Me, Coming Back Here After A Long Time Seeing You Write Smut: ʘ⁠‿⁠ʘ > (⁠ ⁠╹⁠▽⁠╹⁠ )

Lilia Vanrouge x reader 

DM Requester: @kimura-uzuri

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

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

Word count: 6.9k 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There it is.

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

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

You can see again..

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

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

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

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

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

__

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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You’ll be his and his alone. 

—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Let’s teach it a lesson!”

“Hang it!”

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

“DIsgusting fae!” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He was right..

Lilia was right all along about the outside world.. 

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

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

“Lilia..” You sobbed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I love you too, little fairy.”

~♡~ 

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

This post+ thing has me so confused at the moment. But this post is so true; I would support my favourite creators if I could, but I'm just a broke student who's barely surviving highschool and being rejected to every job.

Alright, so tumblr staff is acting like as if we tumblr users have enough money to pay other tumblr users.

tumblr forgets that their user base is basically just a bunch of alley rats huddled around a slice of cheese

I.. I didn't get either of Silver's birthday card.. T∆T I even used a bit of my Lilia funds.. I'll try again on the English server when it drops.

Please, I just want to collect the Diasomnia family. >∆<

I also forgot to roll for either cards for Sebek's birthday so I have to wait an entire year. ._.

Malleus kept coming so I wasn't so sad/angry.

Not once did Lilia show up though.. I guess he and his son aren't gonna show up. Maybe Lilia is mad at me for attempting to roll for that one winter Epel card and put a bad-luck curse on me QwQ. He probs also told Silver not to come to me.

Liliaaa.. I'm sorry..! I've learned my lesson, I swear!

Gahh, we're both at 50/50. >□< I'll be setting up a ritual for the both of us and pray extremely hard.

O, number one Tartaglia simp, please bless me with luck. >~< Although my server hasn't even updated yet. ;-;

i will bless u with luck !! manifesting for us both oooo though im not sure because i just got venti and only 15+ pulls afterwards.. 3rd 50/50 ... im not even sure if i can get him but i'll be manifesting hard !!!

║Childe║Changed

Requested from Wattpad.

Female reader as requested.

Word count: 4.1k

---

Liyue is a prosperous city that attracts many and all sorts of people from business-related work to thieves who wish to earn extra cash. Everyone goes to Liyue with something on their mind that they hope to find in the city. There's even you- a normal person and a vision user- who came to Liyue all the way from Qingce village to look for a job. Everyone in Liyue all came with different reasons, but was all tied to Liyue.

Originally, your goal was to make enough money for a lifetime and then return to the mountains and help the elderly care for the fields and other needed work. That's just how your character was, but then an unforeseen event occurred and now you were in Liyue for a person.

"(Y/N), can you go pick up a batch of qingxin flower near Qingyun Peak? I'd ask Qiqi, but I sent her already to look for another herb." Baizhu enters the back room where you were sorting out the herbs in alphabetical order. "Sure, Dr. Baizhu. I'll do it right after I'm done these," you said.

"Thank you, (Y/N). Sorry for troubling you. I would go if I was fit for such exhausting travels, but you know how weak my body is," he said and you nod in understanding. He was the great doctor, but can't even heal his own illness. You didn't care about that as it wasn't your business and depart for the pharmacy when you were done at the back.

Looking at the sky above you and the position of the sun, you could tell that you will return late at night even when you run. You left from the sight of the city with only a satchel for the flowers. It was dangerous, yes, but you can fully protect yourself just as Qiqi can with her petite stature.

You were exhausted even before seeing a qingxin flower, but you did not stop. If you did, you'd have to camp the night out in the wilderness and that was something you were never fond of. Right now, you could tell that it was somewhere 3-4 in the afternoon- soon to be evening- and you departed from Liyue around 10 in the morning. "Please, Geo Lord, let me find these flowers soon," you say a quick prayer before stepping foot in the mountain area.

As if Rex Lapis had heard your little prayer, you found enough to satisfy Baizhu for two weeks at least, but the time it took was too long and by the time you decided it was enough, it was seven at night. You cried when you thought about how long it took just to reach the outer edge of Jeuyun Karst. "No! I am not camping out here!" you say out loud and determinedly made your way down the mountains- a bit slower when descending- and use what little energy you had with your determination to push dismiss your aching feet.

However, it seems that Rex Lapis didn't allow your travel back to be safe as you were soon facing a Lawachurl. "For the love of..!" Your sword appeared on your right hand and made sure that the satchel was sealed shut before engaging to fight the beast.

The beast, although bigger and most likely stronger than you, had a slower reaction time and decided to use that as an advantage so you dodge its fists and jump when he smashes the ground, but then, a sudden jolt of pain shot through your whole body when a stone came at you. You dodged it by a hair's length but collapsed soon afterwards. "My damn feet..!" Your body- especially your legs- was exhausted from the nonstop walk which made your reflexes a bit slower.

The lawachurl made it's slow approach towards you with its towering stature. You thought of a quick escape, but you just needed your body to co-operate with you. "Come on. Move!" You were pushing your exhausted legs past its limits, but knew it was your end when it raised its two arms that was to crush your smaller frame.

Your body suddenly jolts with energy and you found yourself suspended in air. You took this chance and use your vision to enhance your sword and bash the lawachurl's head open. It cried out as you jump away from it and watch as it disintegrated like any other wretched beast. You were left panting and scratched up, but you were happy that none of the flowers had fallen out.

