║Diluc║Family Outing

Lilia Vanrouge is a dilf. That's it. That's today's post.

Send to 10 other bloggers you think are wonderful. Keep this going to make someone smile. ☆ <3

It is fine! ^o^ I really like this idea and you are right, I want to do the same to make someone smile too! :>

I fell asleep as soon as I got home! 😭 I'll upload the chapter right now; I just have to double check the taglist. ❤️❤️

Hello! I came from your Wattpad and I really enjoy your writing ^^ I hope you're taking breaks and that you're having a lovely day <3 How's Tumblr so far? What gave you inspiration to make a Tumblr account? :o

:O From Wattpad!? Hello, hello! ^♡^ It's really nice to know a reader from Wattpad actually came here (I thought they would just wait for the updates there). And I'm really happy that you enjoy my writing.

As for your questions, I am really enjoying Tumblr a lot, albeit it is not as simple as using Wattpad.

I actually made this Tumblr account years ago for a reason (or reasons) that I do not remember (it was probably when I was looking for NaLu stuff and for Undertaker oneshots). I've recently started to use it more because Wattpad doesn't really have a lot of Genshin oneshots.. But, I am also now using it to post my oneshots from Wattpad because of the current issue(?) with the app/site. I don't want my NSFW works to be gone for naught.

Dottore with short drabble “You only ever brought me pain and I’m sick of it.”

Something angsty pls? Thank you!

Tainted Glass [Dottore x Reader/Genshin Impact]

Synopsis: Can you escape the prison you made?

(A twisted Cinderella story. The girl was covered in cinders because she was fatally addicted to drowning in flames.)

Warnings: angst, emotional abuse, violence, death

(A/n): To be honest anon, I didn’t know what the word ‘drabble’ means until I googled it. I uh...hope you don’t mind the length :> 

-----------------------

You fell back against the cold hard floor with your arms bent and head turned sideways. The stinging pain spreads across your cheek. It burns. But your mind was still trying to register what had just came into fruition. 

Why?

The thought was so foreign somehow as if you could hardly believe he was doing this. But then the scene plays in your head again. You froze, your gaze enlarged and clueless while staring at the pale ground as it slowly begins to darken in the seeping movement of his menacing, haunting shadow. 

"Insolent woman, you wretch!" He spat in a disgusted tone, "How dare you speak to me in such demanding manner? Have I already told you, only talk when you have something important to say?"

You didn't respond, rather you merely let the strands fall in front of your vision as you gingerly pressed your hand against the place where he hit you. 

I…don't quite understand…

Dottore glowers down at your hunched form. He was never a man known for the virtue of patience. This man, the one who calls him your husband, you learned a long time ago to not meet his eyes as they would signal a hint of dominance amidst his authority, especially during moments like these. You came to feel his eyes instead, they were usually intense and full of wrath, sometimes crazed and curious while looking at his finest creations. He always loved experimenting in his labratory. After all, it was the only thing that could truly make the madman smile.

What is it that I'm missing? Where did I go wrong?

And you would do anything to obtain at least a fraction of the love he had left in his heart. 

He marches onward with heavy footsteps, paying no mind to your well-being, "Tch get out of my sight. I don't have the time to entertain with anymore these theatrics."

At the sound of him leaving you darted your attention towards him, "Wait, come back. Come back, " you plea softly, "Hector…" But he ignores your call. The back of your fiance disappears behind the door and slams it with a resounding thud. He was gone. You couldn't save him.

"No," As a result, you burried your face into your palms and cried.

“I'm sorry.”

…

What is love?

Being raised in one of the most prestigious bloodlines of Fontaine, a life filled with riches since your parents were well known scholars throughout Teyvat, they provided you and your family with everything you needed. From exquisite dishes to priceless jewelry, yet even among those riches you never did find an answer to your question. They were tangibles and short-lasting, eventually leaving you with nothing until the glass of your heart was filled empty. They seemed to have cared more about their fortune along with the brightest child of their family line, your brother, a male heir, someone who fulfilled their expectations where you couldn't do so. And because he was able to give them what they wanted, he was loved.

I see, love is conditional.

Realizing that you possessed no talent to achieve what your brother had accomplished, you came to accept that you were undeserving of their love. Love was for the smart. Love was for the gifted.  Love was for everything you are not. There was no place for your kind and thus you locked yourself up in your bedroom chambers along with your fragile heart where no one would try to find you, picking up the books upon the shelves and getting lost in their fantasies. 

They told you many beautiful things about the world and many reasons why it was so tragic. Because they weren't real. The story begins with a princess who was a kind-hearted soul, deprived from the care of her evil stepmother and dreams of marrying a prince from a land far far away. They often end on a happily ever after with the princes finding her one true love. You've never seen anything like it. Where two people, despite the struggles they went through, loved each other unconditionally.

Unconditional love only exists in dreams.

Or so you thought to believe.

One day a man marched right at the doorsteps of your mansion. He was a student coming all the way from Sumeru Academia and had high hopes of building a business partnership with your father. The man was declined of course, you watched from the garden bushes as he was sent off back into his carriage. He stops abruptly and turns his head ajar to catch your figure, his inquisitive eyes were both striking and sharp. Like thorns of a rose that was ready to prick anyone who dares to come close. Even so, they made a very lasting impression.

Red eyes.

It was the first time that someone had looked your way.

Couple of months later, the government had arranged a grand ball where all nobles would gather and commit to building their social circle. Useless events. There was no reason for you to engage. While your parents were occupied with the latest gossips and your brother surrounded by fathers who were eager to marry their daughters to him, you snuck outside to the balcony and hid away from the crowd. Quiet at last. And as things should be. The moon was your only friend because she was just like you; half empty. Maybe that was why you still had a glimmer of hope for the other half to be filled. 

Part white, you inquired, pristine and untainted. From far away it looked similar to snow. 

