Bee ~

The nights and days had always blended together, as the sun rised so would the ever-growing checklist of people to see, problems to solve, and places to go. Sometimes it was exhausting, sometimes it was exciting. However, as of late, it became unbearable. With Zane and the threat of O’khasis around the corner, the fear of not knowing when or if Garroth would be taken from her, and the pain of simply losing sleep every night Aphmau had found herself becoming weaker and more frail. Her body was screaming at her. Her limbs ached, her neck had a nick, she had enormous eye bags under her eyes, and she found it hard to smile most times. Dealing with the villagers had become nothing more than a chore. The old greetings that had put her in high spirits had now made her exhausted. Coming home, even going up the stairs had become a task. Most days she found herself walking alongside Garroth who had refused to leave her side when he saw the disheveled look of his lord. With insistent pleads he would walk her up the stairs, saying he was worried she might pass out on the way and get hurt. Then, as they would reach the top, he would pat her shoulder and wish her a good night.

“Sleep well, m’lady” he spoke, his voice gruff and muffled from behind his helm.  “You as well, Garroth” Aphmau mumbled, entering the house as she did so, a smile planted on her face but immediately dropping as she entered. Leaning back on the door she let a thick sigh come from her throat, her feet aching as she lowered herself to the floor. There was no sound coming from the home, only the cackling fire of the torches placed throughout. 

“Mommy?” a small voice rang out and Aphmau opened her eyes to see Levin standing across the way from her. He had been peering down from the corner where his door led from, holding the stuffed bunny that was gifted to him so long ago. 

“Oh! Levin, what are you doing awake? Zoey should've put you to sleep by now.” Aphmau spoke, standing quickly and heading up the stairs to go help her son with whatever had kept him up for so long.  “Oh! Zoey did! But, Levin want see Mommy! Before sleep!” he spoke, his sentences still broken with young age. Aphmau let out a little chuckle, feeling her shoulders drop a little, 

“Oh Levin, Mommy stays out too late for you to do that. You should be getting your sleep!” she spoke, her voice shaking a little. Such a small gesture, one that to most kids would be as simple as an act of rebellion and giddy mischief rather than the heart-touching feelings that Aphmau felt at this moment.  “Yes! But! Levin miss mommy. Levin see mommy sad. Smile!” his voice was loud with a child-like innocence that if bottled up it could be sold for millions of dollars to those who only knew the world's struggles. Aphmau smiled, small tears running down her cheeks as she let out a little laugh, “I miss you too Levin. Come on, do you want to sleep in mommy's bed tonight?” she spoke softly before Levin jumped about yelling ‘yay! Mommy bed!’ over and over, she only laughed and picked up the small boy and set him on her hip before unlocking the door to her room and entering. 

Aphmau lit a candle, setting Levin down on the bed before going behind the blinds to take off her heavy armor and switch into something that was slightly more comfortable. Aphamau sighed before walking over to the bed and sitting down on it, Levin looked up at her with tired eyes

“Why Mommy no smile?” he asked, his sleepy voice becoming softer and softer by the moment. It left Aphmau speechless and for a moment she didn't respond.  “Sometimes, big people have jobs they need to do, and sometimes those jobs are very hard. When the jobs are hard it can cause big people to feel…” Aphmau searched for the word, not knowing how to explain the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and tiredness that had been constantly weighing on her shoulders for the past few months, “heavy.” she finally decided on a word. Not thinking Levin would understand, but it would be enough to satisfy his curious spirit. She looked over to see him nodding, he then smiled  “Then mommy have stuffie!” Levin held out his stuffed animal, before cuddling up to the pillow next to her and against the wall, “when Levin feel tired and heavy, Levin hugs stuffy feels better! Levin knows mommy will too!” Levin spoke, before finally drifting to sleep, a small smile on his face,  completely unaware of the fact that the simple gesture had left Ahmau in tears as she held onto the bunny that Levin had “given” her. 

Aphmau looked over to Levin, before leaning down and kissing the top of his head and tucking him into the covers. Finally, she blew out the candle and lay down on her side, letting an arm rest over the small child, and the other held onto the bunny with such tightness that the fluffy cloth had pillowed over her hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks. 

well, here we go, some little snippet weird prologue summary thing I've conjured up

First things first, Aphmau IS alive and well in this series, heck shes even the lord! however, at some point on one of her journeys, she returned with someone who looked a little down on their luck. they didn't respond to anyone and seemed to stick to aphmau like glue.

"Oh dont mind them!" aphmau would excuse anyone who questioned them. however one day Garroth let his concerns get the better of him "Lady Aphmau, I mean not to pry more than my position allows me, but I worry for your safety. Who is this person?" he would ask, and the person would look at aphmau with wide eyes that were full of fear. she would sigh and hesitate before speaking.

"Im sorry, Garroth. i cant tell you before they are willing to let me, ut rest assured they wont hurt me." aphmau would say. silence would pass between the three for a few moments before the person sighed, they opened their mouth, shut it, then opened it again and this time words followed.

"Im Y/N." they started, their voice cracking a little since it wasn't used to being worked, "I come from a village far off south, I was a guard for a long time, but the lord became corrupt and would turn against the villagers if they didn't look at him the right way. so when aphmau came by, i had tried my best to deter her from entering the village, visitors were not particularly welcome, especially lords." Y/N had begun, the words flowing out of their mouth in a tidal way of sudden information. "She had refused to listen to my pleas and came in any ways, stating that she needed to talk to the Lord for some sort of potion. In reality, she was looking for the past lord who had been killed. not under my watch, but rather the lead guard at the time, who was then executed as it was found he had been the one conspiring against the lord. that was when the lords son rose to power and appointed me to be the head guard." y/n sighed, rubbed their arm, and then continued, "Well aphmau came in and found the village in complete disarray. so she decided to help with her utmost kindness. I was thankful to her and began to talk to her more as she stayed the night in my village. I found out she was a lord and immediately wanted to follow to her village. so she helped me escape."

"How did you escape?" garroth had asked, being curious considering he himself had gone under something similar. "Well, it wasn't particularly hard. i simply told my lord I wanted to leave, for a long time it was a back and forth between her and him as they argued for who would take me. Eventually, it came to the point I decided to simply leave, so I asked aphmau to take me in a golden lasso and go home."

"Before you say anything garroth, it took a long time to convince me, it felt wrong to take away the head guard of the town, but y/n assured me that the apprentice guard that was training under them would help." aphmau spoke, smiling as she reminisced in the old adrenaline that followed their daring escape.

"so why don't you reside bear the title of guard now?" garroth asked, curious as to why he hadn't been training this person as a guard if they were previously a head leader.

"oh that's easy!" aphmau spoke, smiling, "because they don't want to be!" with the words released in the air everyone paused for a moment, but aphmau quickly started speaking again. "they made a deal with me actually, they did not want to be a guard that was out in the open about it, but rather a personal guard of mine that would be there in disguise. they would carry weapons but conceal them. we both agreed it would be easier on future trips and in general, it would provide more protection if Y/n was under the premise of being seen as a mute follower!" aphmau smiled.

garroth had nodded, then reached across to hold his hand to y/n, "well then Y/n. welcome to the guardship of Pheonix drop, you are officially aphmaus secret bodyguard."

from there the two had a blossoming relationship. y/n had continued to be silent, but would show up more to guard meetings and had stated to talk a little more to the other ones. laurence, dante, garroth, and aphmau were the only ones who knew of this arrangement and they kept it well in secret.

however, one-day aphmau asked to go on a trip by herself, she had wanted to go to bright port, it was only to be a four-day trip to check up on the people of the town and visit the wolf tribe. so y/n had stayed back, and suddenly they found themself bored.

What were they supposed to do when no one was around? looking around aphmaus property they sighed, before looking up to the guard tower, ah, that's right. they could go up there. they smiled thinking about it, deciding they would bring some paper and a quill and draw the scene that lay at the top of the tower.

so they went, grabbing the materials needed and climbing the large staircase, they hadn't expected anyone to be there. since it was mid-day many people were either eating lunch or hanging out in the plaza, so most guards would most likely be in patrol or joining their families in lunch. however, when they climbed to the top, they found garroth sitting on the side and looking out into the ocean.

"oh, hello there Y/n" garroth spoke, his voice grim and his face downcast. he had obviously been shuffling around in an attempt to put on his helm when he heard the trap door open. "hello there, garroth. i apologize for intruding. ill be ff" they spoke, a little disappointed they would have to go somewhere else, the tower produced the best scenery. "no need, you may sit with me if you'd like, you seem to need the company" garroth spoke, leading y/ns gaze with a wave of his hand towards the chair next to him. y/n nodded and sat down, taking out their quill and beginning to do a light sketch of what lay before them. making sure to include the wide arrangement of objects that were seen on the horizon.

"do you often come here to draw?" garroth asked, which earned a shrug in return. garroth looked at them before a small chuckle erupted from his lips. "I feel as though we are not a good match when it comes to socialization." garroth spoke out loud, his voice seeming more upbeat. rather than grim as it was before. "it is because neither of us seeks out a conversation unless sit is of importance. we are simply comfortable with the silence of the world or the conversation being held by someone else." y/n stated, having noticed this very thing on other occasions. it was not often the two were alone. however, when they were it was always an awkward silence. Neither of them were outgoing, and neither of them were willing to break their old habits of being quiet to cure the silence.

"well, should we try?" garroth asked, "to communicate better" he spoke, clearing the air of questionatore. "We both work together so I feel as though it would be worth it. additionally, you seem lonely"

"sure..."

(also this story would probably be in season 1, but not in war and before they enter the dimension with rene and shz)

y/n climbed into the car, not knowing how to sit in this new environment, not wanting to be too comfortable and coming off as rude, or too stiff and making the air awkward. Childe definitely kept his car well made, the mats were vacuumed recently, the air freshener was shaped like a volleyball, the seats were coated in a nice black leather with no imperfections. The car itself was slightly crampt. Childe had his legs pushed against the steering wheel and he had to tilt his head far to get in the car. It made y/n wonder why he got this car if it was so small. Its not like he was tight on money, being a professional volleyball player and all. 

As if reading their thoughts childe smiled and looked at them, his eyes crinkling at the edges, “its a little small but i like it like that. Plus it was my siblings dream car and i wanted to get one so they could ride around in it.” he smiled, and y/n couldnt help but smile too. 

“Thats so…” they looked to find the word that was stuck between their lips, it was unable to escape their brain, “you?” they laughed a little, tilting their head to the side. 

“Whats that mean?” childe laughed, leaning back against the seat and looking at them with an offended expression resting on his features. 

“I dont know!” y/n laughed rubbing their face, not knowing how to put their thoughts together. “Its just, something i shoulve expected from you. To get a car too small for your long legs and then say its for your siblings. Yknow? It deserves a word that means something, and the only example of a word would be, you? Not as in the description, but the person. Childe. I- sorry im not making much sense…” y/n let their words run off, unable to justly explain their thoughts and emotions in a way that didnt require a three hour lecture. It might of been the college life in them, huh? 

“No youre fine! I think i get you! Like how the feeling of anxiety mixed with shyness contrasted with confidence in a way that creates this… abomination? Is just the way to explain you, without explaining you. Or like how i expect you to coach kids volleyball but still say youre not cut out for coaching my team?” he laughed before turning forward, leaving y/ns throat dry. How was he able to understand the words that fell from their mouth and yet be so off the mark as to what they meant?

