your match is…

✧ Keaton

How you met -> While you never really had any grand ambition to join the Nohrian army, at some point you ended up joining their ranks. The life of a soldier is a difficult one, and honestly, you felt obligated to do something. You were grasping at straws trying to find a purpose in your life, to make yourself useful in some way or another, to strive for securing peace and wellbeing for as many people as you can. Lofty goals, perhaps, but you just needed some sort of direction. And so - the Nohrian army. Your healing capabilities, something that has always seemed to come naturally to you, are well utilized both on and off the battlefield, and you start learning how to properly fight and defend yourself with weapons, coming to prefer axes and daggers.

Honestly, sometimes you’re not sure if you prefer the sight of a battlefield over the sheer amount of walking an army has to do. Traveling with the army, being around a rather large group constantly, laden with equipment, always being on alert for any potential threats, making sure everything and everyone is accounted for… It’s a lot, sometimes. So when it’s time to set up camp for the evening, you make sure to take a little bit of time to yourself to unwind. Finding moments to decompress are few and far between, and you’re going to take those opportunities when they arise.

Heading further into the woods, putting just a bit of distance between yourself and the clearing in which the army set up camp (not too far; you have enough self-preservation to know not to wander off by yourself like that), you find a quiet spot to sit and just… be. Alone with your thoughts, in the company of the trees, you fall into your usual habit of humming and singing. And for a while, all is peaceful and calm.

Similar to how the story plays out in canon, Keaton is terribly lost. The guy has no sense of direction whatsoever, and tends to just wander off when something catches his eye. He has zero hesitation diving into unknown territory - for better or worse. But now, he’s stumbling through the dark forest, cursing under his breath about the fact that he went and got himself lost again… but then he hears pick up on a soft tune, a pretty melody sung by a quiet voice somewhere in the distance. Keaton didn’t expect anyone else to really be out here at night, but he’s drawn to the singing, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll be kind enough to help him out.

When he suddenly stumbles through the underbrush just meters from you, your song suddenly turns into a brief shriek. Keaton immediately tries to placate you, empty hands up to show he means no harm and babbling apologies while you quickly get up to your feet. And while your heart is beating like a drum, you don’t run off, deciding to stand your ground. Keaton is quick to jump into explaining how he got lost and would like some assistance so he can set off in the right direction. You’re not sure you can help, but before you can get very far either letting the wolfskin down gently or trying to help him figure out where he needs to go, Corrin and a few other soldiers approach, having heard your scream.

Initially, he was just invited to stay the night and they’d perhaps figure out how to get him back home once morning rolls around. But… Well, Keaton decides to stick around!

Needless to say, the two of you start spending quite a bit of time together after that. You were the first one he encountered, so he tends to naturally gravitate towards you. What catches his eye is how guarded you seem to be. You’re nice, really chill, never really disrupting the flow of the others around you. But he can tell you’re holding him at arm’s length, and he’s not quite sure how to feel about that. It makes him want to see what lies beyond the front you show to everyone. And if he’s anything, it’s persistent. You, meanwhile, can’t help but enjoy how straightforward Keaton is. He’s so genuine, presenting himself simply how he is to anyone he comes across, wearing his heart on his sleeve. He’s a little rough around the edges, sure, but he’s so sincere that you can’t help but look upon him fondly.

-> [ Keaton sort of fights you when you try to do things for him or pamper him, but he does allow it. ] Where our beloved kitsune Kaden loves when his fur is groomed and enjoys having his ears and tail gently pet, Keaton insists that he doesn’t see the point in all of that silly stuff. But… well, he has to admit… it is kind of nice when you rub at the base of his ears, or when your fingers glide along his fluffy tail. Once he accepts that he likes getting pets from you, he very diligently stays still as possible (minus his wagging tail, of course). You find yourself petting his ears when you’re in need of a distraction, or just while idly sitting and zoning out.

-> [ He will love you forever if you accompany him to find bugs or other… treasures. ] He gets excited enough as it is to show you his collection that he’s amassed so far - and you can’t help but find his passion and excitement endearing, even if you’d really rather not touch whatever he has tucked away in his box of beloved items (you can put up with most of it, but the literal animal carcasses he has stashed away? Eugh…). Treasures tend to be things that are stumbled upon, not found - but Keaton always has his eye out for anything that might be worthy to join his collection. You’ve learned that whenever he asks if you want to tag along on a walk with him, you know that he’s going out to both stretch his legs and look for “cool” stuff.