"My, how pleasantly surprising."

While the other part was stained with black cinders.

You glanced over your shoulder to see a man leaning against the pillar. His mint coloured bangs were slicked back in a trendy fashion, complimenting the white suit he adorned himself with. The golden chains hanging around his ebony boots dangled and clanged with each step he took forward until the light finally reveals his face.

"You seem familiar," you say while squinting your eyes, "Are you the person my father rejected back in February?"

He quirks one brow and you were afraid if you had offended him. But before you could utter an apology, the man splits his lips into a toothy grin and bursts out into a maniac-like laughter. He was completely insane, you thought to yourself. Though he paid no mind to your discomfort and continued to dwell in his amusement, "Hahaha straightforward, I like it! So what if I am? Is it a requirement to be a noble for me to simply have a chat?"

"And if I may ask why?"

"Hmmm, why?" The man reaches for the balcony and presses his back there. He threw his head backward before drilling his ruby gaze into yours, "I too am not fond of annoying crowds. Those snobbish fools thinking they're above everyone else just because they have a couple of mora when that is all they are worth. It's almost too hilarious for my own good."

You could tell there was disdain in his tone. Mainly towards your father who were one of the many unkind nobles of Fontaine and was only liked because of his success. Gripping your hands upon the stone railings, you looked down at the distant trees below while the wind rustled them apart, "I can't deny that," you say dissapointedly, "It's common for nobles not to associate with lower classes as it could potentially ruin their image. Though I may not have been there but I'm sure you had much to offer in terms of your brilliance, erm, Mister…?"

"Hector," Hector placed a palm on his chest with a polite bow following suit, "Hector Dufour-Lapointé. It is a pleasure to make you an acquaintance Lady (Y/n)."

"You know my name?"

"How could I not?" Hector smirks lazily as he danced around you, "I saw you before hiding behind the rose bushes back in your estate. Quite curious why you didn't attempt to say hello."

He even remembers that too. You fiddled with the fabric of your dress, "My apologies. I'm not use to socializing so much."

“Is that so? I think you're not giving yourself enough credit," he complimented while shrugging, "This is much more entertaining than hanging in that insufferably crowded room, it was an unexpected occurence to meet you here of all places. However, I must say time can fly if I'm able to enjoy myself."

You shifted away from his stare, "You flatter me. We've only been talking for a few minutes."

"I have yet to realize it then" Hector's cheerfulness remains at stance despite your gloomy response. He leans forward like a curious child and tosses you a question, "Then allow me to ask, what brings you out here Lady (Y/n)? I don't see any reason when your family are such highly respected people of Fontaine." 

"I'm not like them!" You retort instantly, causing the man to glance at you with skepticism, "I mean, I have nothing to do with them and they have nothing to do with me. That's just how it is. They already have Clement after all…"

Why am I telling him this?

"Ah your brother I assume. Yes so I've heard much about his genius mind. There were a few instances where he and I collaborated at Sumeru Academia," Hector speaks as if regarding to his unpleasant memories, "Although he never said anything about having a sister."

"We're not that close. And I'm not very fond of him," you confessed bluntly.

"Neither am I," Hector agreed with a scowl, "He claims his position using the knowledge derived from history books but never tries to think beyond the norm. That ignorant mindset of his will surely be his downfall one day."

"Ignorance can lead to anyone's downfall. If they turn a blind eye to the truth, so much can be taken from them," you paused shortly from rambling too much, "That's what I read in books at least."

"As expected of your lineage," he sighs whimsically, "Such avid readers."

"Well my family prefers documents and research. I've gone through them too but I will always love reading fiction."

"Ha! Seems you really are trying to be different from the rest of your family."

Seconds turn to minutes and minutes to hours, you had already forgotten about the cold breeze despite your dress being less than ideal for the outdoors. The man, although he can be a little to blathering at times, was more than what seemed to be on the surface. At first you thought of him as someone here to take advantage of your relations to your father but he seemed so sincere when listening to your stories, so eager while expressing his thoughts and even made you laugh a couple of times. You didn't realize that the clock had already struck twelve as the guests were preparing to leave but you just weren't ready to do the same.

"Until next time (Y/n)," he takes your fingers and pressed a kiss on top of them, though you were more struck by how he addressed you without honorifics, "I look forward to speaking with you again."

A warm smile graces your lips as you cursty, "Likewise Hector. Thank you for listening to me. I know I must have taken a long time."

Hector sneered but you already learned that it was simply his way of expressing amusement, "Hardly. I was thoroughly entertained."

When your parents found out about your meeting with him, they made it clear that you would never see him again. Hector Dufour-Lapointé is what he calls himself but the real name behind this man was Hector Valliere who came from a village hidden in the west of Fontaine. Rumours said that he was chased out of his hometown by an angry mob, claiming him to be a madman conducting unethical experiments on humans. Shortly after his arrival in Sumeru, he abandoned his past identity and replaced it with a new one in order to enter the academy under legal supervision. Associating with a man of a suspicious reputation would only cause harm to your family's name. Though you could barely care much about their reputation. There was nothing for you to benefit from it.

Few weeks have passed and you evetually gave up on the thought of hearing from Hector. They were only fleeting moments, nothing more. Your routine would stay the same as you kept on plucking more books off the shelves, killing whatever time you had. However the activities you used to enjoy somehow lost it's flair and there would be a slight pain in your chest whenever you turn to a page with the princess as she is surrounded by her friends. What exactly changed? Your family still treated you the same. Did you suddenly grow bored from doing the same thing everyday? Why is it that you feel much more lonelier despite being alone for so long? It was hard to tell in a singular perspective. If only there was someone here to give you some insights on things you couldn't see…

A silver bird lands by your front window and you nearly fell out of your chair as it flapped their wings violently. A machine?! They dropped what seems to be an envelope within the thick bushes before taking off and buzzing into the evening sky. You switched off the lock and lifted the glass within a single movement, snatching the piece of paper so that the wind wouldn't blow it away. Hastily you opened it. Both curious and cautious of why would anyone send you mail in such a discreet approach.

