N1 ganyu luvr

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

your apartment is quiet in the way that only late evenings can manage. the kind of quiet that settles into the corners and makes the whole world feel smaller, softer, and warmer. the city bustles distantly beyond the window, but in your room, there’s only the low warmth of a lamp and the muffled dialogue of a show playing in the living room that no one’s watching.

cipher shows up unannounced, like she always does. one knock, or maybe no knock at all. usually she enters through your window- why, or how she enters this way is a mystery. the first couple of times she materializes in your room, leaning against your doorframe, hood drawn up, and shadows pooling around her, you nearly put a hole through your ceiling. but even then, even in those first startled moments, the two fuzzy telltale ears poking through the top of her hood give her away completely. it’s very hard to be frightened of someone whose disguise is betrayed by something so soft and so utterly adorable.

“miss me?” she grins, stepping towards you before you answer

the two of you end up on the couch the way you always do, gravitating towards each other without a second thought. you’ve come to learn that cipher is not one to enjoy being fussed over. she doesn’t melt for grand gestures or patient waiting. cipher enjoys quiet normalcy, the simple, unspoken assumptions. so, you don’t make a performance when you lift your arm, quietly inviting her to fill the space. 

she sits close, snuggling up to you closer than she’ll ever admit, pulls her legs up beneath her, and angles herself toward the television with an expression of mild interest. As the show progresses, she presses herself tighter against you. her shoulder presses against yours, her elbow finds your ribs, and her hands find yours. little points of contact that she arranges with the precision of someone who has thought about this for more than she lets on. 

it's been maybe 30 minutes into the show, some sappy drama she had loudly declared beneath her and has since watched every episode of, when you shift your free hand to her hair. it’s not a decision so much as a natural thing, the way reaching for her always is. your fingers subconsciously drift past the soft fall of her hair, and then, gently find the base of one of her ears.

cipher flinches, her hand immediately flying up and wrapping around your wrist.

“what do you think you’re doing,” she says. it is not quite a question. her eyes do not leave the television.

you wait. 

cipher doesn’t budge.

after a moment, her grip loosens, fingers sliding down your wrist, quietly granting you permission with a small, dismissive huff.

so you continue.

her ear twitches beneath your fingers, small and involuntary and devastating. the tips of her ears begin to flush a beautiful, faint pink as you continue your gentle ministrations, her head subconsciously lifting upwards into your hand.

“i’m only letting you do this,” she says, very quietly, “because you clearly need the entertainment.”

“mhmm,” you respond knowingly.

cipher scoffs, but her head leans further into your touch, and the hand that was wrapped around your wrist a moment ago finds the fabric of your sleeve instead, holding on with a quiet, telltale grip. her breathing evens out slowly, and then, so quietly you almost miss it, a sound begins to hum beneath her composure. low, soft, and rhythmic- the kind of sound that seems to surprise even her, because she freezes the instant she realises you heard it. 

the silence that follows is enormous.

 “that,” she says, with a tremendous dignity, “did not happen.”

you open your mouth to respond.

“do not,” she warns.

you close your mouth shut, pressing your lips together very firmly against the smile that's threatening to spread across your face. you resume petting her ears with the same unhurried patience as before, and within a minute the sound is back. this time, it's quieter, more careful, like she’s allowing it in the smallest possible increments and reserving the right to deny everything.

cipher’s ears are glowing pink all the way to the tips now. she keeps her gaze fixed on the television, her jaw set at an angle that signals that she’s trying very, very hard to keep her dignity. 

“you’re smug,” she accuses, her eyes still glued to the tv. “i can feel your smugness from here.”

“i didn’t even say anything,” you reject

“you’re thinking loudly.”

you gently scratch behind her ear, and she makes an involuntary sound that is not dignified in the slightest. something small, light and helpless, a soft, uncontrollable noise that slips past every wall she has ever built before she even has the chance to know it is coming. cipher immediately buries her face into your shoulder in embarrassment. she stutters out half-formed sentences in an attempt to preserve some dignity, but she quickly realizes this situation is not salvageable. the purring, now muffled against your sleeve, continues with complete indifference to her now ruined pride.

you feel her fingers on your shirt tighten.

“i hate this.” she informs your shoulder

you press your cheek softly to the top of her head. “no you don’t,” you say, just as softly

a long pause.

“you tell anybody about this,” her voice muffled, “and i’ll make your life very difficult.” 

“i know,” you say warmly.

“i have resources.”

“i know.”

“i have connections.”

“cipher.”

she pauses. “what.”

“you’re cute like this.”

her purring stutters. she lets out an indignant noise and shifts as if she’s considering relocating entirely, but her grip on your shirt only tightens, and she does not move an inch. 

you resume petting and scratching her ears, her purring returning stronger, fuller, and warmer, rolling through her chest like it has stopped asking for permission. the flush that had been sitting carefully at the tips of her ears bleeds downward, spreading across her cheeks in a way she cannot school away, no matter how high she holds her chin. 

“i want you to know,” cipher says, her voice still reaching for her usual polished register, “that i am allowing this. this is a choice i am making.”

“okay.” you respond softly

“i’m in complete control,” she murmurs into your shoulder. there’s no edge left in her voice. it’s barely louder than a breath

“i know you are.” 

cipher falls quiet. 

the tv plays on, the show long forgotten. outside, the bustle of the city outside is barely audible. the quiet, warm, certain weight of cipher pressed against your side is the only thing on your mind. 

you look down at her. at the curve of her ear still warm beneath your fingers. at the flush still sitting softly on her cheek. at the slow rise and fall of her chest, her breathing stripped of its usual performance, belonging only to her and to this room and to the quiet that has settled so completely around the two of you. she looks nothing like the woman who appeared in your doorframe this evening, all her bravado nowhere to be found.

you let the silence sit, your fingers continuing to move in slow, unhurried circles. you are in no rush. you would stay like this indefinitely if cipher would let you, and a quiet, hopeful part of you suspects that tonight, she might. 

“don’t stop.” she whispers

“i won’t.”

cipher falls quiet after that, her threats and protests finally running dry, leaving nothing behind but the soft, even sound of her breathing and the warm, steady hum of her purring against your shoulder. 

at some point, her grip on your shirt, which had been so tight and so insistent, loosens by degrees. her fingers uncurl slowly, going slack against the fabric. her breathing, already slow, deepens further, each exhale growing longer, quieter, and further apart, until it finds a rhythm that has nothing of wakefulness left in it. you feel the last of her weight give way all at once. her head grows heavy against your shoulder. her body, which had carried even in its most relaxed moments some residual thread of composure, relaxes completely.

you glance down at her. at the slow rise and fall of her chest. at her face, smooth now and quiet, the flush on her cheeks faded to something soft and barely there. at her ears, no longer pink with embarrassment, simply resting. 

you carefully, slowly, reach over and turn the volume down on the television until the room is almost silent. then you settle back, adjust your shoulder gently so she is comfortable, and rest your cheek against the top of her head before closing your eyes. cipher sleeps on, unaware and unguarded. 

you don’t move.

you don’t dare.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.

• for someone who's existed for so long, ei is embarrassingly inexperienced when it comes to relationships. having dedicated much of her existence to the pursuit of eternity, she hasn't allowed herself to explore or indulge in such transient connections. in her eyes, romance was simply a distraction from her ultimate goal

• but it turns out, even archons aren't immune to catching feelings. when ei realizes that her feelings for you transcend mere acquaintance or friendship, she's genuinely confused. why does her chest feel tight when you smile? how do you always find your way into her thoughts when she's trying to meditate? why does every hour apart seem like an eternity, her heart counting down each moment until she can finally see you again?

