#iiryoku

"here," thoma has the harbinger by the wrist, tugging him along through the estate, outside, around the edge of the building between it and the cliffside leading to the ocean below. there's enough space to sit and enjoy the view, but between sakura trees and no actual pathways, it's far enough from view to not be noticed. satisfied they're away from prying eyes, retainer takes childe by the shoulders, pushing him up against the side of the building. he hadn't told thoma he was coming, decided to just show up with that smile of his in the middle of a tri-commission meeting no less, but the look thoma gives childe is only half annoyed. the other half is just happy to see him.

Shafts of sunlight cascaded between the sparse branches, the places they dappled skin pleasant warmth settled. In the wake of navigating the ignorance and witless excuses of travelers that had roamed far off the marked paths and ended up with a severe rash this was precisely what Tighnari had needed. If there was someone who could relate to the fatigue that arose when dealing with morons who wholeheartedly believed they knew what was right despite being in the presence of someone who was far more educated in those matters than they were, it was Kaveh.

The tip of his tail twitches, the soft expelling of breath tickling his fur, his eyes still remaining closed despite humming a little in assent. ❝ Busy day again, Kaveh ? ❞ He recognised the architect's penchant for dedicating himself to sleepless nights working away beneath the ambient light of burning oil lamps. It wasn’t good but being productive and being conducive to healthy habits was something he didn’t brush on with Kaveh. He did, however, give him a comforting place to unwind. The soft grass and swaying shade is idyllic in contrast to the bustle of their daily routines. Lithe fingers ease through Kaveh’s hair, appreciating how soft the flaxen locks were. ❝ Stay here for a while then. it’s such a nice day, wouldn’t it be a waste to spend it all indoors ? ❞

@iiryoku ◇ 𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙰𝚖 𝙸? ( 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 )

After all these years of being mutuals, I would hope that you didn't find me intimidating ! 😭 cuz it's too late - i'm in your walls now. I appreciate you so much you have no idea. I'm very happy to write with you and I'm always here if you need someone to talk to 🤍

@iiryoku said: ❝  I like your soul.  it’s beautiful.  ❞ from Aether <3

A yaksha's duty is not without cost. Xiao knows this most intimately, feels it in every movement, every breath he takes. After fighting for eons and exorcising the remnants of gods and demons alike, he lost the purity that once sat within his heart. His soul, the very thing Aether now praises the beauty of, has long since been tarnished by karmic debt. How can it be pleasing to look at? To Xiao, it means little more than pain - a price he pays gladly despite it all. His actions hold meaning, both to the people of Liyue and Rex Lapis himself. Moreover, they may allow Xiao to atone for the pain and bloodshed he caused on another's order.

Xiao is tired; not physically, but he feels it in his reluctance to move, to speak. Usually, he would wish to highlight Aether's beauty as a means of showing his appreciation but also to deflect from the matter at hand. Now, Xiao cannot muster the strength. Maybe his lord's Remedium Tertiorum is diminishing in effectiveness after so long. The implications are...less than pleasant.

Slowly, but still confidently, Xiao curls an arm around Aether's shoulders before gently, always gently, pulling him close. His heart eases a little having the traveler held against him like this: his shoulder a secure pillow for his chin and the steady beating of his heart a calming rythm to sync his breathing to.

@iiryoku ○ 𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚 𝕒𝕤𝕜𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 ○

          ⤷  『  🌿  』

Learning about the apparent tradition of kissing whoever you passed underneath a specific plant that seemed to have appeared throughout Mondstadt overnight was a little odd and no small amount of embarrassing, but at least now he knew why people were getting flustered in the street or seeming to be randomly kissing strangers.

He could've done without Kaeya's teasing during the explanation though…

What he hadn't expected was to run into Venti while walking around the city and admiring all the other decorations that had been put up. He's not familiar with, nor does he really understand the holiday, but he can appreciate the atmosphere just like everyone else.

"Oh, hey Venti." He smiled softly, still as of yet unaware of his surroundings though he should have known better. "Are you going to be playing somewhere today?" He hummed, actually curious as he'd hate to miss a performance if he could help it.

It isn't until he catches the expectant look on the Archon's face that he looks up and realises he's walked into one of the city's many overnight traps. Naturally, his eyes drift from the strange plant back to Venti's amused expression and he blushes at the insinuation and expectation.

It's not that he really objects to the idea of showing Venti affection, even to that degree, he does in fact have a great deal of trust and care for the other, but he's not very good with spontaneous things like suddenly having to kiss someone. Were it anyone else he'd be making a very quick escape right about now.

Instead it's Venti with him and he finds himself rooted to the spot, flustered and unsure of himself. It takes Venti all but letting him off the hook with a teasing tone before he manages to gather himself enough to lean forward and gently pressing his lips against the other's.

It's a peculiar feeling, light and warm like a summer's breeze, comforting. He'd meant to simply peck him lightly and then pull away, but before he knows it he finds himself pressing a little closer, sinking into that wonderful and formerly unknown feeling.

When he finally pulls away he's still flustered certainly, but the fight or flight response is gone at least.

"I uh… S-Sorry…"