“Yes.” You nodded, closing your eyes briefly. It had been a while since you had time to spend in each other’s company like this. You’ve been awfully busy at work lately. “I missed this.”

As the last remnants of sleep left her softened stare, you found her demeanor shifting, the subtlest change in her expression that you’ve learned to read as well as an open book with the passing of the time.

And so, you have also learned that, with Shenhe, it’s always best to be upfront about it all.

“Is everything alright?” 

You watched her brow twitch. Just the faintest bit. But you had your answer hidden there.

“I believe there’s something… That I would like to discuss with you.”

Concern edged into your voice. "Of course. What is it, my love?"

She met your gaze, vulnerability etched across her winter features. A sight she reserved for the intimacy of your shared home and nowhere else. Moments passed, each heartbeat a testament to her internal struggle.

"It feel like I should share…" The words almost trembled, laden with a raw uncertainty she could hardly conceal. Not to you. "Something that has been on my mind as of late, these past weeks."

Her words became quieter as she sought the right phrasing. You sat up, a sense of urgency mingling with your worry. 

"Are you alright?" A pause. And then. “Are… Are we alright?”

Her gaze held yours, and you could feel the fear dancing within the depths of your ribcage. Shenhe inhaled, her breath shuddering as she prepared to lay bare her heart. 

"I believe I feel…" Her voice wavered, just the faintest bit, her resolve clashing with her unease to tell you. She pressed on still, determination lending her strength. "Unattended. We certainly don't spend as much time together anymore, and you being away for long has awoken… Unpleasant emotions within me. That I feel I should share with you. I have given it much thought, and I believe that… I feel worried.” She shut her winter eyes, a barrier against the tumultuous emotions she can’t decipher within the cage of her chest. “…That we are beginning to drift apart.”

Your heart ached at her words. Of course, you had been neglecting her. You could blame the increasing amount of work you’ve had to do for the past weeks, but you only have yourself to blame, really.

Still, you lost no time in cupping her cheek, your touch a balm to her uncertainties. Your voice was soft as the winter's breeze.

"Oh, sweetheart. I didn't know you felt that way. I have not been paying enough attention to you lately, right?"

Her gaze held yours, a silent confirmation crossing the beautiful winter of her eyes.

“I would say that, yes.” Her voice was a hushed whisper, her body still close to yours. "I struggle to comprehend these emotions still. Rationally, I understand you cannot be with me at all times. But somehow, in the depths of me…” Vulnerability quivered in her voice, a fear laid bare that you rarely see. “I harbor the fear of losing you.”

You felt the birth of tears pressing behind your eyes, and your hands were fragile threads when they caressed her back. Offering some comfort for her or for you, you’re not entirely sure.

"And you feel like you’re losing me lately, my love?"

Shenhe nodded, her head coming to rest on the curve of your shoulder, her winter hair cascading down your neck and arm.

“I have tried to push away those feelings of worry. I have tried meditation, training, going down the Harbor to collect my thoughts. But even still…” She closed her eyes, leaning into your touch further. “I can feel these emotions eating away at me from within. I despise them. I shudder at the possibility of… Losing you for good.”

With a heavy chest, you cradled her face gently. You brushed her cheeks with the softest of touches, a gentle caress to the winter of her skin.

"Don’t push those feelings away, my heart. I’m glad you told me. And I’m sorry you’re feeling this way, I really am.” A soft smile struggles to bloom on your lips, brimming with understanding. “What can I do to make it better?"

Her sharp eyes soften around the corners at your words, her gaze studying your features with necessity, wanting to engrave it all in the heaven of her memory. In case. Just in case.

“I believe I would enjoy spending more time with you.” Her lips danced with hesitation, but her winter eyes held yours with that deep affection you’d learnt to recognize in all of her gestures. "Being with you… It makes me happy." 

Your chest swelled at her words, carrying all the tenderness you knew she harbored for you deep inside. You really couldn't help yourself. Your lips found her cheek, pressing a kiss to her tender skin, a loving gesture that conveyed just how deep your devotion for her ran. 