"Ho~ What's a beauty doing out here so late at night?" A voice suddenly made its way to your ears and turned to your right, your sword blocking your body. The owner of the voice suddenly appeared before you and clashed his make-shift weapon with yours in an instant. "Oh? You've got quick reflexes even when you're exhausted. I should praise you for that."

"What are you doing?" you say through gritted teeth and push your sword. Then to your relief, the person jumps back a couple metres away, their weapon disappearing, and you sighed as you collapsed on the ground, your sword disappearing. "Haha, sorry to scare you. I was passing by and saw that a beauty was in a pickle," they said. "I was deciding whether or not if I should help you out, but you already took care of it." They shrug and puts their hands on their waist and grins at you.

You look at the person before you with a cautious gaze. They were male with ginger hair, blue eyes, and foreign clothing, and by the looks of it, he was somewhere near your age. "So, you're saying that you saw me, but didn't bother on helping me right away?"

The male looks at you and shrugs again. "I was going to help you since you're cute, but like I said- you already took care of it."

"And if I wasn't cute, you'd just leave me here to die!?" You were exhausted, but still manage to pull the look of disbelief. You waited for a reply, but instead, got a change of topic. "Anyway, what are you doing here so far from safety?" he asks and made his way towards you, his weapon out of sight as to not make you alert.

"None of your business," was all you could say in your exhausted state. "Ouch, no need to be so cold," the male says, though not even trying to mask hurt. You were tired of talking to the irritatingly brunette and wanted to return to the pharmacy. Slowly, you pushed yourself off the ground and took a step slowly. But, your body failed in fulfilling that and you fell forward and into the arms of the man, his hands holding your arms out of reflex. "Oh, don't tell me you've fallen for me now--" He stopped his teasing when he noticed that you were out cold. "Ah, what am I going to do?"

-

When you awoke, you found yourself facing a ceiling and feel the the comfort of a soft pillow and mattress and a warm blanket covering your body. You slowly sat up, hissing at the soreness and pain that washed over your body with a now conscious mind. The first thing you notice when looking at your hands and arms was that they were bandaged up and even feel a bandage on your left cheek.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty. It's about time you woke up," an irritating voice comes and greet you and chuckles. You recalled the fight with the lawachurl and the brunette who suddenly jumped out of nowhere and pick a fight with you. You turn your head to the right and see the same brunette at a small table, sipping his drink. The sun shone from behind him which made him look as if he was glowing. Now that it was daytime, you can properly see his face and was almost taken aback by how charming he looked.

He could see how your irises expanded at the sight of him which made him smirk. "Oh? You suddenly interested in me now?" he teasingly say and you suddenly broke out from the trance you were in just now. "Don't joke around with me," you said, remembering to what you has awoke to. "Anyway, where did you bring me?"

"Straight to the question with such a demanding tone. That's quite new to me," the brunette says. "Anyway, you can call me Childe, but I rather you call me babe." He chuckles which really upset you and you didn't mask to hide your frown. "I don't care who you are. I want to know where I am."

He looks at you and sighs. "Man, you're going to be a difficult one, aren't you? We are at Wangshu Inn," he finally answers. "I don't know where you live so I brought you here and bandaged you up. On that note, you should thank me."

You looked at your hands and then at the brunette who rested his cheek on the back of his hands and a leg crossing over the other, grinning cheekily at you. "Thank you." You got up, your body still aching from the fight. You see that you were still fully clothed and you mentally sighed out of relief before snatching your satchel on the nightstand beside the bed and leaving the room and soon the inn.

"(Y/N), I was worried when you didn't return last night and was about to send Qiqi to help you," Baizhu greets you at the pharmacy. "Qiqi was worried," Qiqi greets as well, wrapping her arms around your legs as a mean for a hug.

"Sorry, Doctor Baizhu. I had ran into some trouble and was tired to walk back last night," you said. "Oh, and I gathered a lot of qingxin flower for you." You took off the satchel off your shoulders and handed it to the doctor. "Hope these are enough."

"I'm sure it is. Thank you, (Y/N)," he said and puts the satchel full of qingxin flowers on the counter. "Alright, why don't you go ahead and rest for two days to heal your wounds? He looks over at your bandaged arms and face. You were grateful and thanked him before leaving the pharmacy.

-

The second day, your body wasn't hurting as much, but your wounds were still wrapped up in bandages which you changed when you got home. You found yourself lacking of food so you were out early in the morning on grocery shopping. "Ham.. Eggs.. Milk.." you read your list loud enough just for you to hear. But, since your eyes were glued onto the thin sheet of paper, you didn't notice a person suddenly appear before you and block your way before bumping into their chest.

"Ah, my apologies. I wasn't looking ahead," you say and rub your nose. "Hoh~ Well, what do you know? I thought you looked familiar and I was correct. Seems like we meet again." The all too familiar voice spoke above you, making you freeze up on the spot.

Slowly, you raise your head and see none other than the male from two days ago. "Is it just me or are we possibly fated to be together? Do you remember my name?" he asks, a grin forms on his charming face. "I'm afraid I don't," you said half-heartedly and excused yourself before brushing shoulders with him as you walk away. But, he grabs your elbow and stops you from walking any further. You look over your shoulders and give him the 'what gives' kind of look. "Well, since you forgot, I'll remind you again; my name is Childe," he says and leans close to your face. His eyes were a deep blue even under the light and felt as if you were drowning under water, where the water was an alluring colour of a pretty, deep blue. You were mesmerized, but notice that there was more to what the little pond you had found in his ocean eyes which made you much alert. Childe notice the fiery flames in your eyes suddenly on guard and he chuckles before straightening up.