Chère Mademoiselle (Y/n),

I can only imagine the shock of your expression once reading this letter. I'm only writing to you since I assume that your father had already told you those nasty rumours about my past. No matter. I trust that you have a good head on your shoulders to not prejudge people using such miniscule details. I wish to speak with you again. Unless you have other plans staying in that stuffy room of yours, meet me behind the clock tower at 11:00 p.m. Don't be late.

Bien à vous,

H.

"It really is him!" The happiness spreads all across your features as you clutched the letter to your chest. For some reason, your heart wouldn't stop racing. It was a simple yet thoughful action on his part but despite how short his greeting was, every word held the weight of a thousand sparks, "I…I can't stop smiling."

And without hesitation, you prepared to leave. No one noticed your absence.

-------

It was only halfway where you realized that Hector didn't give many details redgarding why he planned this sudden event. You caught sight of him standing under the roofs with his hands hidden behind his back. He had on his signature lopsided grin, brows uneven as he glanced at you casually.

"How very punctual, were you so eager that you couldn't wait?" He teases.

"I was surprised when your bird knocked upon my window," you inform, "Is it something urgent?"

"Not at all. I merely wanted to catch up with old times," Hector tilts forward to emphasize his suggestion, "Care to indulge me for a bit?"

You crossed your arms, "Then what is it that you're hiding behind your back?"

"Hmm?" He hums, "You mean this?"

"Ah!"

Roses. A bouquet of bright red flowers were presented to you, nicely wrapped in fabric. In the language of Fontaine, recieving them could mean multiple of things and you couldn't help but feel hesitant despite his thoughtful gesture, "Why are you giving me this?"

"Is it so wrong for me to be a gentleman? I thought it would be best to prepare you a gift after you put all that effort to come out in such a late hour," Hector mused to himself, "Especially when you had to make sure no prying eyes would catch us."

You let out a small laugh before accepting the bouquet, "I wouldn't go as far to say that."

"Oh?" Although it was hard to see, Hector managed to catch a glimpse of your flushed cheeks hidden behind the flowers. A darken smirk climbs onto his face at the inviting thought of what it could mean, "Tell me more."

The whole night you both spent walking around the empty plaza with only the stars as your guide. They paved a silver path reflected in the horizon above, free flowing like one of the many watercolour paintings hung in your chambers, uncertain where they may lead but you followed them regardless. If it weren't for Hector's inivtation you might have never known about the parts of your city due to the restricted lifestyle you lived. He listened to every one of them. The stories you had to tell when there was no one for you to talk to and the complaints about your brother whenever he wanted to snitch on your actions just to get the praise out of your father. You expressed your frustrations when speaking about your incompetences, joy after reading a good fairytale book written by your favourite author, there was so much to say that you were worried if Hector soon grew tired from them.

"Go on. I'm listening."

And your heart flutters again. Suddenly everything felt so light with each step you took, it was as if you walked across the stars in the sky rather than the heavy pavement of the ground you called your home. But even if happiness was a bliss, it tormented you. Because companionship made you realize how poor your were all along. That you had everything yet you had nothing, slowly withering away like the roses you held in your hand. Convinced that your existence was worth nothing more than nothing itself. Doomed to be dismissed and forgotten. Rotting away...Hector stays by your side as you cried softly into the night.

From a distance the bell rings and echoes just like the time before during Fontaine's grand ball. Hector shows you a secret route so that no one could find you.

"Will you write to me again?"

The request was so innocent, purely from genuine intentions and devoided of anything he had in mind. Hector would always laugh in these situations when things have gone unexpectedly yet pleasingly his way but held back knowing that it would be foolish to waste such a priceless opportunity. And so he gave you his smile, one full of secrets where you had mistakened it as a promise, "Of course my dear."

Every night you could no longer fall asleep since he had occupied your thoughts completely. Sometimes you'd dream of him and their tales would unfold similarly to the ones you have read. It gone to the point where the maids would have to wake you up during late afternoons due to the dramatic change in your sleep schedule. Though, you didn't care what they did to you. As long as no one found out about your secret rendezvous.

You never thought that there'd be a day where you would voluntarily give up reading your beloved fairytales. They were now replaced by a stash of his letters that have been accumulated over the past few months. You read them each day, pacing back and forth within the walls of your room, whispering his sentences as if he were the one saying them to you. He made you feel special. You were addicted to this feeling. Eventually you managed to memorize his words by heart. 

The pages of your diary were filled with notes. Like your very own  fairytale carved into reality. From the rose petal, now dried, to the hairpin he snatched from a distracted merchant and a single strand of his hair you found within your cloak after a warm embrace, all of these items, a remnant of the man you loved were taped up in these pages. Sometimes you could even feel his prescence because it was all you needed. It didn't matter if Clement threw insults about how worthless your existence was, your parents could lock you in this prison if they wanted to but they shall never take away Hector from you. Never. You swear it. He was your whole world and the prince who saved you from a life made of aching emptiness. You would do anything to keep him by your side. Anything to gain his affection.

Anything.

"I had a feeling that you were the culprit dear sister."

Your arms stutters as they clutched tightly on the scrolls you took off from the shelves. The light crept into the room like arms reaching out to clutch around your ankles, warning you for trespassing. You turned around dreadfully to see Clement pressing his shoulder against the doorframe with his arms folded and a wicked expression aimed at your pitiful state.

"Why…Why are you still awake?" You say in disbelief, "I thought everyone was asleep."

"Please. Not only are you shameless but hypocritical as well. You truly are a dissapointment to our family."

"Wait," taking a step forward, you stopped him before he makes his exit, "I'll put them back. Just don't tell father about this."