"Then, that’s what we’ll do. I’ll take this weekend off and we’ll go somewhere.” You took her hand in yours, playing with her long fingers. “Just the two of us, in a cabin by the mountains. We’ll have picnics and swim in rivers. How does that sound?"

You watched her expression painted with eagerness and anticipation, her winter eyes lighting up at the words leaving your lips.

“That certainly sounds enjoyable, my dear.” If you didn’t know her like you do, you wouldn’t be able to hear the bubbling excitement in her voice. But you did know her, and you saw the subtle way her lips curved, softer in her happiness. “It is bound to be a fantastic time with you. Just you and me, and the nature of the mountains.” Her fingers brushed your cheek, a tender touch that said so much, so much to you. “I promise to protect you from any danger we may encounter, my heart.”

You nodded, entirely too happy with the promise of happiness in the future, of how the situation has been healthily salvaged.

“Thank you, my love. And we can even make a campfire and roast some potatoes too!” Your lips brushed her temple in a fleeting kiss. “We can do anything you want. This weekend is all about you, Shenhe. And I’m yours, completely."

The weight of your words settled into her heart, a promise that resonated deeply, echoing in the chambers of her heart. You watched with delight her subtle smile growing into something playful, the faintest teasing gleam in her beautiful eyes.

“Oh, if that's the case…" She drew closer, her body pressed against yours in affectionate proximity, and you lost your breath altogether. "You don't quite know what you just signed up for."

Her gaze held yours, mischief dancing in her winter eyes, and you were suddenly so glad to have this conversation at all. You were really, really looking forward to those days with her.

The night begins to settle in, casting a soothing veil over the land of the wind, and you and your girlfriend Eula find yourselves taking a rest from the current mission you’re working on together. 

Staring at the city beyond, the ethereal glow of the Anemo lanterns lights up the streets, casting a warm, golden light in the buildings below. Around you, the gentle rustling of leaves comes with a cool, refreshing breeze that sweeps through the campsite, carrying with it the faint scent of wildflowers that flourish in the fields nearby. The hillsides around the camp are blanketed in a sea of emerald, the tall grasses swaying in harmony with the breeze. And you breathe in, leaning back in your elbows, feeling content.

"Isn't this a beautiful sight, my love?" 

You remark, your gaze still looking at the beautiful landscape around the two of you.

"I prefer to focus on the mission, but I suppose it is very picturesque."

How beautifully practical, your Eula. Her focus really is resolutely on the mission at hand and nothing more. You really expected nothing less from her. Still, a soft chuckle leaves your lips.

"Come on, stop thinking about that. It's late, and we should rest. We even set up the campfire. We'll resume the mission tomorrow."

Her hesitation is palpable in the air, but Eula finally nods her agreement. 

“Very well, if that’s what you wish. So long as it won't impede our progress tomorrow."

"I promise it won't."

You assure her, reaching out your hand to her. With a gentle tug, you draw her close, and your lips find hers in a tender kiss. You find delight in the way Eula’s cheeks quietly bloom with pink colors. You love her a little bit flustered, always.

“Don’t. I'm still on the job. I'd better make myself scarce.” She murmurs, her words a step between embarrassment and resolve.

You really can’t help yourself when she’s like this. You have to tease her.

"You're adorable when you're flustered, my dear.” 

"Don't tease me while I'm on the job, or I'll…!" 

You grin, a playful glint in your eyes, but Eula's voice trails off, her implication clear.

"Go on.” You prompt her, a playful smile dancing on your lips. You really can’t get enough of her.

"…Or I'll get my vengeance!”

A deeper blush warms up her features as the realization of her words hits her. She averts her gaze, hiding her flushed face where you can’t see her. Pity.

"Okay, okay. I won't tease you anymore." 