"So, what's your name?" he asks. "I'm sorry, but I don't believe we're on the comfortable terms to know each other's names, sir," you stated. Your words are constructed to be polite, but your tone says otherwise. "Aw, you're going to play it the hard way with your saviour?" He forces a pout that was definitely not going to make you feel guilty so you stood there just staring at the brunette. He laughs and puts a hand on his hip. "Very well, I will do whatever I can to make you tell me your name."

You were about to turn your head and walk away, when a voice rang out across the streets. "Master Childe~" A high-pitched, flirtatious voice calls his name, drawing you both behind him. By the way they dressed, you could immediately tell that the female before you two was one of the many scums that could be found in large cities and that being said, you know exactly what kind of person the man whom called himself Childe is like.

"Master Childe, I've found you~ Did you know how sad I was when you didn't show up for two days?" The female clung onto the male's arm, completely dismissing your presence. Now that he was distracted, you took this chance to slip away from him and do your grocery shopping.

However, just because you slipped away today, didn't mean you slipped away forever or that you can do it the next time, and with that in mind, Childe was seen hanging around you- well, more like pestering you. But, with time, you soon came to accept the fact that the man wouldn't stop any time soon and told him your name and exchange words with him.

Of course, you had your doubts and had your guard up around him, seeing as he had a scum following him around almost daily, but you soon realize that you could see past the one part of him that didn't make up even one percent of him.

In months, you felt something in your chest that you know was wrong, but you couldn't help it as it dealt with him.

"Hey, (Y/N), wanna go on a little date for dinner?" Childe asks, approaching you out on the streets. When he said 'date' you know that it wasn't an actual date; it was a thing he said meaning to buy you lunch or dinner as a friend.

"You'll have to wait for an hour for me to get off work," you said, making your way up the steps of the pharmacy. "That's not long at all, apropos to getting your name, that is. I can wait," he said and gives you one of his dorky grin. You shooed him away and he did just that, off to reserve a seat for the two of you.

The hour felt long and made you impatient that it even shows. Baizhu looks over at you and smirks, knowing the reason had to be related to the young man he had been seeing occupying most of your time and mind. "(Y/N), since your shift is close to an end, why don't I let you go now? It makes no difference and Qiqi is here to help out if needed," Baizhu said, seeing as you face light up. "Really? Thank you so much Doctor!" you cheer, not even hiding the fact that you were indeed impatient to see Childe. You made haste around the counter and leave the pharmacy.

"Where is (Y/N)?" Qiqi asks, coming out from the back of the building, holding some sort of plant. "She just left, Qiqi," Baizhu answers and see that Qiqi became sad and pouted. "Qiqi was going to ask her if she'd search for the cocogoat with Qiqi.." Baizhu chuckles and put a hand on top of the little girl's head. "Sorry, Qiqi, but she's on a date."

"A date? What do you mean?" With that, Baizhu was now occupied trying to explain to the best he could as to what a date meant in the said case.

Just a few metres in front of you, you see Childe's back towards you as he chatted with a Liyue local. You were about to call out his name when a girl suddenly steps into view, blocking you from getting close to Childe. "So, you're the one hanging around Master Childe, huh?" was the first thing she said and looks at you up and down in disgust. "I don't get it. I mean, you don't even got the parts to be Master Childe's best."

Oh dear.. You know the girl all too well as she was the one you saw running to Childe and throwing herself at him. Childe has many more of the scums around him, but this one was around him the most. You bet that she brawled with the other scums because she wants Childe all to herself- well, his money.

"Hey, look, I'm going to be really nice here and tell you politely to leave Master Childe alone. He doesn't have time to loiter around someone who's body is of no use," she says and gives you a wicked grin, putting a hand on her hip to show dominance. You were unfazed and gave her a blank expression. "I'm sorry, but who are you to decide who I can and can not hang out with?" you ask.

"Hah, don't get on my bad list, girlie. Just so you know Master Childe slept with me the most," she states proudly. The words did hurt you, but it didn't make you cave into a cowardice. You kind of guessed he has slept with many women, considering how he had scums all over him. "Okay, I get that you're a scum, but you haven't answered my question."

You could see that the girl was already breaking and you couldn't help but snicker at how easy she was. "Listen here, I bet you haven't even gotten a taste of what Master Childe can do, considering how small your breast is," she laughs, looking at your average ones. "And I bet once he's gotten a taste of you, he'd be done and leave you."

You honestly didn't know where this conversation was going, but you stayed calm and hear her. "Oh? Then, tell me how I should please him to make him stay with me for- let's say.. Forever?" You cross your arms, still not letting her get to you.

"Psh, you think he'd stay with you even if I tell you?" She was hysterical, her face twisting to make her look like a witch. "Look, I'm sorry, but I really don't have time to talk to you. Have a good day," you said. You were about to brush shoulders with her when she grabbed hold of your arm and weakily throws you back. "Hey, you're not going anywhere until I know you're not going to hang around him."

"Sorry, but I can't comply to your wishes as it was your 'Master Childe' that came onto me," you state, grinning with your own wicked grin.

The girl snaps and lunges herself at you, but before she could even lay her long nails at you, you pulled out your sword and point it at her throat, just mere millimetres to lunging it in. Your face was still cool as ice, but the girl's mocking face turned to horror. "Listen, scum, I don't have time for idle chit chat as I have a date with your Master Childe," you said and lean to her ears so that only she could hear what you had to say next. "I don't care who you are, what you are to him, and I know that you can't even touch me so you best behave before my patience runs out and I plunge this sword at your pretty face. I'm being nice here and have pretty high patience so you best run along now."