“Hey! Those are two different age groups! Its easier to teach little kids because theres more to teach!” Y/n switched the topic over to coaching, not wanting to draw attention to the way he called them an abomination. The feeling of dread filling their lower stomach and giving birth to a bug they knew would eat at their brain if given the chance.

“And yet you still do a fantastic job at both” childe spoke, a teasing tone slipping into his voice that accompanied his eye roll, but they both knew it was all in good fun. y/n felt a thick layer of blush lay across their cheeks in humble awkwardness. They just laughed a bit but looked down at their shoes that laid against the floor mats. In the weirdest way possible, it just felt right. Looking at their feet compared to the floor. The way their legs pushed against the middle console and door, or the way their back slid into the seat. And for some reason it felt natural when childe reaches over and handed the aux cord to y/n, a smile present on his lips and words in his mouth that y/n was far to zoned out to understand. But that didnt stop them from navigating to the playlist they knew that both y/n and childe would like and pressing play, letting the feeling of the music vibrating in the speakers overcome their senses and the feeling of wind in their hair as childe rolled down the window. 

For some reason they were not uncomfortable. They were able to put their elbows on the console without worrying if they were overstepping boundaries. They didnt mind humming the lyrics to the songs they knew and bobbing their head to the beat of songs they hadnt memorized yet. It all felt natural, like a fever dream that they woud have in the middle of the night when sleep didnt come easy. 

Was this what it felt like to be happy? 

The thought echoed in their brain as they looked at the passing trees and buildings. Ease rolled off their shoulders and brought them comfort. The sun hit them right on the cheeks, like the many years before. The small bumps of the pot holes and rocks on the road was easy to get lost in, the vibrations sending their brain into a land of thoughts. For once the thoughts weren't even negative. Y/n was so used to having to block out their brain, in search of solidarity and comfort in silence. The music that usually flowed from the speakers of earbuds was what did that. However, now, they found themself in a car, comfortable with thinking. For some reason the answer to the question was easy to come, 

Yes. They smiled a little, they didn't need the greatest party, or a first time to be happy, the small sound of childe singing lyrics and the view of the car door caging the sky was enough to be happy. It was almost criminal that someone who was so full of energy and loud noises, things that y/n often found to be anxiety inducing, their heart would race usually, sometimes they’d find themself crying simply from being overwhelmed,,, and yet, now? They found themself yearning for this feeling to continue. 

It felt just as criminal that the moment had to end when childe pulled into the parking lot of a busy bar. The sounds of people chatting and clashing together glasses of beer rang forth, drowning out the music that played from both the bar and the vehicle they sat in. 

“I hope you don't mind us coming here, it's the only place with burgers that doesn't cost a liver and kidney to go to” childe laughed, scratching his neck nervously as he turned off the car. 

Suddenly, the feeling of relaxation seemed more like a corset, choking their stomach and bringing their senses to everything but the air around them. y/ns eyes danced from person to person that they could see through the windows. Then immediately to their reflection. The thought of brushing back their hair isn't even needed before they had been running a hand through the locks upon their head. Even when childe climbed out and stood by the car waiting for them, they couldn't help the feeling of dread cross over their senses. The furrowing of their eyebrows wasn’t enough for a microscope to see, but it was enough to set in stone that they knew in their heart that they wouldn't enjoy themselves here. 

However, could they say no? The look of happiness on Childes face brought them to resist the urge to take the keys and steering wheel and simply run. The blue in his eyes almost as inviting as the ocean, beckoning y/n forward with a call. Y/n wanted nothing more than to lose themself, yet, the sound of pool balls hitting the edges of a table brought them back to the earth they hated so much. 

“It's alright!” the sounds and words were out of their mouth before they tell themself not to submit. They had opened the door before their hands stopped shaking, they had already walked up the flight of stairs before they were even able to calm their heart rate. As childe opened the door they couldn't help but gasp, the air full of smoke and regret and day drinkers filled their lungs and brought them into a clench that was already there.  How were they supposed to say they wanted to leave before they even sat down? How was y/n supposed to stop and beg childe to turn so that they'd go somewhere calmer? I'll pay! They screamed in their head ill pay! Please let's just leave. Yet, the words never left and soon they were staring at a menu with almost nothing but burgers and fries and pizzas. 

A/N: super short chapter :00, but its good bc the next chapter is super fucking long. (i actually finished writing that, TODAY!!! i just posted it on wattpad and now im posting the 6th one here :"D.

Im also going to post the chapters on twitter via links, i think thatd be rlly cool hehe. so like- feel free to get check that out. its @A_idiot56

A sigh escaped Y/Ns lips as they tied their shoes, ther eyes following the wood of their floor up to the shoe rack, to which a box belonged. A sense of Deja Vu filled their brain, it was only short lived, however, and they shook it off, grabbing their bag before heading out of the house that they owned. Their feet carried them down the side walk, having been nothing more then muscle memory at this point, after coaching here for nearly a year. 

Coaching young children, ranging from 6 to 11, had been nothing short but a therapeutic experience for them. As they taught new children the different rules of volleyball, watching children get giddy at the thought of hitting, watching them get their first serve over, and being able to tell, even from a young age without much knowledge of the game, what each eand every person would soon become on the court. 

Y/N was able to hand pick and point out the few that they could tell would be setters, or hitters, sometimes even being able to tell who would be excellent at passing. It was a joy to watch young minds and children grow to be excellent players. Sure they werent ready to step onto a court for a large game or tournament, Y/N’s class had only been an introductory into the loved sport, but it was still fun to see the progress these children would make throughout the month or two that the class lasted. 

As Y/n rounded the corner and stepped up to the large recorational building they found themself glancing over the parking lot with all the cars that lined it. At this point in time, about a hour before anything really started at the complex, it was always easy to pick out when people were there and who they were. There was the large truck, owned by the front desk worker who often brought in coffee and always saved a cup for Y/N. The small Honda car, owned by the swim coach and worker. Then Y/N’s favorite car, a nice old 1961 Ford Galaxy Starliner, bright red with the leather seats and everything. Everytime Y/n saw it they found themself feeling a sense of giddy well up in their stomach at such a beautiful car. They had been yet to figure out who owns it, but they simply assumed it was one of the janitor people who worked here. 

However, today they saw a new car. It wasn’t special, just a mustang with a top on it. It was bright yellow, which was the most eye catching part, even when the sun was just barely rising above the horizon. Y/N walked up to the doors, their eyes still catching onto the new car. They simply brushed it off, however, possibly there was a new worker. Archons knew they were short handed. 

Y/N entered the large complex, it was not unlike many YMCA complex’s. But there was a special homeyness to it that Y/N found themself drawn too, with the plaques of different sports and their players across the wall, a little daycare for parents who dropped their kid off, and large windows spreading the entirety of the rooms. Most courts had been closed off, in favor of padded side panels, but the swim room, gym, and some of the other small rooms had not been spared from the public view. Then there were the dance rooms, each with large mirrored walls, it was two way, so people could see in, but the dancers were able to watch themselves to improve. However, in the middle of the center, and where most people walked in, was the front desk. A nice smell was wafted up to Y/N as they wandered over to the front desk, leaning their elbows on it and over to look at the person who worked there. 

“Well hello there Y/N! Do you like my new candle? Its quite pleassent.” Ganyu spoke, a smile graced her face and she pulled a coffee up from under the ledge y/n was leaning on, handing it to them. They gripped onto it a smile gracing their face in return.  “I do! Its so nice, whats the scent? Also thank you” y/n spoke, letting the smell overtake their senses as they took a sip from the coffee. Ah, made just as Y/n had always liked it.  “Just some cinnamon and a hint of apple, apparently its supposed to smell like an orchid. Thats neither here nor there, however.” she smiled, “but you, on the other hand. You didnt tell me you had such a pretty boyfriend!”

Y/n had nearly spit out their drink as they coughed and heaved, confusion running over their features. “I wasnt aware i had one either!” they spoke, coughing slightly still. 

“Hm? So that ginger who came in a few minutes ago, asked where your court was, and then flashed a wink at me, wasnt your boyfriend?” Ganyu spoke, a smile gracing her features. Y/n stared at her however, confused as to who they were speaking of. Ginger? y/n didnt know any ginger- oh. Yes. yes they did.  “Youre mistaken, hes not my boyfriend. More of an,,, underling? I dont know quite how to title him. His coach asked me to help coach their setter, and as a byproduct i met him.” Y/N tried to reach for the words to explain how the two were related, but just settled for explaining it flat, rather than putting a title on it. However, that didnt stop the knowing smile that graced their colleagues face, Y/N just sighed before waving her off, pushing off the counter to walk down the hallway and to their court. 

Sipping down the rest of their caffinated beverage and tossing it in the trashcan, they pushed open the doors. Dropping the bag full of volleyballs by the door, and instead picking up the keys on the hook next to the door that unlocked the utility closet with all the pieces to set up the net. They then looked back up, to see Childe, staring back at them from the wall where he was stretching his back, a large smile gracing his features. 

“So youre the one with the yellow mustang” y/n sighed before waving him over as they walked over to the utility closet. In an odd sort of way, they almost weren’t surprised to see him. “Oh! How did you know?” childe spoke, bouncing over with a smile “I didnt recognize it when i walked here. Anyways, help me set up the net. If youre gonna be here youre gonna make yourself useful.” y/n sopke, pushing the door open with a loud creak. The ceiling of the closet was a little shorter than of the actual gym, but still high to contain the bars that held up the net on either side.  “That was my intention!” he spoke, grabbing one edge of the bar so y/n could grab the other. Together the two dragged it out to the court through the door and childe held it as y/n beant down to pop open the covering to the hole the poles slide into. They both then slid it in and turned it to be facing the right way, the steel bars almost double the heigh of Y/n being a little difficult to manover. 

They then did the same with the other pole and childe helped y/n put together the rest of the net, reaching the top hook easily with his long arms and even longer legs, and together they tightened the bottom of the net and put on the matts on either side of the bar. Afterwords y/n sighed, it definitely was easier when there was a extra pair of (tall) hands. 

“Are you gonna put the antenna up?” childe asked, looking at the court outlines, but y/n jsut shook their head. “The group is a little too young, and a little to beginner to worry about antenna. Maybe if i ever coach any club teams ill care a bit more.” y/n laughed a little bitand childe nodded.  “You should, youd be good at it. Youre good at coaching our team!” he spoke loudly, bringing his arm to drape it over y/ns shoulders, leaning most of his weight on them. They just sighed and shrugged a little “Nah, i dont like dealing with preteens, plus, i wouldn’t really have time. With you guys and this class.” y/n smiled a bit before ducking their head down slightly, “its alright though, i dont mind the busy work.”

y/n noted how childe nodded, the feeling of his hair brushing against their ear. He then took a step back, walking over to the bag that he had brought that was previously up against the wall. 