But like your parents, your brother was unkind. Clement doubles over and hugs his torso, cackling through his teeth, "Is that how it is?" He swipes his arm up and you see a parchment paper held between his fingers. 

"No!"

"Ma chérie (Y/n). I must say all this tenacious effort of sneaking in my letters to your window is becoming more and more tiresome. But of course, you are an exception. I want the scrolls you've mentioned the other day at my lair tomorrow evening. Make sure no one discovers this. I'm counting on you. Cordialement! Hector."

"No…" you whispered, feeling the weight of the world fall upon your shoulders as it shattered apart. Hector. If possible, you hoped that the pieces could just crush you right then and there. Your knees felt weak and a fright takes over but despite your turmoil, Clement didn't show a shred of sympathy.

"So this is why you've been acting odd lately. Pathetic," he flaps the paper tauntingly in his grasp, "I can't decide if I should be impressed or baffled by your actions. A secret romance with a criminal and the bloodline of Fontaine's most respected government associates? Even though you've hit rock bottom, you still decided to dig deeper."

"Clement you don't understand!"  Stumbling upon your footsteps, you desperately tried to convey your predicament even if it meant feeding his ego, "Hector is not the man you think. He was shunned by the people of his hometown, treating him as if he were nothing. They…They ignored him! All this time he needed someone to recognize his brilliance, someone to understand." Shakily, you brought your tensed arms to your chest and screamed a silent whisper, "Someone to listen but no one did. He must have felt so alone…"

Clement flinches when you suddenly clutched onto his biceps. When he looked into your eyes, a shiver ran down his spine.

"Hector is counting on me. I'm the only one who can save him. No one else. He needs me Clement, he needs me!" 

"Tch."

An ear-splitting scream of his hand against your face echoes across the room. It knocked you out of your stance and you bumped into the table, grunting while the scrolls to tumbled to the floor.

"Crazy woman, I'm embarassed to be related to you!"

While you were still trying to regain your balance, your brother had already ran off. It wouldn't be long before he alerted your parents, the clock ticking away like sand until the final hour leaves you with nothing but an empty glass. 

"No," despair swallows the strength away from your legs and you crawled towards where he used to stand, "Don't take him away from me…I need him…"

I can't live without him.

I can't live without him.

I can't live without him.

Tears begin to form by the corners of your eyes as you clenched your teeth. This was no time to cry. Balling your fists, you sprinted out of the room, pushing whatever stood in your way as if you were running for your life. 

And if you considered everything else, it wasn't that far from the truth.

-------

"Hector! Hector are you there?" After arriving upon his house, you began knocking on his door aggressively. The lock clicks and you were greeted by an evidently annoyed man gnawing his teeth together.

"Tsk. There better be a good reason-"

"They're coming for us! We have to go. Now. Before it's too late. My father is probably already waking and making arrangements for you to-"

"Enough, I can't even catch what you're saying," He pinches the bridge of his nose while you were still stuck in a frenzy state. He takes a step back and opens the door wider, gesturing for you to come inside, "Get in already. I have a feeling that this will be a long night."

Hector observes intently at the words you tell him.

Not out of concern but akin to the way he watches the insects react when he exposes them to a different environment.

He was a scientist after all. A madman in which you deliberately fell in love with, so much to the point that he was able to feel pity for once. How you trusted him wholeheartedly with all of your vulnerabilities, emotions and secrets like handing him your parts just so he could put you back together again. Tinkering was always one of his favourite hobbies and he couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of pride at the thought of you being completely wrapped around his finger. 

Perhaps that was the reason why he loved you. Because he didn't love you. He loved you in parts.

"It was only a matter of time," Hector sighs. He sneaks his grasp into yours, knowing how much it affects you and puts on an invisible mask of deciet, "I already knew this day would happen long before anyone could have predicted it."

"You did?" With worried eyes you gazed at him, "What shall we do then?"

Knowing he hit the target, his lips begin to curl up towards his ears, showing his sharp white teeth that shone against the dim-litted room. Hector asks, "Do you love me?"

A silly question. You didn't hesitate to answer, "Of course I do. I've said it many times."

"Prove it to me," Forcing his forehead against yours, Hector commands in a dangerously low tone, "Kill your brother and only then you can truly be mine."

Your brain sutters, trying to absorb what he had just said. Kill? As in to take a life? It sounded wrong. But...was it wrong if the life belonged to someone who ruined yours?

Dumbfoundedly, you glanced into the bloody orbs of your lover, his black pupils thinning into knives while burning in the hellfire of his true colours. Hector runs a hand from the scalp of your hair, down to your cheek before gingerly sliding his fingers at your jawline. He pulled you close and whispered into your ear.

"Are you scared?"

Ah, this wasn't about your feelings. This was about him and your future and there could be no future you without him by your side.

You let your eyelids drop and leaned into his touch, "I could never be scared of you Hector. Whether it is within my power or not, I will make sure no one gets in our way. I swear it."

"Good," he continues to have you feed on his affection, "I knew I could count on you."

-----------

The news of your brother's death filled every headline Fontain had to offer. He was driven off a cliff while making a trip towards Sumeru. No one survived. The remains were so crushed to the point that authorities had trouble identifying their bodies. The only explanation they could come up with by observing the leftover tracks was that the horse must have gone out of control and ended up dragging the carriage along with it.

Ha. Serves him right.

Food poisoning. The vial Hector made was very effective. You made sure to bury it away from your mansion.

With no other choice, you became your family's next heir. Hector notifies you that he would be away for several months to solidify a unique connection with a man hailing from Snezhnaya. You didn't think he would arrive at your doorsteps with so much authority. Fatui soldiers followed from behind as the staff paved a way for them to enter. Your father was clearly displeased by his outrageous approach but he knew he was in no place to deny.

"Upon the agreement between Fontaine and Snezhnaya, Lady (Y/n) will become Harbinger Il Dottore's wife," the Duke announces, "This news will be publicly announced at the end of October."

