Congratulations! I'm Happy For You!! ^♡^

║Zhongli║In Return

Requested from Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Word count: 1.2k

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Zhongli is indeed wealthy in terms of knowledge, having noticeably a much greater understanding than any scholar of any field. But when it came to mora? Count him out. He was not the best at managing his mora and still isn't now, so that is why you were there to step in every time he is in dire need of money.

"Mr. Zhongli, you can't go around Liyue saying that you will buy everything that the store has when you know that you don't carry a wallet," you say depressingly, handing a pouch full of mora to the person behind the counter. This fact, however, did not phase the man himself, staring blankly at you, a hand on his mouth as he observes.

You took the bag of the things that Zhongli wanted to buy and walked out of the store, dragging him along. "Here." You turned around to face the male and outstretched your arm with the bag. "Do you.. Have anywhere else that you want to check out?" you ask, not wanting to leave him without mora to pay for anything. You were lucky-- wait, no, he should feel lucky that you were around and to peek curiously inside the store he was at so that you could pay for his things. "Hm, I do have one more place to go," he says.

You nodded. "Alright, we'll go to that place, but promise me that you won't go shopping for today," you say, to which he agrees. You were busy today so you couldn't go shopping with him, but you can't just leave him alone. Sometimes, you wonder how such a composed man that basically has all the knowledge of Teyvat, not even have a single mora on him.

After ensuring that Zhongli was safe to be alone, you bid farewell and did your own things to be completed.

-

"Make sure you come to work on time!" Hu Tao warns with a smile, bidding you bye. She may be an irritating person to deal with that loves to pull pranks, but as the master of the Wangshen Funeral Parlour, she could take some matters such as time seriously. You nod your head and returned a wave to your boss before going off to shop for dinner.

The night life of the city was much more crowded than that of day-- probably because the darken sky can hide many secret encounters-- be it for civil citizens or crooks lurking in alleyways to trade wanted items for their benefit. You couldn't care less of what they do-- you just wanted to buy food and go home.

A familiar whiff of food made its way to your nostrils and made your stomach growl, deciding that it wanted to eat that specific food. You jerk your head to find the place that sells it, which you found in mere seconds upon your hunger and trotted over immediately. "Woah! They are selling these again!" you exclaim happily, eyes reflecting stars as you slightly drool.

Wiping the drool off with the back of your hand, you reached for your pouch money, but when you opened it, it was completely empty! "Eh!? I swore I had mora in here. I'm sure I didn't even spend--" Your words were cut short, remembering that you had used up your paycheck yesterday to help Zhongli. You sulked, knowing that you'll have to go hungry till your next paycheck.

"Maybe I can ask Hu Tao for extra money?" you ask yourself, feeling sad tears welling up in your eyes. About to come to the conclusion and go home, a voice spoke up from behind. "(Y/N), what are you doing here so late at night?"

Turning to look over your shoulders and craning your head up a bit, you were met with amber eyes that seemed to glow brighter than the lights in the city.

"Mr. Zhongli, what are you doing here?" you ask, full of surprise that a man such as himself would be caught loitering around food vendors such as the one you were at. "I.. Went for a nightly stroll, is all," he answers. "May I ask about you as well?"

"Uh, well.. I was going to buy dinner, but I used up all my mora, so I'm going to go home.." you answered honestly, though a bit embarrassed saying it out loud, especially to the man you like. "Oh, is that so? Well, if that is the case, I will pay for you," he says and looks towards the person who ran the food stall. "Excuse me, I'd like to buy a dozen of these." He points at the food you were just drooling about not too long ago. The person nods smilingly and took out a bag to place the right amount of demand inside.

"M- Mr. Zhongli, aren't you forgetting your wallet?" you ask, swear dropping frivolously. You coming there and not having mora was embarrassing enough and will be more embarrassing with Zhongli, knowing that he most likely forgot his wallet at home. He eyes you, a small smile tugging his charming face as he places a hand on your head before taking out what seems to be his wallet. "Here you are, boss," he says, handing a pouch full of money, not even asking for the price or counting the money. "U, uh, sir, this is quite a lot." And indeed it was. "It is fine. You may keep the extra," he states. The vendor thanked Zhongli and even put in a couple extra of the food ordered with no added charge.

Once far from the stall, Zhongli hands you the bag. "U, uhm, I'm surprised that you brought your wallet.. But I'll pay you back, I promise!" you say determinedly. Zhongli smiles and shook his head. "There is no need to. As I had said, I need not such materialistic thing," Zhongli states. He loves to repeat those words and it was kind of funny that even when saying it so many times, you didn't think of it.

"Then is there anything I can do to make it even?" you ask. "You have already paid for my things more times than I could ever hope to repay you," he says softly. But even when he says that, it didn't sit right with you. You have been helping him because you liked him and wanting nothing more than to care for him, but he is probably doing it to repay your kindness.

Noticing your expression and guessing your thoughts, Zhongli added, "You can, however, pay it by joining me for dinner." Upon hearing it, your eyes lit up as you stare at the man with a surprised face. "I confess, I have found a liking to you, (Y/N). I a unsure of any other method to court you other than to take you out," Zhongli says, full of confidence that it even reflects his eyes.

"I.. I would love that!" You smiled. Who knew that a man like him would be found courting for an average local such as yourself. "I am pleased to hear that." Zhongli returns your smile with a smile of his own and walked you to a restaurant that he had been planning take you to for a long while.

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✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ┄•͙✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙

✦❘༻𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝙼𝚢 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝༺❘✦

Malleus Draconia x fem!reader

Summary: Congratulations! Out of all the noble ladies that were in line to become a princess and soon-to-be queen consort, you had been chosen. Oh, what's this? But you aren't married off to your kingdom and is, in fact, married to another country whom raged war with yours for decades on end?

You find yourself face-to-face with an enemy of your homeland, hands held in marriage and surrounded in a pretty little illusion of a happy wedding with flowers and smiles of all whom watched. You begin to wonder if your life had already ended the moment you stepped foot outside your homeland, taking a gulp at the frightening look on the prince of this twisted kingdom that you'll be ruling alongside him. Maybe you should try to get to know him and make peace.. Maybe he might turn out to be not so scary after all.

