I Have Been Tagged By Elli!! Thank You, Elli!!

Late night rants•••

I really hate when people trash talk about certain characters like Diluc, calling him bad and weaker than some other character. I can't stand people comparing him with other characters who have a completely different kit and purpose. They trash him and for what?? He is an amazing character and DPS with a good lore and heart. If he was a limited time character, I bet you that people would be wanting him like they did back when the game was still fairly new. I wished he was a limited time character. I would have happily thrown my money on his banner.

║Kaeya║Diluc's Cousin 2

Continuation.

Part one!

Word count: 2.7k

---

"Master, your parents sent a letter demanding that you return to Fontaine," Ronan says, hand over his heart and bowing slightly as he gives you the news. You ignored him and stare out the window, sipping coffee that was freshly brewed and delivered directly to your room. It was pouring thus couldn't go to meet Kaeya.

You were in deep thought. It truly has been a long time since you departed in secret to Mondstadt and you knew that if you don't go home, your parents will send a person or two to bring you home. They weren't overbearing parents, no- they are just worried about your safety since you have been out of their sight for about two months now.

Setting the cup down, you turned to look at Ronan, who was urging you to follow the order with his eyes. "Alright," you sighed, "Send word to my parents that I'll return within a week. No more, no less. You know that I keep my words." Ronan nods, and seeing as you had a serious look, he trusts that you'll do as you had just said and excuses himself to go write the letter.

You turn away from the door to the wet landscape outside. You only had a week left with Kaeya and you were determined to spend every second of it with him.

-

"Kaeya!" You waved eagerly at the Cavalry Captain, gaining his attention by the loud yet enthusiastic call of his name. "(Y/N), good morning. It was a shame that yesterday was pouring," he said, a smile on his face. "Give me a moment and I'll be with you." You nod and see him walk to a knight and talked to them in a serious and ordering tone before going back to you. "Alright, I'm all yours for today."

You smiled at his words. It was just the two of you today, without your butler, Ronan, as you had ordered him to stay at Diluc's mansion. You wanted to spend the remaining days with Kaeya alone before returning home. "You know, I haven't met your cousin yet; I'm starting to think you don't have a cousin in Mondstadt," Kaeya said, strolling beside you.

"You don't believe me? Well, that's understandable since he is busy- both during the day and night," you said, "But, believe me, I do have a cousin and he is working at a tavern."

"Oh? At a tavern? That's interesting," Kaeya said. The day was fill with fun- eating, strolling both inside and outside of the city, hearing bards sing, and more eating. Kaeya is surprised that you could take so much food in and had asked if you were from Liyue instead, considering their iron stomachs.

The blue sky started to change to a mix of orange, yellow, and red as the sun started to set behind the cathedral of Mondstadt. That's when you realized that you had forgotten to tell Kaeya something important. "Um, Kaeya, thank you for guiding me around Mondstadt through my time here," you started off, getting the blue-haired male a quizzical stare at you. When he didn't say anything, you took it as to continue. "I'm returning to Fontaine by the end of this week."

There was silence on the receiving end of the conversation as darkness cast over at Kaeya's eyes. He had known that you won't be staying forever, but he didn't think it would be this month that you were leaving. I mean, there was probably still chaos that you wanted to get away from as he had calculated that the traveller- who is always causing something- had probably not yet reached the hydro region to fix it.

"I see."

You started to worry if he was unhappy but when he turned his head to the to stare at you, he was smiling. "Well, then, we should spend this week together as much, no?" He half-heartedly and forcibly laughs. You forced yourself to lightly chuckles as well, feeling already sad that you had to depart from your friend.

When you returned to Diluc's place, you find him sitting on a sofa in the living room, reading a book as he drinks his grape juice. "Diluc!" You came from behind and leaned over the sofa, wrapping your arms lazily around his neck. "I heard that you're leaving this week from your butler," he said, setting down his drink. "Mhm, so, will you spend at least a day with me?" You stare at his side profile.

"I'll set aside time in the morning tomorrow," he said. A smile appeared on your lips and you were beaming with excitement. You did spend time with Diluc throughout the month and something weeks but it wasn't as often which made you a bit sad. But, when he says he is free, you would take the opportunity to hang out with him. "You better keep your word," you said. Diluc knows how serious you are about keeping promises and so was he. He nods slightly before telling you to rest up otherwise you two won't have time to hang out tomorrow morning.

When the sun's light started to peek through the little gaps between the curtains, you were already up and ready to go. Diluc, on the other hand, was still asleep and you had to pull him out of bed. "(Y/N), it's barely six in the morning.."

"Hey, you said that we're going to hang out all morning and I'm not wasting a single second!" You tug on your cousin's arm. After a few more minutes, the fiery-haired male finally got up, telling you to leave the room as he changes his clothes.

You two skipped breakfast at home to eat breakfast outside, on your wishes, of course. You two strolled around and bought some things that caught your eyes for you to take home to Fontaine. "(Y/N), you don't need that," Diluc said for the nth time at another souvenir you had found that was sitting perfectly in the middle of Marjorie's store. "But, Diluc, I want to remember all the things in Mondstadt!" you said.

"You can always come back to visit Mondstadt," he states. "Yeah, in a couple of years.." you mumbled, pouting as he drags you away from the window. "As long as you can visit again and not be locked up inside some tower, you'll be fine with just a couple of souvenirs," Diluc said. You were a bit careless with mora and that's something Diluc caught up on when reading your letters sent from Fontaine and wanted you to stop spending so much of your father's money.

You didn't hide your sulking expression that Diluc would take time to figure it out. In the distance, to the direction you two were walking, Flora was at her usual spot, selling flowers to those who passed by. He thought it would be better to buy something meaningful like a flower bloomed only in Mondstadt rather than souvenirs of artifacts that can be found across Teyvat. He drags you by the hand to Flora's stall. "Hello there, mister. Do you care to buy a flower for the lovely person beside you?" the little girl asks with her usual, happy smile.

"Yes. Do you have a flower especially from Mondstadt?" he asks. Flora nods. "I have cecilia flowers which can only be found in Mondstadt's Starsnatch Cliff; a perfect flower to represent Mondstadt for travellers that comes from another part of Teyvat," she answers enthusiastically. Diluc agrees to buy a flower and hands it to you, who was busy looking at food from a far away stall.

"(Y/N)." You turn your attention to Diluc who held a single cecilia flower. "Instead of artifacts, why not have a flower?" A small smile appears on his face, a genuine one at that. You stare at the flower in his hands and returned him a smile of your own. "Aw, you should smile more often," you said and pulled on his face, stretching it to make his smile bigger, although at this point he's smile is that of a forced one and he looked annoyed more than anything.

You giggled and let go of his now reddened cheeks before accepting the flower. "I should be going now," Diluc suddenly says, "I'll see you at home; you better be home by then, understand?" You chuckled but nodded at his commanding voice before shoeing him away.

The morning was enjoyable on your part, but what about the Cavalry Captain who stood just a few feet behind you? A shadow loomed over him as he had just seen the intimate gestures you and Diluc had with a smile on your face he had never thought to see for another person. When did you two ever meet up, he asked himself. It was probably when he wasn't around.

He was about to greet you when a familiar red-head entered his line of sight with cecilia in hand, giving it to you with a smile that he had thought that was long gone.

Kaeya had to find out so he put on a perfected, fake smile that was scarier than any other smiles a person could see in a lifetime. "(Y/N)!" He calls out, getting your attention away from Diluc's disappearing figure and to him.

A smile tugged on your face when you see who had just called you. "Kaeya, I was about to go look for you!" you said as he walks closer to you. "Oh, really?" he asks, knowing that you had just parted away from someone else not too long ago. You nodded, not knowing the hidden venom in his tone. Kaeya was most ticked off when you nodded but then see the cecilia. "Oh? Did someone buy you that?" he asked innocently as if he hadn't just seen Diluc give you the flower.