You concede, your hand finding its place over hers, a soothing gesture of breaching the distance. A peace offering. She lets you caress her skin gently for a moment. Then, Eula's voice takes on a quieter tone. 

"You know? I'm not used to this. To… Receiving affection like this."

Oh.

Your voice is gentle, almost tentative when you say,

"And how do you feel about it, my heart?"

Your thumb keeps tracing soothing patterns over her knuckles. You hope that helps ease the sudden tension that’s built between the two of you. Eula’s voice remains soft as she admits, 

"I feel that… It's a little embarrassing.” She shakes her head, locks of blue hair falling over her eyes. Then, she clears her throat, her demeanor entirely changed. “I'm on the job, as I mentioned. Could you please refrain from holding my hand for now? I can't quite concentrate on my duties if we keep this up."

Understanding her concern, you remove your hand and reposition yourself closer to her. You can’t help but feel disheartened, though.

"Of course… I respect that." A contemplative pause settles between you before you break it again. You really can’t keep the question festering inside. "Can I… Can I ask you something, Eula?"

She meets your gaze, curiosity and hesitancy drawn all over her glazy stare.

"Yes, what do you wish to ask?"

"Lately, I've noticed something different when you're around me," you begin, your gaze fixed on the dancing flames before you. The heat of the fire is an ironic contrast to the conversation you’re having. "Especially when I try to be affectionate. And I can't help but wonder…” You breathe in. Then, you let it all out. “Do you still want this? Us being together?"

The abruptness of your question takes Eula aback. Her sharp eyes widen, larger than you have ever seen her.

"What? Why… Why would you say something like that? After all, we both want the same thing, don't we? I'm not the type to give up on something once I've set my mind to it..."

Her tone turns frosty, the frown in her features deeper, and you find yourself surprised with the shift in her demeanor. Have you dug a breach between the two of you?

"You don’t have to be like that, Eula." You offer gently, your voice is a soft thing. "I just sense that there's more beneath the surface. I'm here to help, if you'll let me."

Her reply remains stern. She turns her face away from you again.

"You really don't have to worry about that. Your concern is unnecessary. I'm simply focused on the job. Nothing more."

Her response makes your chest feel tight, heavy with unpleasant emotions. Your voice carries a tinge of melancholy when you say, 

"I have no way of knowing what’s on your mind if… If you don't tell me, Eula. I mean well. I love you. But I don't want to force you into saying anything you're not comfortable with.” You take a deep breath, stealing glances at her, still turned away from you. “Just know that, should you wish to speak, I will gladly listen to what's troubling you, my heart."

Eula's voice wavers softly in the stillness between you.

"Even if I opened my heart to you, you wouldn’t understand... You might even end up hurting me.”

What?

"Why do you think that?"

You can’t help but ask, genuine concern lacing your words. Her response comes as a whisper, weighted with vulnerability. One she hadn’t allowed you to see before.

"My life is full of complicated issues. Even if I shared everything with you, you would never understand what drives me to do what I do…"

For a moment, you say nothing. But then, you let your hand tentatively find hers, softly in the way you touch her cold skin, despite the fire burning.

"Try me, my love." You encourage her, tender and gentle. "I want to understand."

And surprisingly, against all odds, Eula turns to you. Her winter eyes are heavy with everything you just don’t know yet, and then something else. Resolve.

With a sigh, Eula begins to open up. 

"You really want to hear it? Perhaps it’s best that I do not burden you with this…" Her tone wavers, a mix of hesitation and resignation. But she’s almost there. She just needs a little push.

"Nothing of yours could ever be a burden, my heart." You assure her, your grip on her hand gentle but oh, so firm. "I promise."

Resolute now, Eula continues. 

"Well, if you think you are able to face this, then I shall tell you. But you must listen closely. I've been harboring this secret for a long time now…"

Her voice drops to a whisper, the vulnerability in her words touching your heart and painting it blue. "I was once abandoned by someone close to me. Because of that, I am afraid of making myself vulnerable. Once I become intimate with someone, the threat of abandonment returns and causes me constant mental torment. This makes it difficult for me to accept the affection of others, even if deep in my heart I really do want it, perhaps more than anything else in the world… I do not wish to be seen as a weakling, so I refuse to acknowledge my weakness…"

A sigh escapes her lips as she pushes forward, revealing more of her inner thoughts for your ears only. 

