Escapism

Alhaitham

Honestly, he knows things like these could happened but he never faces it

Until he met you

You're one of those people who usually keep their tasks on hand but at the same time, can be clumsy.

One day, things get a little stirred around your work and it stresses you out

Like literally. Papers here and there and sudden tasks are flowing nonstop

When Alhaitham entered your room, he could see most of the papers aren't organised and you yourself is a mess

He walked to you and checked on you

"y/n." he said with his usual tone, but with a slight hint of concern etch on it

You looked up, and saw him

He can see some scratches on your wrist

Without giving any words, he pulled you closer and comfort you

Honestly.. he didn't know what to do since he spends most of his times alone

But you only told him to hug you and he did that

Just holding you close, and rest your head on his chest

Alhaitham rubbed your back and let you cry or rest on him

You can always rely on him, always

He never judges people, although he can be rather cold

Especially with you, he always accepted for who you are

So, if you need any help, do call him :)

"it's alright.. let it out.. I'm here if you need anything"

Kaveh

Is probably the most understandable and quite experienced (?)

From his lore, we can tell that he's been through a lot

even know he's a renown architect, problems can come and go in his life

So, when you're in the same situation where it's getting too much, you can always tell it to Kaveh

When you're breaking down and have these thoughts, he would hold you close

His soft hands would held yours and rubbing gentle circles on your palm while whispering soft things into your ear

You're so fragile in his arms, your tears were making his clothes slightly wet from it, but he didn't mind.. it's you after all

The last thing he wanted you to do is not tell him and harm yourself

Trust me, he would be damned if you did hurt yourself

even when he first noticed it, Kaveh felt like it was his fault since he didn't kept a close eye on you

So.. don't make him worry, he loves you dearly

"Everything's gonna be okay.. you have me here.. just come to me whether you want a talk or just a hug.."

Ayato

In my head, he is also quite inexperienced (?)

I know he works around people, but his subjects are mostly paperworks and politics

So obviously, feelings rarely come in hand when working on a daily basis

It took him quite a while to know that you're struggling with your life

It's quite on both, you hid it well and he's too busy to notice it

Ayato noticed finally when you two were getting ready for bed

When you changed, he saw a few scratch marks on your wrist

he wanted to think you scratched by something, but the looks like its been done by a bit force

he then noticed how down you look

You're eyes seem a little dimmed than it used to

He then come over to you and wrapped his arms around you

You looked at him in confusion, but he only said, "seems like you need it."

Since he don't have any idea about what to do, he would just let you take the lead and wait for you to tell him something

He's just afraid that he might say the wrong thing to you, so it's best to give you some hugs for now until you're ready

"It's okay.. I'll be here until you get better.. no pressure, dear.."

Childe

Like Kaveh, he knows and understands about it

Well.. childhood trauma from the Abyss..

You can say he has ways of dealing it, either fighting or fishing

Or just have a stroll (like he did in Fontaine)

You were glad that he knows about it and knew how to take care of someone who's like that

It's a heart-wrenching sight for Childe to see you like that

Scars from battles are alright although he prefers to get it on him and not you

But from self harming.. it's the most thing that he loathes

Seeing his loved ones struggled and attempt that can torn him into pieces

He would do anything to make you feel better, even if it's just hugging you while you breaking down

Making your favourite food while telling you about soft things

Or if you want to talk to him, he'll hear your hearts out

Also, he would cut your nails so you couldn't scratch it. Of course that also applies that he would stay around for the next few days until you're completely okay

Just.. don't hurt yourself like that again

Hurting yourself = hurting him (in his mindset)

"now now.. there's no need to do that, princess.. you can always come to me whenever you're sad.."