• she actually consults yae miko, who is absolutely delighted to tease ei about finally experiencing her first crush after all these centuries

• ei's confession to you is terribly awkward. she's faced unimaginable enemies and terrors without flinching, but when it comes time to express her feelings to you, she can't even complete a sentence or look you in the eyes

• every first in your relationship is monumental to her: the first time you hold hands (she marvels at how soft your hands are), the first time she says "i love you", and her first kiss (she gets nervous and asks how she did)

• you'll also start to notice ei's habit of watching you while you go through your daily routines. if you ask her what she's doing, she'll just respond with something like: "im just observing" or that she's just "appreciating the moment". in reality, ei's completely head over heels for you and doesn't want to miss even a single moment of your existence

• ei is surprisingly competitive at board games! she always gets adorably frustrated whenever she loses and constantly demands rematches. you've never seen the electro archon pout, but there's always a first time for everything! when she does finally win, she'll visibly beam, her eyes lighting up with satisfaction

• ei's protective instincts go into overdrive the moment she discovers you've been injured. her expression shifts immediately from her usual composure to genuine concern, and she's crouched by your side, eyes scanning your entire body to assess the damage

• no matter how minor the injury is, you'll always get a scolding as ei personally tends to your wounds. her touch is very gentle despite her immense power- centuries of wielding the blade has blessed her with precise control

• deep down, ei struggles with feeling helpless when she can't fix everything instantly. you might catch her staring at her hands in frustration, wishing her combat prowess could translate to healing abilities

• ei is probably not the first person anyone would turn to for emotional support, and she is aware of this. she's spent much of her existence alone in the plane, removed from the messy and complicated world of human emotions. she worries often that she isn't able to provide the support you need in these situations, that she'll say the wrong thing or use the wrong tone

• luckily, even though she may not be the best with words, she makes up for it with her sheer presence. when something is bothering or hurting you, ei stays. she doesn't fidget, doesn't try to rush you through it, doesn't even try to find the fastest way to solve your problems. she just simply sits beside you or holds you in her arms, letting you know that she's not going anywhere

• ei hates to see you cry. her chest aches terribly at the sight of your tears, though she does not panic. she'll pull you close and hold you with a gentleness that almost feels reverent, like you're the most precious thing in the world. she might not say much, but her arms around you easily convey everything she doesn't yet know how to put into words

• on the other hand, ei is terrible at admitting when she's hurt. she'll continually insist that she's fine, even when she's obviously limping or favoring one arm

• when she finally accepts your help, she becomes oddly calm, almost docile. ei is not used to being vulnerable and receiving care like this, so her cheeks will flush a light shade of pink and her eyes will flick all over, unsure of where to look

• throughout her entire treatment, she'll repeatedly apologize for burdening you with her problems, so just be sure to remind her that caring for someone you love is never a burden!

• as your relationship furthers, ei will slowly learn that strength isn't just about standing alone, but about trusting someone enough to lean on them <3

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

navia -`✮´-

• navia will become an absolute master at your personal dictionary! the way you slightly tilt your head, a specific crinkle in your eyes, or the way you tap your finger- she understands it all like its plain english

• she'll make sure your pockets along with all the surfaces in poisson are always stocked with little notepads and pencils for you to use

• she'll also buy you notebooks and journals in all sorts of designs. elegant leatherbound books for home, cute, waterproof ones for outings, and even a small one that you can clip to your belt or keychain

• in social situations, navia will never assume she knows what you want to say. she'll always lean in close and double check with you. she doesn't want to just be your voice, she wants to be your amplifier, making sure your opinion is always taken into account during conversations

• navia will occasionally invent some secret "code" gestures for the two of you. something like three quick blinks stands for "lets leave" or drawing a little star on her palm for "i love you"!

• will absolutely love sharing quiet moments with you! she finds enjoyment in the silence, whether it's walking through the rain, sitting under the stars, or just fighting back smiles while exchanging little written notes and sketches in silence <3

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

furina -`✮´-

• furina is your self proclaimed "voice of justice"! she always defends you with everything she has whenever you struggle to be understood. though, she will add her own layer of flair and flourish to your words that never fails to make you grin

• furina might also build a small, private "stage" for the two of you in a little corner of you two's home. she'll practice her lines, moves, and monologues in front of you, her silent audience! just be sure to give her a loving round of applause when she finishes her private performance

• she'll be adamant about making you her co-star onstage! she never lets your muteness stop her. she'll write roles just for you, filled with expressive gestures, clever sleight of hand tricks, or even miming. audiences will always be captivated not just by the way you perform, but also by the effortless way furina draws you into the spotlight, transforming your silence into the star of the show!

• the day you shyly show furina your first handwritten play, her eyes will go wide with unbridled excitement, sweeping you up in a flurry of hugs and declarations, already plotting how to bring your script to life on the grand stage

• no matter the subject, furina will insist that your playwrites deserve a top billing in every theatre across fontaine. the very first night your words are performed in front of a crowd of fontaine's finest, furina will beam brighter than anyone! her heart is full knowing that your silent yet powerful words have reached so many

• in quieter moments, furina confides that she envies how you can communicate and express so much without words, wishing she could do the same when she's out of the spotlight

• she admires the way you can just "listen to the world", telling you how she's always wished she could be so at peace without speaking

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

ayaka -`✮´-

• ayaka always tells you that your silence never feels empty. she'll sheepishly declare that she can feel your heart and love in every gentle squeeze of your hand, in the warmth of your smile, and in every one of your gestures!

• she'll take special care to make social events gentler and easier for you to navigate, acting as your guide and advocate the entire night. if anyone dares neglect your attempts to communicate, ayaka will firmly redirect the conversation in a rare display of sternness

• whenever you express yourself through poetry, calligraphy, or paintings, ayaka will treasure each piece like precious gifts from your heart. she'll display your works in her study and room, proud that you've found your own way to "speak" to the world

• ayaka will also make sure that all the servants in the kamisato estate are not only aware of your muteness, but also learn how to communicate with you effectively. this means devising a simple gesture system that allows for you to convey your needs quickly

• in private, she is no longer the oh so popular shirasagi himegimi. instead, she is just "ayaka", an ordinary girl. and lucky for you, her favorite pastimes with you rarely involve speaking! tiptoeing past the servants and guards to prepare snacks, immersing yourselves in yae publishing house's hottest new release, or simply just taking a nap together- wrapped up in each other's embrace, of course <3

• your muteness isn't and will never be a negative trait in ayaka's eyes, as she's learned how to find enjoyment and comfort in your silence! its a stark contrast and a well needed respite from the chaotic world of inazuman politics

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

cipher -`✮´-

• cipher will immediately puff up with pride, pretending like she doesn't care

"hah, of course i am!"

• but cipher's whole expression will light up. her grin will stretch wide, eyes sparkling like twin galaxies, and her ears will perk up and twitch in excitement

• her tail will swish uncontrollably, betraying how giddy she feels inside, even if she tries to maintain her usual smug composure

• she'll practically strut for the rest of the day, shoulders back, head held high, every step radiating with the confidence your praise gave her

• from now on, cipher might even deliberately doing little things to earn the praise. fetching something for you, finishing tasks faster, or just behaving a bit sweeter than usual- though she’ll absolutely deny it if you point it out

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

silver wolf -`✮´-

• at first, silver wolf will freeze up, the words slowly registering in her mind

• she'll let out a flustered little laugh, tugging her hoodie up to hide the way her cheeks glow pink

• if you drop it when your playing games together, she'll definitely lock in and play even harder, determined to hear you say it again

• despite outwardly brushing off the praise, your words will loop in her head for hours afterward, a dopey smile creeping into her face every time she replays the moment

• in quieter moments, silver wolf will ask you to "say it again..." in the softest, shyest tone, like she's afraid you'll tease her for it

how could you ever say no to her?