"I don't know how to accept what you're giving me. You may already have figured this out, but I'm not very good at expressing or demonstrating my feelings. I fear I may be unable to give you what I want in return, which is a happy and normal relationship. I'm afraid, so frightened that I've shut you out and pushed you aside. If I allow myself to open my heart to you, I may only be met with more despair, betrayal… Disappointment…"

As her words die off, you let them hang in the air for just a moment, taking them all in. Eventually, your voice takes on a tender quality as you respond to her inner struggles. 

"I know you've been hurt in the past, but if you close yourself off to love and affection now, you might find yourself leading a very lonely life, Eula.” You stretch your hands out to her in offering. “I can only offer you what I have, words of love for you and a heart that swells when you're around. I don't mind waiting and taking things slow, if that would make you more comfortable. I just want to be by your side, if you'll let me."

Eula's gaze meets yours, a complex array of emotions shimmering within her beautiful eyes, and you feel the tightness in your chest a little more present.

"Perhaps I am the issue. That I am unable to accept your love and support… I can't bear the thought of losing you someday. I don't want you to leave me the way everyone else has… I am so terrified, and so lonely… And you… You are the only one who can understand me, so I can't bear to lose you, too.”

The vulnerability in her words overwhelms your heart, pushing you to take both of her hands in yours, pressing a tender kiss to each of her fingers. Loving, loving, loving. 

"You won't lose me. Not tonight, or in the foreseeable future. I promise, Eula. I will stay with you as long as you want me to."

And to that, to your gentle words of affection, to the tenderness in your touch, to the gentleness of your lips against her cold fingers, Eula’s beautiful eyes fill with tears.

“Thank you…”

She leans her head against your shoulder, finally, finally allowing herself a moment of peace. You hold her close, fast and quickly, like you can’t bear the thought of not taking her in your arms now, caressing her back slowly.

“I won’t try to push my affection on you anymore, okay? We’ll go at your pace. I’m just happy to be with you.”

And when Eula pulls you close to her, closer still, her chest pressed against yours with an intimacy far too beautiful to oversee, you find your answer tucked there.

“Thank you… Thank you for waiting for me all this time… I promise to repay your love tenfold.”

She presses a kiss on your cheek, then leans her head on your shoulder and gazes up at the beautiful stars above. And you think that waiting can’t be a terrible thing. Not if you can hold her as closely for just a moment longer.

"That was such good training, my love!" You exclaim, offering her a towel to wipe off the exertion after a long session of bow practice that you’ve been witnessing for the better part of the last hour. "You did great."

Sara bows in acknowledgment, a gracious and beautiful smile on her lips.

"Thank you very much! I always give it my best. If I am able to keep training and become stronger, then I can help protect more people. The people I care about are always on my mind, and I want to do the best I can to help them. My love for the people I care about is the reason I train day and night."

Your smile softens as you take in her dedication. It’s one of the many, many things you adore about her.

"I really admire how dedicated you are, my love."

Sara’s smile grows, radiating a sense of purpose, feeling good with your compliment.

"I am glad you can see that I am truly dedicated to the people we care about. With the help of my fellow samurai, I do everything I can to ensure that Inazuma is a safe place for everyone."

"You're so strong." You murmur, your gaze lifting to meet hers. Your chest swells with affection. And then, something else. "I can't help but…"

"Cannot help but what, my love?” Sara's brow arches in curiosity as she waits for you to continue. When you don’t reply, she insists. “What's on your mind? You know you can tell me anything."

You hesitate, your words carrying a hint of self-doubt, terrible in your ears.

"Oh, never mind. It's silly."

