Sweet And Naive Definitely Became My Favorite Series, Thank You Very Much For Your Writing💗✨

Ah! To those needing further clarification with my previous post, I will continue to write for Genshin.. Just not really seeing myself as a part of the group anymore. ^^

Since many are asking for a second part to Opposites of the War, I will write it. But, I would like to ask a question: what do you want to expect in the read? :) I'll do my best to fulfill them.

Holiday Special in Mondstadt

This was written for 2020 Christmas and decided to wait to upload it here. Be warned that characters revealed/released after December 2020 will not show up here.

Not a oneshot. Platonic!

Characters: Albedo, Amber, Barbara, Bennett, Diluc, Diona, Dvalin, Fischl, Jean, Kaeya, Klee, Lisa, Mona, Noelle, Razor, Sucrose, Venti.

You are the traveller.

Word count: 4.4k

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Mondstadt was and is your first and forever home. It would be befitting to say the least, seeing as it was the first place tou stumbled upon and start your official journey to find your sibling. No matter where you are in Teyvat, the title of "Mondstadt's Honorary Knight" will be rung throughout that city and you wore it with pride. So, when Christmas came along, it was only natural to come home to your second family.

"(Y/N), is that you?" A voice, that you'd never forget in the many people you've heard speak, calls your name. You turned around and was greeted with the first local of Mondstadt and a whom was part of the Knight's of Favonius- Amber. "Hey, Amb--"

You were cut off as the brunette ran up and hugged you. You stumbled back a bit before returning her hug with a smile on your face. "Oh my Barbatos! It is you!" If you didn't know, Amber had missed you so and would cry, but she was a big girl to not cry over something silly such as a reunion. "Hey, Paimon is here too!" Another voice stepped in and Amber pulls back. "Oh, hey, Paimon! I'm happy to see that you're here too!" She gave the little, floating creature a smile as well.

"Anyway, what are you doing here? I thought you'd be off and in Inazumi when I heard the chaos died down in Liyue," she states, though still feeling happy that you returned. "Ah, I will.. I returned to Mondstadt to celebrate Christmas with all of you," you say in earnest. "Aw..!" She gave you another hug- this one being shorter.

"Oh, speaking of Christmas, Master Diluc is holding a Christmas party at the tavern tonight for just us- although it was kind of forced," she mumbled the last part, scratching her cheek. "Really? Then I'll be sure to come!" You missed going to the tavern to just loiter around and have a chat with the owner, so you took it as a chance.

"Well, I better be off to do a quick clearing of camps. I'll see you later, (Y/N)." She waves and turned around to walk away. But not even a step forward, you called her name, just remembering something. "I have something to give you," you said and turn to your floating companion who took something out from thin air and gave it you. "We bought you a gift!" It was a small, yet beautifully decorated, red box with golden ribbons.

A smile appeared on the girl's face as she happily accepts your gift. "Aw, thanks, (Y/N)! This is the best gift ever!" You laughed at her words. "But you haven't opened it yet," you point out. "But it's the best since it's from you!" You sigh whilst smiling at the girl and then tell her to go finish her mission.

"Well, where should we go to next?" Paimon asks. You ponder it for a moment, fingers under your chin. Then, "Oh, why don't we go visit Mona?" you suggest, wondering how the astrologist have been. Paimon nods with enthusiasm and the two of you walked to her place, but along the way, you met up with a certain knight in maid's clothing. "Hey, isn't that Noelle?" Paimon asks, pointing at the girl who was just exiting a house, probably was called to help the family in that house. "Oh, you're right! Hey, Noelle!" you call her name loudly, earning her attention.

You jogged up to her with a smile. "Honorary Knight, what are you doing in Mondstadt?" she asks with a genuine look of surprise. "I came to celebrate Christmas with all of you!" you answered and look at Paimon who got yet another gift, one whose colours matches that of the knight in front of you. "And we wanted to give all of you a gift."

She stares at the box in your hand with great surprise. Something so simple, yet so great to her, took her lips and tug it into a smile, looking up at you. "Thank you, Honorary Knight, but you don't owe me anything." You shook your head and push the gift closer to her. "It's Christmas! Of course, I'll be bound to give you something," you say. She took one look at it in your hands before happily accepting it. "Well, I must be off now. Take car of yourself!" You waved goodbye to the knight and continued your way to Mona's house, knocking on the door once at the foot of it. It took a while before hearing footsteps nearing the door. Upon opening it, the girl was caught by surprise at the sudden sight of you. "(Y/N) and Paimon? What are the two of you doing here?" she asks, a look of surprise on her face.

"Surprise!" you and Paimon cheers. "I thought you would have foreseen us coming," you joked, catching the astrologist to a baffled state. "Well, ah, um.. I don't use such power to look over at the littlest of things," she says proudly, earning a giggle from you and Paimon.

"Anyway, what are the two of you doing here?" She clears her throat. "We wanted to return for Christmas!" you answered. "And I also wanted to give you a gift." You outstretched your hand holding a purple box with star-like pattern adorned with a gold ribbon. The female was certainly surprised at the unforeseen event. "I, uh.." Words failed on her tongue, but accept the gift. She had never been given a gift before, so something even as small as your present meant much more than you'd realize. "I, thank you.. It's a wonderful gift," she said. You smiled at the girl, warmth filling up inside you at the sight of her genuinely thankful.

After a short conversation, you bid goodbye in search of the others whom you had planned to give gifts to. Of course, you stopped and gave gifts to the Wagner- the blacksmith- Katheryne, Marjorie, Stanley, and Sara before entering Cat's Tail.

The tavern was full of life with people who wished to seek shelter from the cold while enjoying a good glass of alcohol. Not too far from you, you see Diona behind the bar, making a glass of cocktail and giving it to a customer. You walked up and sat down at an available seat at the counter, waiting for her to come to you. "What can I-- (Y/N) and Paimon!?" she gasped. You smiled at the cat-like girl. "When did you come back?"

