminds you of your younger cousins – the ones you only get to see during the holidays.

The mere thought of spending the holidays with your immediate and extended family sends a shiver down your spine. This year, as well as the last, you had chosen to stay with Ganyu and Yanfei, but you can't help but worry about your cousins' well-being. You love your family, sure, but the prospect of facing the same old arguments, criticisms, and uncomfortable conversations makes you want to run for the hills.

You elbow Albedo gently and nod toward a nearby ice cream shop. If Klee is anything like Albedo, you know that treating her to a sweet treat will be a surefire way to win her over.

“Are you actually trying to buy her off with sweets?” he sees right through your attempt at bribery.

“Why? Is it gonna work?”

Albedo groans, “Unfortunately.”

— previous || masterlist || next

author's notes:

klee my favorite menace 🫶

sorry for being gone for so long. life has been getting pretty busy, but it's gonna take a lot more than that to keep me from writing 💪

oh and just to clarify, windrise park is across the street from the mondmart

featured song: Bambi by Clairo

taglist (i):

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kararisa · 1 year

Text

marigold promises

— 33. that damn cardigan

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author's notes:

i genuinely didn't mean to not update for so long ToT why in the world would they give hw in the middle of holy week,,

I'm also going for longer chapters now so I hope it's alright if updates are less consistent. these take forever ><

taglist (i):

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kararisa · 1 year

Text

marigold promises

— 20. #ynsweep

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author's notes:

sin 90° + cos 90° is literally just 1+0

writing this chapter was a lot of fun lol i miss competing in school contests

fun fact! i've experienced both yn and childe's side of the math quiz bee

taglist (i):

@fvkkyu @mintreen @edreee @khyllynnn @xxmirrorballxx @aiikalvr @yaefics @unsterblich-prinz @aequha @alch3myy @lovely-althxa @nei-rinn @cridtiins @zestrya @skylions-den @moriiartt @theother-victoria @sunsethw4 @dazaisfavgf @serossidechick @koiir @lazy-sanns @sweetbunnybunbun @dee-zbignuts @redactedhimbo @yurstepm0m @fanfictwarrior @fuyaa @saoiirsee @ireallylikehamsters @elfxiao @whosxangel @kitsuvil @orionicchaos @blurr3db3rry @semi-orangeapple @kunikuzushiit @atlatcaheart @wrrapedroundmyfingerlikearing @scarafrisbee @lost-wicked-artist @kairxse @elysiasbae @eurekatanya @empathum @tatiratty @zannivrs @mikismusings @sunoo-bby @astolary

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kararisa · 1 year

Text

marigold promises

— 14. caffeinate me up

cw: mentions of k*ssing 🤢

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author's notes: they'll kiss for real one day. maybe. hopefully.

featured song: Oh No! by MARINA

taglist (i): @fvkkyu @mintreen @edreee @khyllynnn @xxmirrorballxx @aiikalvr @yaefics @unsterblich-prinz @aequha @alch3myy @lovely-althxa @nei-rinn @cridtiins @zestrya @skylions-den @moriiartt @theother-victoria @sunsethw4 @dazaisfavgf @serossidechick @koiir @lazy-sanns @sweetbunnybunbun @dee-zbignuts @redactedhimbo @yurstepm0m @fanfictwarrior @fuyaa @saoiirsee @ireallylikehamsters @elfxiao @whos-angelx @kitsuvil @orionicchaos @blurr3db3rry @semi-orangeapple @kunikuzushiit @atlatcaheart @wrrapedroundmyfingerlikearing @jewelscara @lost-wicked-artist @kairxse @elysiasbae @eurekatanya @empathum @tatiratty @zannivrs @mikismusings @sunoo-bby @astolary

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kararisa · 1 year

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marigold promises

— 27. dodoco

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author's notes:

don't break the lab rules, kids. be responsible and don't tweet during labs

taglist (i):

