souline

“The more you hate, the more you love,” they say, Diluc merely scoffs at this. He spent half of his life resenting the people of your nation and field of work, yet he wonders why he gravitates towards you despite being his so-called enemy.

-

Diluc’s eyes turn into slits as he and the last person he ever wanted to cross paths with makes eye contact. “Get out.”

You let out a gasp and clutched your chest, feigning a hurt expression. “I haven’t even been here for less than a minute and you already want me gone, Master Diluc?”

The darknight hero grits his teeth, “Get out before I drag your ass out of my premises.”

You clicked your tongue, “Always so cruel.”

Enraged, Diluc lunges, but halts his movements when he sees you clutching your abdomen, hands coated in crimson. “Why are you-“ His words falter as you stagger, and Diluc barely managed to catch you without almost falling himself.

He scowls,” What the hell is wrong with you?”

You notice the latter’s fleeting gaze and smile grimly, “I didn’t know where else to go.”

-

“Just because I’m doing this doesn’t mean we’re on good terms, fatui.”

“The thought never crossed my mind.” You let out an airy chuckle, but winced when Diluc pressed a cloth against your wound, “Can’t you be more gentle, Diluc?"

The latter forces himself to not pinch the other’s injury as a means of revenge. “We are not on a first name basis.”

“I’d say we’re past that, seeing as you’re in my lap right now-“ Diluc’s face flush a vivid red as he strikes you in the head. “Ow! You ought to be more careful with your patients!”

“Get the fuck out. I don’t know what came over me that I even let you stay here even after lights out.”

You pout, “You do know you can drop the act? It’s finally just us, babe.” You could feel the darknight’s embarrassment seeping through the room, cheeks flared so scarlet that could rival the hue of his hair.

“You’re so insufferable,” Diluc shoves away from your grasp and snarls, “I have no clue on why I even agreed to have some kind of relationship with someone as the likes of you-“

You only hum in response as you pull the latter closer by the waist, “Hm. What else?”

“Just thinking about my feelings for you makes me feel repulsed. I can’t believe I’m actually here with you out of all people.” Diluc continues to ramble on, “You’re stubborn, careless, a war freak, and yet here I am succumbing to your fucking charms once again-”

You kissed the crown of his head, “And?”

“I hate you.” The darknight seethes, but momentarily relaxes when you give him a peck on the lips.

“One more.” Your voice turned husky, teasing. You kissed your lover once more, your contact lasting longer than the previous ones. “I want one more.”

Diluc wanted to swipe your stupid grin off of your face. “I hate you so-mph!”

classmate!diluc who you rarely saw in class. He was absent on most days due to his bartending jobs and as the secretary on records, it was a nightmare trying to file his countless absences. You had no idea why he even needs part-time jobs, seeing as he’s the sole heir of a wealthy company.

classmate!diluc who bumps into you on a saturday night. His heart skips a beat upon seeing you, but this thrill quickly disappears when he notices the grimace on your face. His eyes flick to the drink man who has a hand clasped around your wrist and he fumes.

classmate!diluc who is usually level-headed, but he loses all his composure when you are jeopardized. He pushes himself in between you and the stranger and whispers threats under his breath. The man flees, much to his delight, and you’re flooded with relief.

classmate!diluc who is the embodiment of the phrase, “nonchalant to others, clingy to you.” Ever since the incident at the grocery, he has watched you like a hawk. You were forever grateful to be under his protection and Diluc couldn’t be happier when you asked to eat dinner with him one day. He said yes. He can never say no to you.

-

classmate!childe who is a heartthrob and everyone wants to either be with him, or be him. Aside from that, he’s also known as the loud volleyball captain. People vie for his attention, but his heart already belonged to a special someone. You.

classmate!childe who was just inches away from your body. you caught him snooping around his coach’s office for his confiscated cigarettes. the slight turn of the doorknob made you two stop bickering and he panics, pulling you into a locker with him. You could feel your two hearts beating in unison, and even under the dim lights, you were still the most gorgeous sight his eyes have laid upon.

classmate!childe whose heart couldn’t stop beating fast. It was because of your close forced proximity, and the fact that he can get in serious trouble if his coach finds you with him. The fact that you were scolding him relentlessly wasn’t helping his case so he thinks of the next best way to shush you. with your consent, he manages to quiet you down with his lips against yours.