"Not too long ago," you answered. "Well, uh, what can I get you?" she asks, talking to both you and Paimon. "Ah, we don't want anything," you say and leave the girl giving you a confused look. "Then, what are the two of you doing here?"

"We wanted to give you a gift." With that, you handed her a pink decorated box adorned with a single, blue ribbon. "It's Christmas, after all." The little female stare at you with surprise. "For me?" she repeats, to which you happily nodded. The girl was then drawn to her mind, remembering that today was the day that she should go to Springvale to celebrate the holiday with her family. "Thank you, I mean it."

You left the tavern soon after, missing the warmth that it brought tou upon entering it. "Since we went to Cat's Tail, we should go to Angel's Share next!" Paimon suggests eagerly and you nodded, agreeing to go to the place next. Nearing the tavern, the booming sounds of laughter and chatter could be heard at a great volume. You opened to door and welcomed the warmth you missed for a couple of seconds when you left Cat's Tail.

A familiar, fiery-haired male was the first to look your way and his eyes reflected that of surprise. "(Y/N)?" The call of your name brought the second, familiar male to turn around in his seat. With a smile and wave at the two, you joined them at the bar, sitting two seats away from the second male. "Hey," you greet.

"Ho~ Why, if it isn't the Honorary Knight," Kaeya greets, a glass of alcohol in hand. "What brings you here, (Y/N)? Missed me that much, huh?" He laughs and you rolled your eyes, turning your focus to the winery owner. "Anything you'd like to drink?" he asks, arms unfolding from their day-to-day position. "What about Paimon? Paimon wants apple juice!" Paimon cries at her dismissal of presence. Diluc eyed her and gave her a quick 'okay' and nod before getting her a glass of apple juice.

"Anyway, I came to return for Christmas," you answered, talking to the Cavalry Captain. "How are you both anyway?"

"I have been doing just fine," Kaeya answers, turning his head to the male behind the counter. "I've been better," Diluc grumbles behind the bar, referring how Kaeya's entrance made his day worse, and gives Paimon her drink. "Aw, come now, dear brother, I know you miss my company~" Kaeya teases, attempting to provoke his older brother, but the stoic-faced, red-head didn't dare do anything, albeit a bit annoyed at Kaeya's presence.

"Ah, I heard you guys are throwing a Christmas party at the tavern tonight," you moved on. "That's right. My dear brother happily allowed us to celebrate here-- with him. I'm betting you that he doesn't want to be alone for the holiday," he grins at the sound of it. "Is there anywhere on my face that shows that I'm a bit happy?" Diluc questions, eyes narrowing as he glares holes into Kaeya, and arms crossed-- truly showing how annoyed he looks.

The interaction between the two of the males was something you had missed and couldn't help but laugh a little. Kaeya turns his head to look at you and smiled at your genuine laughter. "Looks like someone is having a good time," Kaeya points out. You nodded, giving a clear-eyed smile. Then, "Oh, right! I almost forgot to give you guys your gifts!" You turned to look at Paimon who had the gifts in hand. "These are for you two!" You handed both of them their reserved gifts and the two eye at the box with surprise.

It took an awkward second before Kaeya clears his throat. "Thank you, (Y/N). This is the best present." Kaeya smiles softly and ruffles your hair. How long has it been since the Cavalry Captain received a gift? He does not know. He reminisces, recalling the last Christmas spent with his family, where Crepus was alive and Diluc was smiling. That was probably the last time.

"Thank you, (Y/N). I am sure this is a wonderful gift," Diluc says and put the present somewhere safe until the day ends when he could come and collect it. You chatted with them for a while until you had decided it was time to go since you have other people to go give gifts to. "Where are we going next, (Y/N)?" Paimon asks. "To the cathedral." There was someone working there whom you have a gift for.

By the time you made it at the door of the cathedral, you were beat, the way up killing your legs. "Paimon is tired.." Paimon pants, a step ahead of you. You look at her, not understanding how, for someone who only floats, could get tired by floating pass the stairs. You shook your head and straightened yourself up. "Honorary Knight?" Someone calls from your right, on the side of the building.

You and Paimon turn your attention and see the maiden of the hour. "Hey, Barbara," you greet her with a smile. "It is you, Honorary Knight! What wind brought you back here?" she asks in great verve, walking closer to you. "The cold air from Snezhnaya," you answered jokingly.

"Anyway, I came here to give you a Christmas present for the holiday." You handed her a light blue box decorated with glitter and adorned with a darker blue ribbon-- just like the receiver of the gift. She was astounded by the gift in your hand and looks at you. "Is this really for me?" she asks.

"Who else would I climb these stairs for if not you?" The words that left your mouth warmed the idol's heart and accepted the gift. "Thank you, Honorary Knight. May the Anemo Archon protect you in your journey." You nodded and bid goodbye to the blonde and made your way down the stairs. "Are we going to the Favonius Headquarters?" Paimon asks, nearing the end of the staircase. You hummed to her question, seeing as the headquarters was just close by.

You greeted the knights who stood guard at the entrance and made your way inside. You knocked on the door that was the Acting Grand Master's office and hear a mumbled "come on" through the wood. Entering the room, you see Jean and Lisa sitting on the single couch in the office, and Klee on the floor, drawing. "Oh my, why if it isn't the cutie," Lisa greets, standing up. "Honorary Knight, what brings you here? Ah, wait.. You should have send notice of your arrival so that we could be a more welcoming," Jean says, following Lisa.

"Don't worry about it. I actually planned to surprise all of you by coming back abruptly," you say. Klee stood up from the ground and run up to you. "(Y/N), look at this! I drew it!" Klee holds up a sheet of paper with pride, showing you the interesting picture she drew.

