I'm Here Waiting For Scara & Reader Stories To Be Re-uploaded. Can't Wait To Reread!!! Your Narration

⠀ ₍🕊₎ ..⃗. ꒰ chateau de chambord, genshin impact ꒱

⠀ . ˚◞♡  ⃗ genshin impact: gallery of alatus nemeseos ༉‧₊˚ 

𓍼༘⋆ the chase ⋆.࣪

ʚ motorcyclist! xiao x fem, ballerina! reader ɞ

679 words. romance, modern au, smau.

a chance encounter amidst traffic fleeting like the wind, a ribbon tying you two together yet why were you both foolish enough to not ask for names?

⠀ . ˚◞♡  ⃗ genshin impact: gallery of peregrinus ༉‧₊˚ 

𓍼༘⋆ balsam flowers and plum blossoms ⋆.࣪

ʚ general! scaramocuche x fem, courtesan! reader ɞ

2.79k words. romance, fluff, slight angst, implied smut. 18+

having been forced to leave his clan temporarily, kunikuzushi assists the heir apparent of liyue in a upcoming border conflict. while there, like a balsam flower blooming in the early fall's frost, your rosy lips and dusty rouge eye make-up draws him in. in a game of go, the unbeatable inazuman tactician finally tastes defeat at your hands.

⠀𐔌 . ⋮ red tiger balm .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ narumi gen x fem, physical therapist! reader ɞ

synopsis: during a joint training conference between the first and third divisions, many notice how captain narumi gen seems to have fallen head over heels for you but what they don't catch is that you both smell like spiced mint, cinnamon, and clove.

genres: fluff, romance.

content warnings: profane language (it's gen duh).

word count: 1.1k words.

author's note: inspired by my love for the warm scent of red tiger balm and how much i love narumi gen ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧

‎‧₊ ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

Narumi Gen smells of spiced mint, cinnamon, and clove.

It’s a subtle warm medicinal smell that clears one’s nose when Narumi walks past or when one stands near him.

Some days, it’s faint and nearly indistinguishable but whenever Tuesday rolls around and their Captain returns from his off-base day off, the same spicy camphor scent never fails to make a full return subtly with its strong aroma sticking closely to Japan’s Strongest Anti-Kaiju Combatant.

It’s become a running gag within the first division that Narumi’s part-time job during the colder seasons where runny and stuffy noses are at an all time high is being everyone’s Vick’s vapor rub.

But one winter’s Monday morning, kaiju alarms ring throughout Tokyo and many bear witness to the palpable irritation on Narumi Gen’s face as he arrives on base.

Amid the smoke and ash lingering through the air, those working directly with the Captain note the unusual absence of the scent of spiced mint, cinnamon, and clove that Narumi normally smells of. 

Another thing many officers of the First Division also notice is that along with the aroma’s absence is that it goes hand in hand with Narumi’s intensified impatience and snark as he barked harsh order after harsh order.

Many are unsure on which cologne, balm, or hell, even perfume the First Division’s Captain uses to attain such a fresh and warm scent yet none dare ask their quick-tempered Captain.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

When the joint training conference between the First and Third Division rolls around at the Tachikawa base, it doesn’t take long for platoon leaders and a few officers of the First Division to catch onto how their Captain’s soft currant red eyes seems to latch onto you, the Third Division’s resident physical therapist.

Members of both divisions soon bear witness to how Narumi’s gaze always seems to be searching for you and how they soften whenever you enter the same room he was in. 

They also don’t miss how he always seems to be at a loss of words whenever you speak to him, a gentle yet sweet smile on your face as you ask him if his shoulder is still tight and how much adoration fills his usually tired eyes whenever he's in your presence.

It then clicks to many that Narumi Gen, Captain of the first Division and Japan’s strongest Anti-Kaiju Combatant, has a big fat crush on the Third Division’s physical therapist.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

With Narumi’s constant visits to you under the guise of tight muscles and achy limbs, it’s become routine for Hoshina to tease him relentlessly.

You’ve just finished sanitizing your therapy table when a soft knock rasps itself against the wood of your office door.

Humming a sweet ‘come in,’ your irises meet soft currant red ones and a honeyed smile is tugging at your lips when you see Captain Narumi in your doorway.

“Captain Narumi,” Your voice is a bit breathy due to your fumble of pausing at the sight of him but he’s entranced nonetheless. “How can I help you?”

It takes him an embarrassing moment to formulate a response to your question but he quickly rasps out, “My wrist is actin’ up again.”

Worry floods your eyes and Narumi savors how your eyes trail from his own down his body and to his right wrist.

It’s greedy of him to watch eagerly how your teeth sinks into your bottom lip in concern but a pang of disappointment tinges his chest as your eyes move off his body and to his left.

He follows your gaze silently and Narumi doesn’t bother hiding the pure indignation on his face when his eyes meet deep wine red ones.

Are you fucking kidding me?

“Narumi, what can I do for ya?” Hoshina’s grin widens as Narumi’s eyes stretches open when that bowl-cut jerk sits himself in front of you—infuriatingly close—on the therapy table.

Your eyes look apologetic enough to soothe the jealousy raging in Narumi, “I’m sorry Captain Narumi but Vice-Captain Hoshina has an appointment with me currently.”

Hoshina 1, Narumi 0.

He feels like a kicked puppy. “But please wait, I’ll take you in after treating Vice Captain Hoshina.” You words have him perking up, a small lovesick grin tugging at his face before he’s padding out your door, not before sparing a withering glare towards Hoshina whose grin becomes a bit more teasing.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

After a bit of waiting, your head pops out from your office and Narumi’s chest tightens when you smile oh so sweetly. “Sorry for the wait Cap, but come on in.”

He’s aching to be near you so when you disappear further into your office and Hoshina walks past him, the smell of mint and menthol wafts in his nose.

Narumi’s nose wrinkles at the scent, huffing in distaste causing Hoshina to snicker slightly before the former is shutting the door and seating himself onto your therapy table, thighs spreading slightly as you set yourself between them. 

“It’s your shoulder again, hm?” You murmur softly, fingers tweaking the muscle beneath his clavicle, feeling how tight they were before moving a bit further up, causing Narumi to wince gently.

“Mh.” Narumi hums as his eyes flutter to a close, basking in your warmth as he enjoys the the smell of spiced mint, cinnamon, and clove permeating through your office space.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

The week-long joint training conference draws to a close and many, especially those of the First Division, have gotten sick and tired of the longing glances their Captain continuously throws at you.

He hasn’t even made a move on you yet for fuck’s sake! Many groan in their heads as both division Captains and Vice Captains salute to each other as a thanks.

You stand beside your division Captain, Ashiro Mina, with a gentle smile on your face and many hold their breath when Narumi takes a step towards you.

Please make a move! Officers of both divisions pray before they watch with a bated breath when Narumi takes your hand sweetly, placing a gentle kiss atop your knuckles as your cheeks tint pink.

Jaws then drop as Narumi’s other hand trails along your jaw before taking your chin and pulling you in for a sweet kiss.

It’s takes way too long before someone reacts. “Narumi, get yer damn lips off my pt!” Hoshina hollers, disbelief lining his features as his eyes are wide open in shock.

“What?” The mentioned captain grunts, eyes glaring at the said man as his next words leaves everyone speechless.

Cause who would've thought that Narumi Gen has the balls to-

“Is it so wrong to kiss my wife?” Narumi snarks causing an uproar between both divisions as you laugh sweetly, forcing his eyes to latch onto your pretty face as enamored expression settles itself on his face when you look up at him so lovingly.

Fuck, my wife is so pretty! Narumi finds himself thinking like the lovesick fool he is for you.

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tiktok, instagram, and/or any other websites/platforms.

⠀𐔌 . ⋮ i once saw forever in your eyes .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ botw! link x fem! reader ɞ

synopsis: an alternative beginning to fearless child, broken boy; tell me what it's like to burn (part ii) that is more cut throat with the angst but this fic can also be read independently.

genres: angst, romance. | set pre-calamity.

content warnings: arguing, mentions of war and injuries.

reader specifications: none, no pronouns are used but was written with a female reader in mind.

word count: 832 words.

―originally posted on @mydarling-iv, jan. 2, 2024

‎‧₊ part i ⋮ part ii ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

Two weeks, two cursed weeks that you lover was away in Gerudo, wasting the time away with the princess beside him and only when he does get home—to you—he is ripped away once more.

“A ball?” You inquire softly, having no energy of meeting Link’s eyes, exhaustion apparent with the ache embedded deeply in your bones.

“Come with me?” He blinks softly, his sky blue eyes reminding you of the times where he and you would nap beneath the shade a tree has to offer under a stunning cloudless sky.

But such times are a thing of the past. The thought is scalding.

Link sees the fire your eyes hold, they’re practically smoldering as you glare at the sealed letter in his hands. “You want me to attend? The ball your princess is holding?” You sneer angrily.