-

classmate!kaeya who’s notorious for balancing his bar life and good grades, which is why everyone’s dumbfounded when he’s suddenly dropped from the honor’s list. He finds himself spending less time at school and more at the bar near campus.

classmate!kaeya who’s a good friend of yours, so you check up on how he’s doing when you learned that he’s no longer his class’s top student. You are met with teary eyes and a tight embrace when you asked him what was wrong.

classmate!kaeya who opens up to you about his problems with his family, brother, and academics, alongside the pressure of always being number one. You console him and from then on, you two were inseparable. You tutored him at times, as literature wasn’t his forte, and in exchange, he taught you chemistry.

classmate!kaeya who’s forever grateful to have someone like you in his life. You’re a person he knows he can depend on, and for that he’d gladly walk through fire for you. He hopes you feel the same way, for Kaeya can and will sacrifice everything for the sake of your wellbeing. That’s what you do for the people you love, right?

-

classmate!zhongli who works at the cafe near your university. He met you during finals week, and even when you had dishevelled hair and furrowed eyebrows, he still thought you were his prettiest customer yet.

classmate!zhongli who was ecstatic that you became a regular of his. His shift could never be complete without serving you once. Your smile, voice, and overall presence became a part of his daily routine, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

classmate!zhongli who becomes your classmate when he’s transferred to your school under an exchange student program. He was glad to see a familiar face amongst a group of strangers in his class, and unbeknownst to him, you felt the same way. You were growing accustomed to seeing Zhongli in your everyday life, and you couldn’t wait to show him around campus.

-

classmate!venti who’s always late and out and about. unlike most students who study until the early hours when finals week is around, you’re more likely to bump into him at the town’s local bar, wine in hand, and with the least of worries for his barely passing grades.

classmate!venti who became your partner for a project worth 70% of your grades. you’re a high academic achiever, and it's safe to say you were worried. he doesn’t have the best track record as a groupmate, so you could only hope he lessens his drinking and won’t be a freeloader.

classmate!venti who surprises everyone one day when he’s on time for his morning classes, as he was notorious for skipping them every monday for a quick nap. he has also been a great help with your schoolwork, so maybe your partner isn’t as bad as you think he is.

classmate!venti’s gaze wanders to your figure from across the room, and he could only shake his head at your denseness. he hoped that he wouldn’t have to resort to flat out kissing you just so he could set his feelings straight.

-

classmate!xiao who’s fiery glare intimidates everyone, and you weren’t an exception, as he scares you with how much he stares when he thinks you’re not looking. does he hate you that much?

classmate!xiao who lives just right across your street, but you never see him outside of school. it’s weird how as soon as the bell rings, he’s bolting out of campus. maybe the rumours of him doing sketchy business were true?

classmate!xiao who you encounter one day under a misty sky, rain entrapping the both of you under a waiting shed. he sighs upon seeing your wet clothes and stands up, taking you off guard. you almost flinched when he made the move to remove the blazer from his shoulders and wrapped it around your own.

classmate!xiao bit the inside of his cheek to reign in his giddiness. you looked so cute wearing something of his. one day, he'll finally be able to gain the courage to confess to you, and maybe then, he’ll allow you to steal all his clothes, very much like how he allowed you to take his heart that was solely yours.