"Ah, that's  very nice, Klee," you praised which made the young knight giggle shyly. "Anyway, what brings you here, Honorary Knight?" Jean asks, gaining you attention. "I came to celebrate the Christmas with you guys."

Jean smiles. "If that is the case, there will be a party at Master Diluc's tavern-- I'm sure you have heard of it by now?" she questions. You nodded. "Amber told me about it when I met up with her this morning."

"I see, that is good." You turn to look at Paimon who then again took at boxes from her infinity backpack. "I also came with presents for all of you," you said, gesturing at the three boxes.

"Ooh, presents! I love presents," Klee cheers, clapping her hands excitedly. You smiled and gave her her gift. It was a red box with a darker red ribbon adorned with a custom-made accessory of her bombs that she loves so much. "Yay!"

"Oh, you shouldn't have gone yourself to buy us a gift. Just your return is a great and wonderful surprise from Barbatos," Jean says, to which Lisa chuckles. "Be appreciative that the cutie brought back us gifts, Jean," she says and looks at you. You smiled and gave her a purple box, decorated with purple roses with a darker colour of purple lace as a ribbon. She thanked you and you went on ahead to give Jean hers-- a blue box that was the same colour as her cloak with a golden ribbon. "Then, thank you, Honorary Knight." The blonde smiles. "I'm guessing that we'll see you tonight?" You nodded. "Yeah. And oh, do you know where Venti could be?" you ask, not seeing him anywhere in places where he could be.

"I believe he said that he will be at Starsnatch Cliff," Jean answers and you gave a quick nod before bidding a bye for now. "Paimon don't see why we need to give Tone-Deaf Bard a present too," Paimon states once you two were outside of the headquarters. "Doesn't he get a lot of gifts from the people?"

You chuckled and shook your head. "He is our friend, of course we have to give him something too," you said.  "But before we go outside, let's go see four more people within the walls."

The first two weren't so hard to find as they were both in the same place. "Albedo, Sucrose, hey!" you greet, entering the spacious room filled with strange materials. "A, ah! Honorary Knight, when did you arrive in Mondstadt?" Sucrose greets, fumbling with a tube in her hand when she flinched by the sudden voice that broke through the silence.

"I came back this morning," you answered and stepped inside so you could shut the door from the cool air. "What happened, Sucrose?" Another voice spoke between the two of you, and from the back, emerges the blonde alchemist you were hoping to see around. "Oh, Honorary Knight, what brings you here?"

"Hey, Albedo, just here to drop by and give you two a gift and wish you a Merry Christmas!" you say and had Paimon take out two gifts for the two alchemists, the boxes reflecting that of their colour scheme. "Oh, ah, um, thank you, Honorary Knight," Sucrose says shyly, a small dust of pink on her face. Albedo gave you thanks as well, apologising that he had nothing to give you which you reassure that it was fine.

"We're going to the Adventurer's Guild next, right?" Paimon asks to which you nodded. There was two people that you wished to see.

"A-ah!? (Y/N), you're in Mondstadt?" A certain male bumped into you on your way to the Adventurer's Guild Hall and was quite surprised at the sudden sight of you. "Hi, Bennett!" Paimon greets the young adventurer. Bennett smiles and greets your floating companion. Then, "What brings you here, (Y/N)?" he asks, turning his attention from Paimon to you.

"We wanted to celebrate the holiday here-- in Mondstadt," you answered for the nth time of today. "And we also brought you a gift!" You gave him his present and see his eyes glimmer at the sight. He have been unlucky his whole life and many feared their lives when going on an adventure with him, so often than not, he doesn't receive gifts-- only the elders of the guild does so. "I, thank you so much, (Y/N), I mean it." He avert his eyes from the present in his hand and smiles at you. "You're welcome, Bennett," you said. "I would love to stay and chat with you for a bit, but the sun is setting way too quickly and I have others to see. Let's go on an adventure next time!" The last part warmed the boy and wave goodbye at you.

"What ho," a familiar voice calls upon you not too far away. "Why, if it isn't my loyal subjects. Say, what brings oneself back to thy master?" Before you stood none other than the chuunibyou of Mondstadt, Fischl.

"Mein Fraulein welcomes you back with great surprise and wonders why you are back," her bird companion, Oz, says. "We came back for the holiday!" Paimon says and you nod. "We also bought you a gift. I hope you like them," you said and handed two boxes to Fischl-- one for Oz and herself.

"I, uhm, thank you.." She looks at the presents with eyes agape of astonishment, and her words limited from the surprise. She looks at Oz and back at you and smiled, you returning hers with a smile of your own.

"Are we going to Starsnatch Cliff now?" Paimon asks once you both were outside of the city's walls, to which you nod. When you got close to the cliff, you see a large set of wings flapping in the distance. Knowing who it could it be, you rushed your pace in excitement.

"Venti! Dvalin!" you called, gaining  both of the owner's name attention-- Dvalin looks up whilst Venti turns his head around. "(Y/N)?" A smile appears on the bard's face. "Hey, Venti, how have you been?" you ask, making your way to sit beside Venti and Dvalin.

He chuckles. "I've been doing okay. Not many exciting things are going on since, well, you know.." He hinted at the Dvalin, scratching his head. "So, how was Liyue? Did you meet Rex Lapis?"

"About that.." You went ahead and excitedly talked about the chaos that was soon resolved in Liyue and mentioned how Rex Lapis was now a broke consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, earning a laugh from both the bard and dragon.

"The old coot has finally decided to step down, huh?" Venti laughs once more. "Anyway, what brings you back in Mondstadt?"

"Isn't it obvious? Mondstadt is my first home upon arriving here, so I am bound to come when the holidays rolls in," you say and added, "We also brought you two gifts." Having said so, you gave Venti and Dvalin's gifts, a smile spread on your face.

"For me as well?" Dvalin sounds quite surprised and you laugh at the question. "Of course, why should I leave you out?" you question. The dragon remained silent for a while before thanking you in earnest.