"My love, nothing is ever silly when you share it with me. Your thoughts, no matter how trivial they may seem, are important to me.” With gentle insistence, Sara steps closer to you, her hands finding a place for them on your shoulders. “If something's on your mind, please, don't hesitate to tell me."

A wistful smile tugs at your lips. 

"Well… I can't help but feel that I'm way out of my league here… Being with you…"

Oh, how stupid you feel the moment those words leave your lips. You regret them immediately.

But Sara's touch is comforting as she steps toward you, her presence reassuring like she’s always been, a source of comfort and love where you always find your shelter and home. 

"My love, you are never out of your league when it comes to me. I do not care about positions or statuses. All I care about when I'm with you is you. You will always be enough for me, no matter what."

"But… You're such a strong and resilient warrior, and I'm just… me." You shrug, a sense of vulnerability creeping into your words. You’ve started this. May as well go all the way, let your inner most troubles shine through in the dim light of the evening sun. "There's got to be someone out there who's better for you, I…"

Sara's voice resonates with a deep sincerity as she addresses your concerns, cutting them short. 

"My love, I have searched far and wide across the continent for someone who could fill the empty space in my heart. Yet, when I found you, that emptiness vanished as if you were the missing piece I'd been looking for.” Her voice is stern, but her eyes are so filled with poorly-hidden affection for you. “I couldn't want anyone more than you, and I mean that with all my heart. You are the one for me, and I don't wish for anyone else but you."

You cannot help but be moved by her words, your eyes welling up with unshed tears, carrying all your doubts. 

"You mean it?"

Sara leans forward, her gentle touch wiping away your tears. The brush of her thumb across the tender skin of your cheeks is so gentle that you can’t fight the closing of your eyes.

"My love, I mean it with every fiber of my being. There is no one else but you for me. I am happier than I've ever been, and I know that being with you is exactly where I'm meant to be. You are the person I needed, and I'm not leaving your side."

You clutch onto her clothing, as if grounding yourself in her presence. You know you might be a little selfish, asking for this much reassurance, but you can’t help but want more. To need more of her.

"You really mean those words? You won't leave me?" 

Sara's touch remains tender as she cups your cheek, and you melt in the way her eyes brim with love for you. 

"My love, my words carry the weight of my truth. I don't wish to leave your side, now or ever. I don't know how much longer it would take for my heart to mend if you were to leave. I'm not sure it ever would. I will do everything in my power to ensure we are never separated. You are the only one I need, and I don't desire anyone else in my life."

Your vulnerability defrosts in her arms as she presses a gentle kiss to your forehead. Your lips bloom into a smile. Quiet, small. But it’s a beginning.

"Thank you for saying that… You have no idea how much it means to me."

"My love, every word is sincere.” Sara assures you, her voice a soothing balm to the scars and stitches hidden in your heart. "You are such an integral part of my life, and I'm grateful every day for having you. You mean a great deal to me as well, and I can't fathom what life would be without you."

And with that, you cannot help yourself. You reach up, holding the side of her face as you lean to her. Your lips find hers in a tender kiss. And you whisper,

"I love you.”

Of course, Sara is quick to smile at that, beautiful and reverent.

"I love you too, my dear." She doesn’t hesitate to say, the affection evident in her tone. "I consider myself fortunate to have found you."

Apologizing for your sentimentality, you sheepishly admit, "Sorry for being sappy."

But still, you watch Sara chuckle warmly, pulling you into a gentle embrace that you absolutely enjoy, taking her all in.

"My love, there's no need to apologize. There's no such thing as being too sappy. Expressing your emotions is a beautiful thing, and it's heartwarming to see how much you care. Don't hesitate to share your love with me."

With a contented smile, you lean in closer. Closer still.

"Shall we do something fun now? After this heartfelt conversation?"

You delight in the way Sara's eyes light up with enthusiasm. For your eyes only. How lucky you feel.