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

castorice -`✮´-

• castorice will instantly go bright, bright red. her eyes will immediately fly to the ground, not daring to meet yours, but she'll whisper a tiny "...thank you"

• she'll think back to the romance novels she secretly adores, recalling how the main character would always react so strongly when called a "good girl". she never understood why the author made such a fuss over a simple phrase, until now. hearing it from you, feeling the warmth and affection behind it, she realizes exactly why the protagonist's reaction was so intense

• castorice will likely never muster up the courage to ask you to call her "good girl" again, but she'll still secretly long to hear it once more

• and no matter how many times you say it, the effect will never go away. every time, castorice will always blush a deep red, her hands will fidget nervously at her sides, and she'll look away as though the words are too much for her to handle(they are)

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

robin -`✮´-

• robin will definitely be surprised the first time you call her "good girl". she's used to being praised for her singing, but this kind of praise coming from you has her blushing so bad she has to hide behind her wings

"d-don't say it so casually..."

• but, calling robin a good girl in public, or worse, in front of her fans, is something you should never, ever do. the last thing she wants is to be caught blushing and flustered when so many eyes are on her! so just save it for when it's just you two okay?

• if you do slip up in public, she will do an incredible job at keeping her composure. to the crowd, she'll just like she took a polite pause, but you'll see the tips of her ears turn pink and she'll avoid looking in your direction for the rest of the event

• be aware, the worst part is yet to come. good luck dealing with a angry, flustered bird backstage (don't worry to much though- how could she ever stay mad at you?)

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

hysilens -`✮´-

• your words don't cause a dramatic startle. hysilens kinda just freezes up, stopping whatever she's doing, her usual fluid movements completely gone

• there's no blush, no sputter, just a deep, searching look in her eyes

"a good...girl? like a loyal dolphin guiding its pod to safer waters?"

• don't worry! once you have explained your words and she has processed the analogy to her satisfaction, a rare smile will wash across her face

• if she wasn't already sitting or laying next to you, she would quickly lower herself to sit next to you. you'll catch a small sigh escape her lips before you feel her lean her weight against you, just ever so slightly, like a ship gently listing against a dock

• in the future, hysilens will not be afraid to ask for it again

"that phrase you call me...'good girl' the waters are calm tonight...it would be a suitable time to... hear it again"

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

seele -`✮´-

• "surprise" is an understatement. your words absolutely floor poor seele. she'll freeze mid motion, breath held for what seems like an eternity

• a blush explodes across her face, so fast and so intense it's almost like a flashbang

"wha-?! what did you just say?!" her voice is a full octave higher than usual

"who-who are you calling a good girl?? are you making fun of me?"

• beneath all the yelling and bluster, her heart is doing somersaults. no one's ever called her something so soft, so vulnerable before. it's the exact opposite of the "formidable fighter" image she cultivates, and a secret, sensitive part of her preens at the affectionate praise

• her aggressive front collapses just as fast as it erupted

"s-sorry...didn't mean to...yell. you just...surprised me, is all"

• now she'll turn her back to you, hugging herself tightly

"d-don't look at me right now..."

• this isn't rejection. it's her way of hiding the fact that she's smiling like an complete idiot

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

jean -`✮´-

• her pen freezes completely in her hand, a small ink blot forming on the document she was in midst of signing

"i...pardon?"

• her first instinct to deflect the compliment, like she often does, but her protest lacks any conviction. deep down, jean craves this. her entire life is built on being capable, reliable, and strong for others. to be called "good girl" touches a deep, rarely acknowledged need to just be loved, not just relied upon

• your praise probably won't be reciprocated vocally. such casual endearment feels foreign on her tongue. instead, she shows it. she'll ensure your favorite meal is waiting for you, or she'll gently straighten your collar before you go out

• if you stand your ground, her denial will melt into a warm, flustered happiness. and, in a rare moment of assertiveness, jean might even grab a hold of your hand

 "to hear you say that...it truly...warms my heart. thank you"

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

ganyu -`✮´-

• ganyu will let out a soft, quiet squeak of surprise, her hands immediately flying to her mouth as a brilliant red blush blooms across her face

• her first instinct is to make herself smaller. she might hug a pillow to herself like a shield, or take a half-step back, her eyes wide and shimmering

"i-i'm not...im just doing my job...a-as i should...'good girl' is...such a generous thing so say..."

• she can't even form a complete sentence. her mind has left her

• while still shy, ganyu becomes much more inclined to seek out small, physical touches after being called that. a brief hug from behind, leaning her head on your shoulder while reading, or gently holding onto the sleeve of your coat. it's her silent way of saying, "i'm your good girl, and i want to be close to you"

• and, in her next nap, you may catch her mumble something about the phrase "good girl". who knows what she may be dreaming about?

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

chiori -`✮´-

"have you lost your mind? i am not your pet"

• despite her harsh words, your words most definitely hit home. you'll notice a faint, beautiful pink creep into her neck. and if you look even closer, you might notice the corners of chiori's mouth twitch, fighting back a a tiny, reluctant smile. suddenly the spool of thread in front of her as become very, very interesting

• in the end, chiori won't offer you much of a reaction, but you know she's never been the expressive, emotive type. what'd you expect?

• though, at some point, she will inevitably flip the script on you. she'll use the term with devastating nonchalance, casually dropping it when you've completed a chore or errand she asked you to do. "good pet," she'll plainly state before moving on to another topic, leaving you utterly flustered and confused

• no matter how this game of who calls who "good girl," "good pet," or whatever, plays out, you will always be the loser. if she flusters you, she wins. and if you fluster chiori- actually, lets be real- you aren't flustering chiori, no matter what you do. unlucky

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

lauma -`✮´-

• the world will fall silent. the chirp of nearby birds quieting, the rustling of leaves stilling, as if the nature around her is holding it's breath, awaiting her reaction. lauma will gently cast her gaze upon you, her luminous eyes wide with a soft surprise, before a luminous smile graces her lips

• at closer observation, you swear you can see a dim, silvery glow around lauma

• she would take no offense to it, only finding the label endearing!

"though, i must say, 'good'...feels...small. perhaps 'benevolent' would be more suitable"

• she'll say something like this not to chide you, but just to playful jest and engage with you

and in the future, she'll reciprocate this sentiment in her own way!

"what a sweet, brave little creature you are..."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

ei -`✮´-

glasses that let you step into your beloved’s dreams! 100% authentic, partially enchanted.

"can it be used for reconnaissance?"

• the salesman will give a theatrical bow and a winking grin. ei will sigh and buy them. partly out of curiosity, partly because she will appreciate any tool that may help protect you. in this case, protect you from...uhhh...nightmares...yeah...