He’s never noticed your anger and it takes him off guard. “It is just a ball, my love-“

“I refuse.” Your words are stern, leaving no room for argument.

Link feels an itch of annoyance claw at him. “I am required to attend, so please, come with me?”

“Go with your princess, Link, I have no interest in catering to the wants of the nobles.”

He’s quick to catch a flicker of hurt in your eyes and he feels his heart break. “Talk to me please?” Link’s voice is soft—vulnerable—and it reminds you of your Link.

Your guard lowers but you feel as if a cold bucket of water was just dunked over you. “You’ve been so angry recently, it isn’t like you—“

“It really isn’t like me Link, yet who can blame me when my spouse is always leaving me alone?”

His eyes narrow, blues darkening in warning. “Forgive me for I am at the very forefront of this war. Battered and wrecked, I come to you first.”

“Yet why do I not feel like I am first? To me, my love,” the pet name is sickly sweet and Link holds back the urge of wincing. “Your precious Zelda is always first.”

Time slows and Link momentarily pauses, he catches himself, “I’m sorry for not noticing until now-” It’s too late, all your hurt—inflicted by him—has turned into anger. 

Anger rips through your very being as you meet his eyes, “You’ve only now noticed, Link? Or is it simply because you’re never here to see me hurt and angered by you and what you do to me?” Your words shock him, the anger masking your hurt irritating Link even further.

“Never here? I’m working to make sure you’re comfortable, that you’re safe, and yet this is what I get in return for giving you a better home than the old cabin we lived in?” Your heart aches as he yells and you’re able to see anger and betrayal simmering in his blue orbs that used to be so serene and calm.

A small laugh tumbles from your lips, your eyes aching with the weight of unshed tears—of having the weight of your relationship on your shoulders. “Do you not understand?”

The words die on Link’s tongue, guilt and hurt leeching into his soul at the sight of your tears. “I care not for the riches they bestow upon you, I care not for the land or titles you may hold, I care not of such things.” You furiously wipe away at your tears, hiccups becoming louder as the seconds pass.

“You are my home, do you not understand?” You look at him in the eye and Link sees defeat dim your eyes and it tears at the very being of his soul.

"I may be a fool for wanting that old cabin back, but at least then I was loved- I felt loved, Link. Yet, you trade that—our happiness—for the artificially that upper society has to offer?"

Guilt and sorrow claws at Link's insides as he feels defeat settle in his bones, a strong melancholy winding itself so tightly around his heart that it is even hard for him to breathe. He sees your eyes, puffy with unshed tears and he's enveloped in an unwanted hug of shame and guilt.

I was a fool. He thinks bitterly as he pays the price of seeing you so hurt, so bruised, but it all pales in comparison to the hurt you've felt, the pain he's forced you to endure.

"I go to sleep in a cold bed, I awake to one, yet does it ever cross your mind that your absence hurts me? And whenever you are home, in my arms, I mourn for myself—for us—and what our relationship could have been.

"Can you believe that? I mourn my lover who is sleeping next to me, I mourn the man who once showed me how much he loves me, I mourn us.” A dry laugh tumbles from your lips as you cry, feeling so alone despite your lover standing before you.

You’re breathless, "Do you not cry my name in the dark like I do yours?"

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tumblr, social media, and any other websites/platforms.

⠀𐔌 . ⋮ golden child, lion boy; tell me what it's like to conquer .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ botw! link x fem! reader ɞ

synopsis: when the kingdom goes to war, the goddess's chosen Hero is desperate to keep you safe. in his attempts to give you everything, you gradually became nothing.

genres: angst, romance. | mentions an established relationship, set pre-calamity.

rating: mature, 18+ (mdni).

content warnings: unclear time skips,mild/implied sexual content, slight spoilers (slight canon divergence), (indirect) mentions of war.

reader specifications: reader was detailed to have curves and dips, was also implied that reader wears/uses a silk nightie, no pronouns were used but was written with a female reader in mind.

word count: 1.09k words.

―originally posted on @mydarling-iv, aug. 25, 2023

‎‧₊ part ii ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

Sleep does not come to Link that easily. Despite holding you in his arms as you slept, your warmth did not beckon his eyelids to fall. Instead, he gazes fondly at your sleeping face.

Link's heart soars as a smile tugs at his lips but soon falters as he feels fear creep in. The over-looming threat of the Calamity continuously draws near. Then, the view of you blurs as Link drowns himself in his thoughts.

He hesitates, questioning whether or not his decision is right, if the lack of your say in the matters is the correct thing to do. It feels wrong, a raw disgust filling his veins but his fear overpowers his rationality, rearing its ugly head that Link is forced to look at.

But as he stares into the eyes of the King of Hyrule, he is forced to come to terms that if he refuses the offer, you may be vulnerable to the incoming Calamity’s wrath. And so, Link deludes himself into believing that this is what is necessary to keep you out of harms way.

He’s snapped back into reality as you snuggle further into him, your warmth permeating through his skin and into his soul. Gradually, Link feels his fears melt away. It needs to be done, for no cost is too great to keep you safe. He thinks, hand gently cupping your sleeping face.

“You are dear to me, I don’t want to ever let you go nor would I ever give you up,” Link’s words are hushed—masked as a promise—only heard by the moon and stars above. He presses a sweet kiss to your forehead as unshed tears glaze his eyes.

“I want to protect you, I want to guard you from the world that tries to so desperately dim your light—And by the stars, this I promise you for I love you too much.”

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

The move to Castle Town was much livelier than expected. Despite having to tear himself from you due to knightly duties, Link made an effort to always give you his time.

Laughter rings in your new, quaint home, smiles are pressed against each other, you both embrace each other when the moon rises and Link finds it hard to leave your serene hug but he must do what he is bound to and you continuously find yourself awaking to a cold bed.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

As the brightness of Spring quickly passes, Winter arrives, taking all the sweet liveliness of Spring with it, leaving the world—your world—cold and barren as a distance stretches itself between you and Link, your lover returning home more guarded and unreadable as time passes.

He is repeatedly sent on countless missions, tasked with being at the very forefront of wiping out monster and enemy camps. Your heart aches whenever he softly kisses you goodbye, and yet whenever he arrives home safely—alive—you find that the ache in your chest has never left in the first place.

You kiss him passionately, wanting to bruise him so that he wouldn’t be able to forget you. Though now much silent, Link shares the same sentiments as he worships your body, engraving marks reminding you of him into your soft skin that both reassures you and intensifies the longing in your heart.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Time passes and Link steadily climbs the ranks, his time split between fighting at the frontlines and guarding Hyrule’s sole princess.

He’s given a noble title, land to go with it, and prestige. Yet, when you move into the estate he’s given, it doesn’t feel like home, instead it’s cold and barren, devoid of the love you and Link once filled your cozy apartment with.

Your lover dominates high society, titles falling at his feet whenever he’d come home victorious, yet why does it feel like you’ve lost him throughout his feats?

You no longer embrace each other before bed, his side of the bed remaining cold from dusk till dawn, nor does a boyish smile ever grace his face whenever you try to crack a joke, instead you’re only met with his furrowed brows and tired eyes. 

Despite how Link has become dismissive and cold, you hold him gently in your arms, bare skin against bare skin and only now do you see that he’s been cracked enough as it is, his heart more shattered than he lets on.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

He envelops you whole, skin feverish as Link’s lips are merciless, leaving no spot of your skin untouched—unmarked—and your heart swells as a small part of you mourns.

“I love you and I will love you as long as I am able to love.” Link whispers, his words soft compared to the blatant sin he commits.

Your eyes flutter to a close, your hand finding home in his hair before you gently tug at his roots, eliciting a satisfying groan from your lover.

“I want everything back, the way it was.” Your words are a breathy as you speak and Link has to resist the urge to capture your lips.

But before you’re able to continue, a quick knock interrupts, breaking the bubble you and your lover were in. “Captain, you are needed.” A man, who you suppose was your lover’s subordinate, stated.

Link’s eyes stay glued to you, committing every slope, dip, and curve of yours to memory. “Is it urgent?” Link mutters loud enough for the man to hear, his blue eyes dark as an ocean’s, and you think that this is how people drown.

A quiet sigh leaves your lips as you go to grab your silken nightie, your body tensing as Link’s bare chest meets your back. He places soft kisses to your bare shoulder before he reaches the junction of your neck and shoulder.

“It’s Princess Zelda, sire, she was reported to be missing and seen on horseback heading to Gerudo.” The kisses on your shoulder ceases, an inaudible curse falling from Link’s lips and before you know it, your lover’s warmth is ripped from your back.

His clothes rustle, almost seeming to mock you and you feel your heart slowly sink again. Link gently cups your face, pivoting slightly so he’s able to see your face. Yet, you avoid his gaze.

Link places a delicate kiss to your forehead, silently promising that he’ll be back soon but yet, he becomes a blind eye to how your eyes dim.

