Can You Write A Thing For An Akira X Reader, But The Reader Has This Thing For The Joker And Akira Finds

summary: childe is a name so acquainted with calamity that even you cannot escape it. he wishes you could.

warnings: second archon quest spoilers, heavy angst, toxic relationships, intentional lowercase lol

childe knows you’re in love with him, and he’s in love with you too. he knows because the way your face crumbles when he rejects your love confession makes him want to disappear. childe doesn’t even really belong to himself anymore; if he did, he would choose you in a heartbeat. but his heartbeat is tied to another’s, and that heartbeat is intertwined with the inherent power he possesses, the one he can use to keep you safe.

he tells you he’s sorry, and he means it. he’s sorry he hadn’t met you earlier, because then maybe he’d be just a bit freer, a bit more able to love you the way you deserve.

but he’s selfish, and he couldn’t let you go if he tried, so he keeps you by his side as much as he can. we’re just friends, he tells himself, friends can do these kinds of things. friends don’t look at each other the way you two do, though, and everyone else can tell.

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uh hole-y shit consider my heart broken

concept: being the nanny for atsumu’s children

❥warnings: cheating [fem!reader + atsumu], implied age gap, heavy angst, descriptions of sex, atsumu is kinda a dick

❦note: umm just my very nasty imagination bc id let atsumu use me <33 tee hee 

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☾ the witching hour

☾ decision: closed bedroom

☾ warnings: f!reader, mildly suggestive

☾ word count: 3k

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When the Sakura Flowers Bloom

Pairing: Kaedehara Kazuha x Reader Warnings: fluff yay! Word Count: ~1.5k A/N: here's some sweet kazuha fluff that i started writing last year and never finished until now

When the sakura flowers begin to bloom and flitter to the ground they cover the streets in pink. Delicate petals that rest on cool stone, faint fragile veins running through silk scented blossoms rest patiently. There’s no rush during the sakura season in Inazuma, not even the Kaiguri or Treasure Hoarders on the island-nation attempt to pull off as many heists or commit illegalities. And for the first time since the end of the Vision Hunt Decree, Kaedehara Kazuha finds himself strolling through the street of elegance with his hands clasped behind his back and a wistful smile gracing his features. He’s no longer a wanted man, his wrists and ankles are free of that invisible binding rope that always seems to pull him back towards his troubles back home. He doesn’t have to worry about the Tenryou Commission soldiers who stand on patrol for they no longer look at him with scrutiny or distaste. Granted, there’s lingering whispers that trail his footsteps followed by the watchful eye of Kujou Sara. But Kaedehara Kazuha doesn’t care, there’s no need for him to. Not while he’s walking alongside Gorou and half listening to his friend mumble about some petty troubles he’s had to face within the past few days. It’s not that the samurai doesn’t care what the General has to say, but his attention has already been long captured by the figure standing with the Kamisato siblings and Thoma. You look as wonderful as ever, beaming beneath the afternoon sun as you swat at Thoma who attempts to shove dango into your mouth. The sparkle in your eyes is a familiar look, one he’s watched for so long, waiting for your gaze to fall upon him. Oh if Tomo could see him now, hopelessly watching as you continue to walk down the streets towards him and his companion.

“You’re staring.” Gorou’s amused voice snaps Kazuha back to the present, earning the General a scowl in return.

“The sakura blooms are much more vibrant this year.” He responds in poetics and Gorou snorts. The General’s known Kazuha long enough to have picked up on his little tells here and there. But he’s also known Kazuha long enough to know how hard the samurai had fallen for you. He’s watched from afar as Kazuha’s attempted to win you over with poetics, extending invitations for late night strolls and offering small gifts. And yet, you never seem to pick up on Kazuha’s motives. The pair watch as Thoma happens to glance up, catching sight of the expression Kazuha has on his face. The samurai can’t do anything as Thoma nudges you gently, leaning over to say something. And then you look up, eyes searching ahead until they find maple red eyes and a grin breaks across your features. You raise your hand to wave at him and he nearly flushes in embarrassment when you call out his name, prompting some people around to turn their heads at you, and then him. Gorou lets out huff of amusement and pushes his friend forward slightly, directing the two of them in the direction of you and your friends, who have now taken sight of the General and samurai.