• she'll just tuck them in a drawer, completely forgetting about them until she catches you snoozing on the couch

"for scientific purposes" she'll mumble to herself before slipping them on

• ei will see a dream of you and her in a little domestic montage. you both attempting to bake a cake that goes hilariously wrong(what did she expect). im talking eggs cracking onto the counter instead of the bowl, frosting smeared across your faces, and the oven emitting suspicious puffs of smoke

• next, ei sees you two building a tiny paper shrine together. you gently guide ei's hands pointing out little details and humming softly as you fold the paper together

• finally, the dream will end with a slow, quiet evening scene. you two will sit side by side on a cliff overlooking the ocean, fireworks blooming above the dark water. ei will rest her head lightly on your shoulder, your hands intertwined, the fireworks reflecting in her eyes as small splashes of color

• even as the dream slowly fades away, ei will linger with the glasses still on, savoring the afterimage. she'll blink, unused to her chest feeling light. your dream will make a rare, small but real smile bloom across her face

• she'll take off the glasses slowly, fingertips trembling. she'll let out a deep sigh, brushing a loose strand of your hair off your forehead

"...this is what you dream of..."

• later, she will insist on trying the baking scene for real, reading the recipe like a battle plan

we both know exactly how that will end up

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

clorinde -`✮´-

• on a routine grocery run, clorinde will encounter the mysterious salesman in a quiet corner of a crowded market. "these glasses can see dream" yeah right..."

• but curiosity will get the better of her, and she will purchase a pair despite her better judgement

• you'll notice clorinde beginning to appear whenever you take your usual naps, lingering nearby under the guise of checking on small tasks of organizing her gear

• when she finally catches you asleep, she'll quickly whip out her newly acquired glasses

• sliding them on, she'll expect nonsense or failure, but instead she'll see a dream of you, standing alone in a rain soaked courtyard from your past, feeling isolated and lost. you're clutching a small trinket or keepsake, tears streaming down your face, calling out for an unknown person, someone important, while muttering words of self doubt. clorinde can feel the ache in your voice as if it were her own, every cry of your voice a bullet through her chest

• clorinde will be instantly hit with a pang of guilt that you have carried such sadness alone. she'll continue to watch dreadfully as the dream continues to unfold, her heart shattering as she desperately wishes she was able to step into that dream and wrap you in her arms, to silence those words with reassurance

• after the dream grows fuzzy, marking the end, she will take a small, quiet breath and slide closer to you. without saying a word, she will rest her hand gently on your shoulder or tuck a loose blanket around you, her own way of giving comfort that you didn't even know you needed

• she'll quietly set the glasses aside, vowing to never touch them again. some things, like your private thoughts and emotions, are meant to remain yours, and she'll silently resolve to protect and care for you without ever intruding into that personal space again

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

yelan -`✮´-

• overhearing the salesman in the market, yelan will not buy the glasses in the open street like everyone else. instead, she will intercept him later in an alley, cornering him and asking if his goods truly work

• she usually doesn't go through so much trouble to circumvent scams, but she's many stories about these glasses that can "see dreams"

• the salesman will babble nervously about "unparalleled dream-vision technology," and yelan will just lean in and take a pair, leaving behind an IOU card as payment

• slipping on the glasses will feel like slipping into a private theatre. knowing you, yelan will be fully prepared to watch some nonsensical dream, given the glasses actually work

• and to her slight surprise, the glasses do in fact work. the dream will open with you standing at the helm of a ship that vaguely resembles a bird, hair plastered by heroic wind, and a parade of seagulls forming a solemn escort behind you

• a presumably enemy teacup ship will be pulling up alongside your ship, filled with a band of cartoonish guards and...yelan? to her amusement and slighy dismay, yelan will be bound to the mast, calling out your name like a maiden in distress

"really? this is how you picture me?"

• in true dream fashion, you'll leap from your bird-ship, perform a ridiculous double backflip, and land on the deck with a smug grin. you''ll dramatically spin in, rolling under the guard's spears, and use nothing but a souvenir parasol to disarm all of them

• at the climax, you'll theatrically slash away yelan's bindings before swooping her up in a big hug, fireworks and confetti going off in the background

• real life yelan will blink once, then twice, and an incredulous smile will slide across her face. she will remove the glasses and mouth, very quietly, "what on earth...?"

• she absolutely has to get you back for how your dream-version of her was portrayed. the next time you nap, she'll be right there whispering little teases in your ear just to influence your dream, determined to make sure her image in your imagination is as untouchable and dazzling as the real thing!

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

herta -`✮´-

• herta probably already owns a pair of the dream seeing glasses, stashed away in some random drawer in her lab. seeing the mysterious vendor selling them only serves as a reminder to put them to use

• later, when she catches you napping in a corner of her lab, she'll slip on the glasses, not expecting much

• to her surprise, she'll be pulled into a dreamscape where she sees herself walking hand in hand with you through a starlit observatory. dream-herta will be pointing out constellations while you listen along, your eyes full of awe and amusement

• in the dream, you'll stop her mid sentence to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, smiling so fondly it makes her chest tighten. you'll tell her how much you love having her by your side, and real-herta will quickly take the glasses off, face burning

• she'll but the glasses right back on though. she needs to see where this is going

• by the end of the dream, where dream-herta shyly kisses your forehead and whispers that your the most important person in her life, the glasses will come flying off again. she'll blink back into the real world, but the echo of those words will linger, leaving herta with an almost uncontrollable urge to just wrap you in her arms and never let go

• afterwards, she will definitely avoid you for a little while, because she will keep replaying the dream in her head. and the times she's around you, she’ll be terribly obvious in her attempts to act normal. crossing her arms, avoiding eye contact, and grumbling about your "illogical imagination"

• but at the same time, she'll be unusually soft with you, lingering near, constantly asking if you need anything from her

"...hypothetically...what would you do if i took a break from my work to stargaze with you?"

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

kafka -`✮´-

• kafka will not believe the salesman at all, but she'll still buy the glasses out of pure curiosity. if they work, she'll get to peek at your dreams, and if not, she'll at least get a laugh out of you later

• she'll wait until you're in bed, sound asleep before slipping them on. and to her amusement, the glasses do in fact work.

• what she'll see is you tangled up in a dream where dream-Kafka has you pinned against a wall with her finger trailing along your jaw, whispering teasing things softly in your ear

• she'll laugh under her breath when she notices how flustered you look in your own dream. pupils blown wide, face bright red, chest heaving up and down in shallow pants

"oh, darling...so this is what's going on in that pretty little head of yours?"

• dream-you will mutter something shameless, like asking kafka to "be a little rougher" or calling her "so beautiful it's unfair". she'll watch you squirm under dream kafka's fiery gaze, your cheeks hot and voice cracking as she leans in close enough so you''ll feel the warmth of her breath brushing against your lips

• she'll lean in slowly, savoring the anticipation, until her mouth finally finds yours. her kiss will start languid and teasing, just enough pressure to make you chase after more

• she'll kiss you like she's savoring a fine wine. unhurried, indulgent, and entirely in control, her tongue slipping past your lips with practiced ease

• your hands grab and paw at her coat, pulling her closer out of desperation, but she'll only chuckle into the kiss, silencing any potential reply by pressing her lips even tighter against yours

• she'll press you closer against the wall, her knee slipping between your thighs as you quiver against her body. when she finally pulls back, your lips will be swollen, your breathing ragged, and a beautiful red blush spread across your entire face

• removing the glasses, real kafka will close her eyes for a brief moment, as if replaying the memory, savoring it one last time before deciding how best to turn your dream into reality

"seems i'll have to give you the real thing...can't have you dreaming forever can i?"

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

jean -`✮´-

• jean will be very protective of you, she'll always make sure you're within view of her while you play around in the favonius hq. but don't worry, she won't trap you within the headquarters. if you so wish to go outdoors, she'll assign guards to follow you on your little adventure

• despite her overwhelming duties as acting grand master, she will always carve out time for you, even if it's just a quiet lunch in her office or walking you home after a busy day

• jean will also be endlessly patient with all your questions and curiosities, no matter how small. no matter how many times you tug her sleeve to ask about the knights, old folk tales, or her sword, she'll answer gently and thoroughly(or give her blade a small swing).