"Yeah, how did you know?" you ask in pure surprise and awe. "Lucky guess," he lied, "So, care to tell me who bought you this?" His eyes were cold and you were completely unaware.

Your eyes softened and smile gently when you thought of who everyone thought of as cold giving you a flower. "Someone dear to me," you answered. Kaeya felt something foreign well up in his chest. It felt as if it was squeezing his heart to pieces. How could Diluc be someone already so dear to you when you had just arrived in Mondstadt. He wanted to ask, believe me, but he had to hold himself from asking since your love life wasn't something he should be concerned with and reminded himself that you'll leave the city soon enough so there couldn't possibly be something between you and himself.

You pulled him along and enjoyed the rest of the day. When the sky was dark enough to see the stars and moon, it was time to part for the day. You part ways with him at the fountain in the center of the city, but instead of going back home, Kaeya followed you in secret.

He had followed you to Angel's Share- where Diluc was at- and watched as you entered the busy tavern. It was clear to him that something was up between the two of you so he stayed, hidden around the corner of a building that had a perfect view of the door to the tavern. It took hours of just standing there until you had left the tavern with Diluc, chatting something amongst you two and laughing about it. Then, Kaeya notices that you had your arm wrapped around his as you both headed out of the city's walls.

The next day, Kaeya had watched you intensely, waiting for something to happen. You caught on but didn't want to say anything about it to only feel awkward later. Slowly, you reached your arms out to an item that the stall you two were at had to offer. "(Y/N), mind if I ask you something?" he asked in a tone that made your skin jump. "A-ah, sure. What is it?" You were honestly afraid and worried about what he was going to ask since he was practically emitting his cryo vision around him.

"I had been wondering, do you perhaps stay somewhere outside of the city? I always see you leaving the gate when we part," he said, lying about the part that he always sees you leaving; he just found out yesterday when he saw you with Diluc.

"Ah, yes, I am. Is there something wrong about it?" you answered honestly. It was about it that Kaeya could stop himself from asking as he part his lips to utter the words he'd been dying to say. "(Y/N)?" A voice that both knew all too perfectly well caught the attention of both of them. Diluc.

"Diluc!" you eagerly call. Diluc looks to Kaeya who stood behind you, his eyes narrowed at the sight of Kaeya. "Kaeya, what are you doing here?" he asks in a dark, almost growling, tone. "You know Kaeya, Diluc?" you asked, surprised that neither told you of the other.

"You could say that," Kaeya asks, a smirk growing on his lips. It was time for his answer to be revealed. "So, (Y/N), who--.." You caught Kaeya off with full of excitement. "Wow, this is perfect then!" you say. "Kaeya, this is my cousin, Diluc! See, I didn't lie when I said I have a cousin in Mondstadt."

Kaeya's shadowy gaze lighten up as he heard the words leave from your very own mouth. "Cousins..?" he repeats, processing the familiar word in his mind. "Mhm, that's right."

Kaeya's heart lightened up and felt kind of ashamed that he didn't think of another possibility to your relationship with Diluc even though you said that the only other person you knew here was your cousin thus wouldn't be out with anybody else.

-

"Safe travels, (Y/N)," Diluc says warmly. "Thank you for your hospitality," you thanked with a smile. Then, you realized you had forgotten to do one last thing. "Oh, right! I still need to say goodbye to Kaeya!" you said out loud. "Well, I'll be going to the city before I go back. Make sure to read the letters I send and to write back, okay?" Diluc nods and see you out.

"Ronan, let me visit Kaeya before going to Fontaine," you said. Ronan complies to your wishes since it was the day of the departure after all.

When you entered within the city's wall, your eyes immediately started to look for Kaeya. After a while, you still couldn't find him and thought that he was out on a mission. It saddens you but you decided to wait until he comes back since you'd hate it if the person you know leaves without a goodbye.

A few more hours passes by and you lit up when you see Kaeya entering the city. "Kaeya!" Kaeya turns to you, surprised that you were still loitering around when you should be leaving.

"(Y/N), what are you still doing in Mondstadt? I thought you left.." his words trailing to a whisper on the second half. He was happy that you were still around and knew why you haven't departed yet.

You wrapped your arms around his waist and pulled him closer, leaning your head against his chest. Kaeya's face reddened at the sudden action. "(Y-Y/N), you.." The Cavalry Captain couldn't think of anything to say as he was still busy being flustered at the hug. You smiled and took this chance to kiss his cheeks and moved away from him to take a better look.

"I- Why did you kiss me?" He was getting redder by the second as he placed his hand on the cheek you had kissed. "It's the way the people of Fontaine bids farewell," you said with a cheeky smile. Kaeya regains his calm exterior, but his heart was still pounding rapidly in his chest. "I'll be writing to you when I arrive at Fontaine so you better write back, okay?" He smiles and nods, bidding you farewell.

It was the first visit in a while and the first encounter with him. But, you both clearly could tell that something could be developed between the two of you and maybe in your next visit, either will take action for it.

---

One of my requests in my inbox disappeared and I have not a clue how (I did not delete it since I haven't opened my inbox until today).

Fortunately, I did write it down. I'm sorry to whoever requested a Neige NSFW, I won't be able to notify you since you requested anonymously and that was the only way.

Is this something I should be concerned about in the near future?

Referring to this post.

Kikiki, I really love this reader's tag so much. 😂 My inner crave for yandere content has slipped out without me noticing.

Go read the oneshot if you haven't already! No yandere, trust me.

║Xiao║ Misunderstanding

Requested from Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Fluff.

Word count: 1.8k

---

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

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

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

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

Who was the guy next to you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Lilia Vanrouge x reader 

DM Requester: @kimura-uzuri

Reader: Intended female audience but no use of pronouns nor description.

Warning(s): Yandere themes. Overuse of words. 

Word count: 6.9k 

You don't need to read part 1 or other versions to understand. ^^

All rights reserved. Do not steal/copy and paste and upload it anywhere.

–

║Lilia Vanrouge║ Sweet and Naive Pt 2. / “Our” Happily Ever After

Being the oldest kingdom in existence, there were bound to have many legends and myths. One such tale was of the popular ones which entails a sleeping princess awoken by a charming prince whom had slayed the mighty dragon. The lesser known ones consist of a tale which was estimated to be at least a hundred or two years old that started off as a rumour.. That rumour involves a prestigious and most respected old noble house.. Vanrouge.

It is said that a beauty with an angelic voice could be heard in the far west side of the Vanrouge’s estate where those who had worked for the family before years ago had reported to have never been allowed in that area before they all simultaneously were fired one day by the lord of the house, Lord Vanrouge. 

When pressed about it, they revealed that the lord used to have a lover who occupied the entire west side of the house. When the lord had reported that they had gone on an adventure for who knows how long, he said that the west side won’t be needing servants to keep going to and fro from one side to the other for a while and thus, dismissed them. They are willing to bet that the west side of the building is much dustier than any other part of the house. 

From that stems questions from the common folks of the Valley of Thorns whom didn’t have any lesson of proper etiquette and who didn’t know any better, though the nobles at that time were curious as to the rumour spread around about the great general as well– but being nobility, they kept their mouth shut; not a single word uttered regarding the rumour of their beloved general whom lead the kingdom to many, many victories.. Even questions such as why couldn’t the lord keep it clean until his lover returned? Why did he suddenly tell everyone to keep away from the west side of the house where even when his lover went on a trip, they could now hear sobbing from that area instead of singing now that no one occupied that area?

Though many have reported this, they could easily be chalked up as the lord being saddened from the decision of his lover to go travelling and leaving him alone in such a big and lonesome house for who knows how many years and wanted to preserve the memories until he can create new ones when the love of his life returns.