“Set me?” he asked, y/n laughed but nodded and he came sauntering over, standing at the ten foot line.  “Whats your favorite set up?” y/n asked, putting themself in the 2.5 spot, he looked at them, a little confused.  “I hadnt really thought about it…” he spoke, a little sheepish grin outlining his features as he watched when y/n looked abbsolutey astounded.  “What!?! Every hitter ive ever had has had a favorite set!” they spoke, a laugh etching its way into their throat. He just shrugged but y/n shook their head, “well i guess we’ll fix that right now then!” they spoke strongly, their voice determined. Childe stamered but they cut him off, “if you have a favorite set, then Kaeya can set you better and you’ll get better hit as well. Just let me do this for you goldy.” they teased him, but the bite to their words was off in a different land and the smile on their face betrayed a different emotion. Childe looked at them, wondering if they were serious but ended up giving in, nodding before tossing the ball up. 

<3

       It didnt take long for kids to start to piling into the room, but nether childe or y/n payed them mind, only really caring when y/n glanced at the clock to find it was a minute before the class usually started. 

       “Alright, i think its time for my class to start. You can head out if you-”        “Where did you get that idea from? I said it was my intent to help!” childe spoke before dashing off to put the ball in his bag, y/n just sighed, a small smile forming on their lips before they picked up their bag. Pulling it over they opened it revealing all the balls that were inside, each made specifically for beginners, what was known in the volleyball industry as “volleylights”         “Can you go get the cart from over in the closet” y/n chimed as they then called over the group. Childe nodded and sprinted off to go get the cart. He realy was a ball of energy… 

       “Alright kids!” y/n smiled as they all came to surround them, “as youve noticed weve got a certain someone coming to join us today. However, you need not be scared, i dont think this kid could hurt a fly if he wanted” y/n giggled, the thought of childe hurting anyone seemed too far fetched for them to imagine. But that didnt stop the gasp escaping childe’s mouth as he pretended to be wounded by their words. They just shrugged as he came over, propping the car up and beginning to unfold it.         “Im Tartaglia. Otherwise known as Childe, or number 11 on the Teyvats. However, the most important title being, y/n’s friend!” childe spoke, and y/n laughed a little, a strange feeling wisting their stomach tightly.         “Anyways,“ y/n spoke as the group erupted into small whispers and kids greeted the player. Non of them knew him, most of these kids probably didnt want to be here, the class just being a cheap way to get kids to burn energy while moving. So knowing a player, even if he was well-known, was out of the question. “We’re gonna start today with some passing and setting drills, if we have enough time we’ll practice some hitting, and at the end we’ll do some serving?” y/n asked and the group burst out into cheers, smiling as they all hoped over to the back row, standing right where the five foot mark would be. Y/N tossed the ball to them, only for the child to turn their shoulders slightly when they went to go receive it, Y/N suppressed a grimace but corrected their behavior anyways, before moving on to the next child. 

                                                          <3

        And so practice went, with childe helping y/n and the kids, y/n found themself staring at the man more than they thought they probably should. The way he radiated confidence with the kids, being patient and gentle with them, soft spoken and calm. Which was such a contrast to his normal demeanor it was almost scary, they tried to not let themslef get caught, but there had been a few times when they accidentally caught Childes eye and he looked up from the kid he was working with, just to flash a bright smile and wave. 

        It was moments like those that y/n found childe to be insufferable, how could he do that? Wave and be all happy like a golden retriever, how was he so confident in himself? Where could y/n find that confidence for thsmelf? It was almost unfair! They simply wanted to be confident enough to not look away shyly, with a smile plastered on their face and a giggle in their throat like they had done when they caught him staring. 

        Maybe y/n was being over dramatic, childe wasnt trying to, of course. y/ns social anxiety was just bad, he wasnt ‘flexing’, he was simply outgoing and didnt know social cues. That was all… but yet there was something in the way that childe so gently helped a kid who was on the verge of tears calm down when they couldnt get their serve over. It encaptured y/n. 

        “Hey y/n, when does this class end? Its been nearly a hour and a half” childe spoke, catching their attention. They snapped their head to the clock that hung on the wall behind a crate. Sure enough, it was well past time for the kids to be starting to pack up.          “Ei ei ei, sorry about that kids and parents. Alright everyone, thank you so much for coming, remember next practice will be our last. And say thank you to childe for joining us today!” y/n spoke, waving off most the kids. A chorus of ‘thank you’s from the children ran out towards childe, he simply smiled, waving them off as well. It wasnt until everyone had left that y/n sighed, releasing a breath they hadnt realized they were holding.          “Youre good with kids” childe spoke, walking up to stand beside Y/N, to which they shurgged.          “So are you” they spoke, their voice slightly tired from the constant uptalk they kept with the kids         “Mm, taking care of three siblings does that.” he smiled, a look was on his face that y/n hadnt seen before. Something of a longing, a sort of love. A smile found its way to y/ns and they looked away, a family man huh?

        “Hm, well thank you for helping. Can i ask why though?”         “Hm? Oh i just thought itd be nice to come by and see what this class was like. Venti told the team about you coaching and i thought id find out for myself. Sides, i wanted to see if you wanted to join me for lunch…” childe spoke, the question lingered in the air as he bounced back and forth on his feet, looking anywhere but y/n. To which they laughed and nodded,          “Sure! Just help me put all this stuff awya and then we can go” they said, smiling a bit. It had been a while since y/n had been out and about with someone, they usually left to coop up in their house after practices. Maybe the fresh air would be nice, even though the social interaction wouldnt be. Their words got a smile out of Childe and he nodded, rushing to go put away the net, already taking off the matts. 

        Y/n had followed a little slower, not seeing the need to race around, but non the less the job got done quicker than it usually had and they were sooon heading out hte door, passing by the welcome desk, y/n waved.          “Leaving early?” ganyu asked from the counter, a knowing smile plastered on her face, y/n gave her a eye roll but nodded,          “Childe said he wanted to treat me to lunch, and it would be nice to go out every once and a while, yknow?” y/n smiled with a small shrug, they took in another wiff of the candle that was still burning on the counter. Ah, there was Ganyu, never one to put out a candle, and when she did she did so quickly, simply putting it out with her fingers.          “Alright, well ill see you around! And it was lovely meeting you Childe!” she waved and y/n smiled, contiuing to walk with childe as he waved as well. 

        The two left the building, finding themselves infront of childes car. He popped the trunk and took the bag off of y/ns shoulder, slinging it in, to which earned a small thank you. He closed it before leaning on the yellow paint, which was not hard to not look at. “Thanks for joining me on this little lunch getaway. I thought itd be nice to get to know you a little better.” he smiled, wide and without shame. Another little flex on y/n that they had to suppress a frown from.          “Of course! It would be nice to get to know you better as well!” they smiled, but the words ‘and how you are so shameless’ hung in the air, not bothering to be said by y/n or acknowledged by Childe.

A/N:

Alright, this chapter isnt super well proofread so dont mind that, i dont remember what was going through my mind haha. but the next one isnt as grammatically messed up :D Im so excited for this hehe, ive been working on chapter 7 right now and its been super fun because its a depiction of a panic attack for the most part and its been super fun to test my skills in writing that sort of stuff :0

It had not been long since Y/N had started  practicing with the team, a month at most. With about 15 practices under their belt they felt well accustomed to the team. Sure they were not buddies with any of them, but they were able to joke and speak without their heart rate spiking and their hands starting to shake. It was a nice addition to their schedule as well. Between coaching young players, this team, and college, they didn't have any time to focus on their anxiety, it was actually really nice to get out of the house too. Plus they'd never know when Childe would suddenly invite the entire team to a “feeding frenzy”, it was just Childe paying for a bunch of snacks and all of the team would get together and play some sand volleyball or watch movies. It was a really nice addition to their schedule, and it was fun to hang out with people that werent teachers or someone complaining about homework. 

Y/n had been asleep, dreaming of nothing in particular, the much needed rest recharging their body and filling them with strength. That was until they heard a loud ringtone from beside them, a grumble escaping their lips as they lifted their head from their pillow just enough to open their eyes barely. Their hand found its way to the phone on the bedside table in the small dorm they stayed in, they lifted the side of the phone to see the contact “Barbatos - Venti - VB” with the photo of venti plastered on top. They grumbled and clicked the “answer” button, bringing the phone to their ear. 

“...h-hello?” they mumbled, their voice not awake just yet. Their eyes traveled to their clock beside their bed, 5am. Venti woke y/n up. At 5am. This man better have a damned good reason for it too. 

“Ah Y/n! Sorry if I woke you but there's some urgent business to attend to!” Venti spoke, how was he so awake and happy at 5am? This man must be made of sunshine and rainbows, “you see, last night I got an email from the Tsaritsa. Apparently she would like her team, the Harbingers, and our team to have a practice game against each other. Something about preparing for tournaments and not wanting her team to disappoint her. I don’t know, but what I do know is that I accepted it and well, I need my co-coach to come help me coach dear Kaeya!”

Y/n listened, their eyes slowly opening as their brain struggled to process what nonsense Venti had just spewed through his mouth at the speed of light. Y/n took a few moments to think before speaking, “what time?”  “oh… ah hee hee…. 8am.”  “A. hee. Hee.” Y/n repeated, taking a second before each syllable. They felt anger run through their veins. Venti contacted them about coaching a game that's in THREE HOURS. Y/n silently prayed to archons to give them the strength not to bitch slap venti. They heard nervous laughter on the other side of the line, “I'll be there, but you're praying for my coffee”

“Deal! Just send me your order '' Venti spoke before hanging up the phone. Y/n sighed and sat up in bed. Their dog at their feet(cat if you're allergic and a fish on the bed stand if you're allergic to both 😭) looked up at them. “A/N, help me.” y/n mumbled and the animal simply looked up at them before turning away to go back to sleep. 

Y/n pushed open the door to the building that the team played and practiced at. The sounds of shoes squeaking and yelling greeted them in an empty hallway. The lights were still off and the sun was barely over the horizon in the long glass windows that lined the hallway. Usually this place would be packed with people, but it was a Sunday and most kids were hungover at their dorms or off at work, maybe even a church of some kind. Mondstat was always big on its churches, The Grand Cathedral being right down the street from the college as well. Y/n tended to stay away from them, even if they were religious, there were a lot of people in the cathedral at all times. And that always felt really awkward and spiked their heart rate. 

Y/n appreciated the quietness of the hallway, they stopped outside the gym doors, the glass square in them giving them a preview as to what they were about to enter. The team peppered between each other while Venti sat and planned out something on a sheet of paper, what Y/n assumed was a lineup and game plan for the practice game. They glanced to the side of them to look out the window, they watched as birds sung from high above on the wires that lined the sky line. They smiled a little bit at it before looking back, their eyes catching the sight of someone standing off by the net. He stared back, the two caught eyes. Childe smiled and waved and y/n waved and smiled back. The two made eye contact for a moment or two before Childe waved them in, and y/n opened the door. 

Childe had jogged up to the door and smiled, “ didn't know you were gonna come today!” he beamed, like a golden retriever, y/n could practically see the tail wagging behind him. “Of course I would! I gotta make sure Kaeya is improving, plus I'm always here to see how the team plays. I love watching yall” y/n smile and looked up to Childe. Even though y/n wasn't exactly short/tall, they still had to crane their neck up high to look at the Childe's eyes. He was the tallest player on the team and was also annoying and wore pretty good shoes that bumped his height up another few inches. However, y/n didn't mind. Probably their favorite thing about Childe was that he didn't make eye contact uncomfortable. 