"That sounds wonderful, my love. How about a visit to the beach or a peaceful picnic? Those are two of my favorite ways to unwind and enjoy time with the ones I cherish."

"The beach sounds perfect." You smile, your excitement mirroring hers. "It's been a while since we've enjoyed the sea together."

"I would love that." She replies to you with a gentle smile, colored with all the love she harbors for you in every inch of her being. "I'm sure the beach is just as breathtaking as I remember. It's been far too long since I've felt the sea breeze and the warmth of the sun. It's the ideal way to spend an afternoon, together."

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Ei’s insecurity is her lack of knowledge of modern things. She’s well-versed in all the fighting techniques across Inazuma, well-read with the knowledge of thousands of years of history, but when it comes to simple and modern things like Taking a picture, or Drinking boba tea, she’s at a loss for words. Ei hopes you don’t mind explaining things to her. She very much enjoys taking a stroll with you through the streets of Inazuma, even more so when every outing with you turns into a learning experience, and you’re always so patient with her. Ei is really grateful to you.

.

Ayaka’s main insecurity is her inexperience when it comes to matters of the heart. She’s never been one to have that many friends, simply because she hasn’t had the opportunity to. Having a lover, however, seems like an even bigger challenge for which she has little preparation. Ayaka gets flustered by the tiniest of things. A heartfelt compliment, a brush of your hands together while walking, your hand pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Ayaka is quick to hide her flushed expression with her fan, and she can’t even fathom what it will be like when you give her her first kiss! She’s excited, but also endlessly nervous, so she hopes it’s okay with you to take things slow for now <3

.

Kazuha is his lack of possessions. As a wanderer, he’s never really cared for earthly possessions. All he ever needs is a clear sky above his head and the endless and vast world around him to explore. But ever since you came into his life and swept him off his feet, Kazuha has been thinking. He wants to build a life with you, but he has nothing to offer. His clan, once proud and wealthy, vanished with him being the only one alive, and he left that life to pursue his dream of exploring the world. He hopes you don’t mind what little he has, for his love for you is as vast as the sky above.

.

Beidou’s insecurity is the fact that she’s always out at sea. Don’t get her wrong, it’s the life she chose for herself and one that she adores profoundly. She wouldn’t change herself or her lifestyle, she doesn’t think she can live anchored to the same place every day of her life. Still, you’re always her reason to come back to land. In you, Beidou has found the home she can always return to. She doesn’t regret a thing, but she hopes you don’t get tired and leave her for someone who never leaves the land.

.

Eula’s biggest insecurity and burden to bear is her noble upbringing. She’s a Lawrence, but she wishes you could see beyond that title that doesn’t represent her anymore. Everybody in Mondstadt casts her away or has some reservations when interacting with her, and her hardened exterior and cold behavior doesn’t help her case, but still Eula wishes that people could see past her last name, at least when it comes to you. She would hate to hear the people of Mondstadt speaking ill of you. Still, you’ve reassured her time and time again, her hands on yours, warmer, that you love her for her, and your feelings are nothing that any last name nor the people of Mondstadt could ever change. Eula won’t admit this out loud, but she’s never felt more welcomed than she does when she’s wrapped in your arms.

.

Hu Tao’s biggest thing she’s proud of but also her biggest insecurity is her playful behavior, her ability to see the fun in everything. She’s been forced to grow up fast the moment her grandfather wasn’t around to coddle her, and her sunny and cheerful personality is what has given her the strength to move forward and strive for bettering the business her grandfather entrusted her with. Still, in the eyes of the people of Liyue, Hu Tao is nothing more than a nuisance, someone who doesn’t take serious matter to heart, and thus they often cast her away. Hu Tao is nothing other than cheerful and cheeky around you, but inside she dearly hopes you won’t change your mind about her and leave her as everyone in Liyue else has done. She hopes you can see her true emotions, and that they’re enough to make you stay. Though something in the way you so easily comply with her antics, how you let her cup your face and sprinkle your skin with kisses, tells her that you’re here to stay.

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