Yes. Surely this must be the case. However, the lord had not said a single word regarding the rumours to edge it on further; adding more fuel to the fire, and remained completely stoned-faced as his reputation lived up to be so quickly, many thought of the whole rumour to be just that– a rumour and quickly left the minds of many people. Yes, many and not all. After all, what makes the world unique is that not everyone will completely agree on one thought. There are always those who would like to be the abnormality and firmly believe the rumour, even going as far as to tell a tale of them sneaking inside the estate and hearing sobs on the west side of the house. However, they couldn’t be too sure who’s tears were shed– if it were even crying that they heard– since they could not get any closer to the manor without alerting the lord of the place. 

And so, the rumour started to dwindle like a candle at its last few moments. It will be there but won’t be really brought up. 

This was good for Lilia as now, he wouldn’t have to deal with those pesky flies that lurked around the walls of his place and focus on taking care of his beloved. Ah yes, his beloved whom he told left to go on an adventure as it was her favourite thing to do.. The same lover who he is keeping well hidden in the west part of the house. 

Heels clicking against the stone cold floor, he made his presence known to you well before he opened the door. It had been a good few years since he left you in isolation up in your chambers, though that was not his choice and felt a little guilty about leaving you up there by yourself. He had duties that needed him to be at the castle at all times– which was raising the future king to be the best ruler that he and the people would accept and greatly respect .

“Little fairy, I’m back~!” His voice chirped the moment the doors opened. It has truly been so long that he is suddenly hit with the feeling of nostalgia the moment he sees your form from behind, remembering how much he missed and thought of you while at the castle. However, he doesn’t get a reply from you. 

Your head was pointed downwards, eyes obscured by the strands of hair in front of your face. Lilia rounds you until he is in front of you. “Hm?” Upon closer inspection, he sees that your eyes were closed and face very relaxed as if you were sleeping. 

He draws close and bends slightly, holding up your face by the chin, his long black– and highlighted strands– of hair brushes your skin. With his expression neutral, he looks upon your features, noting all the things that remained the same about you and the nothing that changed from the you in his memories before he left.

He smiles. O’ how his eyes soften every time his ruby-like eyes gaze upon your form and how his heart slightly accelerates when his fingers brush lightly on your soft face, a tinge of excitement passing through him. How are you able to bring out this side of him, a side that even he, himself, wasn’t aware of until he met you? 

He held your face as if it was a prized gemstone that would crack at any moment if held by careless hands. “Please wake up soon, little fairy,” he breathly says, lips closely brushing against your own, “It must be lonely in that little world of dreams of yours.” 

He chuckles. How stubborn could you possibly be? He has known you far longer than anyone, yet some things remain unknown to him such as your relentless pride. Even though it has been years of isolation, you not once look at him and seek comfort in another's warmth– of his embrace. 

—

You can feel it. The sudden shift of the air around you. The already still world of yours suddenly felt as if time had been forcibly stopped by a force far greater than it. You knew what this meant and just as you were starting to have a growing friendship with the mice that would occasionally come in through means you aren’t privy to. 

He was coming and every part of what was left of you suddenly felt heavy as if you’ve suddenly been turned to a statue; it grew stiff. Lilia Vanrouge– a name you loathe uttering aloud, yet feared at the same time– has returned. Great. Just great, you thought grumbly, just when life was going wonderful for you. 

How long has it been anyway, since you were sensory deprived of sight and touch– two important things that you need in order to know the world around you? You couldn’t walk either so what else were there to touch besides the floor and your shackles that bound your wrists and ankles? 

All that was left to know that you weren’t just an empty shell– something hollow with nothing residing inside– were your hearing and taste, and not to forget, your ability to smell things, though that was useless as there was nothing to smell except the dust that would accumulate over time if he didn’t come regularly to clean up your cell. 

He specifically left hearing just so he could chat away with you, though you don’t answer often but when you do, it would be snide remarks. He would chuckle and call you and your remark adorable with a tone you would use when talking to a child, despite you being hundreds of years old.  

You hear the clicking of his shoes draw to a halt right in front of your door momentarily before the doors make a loud, exhausted creak. It has been a while since those doors were open. The last time, you remember, was after he said his goodbyes with a peck on your lips. He said he would be away for a while and couldn’t bring you along, much to his dismay but very much to your delight– if it weren't for the fact that you were once again bound to the ground by chains that could only barely reach the door before pulling you back further into the room.

A warm breath fanned against your cool cheeks yet you remained still, pretending to be asleep. You didn’t want to face him, let alone talk to him. He hasn’t done anything to you since your captivity that would make him be deemed cruel and not worth talking to, but he was the reason you were shackled in the first place. 

He holds your face so he could take a look at you, cool touches sending shivers down your spine. He held your face so gently that if you didn’t know any better, you would have thought that it was just the wind gently brushing cupping your face. It’s eerily frightening how his touches can one moment be filled with a caring warmth as if you meant the world to become cold and covered in blood– your blood– smearing blood on your face when he holds you when you once almost perfectly escaped him. “Kufufu, you almost had me, little fairy.” The way he looked then scared you and since then, you hadn’t tried to escape. 

You hear shuffling around and the next thing you knew, you were lifted up. You could hear the beating of his heart, slow and rhythmic. With you in his arms, he makes his way to the door and leaves the room altogether– the room that you familiarize yourself with these past years he had to forcibly lock you in yet again. 

After a while of walking, he yet again opens another door. You aren’t sure where you are now despite counting the steps he took and corners you felt he turned. You felt like an outsider to this manor you once called home, not remembering the layout of the place. 

Carefully, he lies you down on a comfy mattress with your head propped up on some pillows. Afterwards, there was a long silence and some more. You wanted to take a peek, wondering if he was still standing beside you, but you were afraid. You became hyper aware of whenever he would draw near to your cellar or when he would stare at you so you didn’t need to look around to look for him. Not that you could even see him. 

Just then, another sound was made and you can feel the side of the bed where he stood slowly pressed downwards from whatever weight caused it. “Little fairy.” You can feel his breath on your lips again. He reaches a hand and cups your face and leans down so that your foreheads are pressing against each other. 

Your lips slightly quiver and you prayed that he hadn’t noticed so you can keep this act of sleeping for just a bit longer. Your already sharpened senses sharpened more as you could hear the rapid heartbeat of yours quicken and drum against your ears loudly. 

Why isn’t he saying anything more? What did he want? You just wanted him gone. 

A breathy half-chuckle reverberates from his throat before saying, “My dear, as much as I find your sleeping face adorable, this one doesn’t look so much as cute as the others.” Your jaws clench. He couldn’t have known– “You need to try to relax your face a bit more if you want to make me believe you.” 

There it is.

He chuckles in amusement when you still weren’t opening your eyes. “My dear, you can open your eyes now that I’m here.” There was no more pretending, in other words. 

Slowly, a pair of beautiful orbs stare back at him, Lilia Vanrouge, the Valley of Thorns’ beloved general. His smile widens. He could feel his heart quickening at the sight of those two eyes that he loves dearly as they were a part of you. 

You can see again..

Of course you can now that he was here, but you would rather go permanently blind if it meant you didn’t have to be greeted by his smile every time you opened them. That soft smile that holds so much love to you. That smile that deceives people– even yourself– and makes them think that you two were a match made in heaven, a cut in those red strings never severing your bond with each other.  

“Good morning, my love.” Something inside you feels like it wants to crawl up and out your mouth. It was sickening. He caresses the top of your head. You shot him a glare and shooed his hand away, though this did not result in any anger from him. “Kufufu, aren’t you adorable? Are you surprised to see me still looking the same, hm~?” 

He pulls back and straightens his posture, eyes still glued on your form that sat up slowly, bewildered at how your wrists were once more freed from the chains that bled in with your skin. You can move them again.. You can feel again. “It’s only been a short while, but it certainly has  felt like a millennia since I have seen you.” 