The girl nodded frantically and runs past you. You turn around and watch as the girl disappears from sight. "Maybe you should call me Master," a voice whispers, feeling their breath tickling your ears. You turn around and was faced with the grinning ginger. "That is not going to happen."

"Maybe some day." He shrugs, which you immediately said no to. "Haha, but you said this was a date so that's a step close, no?" Your face flushed, forgetting that he was close by and had heard what you said to the girl. "Gah, I was just trying to let that girl feel mad," you said.

"Oh? You sure you don't want to call this a date?" he asks, giving you that glimmering eye look. "You can call it whatever as long as I get a free meal," you say and brush past him.

"Well, I know another way for you to get a free meal, but I wouldn't call it a date," he snickers and your lightly dusted face heated up quickly, knowing what he meant. "Shut up!"

"What? I was saying that we can always hunt," he lies, acting innocent to frame your impurity. "If you're not going to take me on that 'date', then I'm going back to the pharmacy," you said. He chuckles and fall in step with you, leading you the an expensive restaurant.

After the meal, you two were walking along the docks in silence, the ocean in the background was shimmering and wondered if it was a million noctilicious jade instead of pure water.

"So, what did you talk about with that girl from earlier?" Childe suddenly asks in a light tone. Your mind suddenly thought back to the event that had occurred with the girl and what she said about Childe sleeping with her. You wanted to ask, but you felt as if it wasn't right since it was his life and you didn't even know how to approach such question. "I'm sure you already know," you said.

"No, I don't so do enlighten me, since it was about me," he says. Then, you thought that it was the perfect time to add what you wanted to ask and took the chance. "Eh, nothing much. She kept on bragging how you slept with her multiple times though," you managed to slip in and shrug, playing it cool.

"Woah, woah, woah! She said that!?" Childe stops on his tracks and you turn to look at him. "That girl.. I swear that I haven't slept with her, or anyone for that matter!" Childe says, seeing his eyes look almost quite desperate to reassure you.

Your heart felt lighter, but decided to go on with the teasing. "Oh, really?" He nods almost instantly and you had to conceal your laughter. "Well, she said how you good you tasted and how well you did in bed to the point that I believed in it," you said, covering your mouth with a hand to hide your devilish smirk.

"You don't believe me?" he asks. "Nope," you said, not giving in to his saddened eyes. Then, almost in an instant, Childe walks closer to you and grabs your shoulders harshly. "Hey, what are you--" Your lips were sealed with his own. His lips was soft which caused a spark to jolt within you and making your legs almost became like jelly, giving in to the kiss.

Your hands were on his chest as he wraps an arm around your waist and the other on the back of your head. His tongue easily slipped past your lips and was now in a battle with yours, but that battle had ended sooner than you wished for when he pulls back and found the both of you panting. "I swear to you, (Y/N), that I didn't sleep with her," he says in a low voice.

To his surprise, you laughed. "I was just teasing around with you. Of course, I believe you," you said and smiled. The brunette stare at you in disbelief and when your laughter died down, you were kind of worried if you made a mistake in doing that. Then, he brings his lips back to yours with much more tenderness and you wrapped your arms around his neck, bringing him closer to you.

He pulls away again to your disappointment. "You are the only one I'd ever sleep with," he says, his wrap around your waist becoming tighter. "Then you better ditch those other girls or you're sleeping with no one," you joked before bringing him for another kiss, this time being longer.

---

I apologize for going on and off when it comes to writing. Some days it seems as if I have vanished to only appear the next. ^^"

Also, just a heads up that I will be doing a request from here that has been left on the dusty shelf for months now. It's an Albedo x slightly dominant reader. ^^

║Xingqiu║Dear You

Requested from Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Angst.

Word count: 800+

---

Liyue- a nation of commerce. There, everyone is always up to something- be it for the good of the land or for their own selfish needs. And that soon attracted other people from other parts of Teyvat, wanting to get something- anything- from their journey to there. Everyone there are always smiles and flattery, but that is only when the dark sky- that is only lit up by the stars and moon- is blanketing their dirty business. No one really cares about what another does in the harbour as long as it doesn't affect them in the long run. Heck, they couldn't care less about who they were talking to unless they were someone of use to earn more fortune for themselves. They won't even bat an eye if someone- who they have never heard of- suddenly comes and beg for help.

-

"Hey, (Y/N), I bought a new book that I think you might like. It's from your favourite author too!" The second son of a wealthy family, Xingqiu, came to greet you at your usual spot-- right at the top of a mountain that faced the sea, the water gold due to the sun setting for the day and to let the night deal with the unwanted business dealings.

He sat on the grass and leaned on a stone, a small smile on his face as he looks up at the sky. It was a beautiful set of orange and yellow-- much like his eyes. With a minute passing by, he takes a breather before looking down at the book in his lap, beginning to open the new book. "I have been waiting for the next volume to be published, always going to the bookstore and stay for hours." He chuckles. "You don't know how many times the lady at the bookstore questioned me if I wanted to check the other books instead."

"It was a tempting thought but if I were to be distracted, who knows? I might miss my chance to buy a copy of it if ever came-- which it did," he says, looking at the first word of the first page. "I suppose you want me to read now. Haha, I remember how you always pester me to hurry up so I could start reading the book."

"Oh look, I'm prolonging the read even more, haha. Then, I shall read the book now," he said. This time, he stops speaking and reads the book all the while smiling, never once had it faltered away in hopes to not make you break.