-

classmate!heizou who has everyone swooning. self proclaimed as the best criminology student in school, he was thrown off his high throne when you entered the picture, a young exchange student deemed a prodigy, originating from his rival school.

classmate!heizou who you hated with your whole being. He’s egoistic, harsh, and doesn’t take no for an answer. you’ve come to realise of the third fact, as he didn’t even let you have a say on his proposal to you two fake dating. it was beneficial for both of you, he argued. he gets to shake off the girls after his tail, and the people who bother you won’t dare lay a hand on someone who’s romantically associated with him.

classmate!heizou who kisses your cheek the moment he walks into your classroom, resulting in your classmates being rendered speechless. you fought the urge to roll your eyes at his gestures; he was always so dramatic.

classmate!heizou whose eyes soften as he starts to think that maybe, asking to fake date you was only a way for him to feel what being your boyfriend would’ve been like. Who would’ve thought that while you saw your "relationship" as mere acting, he was never pretending in the first place.

-

classmate!kazuha who considered the campus his second home, for even during the weekends he could be found cleaning the school library and assisting his professors. It was endearing, so whenever you have free time, you accompany him.

classmate!kazuha who catches you off guard when he’s suddenly at your doorstep, soaked in the rain and eyes brimming with tears. you were dumbfounded, for you were used to seeing him so composed. nevertheless, you welcomed him with open arms, and you found yourself wrapped tight around his that night.

classmate!kazuha who shares that he’s been financially struggling, which is why he takes any job available at your school. heartbroken, you offer to just live together and split the rent. He tried declining at first, but after much insisting, he said yes. after all, he could never say no to you.

You were always hesitant on letting Heizou do his job as the number one Tenryou Commision detective. It wasn’t a safe job, and by no means were you a stranger to the thrill of danger, it’s just that you’d prefer your sly detective lover to stay intact.

-

“Don’t you dare."

Heizou can feel goosebumps coat his skin at how deadly your glare was. He lets out a strained chuckle, “I don’t have a say on this plan, love.”

You crossed your arms with a huff, “I don’t think you acting as bait to lure in the enemies is a good idea, Shikanoin.”

Heizou frowns at the way he’s addressed, “Come on now, I’ll be fine. I’ve been trained for these kinds of situations.”

“It’s not that I don’t think you’re strong enough, it’s just-“ You pause for a second. “I can’t lose you too.” You murmured under your breath, turning away from the latter.

“What do you mean? You’re not going to lose me.” Heizou said, moving close to the wanderer. You stay silent, making the detective grow more worried by the second. “Hey, what’s going through that pretty head of yours?”

A frown makes its way to your lips, “Just be careful, okay?”

“I always am,” Heizou says with a smile, enveloping his beloved in a reassuring embrace by the waist. “If I ever get hurt, you have my permission to punish me in whatever way you please.”

You chuckle at his statement, “Okay. We’ll break up if I even see a small scratch on your arm.”

Heizou gasps like he’s wounded, looking down at you with a pout, “You’re going to let me go just like that?”

“I’m just kidding.” You gaze at him through your lashes with a smile, making Heizou’s heart melt.

The detective’s hold on you tightens as he leans closer, foreheads touching. “I’ll make sure to stay scratch-free for the remainder of the plan. Now ease your worries, okay?”

You sigh in content, “Okay.”

“I’ll never leave you, (Y/n).” Heizou whispers his promise to his lover.

You smile at this and whisper back with equal fervor, “I’ll never leave you too.”

Heizou lets out an airy laugh, “How ironic it is to hear that coming from a wanderer.”

Grieving was already hard enough, what more when knowing you were the cause of the love of your life’s death? Albedo wished he could turn back time and rewind his past mistakes, just to ensure a tranquil forever with you.

-

“Albedo,” I hear a voice behind me.

I didn’t even need to turn around to know who it was, “Leave me be, Kaeya.”

I heard him shuffle closer towards my table, “Come on, Albedo. They’re waiting for you.”

I’m not one to lose my temper but everyone’s been on my nerves lately. I faced him with a grimace, “If you’re not here to talk about work then you may as well leave.”

“Albedo,” He had that sympathetic look on his face again. “You need to see them.”