-> [ Keaton claims he’s a pretty good judge of character, and he’s absolutely right about that. ] He is very much the type to see the good in someone, even when they can’t - but he has good intuition on those who have less savory intentions or behaviors. You, though, are someone who Keaton liked almost immediately, even when he figured out you were holding back from showing your true personality. Sometimes, you struggle with grasping the fact that people do genuinely love and care for you, that you’re real and here and thought of as someone cherished and beloved by someone else - but honestly? Keaton’s tail wagging whenever he lays eyes on you helps put those gnawing worries to rest.

-> [ If you start burning yourself out because of your desire to be helpful to others, he gives you such a stern look. ] Keaton, hands on his hip, brows furrowed, a slight pout, ears drawn slightly downward; the picture of loving exasperation. While he adores how kind and selfless you can be to others, putting their needs and wants first whenever the opportunity arises, he also thinks: surely you know when to take a break and focus on yourself, when too much is truly too much? But apparently not - it’s something you struggle with, and you’re very much aware of it. Keaton is very much the type to go, “fine, if you won’t take care of yourself, then I will.”

-> [ Keaton’s ears perk up whenever you start singing or humming. ] He absolutely adores listening to you, and quietly remains in your presence whenever he hears you, tail wagging eagerly. It’s music to his ears - literally. He also can’t help but remember the way he met you for the first time, drawn through the dark and gloomy forest by a pretty voice, only to meet an even prettier girl. Sometimes he’ll settle down and just sit quietly beside you while you go about your tasks, singing under your breath. He really likes it if you hum while the two of you are snuggled up somewhere.

-> [ He wouldn’t really consider himself much of a climber, but is decent at it. ] Keaton never thought about making climbing a hobby - that said, he is absolutely willing to go bouldering with you when he learns it’s something you enjoy doing in your free time. While it admittedly isn’t the safest thing ever, it seems pretty fun and it seems like it’s a good physical challenge. Besides, you scout out areas that are generally pretty safe so you don’t get terribly hurt if you lose your grip. He’s never been one to shy away from danger, anyways. He definitely listens intently to your explanations and tips, and watches you for a while before making his own first attempts. At least when you go with him, you know he’s always got your back if you fall.

-> [ Keaton is fussy about physical touch at first, but loves cuddling once you both reach that step in your relationship. ] He very obviously struggles with expressing his affection in words, clamming up and getting all flustered and embarrassed whenever he tries to tell you how much he adores you. You think it’s cute, but he hates that he can’t get anything sweet out without stumbling over his words. As such, he leans towards quality time, acts of service, and physical touch once he feels like he is able to manage that without combusting. On a similar note, Keaton is definitely the type to doze off if you start cuddling.

-> [ He doesn’t judge you at all when you have emotional outbursts. ] You do your best to keep your emotions in check, despite the way they fluctuate so strongly, and you really try not to show too much unless you’re alone. On occasion, though, people you’re especially close to will inevitably end up witnessing these moments where you lose control. Perhaps surprisingly, Keaton handles it extremely gracefully. He’s quick to check in on you, but will give you as much space and time as you need until you can reign your emotions in again. And while you can’t help but feel a little ashamed about your inability to control your feelings, never once has he made you feel inadequate or judged for having strong emotions and moments of vulnerability.

-> [ For better or worse, Keaton’s fighting style is up close and personal, and he tends to be a bit reckless, so you often have to patch him up. ] You lightly scold him and tell him that he’s making more work for you - and you hate seeing him hurt, of course - and he’ll sulk a bit, tail and ears drooping, as he promises that he’ll be more careful next time. If you want him to perk back up, just give him a kiss on the cheek or something - that always does the trick. Still, you suppose you can’t be too mad at him - war is war, after all. You find comfort in the fact that he’s strong and capable, and coming back to you alive, even if you do have to heal him up.