The door shuts behind him and you’re left alone, feeling used and cold. “I want everything back, the way it was.” Tears run down your cheeks as his absence burns a deeper hole into your heart. “But there is no point to it, this wanting.”

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tumblr, social media, and any other websites/platforms.

I love the way you write. It's somehow delicate yet also.. accessible, if that makes sense. like, feels romanticized but also real at the same time. idk how to express it, I just came across your motorcyclist Xiao writing and am now enamored with your work

hello my beloved,

are you trying to make me blush? because it's working oml- but really thank you for the compliment! it had me giggling and kicking my feel like a fool. thank you also for enjoying my work and hopefully i can bewitch you more with my future works! ₊˚⊹ᰔ ( ˶ˆ꒳ˆ˵ )

yours truly,

iv <3

⠀ ₍🕊₎ ..⃗. ꒰ pergoda, miscellaneous ꒱

⠀ ꒰🖇꒱ general tags. ༊*·˚

ᝰ.ᐟ ⌗𝐢𝐯'𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.°♡༉‧₊ ― “written works”

ᝰ.ᐟ ⌗𝐢𝐯'𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.°˖◛⁺⑅ ― “answered asks”

ᝰ.ᐟ ⌗𝐢𝐯'𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 .ᡣ𐭩 °₊ ― “fics i’ve read and love !!”

ᝰ.ᐟ ⌗𝐢𝐯’𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.𓏲*:･ﾟ

ᝰ.ᐟ ⌗𝐢𝐯'𝐬 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬.⋆｡☾*:˚

ᝰ.ᐟ ⌗𝐢𝐯'𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭.⋆˚☼·*

ᝰ.ᐟ ⌗𝐢𝐯'𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭.⸜☁︎‎‎⋆₊˚ ― "tag system"

ᝰ.ᐟ ⌗𝐢𝐯'𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐬 ೀ.ᐟ₊ ― "blurbs of fics that i'll never continue"

⠀ ꒰🖇꒱ character specific tags. ༊*·˚

ᝰ.ᐟ genshin impact: xiao, the general ⋆⸝⸝

⋆⸜ ⌗genshin impact: gallery of alatus nemeseos ༉‧₊˚✧

ᝰ.ᐟ genshin impact: scaramouche, the wanderer ⋆⸝⸝

⋆⸜ ⌗genshin impact: gallery of peregrinus ༉‧₊˚✧

ᝰ.ᐟ legend of zelda: breath of the wild ⋆⸝⸝

⋆⸜ ⌗legend of zelda: gallery of the wilds ༉‧₊˚✧

ᝰ.ᐟ legend of zelda: ocarina of time, majora's mask ⋆⸝⸝

⋆⸜ ⌗legend of zelda: gallery of time ༉‧₊˚✧

ᝰ.ᐟ legend of zelda: twilight princess ⋆⸝⸝

⋆⸜ ⌗legend of zelda: gallery of twilight ༉‧₊˚✧

ᝰ.ᐟ legend of zelda: hyrule warriors ⋆⸝⸝

⋆⸜ ⌗legend of zelda: gallery of warriors ༉‧₊˚✧

ᝰ.ᐟ kaiju no. 8: hoshina soshiro, the vice-captain ⋆⸝⸝

⋆⸜ ⌗kaiju no. 8: gallery of the vice-captain ༉‧₊˚✧

ᝰ.ᐟ kaiju no. 8: narumi gen, the captain ⋆⸝⸝

⋆⸜ ⌗kaiju no. 8: gallery of the captain ༉‧₊˚✧

⠀𐔌 . ⋮ make you want it .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ hoshina soshiro x fem! reader ɞ

synopsis: no one in the third division is blind enough to see the way their vice-captain switches up with you, the vice-captain of the first division. somehow their laid-back and cheery vice-captain becomes an absolute menace whenever he’s in your presence and you decide that it’s time that you’ve finally had enough.

genres: romance, suggestive and a bit explicit, mature, 18+ (mdni).

content warnings: profane language, biting, dry humping, manhandling, down bad! hoshi haha.

word count: 4.02k words.

author's note: late birthday fic for my hubby! i really needed down bad! hoshi bc in most fics, he's cool n suave but fuck, i want him desperate (✿ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)⁾⁾

‎‧₊ ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

As the meeting drones on, you find yourself rapidly blinking away the fatigue yet a sudden jolt to your foot beneath the table startles you awake.

Your eyes fly up to the person who struck your foot and your eyebrows automatically wrinkle in dismay at the sight of Hoshina Soshiro’s pleased grin and mirth-laden wine-red eyes.

Sleepy? He mouths cheekily as you fight the urge to roll your eyes. Instead, a sweet, honeyed smile stretches at your lips and you notice Soshiro’s eyes falling slightly from your eyes to something lower.

Stars, your lips look so fuckin’ soft-

His eyes widen as he’s pulled from his lecherous thoughts when you pull your foot back before landing a solid kick to his shin with the hard heel of your boot.

Soshiro glares as you smile innocently—teasingly—before mouthing back, Hurts?

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

The meeting is adjourned and you’re quick to flick Gen’s forehead, rousing him from his phone as a snarl tugging at his lips while the words “Game Over” is in bold red text is splattered across his phone’s screen.

He turns to you quickly, his mouth unfurling to spew insults but the look in your eyes has Gen biting his tongue as you both stand from the table. “Gen, review the files regarding the energy traces detailed in Tokyo Bay.”

You spare a nod to Mina Ashiro before heading out of the conference room, not bothering to say a word to her Vice-Captain despite feeling the heat of Soshiro’s stare lingering on your form.

Regardless, you busy yourself with reviewing the files in your hand as you unconsciously bite your bottom lip when you read the data provided.

Tokyo is long overdue for another bivalent event.

Your mind races with protocols and plans to approve regarding civilians and even your own soldiers but you’re ripped from your thoughts when you walk into something hard and firm.

The scent of sweetened chestnuts and powdered sugar invades your nose before the documents are plucked out of your hands, “Hoshina,” Your nose wrinkles cutely and a cheshire grin spreads across the said man’s face. 

“What do you want?” You ask flatly, your hand reaching for the documents before he’s swiping it out of your reach.

“Just reviewin’ the files again, Vice-Cap.” He murmurs, flicking through your files as you blink at him unimpressed.

“You were given a copy, Hoshina,” You mutter, your annoyance starting to flare and from the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, you know that bastard knows how much of an annoyance he’s been these past few days.

“Is that how you speak to yer fellow Vice-Captain and former batch member?” Hoshina teases, wiggling your documents above you just out of reach.

An odd look becomes apparent in your eyes, something subtle and fleeting that even Hoshina couldn’t pinpoint before your irritation is quick to mask it.

“Mh,” You murmur, stepping closer to him, your chest brushing against his as you stare up at him.

Hoshina’s breath hitches as your fingers hook onto the belt loops of his pants before you pull him towards you, his chest flush against yours.

Your eyes intensify and Hoshina is entranced before his eyes slip low to trace the swell of your plush lips. He feels his resolve faltering as your hands wander up the planes of his chest, your touch soft and feather-light enough to tease.

A shudder works down his spine as your nails gently trace his shoulders and Hoshina has to hold back the urge to groan, utterly enraptured by your blistering eyes and the feeling of your body against his.

His arms unconsciously lower as he succumbs to the urge to hold your hips and before Hoshina is able to act on any of his feral impulses, your soft, pliant body is ripped from his.

As are the documents he held in his hands.

You step away from him and he feels a swell of irritation at the sight of your nonchalant eyes, seemingly unaffected by him unlike how you were able to invoke such a profound and heated response from him.

His now free hands are itching to squeeze the swell of your hips and bring your body back against his, yet the glare you shoot his way sends bolts excitement through his veins. 

“Last time I checked, it was you who ran your tongue, Hoshi.” You retorted over your shoulder, uttering his name with a false sweetness before you’re brushing past him and disappearing down the corridor.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

During the entirety of the joint training session between the First and Third Divisions, it became known to most officers in both divisions that there were underlying tensions between each respective division’s Vice-Captain.

It came as a shock to many to see Hoshina’s teasings turning sharp whenever it came to you as they usually see him as the lax one whenever Narumi Gen involves him in his childish spats.

Despite it all, you fought Hoshina’s quips with your own that are equally and if not much more scathing and venomous than his own, much to the awe and shock of many.

During dinner, Reno caught murmurs of you and his Vice-Captain, “Apparently they were in the same batch of officers, equally leveled as close combatants too.”

He nudges Kafka and the latter is quick and equally shameless to prod. “What’s up with them though? Vice-Captain Hoshina’s relationship with Vice-Captain L/n seems worse than his relationship with Captain Narumi.” He mutters.

An officer, who Reno recognizes as one from your personal platoon, laughs. “They were close before but Vice-Cap Hoshina ran his tongue too much.”

Reno and Kafka spare a glance to each other as your officer smiles, “Apparently, Vice-Cap Hoshina scorned my Vice-Cap by saying that he’d rather be eaten by a kaiju than kiss her while they were batch officers.”