You look up into those blood-coloured eyes (you wonder if they were like that because of the amount of people he has killed) filled with adoration for you only. “Why are you back here?” You croaked, trying your best to voice your spite with the unused vocal cord. You don’t understand how someone who kills could have it in them to love. Just the thought that a monster was running amok in the disguise of a noble fae sends shivers down your spine. “Why? Kufufu, little fairy, this is my home. Of course I should be returning once in a while.” You wanted to say something but you didn’t know what so you continued to glare at him.

“You have been behaving well while I was gone, I presume, hm?” He smiles. You don’t answer, but once again, he doesn’t take it to heart and merely shrugs his shoulders. “You must be hungry, hm?” He stands up and dusts away the non-existent dirt on him then looking at you with that cheeky smile that you used to love. “Kufufu. Come, my dear, I wish to dine with you.” 

__

He has made you a favourite dish– or, tried to at least. At times like this when it comes to dining, you would often take the  however, you were not in the mood to entertain him nor to eat so you sat there, poking at the.. Questionable mush. 

“My dear..” The clanking of utensils halted when Lilia saw that you hadn’t eaten a single bite. “Is the food not good?” You wanted to say yes, but you weren’t sure how he would react. He’d always been unpredictable and during those times before you took on cooking duty, you would swallow hard at his cooking but never outright said it was the most disgusting thing that you have ever tasted. 

If he would just spend more time learning to cook rather than swordsmanship.. You wouldn’t have to endure this painstakingly crafted inedible food. 

“I’m–” You cleared your throat. It’s been a while since you’ve used your voice that it sounds so foreign to you. But you will never forget his voice that haunts your sleep at night. “I’m just not hungry right now..” You lied– err, half-lied. You were somewhat hungry but after looking at the food, you’d rather just starve yourself. 

“Hm~ Very well then,” he shrugs. “Now, you must have been curious as to what I was doing while I was away, yes?” No, not really, you wanted to say. In fact, life had been better than ever before during the times he was gone. “Kufufu, it has been.. A century now, yes? The young prince has grown to become quite the handsome young boy. Who would have thought that it would only take a century for a little fae to become so big.” He chuckles amusingly to himself. “In just about a few more decades, he’ll be able to attend Night Raven College–” You drowned him out. 

There was not much to think of, seeing as you’ve had little to explore and worry about, so you blanked out. “Ah! But don’t worry, little fairy, I have thought of you every day for the past century. I have told the young prince all about you as I could not help but miss you so,” he said, concluding the one-sided conversation. 

—

Spring came and went. Now, the fluffy, white ball that comes every winter covers the ground that flowers once sprouted happily. Those flowers, dead. How many years ago was it when he had come back? You did not know, but since then, he hasn’t left the house to go anywhere. “Fufu, the young prince had granted me the blessings of being able to go home to see you,” is all he said. 

Blinking away from staring off into space again, you avert your gaze from the window. If you had the choice to do embroidery or exploring, you would choose the latter without giving it a second to think. Sadly, you don’t so to pass time, you were doing, you guessed it, embroidery. 

“My dear, why don’t we go on a walk?” Lilia spoke from beside you on the sofa. “Fine,” you nod. 

And so, you were now bundled up with a winter cloak that protected you from head to toe from the sheer cold brought from the north, walking side-by-side with Lilia in the garden. “It’s a good thing that those pesky flies have long gone bored of those tales,” Lilia said suddenly. “Who knows what they might do to you if they had gotten their hands on you.” He once again reminds you that you belonged here– in this home– with him. But you knew better than to believe those lies that he whispers o’ so sweetly. If you had been a bit younger when he met you, you would have believed him to a fault, but luckily you weren’t. 

So now, you were waiting for an opportunity to escape his clutches. Was it a mistake on his part for you to be roaming around? Perhaps. But you aren’t going to use this bit of freedom to sit idly by and be his trophy. 

Slowly, you’ve gathered things you thought you might need in order to leave and survive outside all without his knowing. You weren’t a child anymore, you knew that the world is not as magical as those written in books, but you also know that there are still good in the world. Though you had only had a few centuries to yourself before you had met Lilia, you were old enough to know things. 

“Little fairy, what seems to be occupying your mind, hm?” Lilia asks when he had noticed you were awfully quiet and not trying to pick a fight with him. In fact, you’ve been keeping to yourself a lot these past few days. “Nothing,” you answered snappingly. For appearance sake, you occasionally threw tantrums. “I don’t want to walk with you anymore.”

With a huff, you turned on your heels to return inside the manor. Lilia sighs defeatedly. He admires how you’re so relentless in being cold towards him. It was cute in a way. But a few centuries had passed and so you had grown (though not physically– you were as youthful as you were those years ago), yet not matured. You were still acting very much like a spoiled child. It was tiring the old fae. “I suppose this is my fault for giving her the world..” He mumbles, watching your back retreat inside. But, a smile soon after tugged at his lips lightly, “No matter.” If this is the price for keeping you caged, he does not mind. 

You’ll be his and his alone. 

—

The first day of spring was drawing nearer by the day. You could tell by the early spring flowers that were slowly sprouting in the garden as well as the mushy snow that were beginning to melt away It would be spring, you decided, to make your escape. And one night, when you believe that Lilia is fast asleep beside you, you quietly climb out of bed, carefully moving his arms on your hips and putting a pillow underneath it. 

Not wasting time as you feared for the sun rising soon, you walked out of your shared bedroom to a random door somewhere down the halls. It was so random that Lilia would not have bothered to look inside. But, just in case, you did hide your stuff inside a large vase of flowers in a far off corner of the room. 

There it was. Your satchel with everything you’ve managed to gather as well as light clothing– not those frilly, heavy clothes that he’d dress you up in– to change into and boots that you used to wear for horse riding. If you changed in the room, you were sure he would hear the ruckus you were making and wake up. 

To leave no trace of your escape route, you took your nightgown– it was thin enough to be small when folded– and put it inside your satchel. You took the kitchen window to escape, sure that the doors would have traps laid out for you should you dare try anything at night. He always had believed you were gullible but you let him think so anyway. Sure, he had the thinking of a long-time general, but he had not the mind of yours. He relied too much on his strength and magic whereas you were stripped of magic and lacked the other. He had nothing to fear since he is aware of his abilities to capture you, but because of that, he did not use his head too often.  

The kitchen window was a small fit, but you managed to fit through. 

Not looking back at the house, you covered your hair with your cloak. With the black colour of your cloak and the darkness of the night, you slipped away seamlessly. 

You were not going to stop walking until you made it outside the gates of the Valley of Thorns. No way. This entire kingdom was his domain where he had the most power and puppets to dispose of to search for you. It would also be easy to catch you here since you had an accent of a fae that’s not from the kingdom.  

Once you were outside, he could do nothing to chase after you since by morning, he would have to go back to the kingdom. Yes, you watched many seasons come and go knowing that one day, he’ll have to go back to his prince. You remembered once where you were sitting across Lilia and rolled your eyes, crossing your arms over your chest, thinking that this prince was probably as no good as his guardian since it was him raising the prince. You pitied the boy since it was Lilia who was taking care of him. He would have been a great king if he was under someone else’s care. 

—

The sun was high above you when you were two villages away. You were a bit tired. You hadn’t stopped walking until you knew you were far, but it was nothing too draining for a fae such as yourself who had plenty of energy set aside due to not having anything to do. 

Soon, you were standing in front of the gates to– Rose Kingdom? Now, where had you heard of that name before? As if on cue, you suddenly recalled a fairytale that you read in Lilia’s library when you were younger and curious of the other places outside your little world. It was a story of a girl who fell into a hole where she met all sorts of strange creatures before meeting the Queen dressed in red. What was the story called again? Something Wanderland? Wonderland? It went along those lines, you shrug. 

This is one of the many kingdoms that humans built for people like them just as how the Valley of Thorns created theirs for faes like them. 

