“because everyone will be looking at your smile. they could care less about how you dance. the important thing is that you enjoy yourself.”

“you’re right.”

xiao: is so stiff at first, grabbing your wrists instead of your hands—keeping you at arm’s length. once he calms down a bit and you tilt your head in an unspoken question, he is actually a very good dance partner. he knows all the steps, but executes them in an extremely rigid/practiced manner, more like a sword fight or battle. he pushes you away at the end of the dance almost immediately, his face a bright shade of red.

“dancing is a mundane activity. we adepti don’t partake in such things.” xiao mutters, looking anywhere but in the direction of your outstretched hand. he has practiced every single day for the past week, but it’s all leading to nowhere and you don’t need to know that.

“so you don’t want to dance?” you ask.

“no! i–”

“hm, maybe we can waltz some other time, xiao. no worries.” you begin to head towards the buffet table loaded with various cream puffs and petit-fours. sure, dancing is fun–but what’s the point of catering if you’re not going to eat?

xiao loosely takes hold of your hand, halting you in your tracks. “no, no. i meant that i didn’t want to dance with you in front of–” he pauses to take in the ballroom and the multitude of guests. “in front of everyone. it would be off-putting.”

a realization dawns on you. “aw, it’s so cute that you’re actually kind of shy.”

“shy? that’s the farthest thing from the truth, y/n.”

you let a giggle escape from your lips, warming you from head to toes.

“let’s just dance, xiao.”

xingqiu: the picture perfect dance partner. he’s really on time w the beat and very calm. he ends up using the dance as an excuse to fluster you—leaning closer and closer until you almost dip backwards. then he laughs a little and goes back to his previous position. he kisses your hand at the end, a knowing grin on his face.

“may i have this dance, y/n?”

“oh, xingqiu! of course.”

xingqiu leads you to the ornate ballroom floor and bows slightly. the dance starts off with the couple’s hands pressed against each other, as they step in a circle. thankfully, you and your partner aren’t anywhere close to the center of the dance.

after the first sequence of the dance is complete, xingqiu places one hand on your back, holding you in a loose embrace.

“have you been to a lot of dances, xingqiu?”  

“yes. my father and brother often attend galas to further the means of the guild. i’ve been attending these celebrations since i was 7.”

“that explains why you’re so light on your feet.”

“maybe.” he steps closer, keeping a smirk on his face as you shuffle backward.

“xingqiu!”

tartaglia/childe: is actually a good dancer (???). maybe the tsaritsa made dancing classes mandatory? anyway, he’s very enthusiastic and vivacious—spinning and dipping you until you are dizzy. his smile is quite charming. he ends up challenging the other ppl in a dance-off, which makes for a very interesting night.

“y/n! let’s dance!”

“great!” you link an arm with childe’s and take your place on the dance floor.

the next dance is a mellow one and the music swells in 3 beats. one, two, step. one, two, step. you’re too busy concentrating on not stepping on your partner’s feet to notice the sudden change in formation. from a casual one, the couples are positioning themselves in a circle which happens to be the set-up for the next move. childe twirls you effortlessly, and there’s a feeling of weightlessness as you dip backwards.

“this is really fun, childe.” you laugh and laugh, caring less about the steps.

“agreed. what do you say we challenge scaramouche and mona to a dance-off?”

“are you sure about that? scara looks like he’s being dragged across the floor right now. . .”

“exactly! we’ll be there to ignite his fighting spirit!”

“if you say so–”

chongyun: my flustered ice baby!! anyway, he’s literally shaking his head and declining the offer to dance. he’s citing his condition as an excuse + the fact that he’s not very good at dancing? which rly isn’t true lol, but yk—yun is very shy.

“nooo, i can’t. i just can’t.”

you end up pulling chongyun’s hands along the ballroom floor until you reach a less crowded side of the ballroom. A nearby window is lit by the moonlight.

“why don’t you try dancing before you write it off, yun? it wouldn’t hurt to.”

“but i’m awful at it.”

you laugh a bit. “so am i.”

letting go of his hands you point at the moon. “just take my hands, and we’ll go slow, ‘kay? pretend it’s only you and me.”

“you. . .and me?”

“yes.”

“alright.”

he takes a deep breath, before gently taking hold of your hand. “y/n, may i have this dance?”