Y/n's most important way of conveying that they are listening or that they are happy to talk to a person is when they make eye contact, they make an effort to look people in the eye whenever they talk. And childe was probably their favorite when it came to this. Sure the rest of the team returned the favor, but none of them looked at y/n like they were the greatest player in the world, none of the team looked at them without any hesitation or without thinking they could possibly make any faults. Y/n always felt as though even though they might fuck up, completely screw over a point, that Childe would still look at them and cheer them on. It also helped that the childe had the prettiest eyes in the team. Kaeya had actual stars but it wouldn't compare to the beautiful blue that laced Child's eyes. 

Childe draped an arm across their shoulders and pulled them close, walking to the middle of the court, a loud voice booming from him, “did you guys hear that! y/n said they love watching us play!” He cheered and the rest of the team laughed a little as well. 

“Since that's the case let's give them the greatest practice game we've ever played!” Childe cheered once again and the rest of the team responded with a ‘hell yeah!’ or ‘woop woop!’.  Y/n smiled and shoved Childe off of them lightly, “Alright get to practicing, and let go of me, you're already sweaty!” y/n laughed a little and childe rubbed Y/n’s hair as they walked away, earning the bird in return. 

Y/n plopped down on the bleachers next to Venti and set their stuff down. They looked over his shoulders slightly, he had some paperwork out and then the line up. He quickly closed his binder, however, and looked up at y/n. 

“Your mere presence brings the team to excitement, Y/n. if i were you id feel honored, it's hard for me to even hype them up that much. It's usually the captain's job” he smiled, a wink following his words. y/n just laughed and shook their head, however. “I'm not that special. I think they are just happy to have a new face around.” they waved off venti who had rolled his eyes at their bashfulness. 

y/n stared at the team who peppered, they were all relaxed. Laughing at each other for stupid mistakes and encouraging each other when they made a good save, a feeling of longing returned to their stomach, they could basically see themself standing there. 

Y/n stood at the ten foot line, they were idly standing waiting for the ball to be passed up. Lumine stood from across the court right on the edge of the line. They both had their jerseys on and their knee pads were on their ankles. It was clear none of them meant business. Lumine threw the ball up high and y/n stepped under it, pushing it back to lumine. she passed it back and y/n went to go hit it back but a ball hit their ankle and they accidently snapped their wrist too much. Y/n had originally began to laugh a little,  “My bad, my bad” they smiled and shook their wrist a bit as Lumine dove for the ball, scraping their knees slightly.  “My gosh youre so fucking worthless.” lumine hissed at y/n, causing them to stop. Their laughter died in their throat. They tried to laugh a  little, waiting for Lumine to say ‘it's just a joke! Relax!’ but it never came. Lumine threw the ball at the floor and walked away to go pepper with someone else. Leaving y/n alone, holding a ball, and wondering why they even stayed on this team…

“You should go pepper with one of them, childe looks like he's kinda butting into xiao’s and diluc’s passing.'' Venti spoke absentmindedly, looking at the y/n who had been zoned out while looking at the court. The words snapped them out of their trance and they looked over at venti,  “Oh, nah. I don't think he'd want to anyways.” they laughed, trying to persuade venti not to make them go pepper without actually saying it. They didn't want to pepper, they wanted to play. Not get that small taste just for it to be snatched out of their grasp. Like a window at the top of an isolation cell.  “Oh he would love it! Here I'll call him over! CHILDE! Get over here and pepper with y/n!” Venti yelled ad y/n tried to wave their hands to say no but Childe had already started running over with a ball in his hands. “Of course! C'mon Y/n!” he smiled , waving them up. y/n sighed and took a sip of the coffee that venti had gotten them. They looked up at Childe and there he was again, making eye contact as always. Not with a judging look. But one of excitement. ‘He's not like that, Y/n. Just go pepper, you'll be fine’ they spoke to themselves and stood up. They positioned themself on the ten foot line, so much like how they had done before. Childe threw the ball up and they positioned themself under the ball, setting it high and just like how Lumine liked her sets. Childe took a step forward and set it back to them, but a ball rolled over and bumped against y/n's ankle causing them to stutter step and snap their wrist too much. Childe dove forward to the ball,  skidding his knees slightly. His knee pads were on his ankles. The ball came back to y/n on the floor and he laid on the floor on his back. y/n expected a yell from him but soon he started to laugh. And y/n laughed a little as well. 

“Haha my bad!” he spoke before hopping back onto his feet. y/n picked up the ball and stared at him. He didn't stalk away. He stayed. Childe stayed. He made eye contact. Y/n hesitated, not knowing what to do with themself.  “Cmon, throw the ball up! That was my bad. You don't have to stare at me like I'm going to yell at you!” he laughed a little, drawing y/n out of their trance. Y/n smiled, and threw the ball up. 

Peppering and warming up continued as the clock hit 7:55. Venti had turned from paperwork to drills and started running the team through different exercises. y/n on the sidelines coaching Kaeya as well. Giving small pointers here and there, ‘turn your hands in’, ‘center your stomach’, ‘don't jump, but use your legs’. Overall it has been pretty effective. And y/n got to watch the boys play from a new perspective. However there hadn't been any sighting of the harbingers, until the door opened. 

The team stopped and all turned to look at the door. Venti had already started rolling the ball cart over to the side of the court where the team was going to be practicing. He had the team line up then brought y/n to go stand in front of all of the team by the ventis side. In they walked. A team of six, with one manager, Signorita. 

“Welcome! Ah, it's such a pleasure to see you again, Signorita. Is the Tsarista not here once again?” Venti spoke, yet there was a strain in his voice and his hands stood awkwardly at his sides.  “Ah Barbatos, you know better. The Tsaritsa is off doing her own thing, preparing new things for us to face. I'm stepping in as coach for this game, but I doubt I will need to… Say, whos this lovely face, i feel as though i've seen them before…'' Signorita spoke, her voice as cold as ice but her intentions burning through y/n and venti. y/n smiled awkwardly,  “I'm Y/n L/n, I'm here to help coach.” they spoke, not knowing how much venti wanted them to disclose.  “Awh such a sweet name you are simply so sweet.” Signorita smiled, her arm crossing over her stomach and her other elbow propping up against the forearm. She looked fit, she probably was, actually. 

She was. Y/n recognized her now. This was Signorita, she was the setter for the Harbingers female team before she had a nasty accident and had to retire to the side lines and benches. Y/n shivered remembering the accident. They remember witnessing it from the other side of the net. Signorita had practically thrown herself to the ground to get a ball up, but had landed on her wrist, completely shattering it. Y/n remembered watching Signorita trying to shrug it off, and how she left the court after her team, and the Tsaritsa, had dragged her off. What was worse was that y/n remembered lumine making direct eye contact with y/n and saying ‘we wouldn't let you off this court’. 

“Oh! I remember you, you were the dear setter for the Khaenri’ah team. How precious you were. I remember how terrible that team treated you." Signorita smiled cutely before their eyes glanced over the entirety of the gym, then landing on someone behind y/n. “Oh and you, the silly little traitor.” she smiled before scoffing, y/n heard a small laugh come from behind them, they looked over their shoulder to see childe laughing and scratching his neck and staring at the ground. Traitor? 

“Oh but the past is the past!” she smiled and nodded to the court across from the team, “we will only take five or so minutes to warm up, then we can get right to playing. Would we like an up-ref? I would hate for the game to go… sour.” she smiled, a sinister glean behind her words. However, Venti smiled and shook his head. 

“We’re sharing this court for this time, we shouldn't need a up-ref, it's not as though we will be kicking the other team from under the net, will we?” Venti spoke, his eyes staring right through Signorita. She shook her head and smiled, however the smile didn't exactly give y/n any ease in the overwhelming feeling of fear that traced their stomach. The Harbingers then bowed behind their manager and walked over to the court they would be playing on and began to warm up.

Childe gathered up the team and y/n went to go Supervise but venti tugged on their arm. They looked at him, “y/n. I know this is easier said than done, but don't let Signorita get in your head.” he spoke, his voice as old as ice. Sending shivers down y/ns spine. 

“I wouldn't do that, I'm not even playing… it's just a practice game right?”  y/n spoke nervously, they had been trying to remind themself it was a practice game, but the serious beef between the two teams was starting to get under their skin. “Not to the harbingers. They fight hard, they play dirty, and they tend to not hold punches. The coaches play mind games you would not believe, just, don’t talk to her. She’ll use you to get into the team's head. Ignore her and let me do the talking, alright?” Venti spoke. Y/n nodded and he smiled before patting her on the back and pushing her into the group of players. The team welcomed her and Childe brought her under his and Diluc's arms. 

Y/n stared at the ground, feeling nervousness brimming their body as the team talked between themselves they all spoke of what to do, strategizing and planning. y/n couldn't listen however, their eyes focused on the ground and their hands busy picking at the skin around their fingernails. It wasn't until the team dispersed to get water and do the last bit of warming up that Childe addressed them head on. 

“Hey you good?” he asked, placing a soft hand on their shoulder. they looked up and smiled, they could be nervous all they wanted but why should they bring down the team with their anxiety.  “Yeah I'm fine!” y/n smiled, but it felt strained and the wrinkles did not form around their eyes. Childe stared into their eyes, but y/n couldn't meet them. They looked anywhere but childe. Like the sign behind his head, something about the sponsor of the school, it was another nameless company that promised something but never delivered.  “Look me in the eye,” childe spoke, drawing their attention back to him, “and tell me youre fine.” he finished his sentence. Y/n gulped and looked him in the eyes. His eyebrows were furrowed, and since when did both of his hands find their ways to y/n’s shoulders? Y/n opened their mouths to say something, but they couldn't find the words in their throat. It simply died out.  “So, traitor huh?” they “masterfully” changed the topic, childe stared at them. A chuckle escaped his mouth and he shook his head as he let the fact they completely changed the topic slide.  “Yeah, I used to be on The Harbingers, but transferred over to the Teyvats when I was sent to Liyue for a few weeks. The team was hella toxic anyways.” he spoke, letting his hands drop from y/ns shoulders. Y/n released a breath they didn't know they were holding.  “Damn, I didn't realize they were that uptight. Well then, I'm a traitor by their standards too, to the Khaenri’ans. We can be traitors together.” y/n smiled, meeting his eyes. He laughed, wrinkles showed up by his eyes and y/n noticed the freckles placed across his cheeks. 

“Cool! We're partners in crime!” he laughed, running a hand through his hair, dischelving it.  “Right! You're the one that causes the arson, I'm the cool minded one!” they smiled and 

Childe placed a dramatic facial expression on his face, he gasped. 

“I can be cool minded!” he tried to defend himself but y/n nearly laughed a little.  “Can be, won't be. I have too much anxiety to charge into anything like a chicken without its head, you charge right in. which is why most of your hits go into the net '' they giggled as Childe fell back, his hand laid against his forehead and his other hand dramatically placed on his heart.  “You wound me, Y/n, you wound me!” he basically yelled and y/n laughed and reached up to rub the top of his hair.  “You'll be alright, maybe if you play really good today i'll take back what i said and you can be the cool headed partner in crime” they laughed and he nodded his head enthusiastically and smiled,  “Bet!” 

The teams lined up on the courts, neither worrying about subbing in the liberos or where they stood, it wasn't until venti offered first serve to the harbingers and gave the ball over that the entire team started to get serious. They all got into their positions and y/n glanced over all their faces. They all looked as hard as rocks, none of them even blinking. 