@fvkkyu @mintreen @edreee @khyllynnn @xxmirrorballxx @aiikalvr @yaefics @unsterblich-prinz @aequha @alch3myy @lovely-althxa @nei-rinn @cridtiins @zestrya @skylions-den @moriiartt @theother-victoria @sunsethw4 @dazaisfavgf @serossidechick @koiir @lazy-sanns @sweetbunnybunbun @dee-zbignuts @redactedhimbo @yurstepm0m @fanfictwarrior @fuyaa @saoiirsee @ireallylikehamsters @elfxiao @whosxangel @kitsuvil @orionicchaos @blurr3db3rry @semi-orangeapple @kunikuzushiit @atlatcaheart @wrrapedroundmyfingerlikearing @scarafrisbee @lost-wicked-artist @kairxse @elysiasbae @eurekatanya @empathum @tatiratty @zannivrs @mikismusings @sunoo-bby @astolary

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#genshin smau #genshin impact smau #genshin x reader #genshin x you #albedo x reader #albedo x you #genshin fluff #albedo fluff #genshin modern au #genshin college au #marigold promises smau

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kararisa · 1 year

Text

marigold promises

— 26. lab partner thief

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author's notes:

new school year, new description. how we liking it?

i just made up a price for food idk the economy in teyvat

featured song: Greek God by Conan Gray

taglist (i):

@fvkkyu @mintreen @edreee @khyllynnn @xxmirrorballxx @aiikalvr @yaefics @unsterblich-prinz @aequha @alch3myy @lovely-althxa @nei-rinn @cridtiins @zestrya @skylions-den @moriiartt @theother-victoria @sunsethw4 @dazaisfavgf @serossidechick @koiir @lazy-sanns @sweetbunnybunbun @dee-zbignuts @redactedhimbo @yurstepm0m @fanfictwarrior @fuyaa @saoiirsee @ireallylikehamsters @elfxiao @whosxangel @kitsuvil @orionicchaos @blurr3db3rry @semi-orangeapple @kunikuzushiit @atlatcaheart @wrrapedroundmyfingerlikearing @scarafrisbee @lost-wicked-artist @kairxse @elysiasbae @eurekatanya @empathum @tatiratty @zannivrs @mikismusings @sunoo-bby @astolary

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kararisa · 1 year

Text

marigold promises

— 21. equilibrium [☕︎ = 1.2k words]

You walk through the corridors of Lawrence Hall, your campus' science building, trying your best not to look too out of place while you make your way to the offices.

Ganyu had texted you a bit after lunch and told you that Professor Minci needed to meet with you at 5 pm. On the way to her office, as luck would have it, you manage to bump into Albedo, who tells you he’d been called to Prof Minci’s office as well. Somehow the topic of your conversation shifted to the recent quiz you had in physics.

“The answer to number fifteen was clearly ‘a’,” you retort.

“No, the answer is ‘c’,” Albedo hands you a piece of paper before stuffing his hands in the pockets of his cardigan. Upon closer inspection, you see that the paper has his calculations for each problem in the quiz.

You scan your eyes across his neat handwriting before finding his solution to number 15, “How the heck is your scratch paper this organized?”

He ignores your question and begins to explain how he got his answer, guiding you step by step until you get to the answer, “And there’s your answer, one hundred newtons.” – a smug smile appears on his stupid face – “So you, my dear Cupcake, got that question wrong.”

After looking at his solution for a second time, you realize that you had, unfortunately, made a mistake at some point during your computations, “No need to rub it in my face, Sunshine, but whatever. I concede.”

“You know, if you ever need a tutor-” you elbow him in the side before he finishes his sentence.

Before you knew it, the two of you finally reached the door to Prof Minci’s office. You knock on the door and open it slightly, peeking into your chemistry professor’s office.

“Good afternoon. You called for us?”

“Come in, you two,” she beckons you inside, setting aside a stack of papers. You head inside first with Albedo in tow, the two of you taking your seats in the two chairs placed in front of her desk.

Professor Minci laughs, “You cuties aren’t in trouble, don’t worry,” – you felt yourself relax at her words – “In fact, I’d say it’s the opposite; I’m honestly impressed with how you two performed.”

She shuffles through some papers before handing you and Albedo the tests you took for the qualifiers. Scanning through your answers, you internally curse yourself for the handful of mistakes you made. Ten mistakes in math, eight in science. Good, but not good enough.

“Your performance in the regionals qualifiers was exceptional, but that leaves us with a bit of a problem. While the two of you are our reps for science, you both got the same score for math,” Prof leans forward and gestures to the tests you’re holding. “We have some ways we can go about this, but we’re going to have to be quick since the organizers need names by tomorrow.”