• she'll make sure that you are well mannered. she'll make sure to teach you how to be kind, respectful, and thoughtful. but she'll try not to scold you harshly, opting to gently explain why something is wrong and how you can grow from it

• if you're ever tired, she'll let you nap on her lap in her office chair while she quietly finishes paperwork, careful not to disturb your rest

• and, if you're ever feeling unwell, don't worry! she has barbara on speed dial. jean will frantically nearby while you're being treated, and insist you take it easy until you're fully recovered

• jean will also enjoy to small moments: brushing dirt off your clothes after playing outside, adjusting your cloak so you won't catch a cold, or braiding your hair the way she used to as a child

• taking care of you gives jean rare moments where she can set aside the heavy mantle of acting grand master. instead of worrying about duties, reports, or responsibilities, she simply gets to be "jean", someone who can laugh, listen, and care without the weight of the city on her shoulders

• but, if you ever call her "big sis", or even worse, "mom", she'll get visibly flustered, her usual composure slipping

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

lisa -`✮´-

• lisa usually can't help but but tease the knights or even your friends, but with you, it's always softer. she'll gently poke your nose, call you her "little spark", or chuckle when you get flustered

• even after long days in the library, lisa will happily read to you before you leave for your home at night. sometimes, she'll "accidentally" chose a scary story to read aloud. halfway through, when you cling to her sleeve with wide eyes, she'll let out a soft laugh, close the book, and soothe you with gentle strokes through your hair

• those moments are her secret favorite, when you trust her enough to lean in close. she'll hum a lullaby under her breath or replace the scary story with one of her own made up fairy tales, whimsical and safe. and when you finally relax, she always slips in a reassuring, "see, my little spark? nothing scary at all when i'm here"

• lisa will also spoil you rotten. always slipping you extra pastries or treats, making your favorite tea, or pulling out a blanket when you fall asleep at her desk

• she never calls it "spoiling," of course. she insists it's just "good care" though, the way she always manages to have your favorite candy tucked away in her desk

• she'll slowly and gently involve you in her studies, letting you peek at spellbooks or watch her experiments, explaining just enough to spark your curiosity while keeping things safe

• lisa has no problem doting on you in public. she'll openly pat your head, rest her hand on your shoulder, or pulling you into her side. she says it's just natural for her to keep her "little one" close

• she'll be very proud of your accomplishments, whether you tied your shoes or learned to read a complicated map, she will announce it like a small parade. there is never a shortness of praise with lisa! she makes sure you always feel loved, wanted, and celebrated.

her little spark deserves all the warmth in the world!

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

aglaea -`✮´-

• aglaea will spot you (with her threads) laughing with another guest from across the room, and her chest will register a small, clinical tightening. she'll watch for a beat, evaluating tone, posture, and the cadence of your voices. is it friendly? flirtatious?

• she will approach slowly, because she prefers to observe before intervening. the walk towards you will be quiet, almost predatory in calmness

• you'll see her slowly approach you out of the corner of your eye. even without looking, you can feel the weight of her gaze upon your shoulders

• when aglaea is finally within reaching distance, you'll swiftly pull aglaea to you by the sleeve, lean in, and press a kiss to her lips like it's the most natural thing in the world

• the usually composed aglaea can only blink in surprise, the hint of a startled smile tugging at one corner. and when you pull away, her composure cracks into something like stunned delight, a small, pleased breath escaping her lips

• you'll loop your arm around aglaea and introduce her as "your partner in crime". aglaea will respond with a cold, clipped greeting... that dissolves into a soft laugh.

• she'll definitely scold you later, but tonight her ears will stay a slight, dusty pink

fluster level: 3/10

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

bronya -`✮´-

• when bronya first spots you talking with the stranger, she tells herself that it's nothing. what's wrong with you talking to others? plus, you've always been friendly. still , her sharp eyes can’t help but linger on the way the stranger leans in, laughing softly at something you said

"am i overthinking this? or are they truly enjoying this person's company more than mine?"

• it's not jealously she feels, exactly, but a restless unease that makes her gloves tighten into faint fists at her side

• you'll notice bronya out of the corner of your eye, standing straighter than usual, lips pressed into a thin line. she's not storming over, but she's close enough that you know she's keeping an ear on your conversation

• eventually she'll approach. her intent is only to check in, maybe offer a polite word to remind the stranger of her presence. but before she can speak, you turn toward her with a bright smile, reaching out to lace your fingers with hers and tugging her closer. you then lean in and brush a kiss against her cheek, or perhaps press one firmly to her lips without hesitation

• bronya freezes. her composure cracks instantly. eyes blown wide, breath caught, a bright red blush blooming across her face. she'll try to say something, but will end up stuttering out an incomprehensive sentence instead

"w-wh-what are you...doing? right here? in front of everyone?" she'll stammer

• in an attempt to hide from the onlookers, she will step closer to you, slipping an arm around your waist before burying her face against your shoulder. the warmth of her blush will seep through your shirt, and though she will stay silent, you will feel the faintest tremor of her sigh

"you...you are insufferable..."

fluster rating: 10/10

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

himeko -`✮´-

• himeko usually isn't the jealous type, but a small flicker of doubt will spark in her chest as she continues to watch quietly. the way their eyes seemingly move up and down your body. the way you seem to be flushing under their gaze. himeko will continue to watch quietly, sipping her coffee, telling herself it's nothing

• when she finally has had enough, she'll gracefully make her way over, her presence calm and composed as always. you don't even notice himeko until she places a gentle hand on your arm or shoulder.

• the doubt in her heart will dissolve the moment you turn around, lighting up at her arrival. without hesitation, you'll lean in and give her an affectionate kiss on the cheek.

• himeko will freeze for half a second. despite being a composed leader, she isn't immune to surprises, especially when it comes to you being openly affectionate in front of others. her refined mask will crack, the corner of her lips will quiver up into a soft, almost bashful smile. and, if you look closely enough you might even be able to catch the faintest blush bloom across her cheeks!

• she'll let out a soft chuckle, ruffling your hair as a form of payback

"darling...feeling bold today?"

• once the conversation wraps up, himeko will lean closer and slip her hand into yours with a gentle but affectionate squeeze. she won't admit it outloud, but she'll be touched. your single act of affection will have silenced every lingering doubt she had in the span of a heartbeat.

• but be warned, you were the one who broke the pda barrier. for now on, himeko will no longer hold herself back when the urge to show affection strikes, whenever it may be

fluster level: 4/10

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

navia -`✮´-

• navia's first instinct is to trust you, but her heart betrays her. she's confident in herself and in your relationship, but when she sees you chatting that warmly with someone else, a little string tightens in her chest

"don't be silly...they wouldn't..."

• she'll try and rationalize the situation. tell herself the stranger is just asking for directions. maybe you're just being polite? but she notices how animated you look, and how close you're standing, and she starts feeling that creeping heat of jealousy that she doesn't often let herself indulge in

• navia won't sit on the feeling for too long, sauntering over to you with a confident smile. she'll try to play it casual, but there will be a tiny waver in her voice when she greets you.