I hated the way he looked at me with pity. It’s what everyone’s been looking at me with ever since they passed away.

My hand formed a tight fist, “(Y/N) got killed because of me.”

Kaeya frowns, “You're not the reason they did-”

“They would still be here with me if I just went with them.” I could feel my chest tightening, “It should’ve been me.”

“It should’ve been no one.” Kaeya shakes his head, “They were ambushed, Albedo. It wasn’t your fault that they got caught up in it all. No one saw it coming.”

I stayed silent to let him know that I didn't want to talk about it anymore. Kaeya seemed to notice that I wasn’t in the mood and sighed defeatedly. I turned my back to him and tried to focus on what I was writing, but my vision clouded and I could feel tears prickling in the corner of my eyes. There was only silence for a couple of minutes and I thought that Kaeya had already left, but I felt a hand lay on my shoulder.

“If you ever want to visit, you know where to find them.”

-

“You’re here!”

I couldn’t help but smile at their enthusiasm as I neared Windrise, “I told you I’d show up.”

You sheepishly smiled, “I wasn’t expecting you to show up since it seemed like you were busy, Albedo”

“I’ll always make time for you, (Y/N).” My eyes averted to the bouquet of windwheel aster they had in their arms, “Did you pick these?”

You nodded, “I need them for this experiment I’ve been working on and-“

You continued talking. You were always talkative around me, it was something I noticed. We bring out a side of each other that no one else but us can see.

“Oh, it’s nearing midnight.” You frowned. I never noticed how time passes by so fast whenever I’m with them. “Let’s go back, Albedo. We both have somewhere to be tomorrow.”

I nodded, holding out my hand. “I’ll walk you home, love.”

You flushed, a vivid red that could rival a ruby, “No no, it’s fine. I still have to pick up a couple of things before going home.”

“Are you sure?” I was hesitant, but you insisted that you'd be alright.

“I'll get going then,” I planted a kiss on their forehead, “I’ll see you later.”

-

Never in my life have I ever regretted doing something, not until that moment.

“A part of me died with you that night,” I whispered to no one in particular.

It was cold tonight, and I could hear the faint tune of a lyre being strummed across the graveyard. I leaned my head onto my love’s headstone and tried to fight back my tears.

No matter how many times I've tried, pretending to remain stoic became harder day by day. I buried my face in my hands and stifled a cry.

I would’ve never gone here under normal circumstances because of the guilt I feel to the very depths of my soul, but it was unfair for me to not at least pay my respects. It was no use avoiding going here too. Drowning myself in work wasn’t something (Y/N) would’ve wanted me to do and no matter how hard I mourn and even if I cry tears that could rival the ocean, it wouldn't bring them back.

They were gone for good, and I had to come to terms with it.

Not even in my next life would I want to spend it with no one else but them.

"I'll love you forever, Albedo."

“Forever?”

“Yes.”

Folklore ; cardigan - It was evident that Kazuha still hasn’t moved on from his past lover. Him accepting your confession was probably out of pity, and the longer you’re with him, the more you’ve come to realize that the very man you’d be willing to brawl with the heavens for wouldn’t even lift a finger for your sake. Before, his presence lingered like a tattoo kiss and you felt over the moon whenever you were with him. But now, the euphoria he made you felt and the stars he made you see wasn’t enough to conceal that the scars you’ve tried so hard to hide were now bleeding. Despite all the what-ifs, you knew you had to let him go.

Lover ; Cruel Summer - If you were to tell your 10 years old self that you were secretly dating your brother’s best friend, you’d be endlessly gagging, but the summer night you said yes to be his partner was the night you sealed your fate. Loving Alhaitham was a hard thing, and your secrecy was causing a strain in your relationship. In an attempt to reconcile with him during your last summer together, you snuck out, leading to an angry confession that you were afraid he’d find someone else better when he goes away. What doesn't kill you makes you want him more, and hearing him say that he loves you was probably the worst thing you’ve ever heard.