Thoma greets them first, offering some snacks he had just bought at one of the vendors. Ayato greets them cordially, but despite his formality, Gorou and Kazuha know that he’s happy to see the two of them. Since Inazuma’s shift to opening up to the rest of Teyvat, they’ve all had the chance to spend more time with one another, catching up on stories and adventures. You had always looked forward to hearing Kazuha’s stories, the ones about nations across the oceans. He told of the land amidst monoliths and the dandelion wind, places you had only read about in books and heard about from rumours and news from travellers. Fontaine, Natlan, Mondstadt, nations you had only dreamed of visiting, had been woven into poetics by the Anemo wielding samurai. He had always held a softer spot for you, as cliche as it may be. Gorou was always the one to point it out but Kazuha tended to ignore him, not exactly eager to listen to the General lecture him about his friendship with you.

“We’re heading to Komore Teahouse, would you like to join us?” Ayaka addresses the pair and Kazuha tears his eyes away from the sakura blossom that had fallen on your shoulder. You don’t notice his lingering eyes, instead focused on what your friend was saying. Gorou nods while Kazuha hesitates for a moment.

“I think— I think I’ll stay out here for a bit longer.” Kazuha nods.

“I’ll join you later, too.” Your statement makes him look over at you in surprise, not at all expecting you to sit out on a tea session, but he isn’t upset by all means. Rather it’s an opportunity for him to spend some time with you, at least he hopes. He watches as his group of friends bids the two of you farewell before walking down the street, leaving you to stand next to him. You don’t say anything at first, only looking back at him as you start to walk in the opposite direction, towards the grassy sitting area just a little ways from the streets.

“Do you have any aspirations for the new year?” You ask, voice a bit soft as you glance up at the sakura tree towering over your heads. Kazuha’s silent for a moment, contemplating what he wants to say. He has a million things at the tip of his tongue, words coated with honey, sweet and saccharine that are ready to fall from his lips. And with the way the sakura petals fall around you, he can feel more poetics bubbling up inside of him. But nothing comes out.

“I want to travel.” You offer him a glance, “Inazuma’s open, I want to explore the world for a bit.” Your Vision seems to agree and Kazuha catches it glinting in the light as it’s attached to your clothes. You didn’t have the chance to escape Inazuma before the borders were locked. Instead, you found solace with the Kamisatos, narrowly escaping the soldiers who had come to your home in demands of your Vision.

“Beidou’s scheduled to arrive in a few weeks before she takes off for Liyue for bit.” Kazuha doesn’t look at you as he’s speaking, staring straight up at the sakura flowers. He doesn’t trust himself enough to look at you right now, not when he’s about to extend his offer.

“If you’d like, you can journey with us. I’m sure Beidou will have no qualms with you joining us for this leg.” Kazuha raises his hand to catch a falling blossom, holding his breath as he waits for an answer. Archons he’s usually composed, usually keeping himself together, with no problems offering propositions and suggestions but that composure is slipping through his glass with you around.

You’re silent for a moment and Kazuha wants to disappear.

“If it’s okay with the Captain, I’d love to.” Your response has him looking at you in surprise, not expecting you to actually agree to his offer. “I’ll have you to journey with me.” That one smile stretches across your lips and Kazuha lets out his breath. It’s that same smile that you’ve always offered towards him, the one where your eyes seem to soften and you tilt your head slightly as if you were amused by him. Archons, he loves that smile.

