pairing: Cyno X gn! reader
Warning: Angst and mentions of death
A/n: So, I just want to mention again that these posts are to celebrate my blog's 4-year anniversary and the others will be linked in the anniversary post here!
Often times Cyno often layed in bed and questioned the decision he would make if his ideals and desires one day collided. He often weighed his decisions and came to the conclusion that he wouldn't let go of his ideals. He saw it as an interesting concept but never a reality at least not until today. His muscles tensed as he raced through Sumeru city to get to the Academia. His lungs burned and his sweat dripped profusely across his entire body.
"Theif, you shall not be spared by the Matra!", He heard someone yell. He hoped and prayed that his intel was wrong but it was rarely wrong. Yet he held faith in Hamanubis that this would be some cruel joke.
"If this was past Sumeru, you would be killed quietly in a corner", Another voice said.
The closer he got, he could see your familiar tuft of hair. Your head dropped as you hiccupped between cries. "I didn't do this, I know that's what the evidence is pointing to but I swear I know nothing about this!"
Your voice was shaking, you didn't sound the way you usually did and now you were covered in cuts and bruises that would get infected if no one helped you out.
"Step away from them," He spoke firmly. He could feel the rage bubbling within him as his eyes glanced at your restraints. You looked up at him and he could see a glimmer of hope in your eyes. But he couldn't relax not when he understood the gravity of the situation.
"General, this person is in charge of all previous cases of the stolen commodity. They and their people are in charge of crippling the economy and trade of all of Sumeru as we know it!"
It was a lie. Cyno knew it. He didn't have to see the evidence to know it.
"What are the grounds and evidence of your claims?" He inquired, his eyes not leaving you and his mind not ceasing its prayers.
"The fingerprints analysis of her and those on the abandoned carriers in the desert line up as well as various photos of her with the fatui."
Both were suspicious but the odds of you working with the people who killed your parents are highly unlikely. If anything, you were probably seeking revenge. He would make sure to scold you when you got out of here. The fingerprint would be a tougher case to dispute.
"General Cyno, Carriers are not touched by mere passersby in Sumeru. As they do not work at Caravan Ribat to inspect goods, unless she was actively involved, it would make no sense for their fingerprint to be there!" A matra argued.
It was a solid line of reasoning. "Did you question the suspect?" He asked as sourness filled his mouth. It didn't feel right to call you a suspect but if he let a term of endearment slip, there would be no way for him to save you.
"Yes, but they insist they had no part in it and they just happened to be caught up in the middle. They mentioned helping a child going by the name of Zamba that they met in Sumeru City. No names were found in the archives"
"Then we shall take their word on it and search for Zamba. It would destroy the face of the Matra if we gave undeserving sentences".
"But if we let them go and they escape, they could likely cause more trouble. We shall detain them in prison for three days while we investigate."
He grits his teeth. He couldn't stop you from going to prison as it was standard protocol. It was just three days, he needed you to hang on for three days while he got the evidence to set you free. He could save you and still stick to his ideals.
"Cyno! Cyno, please! The crimes I am being accused of are grave, the prisoners were starved because of it. If they get word that I may-"
"I'll look into it," He cut you off. But it was cold, too cold. He could see the last rays of hope completely fade from your eyes. It was like you knew something that he did not. Yet, if he spoke any longer, he wasn't sure how much longer he'd be able to keep his emotions at bay.
As soon as he was left to his own advances, he endlessly scoured the desert looking and searching for clues. His body begged for rest and yet he knew that if he closed his eyes, you would be behind bars.
As Hamanubis would have it, he found the real culprits and brought them to the Academia. He could feel his body crashing and yet he wouldn't give in, not until you were back home safe. Not until he could hold you to fall asleep. Not until he could kiss your worries away and have you back.
On his arrival at the academia, the other Matra gave each other solemn looks as they scratched the back of they're heads. "The person from earlier is innocent as per my report. I had expected to see you processing their release."
No response. Cyno cocked his head and looked at them once more. He couldn't understand why none of them refused to bring you out. Why were they choosing to keep his happiness away from him? Why were they choosing to deny him of his lover? He hadn't slept in days and yet they chose to withdraw his slumber further by keeping them away!
"General... They were killed. It slipped that they were a suspect and-"
"And you let the other prisoners mess with them?" He yelled. His calm exterior faltered in the blink of an eye.
He felt himself fall to his knees as his palms dug into the ground. He could feel Hamanubis' power slipping out of him uncontrollably. He was too angry to stay calm. He was too upset to keep up a Facade. He wanted everyone and anyone to pay for the grave mistake.
Cyno coughed loudly as he broke into a cold sweat. His eyes dashed around to the familiar walls and bedding till they landed on you staring at him concerned. You looked sleepy and your general appearance was dishevelled. but you were unharmed and in one piece, just the way he liked you. It was all a terrible dream. He sighed in relief.
"Are you ok, Cyno. Do you need me to-" His arms engulfed you as his fingers traced patterns into your back.
"Just hug me. That's all I need my love."
"Alright, " You sigh. Your eyes are still heavy but you can tell he needs this from you."I love you."
"I love you too. And please run away from anyone named Zamba."