Their jaws drop at the information revealed because it’s utterly baffling. The surprise is palpable on Kafka’s face much to the chagrin of your officer.

“Exactly, right? Vice-Cap L/n’s such a total babe too.” Fellow officers agree, some commenting on how sweet and hard-working you are too.

“If I were Vice-Captain Hoshina, I would’ve bagged Vice-Captain L/n quick.” Kafka mutters, downing his cup of water as fellow officers quip in on how they’d do the same-

A sudden chill surrounds the table as Soshiro's voice enters their ears, “Who’s baggin’ who now?” He asks with a smile on his face that is anything but friendly.

Kafka chokes on his water as he averts his gaze from his own Vice-Captain’s and many officers at the table bear witness to the uncharacteristic irritation lighting up Hoshina Soshiro’s wine-red eyes.

Soshiro’s eyes trail across the room before they land on your form as you laugh at Narumi Gen’s disgruntled form, teasing him relentlessly with that stupidly beautiful smile of yours that haunts his dreams.

He watches unamused as Narumi wraps his arm around your neck before giving you a noogie.

Soshiro’s jaw ticks, a predatory sense of possessiveness flaring up within him as he sees you and Narumi too close for his liking.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Soshiro sighs, unconsciously flicking through the civilian evacuation protocols he found sitting atop his desk already signed and reviewed by you. A challenging grin tugged at his lips when he saw that your captain had yet to sign off on such papers.

So, here he is now, standing outside of Narumi’s temporary office at Tachikawa base ready to swipe the door open when his keen ears pick up on a breathy groan of Narumi’s first name.

His body freezes when the realization dawns on him, a feminine voice, so sweet and sultry and so fucking you.

Before he can even process what he’s doing, he’s throwing the door wide open before Soshiros’s startled currant-red eyes land on you and Narumi’s forms.

Your captain is hunched over his desk as you repeatedly slap some documents on his head. “Gen.” You mutter again, your groan tapering off breathily that has Soshiro’s core tightening.

Narumi stays silent, grumbling before you smack his head again, a bit harder this time. “Gen, please!” You huff and Hoshina can hear the slight whine in your tone, shooting pure heat into his veins.

Fuck.

Soshiro has a bad, bad feeling that if you were to use the word ‘please,’ he knows he would give you whatever you desired.

Suddenly, Soshiro’s eyes seem to focus and his breathing nearly stops when he takes you in, clad in nothing but so baggy sweats that traitorously hangs loosely off your hips and a skin-tight tank top that hugs your figure so fucking well.

He swallows thickly, at a loss of words before that same infuriating and heated feeling in his gut ignites once more when he originally saw the close proximity between you and your Captain at dinner.

Because fuck, in all of the years he’s known you, all he’s seen you are either the combat suit or the formal attire of the JAKDF but Narumi on the other hand, he gets to see you like this, homely and showing skin that only Soshiro can ever dream of fucking seeing.

The realization has him seething silently, his jaw clenching tightly. He knows. He knows that he has it down bad for you.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Narumi grumbles, looking up at you to retort back but the scathing glare you send his way has him pausing before he’s hastily snagging the papers out of your hands.

“They should be approved tomorrow, Gen. I’ll even double check these myself and if I don’t see your appro-”

“I got it, I got it!” Your Captain whines, a pout tugging at his lips as his eyes lazily drift from you to the documents-

Suddenly, Narumi’s rosewood eyes meet the man’s standing in the doorway and he doesn’t bother to hide his ire. Your eyes drift to Soshiro’s form and he can’t help but have the selfish urge in him of wanting your gaze to stay focused on him solely.

“Hoshina, what do you want?” Narumi snaps before his eyes trail back down to the document he’s reading.

Your Vice-Captain. Soshiro finds himself thinking as his eyes stay trained on yours.

Narumi’s annoyance becomes all the more pronounced and before he can retort with another snarky comment, you shove his face away causing your Captain to squawk indignantly.

“Vice-Captain Hoshina,” You nod towards that man, you features cooling into a calm mien. “What can I do for you?”

He steps up to the desk before dropping the documents in front of Narumi who grimaces at the increased amount of paperwork he has to review.

 “Reviewed and signed them for you, sweetheart.” Soshiro carefully studies your face for any signs of you losing your composure yet he’s mildly disappointed to see that your eyes are only but unamused.

You look at him for a second longer before bending down to Narumi’s level, whispering something in his ear to which he nods and Soshiro feels his fists clench so tightly he knows the skin above his knuckles have turned white.

Before he knows it, you’re brushing past him and like the lovesick fool he is, he follows obediently, ignoring Narumi’s annoyed yet confused hollers.

Soshiro falls into step with you and you don’t bother to acknowledge him, “Yer always with your Captain.” He mutters off–handedly, an underlying sharpness accompanying his words.

You arch a brow yet you refuse to look at him. “He’s my Captain.” Your response is a wry murmur.

Soshiro grins. “Coulda been my Captain if I hadn’t declined.” His grin turns devious as he sees the slight pause in your step. “Guess he had to settle for second best, huh?”

He feels victorious when your eyes finally meet his and despite how they flare with the heat of your temperament, all Soshiro could feel is glee and excitement with finally rousing such a palpable reaction from you.

“Seems like you still have the bad habit of running your mouth, Hoshi.” You spit his name with such venom it has Soshiro’s heart beating faster in anticipation. 

Soshiro laughs, bending to your level. “Let’s settle this, yeah?” He murmurs breathily and from the slight surprise lining your eyes, he knows his eyes are blown out with obvious want and need.

Unexpectedly, you smile sweetly, a saccharine smile that takes Hoshina off guard before you’re moving closer, your nose nuzzling against his as your lips nearly touch his.

Fucking tease.

“Yeah, Hoshi.” You hum softly, forcing Soshiro to swallow thickly, his composure starting to slip before you’re pulling away.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Soon, you both find yourselves in an empty training room, closing the door behind you as Soshiro sheds his jacket to reveal the black compression shirt that hugs each dip and groove of his chiseled torso.

Tension fills the air but you pay it no mind as after thoroughly stretching your limbs, you walk to the sword rack.

Your hand wraps around the handle of a wooden sword, feeling its weight before locking gazes with Soshiro, a smile on your lips but your eyes were another story, deep, alluring, and absolutely irritated

“Is it that you hate me or is it that you hate the fact that you want me?” You hum lowly, the sound of your voice sending shivers down Hoshina’s spine.

He swallows thickly, wine-red eyes involuntarily rolling down your body as he hungrily takes in the skin of your navel, shoulders, and every bit of exposed skin that he is deprived of.

Against his will, Soshiro’s eyes do a double-take and realization dawns on him. Shit, you’re braless?

Your smile turns into a wicked grin, “You want me bad, huh Hoshi?”

Fuck.

Hoshina Soshiro wasn’t sure if you’ve fallen into his trap or he yours.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

He wasn’t given any time to answer you, seeing as you came in hot, swinging your mock blade with a fierce swiftness that gets him going, feeling the high of being the sole recipient of your undivided attention.

Your blade locks with his, straining against Soshiro’s strength before you're jumping back to create space between you, your intense eyes never leaving his and before you know it, Soshiro is barreling towards you.

A yelp tumbles from your lips as he utilizes his weight and the inertia of his dash to overpower you. A certain text tone rings through the room and you’re distracted by it enough to falter slightly.

Hoshina doesn’t forgive you for your blunder and forcefully wretches your blade from your hand, allowing it to clatter to the ground and away from your grasp

Quickly, he tugs at your dominant hand before twisting it behind you enough to make it ache.

Before you know it, you’re being pushed chest down onto the ground, your knees thudding against the mats harshly.

Soshiro grins down at you as you glare up at him, “Distracted, sweetheart?” He taunts as he feels you go lax.

You smile sweetly, “We aren’t kids anymore, Hoshi.” Your honeyed words are nothing but a coy warning.

One that he doesn’t get.

You kick your leg to swipe at Soshiro’s feet and it corrects your form so you’re lying perfectly beneath him. It takes him by surprise, a second too long which allows you to take the golden opportunity.

The world blurs in his eyes before Soshiro finds himself hunched over you, your legs wrapped around his waist tightly-

And shit, the only thing Soshiro can focus on is the feeling of your body pressed tightly against his.

Your heated eyes are on his and Soshiro finds himself unable to move, utterly captivated with how your hand trails down his back, tracing his spine lightly enough to force him to shudder above you.

Suddenly, he feels the cool edge of one of his katana’s barely kissing the skin of his neck.

A smile tugs at your lips, cunning and so fuckin’ seductive that it has Soshiro at a loss for words.

“Distracted, Hoshi?” You murmur lowly—taunting him—throwing his words back at him and he has to suppress  the urge to groan at how sultry your voice sounds.

A beat passes, maybe two before Soshiro is able to formulate any words. “That text tone, who is it for?” He asks hoarsely, scarlet eyes boring into your own.