Reputation ; Don’t Blame Me - You were a heartbreaker, but being that was the least of your worries when you were working as an assassin. Betrayal, death, and seduction; all of these were principles you’ve mastered in order for you to survive and fend for yourself. When you were transferred to a new location, least to say that you were stunned to see that your new boss was your ex. Scaramouche was taught from a young age to have pride in himself, but you were an exception to this. Shame be damned, you believed that he’d really do anything for you when he went on his knees and begged for you to stay. You became his drug, and he was ready to indulge in you for the rest of his life.

I’d Lie - Your relationship with Xiao has always been rocky. You were always the receiving end of his snarky comments and bad mood, and you had no clue why, but whatever he felt for you, you felt the opposite. It was safe to say you were smitten. Seventeen was always just a number for you, but it became so much more when you discovered that was his birthdate. Green never looked so good, not until he dyed his hair the exact color. And even though he claimed that he hated you, he had you in a tight embrace when you were at your lowest. You knew he’ll never reciprocate your feelings, so you made sure that no one knew your biggest wish was to be his. On the contrary, he couldn’t deny that what he knew what he was feeling for you wasn’t exactly hatred, but if you ever asked him if he loves you, he’d lie.

1989 ; Wonderland - Being born under a spotlight was a curse. You spent almost your whole life monitored by the public eye, and you felt suffocated because one wrong move could cause your reputation to go in shambles. Fake people came with fame, which is why when you met Heizou, you felt that you could finally let down your facade. Being with him felt like you were in wonderland every time, and while he’s a bit of a troublemaker, you could never say no when he flashes you his green eyes and cheshire cat smile. Life wasn’t the worst nor was it getting any better, but to be with him forever was a daydream you didn’t mind getting lost in.

Speak Now ; Back To December - December was a month everyone looked forward to celebrating. It encapsulates the season of giving and the celebration of Christmas. For you, December was anything but joyous, for once November weaves into the winters, you’re taken back to the time you lost your everything. Kaeya and you had your issues, whether it be with others or with yourselves, but he became a better man for you. He saw you as his pillar and a reason for growth, but you didn’t see him the same. He was ready to give you the world, but you were already planning on saying goodbye. You wished you weren’t stupid enough to let him go, for if given the chance to love again, you swore that you’d love him right.

Midnights ; Midnight Rain - Thoma had always envisioned a future that was built on the sole purpose of being yours. He was willing to risk it all for the sake of your happiness, but unbeknownst to him, your vision was the complete opposite. You were willing to sacrifice your relationship and everything that the both of you have established together just to have a name for yourself. You wish you never told him what you were thinking, for your ideology was an idea he couldn’t comprehend, and you ended up losing your love before your so-called future even started.

Fearless (TV) ; You Belong with Me - Spending almost half of your life pining after your best friend was exhausting to say the least. Childe’s an idiot, a really dense idiot, and you wonder what made you fall for him this hard. He’s also kind of an asshole for suddenly ignoring you, so right after greeting him one last happy birthday, you’ve decided to finally move on…Huh? What do you mean he’standing in front of my window holding a placard? You must be hallucinating.

Nations apart, you and Thoma keep in contact via writing each other letters. While he missed Mondstadt dearly, one thing he learnt from his trip is that home is not found in a nation, rather with a person.

And Thoma finds his home in you.

-

To: Kamisato (Y/N)

Hello, my liege! How have you, Lord Ayato and Lady Ayaka been? Have you guys been doing alright?

I just wanted to thank you again for giving me the chance to visit Mondstadt! There truly is no place like home. It was so nice being able to just wander around and catch up with my old friends. Do you remember Diluc, my liege? I bumped into him yesterday, and he’s still as charming as ever!

Oh, right. I know that you gave me 2 weeks to stay here, but I’ll be going back to Inazuma with Captain Beidou in 5 days. As much as I love being back here in my childhood nation, I have my responsibilities there.