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

Chapter 1 - The Beginning of an End

Chapter 2 - The Day I've Been Betrothed

Chapter 3 - Teas, Cakes, and the Sleeping Beauty

Chapter 3.5 - A Step Into the Social Circle

Chapter 4 - Here Comes the Red Prince

Chapter 4.5 - First Strike of the Consequence (Coming soon)

•••

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

Tags: If you wish to be notified when I upload a chapter, please let me know in the comment section of this post.

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

Updates will be slow since I want to try to push forth quality content so it might help you to get notified!

✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ┄•͙✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙

✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ┄•͙✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙

✦❘༻𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝙼𝚢 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝༺❘✦

Ch. 3.5 - A Step Into the Social Circle

Malleus Draconia x fem!reader

Chapter list + Summary

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

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

It has been a while since you’ve worn something as elegant as the dress that was a deep shade of green that was almost a midnight blue you’re wearing with all the black lace and pearls stitched into it. It was beautiful, that much you can at least honestly say, but there was still a problem.. ‘It’s too heavy..’ You’ve never fancied yourself to such stuffy dresses. The only thing you were quite happy with are the frills at the end of the sleeve that cups your wrists rather loosely. Honestly, you were partially grateful that you hadn’t been going out of the palace for as long as you’ve had, now remembering just how tight dresses could become. When you were but just a noble’s daughter, tea parties and balls were frequent so you had to wear ridiculously suffocating dresses. And it was like tea parties and gossiping were all the things that noble ladies had to think of for entertainment. Well, there were also the croquet games held in the palace of the Queen, but it was an invitation exclusive that you, sadly, were not invited to at all. 

Now that you’re comparing dresses, you don’t recall your wedding dress being as tight compared to the suffocating dress you’re wearing. You wished the same tailor made the dress you’d wear tonight. ‘Or maybe it’s because the atmosphere was much more suffocating that I hadn’t noticed..’ The never prying eyes watched every step you took that day, waiting and wishing for you to trip; make a mistake. Since it was an important day for the kingdom, every noble family attended so you’re sure to meet most nobles at the party tonight too. Despite the scary eyes directed towards you that day, you wonder if you could make friends at the banquet since you haven’t had someone close to talk to in this kingdom. You became rather hopeful.

“Princess.” A bored voice ensues after two, firm knocks on the door. You let the servant come in and before she even said what she was there for, you already knew. “His Highness, the prince, has me come fetch you for the banquet. He is waiting for you downstairs in the foyer.”

“Alright, thank you,” you say and let her escort you. Just as she had told you, Malleus really was waiting downstairs. He stares off at another hallway and if you just strain your ears, you’d hear the faint clacking of heels fade away as it gets further away. After a few seconds, he was fixing the cuffs and now seeming to be in wait but with his brows slightly furrowed. ‘Was he speaking to someone just now?’ 

You interrupted his thoughts when you stepped in his view. “Child of man..” His eyes were slightly wide, showing a look of surprise, though honestly, it shouldn’t be the case since he should be expecting you after telling someone to get you. 

When you look at him carefully, you see that you two were matching— not in the literal way where he was wearing the same dress as you, but it’s complimenting each other quite well. On top of that, on his head, he adorned a tricorne with a dark green lace that trims around it, but it’s customized to accommodate his horns. You hadn’t known that this was how it’ll go so you were truly in for a surprise and you admit, even though he had a scary air about him, you couldn’t deter your thoughts away about how handsome he was— something you didn’t think of on the day of the wedding. 

He clears his throat when he notices you had been staring blankly at his face. “Are you ready to go?” He asks with which you said a quick, meek ‘yes’. Your face is a bit flushed at you getting caught looking at him for a prolonged time. 

You follow him outside where there was a black carriage in wait with the footman having opened the door already. When you moved your eyes slightly to the front of the carriage— to your surprise— what seemed to be normal, black horses that match the theme of the carriage were emitting ominous yet faint golden particles by their hooves. 

When you take a glance to your side where Malleus stood, he does not seem to find it strange at all and in fact, continues walking down the steps of the castle. You followed closely behind.

He stops shortly in front of the door and he swings his body at 120 degrees so that his body is partially facing you and then proceeds to stretch out a hand. Admittedly, you were confused for the first few milliseconds before remembering it was just a formality— something that he should be doing— and that you should accept it. 

Only after getting into the carriage and getting yourselves cozy on the soft and crazily expensive cushions, does the footman close the door and the horses proceed to trot away with the guidance of the coachman.

It must be nice to be outside, you think. Since now, there was an awkward air inside and an intimidating presence just inches from you. You try to get creative in your head and think of nice things to forget reality for a moment just until you arrive at the Marquis’ home. 

You’ve done a bit of your studies before going actually, and based on what you’ve read, he is an outstanding lord who mainly deals with the financial status of the kingdom. There wasn't anything to note about his wife, however, except that she is from another noble family. You were a bit disappointed since it was her birthday that you were attending and you have little to no information about her at all. 

Your thoughts had been interrupted when the road became bumpy, causing you to slightly jump in your seat and lurch forward. ‘What the—‘ When you look out the window out of instinct, you see that the carriage was getting awfully close to the edge of a cliff. 

“We normally don’t use carriages,” Malleus begins with an eerily calm tone despite the situation and you whip your head with a clear look of panic. If he doesn’t use them, how will he know how a carriage is supposed to be used— “Faes generally have the ability to fly, whether it is by wings or magic.

“However, the kingdom has many sorts of creatures who have little magic and thus tire easily when used so they opt to use their legs. There are also faes whose magic capabilities have drained with age.. If they do not have wings, carriages were made to accommodate them since the terrain here consists mainly of cliffs and is unwalkable.” 

You were about to say something— anything— about how if it was unwalkable, how does he expect a carriage to travel when you felt the carriage becoming light.. As if it had been thrown off of the cliff. 

You felt your heart drop and something vile building up in your throat. You were going to die right here, you think, and it hasn’t even been long since you’ve started out your new life. Malleus was still infuriatingly calm as you panic when you could no longer feel the bumps of the pathway and the trees from your peripheral vision— ‘Wait, what? No trees..?’ Finally, you look outside the window and to your bewilderment, the trees were not of eye level anymore and were below you. 

When you pressed yourself against the glass, you could barely see a gold mist just underneath the carriage and you could guess that the source was the horses at the front. Although you were a bit scared at how high you were from the ground, you were in complete awe at the new experience. “Lilia said that humans are afraid of heights so I apologize for the long journey, but I did not want your travel here to frighten you,” Malleus said, eyeing your form that had its back facing him from his peripheral vision. He was referring to the time when a similar carriage came to pick you up at your manor back in the Rose Kingdom. You wanted to say that the fear depends on the situation and person, but you don’t dare imagine what would happen if you correct him. 