Your eyes twinkle mischievously, answering his question in a faux show of submission, “Gen. It’s Gen who texted.” You beam, a smile on your face.

Soshiro smiles tightly. “Is your Captain all you talk about?” He simpers hauntily but the annoyance and irritation in his eyes are clear—too palpable for the usually reserved Hoshina Soshiro.

“Jealous much?” You taunt.

He’s silent and you’re ready to tap out and forget this whole ordeal before Soshiro is saying something that causes your breath to hitch.

“I want you.” His words have you pausing momentarily, enough time to allow Soshiro to overpower you once more.

“I want your sleepy, confused looks when you wake up, and that smile that would follow. I want to be the warmth that fills the space in your bed,” Soshiro mutters, his voice holding a certain type of underlying heat.

Like the calculating man he is, Soshiro’s hands force themselves into intertwining with yours before pinning them down, his body warmth mingling with yours as you’re helplessly pinned beneath him. He leans down close, lips brushing against yours. 

“I don’t want to fucking share you.” Soshiro confesses reverently like the sinner he is.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Heat bolts down Soshiro’s body when you lean up further, yours lips almost locking with his and his surprise is apparent in his eyes as your legs tighten around his waist

The world shifts before it resettles and Soshiro’s eyes land on you perched in his lap, your fingers digging softly into the muscle of his shoulders as he fights to sit up, using his arms to support his weight.

You revel in how raw and heavy Soshiro’s gaze has gotten, his eyes no longer looking into yours as they dazedly trail down to focus on your plump lips and you feel his body press closer, lips nearing yours.

But before he’s able to capture your lips, your hand trails across the nape of his neck, your fingertips tangling in the roots of his undercut before gently tugging, eliciting a deep groan that shoots a sweltering warmth into your bloodstream.

“Last time I remember, Hoshi,” You purr softly as your other hand faintly traces the side of his neck, feeling his pulse stutter beneath your fingertips. “You said you’d rather be eaten by a kaiju than kiss me.”

“Do you always have to do that? Pay such close attention to what people say?” He scoffs, vermillion eyes still trained on your lips.

Mischievously, your tongue peeks out before casually running over your bottom lip, and you revel in how Soshiro’s jaw ticks in impatience.

You shake your head gently before smiling teasingly, forcing his dazed eyes to meet yours as you tug at his roots once more, his low and breathy groan echoing through your ears. “Only what you say, Hoshi.”

“Fuck.” His eyes harden and you’re delighted to see clear annoyance simmering in his deep, wine-red eyes.

You’re absolutely fucking pleased to see how much you truly affect him despite that joke of a facade he puts up with you in front of others—thrilled to see how much you can drag him into a state of such want and need that’s a complete opposite from his usual patient and composed self.

Soshiro swallows thickly as he stares up at you impatiently before you’re allowing your lips to curl into a coy smile. His eyes narrow before his hands slither from your legs to your hips, squeezing firmly—a warning.

Your smile widens, never one to mind any risks or repercussions, you move closer, hips grinding against his and you feel how sinfully hard Soshiro is. His eyes are blown out as they are dazed, seemingly utterly drunk on the feeling of you.

You laugh as you tighten your grip in Soshiro’s roots, a deep, throaty groan tumbling from his lips. “I have all the power huh, Hoshi? Being able to sway the Third Division’s Vice-Captain with a mere smile and how you pathetically bend to me and my whims.”

He eyes narrow into a sharp glare, his poisonous tongue ready to spit back something venomous at you but you cup his face, your lips dangerously close to his that it has him fucking floundering, his mind blanking with nothing but you in it.

Soshiros hands—shameless as they are talented—have begun to wander, slipping below the band of your sweats before cupping your ass, taking a handful before squeezing harshly and angling your hips just right so that it forces a faint moan to tumble from your lips.

Stars, you sound so fuckin’ sexy but, your eyes, fuck—

Your dangerously sultry eyes stay locked on his, absolute pools of lust that Soshiro would willingly drown himself in. “You so pretty, Hoshi, so pretty I could cry.” You whisper like temptation and he knows, fuck, he knows that he’s fallen into your alluring trap.

Your lips curl into that devious smile that he absolutely loves, all teasing yet so fucking beautiful. “‘N you’re all mine, mine, huh Hoshi?”

Fuck.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

“Yeah,” Soshiro rasps as one of his hands curls around the nape of your neck, fingers tangling in your roots harshly. “‘M all yours baby.”

Your eyes widen before Soshiro is quickly pulling your lips against his in a searing kiss that has the heat in your stomach coiling tighter as you melt against his hard chest, his hand squeezing your hip possessively as he grinds you deliciously over his aching hard-on.

Barely pulling away for air, Soshiro drags you back as you mutter a weak ‘fuck’ against his hungry lips, his hand trailing back into your sweats before he kneads your ass like the touch-starved man he his, reveling in your restrained whimpers.

Soshiro’s tongue licks the seam of your lips before pushing his way in, savoring how your taste as he shudders from the deep and slow grind of your hips against his crotch and how your nails ruthlessly rake down the muscles of his back and fuck, it hurts so good.

Cruelly, you pull away, panting against his lips as he chases yours but you’re completely breathless when you take him in, swollen and kiss-bitten lips parted in soft huffs as his drunk dazed eyes stare up at you so fucking reverently and hungrily, it has you fluttering.

Soshiro’s usually focused crimson eyes are an absolute sight for sore eyes with how blown out they are with a blatant need and wanton desire, hunger and impatience mingling in a sinful pool of a deep, dark red hue.

And it’s all for you.

But before he can crash lips against yours once more, the kaiju alarm blares through the training room.

Soshiro groans, burying his face into the crook of your neck as you huff a laugh, one that tapers off into a breathy moan when his teeth bites down on the supple skin of your neck, insistent on leaving marks—his marks.

You cup his face, titling his chin up so his eyes meet yours. A sweet smile graces your face when you see a glimmer of something softer beneath the carnal want churning in Soshiro’s gaze.

Pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his lips, Soshiro feels his heart soften but the long simmering desire he has for you has him wanting more of you, fuck, he needs more.

But before he’s able to pull you in to satiate his greed and hunger, you’re quickly moving off his lap, your legs carrying you to the door in wide strides as he just stares in awe at how your hips sway, your sweats loose enough to allow him a peek of that white lace hugging your skin—shit.

Absolute fuckin’ tease.

You send him a soft, honeyed grin that has the heat in his stomach curling tighter as he suppresses a groan. “See you on the field, Soshiro.” You hum alluringly before you’re out the door.

Fuck, you’re gonna be the death of him.

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tiktok, instagram, and/or any other websites/platforms.

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⠀𐔌 . ⋮ balsam flowers and plum blossoms .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ general! scaramocuche x fem, courtesan! reader ɞ

synopsis: having been forced to leave his clan temporarily, kunikuzushi assists the heir apparent of liyue in a upcoming border conflict. while there, like a balsam flower blooming in the early fall's frost, your rosy lips and dusty rouge eye make-up draws him in. in a game of go, the unbeatable inazuman tactician finally tastes defeat at your hands.

genres: romance, mild smut, slight angst.

rating: mature, 18+ (mdni).

content warnings: indirect mentions of war, implied smut, mentions of pleasure houses (but reader doesn't really partake), unclear timeskips.

reader specifications: reader is detailed to wear red eyeshadow and red lipstick, it's also noted that reader has long enough hair to pin back.reader is also called 'xiyue' but it is merely an alias.

word count: 2.79k

author's note: this fic is heavily inspired by fengxian and lakan from the apothecary diaries and reader's make-up and attire is based off of fengxian's ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)

‎‧₊ ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

Scaramouche’s eyes linger on the letter sent from his mother, the current head of the Raiden clan and he’s too irritated to roll his eyes at her nagging. 

“Throwing me out to accomplish big feats for the glory of the clan,” He sarcastically snarls. “My ass.”

Shaking his head, he tosses the piece of parchment into the fireplace in his temporary office Xiao had provided him, opening the balcony doors before he gazes at Liyue’s bustling streets. 

“General Scaramouche,” Heizou Shikanoin remarks from the other side as the said man’s eyes flit over to his direction.

“Enter.”

“Blessings to the moon of the Inazuman empire,” Heizou murmurs the greeting addressed to the heir apparent of Inazuma.

Handing the general the documents, Scaramouche simply skims over its contents, removing the unimportant ones before waving his hand dismissively. 

Recalling a certain albino haired man, Heizou puts in, “Y’know, I heard of a courtesan that’s unbeaten in Go.”

He inwardly grins as he catches the glimmer of curiosity in Scaramouche’s dark blue eyes. 

“Unbeaten, huh?” Scaramouche simpers haughtily, placing the documents down, interest blooming within him.

“Where?”

“The Yuanfen House in the Red-Light District,” Scaramouche’s nose crinkles ever so slightly before he’s motioning Heizou to the door.