“you may.”

while you’re walking around mondstadt, bennett might hold your hand too. at first he seemed hesitant, asking if it was okay to do so with his eyes/expression. you didn’t understand at first, asking what was wrong and why he had suddenly gone silent, etc. then he shyly asks aloud ‘is it alright if i hold your hand?’, and you laugh a little in surprise. you nod, and he tentatively took hold of your fingertips at first…before taking a deep breath and actually holding your hand. early morning strolls are the best! 

ALBEDO:

albedo would probably express his feelings through art or writing. he seems quiet and distant on the outside, but he’s actually pretty straightforward abt his feelings. he would express his sentiments in a discreet way, but you would need to pay attention. just because something is subtle, doesn’t mean it’s not there or that it’s not genuine. It’s hard for you to understand albedo’s personality at first, but you can tell that he is an introspective and thoughtful individual. you admire the effort and care he puts into his work.

he also asks you to model for him from time-to-time, citing it as a ‘need for inspiration’. you agree to it, taking a seat in his lab and looking in his direction. albedo seems content painting your portrait and keeps finding excuses to drag out the session so that he can see your face/be with you longer. he hides a small smile behind his easel. did i mention that his voice is very soothing?! lol

DILUC:

diluc is a man of few words, so you treasure the times when he expresses his thoughts and feelings. he doesn’t like to sugarcoat things or say more than necessary. to others, he appears stoic and high strung. you appreciate how much he regards his duties and the fact that he doesn’t try to change himself to fit other people’s standards or explain why he is the way he is. it encourages you to be more bold and take steps toward living authentically.

when confronted by a group of enemies, diluc knows that you are quite capable of holding your own in a fight. he never jumps in front of you, unless you ask for assistance.

on a field close to the winery, diluc occasionally offers tips on combat and battle prowess. the first time you sparred together, diluc abruptly stopped the match. he provided a more efficient way to grip your weapon of choice, carefully resting his hands atop yours to help you grip the hilt. ‘if you hold your sword this way, you won’t tire as easily. trust me.’

RAZOR:

razor values loyalty and sticking with the people he cares about. he does his best to help you out with errands or chores, like shopping for food or watering your houseplants. his demeanor is really soothing and he always tries to give you time to yourself/your own space. 

you like eating meals with him or quietly looking at the different shapes of the moon. you and razor are content and don’t need to say much to affirm how you feel about each other.

VENTI:

venti comes and goes as he pleases, and his carefree behavior irritates you at first. he enjoys spending time with you and expressing his feelings through song/tunes he strums on the lyre (the songs are either extremely romantic or just downright rude and written in the style of an insulting parody designed to tick you off xD).

he likes whispering cheesy verses from love songs in your ear and then running off in the opposite direction while you’re out on dates. oh, oh! and venti likes braiding your hair, maybe the loose strands in the front…or splitting your hair into twintails. people are always asking ‘where did you get your hair done? the braids are so cute!’ venti ends up basking in the praise. ^^)

KAEYA:

kaeya is quite charming and very good with his words–though he is a bit hard to read because of how much he plays off his other emotions. he would probably use terms of endearment or other pet names to refer to you. kaeya would make it a point to spoil you with random gifts you don’t need, but still accept or with other displays of affection. he wants you to be comfortable and well taken care of!

if others who are interested in kaeya state that you are ‘lucky’ to have him (with more than a little hint of jealousy lol), he appears seemingly out of nowhere.

“In the olden days, famous poets like Homer and would invoke the Muses in their work. Before the prologue or any other stanzas, a prayer or plea of some sort would be said. Inspiration was always seen as divine recognition and a blessing from above, so those who boasted or didn’t give credit would often be cursed or end up suffering. Maybe what you need is. . .a random object to draw inspiration from?”

He seems to consider it for a moment. “That does sound intriguing. But what could possibly be something I haven’t already studied?”

“I think that’s for you to figure out.” You gently place both of your hands in his. He looks up hopefully at your face, letting the smallest hint of a smile break his default expression.

“You have a point, Y/N. Still, I can’t help but feel like the answers I seek are right in front of me. . .” He crosses his arms.

You laugh lightly. It’s becoming crystal-clear that the whole advice column isn’t your forte.  “Maybe. Listen, I have to get going–finishing up commissions and all. . .but I’ll see you later? If you still want to eat together, that is.”