You looked around you, amazed at the lively and bright atmosphere. There were humans conversing with each other with smiles on their faces. They dressed differently than faes of the Valley, their colours more vibrant– or could it be just you? Everything seems much brighter here. Everywhere you went, every turn you turn, there were humans and not an ounce of violent tendency hinted at in them. 

Walking further inside the kingdom, you were too engrossed to notice that a little boy was running in your direction, unaware of you since it seemed as if he was running away smilingly, presumably playing a game with children his age. Small as he might be, he had caused you to fall on your bottom. 

“Ow..” The boy rubs his head, looking up at what he had run into and lets out a loud. “Oh! S-sorry! I didn’t see you, I’m sorry!” He had stood up and walk to be at your side with worries eyes. 

“It’s okay,” you said, dropping a hand down from your head. The racking had stopped and you were unharmed. 

The boy watches you before letting out another– this time, loud– gasp that draws attention to some people. “Your ears..!” Your eyes wandered to your ears and in an instant, you felt your heart drop into your stomach. Your hood fell off and your ears were out on full display.  You shot up quickly and covered your ears with the hood, but it was too late. “You’re a fae!” He shrieks. At that, the crowded streets that were full of chatter stilled and all the people stared at you. There were looks of fear, panic, and outrage. 

“What..” You gulped. “What about them..?” 

“You’re a disgusting fae! You ruined us!” A burly man shouts. “N-no! I, I didn’t! I’m harmless, I promise–” “That’s what they all say! We had a peace treaty but your kind attacked us!”

“What are we waiting for? Capture that filthy creature!” Another shouts. 

“Let’s teach it a lesson!”

“Hang it!”

You begin to back up as they close in on you. You tried to look for a way out but there was a wall behind you and you didn’t have any magic to defend yourself, not that you have it in your heart to harm magicless, innocent humans even if you were a bit stronger in brute strength. 

“DIsgusting fae!” 

The man who hurled the first insult was at your back and hooked his arms under yours so you could do nothing but wait for the oncoming punches and kicks thrown to you. You lurch forward at the sudden impact of a fist to your stomach. 

They did not give you time to understand what happened to you before the man who held you pushed you harshly and with a kick to the middle of your back, you fell on the ground. Instinctively, you had shielded your head with your arms as they continued to stomp on you, probably hoping you’d die.

“Hurry up and let’s burn it at the stakes!” One of them shouted aloud and to which many others voiced their agreements. “This is what it gets for creatures like them who burned our old village!” 

You were hoisted up and dragged hershey by the arm. You have to escape, you think. You can’t be here.

With the strength of a fae, you managed to pry yourself from the clutches of these monsters and ran. Where? You did not know, but as long as you kept running, you will be safe from these people. 

It was only when you grew weary, did you stop to take a breather somewhere deep into the woods. By now, it was evening and probably time for supper. At just the thought of dinner, your stomach growled. If I was still in the manor.. You would have dinner served fresh and warm and won’t have a single thing to worry about hunger.

Luckily, you did pack bread and cookies for times like this. But, not right now. You had to preserve what little food you brought and continued walking. Just a bit more, you see warm hues of orange and yellow.. A light. 

You drew closer to it and saw that there was a small house deep in the woods. It looks warm.. You rested a hand on a tree, mesmerised at the alluring colours of the light.. And the smell of food? 

Before you could do anything, you heard a click behind you and then something cold pressed behind the back of your head. “You, who are you?” A man’s voice said from behind. “You better have a good reason to be lurking in the dark or I’ll blow your brains out.”

“I.. I’m lost..” you answered. “That’s what they all say,” the man said and pressed the item closer to your head. “I, I swear, sir.. I really am lost.” 

“Oh my sevens! Dan, what are you doing!?” A woman’s voice drew yours and the man– who’s probably the owner of that name. The woman hurriedly walked towards you two and assessed the situation and noticed your young features and panicked. “Goodness, Dan, you can’t just put a gun to someone’s head like this. This here is a child!” 

“I’m..” “Not right now,” she shoots the man a glare. “Sweetie, why are you here?” 

“I’m lost,” you repeated the same answer. And once again, your stomach growls. “Oh dear.. You must have been lost for quite a while..” The woman guesses, “Come inside; it’s getting dark and cold– I don’t want you wandering around after dark. There are things that love to play after dusk..” She says cryptically. You didn’t notice the darkness that loomed over her eyes for just a second. 

Inside, you were sat down at a dining table and the woman– who introduced herself as Lilith– prepared dinner for all three of you. Well, four if you counted the baby growing in her stomach. She had told you of the baby and you would have never guessed that she was pregnant if she hadn’t told you. 

She mostly leads the conversion with you while her husband mainly listens as he eats. “Where are you from?” She asks. “I’m from a faraway village..” you answered. If you were to tell her of the village of faes where you were born and raised, she might freak out too. At that thought, you subconsciously pull your hood to hide your ears. “Oh? Then what brought you all the way here?” She pushes about your motives. “I wanted to travel..” 

“Hmm, it’s quite dangerous around this time to travel,” she says with a concerned look on her face. “I heard from the people of the kingdom that a war might break out soon.. And if you’re travelling by foot, then you might run into some monsters. It’s dangerous for a child such as yourself.”

“It’s fine..” you say, not sounding reassuring. 

After dinner, Lilith had told you of the room that you’ll stay in. It wasn’t even comparable to that of the rooms in the manor– it was smaller than that of a servant’s room. Nonetheless, you were grateful. 

“Oh, but dear, don’t you want to remove that cloak of yours?” Lilith asks as she passes you something to change into for the night. Your body stiffened. “N, no.. It’s okay..” 

She eyed you concerningly but let it go. “Alright..” And so, you went your way and washed yourself up before sitting on the bed, drying your hair. There was bruising from the man who had gripped you earlier but you should heal in no time. 

It was peaceful here, you thought. These people don’t mind being so far out here, isolated by everything else. 

You imagined the warmth of your bed and how comfy it would be right now.. 

Before you could sulk anymore, you hear the sound of shoes clicking against the floorboards coming closer. “Is there, [Name], is there anything else–” The voice of Lilith drew closer and before you could even reach for your cloak, she had already opened the door. You felt your heart drop as the world stilled. The wide-eyed look that Lilith gave you could only mean one thing.. 

“Oh dear.. Where was I?” she asked, blinking a couple of times. “Sorry, I was just surprised by how pretty your hair is.. And those ears..” Her eyes trail to the side of your face. “You must be a fae.” 

You waited for her to shriek or become hateful and throw punches at you, but none of those came. “Anyway, I was wanted to know if you needed anything?” Surprised, you couldn’t utter a sound so you shook your head. With a nod, she smiled and was about to leave until you stopped her, “You’re.. You’re not going to hit me?” 

Once again, her eyes widened. “Goodness, no! Why would i?” she asks, her brows drawing closer to each other. “Because you’re a fae? Goodness, no.” She moves gracefully across the room to sit with you and hold your hands in hers. “I don’t care what you are– be it a human or a fae. To me, we are all equal.”

She strokes your hands with her thumbs. “Dan and I moved all the way out here to live in tranquillity because honestly, this war that’s about to break is all pointless and silly.. I don’t want my baby to grow up fearing and hating people.”

At the end of her words, the tears that were threatening to fall, broke loose. You cried for the first time that night and in a long time. She hugs you and soothes your back. Afterwards, you went to sleep soundly, grateful to know that not all creatures outside are evil. 

—

Later that night, your ears sharpened and yourself, alerted. You heard the sound of the wood underneath you creak. A bit more slow creaking sounded and now, your eyes shot open and in one swift motion you sat up and looked over your shoulder.  

There he was, Dan, his face illuminated by the moon’s light. In his hands was.. A gun. “W, what are you doing?” You stammered. “You’re a fae. He said, eyes holding onto anger. You stuttered to say anything.