---------

One year later and Kaedehara Kazuha is the bane of your existence. He has no shame in sending you smirks from across the room, honey coated poetics falling from his lips as his eyes flicker to you in amusement. One year is enough time for your relationship with Kazuha to shift from a close friendship to something a little more. One with shared kisses under a full moon and exchanges of sweet words upon arriving at a new port. Now, he sits upright, poised as ever as he recalls the most recent adventure aboard the Alcor to the others over dinner. You have half a mind to pinch his hand from where it rests on the table, but you refrain from doing so with the Kamisato siblings, Thoma, Kokomi, and Gorou sitting at the same table. Since your first trip aboard the Alcor, Beidou had excitedly welcomed you into the crew, quickly pulling you aside during the first night to gush over how happy she was that Kazuha was finally bringing you along. She was a bit tipsy and she let loose a few secrets that the samurai would probably be embarrassed to find out that you now knew, but nothing too bad that would send him into hiding in embarrassment. And finally a year later, you and Kazuha had returned to Inazuma, just in time to watch the Sakura blossoms bloom. You had spent hours strolling through Inazuma City, poking into shops and chatting with the owners, pleased to see how business had gotten better since the end of the Vision Hunt Decree and the opening of Inazuma. But travelling the world with Kazuha, oh, that was probably the best part of it all.

reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated! <3 A/N: procrastinating work and in pain :')

Desert Rose; a cyno royalty!au

—pairing; cyno x f!reader

The King is missing, presumed dead, putting his unpredictable heir on the throne. It's not in Cyno's nature to let go and he can't shake the feeling that something sinister is stirring. The General Mahamatra doesn't fail. His will never falters. But something is afoot in the palace, perhaps even in his own matra. With the three magi spread to seperate corners of the kingdom Cyno will do what he must, even if it threatens to shake his will and everything he stands for.

—tags; angst, royalty!AU, Cyno Dehya and Candace as the three magi, Al Haitham as King Deshret ig?, Reader is Al Haithams sister?, look it makes sense for the story in my head, just 'three strikes and you die by my hand' cyno being a loyal protector to his princess

—chapter warnings; injury, blood, lots of exposition ig

It was early evening, and the low sun cast long shadows along the ground. With the bitter desert night drawing close, the back of his blood soaked cloak had begun to feel cold and damp against the raw, tender skin of his aching back. The bustle of the markets had reached its peak in the cool respite of dusk, setting Cyno's nerves on edge. It was rare for the General Mahamatra to loose a target, but crowds like this had always proved a thorn in his side. The mass of people so close to the palace disturbed him. It would be all too easy for an attacker to disappear into them unhindered.

It was busy enough that his arrival didn't make a scene. Still, Cyno didn't miss the hushed whispers that followed as he passed, the way their eyes refused to meet his, the way that people scrambled out of his path. Even a disgraced General Mahamatra commanded the respect of the people it seemed.

The palace itself rose above the commotion of Hypostyle like a glistening oasis. The pale stone glistened in the golden dusk and even Cyno couldn't deny the impression it left. His back screamed in protest as he began to climb the grand staircase. He forced himself to focus on anything else than the sharp throbbing. The stone was still warm under his feet from the wrath of the desert sun. It was said the King had spared no expense, importing expensive stone from Liyue and lavish silks from Inazuma. Cyno couldn't understand why he'd gone to such lengths for a palace he never intended to use.

Every part of Cyno ached. Despite the fresh wounds in his back finally ceasing their bleeding, the tender skin continued to throb. The sun was growing low in the horizon, the bitter desert night creeping in. The back of his blood soaked cloak was already growing cold against his bare skin and the glistening bustle of the bazaar that signalled his destination were a welcome sight. casting long shadows, and the glittering bustle was a welcome sight. The bitter desert night not far, the back of his blood soaked cloak was already growing cold against his bare skin.

He had dreaded this day for so many years. Even when he'd shoved those feelings down as far as he could manage, they were never far from his mind. Like dark clouds looming on the horizon, always on the edge of his vision. Even so, he'd never thought it would be like this. The eyes of the minor gods lining his ascent bore down upon him, long shadows cast across their stone likeness making their gaze all the more severe.