Kaeya pulled up Diluc first, over on the outside position of the court, childe stood in the middle of the ten foot line, chongyun pulled back as a DS over on the right. In the middle back was Xinqui, the second best passer besides xiao, who was placed next to Xinqui.

“Oh! I guess we need a whistle. Here, lovely Y/n would you do the honors” Venti spoke smiling, Y/n nodded and shuffled around in their bag before pulling out a whistle. They bit on the silicon cover and whistled, making the movements to declare that Pierro, the setter and the first server, could serve. He nodded and threw the ball up high in front of him, making an approach before jumping up and hitting the ball, sending it over the net. 

From there the play went quickly. Xiao made a perfect pass up to Kaeya, who set it to childe, who hit the ball and it collided with the blockers on the other side of the net, who were Dottore and Pantalone. It bounced off their hands and back into their side of the court. When Punciella passed up, Pierro set it up, and Scaramouche made an approach, hitting the ball. Childe, however, was there and slammed the ball back into the ground with a block of his own. The team cheered and crowded around him, the first point of the game. To the Teyvats. 

The game continued, both coaches giving remarks of improvement to the team and the team taking them and charging forward with pride. Y/n especially had a lot to say to Kaeya, who was starting to get frustrated with them by the middle of the set. 

“I know Y/n!” Kaeya yelled as Y/n had told him to center his body. Y/n stutter stepped backwards and they became quiet. Venti glanced at them, a sigh escaping his mouth.  “Don't mind Kaeya, he gets angry quickly.” Venti spoke, patting y/n on the back, but this did not go unnoticed by Signorita on the other side of the net.  “Awh, is Kaeya just like the other khaenri’ahns? Chasing Y/n off the court? How sad…” she remarked awfully loud. Kaeya stared at her, his mouth wide agape. He started to speak but Venti had already shut down the conversation with a whistle. Scaramouche was now serving, and he had already sent the ball over. Xiao passed it up to Kaeya, who set it to childe, who then hit it over the net, maybe a bit too far over the net. Okay he hit Signorita in the head.   “Childe!” y/n had yelled, their hands covering their mouth. They weren't going to lie, they really wanted to laugh right now, but their fear for what was about to conspire had held them back. Venti on the other hand had begun laughing loudly.  “Ah! And so the Karma continues!” he laughed loudly, Signorita looked absolutely astonished and she looked at Venti like he had just kicked her in the stomach. 

“Oh! So you're laughing at your player who just hit the opposing coach in the head! You're not even going to attest to how bad of a hit that was! Such terrible coaching..” she had scoffed and The Harbingers all kinda just, stood there, not really sure if they should laugh or stand up for the manager. 

Childe laughed and shrugged, “maybe don't cause drama in someone else's team if you don't want karma to hit you upside the head. Especially when you mess with the two greatest setters. I mean you can't even compare to ours!” Childe had mumbled the last two sentences but the team laughed and clapped him on the back. Kaeya and y/n both bashfully smiling to themselves. 

Signorita scoffed loudly, “time out” she had practically yelled and the teams jogged to the sides of the court to talk to their coaches. 

Kaeya looked at y/n as he approached before nodding to the side, they nodded and stepped to the side. “Sorry for yelling at you, you were just trying to help me improve.” he spoke, running a hand through his bangs that had been tangled up, his pony tail resting on his back. 

“No you're alright, I was probably a little overbearing, I'm sorry as well. I just-” they sighed, not knowing how to put their words, “i don't want to make excuses, but rather explain my perspective. When I played for the Khaenri’ahns, they all really hated me, and so I had to push myself to absolute perfection, and subconsciously I'm putting that perfection on you in this game. You don’t deserve that, especially since you aren't even a setter really…” they sighed and he smiled before pulling them into a side hug. 

“You're the greatest coach I've ever had, y/n. Thanks for pushing me” he smiled. 

Coaches and players, it's a relationship that could either break or make a game, a player, a coach. Being understanding and recognizing faults in each other was always the greatest thing the two people could do, no matter what relationship they were in, but in a relationship that was built on a game of mistakes. A game that people use mistakes to get ahead of the other team, it was always important to admit when someone was wrong. So Y/n taking that first step, taking that step to explain why they had been pushing harder than needed, that first step broke down every wall between the two of them. From setter to setter, setter to hitter, player to coach, person to person, the two now knew they could count on the other to admit their imperfections and be able to grow from them. 

However, timeouts are only 30 seconds long. So the team dispersed back onto the court or to the bench to get a few more drinks of water. And the other side lined up once again. Venti whistled as y/n walked to stand beside him. Scaramouche Got into position before serving, and Xiao passed the ball with ease. Kaeya set the ball perfectly to Diluc right behind him, who went up and hit the ball as though there hadn't been a single blocker there, with absolute confidence. Hitting it to the side of the court, Scaramuche barely picked the ball up with a pancake, however the fight was useless and the ball shanked off to the side. None of the team was able to bring it back into the court far enough to send it back over to the other side of the court. 

The teyvats cheered and gathered around clapping and high fiving each other. They then rotated, childe giving high fives to razor who went in for him for backrow. Childe ran over to the sidelines and y/n picked up his water bottle and handed it to him, 

“Thanks” he smiled, taking it from them. He drank from the water bottle, looking at the court from the side of his eye as y/n observed the next serve. The play continued at a fast pace just as usual. When the point was over Childe talked,  “You okay?” childe asked, putting his water bottle down.  “Hm? Oh are you talking to me?” y/n asked, jumping a little not really expecting to be talked to.  “Yeah, those were some pretty rough words from Signorita.” he said looking out onto the court as the next point began.  “Oh, yeah. Its worse for Kaeya im sure” 

“Yeah but Kaeya is a lot more confident then you” “Wow. thanks.”

“No! I didn't mean it like that-” childe stuttered slightly, gaining a laugh from y/n and they pushed him a little,  “I'm kidding with you. You're not wrong, it just sucks to hear it admitted out loud. But yeah I'm fine.” they spoke, staring out at the court, razor made a nice save and y/n clapped and whooped for him.  “... are you sure?” childe asked, his eyes now finding their way to y/n's face. Have y/ns eyelashes always been so long?

“Since when were you so worried for me? I'm just a coach” y/n laughed a little, but the humor wasn't there and it felt strained, like y/n was debating whether or not to say something. “And friend.” he spoke, placing a hand on their shoulder. “... oh”

The plays continued, getting progressively more and more heated until it was the last few points. The team had been fighting this last set for a few points now, up to 26-27, Teyvats. Both teams were exhausted, both were falling to dirty tricks, both were out of time outs. Y/n had been watching from the sidelines with progressively more anxiety. They had to start pacing to keep themselves calm, the rallies were getting longer. It was like neither libero was willing to let a single ball drop even if they had to sacrifice a future with healthy knees and elbows. 

“COME ON” y/n yelled, clapping their hands as Xiao went up to serve. He had a wicked serve. It was a float serve, but hard. It cut through the sky but would drop at any time, making it unpredictable and hard to track. But Captiano was there, every single time. He always got the ball up to the front row. And would be back against the back line seconds after ready for blocks and hits. Both teams were fighting hard, and neither were ready to give up. Kaeya went to set, but his hands were not positioned correctly, and it fell through them and went straight to the ground. 

y/n had never seen a person more angry then Kaeya in that very moment. He looked as though he wanted to kill, and passing the ball under the net with a  slam into the ground only echoed their thoughts. Y/n and venti looked at each other, both knowing what they needed to do, but not knowing if they should do it. Y/n sucked in a  breath, preparing themself before pulling the cord. 

“Xinqui, go in and set for KAeya. Now.” y/n said pushing him forward.  “Oh! Okay-” he stuttered before running onto court, telling Kaeya what to do. Kaeya looked up from Xinqui and made short eye contact with y/n, his eyes as hard as stone and his mouth pulled to a thin line, his hands clenching at his side. He jogged off the court but shouldered y/n on his way to the bench.  “Hey! Don't take your anger out on them!” Venti had lectured, but it fell short because Kaeya wasn't even listening at this point. He was looking off somewhere else with his arms crossed. Throwing a hissy fit basically. 

The next points went quickly, with teyvat just barely losing to some hard blocks and sloppy hits thanks to the change. The team congratulated the other and they all said their goodbyes. The teyvats didn't look too discouraged luckily,  “You all did wonderful!” Venti spoke proudly, he always did that. Even though the team knew they could do better, Venti encouraged them. Maybe that's why he was one of the best coaches… Venti gave them all a run down and told them when to come back for practice next since the team usually practiced in the afternoon. Meanwhile, y/n gathered their things and began to get ready to leave to go get themselves lunch. However, as they approached the door they felt a tap on their shoulder. 

“Why'd you take me out?” The questions were simple, but it was hard. There would always come a point in time when even the greatest of friends would be split in a decision that neither would be able to say was wrong nor right. 

You, yes you reader, may be wondering why as the author I decided to completely change a course of action in the middle of this chapter as the characters, who just had a bonding moment, have a moment of anger. To you I say, you have not been a player who's been pulled out by a coach who you trusted. If you have, then you would understand. 

“I thought you needed a break, you were obviously frustrated and your anger caused bad mistakes that wouldn't happen if you were cool minded. I did the best thing in that situation.” y/n spoke, they were trying not to let their anxiety take hold of their words, and switch them to put themself in the wrong. They weren't wrong, they told themself. They had every reason to take Kaeya off the court. 

“I would've gotten over it. I needed another chance.” KAeya spoke, crossing his arms, ‘closing off to any discussion.’ “You dont get more chances when the points are on line and that close. A simple mistake causes the game to change completely.” y/n spoke as calmly as possible, trying to explain their side of the situation. “So you put in a new setter? If you ask me thats a big mistake that fucked over the entire game.” his voice rose in volume and his arms uncrossed, his hand flying to the side of his body.  “Kaeya, please understand where i'm coming from-” 

“NO! Gosh you ARE a fuck up! Just like Lumine said!” Kaeya spoke, his voice had risen to a yell. y/n stutter step backwards again. They glanced around, trying to make sure no one heard this outburst. But it was useless, everyone was staring at the pair. 

They took a deep breath before making eye contact once again, “Kaeya. I want to politely ask you to take that back. I may have made a mistake, but it was in your, and the teams, best interest.” they spoke, their voice shaky now. 

“No! Because you just cost us the game! I could've pulled through. I know you think you're pushing ‘perfection’ or whatever on me, but maybe push it on yourself a bit more!” he yelled, flailing his arms dramatically. y/n let out a shattered breath, unable to control the shaking in their hands anymore. 

“KAEYA. ALBERICH.” a voice rose against his. Both of their heads snapped to the side, to see Childe with his arms at his side, his fists clenched, and his eyes glaring at Kaeya.  “Kaeya, bench, now.” Venti spoke, stepping forward and pressing a hand to Childe's shoulder.  “Why?” The word was not a question, but a rebuttal. A demand for someone to back him up, not to take y/ns side. 

With a hefty sigh, Y/n found themselves picking up the old shoe box they owned. In it lay an old pair of volleyball shoes that made y/n cringe. Y/n stared at the scraped edges of the Nike logo, gently rubbing their thumb over it. Y/n longed to never look at these things again. Y/n took a deep breath as their heartbeat increased. They stuffed the shoes into the bag without hesitation. Y/n could surely get through the day without thinking about it. Y/n would live. 