“You’re a filthy fae!” He said, this time, louder. “Please, don’t shoot! Lilith would–”

“Oh? What about me?” Just at the door, Lilith stood leaning on the frame. You could feel your stomach churn and your head dizzy. “Lilith.. I thought you–” 

“I what? That you don't actually despise your kind, do you?” She laughed. “I thought you all were smart. I guess not.”

She walks to you, the moon showing her in all her glory. “Creatures like you are destructive, manipulative.. You used that silver tongue of yours to kill my father and my friends!” She grabs a handful of your hair, making you wince. “It was just Dan and I who survived that nightmare..” She pressed her forehead against yours and it was then that you noticed the malice that hid within them. Her eyes were hateful like Dan’s but held crazed. 

“No.. No, no please.. I didn’t, I didn’t do anything–” You were crying and pleading to them, on your knees on the bed and hands clenched into a prayer. You can’t just die right here just when you have finally.. Ran away from home. 

She held you like that before roughly pushing you back. She steps back before motioning towards Dan. “Go on. Shoot this creature.”

He was right..

Lilia was right all along about the outside world.. 

It’s honestly laughable how you were acting so coldly towards Lilia and held so much resentment when in truth, he really was just shielding you away from the truth of reality– that the reality will come and hurt you and be too much for you to handle. 

These people– these monsters, are what he was protecting you from and you thought of it as him being controlling. 

“Lilia..” You sobbed.

Just as you said his name, the window behind you– on the other side of the bed where Lilith and Dan stood– was smashed and the glass pieces fell onto the floor. “What the–”

“Kufufu. I’ve found you, my little fairy.” At the familiar sound of a chuckle, you whip your head to the side and just over your shoulders, Lilia stood in his full height with a dark glint in his eyes. “Lil.. Lilia..!” You stood up from the bed and went to hug him, burying your face into his chest. The sobs that you let out were incomparable to when you were pleading for mercy. 

“Shh, hush now, my dear,” he strokes your head lovingly as if there was no imminent danger. “You’re safe.”  

The click of a gun drew Lilia to stop his actions and let his eyes wander to the couple who were in the room with you. “You..!” Lilith shrieks, a look of horror and familiarity dawns on her face. “Oh? Do you know me?” Lilia blinks owlishly. 

“How dare you show yourself here, you murderer!” “Me? A murderer? Oh dear, you must clarify for me, for you see, I am getting quite old,” he says amusingly. 

“You–” “Ah-ah.. Not a step closer. One step and this house will go down,” he warns. Lilith looks towards her husband who got the memo. In one swift motion, he raises his shotgun once more and aims it towards the fae, pulling the trigger. But nothing. No fire was sounded nor cries of agony. 

“Kufufu, you must have forgotten that we faes possess great power. Your weapon has long been disarmed of any bullets.” The two look at the gun in disbelief. When? How? 

“My dear, have they harmed you in anyway?” He cups your face and makes you look up at him so he could check. You shook your head but he inspected anyway and found your face to be slightly bruised from the kicking your face dealt with earlier at the Kingdom of Roses. He frowns. “Then what is this? You can’t be suggesting to lie to me to save these humans who tried to kill you?” You shook your head, “This was.. From other humans.. At a nearby Kingdom..” Yes, you’re telling everything that has happened, finding a boost of confidence. Now that Lilia is here, he’ll surely do everything in his power to cast judgement for you. 

Lilia’s eyes narrow a bit and a frown casts upon his lips. He was upset, but he tries his best to act calm in your presence. I mean, he has just earned your good graces; there’s no way he’ll lash out and become a monster to you once more. 

He lets out a deep breath and returns to the current problem at hand. “Anyway, do pardon me and my little fairy here, but we have to be returning home now,” Lilia shrugs and lifts you up into his arms bridal style and coolly walks past the two and out of the house through the front door. 

When you two got to a safe distance, a snap throughout the forest like a droplet in the still water echoed and just as you were going to wonder, Lilia spoke in that velvety voice of his, “My dear, do not look. Come, wrap your arms around me and sleep.” Obeying his words for the first time in a long time, you relaxed in his arms, too tired to refute. But, you did hear something.. Like a crackling of wood in a fireplace and further drowned out by the flames, screams. Still, you did not look back as Lilia whisks you away. 

“I love you, Lilia.” With that, you bury your face into his chest and fall asleep. 

Unbeknownst to you, Lilia smiles wildly– crazily. In the far distance, the house burns. You did not look back, you did not ask questions, nor did you throw a tantrum and run away from him. “Once you’re truly awake, you’ll be at home and on your bed, not questioning the reality before you..” Lilia says when he has ascertained that you are in deep slumber. Not once had you questioned how he got to you.

In the distance, the once bright flames that roared as it burns the house disappear into the dark. The cries of anguish stopped and the two couples left their suit in dark matter. The house itself and the surrounding area turned into shadow-like particles and broke away from the scene. 

Lilia laughs maniacally before he finds himself again and calms down. He looks down at you, loving eyes tracing every part of your face with a smile that hid everything that just happened.

“I love you too, little fairy.”

~♡~ 

All rights reserved. Do not steal/copy and paste and upload it anywhere.

Not twst related..

But y'all..! Yaoshi kisses the trailblazer!?!! I'm cartwheeling on the floor right now ahhh!! And the fact the game states that he stings us lightly as to not hurt us further.. 🥹 They tryna show that Yaoshi cares enough. 🤭💞

Announcement

I'll be uploading the next chapter today as soon as I get home which is around 4:30pm (GMT-4) EDT. Sorry for the long wait!

I am the anon of Yan Diasomnia's last request (Tumblr does not allow me to put URL). I'm sorry if I confused it with my request, I promise to be more specific and pay more attention next time. It's fine if you want it to be a one-shot, whichever is more comfortable for you^^ I have a favoritism toward Lilia, so it's fine if you just want to write about him

Lilia Vanrouge x reader

Reader: Female pronounce/titles used.

Warning(s): Yandere themes. Overuse of words.

Word count: 3.9k

Additional Note: This is before current-day Lilia and thus, will have no resemblance to the Lilia we know today.

All rights reserved. Do not steal/copy and paste and upload it anywhere.

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Message to requester: Hello! Oh, no, you're good! In fact, I am feeling ashamed that I lack the brain to do your headcanon as well as future ones.. If you want the other Diasomnia members as well, you can go ahead and request them. I don’t mind!

Edit: Sorry that this took too long! I really wanted to give it my all on this one. ^^

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║Lilia Vanrouge║ Sweet and Naive

It was no question that faes were powerful, dominant beings. No matter what size, shape, or form they take, they're terrifying creatures of the dark that one could even call a monster.. Though I suppose that name is reserved for faes in the Valley of Thorns.

There are indeed faes- though few and far between- that lay low outside the ever-dark kingdom. Weaker creatures, they were, compared to those inside the kingdom, but nevertheless, were faes in the end. Much were these creatures pure and rid of sins of war and bloodshed, though this meant they did nothing but cower in hiding of their own little world built just for faes like them.

But that just meant they were much naive to just how terrifying the monsters that lurked outside their abode. Pure.. Naive.. And vulnerable. You were all that and much more.

Though you know how to fear those of a higher standing than you– those of stronger power than you– you couldn’t help but want to explore the surrounding areas of your little village that you were all so familiar with by now. The areas where the stronger faes run amok. But you were sure that you wouldn’t be encountering any faes from the Valley of Thorns and it held true for a while until one fateful encounter when you did your daily exploration.

You went a little further this time and stopped short, out of breath from a moment of awestruck as you stared upon the crystal waters of a lake. Your voice was stuck in your throat when you walked around the lake, looking at it at every angle so that you could preserve such a sight in your memories and confirm your doubts of it not actually looking so magical.

“Oh!” You were stopped when you felt your foot hit something which also made you tear your eyes away from the lake. You look down and gasp at the sight of a man with long black hair with pink streaks, covered in blood.