"Oh, right, are you joining everybody else at Angel's Share tonight?" you directed the question to the Anemo Archon. "Do you need to ask? If Master Diluc will give me free drinks, then of course I will!" The four of you broke into another joyous laughter.

The sun was now fading in the distance when you and Paimon had to part ways with the other two to make one, last visit. "To Wolvendom we go, Paimon!"

When you were on the outskirts of the territory, the sun was nowhere to be see, and having the moon as your only light source. "Paimon thinks we shouold give his tomorrow.." Paimon quiver, looking anxiously for anything that might come and scare her.

"We shouldn't wait until tomorrow because it isn't Christmas anymore by then," you state. The walk was silent and you had to admit, you started to become anxious, the sound of crickets being the only thing that was making noise scaring you. You wondered where the wolf boy could be and if he was still out, wandering the forest.

In the dead silence, sound of bushes rustling in the distance came about, scaring both you and Paimon. "Eep! What is it?" Paimon asks, using you as a shield. You took out your sword and took a stance, waiting for whatever was hiding in the bush in front if you.

Then, to scare the both of you even more, the creature leapt out of the bushes. "AHH! Don't eat Paimon!" She closes her eyes and cowers behind you. You took a few moments before realizing what it was that you were staring and sighed a breath of relief, looking at Paimon over your shoulders. "Paimon, it was just a boar." The boar was long gone when it leapt from the bushes, frightened for its life.

"Oh, ah, that's good," Paimon says awkwardly. But wait, "Hey, what do you think it was running from?" you ask, remembering how it didn't simply walk out of the bush and ran, but was running through it as if it was being chased.

As if on cue, more rustling of bushes came from the same direction, but this one shaking the bush to its full extent. You readied your sword and Paimon returns to cower behind you.

It felt slow, but when the thing emerges from the bush, you were surprised to see who it was. "Gah, please don't eat Paimon!" she pleads with her eyes closed.

"(Y/N)..? And Paimon?" The sound of the person's voice made Paimon realize who it was and she opens her eyes. "Razor! So, it was you who was chasing the boar?"

"You see boar?" Razor's eyes lit up. "Yeah, it ran past us just now," you answered, seeing the boy droop his head down. "Ah, do you want us to catch you a boar?" The silver-haired male shook his head. "No need.. Want extra food.. For night.." he says. Ah, he was having those late-night cravings. Understandable, you mentally agree.

"What is you.. Here? Left adventure.. Night now," he asks. You smiled. It has been a while since you last talked to the wolf boy, so seeing him the same as before felt kind of comforting to know. You outstretched your hand with the present and said, "Merry Christmans, Razor."

The boy stare at the object in your hand, a bit confused and stare back up-- into your eyes. "This is for you," you said and urge him to take the gift. "For me..?" You nod, watching him hesitantly take the gift off of your hands. "Razor heard.. Of Christmas. Now know gifts," he says, feeling a bubble of happiness well up inside him. "Thank you.."

"You're welcome, Razor. I wish you a happy holiday with your family," you said, referring to his wold pack. He nods and bid you farewell, waving a hand at your retreating figure, a wolf soon appearing beside him and hint him to go back

"Paimon is hungry," Paimon cries. "Well, it is about time we should be heading to the tavern now, so just a few more walks and you can eat," you said, agreeing that you were hungry as well.

The tavern was filled with light emitting through the crack if the door. Pushing it wide open, you were greeted by a whiff of sweet aroma coming from the many food set before you. "(Y/N), Paimon! Glad you could make it!" Amber was the first to greet, a smile on her face, others quickly doing the same.

"(Y/N)-- hic-- come join me and have a drink!" Venti waves on over, a glass in hand. The bard had long started before all of you, wanting as many of the free wine he could get his hands on. You laughed at his state, joining him at the bar with Diluc behind it, a look of disbelief visible on his face.

The night was filled of warmth with merry people-- eating, drinking, chatting, laughing-- whatever floats your boat. Paimon was stuffed and couldn't take another bite. You watched the people who became your first family, a smile slowly spreading your face, happy of the choice to return for Christmas and join your very first Christmas in Teyvat with your family of this world.

---

Happy holidays everyone and have a happy new year! ^♡^

~♡~

║Scaramouche║Tsundere

From Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Fluff.

Word count: 1k

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It was a secret and a secret shall it stay.

The sixth Harbinger is harsh, cruel, cold, and sadistic. That is the image he painted for himself so if he were to be caught dead with a lover, what would come to the reputation he built up himself? He is not one to show kind emotions towards any of his subordinates so he shouldn't be lenient with you.

"Are you mocking me?" Scaramouche snaps at one of his subordinates, looking down at the underling as if they were the most disgusting thing he has ever saw. "N, no, I'm not, my lord.. I spoke out of turn," they stammer, feeling humiliated as he is being scolded in front of you and other Fatui members.

No one spoke up, forced to watch the scene before you unfold. He was scary, you admit, but there was a charm to him that drew you in-- a charm that no one else but you know. "Tut. I have no time for pests like you," Scaramouche snarls. "Leave my sight."

"B, but, my lord, the Tsaritsa--" "I don't care what the Tsaritsa ordered you. I don't want you here." His eyes reflected his tone; harsh. "If you want to live, then you best not make me angry."

The underling quickly left, but not before paying respect to his superior out of fear, and to never return to his ruling. Once gone from sight, Scaramouche's expression fell to a relax one. "All of you.. Just go. I can't deal with this." He sighs, massaging his temples.

His subordinates turn to leave, not daring to say anything more to upset him-- unless they had a death wish or something. With one more glance at the Harbinger, you turn to leave. However, you were stopped by his commanding voice. "You stay. I have things to talk to you about," he beckons you back.