The weight of their eyes seemed to lift as he reached the top of the staircase, Rukkadevata's ethereal form smiled down at him from her place atop the Statue of the Seven. The palace itself seemed almost blessed by her, a rich oasis overflowing with green in the heart of the desert's endless sands. Either side of her, water cascaded from the palace walls into two huge pools where common folk milled, occasionally tossing coins into their depths. Manoeuvring around the Statue of the Seven, Cyno passed under a huge archway adorned with hanging buds of purple flowers. In juxtaposition to the markets below, the air here was calm, peaceful even. It did little to settle the pit in Cyno's stomach.

"t-The General Mahamatra!" Kaveh had caught sight of him from across the large courtyard and rushed over, leaving his companion under the shade of the riwaq. Obviously Al Haitham had not had the decency to inform poor Kaveh he was coming.

"Don't panic, Kaveh." Cyno grunted, seeing Kaveh's wide eyed look. "I'm only here as a security measure."

Kaveh's shoulders visibly relaxed with the threat of Cyno's wrath abated. Cyno had grown used to the fear he inspired long ago. He didn't serve as General Mahamatra to be liked. Still, he felt a twinge of guilt for causing Kaveh to stress, the architect had enough on his mind already with Al Haitham's impending coronation.

"Captain Radkani was just here." The blond gulped visibly, finally meeting Cyno's eyes. "I'll fetch him for you"

It wasn't necessary, but Kaveh seemed all too eager to escape Cyno's presence, and Cyno himself was all too eager to delay the inevitable. Seeing Taj would provide a welcome excuse, and he supposed royal orders deserved some sort of display of formality.

The General Mahamatra never failed. His will never faltered. His loyalty was unquestionable. And yet... stood on the precipice to the palace, he hesitated. He might not trust Al Haitham fully, but for all intents and purposes, he was King. Despite his doubts, Cyno new it was their best chance. Their only chance. The very fate of the desert rested on Cyno's every move. Still, his heart protested.

It had been years since he'd last ventured this far west, longer still since he'd last seen you. Never once had he dared to step foot into Hypostyle. Cyno's greatest asset was his will, as recognised by the gods themselves, but something about the sight of the palace... He did his best to will the thoughts away as Taj approached.

Cyno trailed a step behind his mentor as Taj led him through the palace. It was much different than he'd expected, the courtyards filled with gossiping servants weaving in the grass, huge halls of students engrossed in study. Cyno began to understand why the palace had seemed to win Rukkadevata's favour, the whole place was an ode to her; brimming with scholarship in both academics and the arts.

"It is the Heart of the Desert," Taj regarded Cyno carefully, as if reading his thoughts.

"Because of its role at the heart of all trade with Natlan, I know." Cyno finished for him.

Much to Cyno's surprise, Taj let out a warm laugh, shaking his head with a wry smile playing at his lips. "I had forgotten how you could be."

He was quiet for a moment as they continued further into the palace, passing a silent room full of students deep in mediation. Smoke from their incense wafted through the dark room and Cyno turned away from the sharp smell.

"It is the King's Heart, Cyno." Taj murmured quietly.

Cyno wondered wether any of the students could still connect to the King's divine consciousness, making a note to question them later in search of leads.

Wether Cyno's silence gave him away or not, Taj seemed to change the subject. "It is unusual for any matra to have never ventured inside the palace." He began, that wry smile returning to tug at the corners of his mouth. "You would almost have to be avoiding it."

Cyno's gaze shot to Taj so quickly that he gave himself away. Although it seemed his old mentor still knew him well enough that he hardly needed Cyno's confirmation. Taj had that triumphant glint in his eye that he got when his hunch was right.

"Your will is unshakable Cyno, I know that as well as anyone-"

"Enough." He had meant to sound humourless but the hint of panic in his voice shocked even himself.