As y/n walked the sidewalk to the gym, they found themself trying to ease their stomach as it gradually got tenser and tenser. Their mind traced over their plan of entrance. They would sneak in through the back door, change their shoes in a bathroom, and walk out as they'd always been there. That would cause the least amount of attention, then they wouldn't find a way to make a fool of themself. y/n found their breath increasing more and more by the second. 

They found themselves at the entrance to the huge gym. In the gym lay their future, and outside there was ginger. He had a huge smile, freckles, and blue eyes that were brighter than the sun, and he was running up to y/n. 

y/n desperately searched for a place to hide out of embarrassment. Y/n didn't know WHY they were embarrassed. Y/n just was.  "y/n! Here you are! I've been waiting for like- 3 whole minutes!" Childe spoke, running up and linking his arm around their shoulder.  "Hi Childe." y/n spoke, nervousness creeping into their stance and voice, "I didn't know you'd be meeting me. If I did, I would've come faster."  "Well, of course, I am going to meet you! As a good captain, I always meet my team and bring them in with loving arms!" Childe said. He wrapped his arm around the person's shoulders. Y/n felt their stomach grow with dread. They could deal with one person making a fuss over them but not the entire team, all at once looking at them. Y/n felt their breath hitch as they nodded shyly, their voice cracking as they spoke.  "o-of course!" y/n tried to calm their insides. Childe nodded before bringing them along, carrying the drinks y/n had previously held. He opened the door, making everyone turn to look at them as it slammed shut. It didn't take long for the entire team to rush over calling Y/n's name. 

"There you are! we've been waiting for you for so long!" Venti smiled as he propelled his way through the group and in front of Y/n. He held a hand out for the two to shake, smiling brighter when they took his hand.  "Alright, everyone! We greeted them. Let us return to work. I want you all to run over those drills again. We'll see how you fair out. Kaeya, Y/n, come with me!" Venti spoke, his voice booming for such a small person. The way he talked made everyone want to stop and listen. So they did, and everyone went back to work after patting y/n on the shoulder. 

Y/n tried to get their heartbeat under control as they felt their head spin with the room. They took a shaky breath and followed the coach and kaeya to a separate court. So this is where Y/n would be coaching Kaeya, huh? Y/n smiled, getting a feel for the lines and the floor color. Each court felt different, possessing its own perks and kinks, breathing a different light into the players. This meant you had to get affiliated with it. Quickly, if you wish to succeed, that is. 

Y/n paced the 10-foot line and the back row as Kaeya and Venti spoke together. It didn't take long for Barbatos to call them over.  "Alright. For now, I want you, y/n, to warm your arms with kaeya. After, put Kaeya under the pressure of five elephants at the bottom of the ocean :)" he spoke quickly and soundly before walking away.

(it was then here where Grammarly crashed as Bee was writing, and the author lost 2 pages of work... I am on the verge of killing :D)

Nervous laughter escaped them both Kaeya picked up a ball and passed it to Y/n. Y/n backed up by about half the court, getting ready to warm up their arms for the day. They cleared their voice as they hit the ball into the ground to warm their arm up. 

"So, what made you want to be a setter?" Y/n asked, glancing at Kaeya with wide and curious eyes.  "I don't know. Venti said he liked my 'setting hands' and asked me to step in for our missing setter." He said as he continued to pass it back to Y/n.  Y/n let out a short laugh as they spoke, "That's what my coach told me a long while back" Y/n smiled, "It's alright if you don't like the setting. I completely understand. Until we find a new one: I'm here to help you turn into the best setter this team has seen." 

Kaeya laughed and nodded as Y/n spoke up, wanting to explain what they would be doing. "So since apparently, you're bad under pressure, I want to put you under pressure. So, stay here, and I will onset a serve the ball at you. you will receive the ball and bounce back up to set the ball." Y/n spoke before taking the cart with them as they crossed the court and went to the opposite serving line. They proceeded into their routine and hit the ball onto the ground three times. Then you will need to pass the ball into the air. Catch, step back a few times, and get ready. 

Kaeya was already in position, the muscle memory of being squatted with his arms out, Y/n smiled before tossing the ball high into the air before running forward, and with a jump, the ball was sent soaring towards kaeya. 

In a second flat, the ball was in contact with Kaeya's arm, and the ball popped high into the sky. Kaeya sprinted forward to where the ball was sent. Kaeya let the ball hit his hand and sent it high above the net. Where it fell a few feet short of where the outside hitter would usually be. Y/n stared at him as he watched the ball drop with a look of disgust and anger. Y/n stepped forward before coming up the net. They stared at him as he stared back. 

"You're too stressed." y/n spoke flat. Y/n saw it in his stature, in the way he looked. Kaeya's usually puffed-out chest was flat against his rib cage, his eyes were sharp, and his mouth was drawn to a line.  "I'm not. I'm always confident!" Kaeya spoke, folding his arms and puffing his chest back out, but his eyes were still moving, betweeny/n and the ball on the ground. "I didn't say you weren't confident. You are confident, Kaeya, and that's good. You're stressed. You're stressed about moving, the hit, and the opposing team. Don't. I know that's not helpful advice, but if you can focus on the game, you won't be stressed. focus on your hitters, the look on their faces, how high they're jumping." Y/n spoke as calmly as they could. They saw themself in this man. The way Kaeya was worried about everything else but not even thinking about the hitter. 

"Well then, how do I focus on the hitters if I'm not setting one?" kaya spoke with an arrogant feel to him. Y/n couldn't help but laugh.  "Well, if you do end up setting a hitter, we don't want you to make a fool of yourself. So, once you can get a good set three times in a row, ill let you set someone!" Y/n folded their arms, and Kaeya looked at them before nodding. Y/n stalked back over to the cart. They picked up a ball before repeating the services that they had done earlier. 

It was later when the two of them finally started making progress. Kaeya was still messing up, but y/n was beginning to tire of the same drill multiple times over, and they could tell he was too. One of the things they've learned over the year is that if your learners are tired, no one will improve.

Y/n finally sighed and called over Kaeya, and he walked over. Y/n had him lay on the floor beside them. Kaeya looked at Y/n, "what is this supposed to do?" he asked curiously as to what he thought this exercise was 

"Reset our brains. We don't want to work ourselves out doing the same thing."  "oh..." kaeya said, trailing off. Y/n could tell he wanted to say or ask something, and waited for him, "can I go scrimmage with the rest of the team?" he asked, looking over at y/n

Y/n smiled softly before nodding. Off kaeya went to practice with the rest of the team. a few moments later, Y/n heard a loud cry of happiness from the large group of boys. Y/n just sighed and lay on the floor, their mind and body tired. 

Y/ns mind traced back to when they played more competitively. The feeling of their old court on their back, the bright light shining down, the pressure of two other girls pilled on Y/n. 

y/n felt the pressure of a head on their legs. A torso on their stomach. The pressure was calming, the sort of pressure of a weighted blanket. The feeling of people being there with y/n was enough to keep Y/n calm in this stressful situation. The group of girls had just finished the first half of a tournament, so after they all ate, they found an empty spot in the cafeteria and huddled together, attempting to rest their bodies and minds, to Y/ns suggestion at least.  "Your setting was trash in the last game." one of the girls spoke, slapping y/ns leg with a laugh. "It would help if my team didn't degrade me in the middle of the game!" y/n defended themself, a laugh bubbling to their throat, but the happiness in their brain was not connected to the sound.  "We were only trying to make you understand!" the girl groaned before sitting up, "come on, Lumine, let us go find your brother's game and watch him for a bit." the two girls left. Y/n stayed. They were alone on the floor. Left with a growing pit of nervousness and anxiety in their stomach. 

y/n sighed, rubbing their face harshly and rolling over before popping up like a slinky. Y/n walked over to the other court with all of the team on it. Kaeya was in the setter position, pushing up Childe at the moment as Venti would send serves over. 

Ventis serves.... he was the best server the world has ever seen, and no one argued that. He used to be a player for the archons. One of the teams that everyone had basically bowed down to when they played. Now, all the players coached, reffed, or were dead. Y/n could only name one other famous player off the top of their head, Zhongli. He had a block that could stop almost any hitter back in his time. Now, though, the techniques he used would either land him in the hospital or were illegal moves. Still, he was definitely known for being the best. 

"Ah Y/n!! There you are!" Venti spoke in a sing-song voice. He sent a serve to the other side of the court, making the team scramble to get it up. It went to Kaeya before the set was about a foot away from the outside hitter. Y/n cringed at the sight of a hitter just free-balling it. Venti's smile became a grimace. 

"Y/n, I thought you were supposed to get that under control..." Venti spoke, walking over to the person. 

"I tried my hardest. Kaeya is a lot better than he was before. I'm pretty sure it's just getting wrapped up in the moment..." Y/n spoke, trying to analyze what this setter was doing wrong.

"Why don't you give him an example of what it is supposed to look like?"

A/N

Hi :) okay dw the chapters get longer i think, but yeah this is gen one of my favorite books i love it so much its so bbg idk what im writing honestly, im formating these and thens cheduling them so i dont forget to post the next cvhapters while also posting them all pretty nesar each other, bc OBVIOUSLY you guys want more of this :)

this is a joke, this will never take off, and i will cry

"There they are! How nice of you to come on such short notice." Venti spoke, standing up from the table the entire team was eating at. Y/n smiled and shook his hand, "of course. Not like I have much to do anyways." Y/n giggled before sitting down where Venti had pointed to, sitting in his seat. 

Y/n took a look around the table. Y/n was able to point out quite a few faces. There was kaeya, a senior setter. Usually, he was an outside hitter, and Diluc was a right hitter. Xiao, the libero of the group, Chongyun, and Qinxiu, were both swaps for back, and both played well over the entire court. They were freshmen, though. And then there was Childe. He was the middle. What y/n had seen online suggested that he was the face of the group. The captain, the "heartthrob," "best player there has been in years!" whatever you could say to boost one person's ego. 

Personally, y/n was more interested in seeing his hits, not his looks. That could've just been their overall fascination with the adrenaline of watching a hitter jump up higher than the net. Slam the ball with such force it sounds like a shotgun firing before hitting the ground and bouncing to the bleachers.  

"Team! This is y/n l/n. I'm sure many of you recognize their name from a few years ago. The K'anrehians setter is one of the best players from the female births side of the game. They're the best setter I've seen, period. And, Kaeya's new coach!" Venti introduced, making everyone stare in awe. This effectively made y/n's face rush with heat as they shook their head.  "You flatter me, Venti. I'm not all that. But I will be helping kaeya with his setting at your practices." Y/n spoke as they laid their hands in their lap, smiling bashfully. 

Suddenly Chongyun burst into a gasp and started to poke Qinxiu, "that's who the coach was on a "business" call with! Oh my gosh! I recognize them too! Their sets are impeccable. Perfect aim, speed, power, everything!!" Zhongyun said in a hushed whisper as Qinxiu nodded, smiling as he leaned forward. 

Kaeya leaned forward, "so you're the one that coach said was going to save our careers? How lovely. Well, I'm Kaeya, but feel free to call me the hot one." he spoke, a wink following. Only to have a scoff returned to him by Diluc.