Dottore? Is that what he calls himself?

As if claiming his victory, Dottore shoots your father a devilish smile. You could feel the dining table shake when he kept pressing his fist against the smooth surface, begrudingly congratulating you both for the new engagement. Your mother bursted into tears.

Was it worth it?

You watched both of your parents mourn silently in their own manner. Perfectly knowing that you were the main cause. But you weren't able to feel any sadness because in the end, you now had everything you've ever wanted. 

The inheritance.

Their attention.

But most of all, him.

And when you were convinced that this was your happily ever after, that fairytales were not just beautiful lies for the sake of comfort, you didn't realize  you were already living a life made of beautiful lies conjured by your own mind for the sake of your own comfort. 

"You're nothing without me."

Dried and calloused hands squeezed around your throat as you flailed your legs against the soft fabric of the carpet floor. He encases you in a straddling position, enjoying the sight of your tortured and clenched face. Hector…no, Dottore hated it when you disobeyed him. He despised it when his creations don't work the way he wanted them to and he had no use for things that are broken.

"G-hka--k..-"

"How many times do I have to remind you to not use my birthname. Do those ears of you even function properly? Or must I fix them myself?"

You gasped for air when he relaxed his grip. Vision a blur, you coughed a few times before he pulls your arm so that you lay flushed against his chest.

"Don't forget who saved you dear (Y/n). Because of me you were able to escape that miserable life you've despised for years. I expect the utmost gratitude on your part at all times, it is only fair that I punish you for not meeting my requirements, don't you agree?" Dottore lifts his hand up to pinch your cheeks, pulling your head to stare at your eyes, "After all, there is no one else in this world who can put up with you…but me."

His words were poison in which you drank like a woman starved. It made you feel numb to the pain the more you drowned in their alluring scent, the taste was sweet, a remedy for the bitterness of reality where the man of your dreams was nothing but a cruel monster. You came to believe that the reason why he treated you so harshly was because he was scared of losing you. You were caught in the trap of what seemed to be love and devotion when truly, you were just a toy to be used at a means end. He breaks you and he puts you back together, over and over again, filling in between the cracks formed in your glass heart with the phrases you loved to hear. Just like how he filled the other holes of your life where no one else did. You called it kindness. He saw it as entertainment.

Most people pay attention to the flower's beauty but they never acknowledge the thorns hidden beneath it's blossom.  That is why they bleed. They get hurt. Though, you didn't mind shedding blood if it was for his sake.

Because you would do anything for him.

You would do anything to bring back the memories of Hector Dufour-Lapointé and save him from the Harbinger that ruined his life. Your life. It wasn't his fault. You knew you could change him to what he was before because you were in love with him, that he might still in there. Somewhere.

Right?

…

Please come back.

Time continues to flow like the tears of your dying heart despite yearning for it to turn at the past. Dottore already left the room a long time ago but you didn't. Raising your head away from your hands, you peered at the door in front of you, begging desperately through a chanting record of despondence. 

Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back.

Images, they slipped through your fingers, slowly becoming more distant until your mind began to see them as illusions. Dreams. Things that were not real. Telling you that your life was a lie. 

"Come back to me…Hector."

Because the man you loved was withering in your memories and you couldn't do anything to save him.

A dry croak robbed you of your breath as you turned to look in the mirror.

Worthless. You were always worthless, it was what your parents told you since birth. It was what you became when he wasn't at your side because without him, your existence was worthless. You lied for him, you stole for him you, took a life for him. You destroyed yourself for him to point that it was hard to believe you were even looking at yourself.

Worthless. It's who I am.

And despite it all, you couldn't obtain his love.

(Crack).

Worthless things don’t deserved to be loved.

(Crack. Crack).

But what if it’s because I’m worthless, that he won’t love me back?

(Crack).

Your eyes jolted open, causing you to gasp sharply. When the sweet lies dispersed in your head and cleansed you of deceit, everything started to make sene. You came to realize why your wish was impossible all along.

Dottore...no, Hector, the reason wasn't because he didn't return your feelings. Neither was it due to the fact that he hurt you through his actions. Nor when he made you cry or scream for help before feeding you with more lies, thinking he would never hurt you again. It was none of those things.

It was because the man you loved this whole time was someone who could love no one but himself.

"Ha...haha," sucking in your breath, a sinister laugh escapes your mouth, "Hahahahahahaha.....!"

Everything was worthless.

You grabbed a nearby hairbrush and threw it at the mirror, watching yourself shatter into a million pieces.

There was only one thing left to do. 

------

"Ugh, where is it?!"

It was late into the night where every staff had gone to sleep. The Harbinger fumbles with his keys while standing at the door of his basement as he was too busy proceeding with his research rather than considering the thought of rest. Usually he acted upon them on his own will, performing various experiments for enjoyment. However, ever since the Snezhnayan court had requested him to look into the ancient arts of alchemy, Dottore was forced to carry it out before the deadline approached. Otherwise his position as Harbinger would be revoked.

"What a bunch of self-centered blockheads. Can't they understand that it take quality time to get quality results?"

Most of his important documents were stored on the otherside. Half of it came from his father-in-law's library. He had you to thank for that.

"Ah finally," he mutters, though still dissatisfied, "I should have a word with my butler for misplacing them."

Dottore shoves the key into the lock but instead of twisting the knob he noticed something strange. It was old and had yet to be fixed but somehow he didn't have any trouble adjusting his wrist. Then he saw there were a set of freshly made fingerprints upon the smooth metallic surface. However, the only person awake at this time would be him-

An intruder!

Dottore drops everything to the ground and yanks the door open. He skittered down the stone stairs while cursing under his breath. Using the delusion gifted by the Tsaritsa, the Harbinger activated his lazer-like pillars as he took advantage of their glow to light up the unlit room.

"What in the abyss...?!"