‘Lilia?’ There was a look of naivety on your face. ‘Is that someone close to Malleus?’ Deciding not to be too nosy, you decided not to ask. You weren’t close to him anyway to have the right to. In fact, it shouldn’t bother you in the slightest at the thought of him keeping a certain secret from you if he did. And it doesn’t. 

You turn to look outside the window again at the valleys and cliffs underneath you, remaining quiet. At some point, you see small lights gathered together in one place and you already can guess that they are lights from houses. They were all spread out, however, and you recall in your studies that since it’s hard to actually build homes in the Valley, they’re all spread out. Hopefully, you can go out to one of these towns some day, if Malleus permits it. A rule that you had been silently following was to always ask him if you want something or if you want to go somewhere. But, you rarely ask for things because frankly, it’s better if you have little to no interaction with him. 

“Your Highnesses, we’ve arrived at Marquis Hagen’s estate,” one of the men at the front says loud enough for the both of you to hear well inside the carriage. The first hump was felt soon after when the carriage made impact with the ground and then came the sound of the horses’ hooves trotting on the pavement. 

You had to look towards the window closest to Malleus to see the enormous house that is lit with lights from inside. Sure, it wasn’t remotely comparable to the castle, but it was still huge in its own right. 

The carriage drew to a steady halt and a footman came to open the door. He bowed deeply under the presence of Malleus who turned to you and held a hand out for you the same way when he led you into the carriage. There were some nobles still at the front, preparing to head inside, when they caught the glimpse of your arrival.. Or more specifically, Malleus’ arrival. Compared to him, you were just a background character. 

However, you noticed that most— if not, all those present had the look of surprise. Were they surprised to see a human here? But when you look carefully, their eyes were on Malleus. Curious. 

Nevermind, you could not dwell on it anyway since you were busy being escorted into the hall where the banquet is held. “Your Highnesses, welcome.” The doorman at the door greeted you both with a deep bow.  When the door swung open, the banquet was already in full swing. You were in complete awe at the sight of so many faes who all had an individuality to them. 

Ever the curious, their eyes were drawn to who had just recently entered. A gasp could be heard somewhere in the room. Then, “Your Highness!” In unison, the faes all took a respectful bow, with the females doing a curtsy with a hand over their chest. 

“There’s no need for this. I did not come on official business.” With the wave of his hands, the guests returned to their activities prior, now in whispers about your arrival. They must really respect him, you thought. When you look to see his expression, you were quite surprised at the sight you caught. ‘What’s with that look..?’

Amidst your wonder, the sound of heels heading your way caught your attention and thus, you could not ask what was on your mind. “Your Highness.” A woman who had the soft glow of youth dressed herself in a light purple bustle that matched the colour of her eyes and left much room to cover on her collarbones since her sleeves were off the shoulder. Her hair was left in a neat, tight bun with a hairpin holding it together. In contrast to her light garment, her hair was dark. She’s a beauty in the night, you think, completely enamoured by her beauty. “It’s a wonderful surprise to see you  attend one of my banquets at last.”

‘Huh? Does Malleus not regularly attend social gatherings?’ You find reasons for his questionable look earlier. It was akin to a drooling child looking through the patisserie’s windows at the tarts put on display that day— just minus the drooling and shop entirely. But still, it doesn’t completely make sense to you.

“It just so happens that the invitation came my way,” he coolly brushes off the comment. You couldn’t understand the underlying meaning of those words nor did it ever raise questions in you. He turns to you who remained quiet at his side. “Child of man, this is Lady Guinevere. Marquis Hagen’s wife.” He gestures with a hand. 

“It’s an honour to meet you, Lady Guinevere,” you say with a shy smile. A mischievous glint crosses her eyes and she brings a loose fist up to her mouth. “Ah, yes.. Although I’m the one who sent the invitation, it still feels so surreal to have a human in my abode.” She smiles warmly. “The honour is all mine, Princess.”

Her attention on you was brief, returning her focus on Malleus. “The first dance will start soon and I had hoped that Your Highness and the princess would lead the dance,” she picks up a topic to go forth. Your body froze. ‘A dance? With him?’ 

“It would be the best present, you know,” she adds on. Malleus simply nods at her request. A little too quickly, might you note. After a few more exchange of words, she excuses herself to make sure the musicians are ready. When the both of you stepped aside, you took this chance to tug at his sleeve, forgetting for a brief second about your fear toward him since there was a larger fear at hand. He feels this and bends his torso so that you could whisper in his ears, already sensing that you wanted to tell him something in private. 

“Um, Your Highness..” You began, gulping down your nervousness. “I’m not a good dancer.” He faces you with slightly widened eyes at the confession. He had assumed you knew these things since you were a full bred noble and you honestly couldn’t fault him. The start of this ill-fated moment began when you were young. You hated the way your feet would hurt every time you did your dancing lesson and threw quite a fit until your father decided that it would be okay to not do them until later in your years. And frankly, if it doesn’t help you, you wouldn’t do it. Dancing was an opportunity to flirt, that’s what you thought at the time. Even up until recently, not a single man had come asking you for a dance and so you silently watched from the sidelines. There wasn’t any need for you to properly learn how to dance. Who knew that something— your marriage— would have come sooner than you had thought that requires you to dance. You thank your father for cheering you up during your dark era but now, you wished someone had forced you to continue your lessons. 

Safe to say, you were embarrassed as you spoke the words into his ears. How silly you were when you were young. You felt embarrassed for the younger you. Malleus straightens up with the look of thought crossing his features. “Child of man,” he looks at you after having come to a conclusion. “We cannot decline Lady Guinevere’s wish now—“ You felt hopeless. “—so if you’ll allow me, I’ll cast a spell on you.” 

Or maybe there was hope. “What sort of spell..?” You ask, a look of weariness makes your eyebrows scrunch down together. Now, it wasn’t like you don’t trust him, having heard of how powerful he is and how he would be surpassing the strength of the current queen of the Valley of Thorns sooner than most thought, but you were being used as the subject of the spell and you’ve read too many magic mishaps at the sorcerer’s tower to have a reason to be afraid. It was a natural response even though you didn’t have much of a choice. “The gift of dance,” he answers, already readying himself to cast it on you. “It will be temporary so do not worry for any sort of lasting effect.” It wasn’t like you had any choice except resigning yourself to fate. 