Panic kicked in and you looked at your surroundings frantically. What were you supposed to do? Was this man dead? If he’s not, you should bring him back to the village and get him treated! But wait, how did he end up here? Was there someone looking for him, worried about his safety? Or worse, was there someone out to finish him? Then, you can’t just leave him here where he’d be found soon enough!

Hurriedly, you got the man’s arm around your shoulder and dragged him, though it wasn’t an easy task since he was much heavier than you had originally thought and that you had to take a longer route home to avoid the people and children. You didn’t want to be seen carrying a bloodied man.

When you finally closed the door behind you, you slumped the man on your couch. You stared long and hard at his unconscious state. What to do now? “Oh! Right..” You crouched down by the couch and extended your hands out, a faint glow followed by warmth emitted from your hands. Though your kind was that of a weaker fae, you were still a fae nonetheless and strong power was something that courses through you naturally (although you did have to learn the fundamentals of using magic).

While you sat there in silence, the sun’s light cascaded upon him, and if there wasn’t any blood on him, it would make him look like a beauty simply in deep slumber. He’s pretty, you thought, and your heart raced at the sight of his face. Where did he come from anyway?

Your eyes then caught something glinting and averted your attention to his collar area. There was a beautiful red broach with silver linings around it with bat wings at the side. That was when it hit you; your eyes widened at the realization that this man probably wasn’t someone from the village based on his attire. It looked a little luxurious despite it being covered in dried blood. Your village didn’t tailor clothing like that. But if they did, it would be for those of important status. And his face! You were sure to recognize such a well-kept, porcelain-like face that was free of blemishes in your village. His face practically glowed and anyone passing by would have him etched into their minds.

Your heart now raced for another reason. You were in fear. Was he a fae from the Valley of Thorns? Your hands began to shake. What was he doing near your village? You gulped. Was he sent here to wipe the village out?

As you began to ask questions in your head, you didn’t realize that the man had woken up. Normally, he would have grabbed the person in question and break their arms immediately, but the warmth– from what he knew was magic– gave him a sense of comfort and it was as if it was telling him that whomever was beside him meant no harm.. That was until he noticed that the magic was wavering a little.

He grabbed your hand. A little bit on the harsher side, but he couldn’t help it as it was nature to him. You jolted a bit, snapping back to reality and looked at the man. He was awake. He sat up and and scanned your home until they returned back to you. His crimson eyes were unreadable to you but it felt as if he was piercing right through your very skull.

“A, ah..!” You felt your throat run dry. What should you do? Should you knock him out and drag him back to where you found him? No. That probably wouldn’t be possible and even if you did manage to knock him out and return him to where you found him, he’s sure to find this village. It wasn’t that hidden away after all.

You two were basked in silence as one– him– stared at the other with a terrifying look while the other– you– looked back in fear.

He let’s go of your wrist.“Have I scared you, my lady? My apologies.” When he spoke, it sounded as if it was laced with velvet. He is not sure where he is, but he should act in accordance of noble etiquette, and as politely as he can so that he doesn’t terrify you to the point you can’t answer his questions.

“O, oh! No, not at all! I was just surprised you had woken up so quickly!” You stammered, going quiet right after. There was another silence. You looked down at your hands that lie on top of your lap. As beautiful as his eyes were– like gems– it was a bit terrifying. Was he not a fan of talking? Well, you weren’t the best at coming up with things to talk about.. But what if he is expecting something from you? You’ve heard how scary faes from the Valley are. “Um, I’m sure you must be exhausted.. Is there something you’d like to drink or perhaps eat? I’ll prepare you a bath too!” You looked back at him. If he is being waited upon for long, you feared that he’ll have your head.

“I neither need any of those.. Though could you answer my question instead?” he asks patiently. His face showed no change from the moment he woke up; it was void of any expression. “Of course!” You nod your head readily. “Is this the Valley of Thorns?”

Last he remembered, he was in the middle of a battlefield. He was sent out alone to clear a small camp of enemies– presumably an ambush team. It was nothing he couldn’t handle by himself, but they certainly fought back till their last breath. He closed his eyes and recalled the men’s faces that he’s sure to forget soon enough. They managed to put a scratch on him but it wasn’t enough to make him kneel. At the end of it, he stood victor, the blood on his clothes weren’t his and it proof that he had finished his task.

Shortly afterwards, he stumbled upon a lake a few metres away from the camp. It drew his attention and that was where he decided to rest, closing his eyes.

You shook your head. “I see.. Then I assume that this is that village of faes..” He said, mumbling the last part to himself, though you could hear it clearly enough. This confirmed that he was a fae from the Valley.

While he was thinking to himself, you scanned him with your eyes. Though you knew he was a fae of the Valley and that he was much more stronger than you and have been taught to fear them, you couldn’t help but be a bit curious of him and the world outside the village.

You were ever the curious one who always got scolded for going even a metre away from the village as a child. “Um, if I could ask you a question as well..” You weakly speak, almost in a whisper. He looks at you side-eyed. Though he said nothing, you knew he was waiting. You looked at your hands briefly. They were beginning to become clammy. You took a deep breath. “What.. What is it like outside?” When your eyes returned to look at him, he momentarily forgot how to breathe. Your eyes swirled of stars who yearned to step outside their galaxy that they’ve known all through their life. It was a look that newborn children would have. So curious and hopeful of the world before them, not knowing the dark reality of it.

He can’t help but be a bit bitter. O’ how wonderful it is to remain oblivious. It makes him recall his childhood days. The days where there was never a day where he truly felt like he had the childish curiosity. He was a child who knew too much for his age. A child born in a household trained to be at the right-hand side of the throne.

You saw the conflicting look on his face that finally morphed from something from being blanked and panicked. “Oh! Y, you don’t have to tell me!” you quickly said, flailing your hand in front of your face. He nodded and remained quiet. You were a bit disappointed that you couldn’t get an answer, but it seemed that he didn’t have an answer to your question anyway.

“Anyway, why don’t you rest here for today? You look a little pale and unwell..” You suggest with careful words and changing the topic. “I’ll make you dinner since it’s about that time already.”

The rest of that day blurred past. You cooked him a meal and prepared him a bath, which during that time, you washed his clothes and offered clothes from your late father which barely fitted his muscular build.

–

“Thank you for allowing me to have stayed the night, my lady,” he said, now standing in front of the lake where you had found him unconscious the day before. “It’s no problem!” You smiled, though both of you knew it was forced. Not because you feared him, but because there was a tad bit of emptiness. You stayed up late into the night, wondering what is out there that the world had to offer. You knew of the monsters that lurked out there but you were a fae! Faes are strong beings and you are confident in your abilities. Though you were a weaker fae, you were a fae in the end.

He noticed the longing in your eyes. He felt a little pitiful, but he knew that it was best for you to remain where you are. Though your village might not know of it, faes of the Valley of Thorns know of your village and have protected it along with theirs. A bit laughable seeing as they’ve allowed you to live free of sins and carry the burden of war, yet you were taught to fear them.

He was about to turn and leave without a word but was stopped short when he heard you whisper out to him. He looks at you and you said it louder this time. “[Name]..” You said. He was confused so you speak again. “My name.. It’s [Name].” You said it with a bit more confidence as you stared right into his eyes.

His eyes widened momentarily and then narrowed. “My lady, don’t you know not to give a monster your name?” he asked. “But you aren’t a monster. You’re like me– a fae,” you said which caught him by surprise.

He stood there for a moment. Your heart raced, feeling a bit anxious. But then you see the corner of his lips curl upwards. “Lilia Vanrouge. It has been a pleasure meeting you, my lady.” He turned on his heels and walked away, leaving you no time to say anything else.

You knew what it meant by giving your name away and it was precisely what you wanted.

Or what you wanted at that time.