Except it wasn't dark.

"All of these scrolls, I recognize them," without sparing a single glance, you spoke nostalgically towards the bookshelves, "It brings me so much memories..."

Dottore clenches his teeth together as his eyes shone an angry red, you were holding a torch dangerously close to his hard-earned collection, "What do you think you're doing?!" He fumed, "Put that out, AT ONCE! Don't make me repeat myself!

"They're precious to you aren't they?" You finally shifted to face him, "More than me."

"What has gotten into you?" He was about to hurl at you until he saw your torch lowering, causing him to retreat. You were strangely noncholant and he couldn't help the feeling of disturbance. Accepting that he didn't have the upperhand, Dottore decided to use a different approach, "(Y/n)."

The sound of your name falls from his lips. You faltered.

"I'm sorry for what I have done. I know I was dishonourable to you, as your husband and lover, and that you didn't deserve to see me so aggressive. You have every right to express your anger, my dear. I was in the wrong."

It was only a mask. You knew it well. But seeing him with softened eyes and a tone so comforting, made you desperately wanting to run into his arms so he could wipe away your sorrows just like once upon a time. To live happily ever after.

Hector.

Dottore runs his fingers through his hairstrands in frustration and sighs, "However the Tsarista needed me to do something very important and I can't seem to fulfill her request no matter how hard I try. It angers me. If I don't finish this, there would be no place for us to stay."

"Hector..." you sniffled quietly. He looks so much like him right now.

"Can't you see I'm doing this for you?" He consoles, yet his weapons still remain, "I only intended to make you happy and there's nothing I won't do to achieve that. How about I show-"

"Enough."

Dottore froze upon your sudden command. He didn't sense a hint of subjugation and it seemed that you had perfect control of your emotions. How very inquisitive. Did you grow immune to the style of his voice? In such a short period of time? The facade he had on was now replaced with a growling animal-like expression. You looked at him dissapointedly. His Harbinger self returned. Hector was no more.

"Ha, you're the same as always. Even before the time you became a Harbinger. The same man that I fell in love with but it is me who will never be the same again," For a moment you averted your gaze as if trying hard to swallow your own words, "Remember when we first met at the balcony? That I told you my favourite books to read are fiction? I knew they weren't real but deep down, I wanted to believe in them anyways. And you know what? They did come true, to some degree..."

As the memories come flashing back, he defenselessly watches your expression contort from sadness to a calm contemplation and finally, enraged disgust, "But you only ever brought me pain and I'm sick of it!"

Swaying the torch to the side, Dottore flinches forward but he didn't dare to come close when your current state was unpredictable to him, "I JUST WANTED YOU TO LOVE ME," you wail, I just wanted to be loved, bringing a clawed hand against your forehead and trembling upon contact, "It's all that I ask for..."

Dottore narrowed his brows. Perhaps he may have gotten too far.

"But I know it's impossible. The world is a cruel place and there's no point in trying anymore. That is why I'm going to set us free."

"...What do you mean?"

You shut your eyes closed and tossed the flaming torch to the ground. A horrified expression takes over his features. It didn't take long for the fire to begin spreading amongst the room.

"NO!" Dottore yelled powerfully, he frantically darts his gaze at all directions as they continued to flicker and blend into his precious documents. You stood still and watched him grab the ones that were intact, savouring the most he could but they slip out of his arms every time he moved. Dottore glances behind him to see a rising cage of hellfire. Then he turns to you.

" 'Til death do us part!" you laughed maniacally.

The madman looked back with angry dismay, "You're out of your mind!"

Abandoning whatever he held in his hand, Dottore spins around towards the staircase. He covers his face with his sleeve and did whatever he could to prevent the fire from touching him. However, he accidentally stumbled on his footsteps and something fell off the heights, knocking him in the face. He grunts painfully.

"That will leave a scar," you smile while he clutches at his injury, "I can break you too.”

Just like how you broke me.

Knowing that you've managed to leave a mark of your existence on him in someway, you peacefully watched your lover wobble between the hell you created. But the hell you knew was not made of scorching heat and thundering flames. Hell was empty. Hell was a void. This feeling was far too gentle to be considered hell. If he can't return your love, then at least let these caging arms bask you in the warmth you’ve always desired.

Lifting your head, you looked towards the ceiling and closed your eyes.

Ah, this cannot be death.

I do apologize for how slow I write. I have what you may call hypersomnia (I couldn't find an exact word of my situation) which limits my time of being awake to write.

Wondering if I've taken your request? Check my master's list and see if there is a "coming soon" + "request" for that character. There may be a title for the fic or its simply just "[Not decided yet]".

║Chongyun║Tired

Male reader.

A bit N/SFW-ish.

Word count: 1.3k

---

He was out, again, on a request from some rich heiress who has been having sleepless nights because of some ghost that hunts her house. The details didn't concern you and you couldn't care less about the heiress or her situation. In fact, you wish that she suffered from it, but you wouldn't say that out loud. Alright, to come clean, you were upset that she had to suddenly come and request for the best exorcist on the one day he was going to take a break since he didn't have any requests. You were deprived of love from him, so it was completely understandable.

"It's not fair.. He never spends time with me, and when we do have time, it's always at night-- when he comes home!" you shout in anger, poking the cake with your fork aggressively, Xingqiu watching fearfully and in silence, afraid to upset you any more than you already were. However, much to his already frightened state, you had to go and glare at him. "Hey, say something, you good-for-nothing bookworm!"

He flinches. "U, uh.. Well, we can do something to take your mind off of him for a while.. Until he comes back, of course," he suggests, sweat dropping frivolously and hands shaking slightly when he takes hold of his cup. He takes a sip, trying hard to maintain eye contact with you, hiding his quivering lips behind the cup.