When the time came and Lady Guinevere announced that the first dance would be led by the prince, your nerves were now the one hindering you. Before it was your inability to dance, now it was you wanting to chicken out. What if the spell wears off during the dance? What if the others can sense the traces of magic and know that you can’t dance? What if— “Child of man.” 

You were startled out of your thoughts. Malleus stood beside you with a gloved hand waiting for yours. His face was that of calm, contrasting with your panicked one that all but reveals the thoughts coursing through your mind. “O-oh, right..!” You place your hand on his. You feel eyes burning at the back of your skull as Malleus leads you to the middle of the circle that formed. 

You put your left hand on his shoulder. This much you knew how to do. The music started of softly and quietly when you first walked onto the centre but it gradually became louder the moment either one of you took the first step, but not too chaotic sounding with the sound of a cello doing skips. 

There wasn’t even a breathing room before the dance started and it was hard to keep up with Malleus’ steps. With all the spinning and the scrutinizing eyes on you, you were starting to feel dizzy. You weren’t even sure if you were dancing correctly. Maybe the spell didn’t actually work— “Child of man,” Malleus calls for you softly but the vibrations of his voice was still there but only for you to hear. “Keep your eyes on me.” 

At his words, you realized that you had been staring at his shoes, a subconscious action born from your nervousness. “S-sorry..” “Focus on me. Do not worry about them,” he said and that’s what you did. Your brows slightly furrowed as you concentrated hard on him. Even with your tallest heels on so you could come close to his height, you notice that he was hunching forward a bit. You don’t know who's back would hurt more from this though since you were leaning a bit back just so you could properly look at him. 

You both glide across the floor, your dress fluttering as it tries to catch up to you while Malleus leads the dance. He was scary to look at but it was better than having danced with a total stranger.

When the dance concluded, you felt a wave of relief wash over you. You immediately step off to the side with Malleus in tow to let the others dance. “The magic has worn off now,” he states calmly and offers a glass of water that he had somehow managed to get his hand on. You mumbled a quick thank you and downed the water. Honestly, you had been focusing too much with the background noises in your head that you hadn’t really thought of how silly you must have looked. I mean, the height difference is obvious and everybody knows that to nail the best dance, you should have someone close to your height. He was not and you were practically breaking bones just to make eye contact with him. Well, whatever has been done is now in the past.

“Your Highness, that was a wonderful dance,” Lady Guinevere had come back to you both when the banquet was now in full swing with the loud music and dancing. Her fox-shaped eyes were soft and really brought in the definition of a mysterious beauty. “You as well, Princess.” 

You gave a small and shy smile, feeling a bit warm in your cheeks that someone so pretty was complimenting you, even if the dance was a bit fake. “It was an honour to have given the best gift to you, Marchioness,” Malleus says, turning his gaze to you. “Child of man, do you wish to continue to stay here for a bit longer?” 

Hm? You stare at him with the look of cluelessness. Was it not inappropriate to leave so soon when the party has just begun? Before you could give an answer, Lady Guinevere interrupts. “Mm? Your Highness, why is it that you keep referring to the Princess as ‘Child of man’?” She gives an innocent smile that shows her curiousity. “Is she not a human child?” Is the answer he goes with. Though it was a question to a question, it pretty much ends at the same answer. There really was no other explanation to give except that you were human.

“Ah. I just thought it was a cute nickname.” She covers her close-eyed smile with a hand momentarily before dropping it back down. “Hmm. If Your Highness chooses to go now, I must give a proper send off. 

“It was an honour hosting you today, You Highness and Princess. I hope that you’ll attend more of my birthday banquets in the future. Maybe then my husband is not out on one of his business trips.” She does a low curtsy and excuses herself, leaving you the final word on whether or not you should continue to stay. Tonight was fun but you feel that if other men were to approach you to ask for a dance, you’d surely break a toe. Now that the magic is gone, you are left to showcase your horrible skills to fend for dear life. Coming to that conclusion you— “Your Highness!” A man had taken the opportunity to strike up a conversation now that Lady Guinevere had walked away. Well, it doesn’t hurt for Malleus to talk some more. You can wait. “…”

“Huhu, the prince doesn’t really care for the princess, does he?” A quiet murmur in the distance, but you heard it. You wanted to see the face of whoever said that but you didn’t know how to without making it obvious. “This marriage is a joke. Our prince is made a laughing stock at marrying someone so.. Weak.” It seems that there’s a conversation about you just within earshot. You don’t mind people talking about you, but the least they could do is not speak ill of you when you’re literally right there. At this point, they should just say it to your face since it makes no difference. 

“I’m sure the prince feels the same way; have you heard what he calls that thing?” 

“Child of man, was it? Haha! Yes! He doesn’t even refer to her by name.” You had been subconsciously gripping your dress till it wrinkled at that certain spot. The hatred that ran between humans and faes is still fresh in their hearts so it isn’t right for you to speak up, you believe. Both sides were hurt and had lost someone dear so if this talk was an extension of relieving that aching pain in them, you’ll let them. They were just like humans. They feel the same emotions as you. Still, it’s about time you leave. They still don’t like the thought of a human around so maybe you’ll come back once the storms have calmed a bit. Braving up yourself, you tug at the sleeves of Malleus’ clothes that just rested at his side. Again, he leans down to get to a smiliar height as you so you could whisper in his ears. “Your Highness, I’m feeling a bit exhausted..” 

He takes one glance at you and then nods his head to confirm that your wish has been heard. “I’m sorry to cut this conversation short, but it seems that it’s about time for us to leave,” Malleus returns to speaking with the fae that approached earlier and stood idly by until you finished talking with him. “Have yourself send the proposal to the privy council. I am merely but a prince so the Queen will have the final word.”

The fae understood right away and had given way for you both to leave after giving a respectful bow. By the time you two had gotten out of the manor, the carriage was already waiting. You plop down on the soft cushions and kept to yourself, staring out at the window and trees the were underneath your feet.

“…” You bit your lip and fidget with your fingers, contemplating on whether or not you should bring it up to the fae beside you. Malleus sat with his legs crossed over one another with a serene look on his face, his eyes closed as he takes in the peaceful night that contrasted the earlier moments at the ball. It was short but he very much enjoyed it. 