• whether it's slipping an arm around her waist, leaning in to press a quick kiss to her cheek, or intertwining your fingers, whatever you do has navia's heart doing a somersault. that show of affection catches her completely off guard

• you will practically see navia's confidence crumble away. her cheeks flush pink, her golden eyes go wide, and her hand instantly flies to her hat like she's trying to hide behind the brim

"o-oh...well! i see someone missed me..." she laughs nervously, stumbling over he usual eloquence

• once she recovers though, with a playful little tug on your sleeve to bring you closer, she’ll lean in and press a lingering kiss to your lips! take that!

"you do really know how to make a girls heart race, don't you?"

fluster level: 5/10

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

keqing -`✮´-

• keqing is sharp, focused, and not one to let distractions pull her away from her responsibilities… but when her eyes catch you talking animatedly with another person...

• she'll try to convince herself that she's reading too much into it, but the longer she watches, the more her mind spirals

• she won't storm over right away. instead, she'll try to get your attention from afar by showing signs of displeasure. crossing her arms a little tighter, tapping her foot against the ground, and glaring at you

• eventually her patience will fray. with a brisk and assertive step, she'll walk over under the guise of "checking in"

• even just casually wrapping an arm around her waist or lacing your fingers through hers in front of the other person will have keqing's heart racing. her entire body will stiffen, her breath will catch, and she'll sputter out a quick "w-what are you doing?!", her sharp tone betraying her nerves more than her irritation

• she'll try to pull back at first, her pride clashing with the heat rising in her chest, but the sincerity in your gesture softens her resistance. she won't ever admit it out loud, but she loves that you so confidently showed who you belong to

• her fluster doesn't stop at just her voice. her cheeks will be bright, bright red, eyes will be looking everywhere but yours, and she'll be muttering something about you being "so careless" or "unbelievable"

• after she's recovered a little, she'll try to salvage her composure by lecturing you in her usual straightforward way. "you can't just do things like that out of nowhere...!" but the tremor in her voice and the way she's still clinging tightly to your sleeve gives her away

• if you dare tease her about how cute she looks when she's flustered...you might actually be banished to sleeping on the couch...

fluster rating: 9/10

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

yae miko -`✮´-

• yae's default reaction is amusement, her lips curling into a sly smile as she thinks "my, my...what's this? are they trying to make me jealous?" even if she's not entirely serious, there's a little pang of possessiveness hidden beneath her teasing thoughts. but, she'll remain at a distance, pretending to be occupied with her own business while her ears are subtly twitching in your direction

• she tells herself that she is above petty jealously, but the longer the conversation goes on, the more she can't resist. eventually, she'll glide over with a sigh, ready to playfully insert herself into the conversation

• but before she can even open her mouth, you slip an arm around her waist and pull her close, close enough to press a kiss to her temple and introduce her as your partner.

• the reaction is sadly small, but immediate. her smirk will falter for a second, her eyes will widen just a tad, and a faint pink blush will dust her cheeks

"little one...how bold of you to make such a display in front of others..."

• as soon as the stranger awkwardly dismisses themselves, yae will not waste a second. her hand will snake around your wrist with a gentle but deliberate tug, leading you away from the busy path into a quieter corner where prying eyes won't follow

"you really do enjoy keeping me on my toes, don't you?"

• before you can even offer a reply, yae leans in and closes the distance. her kiss is deep, lingering, and far more passionate than the quick little display you gave her earlier. a proper kiss.

"now we're even..."

fluster rating: 3/10

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

shenhe -`✮´-

• shenhe will watch you converse with the stranger from a distance. her face willl remain serene, unreadable, as she chooses to continue to observe

• shenhe will feel an unsual weight in her chest as she watches you speak with the stranger. she'll notice herself focusing on the small details of your interaction: the way you lean in, the way the stranger smiles, the warmth in your tone

"they are only speaking. there is no threat to them. why does it trouble me so?"

• despite her willpower, shenhe feels herself being pulled towards your interaction as a result of this unknown emotion. she'll move toward you in the same composed manner she will use for any proper approach

• when you greet shenhe warmly with a kiss to the cheek, she will not flinch her flush, only offering you a bit of a confused look

• she'll awkwardly pull you away with the person you were talking with, leading you to a quieter corner of the street before admitting that she felt an odd pull toward you, as though she needed to be beside you, but cannot explain why

• you'll explain with a laugh that this unknown feeling that's been plaguing her is jealousy. to soften her confusion, you will explain that her instinct to stand by your side is an expression of affection. her heart is telling her something before her mind can process it

"if jealously means i wish to remain near you, then...i will not fight it"

fluster level: 1/10

it was a warm summer night. the paper lanterns hanging in ganyu's home courtyard glowed like small moons, casting a faint yellow light across the stone and bamboo mats. a gentle ocean breeze stirred the many wind chimes hanging at the eaves, and somewhere in the distance you could hear the harbor's nightly hustle and bustle.

your parents had to leave town for a few days, something about "important work". you didn't really understand much, but all you knew was that you'd be under the care of ganyu, one of your parent's coworkers, in the meantime.

you'd seen her many times before. miss ganyu was quiet, gentle, and always had a shy smile when she visited your home. she'd often take you along while she worked, letting you nap in her lap or distract her with questions about qilins. and, if you ever felt shy, anxious, or overwhelmed, she'd soothe you with her calm voice and sweet smile, gently holding your hand. at night, she'd tell you stories of old liyue, but would water them down to be more magical than serious. after all, she wouldn't want to burden you with heavy history you probably wouldn't understand.

so when your parents left you in ganyu's care, it wasn't anything frightening- more like an adventure. ganyu had promised a "special evening" with her family. before long, her house was filled with new voices. the steady but soft presence of shenhe, and the grand arrival of auntie cloud retainer.

they had decided on game night on impulse. cloud retainer had suggested it first, saying she had once played such things with other adepti long ago. you clapped eagerly at the idea, proclaiming that you would beat them all, an announcement that amused scoffs.

quickly, a low wooden table was set up in the center of the courtyard. on it lay a simple board game consisting of little carved tokens, a trail of painted tiles, and a deck of story-illustrated cards that ganyu had chosen, thinking the tales might please everyone. beside the game, shenhe had set out a plate of warm rice cakes dusted with osmanthus sugar alongside a woven basket of steamed buns. a nearby tray held a steaming pot of jasmine tea for the adults, and a pitcher of ice cold lemonade reserved just for you.

you bounced on the mat beside them, cheeks flushed with excitement. ganyu gracefully dealt everyone their hands, chuckling when she saw you smirking behind your hand of cards, eyeing everyone else down.

the game began with light competitiveness. you happily rolled the painted dice every turn and moved your token, not giving much thought to holding or playing your cards strategically. ganyu was the opposite, hoarding cards out of indecisiveness, though she was thoughtfully sweet and apologetic when she blocked your token's path the couple times she did utilize her cards. shenhe's choices were precise, almost merciless in their efficiency. she generally remained emotionless, save for when you pouted, offering you the gentlest smile she could muster while patting your head. cloud retainer played every turn with a sly grin, narrating each turn as if it was an ancient battle. she teased you often, and you retaliated with dramatic groans and triumphant whoops.

halfway through the first round, ganyu stood and offered everyone a plate of freshly made sesame balls. you accepted the snack with no complaints, wolfing down your portion at impressive speeds for a mere child. shenhe, who did not usually bother with overt tenderness, reached out with to gently dab away the crumbs that had found their way to your chin and cheeks.

one round gave way to another, and soon you were moving onto another game. the rounds became more lively, and competition grew more fierce. the games slowed down as more thought was put into each turn. analysis between ganyu and cloud retainer grew more animated. shenhe, quiet as she was, made the occasional pointed observation that cut through the conversation, sending everyone into fits of laughter.