Playlist - Tailwag Devotion

Life is Still Going On - NCT Dream Believer - Imagine Dragons Nervous - Rosendale A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay Rule #19 Amigo - Fish in a Birdcage

your match is…

✧ Jing Yuan

How you met -> As Arbiter-General of the Xianzhou Luofu, Jing Yuan is naturally concerned about the security of the ship and its inhabitants. Despite his nickname being the Dozing General, he takes his job seriously and makes an effort to be two steps ahead. The History Fictionologists, while not destructive in the sense that they will aggressively harm others, are very much destructive of history and culture - and that is still seen as a significant threat in Jing Yuan’s eyes. While he does his best to prevent problems before they arise, not every plan is completely foolproof. The History Ficionologists can be a tricky bunch to pin down, their motivations complicated and their efforts to twist history often subtle.

You’re not exactly open about your involvement with the History Fictionologists; their reputation is not a good one to much of the universe, and you’re not foolish enough to simply announce your membership. You joined their ranks with the desire to figure them out - and regardless of your personal thoughts on preserving or destroying history, you do ultimately have to follow through on your assigned tasks. The History Fictionologists have likely altered the history of the Xianzhou Alliance in the past, though it’s practically impossible to know with certainty if their history was truly changed (and what was changed, if so). Still, history is always being made, so there is always history to rewrite. If the Xianzhou Alliance’s past was unaltered before, then it will be altered in the future.

So, you’ve been sent to the Xianzhou Alliance - both on behalf of the History Fictionologists as well as the IPC. Officially, on all your legal documentation, you’re operating under the IPC, temporarily stationed on the Luofu to help with the processing of shipments to and from the Alliance - tedious, but tolerable enough. Of course, Jing Yuan makes a point to encounter all newcomers to the Luofu at some point or another, regardless if they’re someone of high standing or someone of little importance. This means, at some point, he meets you and introduces himself. While his smile is pleasant and relaxed as can be, you can tell his eyes are inquisitive, evaluating, calculating.

Despite the pleasantries, it’s an uneasy acquaintanceship for quite some time; you seem to run into him rather often when you’re out and about on the Luofu, but your random meetings are just a little too coincidental for you to determine if they’re suspicious or not. You can’t figure out what he knows and what he doesn’t know, but you have a feeling that he is aware of something and is trying to put the pieces together. However, over time, you start finding yourself drawn towards the Arbiter-General, finding him charming and fascinating even when you logically know you should be wary.

-> [ The pace at which you two get to know each other depends on you. ] Jing Yuan is patient, never really in much of a rush; everyone opens up in their own time. Besides, getting to know people is best done organically, no? You’re not the easiest person to get to know, with the way you hide your true thoughts and feelings - you’re not especially social, and often passive in social situations anyway, deferring to others and matching their energy. A social chameleon, not revealing who you are deep down. But Jing Yuan will play the same game, letting others lead, matching their energy, waiting for them to reveal themselves more genuinely.

-> [ Jing Yuan is the type to enjoy picking your brain as much as you like picking his. ] He’s met a lot of people over his long life, some which stand out and others which have gradually faded from memory - he remembers those close to him very distinctly, but he doesn’t actually let many people in close to him despite his friendly demeanor. Many people just get to know him as the Arbiter-General, and not as Jing Yuan. There’s an eagerness and a sincerity in the way you approach learning about him that catches him off guard, but not in an unwelcome way. He still keeps you at arm’s length for a while, analyzing you as you analyze him, but little by little he finds himself showing you a more genuine version of himself.

-> [ He’s happy to make you his problem. ] Jing Yuan is capable and independent, used to taking care of others - at least in the sense that a protector and leader takes care of his people. Some feel that it’s too much of a chore to make sure others take care of themselves - Jing Yuan simply feels that it’s natural to care for those one loves. Admittedly, your persistent self-sacrificing tendencies do frustrate him; you do too much too often, neglect your own needs and desires, and do everything in your power to avoid being seen as a burden. He knows you have a heart that is too kind, too giving - and it’s with loving exasperation that he sits you down and makes sure you actually take time to focus on yourself.