Unfortunately and fortunately for him, it seemed that you were not up for the idea, but you didn't yell, sighing as you dip into your seat. Feeling relieved, Xingqiu sets his cup down, "Well, we can always hit the book--" You glared at him which made him shut up to further irritate you and remained silent. He honestly don't know how you and Chongyun managed to last as long as your relationship goes with you being the way you were.

Not wanting to stay any longer, he looks for an excuse, looking at his imaginary watch. "Oh, would you look at that.. It's my curfew now, so I best be off. See you tomorrow, (Y/N)." He stood up and hastily made his way to the door and turn to look at you over her shoulders. "Don't worry about the bill. This is my family's business, after all." With that, he left you where you were, not getting a chance to stop him.

You sighed, letting your mind wander around in the lonely table for a while until deciding to head home, guessing that Chongyun would be home anytime soon-- if he was to come home tonight, that is.

Unfortunately, he didn't come home and so, Xingqiu was stuck babysitting you until your boyfriend came home to deal with you. You were getting impatient, upset, but most of all, needy for his love.

So, when he came home at night, you were elated to see him home. However, that happiness-- although still there-- was replaces with concern for the bluenette. He looked exhausted. "Hey, you look tired," was the first thing you said when he stepped inside. "Oh, do I?" he asks, and as if on cue, he stumbles forward, his eyelids becoming unbearably heavy. Lucky for him, your fast reflexes caught him. You sighed and carried him in your arms, walking towards your shared bedroom, where you engulfed him in your warmth.

When the sun rose, hinting for a new day, Chongyun was still asleep in your arms. You, however, were wide awake and was lacing your fingers through his soft, blue hair and kissed his forehead. The reason you and Chongyun remained together was that you were very caring for the boy-- though Xingqiu wouldn't believe that, seeing as you had straight-up exploded at him for reasons he wasn't involved with.

Chongyun's eyelids fluttered open, revealing his beautiful set of eyes. "Good morning," you say softly. Being the smaller spoon, he looks up to meet your eyes. He smiles and greets your a good morning as well. You two remained in each other's embrace for a while, before Chongyun sighs, "I have more requests of me.." he confesses, but you held him closer. "Those can wait. Today, you are resting at home whether you like it or not," you say. Chongyun would fight, but he knew you too well to know that you would go extra measure such as tying him to the bed to makes sure he stayed put.

"I'll make breakfast and after that, we can cuddle, okay?" you suggest, to which he hums in agreement, liking the idea of spending time with you. You did just that-- getting up and making breakfast for the two of you. Afterwards, you two returned to the bedroom, just enjoying in each other's presence all day.

The positions kept on changing at the cuddle session that you were now the one who was laying on your beloved's chest, listening to his heartbeat. "Hey, you don't need to go out every time someone requests for you, you know?" you say, breaking the comfortable silence.

"But I have to know.. How to control this congenital--" You cut him off, tired of him repeating the same thing. "I know, but you do know I'm here too, right?" you say. "We're not spending much time." The one thing you have ever wanted to come clean about, finally lifted something within you. You have always wanted to talk to him about it, but respected him too much to do so.

"I.. I'm sorry, (Y/N). I didn't think I.." Chongyun trails, feeling bad that he made you feel so lonely all this time. "It's fine. I will wait for you anyway," you said, wrapping your arms around him and burying your head closer to his chest, wanting the silence once more.

However, things started to turn away from that cute cuddle session when you move your hands underneath his shirt, rubbing his sides slowly. You confess, secretly of course, that while he was away, you have.. Done some shameful things with yourself. And now that he is back, it flared up even more, wanting more than just a hug from him. You also admit that you may or may not have planned the majority of today to lead it up to this point.

"Chongyun, don't you know how much I missed you?" you ask, feeling your lips tugging to a naughty smile as you trail your hands on his stomach. You looked up and see that his face was flaring red. "Well?" You moved closer to his face. "I, I, uhm.."

You smiled, showing eyes of hunger and leaned towards one of his ears. "I'll show you," you whispered huskily, your hands now trailing below his waist-- to his crotch.

He moans when your hands were pressing against his crotch, though not going past the thin clothing that blocks your hands from his private. "(Y- Y/N), we-- ngh..!" He stops when you stroked his thing beneath. "Do you want to know what I've been doing, Chongyun?" you ask. "All the naughty things I've been thinking about for when you come home?"

You see that his positive energy is emitting that will replace his soon-to-be gone cold exterior. "I'm sure you want to, no?" you ask again, smiling at the male. When he doesn't answer, you spoke again. "I need an answer, Chongyun."

He nods quickly. Your eyes narrowed and crashed your lips with his, soon slipping your tongue inside and fought for dominance-- to which you won. The kiss, your hand that soon slipped below his underpants, and the other feeling his sides and stomach-- it was all too much for the exorcist, moaning as he let you do whatever you want with him.

You pulled away from the kiss, a thin line of saliva connecting your lips. "Why don't you rest for a week?" you suggest, a smirk placing on your lips as your eyes grows darker, filled of lust. "I'll take care of it."

---

hi! can you please remember to put read more buttons in your fics a few paragraphs in? thanks!

Sorry, I keep forgetting that Tumblr has those features.. I'll keep that in mind next time. ^^

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

✦❘༻𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝙼𝚢 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝༺❘✦

Ch. 3.5 - A Step Into the Social Circle

Malleus Draconia x fem!reader

Chapter list + Summary

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

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Khehee."

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

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

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║Chongyun║Hot

Gender-neutral.

N/SFW-ish. Not really though?

Word count: 1.4k

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You, Chongyun, and Xingqiu were the inseparable trio. People in Liyue Harbor would see one of you three and can assume that the other two are somewhere nearby. However, you weren't quite happy knowing that you and Chongyun were just friends. Xingqui caught on quickly at your odd behaviours and teased you about it. Of course, he'd help you once having a laugh or two, though he might not be the best person to go to when seeking for a wingman.