You sigh. You’ve already begun treading the path of danger and risked your life the many times you so much as peep a sound to him so might as well go for it, right? “Your Highness..” “Yes, child of man?” He was at the ready to answer as if he had been waiting for you to speak. “That nickname.. Don’t you find it a bit awkward to say?” You began with careful words. Hopefully he gets the message but if not, you hoped to guide him to the answer. Turns out that the conversation between the whispering nobles had made you insecure. You didn’t mind him calling you whatever he wanted before. “No, it isn’t.” Ah. So you’ll have to go for your second plan after all.

“W-well, I was thinking that if you ever need me urgently, it may be a bit too long of a name.. Don’t you think so?” You cautiously look at him from the side of your eyes to see how he’s reacting. He brings a finger to his chin and thinks about it. Was it really necessary to ponder every scenario over a name, you questioned. “Then, what name do you suggest I should call you?” He asks, meeting your eyes. ‘Why does he word it as if we’re naming a household pet?’ 

“I haven’t thought that far, actually..” You had hope to leave the naming to him since he seems like the expert so you ended the conversation at that until you arrive back at the castle.

You’ve only been gone for what, 4 hours? Still, it felt like you had been gone for much longer that the feeling of missing home weighed in your heart so when you did arrive, you felt so much better. “Then, I’ll go to bed now, Your Highness.” You gave a small smile and a quick bow and excused yourself. It was only after you got to the hall where your room was at did you feel much at ease. Hopefully, you won’t encounter him for a while— just until you recharged yourself at least. You know it’s unavoidable, the meetings with him. 

— 

Nothing beats a warm bath after a day out. You sit on the bed and comb through your damp hair. You were left to your own thoughts, though not much was being thought about so you were basically zoning out for the majority of this nightly routine so when the door opened, snapping you out of that trance, your skin jumped a bit. I mean, even if they didn’t want to come to you willingly, they shouldn’t enter without knocking and announcing— wait, did they call out for you? 

You turn your head slightly just to look at the door, expecting a servant but what caught you unawares is seeing that the one that stepped into the room was a tall fae and not a servant. “Y-your Highness!?” You hastily get onto your feet and turn you body in attention from the side of the bed further from him. He was in nothing but black, silk robes with a slight chest window. You could tell that he had just finished taking a bath with how droplets of water still drop from his hair to the shoulders along with those that trail down his open chest. 

“Is there anything I can help you with..?” Your voice gradually becomes quieter the further the words go and avert your eyes. He hums. “No,” he answers and walks closer to the edge of the bed opposite from yours. He sits down with his back fully facing you and with the towel that was on his shoulders, he begins drying his hair. 

You were expecting for him to start talking after a while but as the second hand begins to tick loudly from a distance, the more awkward it became. “Then.. Is there something you want to talk about..?” Finally, his hands still and you were very sure of it now that he indeed does. However, what he says next surprises you. “No,” he answers, “Is there something you want to tell me?” He reversed the situation so that he was now asking the questions. 

“Uhm.. Didn’t you come here for something?” Now you were very confused as to why this large fae was sitting on the bed, coming in with no reason— or even an excuse— to why he was there. “Hmm..” He looks at you with the look akin to the eyes of a clueless dog. He was dragging this on even if he didn't realize it. ”I came to sleep.” 

Ah. It was then that you remembered that he does have rights to enter this room as casually as he did— despite not having entered it once since your marriage— since it was originally meant for the two of you. “Oh, right..” You awkwardly sat back down on the bed and continued to brush your hair— not because it was still in tangles, but because you honestly don’t think you can sit there and do nothing with the awkward air hanging above you currently. But just for how long will you keep up with that? Is it too awkward for you to just lie down and say your good nights? Malleus seems to not be bothered at all at just how abrupt he came.

Eventually, you had to put your brush down, having your arms grow tired from its monotonous actions. “Then, I’ll go to sleep first, Your Highness..” You turn slightly to look at his form. Even with the robe covering his skin, you could tell that he was keeping in shape with how broad his shoulders were. And the robe really didn’t try to hide the muscles on his arms and in fact, it seems that the piece of clothing wanted all to see it as well. 

“Good night.” He was still drying his hair when he spoke. You can’t see his face so you’re not sure what he’s truly feeling.. And why he decided to join you tonight. Where had he been sleeping anyway? It was a question that wasn’t waiting anxiously for an answer as you try to lull yourself to sleep despite the situation. You honestly don’t think you’d be able to sleep though, you think, when you find yourself staring at the wall in front of you instead but remaining quiet.

At that second the light slowly began to dim. It wasn’t completely turned off like an extinguished flame. In just the short time you’ve been here, you noticed a lot of things that are different from your norms; one obvious fact— other than that the citizens were not human— was that they use magic for basically everything they do. One time, you had happened to stumble upon a broom sweeping the floor by itself. Perplexed and intrigued, you went to touch the broom but at that moment, the broom felt startled and suddenly fell limp on the floor. A fae came from just around the corner hurriedly and began reprimanding you, saying to not touch it or else the magic will diminish. One day led to another and you happened to pass the kitchen and saw a bag of flour fly across your face. To them, magic was wielded with ease that having one doesn’t automatically get you into the wizard’s tower and work there. Back home, there is one such spell caster that could wield it just as easily which had everyone drawing their eyes to.

When soft snores could be heard, Malleus relaxed his shoulders. What you had thought originally turned out to be wrong, the weight of your body being engulfed in such warmth had it melt into it after a night out. “Lilia.” He mutters and suddenly, a red butterfly with the faint glow akin to a firefly flaps its wings towards him. It had always been since the moment Malleus walked in but you hadn’t noticed since it had hidden itself in the walls. Intangible words were passed in hushed tones. The butterfly wasn’t talking but sounds of airy whispers were indeed coming from it. To anybody listening in, it would sound haunting. It made sounds as if thousands of folks were talking at once in a language they do not know at a low volume. The veil of magic on the butterfly made it so that only the intended listener could make out its words.

He was originally going to sleep in the room that he has been staying in, however.. 

"Khehee."

He crosses his arms as he stares disapprovingly at the little butterfly. Just moments earlier Lilia had approached him and prevented him from going to his room. "I had forgotten to tell Sebek that you had gone for the night." Is what the old fae said to him. Apparently Sebek had flipped the entire room and the rooms near it since he hadn't answered the door and became worried that something bad had happened to him. Though he's not sure how much of it is true. It doesn't make sense to him since he is more capable than any guard. He even was denied having another room set for him by none other than the old fae. "The servants must be quite tired by now, hm? Let them have it easy just for tonight." 