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"A much curious little fairy, you are.” A deep voice makes its way to your ears. You couldn’t see where the owner of the voice was, but you knew he was behind you not too far away. Lilia Vanrouge. That name used to make your heart flutter and take you to the skies, but now your heart beats rapidly out of fear.

Before he came, you were quietly sobbing, locked away in some dark room. You couldn’t see anything but darkness. You were scared of the dark just as you have been taught to be afraid of the dark that the monsters outside your village lurk. You didn’t hear him come in so you stiffened when you realized that you were no longer alone.

“Do you regret it now, my little fairy?” He said, staring at your back, your ankles and wrists were chained to the cold stone floor. You remained silent and prayed that you didn’t make a peep. “Fufufu, always the shy one..” He sounded much more childish than what you remembered all those years ago and more carefree. However, he hadn’t changed his mind one bit with you after locking you up somewhere in the Valley of Thorns.

You said nothing and closed your eyes and tried to tune out his voice. “Come now, there is no need to be so shy, little fairy. We’ve known each other for a good hundred years now after all.” A hundred years? You doubt that it had been that short, but your judgement was clouded as you haven’t seen light for so long. You didn’t know how long the sun had risen and set to know.

Lilia went silent and his smile dropped. The next thing you knew, his breath was right against your ears, his chest pressing against your back. “Little fairy, why don’t you talk, hm?” When you persist in staying mute, he roughly grabs your cheeks and turns it towards him. He audibly clicked his tongue. “I’ve been gone for so long and you have nothing to say to me? I can’t say that I am not a bit hurt by that.”

He wants you to say something? Fine then. “I hate you.” You muttered under your breath angrily. You can’t see him, but you did your best to show a look of disgust for the fae. “Oh? You hate me? How curious..” He blinked owlishly. “You were the one that threw themselves at a stranger shamelessly for hope to see the outside world. You were the one that gave their name out so willingly.”

You bit the bottom of your lips. If you knew what he would have become, you wouldn’t have given out your name. “Weren’t you taught to fear the monsters that lurked in the darkness? And didn’t I say that I was a monster? Do you regret it now?”

You forcefully pried your face from his grasp and remained silent once more. He was annoyed, you were sure of it but you couldn’t care less. But he was right with what he said and you were very much regretful. “Insisting on playing mute with me, I see. Hmph. Very well then.. But,” he sighs as if he was disappointed. You knew he wasn’t really. “I was going to give you your sight back.. But that was only if you cooperated with me.”

“I also wanted to reverse the paralysis spell on your legs so that I could stroll with you in the garden.. You do need to work your legs once in a while..” He mumbled. “Oh, but I suppose that is not needed since I am sure to put the spell back on you. I can’t fully trust you yet to use your legs without me around.”

“A shame, truly,” he said and sighs deeply once more. “Oh! Before I could forget, I was maybe also thinking of reversing the paralysis spell on your hands. Sweet little Silver has never been once carried by his mother.. Oh, but don’t get me twisted. I don’t plan to return your magic to you. After all, you haven’t apologized for burning my hair.”

“Hm~ That reminds me, the young prince did the same thing to me when he was young. To do such a thing at a young age? Ah, I do still feel proud.” He waits with you in silence for a while before giving up. “Very well then. I suppose that you need some more time.”

As soon as he leaves the room, you begin to sob. Where did everything go wrong? You recalled the days of you waiting eagerly for him to return after parting with him that fateful day and when he did, you gained a bit of confidence to start a conversation with him. He soon opened up and told you stories that you’ve never heard before.

He took you to visit his home, Valley of Thorns. You remembered being fearful of the other faes but wasn’t as terrified knowing that you had Lilia with you. All was well so where did things go wrong? Your sobs broke out into loud cries. Your broken cries that were laced with sadness. Where was the man you later fell in love with secretly?

–

“Lilia, I want to go outside..” you said one normal day. The fae with crimson eyes looked up from his book and looked at you questioningly. Aren’t you already outside, he silently asked himself. Your eyes were glued to something outside, your chin resting on top of your palm. Well, perhaps it wasn’t something outside the window that you were looking at, rather, looking past the Valley and at the vast land outside of it.

He had taken you out of the village after the war and promised to protect you during those times. You must have gotten too relaxed since he was protecting you and have forgotten this world was not welcoming to children like you. “I’ve already seen enough of your home and I want to know what else is out there.” Your eyes tear away from the window and face him with a hopeful gleam in your eyes. “It’s too dangerous for you.” O’ how he hates the stars that danced in your eyes. Haven’t you learned enough? “Haven’t you seen me covered in blood? Do you think you can face what is out there?” He was starting to become forceful with his tone.

“W, well I am still a fae–” “[Name].” Though he did not yell, his eyes stared at you with a terrifying, glow of red. He was angry. You noticed that he never liked it when you brought up about travelling to other places but never knew why. “T, then why don’t you come with me? That way, I’ll be safe!” He sighs at your persistence. It was starting to get annoying, frankly. “You know that I can’t do that. The queen and king need me and so will the newborn prince.”

You huffed and crossed your arms. You went silent and he assumed that you were finally done so he returned to reading his book. “This is not fair, Lilia! You promised me that you’d take me to see outside!” You said after a while, your brows knitting together in anger. “Not fair?” He stops at a word and looks at you. “Didn’t I already give you your wish?”

“But I want to see what outside is like!” His eyes narrow. “Didn’t you say the same thing back when you were in your village? So what, you will go to another place and demand to see ‘outside’ as well?” He stands up and walks over to you with a hint of anger in his face. He places his hands on both sides of the chair’s armrest, trapping you like a caged bird. “Do you wish to see ‘outside’? Then, I’ll give you a taste of what ‘outside’ is like.”

After he said those words, he teleports the both of you to a place unknown. You two were surrounded by trees from all sides and up ahead was what you assumed to be the remains of a village. “If you can last here until dinner then I’ll allow you to travel.” You were about to ask what he meant but when you turned to look behind you, he was gone.

It was like it was a perfect timing for him since not a moment too soon, you heard uncontrolled growls. When you look back, you see many eyes staring at you just beyond the entrance of the rundown village.

“Li, Lilia..!” You called out his name but there was no response. Had he truly left you there and returned home? You couldn’t face these monsters– there were too many of them!

You quickly found yourself stumbling as you ran from the beasts that chased you. You were overexerting your body’s limit from both stamina and magic power. You collapsed, your legs giving out. You were sure he left you to die because you angered him. You cried out for his name once more, ugly tears flowing down your muddied cheeks.

“You couldn’t manage to last 15 minutes by yourself. My, and to think you wanted to travel.” You looked up and see the fae look down at you with a feigned pitiful look. He kneels down and grabs your chin. “Do you see now, little fairy? You are no match for this twisted world.”

The next thing you knew, you were chained in the very room that you were in now with your vision gone and having both hands and legs paralyzed. But before it all happened, you did try to run back home. It was a fight you never had a chance of winning really. “This is for your safety.” He once said to you when you woke up one day in sheer panic and fear when you couldn’t see or move.

–

On the other side of the door, stood Lilia. He hadn’t simply walked away after closing the door, no. It truly aches his heart to see you broken like that. But now you know that the world wasn’t so nice, especially to those who don’t know a thing about the real truth of it.

“There are monsters who can disguise themselves, little fairy, and giving out your name is equivalent to selling your soul to them.. I’m sure you were taught that back home, no? Fufufu. Ever the naive one, I see.”

~♡~

Pspspsp. I don't really like the ending, but it was getting a bit too long.

.·:*¨༺𝙽𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗༻¨*:·.

Genshin Impact Masterlist (DISCONTINUED)

Genshin Impact Materlist 2.0 (Coming soon)

Honkai Star Rail (Coming soon)

Twisted Wonderland Masterlist

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The Golden Will (Coming soon)

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More coming soon!

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

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