You could feel the uneasy stares you're receiving from the other Fatui underlings, but did not dare wait to find out what sort of bullying you'll receive.

Once gone from sight, Scaramouche sat on a fairly large rock and sighed, using his arms as support to lean back. "Damn those pests. All they are good for is being stupid," he states to no one in particular, closing his eyes.

You stood there, observing the short male silently. Then, "What are you doing just standing there?" he asks, his deep coloured eyes reflecting off of yours. He pats the empty space beside him, silently ordering you to come sit.

Once you did, he rested his head on your lap, hat off on the ground. "You're not going to ask for permission?" you joked, gone was your silent and diligent persona now that there was no one else around. "Shut up.." he mumbles, but after a while, he asks, "You don't mind, right?"

You chuckled. "Not at all," you answered, putting a hand on his head. "Good." Your hands began to move on his head, stroking his soft, indigo hair. He sighs to your touch and feel his shoulders relax.

Enjoying the silence, you thought back to when you were a fresh recruit that was assigned under his ruling. You were scared, honestly, when you heard other Fatui underlings whisper how cruel he was to his subordinates-- even going as far as to leave physical scars on their body.

However, you could say that you have gotten the shorty's amusement and even his heart. It was strange when he first approached you on your day away from him-- who knew he could be infatuated to a weaker person than he was? Well, none of that matter now. All you need to know- and he'll remind you again- was that you were his.

Honestly, you wished that you two could leave the Fatui and abandon your duties as a member, but you knew that Scaramouche seeks something that only the Tsaritsa could offer and wouldn't give it up for the world.

"Hey, why did you stop?" he asks, upset that you stopped stroking his head. "Oh, sorry.. I didn't realise I did," you chuckled. He huffs, but relaxed once again under your touch, closing his eyes as he does.

"Hey," he calls shortly after silence. "I'm not 'hey', Scara," you jokingly reply. He clicked his tongue at your one sided humour. "Whatever. Uh, could you.. Uh.." he trails, the words after the dying on his tongue.

"Hm? What was that, Scara?" You look down at the Harbinger, seeing his cheeks slightly tinged with pink. "C, could you, uhm.." The dusted pink began to brighten up, visible to you that you are sure that the light isn't pulling any tricks.

His eyes averts to somewhere else as he tries to speak. "Can you.. Tell me those words..?" he finally mumbles out. You blinked a couple times, registering his words but coming up empty. "Huh? What words?" you ask, hoping he'd answer.

"Y, you know.. The one where you.." He pauses, his face warm and tingly from the blood rushing to his face. "Like me..?" he whispers. It was barely audible, but you heard it.

Your lips cracked into a smile and you cackled. Who knew that he could be so cute? You laughed so hard that tears were forming at the corner of your eyes. "H, hey!" Scaramouche's face turned a deeper red, feeling embarrassed and wishing that he didn't say anything at all.

He clicks his tongue and turn on his side to face away from you. "Hey, hey, don't turn away from me," you out a hand on his shoulder, trying to budge him to turn him onto his back again

Your laughter now dying out, you stare at the shorty's side profile. Knowing that he won't look at you, you catch him by surprise by placing a kiss on his cheeks. And finally, he turns, face flushed as he touches his cheek. "I love you, Scara." You gave a close-eyed smile. His heart fluttered, but he wouldn't say that out loud-- not even in a million years.

Still having him lie on his back, he averts his eyes once more. ".. I, I know that.." Chuckling, you leaned closer to his face and instead of a kiss on his cheeks, you placed your lips onto his, catching him suprised yet again.

Scaramouche stares at you blankly, the wheels turning in his head visibly represented by his expression. You grin, making a small comment, "You're such a tsundere."

---

I am just now speed-running through book 6 (Ignihyde) of Twisted (yeah, I am lazy and slow to read through it). BUT I AM NOW STUCK BECAUSE THEY KEEP KILLING ME. LET ME USE MY CARDS!!

I've seen lots of people quitting the game at high AR levels due to boredom, but I've been playing this game since it was released and I'm still not bored? I think the problem is people start to treat it like a chore.

Try changing up your team! I've switched my traveler from anemo to geo and they're actually pretty fun to play as because it's new to me. Use comically under-leveled characters to explore the world (maybe with a healer on standby). Use a team of only one element. Whatever makes things new and exciting again!

How about the music? I frequently stop and admire just how beautiful everything sounds. The wind, the rain, the theme of each location! Today I ran back to the beach where the game began and let nostalgia sink in; that feeling of excitement and awe at how beautiful the game is. Chasing every lizard and crab in sight. Climbing trees for no reason.

If you do have resin to spend for artifact domains etc, try it with different team members for more of a challenge! Switch up some artifacts, see what happens!

It's a game, it's supposed to be fun. Ignore every guide, all the tier lists; there's no wrong way to play if you're having fun.

How're you?

I'm good, thank you. :)) How are you?

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║Kaeya║A Cold War

Gender-neutral.

Word count: 3k

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You two had been at it for quite some time now. The war between you and the Cavalry Captain, Kaeya, didn't look like it was going to end any time soon. "Honestly, this has gone for far too long that it's silly at this point," Lisa sighs, watching the two of you from afar. "When are they going to make up?" Jean, who stood beside the librarian, nodded in agreement.

You and Kaeya had crossed paths in front of the fountain in the centre of the city one fateful morning. Snarling and angry at the sight of the male, you turned around with a huff and walked away. Although he was your captain, you two clearly showed a much stronger relationship than commander and knight; you two were friends until the fight two weeks ago.

Kaeya sighs at your retreating figure and walked over to the two, tall females who he had noticed was watching. "Good morning," he greets, a hand raised and a smile on his face. "Kaeya, when are you two going to talk?" Lisa asks, a concerned expression on her face.