The butterfly continues chuckling as if this situation was amusing. He sighs and it was then that Malleus knew that this would be a long night.

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

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║Venti║Tag! You're It

Requested from Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Fluff.

Word count: 1.7k

---

You sat on the cool, green grass, watching blankly at the birds that flocks by every now and then before sighing, leaning back against the big ol' tree that was about Mondstadt's symbol at this point. It was an awfully slow day with not much excitement going since the traveller from who knows where fixed the whole Stormterror chaos. But honestly, you were quite enjoying the peace that has been restored in the City of Freedom that allowed you to slack off, closing your eyes and heaving a soft sigh.

Unknowingly, a cheeky bard crept up to your person, silent as a mouse. You wouldn't know how he would do it when the squirrels' feet are pitter-pattering the grass beside you and up to the tree.

With a hand reaching to your shoulders, too cold for a day such as this and too pale for a normal human being, your insides leapt out of you and made you stupefied for a brief moment. "Ehe, I didn't know you get scares so easily, (Y/N)~" You turned your head, eyes wide from the fright and a mix of disbelief at the number one bard of Mondstadt. "I was going to spook you with a 'boo' but it seems that you are quite sensitive." He giggles and you look down to his feet and see that he was using his Anemo to move closer to you undetected.

"Don't do that ever again! I thought you were a hilichurl," you breathed, calming your racing heart. He sits beside you, crossing his legs. "Sorry, sorry, I promise I will not do it.. For a while," he adds and you glared at the male. His hands shot up in defence, giving you a close-eyed, mischievous smile. "Anyway, what are you up to?" he asks, moving onto another topic.

"What does it look like?" you ask with a bored expression. His eyes look to the side at the vast green around. "Uh, playing hide and seek?" he purposely plays the dumb card. You were not the least bit amused. "Do you see anyone else around?" you questioned. "I was just resting. There's really not much to do other than looking at the animals at play." You closed your eyes and leaned unguardedly against the tree. You were sure that no one else will pop on by and if there was, you were sure that Venti would be the first to spot. He had a faster reaction time than yours after all.

Venti starts to hum a tune that was most likely made up on the spot since he didn't bring his lyre. It was good just like the rest of his songs and always had that drowsy effect on you. It helped since you just wanted to sleep if there was nothing else to do.

When Venti notices you were about to drift off, he completely stops and turns to you with a cheeky grin and tapping your shoulders repeatedly. "Hey, hey, (Y/N), you want to play hide and seek tag?" he asks. You were shaken up from what could have been your sleep and stare at him with a raised brow while looking annoyed. "Seriously, Venti? Can't we play once I've slept?" "Nope! You will just sleep until the sun has set, leaving me bored."

"You can always sleep during the night so get up and let's play!" He tugs on your sleeves. You groaned. "Venti, take a look around you-- there is literally no place to hide except those hilichurl camps." "So we'll use them as hiding locations too!" He grins.

You stared at him in disbelief, but upon seeing his bright smile, you could do nothing except sigh and accept. "Alright." "Yay! Okay, okay, I want to hide first!" he exclaims, getting up. "You better not peak~" You roll your eyes but did as told, covering your eyes and hearing him flee. You counted up to thirty-- enough time for an Anemo vision wielder such as himself to find a decent hiding spot.

"Alright, ready or not, here I come," you say loud enough and hope it reaches the male. You started looking around the tree but later started looking elsewhere when he wasn't hiding there. It was a good thing that the hilichurls from the camps were dealt with so you and Venti could play without getting into harm's way.

When you went to one of them, your eyes and ears quickly moved their attention to a green hat that rested behind a rock, making sounds of laughter. Well, it wasn't the hat that was laughing but rather, the person wearing the hat. You tried desperately hard not to break into a peal of laughter as you watch him crouch behind the rock.

Slowly, you crept up to his hiding spot, the soft rustling of grass under your feet barely audible, the sound of animals helping it fade from the male's ears. "Boo!" You put a hand on his shoulders, looking down at the bard. "Gah!" He turns his head to look over his shoulder. He felt his own heart race, not knowing you were approaching. "You scared me!" "You deserve it for scaring me earlier." You crossed your arms, grinning at your victorious approach.

"You're a terrible hider, Venti. You forgot to take your hat off," you said, pointing to your own head to point his own. "Ah, I totally forgot." He laughs, taking his hat off and looking at it with a smile. "It also didn't help that you were giggling." He sticks his tongue out and scratches the back of his head. "Ehe."

"Anyway, I guess it's my turn now?" you say, your words sounding more like a question than a statement. He nods his head. "Mm. You better not give away your location~" he says, turning around and putting his hands on his eyes; counting down. You quickly made a dash away from him, heading towards the big tree. You looked around for a good hiding spot, not wanting it to be obvious such as a hilichurl camp; that would be the first place he would definitely look into.

A sudden idea had struck you and you stared at the tree, eyeing its sturdy branches. "This place would be a good spot." With that, you climb the tree, aiming to go for the highest branch. Upon the highest branch, you could peek through the leaves at the sun and at your surroundings below. Surely, this was the best spot to look out for Venti.

You spot him leave the camp that he hid, now on a mission to find and touch you. You concealed a laugh, putting your hand on your mouth although it shouldn't matter since you doubt he could hear you from where you were.

Full of confidence, you propped yourself to lean against the tree, legs dangling off on each side of the branch. This would take a while, you thought to yourself and close your eyes, full of confidence. Closing your eyes was the biggest mistake because the next time you opened them, the sky was a mix of red and orange. "Hah? Did I fall asleep?" you half-asked yourself, moving your legs so that they were both dangling off on the same side as you rub the heavy feeling from your eyes.

You were still at the same spot but Venti was nowhere to be seen. You looked around at the nearby camps but to only see that there wasn't even the slightest movement to be seen. Were you left alone? Did he get bored and leave you there? No, that does not sound like Venti at all.. Well, maybe-- if he was playing a prank.

Suddenly, sounds of rustling leaves from above you were heard and then, "Yes, you did." Venti pops his head close to yours, upsidedown as he grins at you. "Ah!" Startled at the sudden closeness and scare, you fell backwards-- falling off of the branch.