She begins listing your options: (1) take a short test and they choose whoever scores the highest, (2) you decide amongst yourselves (you cross that one off the list – as if you and Albedo could ever agree on anything), or (3) they choose the third-highest scorer.

But Albedo starts before you can even open your mouth, “If it’s alright, I’d like for them to be the representative.”

What?

“Hm, that was quick," Prof Minci looks at you. "Are you okay with that?”

“O-of course Prof. I’d be honored to represent our school,” you turn to look at Albedo when he fixes you with an icy look before looking back to Prof Minci.

When she finally dismisses you two, Albedo books it for the exit and you have to quicken your pace to catch up to him. The cold look in his eyes comes to the forefront of your mind and sends a chill down your spine.

Rather than jump to conclusions, a cautious curiosity overtakes you. What in the world happened to cause him to react like that?

You grab his sleeve before he gets the chance to run off, "Not so fast, Sunshine," he turns around, his cold blue eyes boring into you. You glare at him in turn, waiting for a reaction. There were so many things you wanted to say to him but you have one objective: Get answers — that's all you want from him.

Nothing more, nothing less.

The distance between you two has never felt more palpable.

“Why did you do it?”

Albedo looks unimpressed, "You're gonna have to specify what you mean by that, Cupcake."

"You know damn well what I mean. Why did you step down?"

“Don't push me for an answer,” he takes a step back as he averts his gaze, tugging his sleeve from your grasp. “It has always been you, after all. You’ve always been so much better than me anyway. If anything, you should be thanking me for not putting up a fight.” the sarcasm in his voice makes his statement all the more spiteful.

What the fuck is that supposed to mean? Does he think so lowly of you that he thinks you are incapable of outperforming him? Despite all of your arguments, you believed that the two of you had reached a common ground, but perhaps you were mistaken.

You know what he’s trying to do: he’s throwing away this opportunity just to spite you

“Do not think me lesser than you just because you placed higher than me last semester, Sunshine,” you say, each word seething with venom. “What use is your rank if you insist on not bothering to use your fucking head?"

Albedo takes one, two, three steps toward you until he’s right in front of you. A tense silence falls between the two of you, your only company found in the distant chatter of the science building. There is a word for moments like these, where you wait with bated breath as the seconds pass by.

The silence is broken when he finally leans in closer, “Please. At least I know my limits, unlike you. Are you so desperate to prove yourself that you constantly feel the need to compare yourself to me? It’s pathetic, Cupcake.”

You take a step back at what he said. You won’t lie, that shit stings, but you mask your hurt with the most intense glare you can muster. Those five long years we’ve spent apart really have changed us – for better and for worse.

If he regrets his words, he doesn’t show it. His bitterness lingers in the air as you stand there and watch him walk away.

You tuck away all the hurt you felt when he looked you in the eye and tipped the fragile equilibrium the two of you tried so desperately to maintain. What use were these shallow niceties when you can never seem to reach any semblance of an agreement with him?

All you have left is the rage that boils within you, red and raw. Anger means you’re still fighting. Anger means you haven’t given up.

And you’ve always been a fighter, even when you were kids.

— previous || masterlist || next

author's notes:

im sorry 🥹

featured song: Afraid by The Neighbourhood

taglist (i):

@fvkkyu @mintreen @edreee @khyllynnn @xxmirrorballxx @aiikalvr @yaefics @unsterblich-prinz @aequha @alch3myy @lovely-althxa @nei-rinn @cridtiins @zestrya @skylions-den @moriiartt @theother-victoria @sunsethw4 @dazaisfavgf @serossidechick @koiir @lazy-sanns @sweetbunnybunbun @dee-zbignuts @redactedhimbo @yurstepm0m @fanfictwarrior @fuyaa @saoiirsee @ireallylikehamsters @elfxiao @whosxangel @kitsuvil @orionicchaos @blurr3db3rry @semi-orangeapple @kunikuzushiit @atlatcaheart @wrrapedroundmyfingerlikearing @scarafrisbee @lost-wicked-artist @kairxse @elysiasbae @eurekatanya @empathum @tatiratty @zannivrs @mikismusings @sunoo-bby @astolary

— the taglist is currently open! if you’d like to be added feel free to reply or send in an ask! – if your blog isn't highlighted it means i can't tag you.

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