at some point in the night, you let out a yawn. no one said anything, and the games continued. but, as the group moved onto the fourth board game of the night, you could start to feel your eyes getting heavy. this was noted by everyone, the way ganyu's fingers paused over a deck of cards, the way cloud retainer's smile softened. you tried to fight the sleep, eyes stubbornly open, but it was late, and your head involuntarily tipped forward for a moment, the world becoming lopsided and blurred.

ganyu slid closer, gentle and unworried. "you can rest if you like," she offered, patting her lap. you shook your head, set on trying to fight against the drowsiness invading your mind. you played another round, but by then you couldn't keep your eyes open anymore. you crawled defeated into ganyu's soft lap, resting your head against her chest. ganyu could only dumbly smile, brushing a hair from your forehead and smoothing it back. cloud retainer leaned over and murmured an old, teasing admonition about late bedtimes. then in a low voice, started humming a traditional liyue tune, a song she had learned from the librarians at the pavilion. a small, embroidered pillow and throw was procured by shenhe, placing the pillow under your head and wrapping the blanket around your small frame.

you fell asleep that way: belly full, cheeks flushed and aching from laughter and sweet treats. your breathing evened out into a slow cadence, and a small smile- one of contentment, not mischief- bloomed across your face.

after making sure you were completely asleep, they quietly cleaned the courtyard up. shenhe gathered all the leftover food and plates, moving them back indoors while cloud retainer folded the game boards and set the pieces away in complete silence, lest she wake you from your slumber.

when the small chores were done, they sat down with ganyu, who still still held you gently in her lap. they watched you sleep for a while, your chest rising and falling, hand clasped around the hem of ganyu's dress.

they let you sleep until your breathing evened more completely and the night stretched toward its quietest hour. eventually, ganyu rose and, with the tender deliberation of a caregiver, lifted you in her arms with surprising ease. she carefully set you down on the little futon cloud retainer set out for you, the dim glow of moonlight illuminating your body. your futon smelled faintly of the rice cakes you had eaten, and ganyu fluffed the pillow until it held your head just right. as a final touch, cloud retainer placed a small charm- a tiny carved fox- beside your pillow. "for sweet dreams and brave mornings" she claimed.

when you awoke in the morning, the last thing you remembered was shenhe carefully arranging the game pieces again, her long hair spilling over her shoulders. you'd remembered you had tried your best to stay awake, but your eyelids had just grown too heavy. but, when you opened your eyes, the world had changed. instead of the lively chatter and clatter of dice, you woke up the the sound of rustling papers. you found yourself curled up on a soft couch in a quiet office room. a blanket was draped neatly over your shoulders and sunlight filtered through the high windows, casting golden patterns along the floor.

"good morning" a soft voice said. "you fell asleep during our game. shenhe and cloud retainer insisted we let you rest, so i carried you here in the morning."

still groggy, you nodded and rubbed your eyes, sinking deeper in the couch. somehow, the couch felt just as safe and magical as the game night itself, as though their laughter had followed you here.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

yae miko -`✮´-

the soft glow and flicker of lanterns bathed the shrine's central courtyard in a warm amber light, shadows looming along the stone pathways. yae stood poised at the entrance of the shrine, her eyes scanning the gathering crowd with a calculated gaze. tonight was a special festival, with dignitaries and guests from far and wide attending.

truthfully, yae was not very focused on the crowd. instead, her gaze followed a certain someone through the swarm of attendees. she found amusment in the way you weaved through the mob, dodging hands and elbows. but, her eyes narrowed slightly when she noticed you approach another guest- a scholar, whose hand briefly brushed yours as they spoke. the way they smiled at you, the easy way they leaned in, and the sincerity of your laugh- it was a sight that unsettled yae. she continued to observe, but her patience quickly whittled away. with inhuman grace and silence, she swiftly moved closer, slowing only when she in talking distance

"you seem...quite popular tonight" yae teased softly, her voice like silk with just the faintest edge of something more. she reveled in the way you jumped at the feeling of her breath on your neck, quickly whipping around to face her. the scholar straightened quickly, bowing in flustered respect

"ah, guuji yae-"

but miko's gaze slid past him, landing on you instead. she stepped into your space, her faint smile never faltering

"i see you've been working very closely with our guest...how diligent of you" she said, her fingers brushing your sleeve as if to casually brush it off "...though, you know, i've been in need of your assistance myself"

you opened your mouth to explain, but miko gently presses a slender finger to your lips to silence you

"i do hope you haven't forgotten who keeps you busiest around here" she murmured, her tone lilting a playful threat

the scholar, clearly sensing an unspoken undercurrent, quickly excuses themselves, muttering about needing to fetch something. miko straightened, watching them go before turning her full attention to you

"they were just funny" you defend, trying to be as relaxed as possible, until you see the tiny crease of something like possessiveness at the corner of yae's mouth

"oh...is that so?" yae sneers, pressing a fingertip to your chin and guiding you to meet her gaze, "you will have to do much better than that if you want me to approve of your amusements"

your breath hitches at the sharp glint in her eyes, the air between you suddenly thick with tension. for all her usual playfulness, there's something in the way she's looking at you now that makes your stomach knot

yae tilts her head ever so slightly, reading your unease with a flicker of something softer beneath her gaze. her hand lingers under your chin, but her touch gentles. "ah, i've gone and startled you haven't i? i apologize little one....my, what a cruel guuji i must seem"

she withdraws her hand slowly, as though to give you space, but her eyes never leave yours. "very well," she sighs, "i'll offer you my forgiveness, but only if you're willing to be completely honest with me. no coy deflections, no clever little half-truths"

"f-fine...if you really want the truth, i...i like it when get jealous. when you're a little possessive"

for a moment, there's only silence, then yae's ears give the faintest twitch, her eyes narrowing with sharp amusement. the corners of her mouth curl into a knowing smirk, one that tells you she's already filing this little confession away for later use

"oh? my, my....what a dangerous little taste you have," yae purrs. without warning, she cups your cheek, pulling you just close enough for her lips to firmly press against your neck. when she finally leans back, a bold crimson mark is left just below your jaw, her gaze glinting with satisfaction

"there..." she purrs, fingers gently tilting your head so the light catches it better. "now everyone will know who you belong to for the rest of the night"

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

lisa -`✮´-

you had been staring at the same paragraph for twenty minutes, the soft, insistent ticking of the library clock making your eyelids heavier by the second, with nothing to show- no sudden flash of understanding, no clever association. the textbook in front of you might as well have been written in a language you couldn't understand. as if she had read your mind, lisa suddenly peeked her head around a nearby bookshelf

"darling...you look like you're trying to wrestle an octopus with your bare hands. perhaps you would like some assistance?"

lisa settled in beside you, the fabric of her dress brushing against your arm. her perfume was a soft, floral scent that enveloped you, and immediately made your head feel fuzzy

"what exactly is the trouble?" she asked, eyes gliding over the page

"everything..." you admitted, "i can't keep the concepts straight"

lisa hummed, a sound that might have been of amusement

"well...shall we start from the top?" she tapped a sentence with a well manicured finger. when she did, her palm gently grazed your wrist, causing the hairs on your arm stand up and your attention snap like a twig. "see? that first clause connects to the second by way of implication, not causation. you cannot approach these texts too literally. try again, but this time, read it as if it's a story"

you tried, as she asked, muttering a shaking interpretation. she nodded, pleased, giving your head a couple gentle pats "nicely done dear". you instantly flushed

she began to explain the next section, but your mind was already starting to wander. lisa's proximity, scent, and touches were the only thoughts in your head. you shook yourself back to reality. you were here to learn, not to memorize the scent of lisa's perfume

lisa wasn't helping either. each one of her "helpful" touches was a small, deliberate invasion. her hand would rest on the small of your back to nudge you closer to the paper, or she would adjust your grip, fingers brushing against yours in a way that made your pulse skip