As they make their way to the aforementioned district beneath the starry night of Liyue, Scaramouche can’t help but question, “Who mentioned this to you?”

It's at his words does Heizou chuckle, “Who else besides Kazuha? He’s mentioned repeatedly about how you’re such a shut-in.” Scaramouche glares at his friend causing Heizou to burst out laughing.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

After speaking to the Yuanfen owner, Lihua, the detective motions Scaramouche to a table at the upper levels of the pleasure house.

“Who am I to meet?” It’s a simple and blunt question as he seats himself, his indigo eyes landing on the Go board placed on the table.

Heizou stands at the sidelines, a little ways away from his lord. “The Balsam Flower Maiden of the Yuanfen House, Xiyue is what the owner called her.” His answer is satisfactory as Scaramouche recalls the meaning of each character.

Joyous, rare. He shakes his head as he sets up his black Go stones, rolling them in his palm as he waits for his opponent.

Before long, he hears the rustle of silk fabrics and the soft chimes of metal and beaded hair pins but Scaramouche doesn’t bother looking up.

“You first.” He mutters absentmindedly, fingers tapping quietly against the table.

Scaramouches eyes move from the wide Yuanfen House doors exposing the people walking by to the Go board. He hears a soft hum and more people crowd around him and the courtesan.

It was bound to stir attention: the unbeaten courtesan of the Yuanfen House and the formidable Inazuman tactician and general exchangig calculated blows in a game of Go.

As the courtesan places her white Go stone on the board, a hint of a soft red hue catches his eyes.

Without skipping a beat, Scaramouche is quick to place his own stone, his twilight blue eyes latching on the courtesan’s red tinted nails.

She’s good. He muses, eyeing her abrupt and unexpected moves. But she’s a mere frog in a well.

Soon, he immerses himself in the match, finding himself entertained by her moves and playing style.

But that amusement is quickly shut down as his eyes assess the board. Murmurs from the audience fill his ears much to his annoyance.

I lost. Scaramouche thinks simply, but as he looks at the board further, he realizes he was corner masterfully, having utterly beaten him.

When was the last time I lost this badly? He questions, pursing his lips in mild indignation.

Letting out a quiet sigh, his indigo eyes finally look up and he meets beautiful e/c eyes that seem to sparkle.

With a rosy hue dusted on the outer corners of your eyes and red painted lips, Scaramouche finds himself frozen—captivated almost.

Eyes defiant, and like the smell of the balsam flower that surrounds you, your resinous eyes held a sweet gaze.

Swallowing thickly, Scaramouche composes himself as he gestures for another match of Go, not only captivated by your beauty but your way with the game as well.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Nights thereafter, Scaramouche always finds himself at the doors of the Yuanfen House, consistently buying all your time for the night, barring any man from seeing you.

He ignores Heizou’s smug grin and Kazuha’s faint smile, choosing your company over theirs, finding the silence between you comfortable and serene, the faint smell of balsam flowers sticking to you sweet and addicting.

Game after game, many nights since he’s first fought you in the game of Go, was he able to finally learn of your true name.

Y/n.

Scaramuche finds it pleasant and sweet, rolling off his tongue like honey easily compared to the name Lihua had bestowed upon you—Xiyue.

But as night bleeds into day and day into night, he gradually gets to know you as you do with him. Soon he learns of your past, how you were born in the pleasure house you now serve.

Regardless of such an odd environment to raise a child in, you muse how Lihua was kind enough to provide an education for you and allow you to retain your purity.

Scaramouche hums, placing his dark stone on the board before his eyes flit over to gaze at you.

Pools of indigo trace your face, studying how your long lashes flutter against the apples of your cheeks, eyes dusted with a red hue, lips tinted south rouge as the rosy plum blossom flower painted on your forehead seems to highlight your beauty even more.

As beautiful as a balsam flower. He finds the thought at the very forefront of his mind.

Your eyes flicker up, meeting his and he spares the board a glance before looking up at you once more, meeting your gaze.

Scaramouche finds himself breathless at the sight of you before him, at your beauty and your intelligence, having bested him once more in Go.

“Scara?” You hum softly and he revels in how your voice seems sweeter when calling for him.

Like a clockwork, his true name tumbles from his lips as his eyes trace your lips. “Kuni.”

“Hm?”

“Kunikuzushi is my real name.” He states simply before collecting your white stones and placing them in your bowl, collecting his soon after.

You smile endearingly as your cheeks redden subtley and he finds himself speechless, the words on his tongue suddenly dying. “Well then, shall we play another game of Go, Kuni?”

His heart aches at how sweetly you say his name and like the fumbling, lovesick fool he is, he nods silently, not trusting his words.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Despite the looming threat of the border conflict plaguing Xiao and Liyue, Scaramouche is quick to finish his paperwork, assigning Inazuman soldiers to the forefront of Liyue’s west border to help aid the young heir.

Yet regardless of the stress and tension between the higher-ups, Kunikuzushi keeps visiting you night after night, buying you for the entire night.

He feels a swell of pride as he catches your eyes twinkle brightly when you see him enter your chambers.

“Miss me?” Kunikuzushi teases, a smug grin on his face as you bite back a smile.

“Says the man who repeatedly buys me out night after night.” You retort as you eye the Go board he places on your table.

“Go? Aren’t you tired of me beating you?”

“Hah?” Kunikuzushi snaps, his words having no heat as all as he resists the urge to grin. “Just you watch, love.”

You smile shyly and his heart skips a beat. “Bring it on, Kuni.” You chime playfully as your fingers place your white stone on the board.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Coming from the Jade palace after discussing battle plans and preparations with Xiao, Kunikuzushi’s keen ears catch wind of your price hiking up steadily.

Choosing to brush off such things, he tosses the bag of mora on the counter before making his way to your chambers, his feet carrying him along the familiar path.

Entering, he sees you painting your nails with balsam flower paste. Your eyes catch his and he knows his own soften exponentially.

He’s unfamiliar and clumsy with such longing blooming in his chest and so, he turns to one of the few things he’s keenly familiar with.

“Go?”

You smile but he catches that it doesn’t quite reach your eyes.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

As your game continues, Kunikuzushi eyes you softly and he’s beginning to understand that there’s something amiss simmering in your eyes.

He’s quick to place his stone after you had just done so, but your hand lingers, fingers caressing his before you’re lacing your hand with his. Kunikuzushi’s eyes quickly snap to yours and he’s taken off guard with the raw emotions swirling through them.

Swallowing thickly, he tugs you towards him, his lips descending on yours—sweet and desperate—as your fingers tangle themselves in his midnight blue locks.

Kunikuzushi quickly loses himself in your lips, your touch, your taste as he finds himself addicted, yearning for more. Your hands tug at his clothes as his own slide your silken garments off your shoulders, his hands easily plucking out your hair pins before they wander all over your body, squeezing gently.

Pulling away for air, you pant hotly against his lips. And before he knows it, his hand cups the nape of your neck, bringing your lips against his once more.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Kunikuzushi kisses your lips, pulling back as he gazes at you, his heart clenching at the sad, glossy look in your eyes.

He hovers over you, yet with his hands interlaced pinning your own to the silken sheets, Kunikuzushi squeezes your hands three times.

A message, a reminder, an unspoke phrase he’s yet to say.

“What’s with the faraway gaze in your eyes?” He murmurs softly as your lips tremble.

“My price is hiking up and Lihua is tempted to sell me.” It’s a broken whisper and Kunikuzushi dives down gently, kissing your lips hard as his knee settles between your bare thighs, your hands squeezing his.

“Don’t think of them while I’m here with you,” His words are breathy against your lips as he moves his hand to gently hold the nape of your neck, his other hand hooking behind your knee as he raises your leg.

“You’re mine, Y/n, and I won’t let any bastard have you.” His words are quiet but you can catch the underlying heat lining his words.

Your heart feels full as you gaze at the alluring man hovering above you. Pursing your lips in nervousness, you cup his face with your newly freed hands, forcing his dark indigo eyes to fly to yours.

Pulling him closer, your noses nuzzle against each other as your lips ghost over his. Your hand trails to his back, fingers gently tracing his spine as your thumb caresses his cheek.

Beautiful. You think to yourself.

He shudders at your motions and his dark blue eyes seem to become more half-lidded, pooling with lust and longing.

“I love you, Kuni.” You confess quietly, breath glossing over his lips and before you know it, he’s slamming them against your lips as you tangle your hand in his dark tresses.

He’s everywhere; his scent and touch driving you insane, dizzying yet so addicting.

Reluctantly pulling away for air, Kunikuzushi’s eyes seem dazed and drunken-like as he attempts to catch his composure. But with you, bare and ready for him beneath him, he finds it hard to focus.

His heart swells as it feels like it’s overflowing with warmth. He gazes at you sweetly as he thumbs the edge of your kiss-bitten lips, the look in his eyes tugging at your heart.

Kunikuzushi loses himself in your heat as your eyes close in pleasure. His hand gently squeezes yours once, twice—thrice.