Once he finished reading, he just stared at the back of the book, his smile not reaching his beautiful, golden eyes as he was drifting off in his own thoughts. In front of everyone, he was all smiles and the perfect son who was well versed in many things from poetry to martial arts. Only his dear friend, Chongyun, know how wicked he could be. But even if he was his friend, he had never seen him break down-- not even during your funeral.

It was a silent plea for help that he wished he picked up sooner. And since then, he hated himself for how useless of a lover he was to you. He always promised that he would protect you and in no way would he let harm come your way but in times of desperation, he wasn't there. So much for that promise, he thought bitterly.

He looks at the stone he was leaning against and read your name that was engraved on it. It was your stone where your spirit lies for eternity. He saw it best to have you buried here as it was one of your most favourite spots to run away from the excitement of the city and to have a little moment of peace, reading a book. He would often accompany you as well and would often lay his head on your lap as you read out loud or to yourself when he wanted to read another book.

He wished he had done something more to keep your warmth forever, but he wasn't a fortune-teller to know when you would die. He wished he was though. Now, he was left in the cold with nothing but your memory to give him more heartache.

A tear finally slips through his smiling face, breaking that smile that everyone knew. One tear. Two tears. Three. More and more kept coming that he couldn't wipe all of them away and he bit down on his bottom lip to try to stop the sobbing sounds that left him. "Why? Why didn't you tell me? I, I could have done something!" he cried, not showing his eyes as he continued to stop the tears with his arms. His smiling facade broke away and you were the first to witness it from your stone. He hiccups, choking on his own tears. Even when minutes passed, his tears did not stop and he soon buried his head in his arms, using his knees as support.

"Please come back.."

---

This is interesting (✿☉｡☉) I saw your Leona x reader, it's beautiful! ( ꈍᴗꈍ) May I request Leona x reader too? It's just I want to see his reaction when he found out the reader write/draw NSFW. The story/one-shot can be SFW/NSFW, it's up to you! (◍•ᴗ•◍) Thank you! (人 •͈ᴗ•͈)

Leona x reader

Reader: Gender-neutral/not mentioned

Warning(s): Slight NSFW. Minors do not interact.

Word count: 800+

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

—

Note: Sorry that this was too short (and late)!

—

It really was an avoidable situation, should you have been more aware of whose presence you were in. But alas, you didn’t and the consequence would be soon followed right afterwards.

Leona wasn’t one to usually pry into one’s personal matters out of respect– well, mainly because he’s too lazy to get himself involved in someone’s problems should one arise. However, he couldn’t help but be a bit curious about your matters. Lazy as he may be, he is nevertheless very observant and keen to his senses. And he’s more so when it comes to you, his cute little herbivore who’s just perfect to be his pillow.

Back in the present and current situation, you were sitting on the well dry grass with your lion snoozing off as always– or so you thought– right beside you, both under the shade where the sun’s heat wouldn’t be too much of an issue.

You were heavily invested on the tiny screen you have in your hands, thumbs gliding on the small keyboard of your phone and typing out words swiftly. One would think you were having a heated argument with how focused you were and how fast you were typing, but of course, that wasn’t the case.

Leona would have been asleep, not caring of what you are doing on your phone, should he not have sensed the air around you both to be slightly.. Different. It wasn’t enough to have him sit up straight immediately, but his eyes were already on you, trying to figure out what was off– not just with you but also him.

You smelled.. Sweet. It was barely noticeable, but since he was much closer, he could pick it up. A sweet smell mixed in with your natural scent.. A sweet smell he was sure he hadn’t smelled from you before.

It was at that moment that Leona’s mind clicked and that once tired eyes turned into something.. Lustful, and his lips parted a bit as a sly smirk crept up his face, showing part of his sharp, pearly white teeth. Ohoho, how dangerous, herbivore.

Your attention was placed fully on your phone, thinking that once Leona closes his eyes, he wouldn’t be opening them for a while.

He sat up and looked over your shoulder to see what was causing you to make this sweet smell. Oh? What was this? Who knew his little herbivore could be this– “How naughty~” You felt his breath on your neck, causing you to squeak and be aware. He was now awfully close to you, his chest pressing against your back as he spoke in a voice octaves lower huskily.

Your eyes widened in terror and mouth slightly agape as your finger froze and nearly dropping your phone. “Oh? We wouldn’t want your phone breaking now,” he said, holding your hands– and the phone.

When words returned to you, you managed to push them out. “Y, you weren’t asleep?” you asked, paled face. “Not when someone was so expressively telling the world of how much they needed to mate,” he said, resting his face on your shoulder and resumes to read what was on your phone, eyes narrowing and smirk growing wider by the second. “I didn’t know my little herbivore wanted to be a writer.. And writes these kinds of stories.”

“I–”

“But there could be some improvements..” he critiques. “It doesn’t seem real enough.” His head moves away from their resting place– your shoulder– and bore his emerald-coloured eyes on you.

It was then that you noticed that his eyes seemed lost in something– lust. He leans closer to your ears and whispers, “Why don’t we play out what you wrote and add parts where needed, hm?” You gulped, but excited tingles ran down your back.

He went for your neck when he knew that you wouldn’t be talking and earned a moan– from surprise and the feeling it brought you. After making a few marks on you, he went for your lips, not allowing you to take a few breaths as his tongue forcibly pushed its way into your mouth where your tongue submitted defeatedly.

You let out another moan. Your hands reach for his collar, dropping your phone in a soft thud on the ground, and allow your fingers to comb through his hair.