"focus darling...you have a tendency to daydream" lisa chided. you attempted to answer her most recently asked question, but her eyes pinned you with that combination of amusement and teacherly severity that you couldn't even form a coherent sentence. when she let out a soft laugh at your flustered expression, the sound was a small, private thing that made it harder and harder to assemble thoughts. "oh dear, you're awfully tense," she murmured, letting her hand trail ever so slowly along your forearm, "and here i thought we were here to study..."

you finally started to realize that lisa had read you like one of her books, sensing how wound up you'd been lately. instead of drilling concepts into your head, she'd decided to melt the stress out of you entirely

eventually, she closed the book with a soft thump, her eyes glinting knowingly. "that's enough for today. come here dear." before you could even respond, she guided you into the plush chair by the window, drawing you into her lap like it was the most natural thing in the world. her arms wrapped around you, and you felt her heartbeat through the steady rise and fall of her chest. the world outside blurred into muted sounds, the only thing sharp and clear being the gentle warmth of her embrace and the faint lavender that clung to every breath you took

"you needed this more than the lesson" she whispered against your ear, her voice laced with that same quiet, knowing amusement. and in that moment, you couldn't argue

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

mavuika -`✮´-

the night had blurred into a warm, stumbling haze. faces had long blurred together, and you remembered laughing too loudly at jokes that weren’t all that funny. you started with a couple drinks, and then another, then another, until the world tipped and you could no longer convince your legs to obey

just before you were about to black out, a steady hand slid beneath your elbow and guided you away from the press of the crowd

"easy there, had one too many drinks huh?" the stranger chuckles. "lean on me, ill get you somewhere quiet"

you tried to protest, but the words came out as a sleepy jumble. instead, you slurred a sleepy warning: "don't-don't make her angry. my girlfriend...she'll kill me if she sees me leaning on another girl." the woman who held you froze for one breath

"your girlfriend?" she repeated, voice low and amused. "she must care for you a great deal" you muttered something that sounded close to "tell her I said sorry," and draped one arm over the stranger's shoulder as if anchoring yourself. you sank into her, heavy and grateful, while the woman- mavuika, though you would not recognize her then- murmured, "we will see to that"

she guided you away from the crowd and down a narrow side street, carrying you like a cherished, sleepy relic. while mavuika slowly moved you back to your home, you babbled on

"she gets these freckles when she's flushed" you slurred. "she steals the covers and calls it a service" you go on. "she hums when she's fixing things." you move on to praises, and mavuika nearly stops in her tracks. she had been walking steadily, one arm firm around your waist to keep you upright, but now her pace slows, the corners of her lips tugging upward in a mixture of surprise and indulgent amusement

"mm? is that so?" mavuika murmurs, her voice low and silky smooth. when you call her "the most beautiful girl in teyvat," her breath leaves her in a small laugh, shaking her head. "i see...so my dear thinks so highly of me they'd even brag to strangers about it" she says softly

and when you slur out that you're lucky to have her, that no one else could compare, mavuika's eyes soften in a way you'd only recognize if you were sober. she lets out a quiet hum, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face with her free hand. "careful now," she chides, "if you keep talking like that, your 'angry girlfriend' might just forgive you before she even sees what trouble you've gotten yourself into tonight," but the way she holds you even closer and a little tighter says she's already melted <3

and when you wake up tomorrow morning, you'll find a neatly arranged plate containing warm bread and fruit, a glass of water beading with condensation, and a folded note tucked neatly underneath the rim.

you drank too much. i got you home safe next time, lean on me before the wine, not after

but it's the faint smudge of deep crimson you find on your right cheek that truly makes your heart flutter. you might not remember the details of last night, but somehow, with the warmth of her lingering care still wrapped around you, it doesn't matter

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

xilonen -`✮´-

you found xilonen curled up on her workshop's makeshift bed, as she often did, sunlight pooling over her like a blanket. her hair spilled over mattress, and her tools lay scattered around haphazardly. in this moment, xilonen looked small, almost soft and foldable

you padded closer and grabbed a blanket from a nearby chair. it was one she had once woven herself, the threadwork uneven, the mark of a beginner. you draped it over her sleeping figure delicately, being very careful not to stir xilonen awake. without really thinking, you lowered yourself onto the bench beside her to tuck the other edge of the blanket under her elbow. a long, soft exhale left her lips as your arm brushed against hers. you lightly moved a stray lock from her temple and smiled at the small crease of contentment that settled there

just as you where getting up to leave, the bench dipped as xilonen shot her hand out startlingly fast. her fingers curled around your wrist, tugging you forward with surprising strength for someone half asleep. the world tilted, and you let out a quiet gasp as you tumbled onto the bed. xilonen didn't even open her eyes, only shifting lazily, guiding you closer until you were beneath the blanket with her. she gave a soft, contented sigh, draping one arm over you and pressing her forehead lightly to your temple, as though this had been her plan all along. you reached to adjust the throw, and when your hand met the back of her neck, xilonen nuzzled deeper into your embrace

at first, you told yourself you were only going to stay a minute, but the steady rythm of xilonen's breathing, the weight of her arm, and the warmth of her body made if harder and harder to think about leavimg. your eyelids grew heavier with each quiet second, and somewhere between counting her breaths and trying to sync your breathing with hers, you slipped into a gentle sleep

you blinked awake to the sounds of...mumbling? you quickly adjusted yourself to get a better of view of xilonen's face. was she having a nightmare? her lashes fluttered as she drifted around in her dream and then, unexpectedly, she mumbled again. "stay...never let you go" the words were so plain yet honest that your chest warmed as if someone had poured tea into it. you couldn't control the smile that bloomed across your face, and you also couldn't resist planting a featherlight kiss upon xilonen's soft lips. for a second, nothing happened.... then the faintest curve tugged at the corner's of her mouth, a sleepy smile blossoming as if she'd just been given the sweetest secret

when xilonen finally shifted awake, she expected to find only the usually stillness beside her, only to freeze when her gaze landed on you, nestled close, sound asleep. her surprised softened into something warmer, her lips parting into a disbelieving smile. as if on queue, you blinked awake

"morning..." you murmured

"it's almost dinnertime dummy" xilonen chuckles, gently brushing a stray lock out of your face

you stretched languidly, a sly smile curling across your lips as your memories slowly returned. "you know...you were saying the cutest things in your sleep" you teased

xilonen froze, her eyes widening for just a split second before narrowing in irritation. "i-what? no, i didn't" she quickly defended, pulling the blanket as if it was a shield

"oh you definitely did," you pressed. "something about...never letting me go?"

xilonen's ears went pink, and she turned her head away with a huff. "you must've been dreaming. i don't say sappy things like that." the lack of eye contact only made her defense less convincing. as you continued to corner her with your sly grin, she finally surrendered. "fine...maybe i was being sentimental in my sleep. do not tell anyone, okay?"

you promised and xilonen playfully shoved you back onto mattress, falling on top of you

"i meant everything i said, you know?"

you nod gently, careful not to bonk xilonen with you head. xilonen tucked her arm around you and shifted to distribute her weight more evenly

"let's stay like this for a little bit longer...shall we?"