He shrugs, pretending not to care of the matter. "Who knows?" he simply say. "Anyway, if that's all you're going to talk about, I'd rather get going with my missions." The Cavalry Captain walks away without letting either of the two say anything. Lisa sighs at the retreating captain. "Both of them really are like couple in quarrel," she states, resting her cheeks on her hands. "I find it very cute." Lisa keeps going on about how you two acted like a couple even though you two obviously weren't. Jean looks over at the witch with dismay and shook her head.

You and Kaeya really showed the citizens of Mondstadt of how you two were at war at each other. Kaeya had started to become a grouch and cold while you were fuming with a fit of anger and it showed in everything you do- from training and wiping out hilichurls to simply eating and easy chores.

"We should get (Y/N) to do something else right now, rather than let them wait for Kaeya's orders," Jean says, knowing that even if Kaeya got a mission for you, you won't even listen to him and go do your own thing. It was also bad for you to linger around the city and throw passionate anger into everything you do as citizens reports how an underling of the Cavalry Captain is scaring away people- be it customers or the people themselves.

You were heading off to the training area to train even more. Although you were kind of sore from training from morning till night yesterday, it didn't keep you from training today so that you can make the blue-haired male take back the words he said to you two weeks ago. "You're not capable in doing these alone!" The words rung repeatedly in your head and made you even more angrier, but mostly saddened.

As much as you appreciate Kaeya's concern of your safety, it can sometimes make you question your worth. What are you good for if you are basically told to sit back and do nothing? That's not why you became a knight in the first place; you wanted to seek thrill while protecting the citizens of Mondstadt and you won't improve if he tells you to slack off.

"(Y/N)," a voice calls from behind you, stopping you on your way to the training grounds. You turned around to see the Acting Grand Master with a couple sheets of paper. You guessed it was most likely missions for you. "Are these tasks?" you ask, no sign of hostility in your tone as you spoke with the blonde.

"Yes, we're short of hands right now and was hoping you could take a look at them," she said and hands you over the papers. It is true that since the Grand Master took most of the knights, there aren't a lot of knights left in the city. But, the tasks given to you can be given to any other knights at any time; Jean just wants to help you clear your mind. "Okay, I will. Thank you!" A flare of determination and excitement reflected your hyped tone.

Jean smiles before waving bye and getting to her own things. You look at the papers in hand, seeing that some would take longer than others, but can still be done all today. Not caring to read the full details, you headed to the locations written and wipe out any and all enemies.

In the end, you did clear them all and felt really proud of yourself that you managed to do all tasks alone. You kind of wanted to boast at Kaeya's face but you were too prideful let that happen.

You were making your way inside the city, now late at night, feeling even more sore than yesterday. Although it was hurting you, it felt rewarding since you haven't done this much moving around under Kaeya's orders.

When you got home, you went straight to your bedroom, rather than eating dinner and washing up. You felt the stinging soreness wash over your body when you were taking of your shirt. "Ack!" You immediately lower your arms as a reaction to the pain. "I should deal with this.." you mumbled. You decided to deal with it tomorrow since you don't have the energy to do so tonight.

The next day, you went to the training field, albeit still sore from two days worth of strained movements. The pain really made you question if you had done anything at all to contribute to the Knights of Favonius; you see the Acting Grand Master put her all into everything and the build up of stress and strain on her, Outrider Amber running around and helping anyone who she comes across and scouting areas around Mondstadt, and even the traveller from some place else is doing something much greater such as helping Dvalin, but what about you? You felt miserable.

You headed to the Knights of Favonius' headquarters to see if Jean could give you some missions for today. You knocked on the door lightly and entered when you hear a quick and muffled 'come in'. "Good morning. Sorry to bother you this early in the morning, Acting Grand Master," you started, closing the door behind you. "I was wondering if you could give me any more tasks?"

Jean looks up from her work and smiled. "Ah, (Y/N), good morning," she says. "I heard you came back late last night. Did I give you too much to work?" You shook your head immensely. "No, no, it's just the trips that made it long."

"I see. Well, I don't have any missions right now.. Why don't you see Kaeya and ask if he has any for you?" Jean says nonchalantly as she discreetly adds, pretending she doesn't know what is going on between you and him. Your head slightly drops at the mention of his name. You didn't want to go to him- not now, at least. "Ah, he probably doesn't have any either. It's fine, I'll do some training on my own," you said and left the headquarters.

When you said that you'll train on your own, you mean to go search for some dangers that will help you improve. You still are feeling sore all over but dismiss it. You did, however, applied some essential oil to help relieve your muscle pain and thought that that alone would help. You headed out of the city's wall and looked for some tough opponents.

Kaeya's eyes narrowed as he saw you leaving through the gates, a worrisome feeling in his guts, but he wasn't going to let that feeling in the pit of his stomach get to him. He felt that he was in the right and that you were too stubborn. Your stubbornness and prideful personality made him really irritated, but he felt sad that you two didn't get to chat like before.

He shrugs his shoulders and went to bother anyone who he sees- most likely Diluc, who was at Angel's Share at the moment.

Nightfall started to set in and you hadn't returned- no sightings of you ever walking around the streets since thos morning. Kaeya wasn't aware of this since he thought you were home like he had always expected of you. It wasn't until the next day when he was summoned to the headquarters by Jean that he knew of your absence since yesterday. "Hey, what did you call me for?" Kaeya says, his usual, playful smirk on his face. However, that fell when he saw Jean and Lisa's expression and feel the atmosphere of the room. "What is it now?" His stomach started to churn in an awful feeling and only one thing was on his mind- you.

"It's about (Y/N)," Jean starts off, making Kaeya starting to feel even worse. "A ruin guard has been found awoken near the Thousand Wind Temple by someone in the Adventurers Guild and no one has seen (Y/N) since yesterday morning. I have a feeling that they are the one who woken it up."