He growls– turned on even more– and pressed himself closer to you. The makeout went on for a while before parts away from you, a string of saliva connecting both of your tongues. “Heh, that smell of yours could make any beast turn their heads your way.. How dangerous.” He smirks, panting slightly– opposite from your heavy breathing. “Though that should be a problem.”

He pushes you down and hovers above you, all the while smirking. Though it was bright out, his eyes seemed to glow more greener– most likely having the assistance of the shade.

“I’ll make sure they know that you’ve already been claimed.”

~♡~

║Kaeya║A Cold War

Gender-neutral.

Word count: 3k

---

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."

---

BRO OPPOSITES OF THE WAR WAS SO FUCKING GOODDDDDDDD 💕💕💕✨✨♥️ BRO PLS PART 2 😭😭🥹 (not forcing you though lol ☺️ I vv much enjoyed)

║Lilia Vanrouge║ Opposites of the War 2

Reader: No pronouns or description used. Gender neutral.

Warning(s): None

A/N: Ask and you shall receive. Totally rushed the ending since it was getting too long.

Part 1 is here!

If you like my work, tips would greatly help!

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

—

Despite his natural talent for collecting lives, he by no means enjoys it. But, he is merely a loyal tool for the monarchy to use however they please. He had no say in this matter.. Not that he had any since he is the right hand man to the Queen and thus, meant that they had his utmost loyalty.

“General!” A soldier runs up to him with a panicked look on his face. “General..” He pants. “The camp in the north has been attacked..!

“We received word from the general stationed there that they request you make haste.” Contrary to his thoughts, he is aware that he is a valuable asset for war and he takes pride that he could be of use. This was, after all, the nature that runs through his blood.

Although.. He does wish it would end soon..

Ah, yes, how many moons ago had he met that.. Person? For a fae, a day means nothing, but for some reason, Lilia felt like he’s lived half a century already waiting for them.

—

“The Briar Kingdom and Valley of Thorns have signed a peace treaty!” Crowds of faes chatter, gathering in the town square to listen to the royal messenger from the castle. “The returning soldiers will march forth from the gates midday. The fallen will also be remembered for their contributions.” With that, the messenger steps off of the stage. And just as the messenger’s words, soldiers entered through the Kingdom’s gates at the sound of a trumpet in the afternoon.

Many walked on foot through the kingdom, taking the praises and cheers coming from both sides of the streets, and there are those on horseback.

Many cheered at the returning soldiers, yes, but more so to the General whom always dressed in black. Everyone knew the great things that General Vanrouge had contributed to the war, especially noting how he alone took down twelve strong human wizards that hold equal magic strength to that of a lower-ranked fae. To him, however, it weighed the same amount as any battle he has fought.

“Vanrouge,” a burly fae with a short beard trots his horse beside the quiet fae. “This is a joyous occasion with many people chanting your name; why that scary look, hm?” Not many are able to approach said fae like this slightly older fae. These faes cannot deny the admiration and respect they hold towards him, yet they are simply too fearful to approach him. It doesn’t help that Lilia could do a 180 in personality at any moment and become unhinged.. Such as on the battlefield.

“General Verne.” Lilia acknowledges the fae but that’s about it. “Hoho, still as quiet as ever; only speaking when needed. I believe that Her Majesty had heard the most words out of ya than even yer mother,” Verne does not seem to be afraid in the slightest as his voice booms with laughter. It was deep, but not intimidating. “Look, Vanrouge, do you see the smiles of the people that’s happy to see ya?” He outstretches a hand towards the people.

“I think a smile would make them even more happy. You are quite popular, you know that, right, Duke?” Verne looks at him with mischief in his eyes, but Lilia does nothing to make himself appear riled. “General Verne, as of the moment, I am a soldier for the Queen, not a duke,” Lilia’s voice went a bit deeper (still not as deep as the burly fae), one he uses to command troupes. This was a nonthreatening reminder, however. “I would appreciate it if you could remember that.”

Verne was silent and stares long and hard at his side profile before breaking out into boisterous laughter, “Haha, alright, alright no more teasing for the terrifying general.” After that, they trot in silence, though not completely as cheers continued all the way to the castle’s entrance.

Nearing the gate to Her Majesty’s home, Verne looks to his side once more, “Still, I’m glad that you’re alive and well,” he admits softly with a smile. “I was worried when I heard that twelve mages tried to off you and you only came back to your camp in the morning but bandaged.”

He pats Lilia’s back. “I wonder how you managed to survive for a night out there looking the way you did. You’re real lucky, Vanrouge.”

Lilia does not indulge in the chatter, to prevent leaking a certain secret he holds. Although, it probably won’t be a secret for far long.

—

“Vanrouge.” A female voice draws his attention away from the window to behind him. It was a window that looked past the kingdom’s housings and the gate further away; he had a look of longing to whatever was out there.

“Your Majesty.” As if on instinct, he knelt on the floor with his head down and a closed fist over his heart. “There’s no need to kneel; I didn’t come to chat as master and familiar,” she said and paused for a moment as if to think of a better way to put her thoughts into words. “Are you perhaps waiting for someone, Vanrouge?”

Ah.. Was it that evident? He was sure he had practiced enough to not let anyone be able to decipher his thoughts; if even the closest of people can’t read him, then enemies won’t be able to know of his plans, or so he thinks.

“It has been seven years.. Instead of merrying with the common folks in the main hall, you are here,” she said. “Something is on your mind and knowing you, it certainly isn’t a something but rather, a someone.” His jaws tightened as what she said was all true. Lilia is not one to dwell on past history so it could only come down to him dwelling on a person. He felt foolish and ashamed to have made the Queen grow concerned for him, but maybe she could help with his selfish wish.