And even though I’m technically back home, I can’t help but think of the home I have back in Inazuma with you...and my lady and lord too hahah

I’ll see you soon, my liege!

Sincerely,

Thoma

-

You received the letter a couple days later, stuffed in an envelope double its size and crinkled into a million folds.

"Who is that from, (Y/N)?" You almost jumped out of your skin when Ayaka's suddenly behind you, sneaking a peek at the paper in your hand. She notices Thoma's signature at the bottom and giggles.

Before she could say anything else, you usher her out of your room. When you were sure your sister wasn't going to sneak up on you again, you bring out a pad of paper and a quill with some ink.

-

Dear Thoma,

I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t delighted to have received a letter from you. I’m glad you’re enjoying your time there. I would’ve preferred if you stayed for the remainder of your trip, but I knew that you would’ve insisted on ending your vacation early regardless. Make the most of your remaining days there, okay?

Also yes, I vaguely remembered you talking about Mr. Ragnvindr. He was all you talked about when you first came here. I must admit, being the owner of a renowned winery was the least I expected of your childhood friend.

Moving on, we have been doing well, but it isn’t the same without you here. Maybe one day I can clear my schedule and visit your childhood nation, but as of now, I’m satisfied with having you by my side.

I'll be waiting for you here at our home, Thoma.

Love,

(Y/N)

Albedo's now sick, and while you're used to him falling ill, it's his boldness that comes along with it that never fails to catch you off guard.

“Achoo!”

You fought the urge to roll your eyes, hands occupied on making food. Albedo sees your expression and sighs, “I’m really fine, (Y/N).”

“If you think you’re fine after fainting due to exhaustion, then I'm not sure if you’re any better than Jean and her workaholic habits.” You murmur under your breath, glancing at your superior’s laying form on your bed, with his disheveled hair and sunken eyes. “Albedo, please consider taking a couple days off. Sucrose and I can vouch for you while you rest.”

Albedo doesn’t look amused, “I can’t just let you two do all the work. I’m supposed to be there to lead this experiment.”

You knew he wouldn’t consider your offer, but it was worth a shot to persuade him. You say nothing else and rummaged through your cabinets, grabbing some medicine.

“You don’t need to do all of this for me.” He says as you make your way towards him after, carrying a tray of food.

“But I want to,” You reply, placing the tray near his bedside, “Please eat up and take these medicines, we can resume the experiment later in the afternoon and when your fever’s gone.”

Albedo just nods as he starts eating without protest. You're at least relieved that he’s willing to take a break for the rest of the morning.

“Rest well, Albedo.” You offer the latter a small smile and make a move to stand up when you suddenly feel a hand coiling around your wrist.

“Don’t go,” Albedo’s hand move towards your arm, pulling you close to his side. “Stay with me, please?”

You could feel your face heat up as he inches closer. You were now facing each other, forehead almost touching. “A-are you sure you don’t want to be alone?” You stammered.

“Rest with me.” He pleads, a small frown on his flushed face. “I don’t want my favorite alchemist to end up with the same circumstance as mine due to them overworking too.”

You make a noise, a mixture of a scoff and a laugh. “I’m your only fellow alchemist, Albedo”

It felt like your relationship with Xiao was too good to be true.

He was everything you wanted in a man; resilient, strong-willed, and treats you no less than what you deserve.

You would’ve never guessed that your partner was a wanted man. For when with you, he's simply Xiao, not the vigilant hacker who's under fire for his misdeeds and most certainly not the sly criminal he was deemed as.

Xiao feels at his safest when he’s with you. He always has ever since you found him at his lowest, injured and left to die in a dark alleyway. He felt like you were his saving grace, a glimmer of hope he could cling to.

He does feel immense guilt whenever he lies about his real occupation, but it’s all for your own good, right?

Xiao may appear to be stoic, but in actuality, he's always restless at night thinking about how a so-called cunning man like him was loved by someone as angelic like you.