"Xingqiu, for the nth time, we are not going to try that!" you said, in utter horror at the suggestion coming from the male's mouth. "How come? You will never know once you try it," he points out. The silly idea he was going on about was you gliding from the highest of mountains with a broken glider and hope that Chongyun would catch you. It was honestly a dumb and dangerous idea.

"I'll die!" You stare at the evil male in disbelief, seriously confused how no one in his immediate family see how wicked he could be. "Maybe you'll live.. Anyway, if you don't want to try it, you got any ideas?" he ask, seeing you ponder to yourself, fingers underneath your chin. "Well, uh.."

Xingqiu sighs, knowing you have nothing better than what he had suggested. "Why don't you simply say that you like him?" He shrugs. "What is the harm in doing that?"

"Our friendship!?" you say, looking straight at the your male friend. "What if he doesn't like me back? Our friendship will be torn!" Xingqiu looks back at you with a blank look. "How would you know? I mean, you haven't tried telling him."

The male was really uncomfortable, you thought to yourself, sighing a sigh of someone having their energy drained.

"Ah, it's whatever.. Let's drop this topic and talk about something else," you say. "You have any plans for tonight?" The bluenette looks off to the distance and remained silent. Then, "Ah! I got it!" he exclaims, jumping up from the bench and earned himself a quizzical you. He turns and looks down at you, sitting down on the bench looking up at him, with a snicker. A sudden rush of shivers ran down your spine. Whatever he was planning to do, it will not end good for someone. Not when he snickered so wickedly.

"I'll see you tonight, (Y/N)!" He had his back faced to you and skipped away while laughing lowly to himself. You were left there with one question: what did he mean when he said that he'll meet you tonight? It wasn't something you dwelled upon since it will be answered tonight.

During that night, you were in your living room, reading a book to get yourself tired and head to bed. It was quarter past eight, yet there was no Xingqiu at your door. You had come to think that it was a blessing. Remembering his evil smirk, you definitely knew that if he were to come, it was because of a wicked plan of his.

When time rolled around to quarter to nine, you decided it was best to turn off the lights of the living room and head to your room. Surely, he wouldn't come tonight, so you think.

Oh were you truly wrong. You had fallen asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow, but around early twelve, you received a knock on your front door-- Actually, it was a banging on your door, seeing as the lights were off and the house was still for the night. Hearing this, you jolted wide awake from your slumber, heart in a panic. There wasn't anybody home and your parents were out to the neighbouring city for business, and definitely won't be back around this time.

You didn't want to open the door, but you didn't want the person or persons breaking it down either, so you tiptoe all the way to the window that could just about see whomever could be at the door, peeking out from the curtains slightly so that they won't see you.

To your surprise, it was someone you know. They look a bit out of it from where you were staring and rushed to the door to open it. "Chongyun!" you exclaim, staring at the red-faced male. "Hey, you alright?" You rested a hand on his shoulder, seeing that he wasn't even staring directly at you. The small interaction made his body give in and collapsed. You were quick, luckily, and caught him, wrapping your arms to support him. "Hey, Chongyun? Chongyun?" There was no answer from the male. You look around the surroundings to see any suspicious person or persons, and when you came to a conclucsion that there wasn't a soul around that could have done this, you dragged him inside and flopped his body on the sofa.

Seeing as he was red and panting, you place a hand on his head. He was burning up, but it didn't look like he was sick, and he was definitely fine in the morning before leaving you with Xingqiu. "Hey, did something happen when you went out?" you ask, hoping that he would answer. He didn't give you a verbal answer and shook his head instead. Then, it struck you. "Don't tell me you've eaten something spicy!"

He was silent. The hand that rested on his forehead was brought down to his cheeks by him. He leans into your hands and started placing kisses onto your palm and sucking it, eyes closed as he does so. Your cheeks became warm with a tingling sense as you watch him. "Hey, uh, let me go get you milk to, uhm.." Words failed to form, your heart feeling as if it was about to explode from his actions.

His eyelids fluttered open, narrowed, as he stare at you with eyes that you couldn't quite decipher what it was hiding. Seeing your state, Chongyun took this as an opportunity to flip the both of you around, him now hovering above you. Your red-face only became much more obvious as you stared at his eyes.

It finally hit you. The eyes he had were that of a predator looking at its prey; hungry. Eating spicy food didn't mean that he was like that of a drunk, rather, it made him much more hyper. Meaning to say, he put on a little show for you.

A smile forms on the blunette's lips as he stared at you. "Say, (Y/N), do you like me?" The question caught you off guard and felt as if the air was punched out of your stomach. "I, what? Who told you that?" you stammered. The hyperactive side of him was truly strange to people whom had never had encountered him before, like he was a totally different person.

"Ah, so you do like me!" He laughs. This state was truly bizarre, even for someone like you whom have known him far longer than anybody. His laugh had died down and with it, his smile vanishes and eyes were devoid of any light, staring at you seriously. Then, he droops his head in the crook between your shoulders and neck and the both of you stayed in that position for a while. At this point, you were sure that he could feel your heart beating against your ribcage.

His head then shifted and his lips were close to your ears. You let a low moan when he nibbled on the sensitive part of it and he snickers, his breath hitting your ear which made it much worse. "Hey, guess what?" he asks with a sly smile, that you couldn't see, tugging his lips. He moved his head back a little and you look at him from the side of your eyes. "I. Like. You. Too!" You didn't know what to say, but luckily for you, he had fallen asleep, resting his head on your chest. You know that he may not remember what happened, so tomorrow, you are sure to tell him.

Your fingers entangled with his soft hair, his soft breathing lulling you to your slumber.

Unbeknownst to you, there was a little devil sitting in his room with nothing but a lamp to illuminate his face, reading a book with a proud smirk. He may or may not be the one who invited his dear, icy friend to dinner and give him a little something that would make him the way he was. "Oh~ This is an interesting chapter."

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