This seemed to make Taj soften. "Cyno..." He didn't continue, noticing they had reached the matra guarding the intricate double doors. Before Cyno even had a chance to ready himself they had pushed open the doors wordlessly, inclining their heads toward Cyno.

If Cyno had thought the palace was an oasis, he was stunned at the sight before him. Through the warm steam filling the air, green filled every corner of his vision. Crystalflies drifted lazily past his head, above him dusk birds chattered and the air was filled by the gentle songs of frogs and birds. That wasn't wasn't what held his attention. There, in the centre of it all, you were waist deep in the hot water laughing in delight as the hulking form of a sumpter beast frolicked in the water beside you, much to the chagrin of your attendants.

Cyno opened his mouth but the words died in his throat and he quickly shut it again.

Taj had little success hiding his amusement, seemingly accustomed to this sort of occurrence as he watched you rub an array of perfumed soaps and oils into the thick coat of the beast. "Your Royal Highness, I'm sorry for the intrusion-"

"Captain!" Something stirred in Cyno at the way you greeted Taj. "I think I have discovered something Shaggy loves even more than food!" The joy in your voice solidified Cyno's apprehension. Curse Al Haitham. This was a terrible idea.

Taj disguised a laugh as a cough, doing his best to continue. "Your Highness, I came to announce the arrival of the General Mahamatra."

With that your eyes were on his and Cyno was doomed. It was this exact reason he had done everything in his power to stay as far from you as possible. And yet. And yet, there was a part of him that could not remember why he had ever wanted to.

He may have distrusted Al Haitham and all his secrets and rationalities, but you were far more dangerous. One look. A single look and Cyno was ready to throw it all away. The things he would do for a single look, a single smile, a single laugh, a single touch. The General Mahamatra served the King he reminded himself. Cyno though, Cyno would serve you till the end even just to hear your lips form his name.

Al Haitham's plan made sense, logically, Cyno knew it was their best chance. Instead, every fibre of his being protested, demanding he turn away.

Cyno didn't have a choice. It was their only option. Even if it saw him sacrifice his mind, soul and heart.

Holy fuck this is so pretty 🥺

awkward - a. keiji

(a/n): small self indulgent drabble, lowkey wish my first kiss was like this instead wtf i got

warnings: none

loosely based on awkward by tyler the creator

during your afternoon class when the sunlight would drift through the windows onto akaashi’s face, you couldn’t help but be enamored by his beauty.

his long lashes, slightly messy hair, and soft lips would be something you looked forward to during your morning class. and when the afternoon would finally come, you would be enamored all over again. and sometimes he would spare you a glance while you quickly looked away.

so when he finally asked you out, of course you obliged.

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What it’s Like to Kiss Keiji Akaashi

Notes: If you would like to see my other kissing headcanons posts, follow {this link} to my masterlist page 💕

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- affection with the wanderer in the avidya forest

- fluff hehe

a/n: i think it would be funny if scara had to do community service after all the stuff he did to sumeru so i briefly mentioned it in this. anyways scara brainrot go brrrr

- lowercase is on purpose

it started with a simple kiss to the back of his hand: quick and fleeting, just the way he liked it. see, too much affection without prior announcement was a no-go with the wanderer.

but then, when you tried to let go of his hand, he held on tight, almost desperately, and so you kissed his hand again, and then his wrist, all the way up to his neck where his knees began to buckle everytime your lips pressed against the sensitive spot between his jaw and throat.

luckily, no one was around or else he would have never allowed something like this to happen.

a nice quiet walk in the avidya forest was what you both needed after a stressful day of his "community service" that was mandated after the...everything... that happened.

He spoke little to no words during this walk, simply being by your side while your hands brushed lightly against each others. you were the one to initiate contact, sliding your fingers around his pinkie. he merely glanced at your hands and grunted before looking straight ahead again.

eventually you took hold of his ring finger as well, and then his whole hand which led to where you are now.