"(Y/N)!" Venti extends a hand and in doing so, you stopped falling midway to the ground. He used his Anemo and slowly guided you back up to where you originally sat. You stare off with widened eyes, too slow to comprehend what just had happened. "H, hey, are you okay?" Venti asks, putting a hand on your shoulder.

Apparently, that was all it took to shake you to function as before. You lightly hit his chest. "Do you plan on killing me with a heart attack?" you questioned, eyes not reflecting amusement. He awkwardly chuckles. "Sorry, I didn't think I'd scare you."

You sighed. Seeing his face, you couldn't stay mad at him for too long. "I thought you left," you confessed, changing topics. "Eh? And never get the chance to see your adorable face sleeping? No way!" He flies to sit beside you on the branch, completely forgetting what he just did. "You watched me sleep for how long?" you questioned, raising a brow. "The moment I found you! It didn't take long since you fell off the branch when you were sleeping," he says. "It was a good thing that I saw and caught you in time."

"I fell off?" you repeat to which he nods. "That's when I found out that you were sleeping." You sigh. "Thank you," you said, making the male all smiles at the words of gratitude. "Hehe, anything to see you sleep!" He smiles, closing his eyes as he does so.

"Anyway, I'm getting hungry so I'll go home," you said. "What do you want to eat?" "I can join you?" he asks, eyes reflecting the sky when it turns dark-- full of stars. "Well, it's the least I could do for being saved twice from my death," you point out in a light tone. "Yay!" he cheers and guided you and himself down the tree. "I could really go for some dandelion--" "No." That one word made him pout, staring at you with puppy-like eyes. "You will have homecooked food. Not wine," you said. He sighs defeatedly. "Alright.."

---

I have too many things to do and I don't know where to start. I seriously need to start writing on that original story because I signed a contract.. >○< Hnng-- I didn't think anybody would contact me, let alone a well-known company(?) too.

I'm good, i woke up about a hour ago, took a shower and then i started my prayers, it feels kinda refreshing✨

Thank you for your advice

Oops! Sorry for getting to you late (I don't often go on Tumblr), but you're welcome! Should you need some more advice, I'll try my best to give you good ones. :)

NSFW scaramouche please

Thank you

-anonymous

║Scaramouche║ Bothersome (R)

A/N: Sorry that this took a while.. ^□^" I was having a hard time to find motivation to write for this shorty. Also, a thank you to @/crownemo on Instagram for a particular edit that gave me motivation (it's been long overdue).

Gender-neutral reader. 

Warnings: Unprotected s*x. Choking. Foul language. Degradation (usage of sl*t, wh*re). Scaramouche.

Word count: 1k

All rights reserved.

---

You don't know how it came to this-- from trying to see if he was okay with his work and offering him something to chow down- lest he starves- to you being forced to be down on your knees, cock forcefully shoved inside your mouth.

Your muffled pleas that were moaned into his cock goes unnoticed by him, his grip tightening on your hair in response. Shoving himself deeper into your mouth, his eyes squinted in disgust. “Tch, you’re so pathetic," he finally utters after a long silence, and just having himself in your mouth doing nothing more than just that.

"Don't try to act so meek now." He tugs on your hair, pulling you from his cock, mentally grinning at the saliva that trickled down your chin. "You know, I hate sluts like you who pretend to only want to help just to get fucked." He stood up from his office chair and with that, along with you. 

Once he got you on your two feet once again, he immediately turned you harshly by the hair and pressed your chest on the desk, moving the papers that he worked so hard to finish for the Tsaritsa. 

Getting on to it, he raised a hand and brought it down to your ass hard before rubbing the spot. You whimper at the stinging pain but secretly wished he'd continue-- "Tch. You're such a masochist," he said as if he could read your mind. "Unfortunately, I'm a little busy so I won't indulge into your fantasies today."

He grabs hold of both your arms and secured it behind you with a hand. His other hand went around your waist, slowly caressing your skin and stopping on your abdomen. Hot breath tickled your ears and you waited in anticipation for his next move. 

What felt like minutes were actually just few, agonizing seconds. "Haha, you look so stupid right now. You want my cock? Then you'll get it." Without much of a warning, he stuffed his cock into your tight hole that was left unprepared for him. 

Your legs failed on you at that moment as you let out a melodic moan. "Hnng- Damn it. I should've, I should've prepared you first," he groans, helping you stay on your feet. "Take.. Take it like the filthy slut you are." He pushes himself deeper until nothing of him is left. 

You moaned in both pleasure of having him stuffed inside and in pain at the burning sensation of your walls being stretched. 

Scaramouche did not care of how you were feeling, only thrusting himself slowly at first until just enough of your cum that coated his cock made it easier for him to go faster. You were a moaning mess under him. "You like this? Good because this is all your going to get tonight," he said, thrusting in the place that had left you seeing stars.

It wasn't long before you felt yourself close to release and Scara knew from feeling your walls squeezing around him. “Don’t you dare-- hngg-- cum yet,” he warned in a cold-sounding tone that was enough to frighten you even in such an erotic state. 

You did your best trying to hold it in but him pounding into you at such a crazy speed made you lose your mind. “P, please, Scara..! Let me.. C, cum,” you manage to choke out after a while through your endless series of moans, drool trickling down from the corner of your mouth. “I, I can’t..!”

“Heh, you can’t? Too bad, you’re not going to cum until I say so, got it?” Even though you couldn’t see it, you knew he was smirking, enjoying your tormented expression. At this rate, you will be cumming twice the load.

The need of release was unbearable and through your tears, you came all over him without his permission. Your cheek hit the cold, wooden desk as drool came down to dirty it. It made you feel so good that you didn’t realize that Scaramouche stopped thrusting. It wasn’t like you wanted to disobey him but your body came on its own, no matter how much you didn’t want to disappoint him.

“Hey,” Scaramouche pulls you by your hair harshly, making you yelp in surprise and joly back to your fear, “Did you not listen to a word I said, you pathetic whore?” He stares down at you, disgust and anger written all over his face. “Tch. You can’t listen to rules, huh?” 

He pushes your head back to touch the desk and grabs you by your neck, and starts thrusting into your sensitive hole once again. If the first time was too much for you, this time, he thrusts in an inhumane speed, hitting every inch inside you crazily good. “Scara..!” you manage to say. “I, I can’t.. P, please no more!”

“Oh? No more you say? First you were begging to cum and now that I’ve decided to make you cum twice, you say no?” His grip around your neck tightens and you could only choke out tears and moan, “You should be grateful that this cock is fucking you twice.” You made no noise, too exhausted to do anything but take him.