“Of course I do. Please take care, Y/N. I’ll meet you at Good Hunter later tonight.”

“Sounds like a plan!” You tip your head in his direction before exiting the lab, making sure to shut the door all the way.

Albedo waves his hand at you, his lips pressed in a tight line. No sooner was the door shut, did he collapse into his chair. The sudden, knotted feeling in his chest was something he couldn’t quite understand.

. . .

During your meal, he finally breaks the silence.

“I’d like you to model for me.” His monotone voice almost makes it seem like he’s reporting the weather or results of an alchemy experiment.

You were working through the remains of your Sweet Madame, picking at the sides you didn’t like–and completely caught off guard.

“Model for you? Oh of cour–wait. . .what?!”

“I’d like you to be the model for my next painting, Y/N.”

It was an odd request, you admit. You clear your throat, chugging down your drink and washing down the food that had somehow lodged itself in your throat. Honestly, you should know how to react better. It’s a simple request! One that you might have been the catalyst for, seeing as you decided to give advice on a field you’re not very well-versed in. Heck, you can’t even draw a stick figure!

But, witnessing Albedo’s earnest expression (as earnest as you can get when it comes to him) and simple query was endearing in some of the best ways. Maybe you could help him after all. Even though you’re certain that you are the farthest thing from runway-ready, Albedo probably doesn’t care. He’s asking for help, not demanding you solve his problems. Still, why would you want to say no to an opportunity like this?

“I’ll do my best to model for your next painting, Albedo!”

“Great.”

. . .

“What do you even wear to a modeling. . .er painting session?” You wonder aloud, sifting through your closet. There was always your favorite outfit, but even that seemed too ‘meh’ for today. Wasn’t there anything that wasn’t rumpled or neon-colored in Teyvat’s clothing industry? You debated asking one of your friends for a spare jacket or hat, but it was already 10 minutes before your appointment. Everyone was probably already at work.

You slip on a black shirt and pinafore combo, tugging the hem downwards and doing a quick spin in front of the mirror.

“Time to go!”

. . .

The art room smells like a mix of paint, wooden pencils, charcoal and clay. Basically, it’s heaven (as long as you don’t sniff the brush cleaner or eat the art paste used for paper mache).

“Sooo. . .I just have to sit down and smile?” You take a seat on a lone wooden tripod, probably forgotten from last night’s art class.

“Or wait, maybe I should frown? Or just stare blankly ahead? What vibe are we going for today? Do artists even try to capture ‘vibes’?”

Albedo runs a hand through his hair, looking anywhere but at his blank canvas that is staring him down. “I appreciate your ‘vibes’ and enthusiasm, Y/N. Though I’m not sure if I can capture this–”

“Nuh-uh. I’m not going to model for you if you keep going on this Albedo-bashing train of self-doubt. I don’t know how many times you need to hear this, but you’ve created and discovered so many beautiful things. I just know that whatever you paint today is going to be spectacular. Even if you decide to draw my nose backwards or. . .something. Just try. Isn’t that all we can do? No one’s perfect.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Let’s get on with this then!”

“Alright.”

. . .

“Can I blink now?”

“Naturally.”

. . .

“How long has it been? The sun is going down.” You point out. Your legs are numb from being stuck in one position for the past hours.

“I’m almost finished, Y/N.”

“You’ve said that 5 times already!”

. . .

“You’re art.”

Albedo stops mid-stroke, setting his paintbrush down to dry. The purple line he swept across the canvas appears more jagged than he would like. Still, he picks your voice out of the soft whispers and ideas that cloud his mind. He can’t help but listen.

“What did you say?” His voice rings out in the quiet of the room.

“You’re art.”

Albedo is taken aback by those two words. He tentatively peeks out from behind his current project to glance at your face.

“What about my art?”

You half-smile, folding one hand over the other. You’re not entirely sure if this is the best thing to share right now. He might not understand. No, it’s not that he won’t understand--it’s that you’re afraid to come to terms with something you’ve known all along. Confessing your feelings--to Albedo’s face (you might add) might change everything.  

“Y/N, if there’s anything you want to know about my art–you can just ask.”

It was bound to be said anyway. Once you start speaking, you can’t stop. The words you’ve saved up in your heart just overflow and spill themselves at the artist’s feet. Maybe he’ll accept them.  