"what do you think you're doing?" he asks, eyes glaring sharply at you.

with a small smile on your face, you reply, "i think it's very obvious what i'm doing."

at this, he sucks in his breath through his teeth, looking anywhere but at you while he can still feel your warm breath on his neck, until slowly you lean back.

"do you want me to stop?"

biting his lip and still unable to meet your eyes, he swallows harshly while fidgeting with his one free hand, your hand still gently holding his other one.

"if i wanted you to stop, i would have told you already."

letting out a quick hum, you agree and kiss him once again on his neck before making your way to his jaw, the corner of his mouth, and then finally a quick kiss on his lips, barely lasting a second. seemingly dissatisfied, he groans and grips your chin between his index and thumb.

"that was weak," he says, before pressing his lips more firmly against yours, your eyes fluttering shut while he walks you backwards to the nearest tree. your back hits it with a quiet thud and his free hand soon comes to rest above your head while his other still held yours, effectively pinning you against it.

his mouth moved faster against yours, his body pressing into yours as if he was trying to mold himself with you, like he had been craving your touch for the entirety of his very long existence. the fingers of your free hand eventually find his hair, carding them through the strands and pulling softly.

when he was satisfied, he pulled away, his usual unimpressed scowl returning to his face. "if you're going to kiss me, at least do it right."

"oh? would you like me to pin you to a tree next time?"

"shut it."

This broke my heart 🥺

Requested by Anon

Summary: If Nishinoya knew that this would be the last time he walked you home, maybe he would've walked slower

Type of fic: Angst

A/n: How to write something that isn't angst

Kiyoko this, volleyball that, cancelling plans because of volleyball practice, cancelling plans because his team has a bonding day.

Would it be too much to ask if you were part of his life?

When you agreed to his confession, agreed to be his, you thought he would at least make time for you.

It seems like nothings changed from when you were friends, except for fawning over Kiyoko a little less than before.

"Yuu? Did you want to go on a date later after school?" You had come all the way to his classroom to ask him, borderline beg him for some of his attention.

You supported his passion for volleyball, but a line has to be drawn somewhere, especially when he'll always apologize for the same reasons, sprinting to where you stood outside the restaurant, had been standing for hours, just to apologise and promise it would be the last time.

"Oh sorry y/n, I have practice tonight." He's grinning sheepishly, clearly aware that this isn't the first time he's cancelled on you.

Suddenly you feel everyone's eyes on you, some pitying, some filled with concealed laughter, this had been the third time this week.

"Oh." Your smile is strained as you try and look apologetic, forcing the negative feelings down so they don't show up.

But something must've shown, because Nishinoya flinches.

"You could watch practice and I'll walk you home?"

Its better than nothing you decide, and nod before heading back to your class.

There's a feeling you can't shake, and you help help but think you deserve someone better, someone who might actually give you the time of day instead of brushing you off and or giving a useless attempt at mending things back together.

The feeling only grows when you see him showing off for Kiyoko, instead of you. His partner, sitting right in the stands as he flirts with her, using sweet words he would never use with you.

His practice ends, you having spent it thinking that you deserve someone better than somebody who would forget you despite inviting you to practice.

"Yuu!" He left the gym before you, talking with Tanaka about something, having completely forgotten you.

He looks around for a second, before spotting you, face draining of colour as he realizes what he's done.

Tanaka sends you a a look of pity and tells Nishinoya he'll see him later.

Nishinoya walks up to you, hand rubbing his neck sheepishly.

"Did you want me to walk you home?"

Even though you nod 'no' a little upset with him, he still walks you home.

Its silent and the only sounds you hear is the sound of your shoes on pavement. The silence lasts all the way to your house the sound of shoes stopping as you halt right before you get to your driveway.

"Yuu, we need to talk." Your throat feels like it's filled with cotton.

He makes a sound of question and you take that as a sign to to continue.