"Greetings. I'm Diluc, a right-side hitter." He said, nodding at y/n with a straight face. Xiao nodded before speaking, "I'm xiao. Libero." He spoke short and to the point. His personality was directly parallel to his looks. 

Then, Childe spoke up, with a loud 'ahem' "I'm Childe! The captain. The best middle you'd ever meet!" He declared, stretching his arms forward before sliding them behind his head. Y/n smiles and shakes their head. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I'm excited to work with you and help you guys grow." y/n smiled as they clapped their hands together with excitement. They really were ecstatic to meet and play with a new team. They may not be playing games. It would still be nice to be on par with who they were playing with and not watch as little kids struggled to take an extra step to the ball. Reckon, they were nervous about stepping up and being with these people. 

Would they make a fool of themself? Y/n couldn't help their beating heart grow in pace with their thoughts. Y/ns mind traveled at the speed of light as they struggled to get it under control. The team fell into a conversation with each other. y/ns chest felt tight, and their stomach felt like it was being shoved in a blender. Y/ns hands started to fidget as their breathing became shallow. They were going to make a fool of themself, weren't they? They felt their heart beat faster and faster. Suddenly, it felt like there were just too many people in this restaurant and around the table. A plate being slid in front of them caught their attention and turned their brains' emotions toward it. It had food. They had ordered it. y/n took a shaky breath closing their eyes for a second or two before lifting up a fork and taking a bite. y/n needed to calm themself, and they knew it. Y/n focused on eating and trying to join small talk with team members. 

"so xiao, where are you from?" y/n asked, their eyes focusing on the libero sitting next to them to their left(to his left was an oddly close venti).  "I'm from Liyue. I came here because Venti asked me to play for his team." Xiao expressed succinctly. He crossed his arms. he wasn't eating anything. It looked like maybe he didn't like Mondstat cuisine.  "yup! he owed me a favor after I helped him with something. So he came here. he has been my favorite player since!" Venti pipped in, bumping shoulders with Xiao light heartily. Xiao gave a curt nod to that. y/n smiled, "That's great! Did you play for the Liyue team when you were there? The Qixing is what I think their team used to be called..." y/n said, trying to toss the name around in their head till it fell in place. Xiao nodded before speaking. "I did, but I played for the Adepti, not the Qixing," he reflected. "yeah, He's the only Adepti that still plays volleyball. They either got bored or went into a different sport. mainly basketball." Venti spoke, grinning brightly at his prized player. "it's a good thing! Otherwise, I don't think I would've got him to play. Should have seen him on the court! Xiao is better at being a libero than the K'hanerians!" he laughed. Y/n couldn't help but smile in adoration. They looked at xiao with a look that screamed that they were curious to see him play. Xiao merely shrugged as the sound of people talking came to y/ns attention. 

Redirecting their attention, they found that Childe was the source of this sound. He was loudly laughing as he talked to kaeya, and y/n couldn't help but smile at the rest of the team. The team looked happy. Not a speck of discomfort or anxious glances. y/ns heart filled to the brim with a sort of delightful longing. Y/n wanted to feel a part of the team again, knowing the ins and outs of everyone's inner life and how they played and talked and animated their speech or lack thereof. y/n could tell this team was close just by looking at them. They all came from different backgrounds. Different regions of the world, but they all were so happy. y/n smiled before taking a bite of their food. Learning about this team would be so much fun. 

It wasn't too long for y/n to be the topic of conversation once more. Well, of course! New additions to the team would be something that needed to be explored. Specifically, Childe wanted to know more about this mysterious person that was apparently so good that Venti, the coach, wanted them to join. 

"So, y/n, what's your background in volleyball?" Childe said, loud and confident, much like what he appeared to be.  "hm? oh! I played professionally for a while and then retired. I now teach younger kids and help them get on their feet." Y/n smiled. They felt a hint of awkwardness at answering these questions. They didn't particularly want to share their past, but that would sound untrustworthy and abnormal if they withheld information.  "Really? What's the reason for your retirement?" Childe asked. His ocean-hued eyes pierced y/n's soul, and they felt restlessness bubble up.  "oh! uh, it was just an unfriendly environment, and the manager of a rival team spread some shade on us privately, and we got disbanded... I left before then. Some people continue to fight to be fetched in again," y/n explained awkwardly, scratching their arm. They didn't really know how much they wanted to say about the situation considering it still left a bitter taste in their mouth.  "hm, that's weird. Well, I always hear that the K'hanerians were some of the best! Wasn't it during the archon playoffs that they lost and disbanded?" Childe asked, glancing at Kaeya, who nodded

"mhm. There was an out of Teyvat team who joined out of nowhere for money and took us out. The guy team still has most of its players intact. Say, Kaeya weren't you on the male team?" y/n asked, desperately searching for a different person for this topic to be attached to, lest the group started asking about the team itself.  "Yessir, I was the captain for a really long time. From sophomore year to senior year, I lead as an outside. Though, I enjoy this team more. I feel more at ease. The K'hanerians were always die-hards about the sport, and if you weren't dedicated to spending your entire life in the gym: they treated you like crud." Kaeya shook his head, thinking of the older times with his previous team. y/n nodded with approval. That's exactly what their team was like, if not more so.  "Well, I'm glad you found a better team then, Kaeya. The K'hanerias were really good at sucking all the love for this sport straight out of you." y/n sympathized with him. A smile graced their lips before looking at Diluc, who had started a new conversation about wine or something of the sort. He wanted to speak to Xiao, but then he joined in, and now Kaeya. y/n didn't bother. They weren't much of an alcohol sort of person.

Y/n continued to peck at their food as they sat with the team. They were curious to know what all these guys were like on the court. Their strengths, weaknesses, their positions. Everyone had already been introduced to where they preferred to be, but y/n wanted to know if they were perfected in other places. Have they perfected the back row? Front row? Middle? Had they perfected a part of a game, the serve? The serve was probably the key-part and could either break or make an entire match. Y/n looked around the table, glancing at each of their faces and arms.

They had heard of Childes' services. Childe was strong and quick. Sadly, his serves were high, giving time for the other team to get under them. Diluc had a float serve. The ball went to the other side before becoming weak and hard to predict. Then there was Xiao. Xiao was a hard serve to get down. It was underhand, but don't underestimate that. It went high, it went extremely high, and with pinpoint accuracy. It made for a nasty serve. It regularly took out the setter or made the team a little disoriented. It made y/n happy that this team had at least three servers. 

These servers didn't mean the group would always get an ace, so how good was their defense? Y/n couldn't say exactly, but Xiao was their shining libero. If what Venti said stood correct, then it would be hard to not have an adequate defense. y/n felt the excitement to play with this team course through their veins and pull their lips into a smile.

A/N:

I might not do an authors note every time but idk it might be a l i tt l e fun. NEWAYS i was rereading this a little while back and i just

its my baby, i love it, it makes me hjappy, treat it well or i will cry :(

Disclaimer: at some point in this chapter Childe calls you 'Dearie' in a pet name sort of way, ya get me? If you do not feel comfortable with that name, I have an alternative, Mustard! Mustard is a great pet name because it encompasses many features of the human body. The hips, the chest, and the slutty little man waist (these are jokes please I beg).

Y/n laughed a little, shaking their head in the process. "I couldn't do that, I haven't set in so long id probably make a fool of myself more than anything else" they laughed nervously, their brain going into overdrive as venti pushed y/n into the court and dragged kaeya back off by the ponytail. "w-wait! Venti!" they yelped, but Childe, who was apparently being pushed up by Y/N, was already dragging their hand to have them stand behind him. 

"It'll be alright, Dearie, I won't let you get hurt." Childe smiled wide, his hands already up in the blocking position, Y/N laughed a little, but it was strained and stressed. Y/n watched as across from the net Venti, Kaeya, and a few of the managers and other backup players lined up in a makeshift sort of lineup. Obviously, this was not going to be a fair matchup, but they could try. 

"Now! We have a lovely new member on this team so make sure to give excellent passes, and if you don't, I'm sure they could make them excellent." Venti spoke loudly, grabbing a ball from the nearby cart. Y/n laughed nervously, knowing well enough that they could make a trash pass 'excellent'.

Venti tossed the ball in the air before making contact with it above his head, just as his reputation perceived, it cut through the air as if it was one with it. This serve was well known to Y/n, having always wished they could achieve a serve to such a level. They almost achieved it at some point as well, but alas, they almost forgot to move as they watched the serve come over, but they soon came back to their senses, and y/n shot to their position on the court. just in time for the ball to be shanked off in the distance, already in motion Y/n sprinted towards the ball. 

"IVE GOT IT" they screamed, the other team members watched as they basically threw themself to the ground, and yet, the ball rose from their arm and to the front row. It wasn't a "perfect" set, but it was in the ballpark. 

Y/n used their momentum to push themself off the ground and towards the court, just as venti had received the ball on the other side of the court, being there when childe had hit it as well as he could with the offset. Kaeya pushed the ball back into the air and venti had done an approach. However, he did not hit the ball hard, after all with Childe in his face with two large arms it would be near impossible to get a well-made hit. so he just barely brushed past the ball with his fingertips, tipping the ball right over Childe's fingertips. 

"TIP TIP" he had screamed, already falling back from the air, and in a moment Xiao was crashing to the center and pulling the ball back up, Y/N flung themself to 2.5 and got ready for the set. Just like Venti had expected of his team, Xiao put the ball right where Y/N needed it and she easily performed a back set to Diluc who was to the right of her. 

A loud bam was heard through the air as the feeling of wind brushed past Y/Ns hair and they looked over to see the ball landing in a wide open hole. Y/N turned around to cheer for Diluc just to realize he was already surrounded by the rest of the team. Y/N smiled and clapped a little, they remembered this feeling. The feeling of a long rally that the longer it went along the more anxiety you could feel building in your chest. Heck, even now as Y/N reflected on this phenomenon, they found their heart to be beating fast and hard. They took a deep breath and smiled as Diluc walked over, "How do you do that?!?" he asked, his voice loud and excited.

"What do you mean?" they asked, their interest peaking. Was diluc angry? they had believed they performed a well-made backset, after all, Dilcu had a wonderful kill.  "It was like it teleported into my hands! I didn't even think I was going to be set but suddenly I was smashing the ball through the air!" He smiled, and for once Y/N felt a sense of pride well in them. They stared in awe, not even knowing what to say, but soon kaeya was at the net, his hands holding onto the wide strings.  "That was incredible! and that save! I don't even think Xiao could do that!" "watch it, rat tail." Xiao hissed but still patted Y/N on the back. Y/n just smiled and shook it off. They heard a sinister giggle from the other side of the net and looked over. 

"Have you all no shame? This is the amazing Y/N, of course, they can bounce back into setting as though it was their native language because it IS their native language. Why do you think I chose them to train kaeya. This man is helpless- HEY!- and the only person who could've possibly saved such a basket case was to find the greatest possible setter."

Y/n waved off Venti and his words but the rest of the team stared at them, they looked down in the bashful pride that was bestowed on their shoulders. "I'm nothing special, I just, I don't know, I don't think that a pass should determine a set. so I worked really hard. now it's just, what I know most." they shook their hand to dismiss the group of sweaty men.