-> [ Jing Yuan doesn’t allow you to overextend yourself for his sake. ] He does let you do small things for him, things he very much appreciates, but you are not allowed to do too much for him. Not even in the slightest! He does not allow you to not live for yourself. You may feel a bit lost at first, so much of your time and attention devoted to others, but there’s something deeply comforting about his insistence on taking care of you (even as you resist it at times, afraid of becoming too comfortable). It can be a kind thing to put others’ wants and needs before your own… but their needs do not outweigh yours, and Jing Yuan is going to make sure you have the space to address your own wants and needs. He’ll even help you pinpoint what you need, if you’re struggling.

-> [ His emotional stability balances your emotional volatility. ] Jing Yuan is like a still, picturesque pond where the most disruption one sees is scattered ripples across the surface. You’re like the ocean, calm waters undeniably disrupted by waves rolling and crashing. And yet, the contrast is not an incompatible one - it keeps things interesting for you both, and you both get something out of it. You don’t enjoy when your emotions run rampant, and you desperately try to tame them - you see Jing Yuan’s composure as a sort of goal. On the other hand, Jing Yuan enjoys seeing your emotions, finding them bright and colorful even when unbridled and raw. For him, it can be difficult to let loose and express himself freely, but he’s glad that you haven’t lost that.

-> [ He pays special attention to all your moles and freckles - and you do the same to his. ] You find him often leaving soft, featherlight kisses against them, especially any that dot your face. If you wear short sleeves around him, you can expect him to trace patterns between them as if creating constellations. Of course, you simply can’t leave that beauty mark beneath his left eye alone, either. It’s one of your favorite places to kiss when you’re trying to rouse him from a nap. He has a few other little moles around his body - not nearly as many as you have - and you can’t help but keep an eye out for them, delighted when you find one that had previously been hidden away.

-> [ Cuddles with Jing Yuan are superior, especially in the mornings when he doesn’t feel like leaving the bed right away. ] The man loves his sleep, okay? Many of his naps during the day are just short little cat naps where the sleep is light and easily disturbed, but when he actually gets to hit the sack at night? He’s not letting that sleep go easily. While he’s not suffocatingly clingy, he does love to cuddle with you and prefers to have you cuddled up against his chest, regardless if your face is nuzzled in or he’s spooning you. It is a fight to get him to let you go in the mornings, though - he’s just so comfortable and warm and tired, and he really doesn’t want to leave you or the bed to work.

-> [ Jing Yuan loves doing puzzle and strategy games with you. ] They’re a fun way to keep the mind sharp and busy in times of relaxation, and they’re also a great bonding activity. He definitely challenges you to chess here and there; he does not go easy on you, either. Actual puzzles are nice, he’s fond of the ones that have a lot of blank space because they’re a bit more puzzling. And, if any escape rooms happen to open up on the Luofu, feel free to invite him out when he’s got a day off! He’s definitely clever and is a great option to bounce ideas and theories off of. He’s also really good about balancing the tasks and puzzles in the escape room.

-> [ Hopefully you’re okay with (big) cats. ] Jing Yuan’s beloved Mimi is part of the package. At some point he mentioned having a pet cat, so of course you’d like to see it. What he didn’t tell you was that his cat is actually a fully grown snow lion. Perhaps you take it in stride; perhaps you blanch a bit because Jing Yuan, that’s not just a cat! Thankfully, Mimi is quite calm - even if you’re a bit skittish, you follow Jing Yuan’s lead when interacting with her and it’s not long before you’re good pals. Little Mimi follows you around the house if you’re home from work before Jing Yuan, and he often comes home to find you half-buried under a mass of white fur because she tried to be a lap cat.

-> [ So long as you don’t do anything to put the Xianzhou Alliance at risk, he won’t fault you for your involvement with the History Fictionologists. ] How guarded he is about the situation depends on how honest you are about it. If you’re willing to explain your motives for joining such an organization, that you simply wanted to understand why they do what they do and how they enact their purpose, Jing Yuan is much more likely to let the matter rest. Still, don’t expect him to stand idly by and simply allow you to complete whatever tasks you’ve been assigned by the Fictionologists. Lover or not, he will not allow you to tamper with the history and culture of the Xianzhou Alliance.

Playlist - Fact and Fiction

Lovesong - The Cure Nothing is Lost (You Give Me Strength) - The Weeknd Bambi - Baekhyun Rule #13 Waterfall - Fish in a Birdcage Low Tide Love - Tipling Rock