"I just think, maybe we're better off as friends? Because whatever we're doing certainly dosent feel like dating."

He sighs and nods.

The air isn't tense or sad, it feels like normal, like nothings happened.

"I did care about you y'know?" He shrugs and his breath creates a white cloud in the winter air.

"I know, maybe it's just the wrong time."

He nods, and it feels more like a business transaction than anything until Nishinoya speaks again.

"If I had known this was going to be the last time I would've walked slower." His voice cracks and you can see his eyes welling with tears.

You reach out your hand to wipe the tears falling down his face and you sniff, trying to keep your own tears at bay.

Emotions that you had buried deep coming to surface.

"Hey, it'll be ok. We'll be ok Yuu." His name feels foreign in your mouth, were you allowed to call him Yuu as you broke his heart.

He nods and croaks out something about needing to leave, his head is bowed as he speed walks away, and you realize he only pushed you away because he was scared of getting too close.

Nishinoya tries to avoid you at school after that, too scared to look you in the eye and expose his broken heart.

It hurts when you realize it's all over

---

@iwaizoom @dakotacecily @elianetsantana @peteunderoos @jovialnoise @ryusex-wife @dai-tsukki-desu @luvyoomi @aruhappy @indecisivehusky @curiouslilbeast @kageyuji @alphabetsoupyum @dumbiebambi @dejvns @x-ia-n @itsmeaudrieee @llamakenma @hawksnumberoneuwu

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Aurum Covenance IV - Escape

bodyguard!cyno x royal!gn!reader

warnings: mentions of death & weaponry, tension, hurt/comfort, disassociation & derealization mention, reunions, featuring collei & tighnari

the long awaited follow-up for the angst drabble after so many prequel pieces PFFT ur welcome <3 and as always, i can't write fics set in sumeru without including my beloved daughter so ur welcome x2 hehe

When you are so very used to a regular presence, the void they leave behind is a pernicious affair. The steady metamorphosis between two senses of normalcy courses like toxins through the bloodstream.

In the wake of Cyno's absence, everything looks as though it has been washed with grey.

The hazy golden light that paints your bed of a morning has been desaturated and filtered out, all the tender joy of waking each day removed. Dull and lifeless, you float through your routines as though you're perceiving yourself from a third person perspective. As though you've relinquished control of yourself and taken a backseat to the imposter who maintains a sweet smile and gentle tone when you want nothing more than to scream.

Meetings in the royal court with your father are tense and uncomfortable, all curt words and false niceties. He doesn't permit you to roam when you are done, not even to bask in the pleasant afternoon sun that warms the palace gardens. You're escorted by your new guard- an older matra with a sword and a serious scowl etched into their features- and your chambers become both your sanctuary and your prison.

And finally, one day you decide that you have had enough.

Sneaking out of your chambers is no easy feat. Not with your new bodyguard stationed outside the door and the vertigo of a sheer 20-foot drop awaiting you from your windows. Walking to and from the room is out of the question as well, with the watchful eyes kept on you during the entire journey.

Which means your safest- and arguably the least sane- option is to disappear within plain sight. In the middle of the next royal court meeting.

It isn't difficult to send the court into a frenzy of heated debate and conjecture, especially not when you pointedly mention the glaringly obvious flaw in your father's newest law proposal.

No, it is the leaving in the middle of the chaos that proves the most difficult- especially when there are still guards by the door.

"I just need some air," you whisper as you reach them. "I feel ill. I'll stay outside the doors, promise."

And whether the guards have caught on and don't care, or simply remain too focused on ensuring the court do not devolve into violence, they nod and step aside for you to pass.

The echoing tile in the palace halls reverberates through your spine with each and every step that you take, anxiety threading through your veins and firmly rooting itself against your ribcage.

Faster, faster, you pick up your pace until you are in time with the frantic beating of your heart, until you are all but breaking out into a run.