“I love you,” He kisses you as you wrap your arms around his neck. “I am yours, Y/n.”

He murmurs against your lips, utterly addicted. “Always.”

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Kunikuzushi wakes up in the dead of night, his eyes tracing your serene features as he pulls you flush against him, his heart thrumming at the feeling of your bare skin against his.

His fingers gently trace the slope of your cheek before his hand cups your cheek. Your eyes sleepily flutter open and the look on his face sends your heart racing.

He places his forehead against yours, noses nuzzling against each other as your eyes close. “I am to leave for the front lines.” Kunikuzushi whispers quietly as your hands interlace with his, squeezing gently in worry.

Squeezing your hand once, twice, thrice—a reassuring and unspoken signal for the words, i love you.

“Do not fret, love. For I will come back and you and I will leave this place,” Kunikuzushi kisses you softly. “Together.”

“Promise?”

He smiles, “Promise.”

Your fingertips trace his cheek softly as his own tilt your chin upwards, “Come back safely to me, Kuni.” You murmur, lips dancing against his.

Kunikuzushi deepens the kiss as your fingers tangle themselves in his indigo locks.

“Always.”

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

The border conflict had taken much longer than he'd anticipated, two months at best but when Kunikuzushi returns to the harbor, he disregards the paperwork and letters littering his office, missing the urgent letters you’ve sent him.

He’s held back from seeing you due to having to close up loose ends with Xiao but once he’s free, he quickly makes his way to the Yuanfen House.

But as Kunikuzushi nears the pleasure house, his ears catch onto news that sends a chill down his spine.

“Did you hear? Someone bought the Balsam Flower Maiden out from the Yuanfen House!”

“Xiyue? No way!”

His eyes widened and his heart beat seemed to echo harshly in his ears. “They beat out the down payment another customer had put in.”

Before he knows it, Kunikuzushi is grabbing the man by his collar, his indigo eyes thundering violently. “When is she being sold?” He snarls and the man pales from the intensity of Kunikuzushi’s eyes, his aura flickering with anger and power.

“T- Today.” Kunikuzushi harshly lets go of the man’s collar before he’s running quickly, his heart aching as panic floods his mind.

He curses himself for being stupid, not having been more careful especially when he knows your price is skyrocketing.

Kicking the door open, he’s demanding to see Lihua, the said woman regarding him with a glare of indifference. “She was bought out.” She states simply as if you were something to be easily disregarded.

His eyes thunder, anger flaring in him as lightning buzzes on his skin. The people within Liyue closest to the harbor’s waters swear they can hear thunder on the horizon.

“I don’t give a damn,” Kunikuzushi growls, fists balling and he doesn’t care to wince at the slight sting his skin radiates when his fingernails dig into his palms.

“I don’t care about the price. I’ll double it, triple it.” He sees the old hag’s eyes sparkle and he feels disgust rise in him. “I want her and only her.”

She smirks, sly and conniving. “She’s all yours.”

Disregarding her words, Kunikuzushi is quick to make his way to your chambers, relief and worry blooming in him.

Opening the doors, he’s greeted with the sweet and slightly spicy, resinous scent of balsam flowers and he finds himself calming down.

Your eyes fly to the door, landing on his figure and they widen in shock. “I’m sorry,” Kunikuzushi admits softly, swallowing harshly as he sees your eyes pool with relief and sadness. “I’m sorry for being so late.”

He isn’t able to say much as your arms are suddenly wrapping around his neck, your scent invading his senses as you bury your face in his shoulder.

Your touch is soothing, calming and in your embrace does he feel less war-torn and he thinks that peace may feel a lot like you.

Kunikuzushi is quick to wrap his arms around your waist as he allows himself to melt into your embrace, placing a kiss on your hairline. “I’m sorry for taking so long.” He apologizes once more and his arms tighten around your waist as he feels your body tremble.

You look up at him and his heart aches seeing unshed tears glaze your pretty eyes. “It’s okay, you’re here now.” You whisper shakily and he wishes he could turn back time to spare you such melancholy.

It’s quiet before you shakily exhale, “I thought I lost you in battle.” Your words are vulnerable and it sends a spike of pain in his chest that lingers.

“Forgive me, my love.” Kunikuzushi murmurs, kissing your lips delicately. “Battered and wrecked, I will always come to you first.”

He holds you closer, “For my heart is so full of you, I can hardly call it my own.”

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tiktok, instagram, and/or any other websites/platforms.

⠀𐔌 . ⋮ fearless child, broken boy; tell me what it's like to burn .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ botw! link x fem! reader ɞ

synopsis: when the kingdom goes to war, the goddess's chosen Hero is desperate to keep you safe. in his attempts to give you everything, you gradually became nothing.

genres: angst, romance. | set pre-calamity.

content warnings: slight spoilers (slight canon divergence)

reader specifications: reader is detailed to be wearing a body hugging silk dress (i had vivienne westwood's 'grace' dress in mind while writing that specific scene!). no pronouns were used but was written with a female reader in mind.

word count: 2.66k words.

―originally posted on @mydarling-iv, sep. 6, 2023

‎‧₊ part i ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

Two weeks, two cursed weeks that you lover was away in Gerudo, wasting the time away with the princess beside him and only when he does get home—to you—he is ripped away once more.

“A ball?” You inquire softly, having no energy of meeting Link’s eyes, exhaustion apparent with the ache embedded deeply in your bones.

“Come with me?” He blinks softly, his sky blue eyes reminding you of the times where he and you would nap beneath the shade a tree has to offer under a stunning cloudless sky.

Link sees your eyebrows furrow, “Are you sure? You wish to bring a common woman who’s a simple painter to a ball?”

A stab of hurt spreads throughout his chest and before he can answer your question, you speak. “With your achievements, Princess Zelda is more of a favorable person you should escort. 'Lest we want to sully your prestige, my love.” Your words drip with false indifference, hoping your lover will not notice.

He’s no fool, he sees the flurry of emotions pooling into your eyes and Link’s heart cracks. He’s endured war, massacring monsters and Hylians alike—stars, he even tolerates the unreasonable orders spewed from the king’s mouth and the princess’s unpleasant gaze and fleeting touches—just so he is worthy enough of you.

“No.” Link’s resolve strengthens itself as your eyes momentarily flicker to his, surprise oh so evident. “What kind of coward am I to settle for another when my heart belongs to you?” His words are firm, reassuring and you find your guard lowering.

You then melt against his sturdy body when he embraces you, and suddenly, you unfold like a love letter read in the dark, a secret that only moon and stars would know. “Promise?” Link allows his walls to drop momentarily for you.

“Promise,” His words are a whisper, pressed gently to the corner of your lip as Link looks into your eyes deeply. “I chose you and I’l choose you over and over. Without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat. I’ll keep choosing you.”

Tear well in your eyes before they roll down your cheeks. Your hand cups Link’s face and you see his eyes soften before you’re enveloping him with your arms as he too, reciprocates the hug by holding onto you even tighter.

“I love you.” His promise is burned into your skin with his lips, yet why does your heartache never seem cease?

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Looking into the mirror, you see how the silk hugs your body and how the corset’s asymmetrical look enhances your shoulder and clavicle. The layered pearl necklace shines with a milky iridescence that creates a dreamy look.

But as you continue to stare at your in the mirror, you’re caught off guard by the woman who greets you. She held no twinkle in her eyes, they were dim and almost lifeless.

A knocks rasps you out of you reverie and you’re welcomed by the rare sight of Link’s smile and his eyes crinkling sweetly.

You smile softly, feeling a phantom ache in your heart as you take his hand, your mind drifting back to the tired woman in the mirror and before you know it, you’re off to the banquet hand in hand with the man you love.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

You don’t know how to feel when the music starts and a hushed silence falls over the crowd of nobles and royals alike. You see Princess Zelda in the middle, seeming to wait for someone.

Eyes clashing against blue ones, you see hesitation flash in them before Link is turning away from you and everything suddenly clicks in place.

Your lover takes her hand, placing a kiss on the back of it and you feel like you’re intruding on something intimate. It’s a cold and unsettling feeling.

It’s almost invasive as you continue to watch the Princess and Link—your lover—dance perfectly, almost as if they’re puzzle pieces destined to fit.

Numbness has set in as the music reaches a crescendo, Zelda’s dress fluttering prettily as Link keeps his eyes on her. It’s odd, to be haunted by someone that is still alive. You muse, heart aching.

The music softens into the diminuendo and the claps entering your ears snap you out of your thoughts. Your eyes refocus and despite the signal of the dance ending, Princess Zelda and Link stay rooted in the middle.

Silence befalls the massive ballroom and anxiety prickles at the bottom of your stomach as you notice the look in the princess’s eyes—it's the very same look you also hold for the man standing in front of her.

“Thank you, Link. For everything you’ve done for Hyrule.. and for me. I -um,” The princess of Hyrule trails off, a pinkish hue coloring the apples of her cheeks as she gently holds your lover’s hand.