Upon hearing the news, he clenches his fists and his jaws tightened, a shadowed cast over his face as he narrowed his eyes. But, "What does this have to do with me?" he asks coldly. Lisa and Jean looks over at each other with a concerned expression. "Kaeya--" Lisa started off but was immediately caught of by the male.

"They said that they can handle anything so shouldn't you two put some faith in them as well?" he said, raising his voice in anger, recalling what you said to him two weeks ago. "Kaeya, I am aware of the fight you two had but this has honestly gone for far too long that it's silly," Jean says in a calm tone. "Isn't the reason why you don't allow them on dangerous missions is because you care about them?" This hit Kaeya and he hang his head low. It was true that he cares about you deeply and doesn't show the same feeling to anybody else but you.

He imagined scenarios of situations you could be in right now and it made that feeling inside him snap. He turns around and storms off, shutting the door with a boom.

Praying. He was praying to the Archons of your safety as he feels something went trailing down his face from his eyes. It was blurring his vision but he ignores them, running through the darken day.

When he reached to the location of the sightings, he found the ruin guard, awake and walking, but no signs of you. He quickly disposed of the ruin guard and searched the area for you or anything that was on you that dropped that might give him some hope.

A few metres away, there your body lie on the cold ground. "(Y/N)!" Kaeya runs over to your side and felt his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. You were all bruised up along with scratches and blood that was either still running from open wounds or had already dried up. Your eyes were closed and he worried for the worse. Rushing to kneel beside you, heb helped you sit up against a rock, putting his hands under your chin to feel for a pulse. To his relief, he found it beating and pulled your body into his chest, one hand behind your head as the other wrapped around your shoulders. "(Y/N)," he whispers your name, his heart feeling lighter.

Your eyes slowly opens from the sudden warmth that engulfed you. "Nngh!" The moment your mind became conscious, the pain from the battle and the soreness from training before suddenly rushed all over your body. "Ack!"

Kaeya immediately pulls away from you, his face full of worry. "(Y/N), are you okay?" he asks. You look at Kaeya with surprise. "Why.. Are you here?" There was no anger in your tone as you were too exhausted. "I came looking for you, dummy. Now, let me take you back so ease up." You gave a quick nod and closed your eyes, falling into another sleep. Making sure you were asleep, he stood up with you in his arms and made his way back inside the city.

He went to see Barbara in the cathedral so that she could heal you. "My, they're badly injured! Hurry, bring them here," she exclaims with a hand over her mouth at the sight of your badly figure and gestures towards the infirmary. Kaeya listened and places you on one of the beds inside and let her do her thing.

She left as soon as she healed any and all visible, major wounds. Kaeya sits down on the wooden chair beside the bed and waits for you to wake up. You were asleep all throughout the day and only woken up the next morning.

You felt something at the side of you and you slowly turned your head but hissed at the sudden pain, closing your eyes in reaction. Although it lessened thanks to Barbara, the pain didn't fully go away.

Once it subsided, you open your eyes to see whatever was beside you. To your surprise, it was Kaeya. His arms were crossed on top of the bed and rested his head on top of it, sleeping with his lips slightly parted. Your heart warmed and remembered the little scene when he hugged your bruised body.

It looked like he slept late and didn't even bother to comb his hair- meaning to say, he didn't go home and return early in the morning. In that moment, you let your pride down as well as forgave him for what he said two weeks ago. You weakly reached your arms out and tucked a strand of his unkempt hair behind his ear.

You suddenly remembered the reason why you two fought in the first place- you went out to a dungeon, alone, on a mission that you secretly accepted without the help of the Cavalry Captain. It was a simple wiping out of a hilichurl camp but there was no knowledge of an abyss image nearby since it wasn't written on the report.

When Kaeya received word you left on a mission, he was upset and immediately left to find you. He found you soon enough, wiping out hilichurls. His eyes looked off to behind you and see a cryo abyss mage. "(Y/N)!" he warned. You turned to look at him and that's when the abyss image shot an ice crystal. It hit your left arm and you roared in pain. Kaeya quickly made due of the image and quickly rushed to check your wound.

"What were you thinking- going out on a mission alone!?" he angrily asked, gripping your upper arm. "Kaeya, you're hurting me!" you hissed.

"I told you time and time again that you should tell me when you're going out!" he said, raising his voice. "I was doing just--"

"Just fine!? You were hit by an abyss mage, goddamit!"

"It's just a scratch--" He cuts you off again, his tone now booming with anger. "Yeah, it's just a scratch, but what about the next time you go out alone? You could be heavily wounded or even worse!" He wasn't listening to a word you said and the grip on you looked like it wasn't loosening anytime soon.

"Kaeya, would you just listen to me!?" you shouted back in the same volume and tone as his. "I am more than capable as a knight to wipe a few hilichurls and an abyss mage!"

His anger didn't subside but he let's go of your arms, head down as a shadow casted over his face. "So, that's how this is going to be, huh? Alright, then I'll leave you be. See if I care." The words broke your heart. Kaeya turned around and left you there with your head down. That was the last time you guys talked to each other before the cold war.

He groans at the touch, making your heart flutter. Then, you see his visible eyelids open slowly, revealing his unique, blue eyes. He straightened up in his seat with a loud yawn before looking over at you. "(Y/N)..!" he says your name, his visible eye showing surprise.

"Good morning," you weakly greet, a gentle smile tugging your lips. A few short seconds passed before he quickly draws you into an intoxicating embrace. You returned the hug as you bury your smiling face into the crook of his neck. "You dummy. Why did you go out and pick a fight with a ruin guard?" he whispers, deepening the hug.

"I wanted you to know that you can depend on me.." you answer, tears starting to form. "I'm not a child that needs protecting; I'm a knight so please look at me as you would to any other knights." Kaeya pulls back and stare into your eyes. "I'm afraid I can't do that," he said, his eyes stern and serious. "What--"

"Because.. You're different," he cuts you off. You look at him with questioning eyes. "I can't bring myself to not care for you nor can I bring myself to treat you like any other subordinates of mine because I love you." The three words that you never thought you'd hear from the Cavalry Captain came out so easily- it's as if he wanted to say it for so long. "I can't bear to lose you, (Y/N). And just seeing you hurt hurts me more than you realize."