Since your first release was not too long ago and you were still sensitive, you felt your need to release build up inside you once more. “Heh, I can feel you squeezing tightly around me,” he says through gritted teeth as he pounds into you harder than before, also close to his release. “You better cum when I tell you to, got it?” He did not wait for an answer, knowing that you were fucked out to answer, but still had fear for him to listen.

Luckily, not too long after, you felt his thrust getting sloppier and sloppier by the second. Then, on his order, you came all over his cock again but this time, you felt yourself being stuffed full with his load. He did not stop right there, however, thrusting to you slowly, making sure that you were feeling full just as what he had thought you came to him for.

Afterwards, he releases his grip around your neck and pulls out. You shuddered at the missing feeling of his cock. 

“You look disgusting,” he says, seeing your messy and fucked out face. His eyes wandered around his desk, sighing at the mess that you’ve made. “I’m going to shower. This place better be clean when I get back, got it?” He did not wait for an answer and made his way out of the office. 

~♡~

║Jean║A Defeated Battle

Warning: Hints towards s*ic*d*.

Female reader.

Angst.

Word count: 1.1k

---

Your heart beat with inconsistency everytime you looked at her. From her graceful movements as she diligently does each tasks to small things such as staring at her eyes, lips, and nose-- they were all beautiful to you and you don't think that you would ever get tired of her even after years invested into the relationship.

However, no matter how beautiful she looked, a frown crept up your face as you watch her talk to the Cavalry Captain right outside of the Knights of Favonius' headquarters. She looked drained of energy-- no, she is drained of energy and the bags under her eyes proved that.

Lately, work has started to took a toll on her, but she couldn't rest just yet. However, she has made sure to eat something once every couple of hours to get some temporary energy boost. It was something you reminded her time and time again, all in a light tone since even if she did forget to eat, you would bring her homemade food and force feed her.

"Oh, right, I should probably get going.." you mumbled, remembering that you still had something to do and can't loiter around and watch Jean at work.

With one more glance, you walked away from the scene and soon, out of the city's walls. What you had to do dealt with you going all the way to Starsnatch Cliff.

The breeze was perfect with it not being too cold and when you got there you stood near the edge of the cliff, looking at the green below. It would be a frightening thing to do but to you, it made you feel free. You extended your arms on your sides and closed your eyes, a smile appearing on your face.

You stood there for a while before turning around, eyes landing on a large rock that was surrounded with cecilias. Walking closer to it, one will see that there was a gravestone to it. Crouching down in front of it, you extended your arms to touch the stone, your fingertips tracing the outlined words that was engraved into it.

A sigh escaped your mouth unknowingly and your smile hid no longer that bitterness you held when you look at the stone. "How long..?" you muttered.

You didn't want to stay long so with one more lingering stare, you stood up and brush any dirt off of you and return to the city.

Walking past crowds of people, you returned to the headquarters. Quietly, you opened the door to Jean's office and smiled when you saw her asleep on her desk. It wasn't the best of places to sleep, but at least she was sleeping.

Walking around the desk, you reach your arms towards the sleeping female, but stopped when you saw tears streaming down her face. "(Y/N).." she sniffles. Your heart ached, suddenly feeling bitter.

You forced a smile, although it did nothing to mask your sadness. However, what was done was done and you could not revive the dead.

Yes, you are dead and have been for quite some time.

Memories of time not long ago suddenly came and reminded you of the happy times you spent with the female. The memories leading up to your death was not a happy one, however. It consisted of fighting and battling an inevitable end.

You closed your eyes and remembered the events that occurred just moments before your death. It was full of tears that night.

"I can't take it anymore, (Y/N)!" the blonde shouted, grabbing your shoulders harshly. "Can't you do it for me? Can't you try to fight for me!?"

You averted your eyes to the ground, tears streaming down both of your faces. "We can do it together!" "Don't you love me?" You remained silent, taking all the words she had once said as your heart continued to break. Then, "I do love you.." you said. "Then why can't you try..?" She fell on her knees and cried onto you, gripping your shirt tightly, fearing that you would leave at that moment.

That night was full of tears and sobs were the only sound to be heard in that house that night. Hesitantly, you gently tried to pick her up. "Hey.. Let's go to sleep now, okay?" you whispered gently, getting her to look at you. "I promise I'll try, but I'm feeling tired right now so can we pick this up tomorrow?" Oh how it was such an obvious lie that the blonde easily fell for.

Sniffling, she stood up and nod, energy drained from the constant battle she had to go through with you. That night, she held you tightly and she buried her head on your chest.

Afraid that you would leave that night, she stayed awake. "You'll try.." she croaked, her mouth dry from the shouting. "You'll get past this, (Y/N), so please try.."

You brushed her hair, also awake deep into the night. "I'll try.. For you.." It was yet another lie that rolled off your tongue so easily and she believed it.

The next day, you knew you could no longer make her go through your own battle with you. She had a bright future ahead while you were lost in the dark. You were too blind to see that light that was in front of you-- the one who was helping you fight the monsters that tried to- who eventually succeeded- get you.

When Jean was at work, you took that chance and took what was to be your last stroll all the way to the top of Starsnatch Cliff-- the last place you were seen.

You looked at the ground below, feeling your heart flutter at the thought of finally being free. With one step forward and another, you knew that it would be your last steps in the waking world.

Feeling the rush of wind blowing past you, you closed your eyes and smiled widely. You came to a conclusion that even if a place was called the City of Freedom, it could not free one's self from the void that chased behind them all their life. The City of Freedom could not protect people from their own darkness.

It was selfish of you. You had made someone love you and gave all their love to you, but you took it for granted.

Now, you had to watch the blonde work diligently during the day with obvious fatigue and cry during night, sometimes crying at your gravestone that was placed on top of the cliff. And you couldn't do a single thing-- not even able to comfort her.

Even knowing this, you put your ghostly hands on her shoulders and leaned to kiss her head.

"Sleep well, my love."

---

I bought a cosplay of Lilia for an anime convention months from now. >.< I'm so excited for when it arrives. And if you manage to cross paths with a short Lilia cosplayer.. No, no you haven't.

Yes! Fellow Lilia Simp of mine.

Kikiki, another Lilia simp! Hello!! Thank you for popping out of the darkness; now we can simp and talk about Lilia together now. ☺️