Your heart drops, an overwhelming wave of anxiety and despair washing over you as you have a horrible feeling of what is to happen next.

“I want you to be happy,” Zelda hums cheerily, a pretty smile adorning her face.

“And I would love for it to be with me.” Despair pools in your stomach, your eyes quickly fly to our lover’s face. His eyes are unreadable and he’s stiff as a board but Zelda nor the nobles crowding around them don’t seem to notice.

There’s this overwhelming ache in your chest, a severe melancholy wrapping so tightly around your heart, it snaps abruptly as your eyes continue to linger on Princess Zelda and Link.

Your eyes meet Link’s momentarily and you’re taken back to the moment where you looked in the mirror earlier, you remember the woman—you—who looked so defeated in the mirror.

Another stab of pain hits your heart and your mind clears itself of thoughts but one. I love him, but stars, I want him to stay away from me. You curse mentally as the pain intensifies, borderline burning as unshed tears sear your eyes.

A choked cry tumbles from your lips, tears blurring your vision as you abruptly turn away. You turn your back on the man you loved, taking the battered woman he’s turned you into with you.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Link’s blood runs cold at the Princess’s words, but despite the people surrounding him, he tears his eyes from the princess in front of him and looks to where you once stood but you’re no longer there.

Desperation tugs at his entire being, his soul aching for you as the ring hanging from his neck burns against his skin.

But alas, he forces himself to push down the urge to chase after you because if he were to leave and follow his heart—the being who his heart yearns for—the kingdom would stop at no means of having your head on a spike.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Stars, you were a fool.

You stayed despite his silence, despite his distance, despite how he treated you.

You stayed.

And the wounds inflicted by Link, the man that supposedly loved you, left scorched marks burned into your heart.

The wind widely flies by your face as you urge your steed faster, faster to a safe place, to home, and away from him.

A field of white baby’s breath enters your vision and your breath hitches as the dam breaks, tears freely rolling down your cheeks as you sobbed.

“I was robbed of my life. I could have been happy—I could have been alive but he took my heart and murdered it.” You screamed to the stars, the fire consuming your heart intensifying the pain you feel.

She pops into your mind, the woman before the capital, the woman before being engulfed by the fires of love Link allowed to consume her, the woman—you—before all of the forsaken heartache burnt you whole.

“Am I supposed to be grateful to have survived this?” You cried, stumbling from your horse and into the small cabin surrounded by baby’s breath, the very cabin you and Link once called home before your loves' downfall.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Stars, he was a fool.

A fool for leaving you alone, a fool for choosing duty-

A fool for letting you go.

A complete and utter fool.

Link feels his frustrations rise, his skin burning as he worries where you are.

You were gone, not a single trace of you in the mansion. Almost as if you had left the place untouched.

He curses under his breath, tears welling in Link’s ultramarine eyes yet none fall.

He must be strong, for the kingdom, for him, for you.

A field of white enters his view and the morning dew twinkles at the sunlight peeking from the horizon.

Link’s breath catches in his throat at the sight before him.

It’s the cabin where you both originally stayed in, shaped it into home, and allowed your love to flourish.

Home.

His heart aches and there’s a deep yearning in his chest, a yearning of wanting to go back to how things were.

He dismounts his steed and races for the door hoping to see the fire lit and you home yet he’s met with darkness and the cabin being untouched.

His heart seizes as he recalls of what you had said before and Link realizes that you missed home, you miss how everything was once before.

He too shares the sentiments but he realizes it too late, “Stars, how was I so blind?” He whispers as he travels through the cabin, making his way to the back porch.

Link opens the door as dawn breaks and his breath hitches, his heart skips a beat.

He feels like a young boy once more as he sets his cobalt blue eyes on your figure sitting in the gazebo.

The sight of you and the effect you have on him reminds him of the day you both confessed your feelings, bathed in sunlight and absolutely breath taking.

You’re painted in a golden glow, the silk against your body shining softly forcing Link’s heart to tighten.

Oh stars, he’s missed you so much, the yearning to have you in his arms growing stronger as the ring burns even more against his skin.

He’s quick to make his way towards you, his footsteps on the grass and moss covered step stones softening his already quiet steps.

Link’s heart soars as he’s eager to get to you as soon as possible and yet, it’s short lived as your tired gaze pierces his eyes. His heart sinks slightly as panic rushes through his veins as he comes to an abrupt stop in front of you.

“Link,” Your sweet voice is hoarse, tired and run dry, which forces a slight pang of hurt across his heart.

His heart suddenly drops as you speak the words with a painful finality, “I can no longer do this.”

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

You’re leaving, you’re slipping through his grasp and it destroys him. Link looks up to you, your eyes unreadable and it forces him to impulsively move. He yanks the ring attached to the necklace hooked around his neck.

He sees your eyes widen as you glimpse the golden ring in his hand, confusion evident in your eyes. But the pain is overwhelming in Link’s heart.

Link falls to his knees before you, begging for forgiveness as would a sinner pleading to the Goddess. And like the sinner he is, you recoil, denying him of his retribution and sending his heart into despair.

“This was not how I wanted you to find out, but my love, please listen to me.” He croaks in between cries, hands grasping the silk of your dress as he buries his tear stricken face into the tops of your thighs.

“You will never lose me. I will always be right here beside you. I’m all yours my love.” He whimpered, hand shakily putting the ring on your finger and the golden ring burns against your skin.

You shake you head softly, “Yet it never felt that way, Link. You whispered sweet nothings in my ear and you told me you loved me. I found myself believing your lies when it all struck me at once, I haven’t felt loved by you.”

His heart aches at the shakiness of your tone and his arms wrapped around your waist tightens even further as he buries his face further into you naval, seeking refuge while hoping to make you stay.

“You no longer love me, Link. And I you.” A chill wracks his entire body, his eyes snapping to yours quickly in disbelief.

No no no. Link internally screams. “You love me, and—“

Your eyes hardens and Link’s resolve weakens even further. Stars, what has he done? “Loved. I loved you, Link.”

His breath hitches and you close your eyes as a choke gasp leaves your former lover’s lips. His hand gently squeeze your hips, a motion you once found reassuring, now burned your skin.

“Love, you love me.” Link croaks out weakly, his body trembling against yours.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

You stared at him, and no longer did your heart ache at the love you both held for each other, instead, your heart thumped slowly and numbly. Yet, you feel a spike of guilt as he had provided a roof over your head, food for you to eat and so much more.

As the last act of love you so generously bestow upon your former lover, you cup his face gently, his teary bluebell eyes meeting your tired ones. You don’t have the energy for feign a smile but your thumb is gentle against his cheeks, softly swiping away any stray tears of his.

You see how much love is in Link’s eyes, it’s practically overflowing, almost like an ocean capable of drowning you. Inhaling a shaky breath, you murmur, “The truth I learned here is, you had to leave because you’re you.”

“And the reason I loved you is because you’re you. And who you are is someone who leaves, Link. The Link I remember doesn’t exist here. He doesn’t exist in the courts, in our home, and in you.”

He’s speechless, his tongue feels heavy as lead as your emotions of sadness and vulnerability seep into your tone.

“But he did once exist and you left him with me. A presence to yearn for—a part of you who I so badly wished for to be beside me—who gradually became a ghost to haunt me.” Link sees a glimmer of regret in your eyes. “Despite it all, I loved him.”

You swallow thickly, a small yet feeble smile tugging at your lips weakly, and the coil of pain tied tightly around his heart tightens, leaving Link feeling weak and breathless.

“To this kingdom, to her, you’re someone who stays.” He feels fear creep in his heart, the blood in his veins turning ice cold as you gazed at him with a thousand yard stare completely devoid of the loving warmth you once held for him.

It all comes to him and shame envelopes his entire being. As he built his walls to protect himself —the Link he was once before entering the palace, the Link you once loved—he failed to realize that he also cast you out.

Even as he worked tirelessly to provide you what he convinced himself that would make you happy—prestige, wealth—he had turned a blind eye to how much he had neglected you.

In the process of wanting to make you safer—happier—Link ultimately traded your happiness for what he thought would be your happiness and as retribution, he himself brought the ruination of the love between you both.

He’s forced to come to the abrupt realization that he’s to be haunted for the rest of his life, haunted by what lived, died, and could’ve been between you and him.

The cord snaps and Link feels his heart burn, leaving marred and scorched scars embedded so deeply in his heart. Link looks to you, face a calm mien but his eyes are a dead giveaway of the despair he shamefully feels.

Link’s words are subdued and quiet almost as if he's mourning, “If I could have done it all over again, I would have loved you better. But I couldn’t have loved you anymore than I already do.”

Your eyes dimmed and Link dies inside, stars, he was supposed to protect the shine in your eyes—you—he was supposed to protect you but-

“Know that I loved you, Link, but know that it was not enough.”

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tumblr, social media, and any other websites/platforms.