You're unsure where to go when the palace walls are at your back. Having been kept under lock and key for most of your life, and even more tightly in recent weeks, the world outside is unfamiliar and strange.

And yet, you aren't afraid anymore.

You are not so sheltered to have never heard of the sights that face you now, but it is so different to experience them with your own eyes.

All around you, the most vibrant emerald green floods your vision. The rainforest is never-ending, bejewelled with blossoms in shades you fear you may never have had the chance to see before.

And to your left, like a shining beacon of hope in the fading evening light, a small array of treehouses are bundled together.

A young girl first greets you as you approach, jumpy as she recognises you. Something tells you you've seen her once before as well, on a visit to the palace perhaps?

"Your highness!" she exclaims, stumbling over her words. "This is an unexpected surprise. Not that that's a bad thing!" She straightens up as if remembering herself, bowing hurriedly. "My name's Collei, highness, and I'm a forest ranger. Here to help with anything you need. If you don't mind me asking... what brings you here?"

"Can you keep a secret?" you ask, to which Collei nods vigorously. "I've run away. I need somewhere to stay for a while."

"You can stay with us," she says. "I'm sure Master Tighnari won't mind! He's had another guest for a few weeks now as well. Apparently they ran from the palace too."

Those words ignite a fire in your soul, a blazing hope that somehow, some way, he is safe.

As far as you had been aware, Cyno was executed some days after he had been torn from your side. You had spent the days since grieving, inconsolable and empty. To even have a sliver of possibility that you might just see him again... it is nigh on overwhelming.

Collei leads you up into the canopies of the forest, to the strong wooden platforms that link the trees together. "I'll introduce you to Tighnari first and then I'm sure he'll help you sort out a place to rest for the night. We've got a few spare rooms at the moment where some of the rangers are out on longer patrols."

"I wasn't aware the rangers were still allowed to patrol," you say, taking the length of the walk to admire the quaint architecture of this treetop hub. "Father tried to push the matra as the sole purveyors of justice."

"Rangers have never been interested in justice in the same way as the matra," Collei explains. "We're here to help the people, not to oppress them." A sharp cough. "Excuse me if I speak out of line here, your highness, but your father's governance would not stop the forest rangers from protecting the people of Sumeru."

"I'm glad to hear it," you nod. "Truly. I swear to you, when I return to the palace to rule, I will not be following in his footsteps."

"You always seemed really nice," Collei says. "We met when I was much younger. You stayed by my side when Master Tighnari had to speak to some of the doctors."

You smile fondly at her as the memory resurfaces. "You told me about the friend you made in the kingdom of Mondstat. Amber, right?"

Before she can answer you properly, you have reached the top of the stairway.

It is not Tighnari who greets you once you step onto the solid platform. You remember him vaguely now; the dark hair and fennec ears, the polite smile and firm tone in his voice. And he most certainly is not the man who stands before you now.

You're face to face with a ghost in this moment, you're sure of it. Despite the fleeting hope, the reality is a different matter entirely. A million possible reactions parse through your mind in a fraction of a second, countless emotions coursing through your veins.

And all you can do is run to him.

Cyno takes you into his arms on instinct, as if your embrace is his natural state of being and he has been deprived from it for far too long. The pair of you wobble together under the impact of colliding, swaying in some clumsy waltz as you attempt to keep upright whilst never separating.

"Your highness," he breathes against your shoulder. The tension that has wound up in your muscles like a coiled spring eases under his touch.

"Please," you say, "no more titles. We are equals."

You splay your hands out across his back and hold him to you, the feeling of his warmth against yours still not enough to make up for the ice that has permeated your bones in days gone by.

Cyno speaks your name this time. Slowly, as if the syllables are still foreign on his tongue, but with all the tender reverence of someone who has thought about them for a lifetime. "I have missed you."

"Cyno... my love." The world has cleared, the antidote to the poison of your solitude pulsing through your bloodstream. "Your absence has been torturous."

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