“Your art is an extension of yourself, Albedo. And I. . .think that what you create is beautiful. But not just that. What I really think, is that you’re beautiful. You’re art. And I hope that I can be a muse and reach you.”

His breath catches in his throat. He never expected something like that. All the planning and carefully executed experiments he’s laid out have never quite reached this type of outcome. The room is charged in an almost electrifying tension and the seconds turn to minutes. The flecks of dust in the lab stand out in the almost pristine lab, catching the sunbeams that filter through the windows.

Albedo kneels at your feet, keeping his head facing downward. He gently clutches your hand and lifts it to his lips.  

“You know, in some ways the subject of the art is more important than the actual artist.” He says softly.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Albedo.” You chide him.

“It takes two.”

. *･῾ ᵎ⌇ ⁺◦ 💮 ✧.*❀ .

Y/N is doing her best to fulfill her duties as a miko. She may not have as much vigor or passion for being a shrine maiden as her peers, but she’s getting by fairly well. That is, until a wandering samurai known by the name of Kazuha threatens to upend her quiet existence.

Kaedehara Kazuha is on the run. With the Vision Hunt Decree underway, he’s made allies with the Resistance on Watatsumi Island. He follows wherever the wind takes him, and that just so happens to be the top of Mount Yougou. A shrine dedicated to the Almighty Shogun might just happen to be the worst place he could be, because she catches his eye.

Nearly 10 years later, Maiyo Sukimura finds herself at Inazuma’s Grand Narukami Shrine. Besides being a renowned cultural heritage site and hub for prayer–the shrine has many stories (and secrets) to tell.

. *･῾ ᵎ⌇ ⁺◦ 💮 ✧.*❀ .

chapters:

one | grey and blue 

two | in absence of rain

three | fleeting beauty

four | don’t you forget

five | wind beneath my wings

six | heroine

interlude | omnipresent god

seven | or so you thought

eight | somehow

nine | where the heart settles

ten | lighthouse

eleven | strike first

twelve | the last cherry blossom

. *･῾ ᵎ⌇ ⁺◦ 💮 ✧.*❀ .

Beyond the beautiful dances and crisp hakamas that every shrine maiden must wear–a whole other world exists. The Grand Narukami Shrine is high atop Mount Yougou, set in almost pure isolation from the rest of Inazuma. It is surrounded by electro energy and nearly a 3 day’s walk away from the mainland. If you made a pilgrimage there, your only company would be the thousand torii gates that seem to increase in number as you ascend higher and higher.

Maiyo Sukimura is not the scion of an upper class family. Her clan is about as ordinary as one could get. The barrier around Narukami Shrine is just another reminder of this. She has no connections and no experience. Her only boast is the fact that she’s memorized and executed the kagura dance with handmade paper fans (that broke immediately after–much to the amusement of her brothers). 

Maiyo wants to be a shrine maiden. Since she’s been old enough to understand the role of a ‘miko’, it has been her greatest wish to become one herself. Now that she’s braved the journey through the city gates and up the mount, she might actually be halfway there. Her goal has seemed unreachable at times, but her resolve has never wavered–until now. 

A group of prospective shrine maidens is gathered along the foot of the shrine, whispering about who-knows-what. They are all around the same age, 12 to 14 years or so. Maiyo isn’t sure if the other girls are just as excited as she is or were brought here against their will. She twists her pinky behind her back, the nerves finally hitting her. The exhausting journey and constant vigilance she’s exercised against treasure hoarders and monsters had managed to distract her for long enough. She needed to find out whether or not she could truly survive in the wilderness before even thinking of setting foot on such holy grounds. Now? She’s trembling. Not in trepidation or anxiety, but more or less with excitement. Maiyo has been trying to tell herself that, at least. (It’s not working.)

Wrapping her shawl tighter around her shoulders, she allows herself a moment of respite. She shuts her eyes and slumps against a nearby rock. 

“Psst!”

Maiyo doesn’t open her eyes.

“Hey!”

“C’mon, aren’t you going to talk to me?”

“HE-LLO!”

Maiyo smooths her skirt down and tries her best to stifle a yawn. “Hi.” 

“Finally! Imagine dozing off this early in the morning. HI!”