"I.." You looked down on your blanket. "I'm sorry that I made you worried.. I didn't know that's how you felt."

"No, I'm sorry. I should have really told you before you got into anymore danger," he said. You two smiled and pulled you back to a loving embrace. Then, "I love you too, Kaeya."

---

║Albedo║Notice Me

Fluff.

Word count: 1.1k

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You were either too dumb to notice or purposely doing it-- either way, Albedo didn't stop in his attempt to court you. However, he was getting pretty impatient and irritated at how you dismiss his approach.

"(Y/N), don't you think this flower is beautiful?" he asks, eyes trained on the flower in his hand. You turned your head towards the blonde and stare at the flower. "Yeah, I guess.. Why are you asking?" As a knight under the command of Mondstadt's Chief Alchemist and Captain of the Investigation Team, you were assigned to follow him outside the city's wall and to the outskirts of the region.

Apparently, an adventurer from the Adventurer's Guild had stumbled upon a ruin that had been sealed away by a pile of huge rocks, and since the Knight of Favonius' takeover of the ruin, it was your duty to look inside the ruin for anything. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it is something. Although, you didn't know why you were the only one that Albedo wanted to come in his search, or did you?

You have seen the way he looks at you; his face was stoic as ever but his eyes held a warmth that was never directed to anybody else-- not even Sucrose who stays by his side more than you. But, you refused to return his feelings. It wasn't as if you didn't have any mutual feelings towards the alchemist, you just thought it would be fun to act dumb. You want to see more from him; you want to see him grow more annoyed at every of his failed attempts to court you.

"I suddenly thought of you. Don't you think it suits you?" He turns to stare at you with his cerulean eyes, showing you that same glimmer filled with hearts. It was one of his many approaches. You laughed, dismissing his way to flirt with you. It's cute, really. "You speak as if I'm dead." Ah, there you go again. His eyes narrow slightly and something that looked like disappointment flash in his eyes before he returned to his stone-faced look.

"No, you aren't.." His eyes returned to the flower and then tossing it off to the side at random. "My apologies if it sounded that way." He walks deeper inside the ruin, leaving you to trail not too far from him. At this point, you weren't sure if you had saddened him but since you didn't know, you huffed a smile and followed quietly. Was he finally at his breaking point, upset that things always failed to go the way he wanted it to go with you?

If you want a straightforward answer, then it's yes.

-

"Are you sure you should be continuing to ignore his interactions?" Amber asks, sitting across you while both of you enjoy lunch at Good Hunter's. The Outrider had caught wind of the changes with the Chief Alchemist not too soon he started to boldly ask you out fo a meal in a more discreet way. "Hm? What do you mean?" you ask, feigning idiocy.

The brunette sighs. "You've seen how Sir Albedo looks at you, don't lie!" Amber says, taking a bite out of her sticky honey roast. You remained silent, watching her eat to a point that made her awkward. Was it time to throw in the towel and go along with his attempts? It has been prolonging for too long, after all. "Uh.. (Y/N)?" You blinked a couple of times before your attention was on the female.

You laughed. "Sorry, I don't understand what you mean." You gave a closed-eyed smile at the female. No, now is not the right time to kick the bucket just yet. If you did, you won't have the chances to look at his frustrated look when every time he fails and gets a laugh out of it. There is no fun in that. And you were one to be remembered by how much you seek fun and laughter out of things.

Amber stares at you defeatedly, brows slightly dipping. "Whatever you say.." You laughed. "Don't think about it too much and ruin your pretty little head. Just eat your food." You rested your face on the palm of your hand. Amber stares at you, raising a brow before returning her energy to munch on the food, quickly forgetting the conversation.

Afterwards, the Outrider had to separate from you, bidding you goodbye for now. You turned on your heels, presumably heading towards the headquarters. You hadn't seen Albedo at all today and wondered if he's out somewhere. You chuckled at the thought if whether or not he'd try his luck again but to only fail.

Unknowingly, the person of question approaches you from behind while your guard was down. You yelp as he grabs your shoulder and turn you around and backing you against a wall. It happened all too fast and it showed on your face, eyes wide as you comprehend what just happened.

You blinked twice and soon, your focus was on the alchemist, Albedo. He had one of his hand on the wall- besides your head- and stare at you with a tight lip. "Huh, Albedo? What do you--" "I like you." The word came out so easily that you weren't sure that you heard that right. Yeah, you know that he likes you but to boldly confess? You didn't expect that from a man like him.

"S, sorry, could you repeat that? I think I've--" "No, you haven't," he said, cutting you off once more. " I like you, (Y/N). And I know you're smart to have caught on so why are you dodging my attempts?" Oh boy, he really has become impatient. It was visible in his eyes that he wasn't going to try anymore.

Blood rushes to your face. "I, uh.." "Don't act dumb. Tell me whether or not you hold any feelings for me. If not, I will back away from you," he said in all seriousness. He couldn't continue playing chase anymore.

When you hadn't said anything in a reasonable amount of time, he sighs and turns on his heels, ready to walk away and forget ever courting you. When you realized this, you took his hand, stopping his and returning his attention to you, looking over his shoulder. "W, wait, I.." You avert your eyes to the side, not wanting him to leave and to never look at you the way you wanted ever again. "I, I like you too.." Finally, the words he wanted to hear from you finally left your tongue and made him smile.

You let go of his hand as he turns his whole body towards you. He then cups your face between his hands and brought your foreheads together, forcing you to look at him. Heat rushes to your face by ten folds at the closeness. "I'm happy to hear that."

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