“Your majesty..”

__

In just a few months time, the Valley of Thorns opened up its gates to the Briar Kingdom. The faes were at unrest and questioned the Queen’s actions. Why in the great sevens did she open up to those selfish humans that quick? Let’s not forget to mention how she has a plan already in progress of making a grand festival to officially declare its gates being opened to humans.

“I trust that everything is going smoothly, Vanrouge?” The Queen sits atop her throne, staring at Lilia who knelt before her. “Yes, you’re majesty,” he answers, head pointed to the grown in respect despite the Queen’s wants for him to look at her; that it was okay as he was the most loyal servant to the crown. “Good. I put all my faith and power into your hands. This is, after all, what you wished for.”

There was a moment of contemplation, the Queen carefully putting words together in her head. “This is the first time you have ever requested something from me.. This human, they must be special,” she said. Despite the rest of her face being unreadable and ever the expressionless (much like Lilia), the small curve upward betrays her heart. Like every other monarch, they want nothing but the best for their people. She believes that Lilia had more than deserved this selfish wish of his for always being compliant for the many years she had reigned over the land.

After the short conversation, he was free to leave, but not with a reminder— a warning, “Do remember what you are getting into, Vanrouge.. This is a human you are promising yourself to.”

—

When a fae loves, they love deeply. There’s a famous tale spread in these lands, a tale of one of their kind giving too much of their love to a human.. It’s a tale of regrets that ended in tragedy.

Lilia has heard that tale many times as a young boy; his mother loved to tell him the story and at the end, she’d tell him humans are creatures that are capable of love just as faes. There wasn’t much difference except in how they look.

“Vanrouge!” A gruff, yet jolly voice calls him from behind. “Haha, yer so easy to spot even with this crowd; you should really try wearing different clothes— maybe you’d look better in them than black.” Verne hooks an arm behind his neck and continues walking beside him. “General Verne, I don’t recall you being stationed here,” Lilia states.

“Ah, don’t worry about that. I’ll go back soon; I just wanted to check up on you since I heard you were the one in charge of the preparations,” he said and chuckles cheekily. “Haha, so do I call you General Vanrouge or Duke?”

“Either is fine,” he answers dryly. “Hm? So yer still doing the patrolling, huh?” Verne lets out a hefty chuckle and pats him on the shoulders. “Ya know, Vanrouge, it’s okay to take it easy sometimes.. Go have some time to yourself, mingle with folks— don’t you know how many ladies swoon over yer and have been dying t’ talk to ya? Hahaha!”

His laughter turned abrupt and held still in the air as a thought stirs in his mind. His lips turned into a coy smile, “Unless.. You’re keeping a secret lover..?” His eyebrows wiggles teasingly. The scary general gave him a look that shows how much he isn’t impressed. Lilia was slightly bothered at this point. As much as he respected his colleague, this was all pointless chatter to him.

“General Verne, the celebration is reaching its peak; don’t you suppose that you are required at your post now that there’ll be more guests from afar?” Lilia avoids the topic altogether whilst reminding the fae.

Verne unhooks his arm around him and chuckles, though a bit more on the awkward side. He could feel the annoyance seething through Lilia and knew it would be best to not pester him anymore. “Haha.. I guess I’ve been gone for a long while now,” he said, turning on his heels. “Well then, see ya later, Vanrouge.”

Lilia stood and watched as Verne disappeared amongst the crowd, only leaving once he could no longer see his back.

“Secret lover..?”

The fae’s voice echoes in his head and without even noticing, he picked up his pace. He smoothly- yet swiftly- pushes through the crowd. His pale complexion could not hide the soft pink that grew ever the more noticeable as the word “lover” repeats in his head.

“Have you been to the shop outside the gate? I heard they’ll sell just about anything if you’ve got the madols for it..” Despite the loud crowd, his ears could only overhear 2 ladies chatter at a distance, making him stop on his tracks to hear a bit more.

“Yes, I have! The human is such a darling, let me tell you. They even managed to sell a rare ore to me,” the second spoke. “It’s perfect for a wedding ring that my son will give to his fiancée.” They squeeled at the joyous news, but that is not what Lilia cared about.

“I wonder how they managed to bring an entire house here though.. Do you think it has legs?”

—

“Thank you for coming!” You stood behind the counter with the best customer service smile you could pull.

When the last customer for the afternoon left, you let out a tired sigh. It has been so long since you last had so many people come to you and you were worried that you had gotten rusty at talking to people.

You walked around the counter and put a sign at your door that you’d be back in an hour; you were going to have your lunch break.

“Maybe I should go out and see what the kingdom has.. There’s so many faes and high levels of magic..” You chatted to yourself, going behind the counter again and entering another room behind a curtain to fetch a satchel and stuffing a sandwich that you’ll bring while strolling through the city.

On the other side of the curtain, the bell that hang above the door rang, signalling that someone had walked in. Didn’t I put a sign up..? Your brows furrowed and frowned. Nevertheless, you put on your best smile once more and walked out of the room. “Hello! Welcome to—“ Your breath hitches and you felt like your heart had momentarily stopped.

“Lilia..!” When you called, your voice was soft as if speaking louder might cause the still water to tremble and thus, making him disappear just like a mirage in the water. Even though you knew that the Valley is where he lived, seeing him again after so many years had made you suddenly weak in the knees. He doesn’t look like he had aged a bit (courtesy to him being a fae). Not a single blemish had touched his face.