The owner of the voice waves a hand in front of Maiyo’s face, looking equal parts cheerful and unnerving for reasons Maiyo can’t explain. Pale blue strands hang loosely from her lopsided ponytail, tied together by a white ribbon.

“You shouldn’t be dozing off like that unless you want Lady Yae to scold you! Are you new here?”

“Hm? Yeah, I am.”

The blue-haired girl raises an eyebrow. “Well new girl, don’t you have a name?”

“Sure I do.”

“Aren’t you going to tell me what it is?”

Okay, maybe Maiyo is a little superstitious–but she’s not going to give out her name that easily. She’s read enough legends about the fate of those with stolen names. Wandering nature spirits and mischievous kami alike would jump at any opportunity to be reincarnated or to possess a human body. She clutches the amulet around her neck. 

“Maybe if you introduce yourself first.”

“Archons! Why do I even bother? All of you newbies are so conceited!”

Maiyo shrugs, as is her way. Better to be insufferable than to let her guard down. 

“It’s nice to meet you too.” 

. *･῾ ᵎ⌇ ⁺◦ 💮 ✧.*❀ .

The miko, who begrudgingly introduces herself as Yurise provides instructions on where to go along with the standard protocol to be exercised at the shrine. She keeps casting not-so-subtle side glances at Maiyo even after she’s completed the water purification ritual, but other than that–she’s pretty approachable.

“Please remember not to walk in the center of the pathway, since that is reserved for the kami. You should refrain from talking too loudly, eating, or behaving in any way that is not befitting of the Grand Narukami Shrine.”

She gestures to a building on their right. “This is the booth we use for fortune slips. You can draw up to one per day. Usually Ms. Gendou Ringou is in charge.”

“And that building you just passed? That’s where our supplies and hardware are stored. Things like spare omamori, fans, charms, garments. . .the usual. The gift shop has to be set up for visitors and since we ‘closed’ the shrine for today, you won’t find it anywhere.”

Yurise turns to face the crowd of young girls, making sure that everyone is moving along in a timely fashion. 

“Bathrooms are behind the main gate, and since you’ll be completing your retreat at the shrine–your lodgings are a short walk away. Lady Yae and the other mikos keep their quarters behind the koi pond, though I should warn you. . . under no circumstances are you allowed to wander the private rooms without permission! You’ll be escorted off the grounds immediately, should you decide to cause such a disruption. Does everyone understand?”

The chorus of yeses seems to satisfy Yurise, who claps her hands and grins. “Good! I hope you girls can learn more about our vocation during your time here.”

A cluster of blossoms scatters at Yurise’s feet as Yae Miko makes her way to the scene, her tall heels accentuating her confident stride. Her earrings catch the light and sparkle. Every whisper and giggle coming from the group of prospective shrine maidens quiets immediately. The girls straighten up and do their best to appear attentive.

“Thank you for giving this group such a through tour in my temporary absence. You can go now.” She taps Yurise’s shoulder.  

Yurise bows her head. “Alright. I’ll be off then, Lady Yae.” She gives the group one final wave before ducking behind the nearby torii and in the direction of the entrance. 

“Hello my dears, I’m so glad to see you here at this shrine!” Yae Miko smiles, looking pleased. 

“As you know, we shrine maidens have quite a lot of duties. We maintain the grounds, greet guests, perform exorcisms, provide advice, and ensure the Electro Archon receives due praise. But before I continue my explanation. . .I’d like you to follow me a little further into the shrine.”

She leads the group into the innermost parts of the Narukami Shrine. “Be sure to watch your step. The stones are a bit slippery.” 

Maiyo follows, realizing that their destination might be closer than she initially thought. Her suspicions are confirmed when she catches sight of the Sacred Sakura–in all its glory. She can’t help but get a little emotional at the sight  and has to wipe her eyes with a handkerchief. The cherry blossom symbolizes eternity, the undeniable strength of the Electro Archon, and beauty in stillness. 

She’s seen countless pictures and drawings of the tree, which has roots all throughout the land of eternity–but none of them compare the real thing. 

“This is the Sacred Sakura.”

Yae Miko tenderly strokes the bark, which glows blue and brown.

“This tree is an omnipresent object. That means that it exists at all points of time, simultaneously. As soon as it planted, it started to exist at all points of time in this exact form.”

A sly expression crosses her face as she crosses her lithe arms, flanked by the red-white sleeves of her garment.