"That's incredible!" Childe spoke, loudly and gripped y/ns shoulders, slightly shaking them. they laughed but Childe didn't stop, instead, he dropped one of their arms over his shoulder, this kid really doesn't know personal space huh? they laughed a little. 

So the night continued the same, with Y/N helping the team scrimmage and continuing to set. while there wasn't any other "epic" save, it still left the team speechless how y/n was almost always right after the second ball before the first was even passed up. They all were in complete awe, and yet, Y/N always dismissed them easily, hating the attention that was rested on their shoulders. The hitters were the cool ones, Y/n liked thinking of themselves as a "catalyst", not a person to be credited. A Hammer may help build the house but one still congratulates the construction worker on their work after all. Why celebrate the hammer? It would be useless without a nail, or the hand to hammer in the said nail. They'd simply be a piece of wood and metal without it. 

Y/N, however, soon found themselves in the locker room after all the men had left and been well done. they changed out of their sweaty clothes and into fresh pairs. Reapplying deodorant and body spray they closed the lock they were allowed to put their bags beforehand. Y/N stared at the room after they had finished, sure, it was different colors and the benches were different, but they could swear they could see their team in front of them. laughing and joking after a long practice. 

Y/N sat down even though they had to leave. they let themself soak in the presence of the non-existent team of K'haneria. This was their old life. simply soaking in their teammates even though they knew their team members hated Y/N, they had known that since they first joined, however. it was obvious from the very first time their outside hitter had yelled at them for not giving a perfect set that they would never be happy. Y/N had put their entire being into setting, and yet it was not enough. Y/n still was released to the locker room where they had been given lectures from the captain of the tea and the multiple hitters. and Archons only knew the lectures they'd get if they let a shanked ball drop, or let someone else get a ball. 

Their previous team was weird like that, they hated their sets, and yet if someone else dared try to take their job they'd jump at Y/n for letting it happen. It left Y/N walking on eggshells and wondering if they were going to be destined to a team that hated them,,, was this team going to be different?

That was a question Y/N would have to find out the hard way, not by simple guesswork.

A/N: look, i know a lot of this chapter is "woah! the reader is so awesome!!!" but honestly thats the point, i want iot to be well established in the reader(like you)s mind that the character youre betrayed as is awesome. partially bc you guys ARE awesome, but partially bc i feel like thats whats gonna lead into the whole thing later on with the conflict andf why we can do what we do

The sound of hands moving around the shoe strings filled an almost entirely quiet home other than the music blasting from the shoe wearers' earbuds. With a hefty sigh, they pulled on the laces before their eyes lingered on a box under their shoe rack. In it laid special footwear. If it had been three or so years ago: the shoes would be packed neatly into their bag full of volleyballs before being picked up before exiting, the door shutting. 

"Alright, kids!! Get in single file at the blue line and get volleyball ready like I've been showing you. Hands out, legs bent, feet apart, and shoulders forward!" Y/n called out as all the children talked to their parents as they grabbed their water bottles. Many came running over while some lingered, not wanting to return. Y/n chuckled, their gaze upon them. They remembered how their coach would make them run laps if they even thought of doing something like that. "If you guys don't join the line: I'll make you run a lap around the court!" Y/n called again. Now everyone came scurrying over as the parents laughed at their children. 

"I'm going to toss the ball to you. I want you to pass the ball. It needs to come straight to me. Make sure to have your arms out. The ball needs to hit your platform, and if it doesn't come straight to you, remember you have to *move* your feet." Y/n called before slapping the ball out of muscle memory and gently tossing it into the air to one of the children. They stuck their entire butt in the air with their arms out straight. This caused the ball to go off to the left. "Go shag, and remember to keep your legs bent and push up with them," Y/n spoke before grabbing another ball from the cart beside them and doing it again with the next kid. 

The next half hour or so was the same, rinse and repeat with differen5 exercises. It wasn't until they all had about fifteen or so minutes left that y/n decided they'd switch to their favorite drill. "Alright, everyone. Get behind the blue lines, equally on both sides. It's time for some serving!" Y/n spoke loudly as the kids jumped happily. Many parents stood up to help their kids serve(it was the most straight forward skill and many parents knew from their younger years), but y/n still started to walk around and give pointers to kids who needed them, making sure ta spend time with kids who had no help to get it as of the time. It wasn't until one of the older kids set their waterbottle into the far right corner of the opposite side of the court of y/n and called over, "COACH Y/N!!! CAN YOU HIT THIS WATER BOTTLE?" the kid obnoxiously yelled. 

Y/n, looking up from the person they were showing, started to laugh. They grabbed a ball by their foot and went to the left corner of the court. They *usually* didn't like to show off, but seeing such serve would give little children some inspiration and hopefully help them. So, going to the backboard of the smaller gym, they threw the ball up high, running up and jumping Y/n guided their dominant hand with the other before smacking down on the ball. 

Now it wasn't exactly a hard serve, as the more accuracy you have, the harder it is to give power and vis versa, but it was enough to knock over the metal water bottle and the ball to go bouncing into the wall. Leaving y/n smiling sheepishly as the kids started to crowd around them, begging them to teach the kids how to serve like that. Y/n just calmly spoke as they said, "you guys can all serve like that if you listen to what I say and work extremely hard. Okay?" And a chorus of 'kays' followed as they all rushed off to practice their serves.

It wasn't until a long while later and all the kids were gone that y/n heard footsteps enter the gym. She usually reserved the gym for an hour after all the lessons. To make sure Y/n didn't become too rusty in her own skills. So she was a bit surprised to see a male? Female? Non-binary?... A person walked in with braids on either side of their face and the rest of their hair short. They wore long black dress pants and a white button-down with ruffles at the sleeves and neck. The shirt was tucked into the pants. Lastly, a greenish-blueish suit coat hung over both of their shoulders. 

"Hello! Can I help you with something?" Y/n spoke, grabbing up the ball they had dropped a few moments ago. It lived to be a serve, but this person had other plans.  "Ah, so it's really you! The most well-known setter in almost the history of volleyball!" The person spoke. It seized y/n off guard.  "Oh, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you have the wrong person. I don't set anymore." They spoke smiling, waving them off. The sensation of dread crept into their stomach.  "Really now? Are you not the prestiened y/n l/n. Who played for the khanerih'as a while back? I could've sworn you guys looked exactly alike and sounded the same. Guess they had a twin then." The person spoke, a mischievous grin on their face.  "Oh, haha, yeah. Look, I am really sorry. like I said, I don't set for a team anymore. Nor do I have interest in setting for a team." Y/n spoke them off, desperately trying to shake this person. Obviously, this was a manager of some kind, or it was paparazzi or someone they did not want to see. 

The person walked forward, leaning under the net, and walked up to y/n. They took the ball out of their hands and started tossing it up and down in their hand. They stayed silent for a long while; they sighed, and guilt and sadness crept into their posture and demeanor. "I don't want you to set for my team. I need help teaching my team… I'm the coach of the Teyvats. And whether I'd like to admit it or not, we aren't getting anywhere this season. Our setter doesn't know how to set under pressure, or well, period. And our entire team is so set on their positions that we can't get any replacements for a setter. I need your help."

"Or I fear our team will be cut. We won't be able to save it no matter how much money we throw at the situation." The person sighed before giving the ball back. A card appeared as they placed it on the top. 

"I'm not going to force you to do anything, but seeing you come here after training little kids to practice by yourself for no reason, I have a hunch you are more than missing the feeling of a ball in your hands. That's my card. Call me if you want to help." they spoke before leaving. Y/ns eyes were wide and blank. What... just happened?

After getting home and sitting down at their table, food on a plate and a fork twirling around their fingers, they stared at their phone. They started to shift through different listings for volleyball clubs. They weren't planning on joining any, but it didn't stop them from craving the feeling of setting a hitter and watching the joy in their eyes as the ball smashed through the mental wall of the blockers. Something about bringing a team together, watching the hitter meet new heights they've never hit, their side of the board going up in points. The feeling of adrenaline just thinking of the sight accompanied the yearning. Y/n knew they would have those emotions until they were old and unable to hold a knitting needle. Y/n felt a heavy sigh escape their lips. Their eyes traced to the table over to the card they were left with before. y/ns lips felt a twinge of hesitance.

Their arms tense the stomach-turning feeling returned. While yes, they missed setting. They weren't going to deny that fact. Y/n also knew that was not what they would be facing. If this coach, Barbatos, which they found through a quick google search, was being flat with them: the job would probably be intense training with the setter. That would be all. It would be a minuscule chance that they would be setting anyone but the setter of the Teyvats. 

y/n bit their lips before their arm sprang forward, grabbing the card. On it was contact information of all sorts, business email, office hours, their assistants(apparently their names were Barbara and Rosaria) emails, and his phone number. y/n stared at it. If it didn't clash too much with their training times, would it really hurt to help? After all, they were already training little kids. What would one setter every other day(which is what they assumed were the practice days from previous experience) do? Interrupt their time on the couch doing nothing other than 

regretting life choices and having an essential crisis? Yeah, maybe it would be worth it…

Taking a deep inhale. Y/n pressed the dial button and put the phone to their ear. It took a few rings, but soon a voice answered, "Hello~ Venti is here!" 

"Uh, hi! I'm y/n from the gym today. I'm calling about the job you offered." Y/n spoke, nervousness in their chest and in their words. They didn't know if this would end in catastrophe or not. 

"AH! Y/N!! Should have said that sooner" Venti spoke, a giggle joining his voice. Y/n heard shoes squeaking on the floor in the background, "it is a pleasure to hear you wanted to learn more about my offer. I assume you want to know more details as of right now?" 

"Uhm, yeah-" y/n barely even replied before Barbatos was off speaking again.  "Lovely! If you joined the team and me, the practices would be every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. You'd be helping our senior setter, Kaeya. I'd be paying you not only the ability to use the court after us for however long you'd like but a pretty penny as well." Venti spoke, telling Y/n most of the details. "Of course, if you have the longing of the ball in your hands like a bard longing for a guitar, you can also help us with usual practice if you'd like."

"Oh, and the times would be whatever you're comfortable with. I know you have lessons for little upbringings throughout the week. While we usually practice mid-day to late at night, I don't mind setting aside some time in our practice for you!" Venti spoke, a pun slipping into his words towards the end. Y/n was blown away by all the information thrown at them all at once. Y/n thought it over for a few seconds.

It might have seemed rude that y/n was silent, but it wasn't a small side job. Considering the season had just started, the games would begin after about half a month, and if Barbatos was so worried for the setter of the team, he went out of his way to go grab someone who had long retired from the sport… it would take a lot of work. 

Y/n thought it over for a few more moments before sighing. What's the worse that could happen? If you didn't like the setter? That was hardly a problem. Difficulties with teammates definitely weren't uncommon, and it would only be coaching the setter, not full-on playing with him. "Alright, when do you want me to come in first?" You finally said, taking a leap of faith into something you didn't know if you'd regret, love, or not care about. 

"Yay! I'm so glad I could convince you to come to join me. Now I know this may be the last second, but how about you come to dinner with us after practice. Meet the team!" Venti suggested, a smile prominent in his voice. You stared at your plate of leftovers that looked a little too cold to eat anymore, "sure. Where at?"

A/N : Hello there! ive actually been writing this childe x reader for an EXTREMELY long time, i just havent posted it on tumblr :( if you want to read it via wattpad here is the link to the book!