He doesn’t say anything at first, a small of a smile on his lips. “I didn’t think that you would be here,” he said, approaching your figure that was still behind the counter. He rests a hand on the counter and takes a better look at you. He knew how fast humans age but to him, it didn’t look like you had aged at all. It had been so long since he had seen you, but he could still vividly remember what you had looked like all those years ago.

Your face grew slightly pink at the comment, “Well, you did write in your letter that the Valley of Thorns and Briar Kingdom is holding a celebration..” You scratch your cheeks. He chuckles, “I didn’t think you’d showed up since you hadn’t written back.”

“Eh, I did..?” You blinked owlishly. “Didn’t your bat come back to you?” It was now his turn to look lost. “No, it didn’t..” After a long pause, laughter erupted from you both. “Hehe, surprise..!” You giggle cheekily.

“Hmph. It is quite a pleasant surprise, but I believed that I would have missed you had I not overheard some ladies talking about.. A shop on legs?” He crosses his arms. His lips slightly droop so he looks like he’s pouting.

You chuckle and walked around the counter to stand beside him with no barrier between you two. “I had faith that I was serviceable enough that word would reach you.”

His eyes lingers on you before trailing down to the side of your hips at the peculiar looking satchel. “Hm? Are you going somewhere?” He uncrosses his arms.

“Actually yeah, it’s my break so I wanted to look at your home!” You grinned. He smiles with a suggestion, “Then, may I do the honours of showing you?” He outstretches and arm towards you.

“Yes. Yes, you may.” You hook your arms from under and let him walk you out of the store. “Would it be safe for you to leave the store unintended?” He asks, staring at the house and then back to you.

“Mm.. Yeah, it’ll be fine! It knows when to lock the door when people are around, but sometimes it likes to lock me out when it gets moody..” You mumble the last bit, your mood clearly soured just a bit as you pout. A chuckle erupts from his chest.

How many times had he laughed just moments after meeting you again? The faces that the ongoers make surmises that it’s not often that they get to see the duke smile, let alone laugh.

Before you entered the large gates, you unhook your arms from his. The action was done subconsciously, you still believing that it was inappropriate to blatantly show affection publicly since you are a human not known to them, and especially since you were with the famed General respected by all. It was alright though, with just a bit more time, maybe you’ll reach that dream of yours.

“Do any of these jewelry fancy you?” He asks when you stopped at a particular stall out on the streets. There were some gems native to only the Valley and common to them, but for you, you were in awe at them. You had hoped to be able to obtain some from their mines, but it’ll be an agenda done later. “Hmm.. I’m just looking. They’re all so beautiful though!” You said, but more so to the gems that were used.

You turn your eyes away, “Let’s continue!” He nods and guides you further inside to the heart of the kingdom. At the centre, there was dancing and music playing; it was lively, safe to say.

When you were looking around, Lilia slipped by you without you ever noticing. “Lilia— oh!” You turned your head to the side and was immediately stuffed with something sweet. “It’s a strawberry sando,” he said. You held the sandwich and chewed on the part you bit. Your eyes lit up at the soft texture and the sweet taste that filled your mouth.

Lilia couldn’t help but chuckle softly at your adorable expression.

—

“Where are we going next?” You asked, walking side by side with him. You noticed that you were walking away from the crowd, the voices were growing faint. Lilia does not say anything, but you notice the corner of his lips curled upward just by a bit. Albeit curious, you did not ask anymore.

“Would you care for some tea?” He asks. Suddenly, you were now standing in front of a large estate after passing an extremely large gate. “W-wha—? T, this is where you live!?” You ask in disbelief. You knew that he was some important guy, but you didn’t think he was this important!

He chuckles but doesn't say anything, guiding you to the main hall of his home. “I’ve let everyone have a day off today,” he begins and looks over his shoulder at you while he brews a cup of tea, “Nobody is here but us.”

He walked further inside the house— if you can call it that; it looks more like a castle— and entered a sunroom. If you didn’t know any better, you would have swooned at the thought of him awaiting your arrival.. Maybe that wasn’t far from the truth.

You sat down across from him and drank the first few minutes in a comfortable silence. “Mm, I haven’t had tea like this before..” You muttered, looking at the light purple liquid in your cup. “It’s a local brew here in the kingdom,” he answers, “Do you like it?”

You place the cup back on its saucer. “It’s good!” You grinned. You shift your posture and look at him with excitement. “How have you been?”

He chuckles. “Kufufu, don’t you ask that every letter?” You became flustered. It was true that you were not the best with words and can’t think of ways to start a normal conversation, especially since you have been by yourself most of the time due to travelling. “Eh.. It’s just that it’s different saying it and then hearing your answer right in front of me,” you say, “At least this way, I can actually see that you’re okay..”

He lets out a breathy chuckle. “Then I have been well, aside for the days where I had been longing for a certain someone,” he says and his eyes narrow playfully.

Your face heats up and look around the room frantically to avoid eye contact with him. “Ah..”

“Hm? What happened to you being so bubbly?” He tilts his head teasingly and crosses his arms. “Well, it’s just that.. You’re a lot different from when I first met you!” You answered honestly. Lilia Vanrouge, the one who’s feared and respected by many— if not, all— was usually the reserved type. But after confessing his wish of wanting to court you, it felt like he’s shown more expressions that you were sure you’d not get the opportunity to witness.

“Oh? I suppose you are correct..” He smiles softly. You were the only one who could make his heart flutter like this.

Still, this was fine. Fine with him and fine with you. Breathing in, you fixed your posture and return a smile of your own. “I missed you too.”

~♡~

I would love to continue this but I’m sure it’d be boring by then and becoming too long.

--

Tags:

@anonima-2