PLS MY PROFESSOR IS KILLING ME WITH THE DEADLINE

Now playing: Something - The Beatles

First Meeting

"Something in the way she moves, Attracts me like no other lover"

You two met at the Akademiya, where you being younger than him

At the time, you two are still scholars. Him as a Haravatat student, and you as a Vahumana student

And how you two met? both of you were assigned as partners for a research project together

Truth to be told, Alhaitham wasn't a fan of working with others

Since he tends to be alone at times and the others don't even dare to come to him, you have no choice but to approach him

He will always be found at the library, burying himself in stacks of books

"Hey.." you greet him, slightly nervous.. putting down your books across him

"Hello." he answered simply, not peeling his eyes a bit from the book he read, you tried again, "so, about the project.. I was hoping you could help me with this.." you push the papers towards him and he glance at it

"well, it's fairly simple.." he starts to explain it to you, to your surprise.. Alhaitham helps you..

Guess that's a false statement about him not wanting to help

Mid way of him explaining, something runs inside your head.. was he always this charismatic..?

Finally snapping out, you then focused on him.. to your enjoyment, he was actually fun to talk with

Fun as in, interesting, he also felt the same, he never talked this much to other people

You two kept going and talked about the project, until it's almost sunset

"Ah.. I have to leave now, thanks for your help" you gave him a smile and he nodded

Alhaitham can't help but freeze a little, your smile.. his chest swells up, making him overwhelmed a bit

Confused, you snapped your fingers in front of him, "uh.. Alhaitham, are you okay..?" you asked, he then got pulled out from his head

He gave you a quick nod, "I'm fine.. and no problem, anytime." he looks at you

You gave him a little wave before walking away

He stayed for a bit before he went back home, his thoughts were racing.. especially his heart..

".. What is this..? I.. want to know about it.."

Hangouts and Realisation

"Something in the way she woos me"

As time passed, not only meeting each other for projects, you two also met casually, like for lunch or have a talk

To his surprised, every minute that he spent with you is like a dream

Talking to people usually wastes his time and energy, but you're an exception

You two are there for each other, even when the two of you are in your thesis defense

It felt like he was completed, his world felt brighter after meeting you

Something about you makes him feel alive..

Your presence is what he's living for :)

As time passes, Alhaitham can't help but.. realised that he had fallen in love with you

He now tries to find ways for the two of you to meet more and more often. Just so he could see you

Even if it's just a small encounter at the hallways of the Akademiya or have lunch together

"Are you free tomorrow? If you are, wanna go to the park in the afternoon?"

Confession

"I don't want to leave her now. You know I believe and how"

One day, he decided to confessed to you

The feeling that swells in his chest is started to feel overwhelmed now

He plans out what he's gonna do, where and what to bring to you

Since you were fine with anything and okay with anything simple, he decided to confess while you two are out on a picnic on the hill near Sumeru City

Since you're free for today, he decided to do it today

When the time comes, he makes sure the scenery is beautiful and the atmosphere is perfect

When you arrived, he was already there waiting for you. Alhaitham had a warm smile on his face ((something he rarely does when seeing people))

The food was already on the blanket with some flowers and books to read.

You smiled at him, and he pat the space beside him, gesturing you to sat beside him, and you did

After having a small chat, he then finally confessed to you. "uhm.. I have something to tell you.." he said and you looked at him, curiosity filled your eyes.

"what is it, Haitham..?" you asked. He took a deep breath and look into your eyes, "..I like you.. really.. even.. it's.. more than that.." he said and she freezed in shock.

Although Alhaitham is prepared if you refused him, but he was caught off guard by your answer, "..I.. I feel the same.." you trailed off

That made him extremely happy, he then take your hand and kissed your palm gently. It made your heart leaped

You're now his girlfriend, and he's your boyfriend. Both of you blushed and spent the rest of the night and the rest of the days together with him

"I'm happy that you also feel the same.. I love you.."

Relationship & Escalation

"You're asking me will my love grow. I don't know, I don't know"

You two are living together now. Having a comfy home for only the two of you

Spending the time together in the midst of the two of you working at the Akademiya

Alhaitham really values his time with you, although you two are aware that you're loving together now

He loves to just hold you. The feel of you in his arms made him happy, and he felt replenished

Always loved it when you gave him small kisses. It makes his heart go fuzzy

That's for when he's your boyfriend, how about when he's now you're husband?? ;)

Ohoho, he became so affectionate after the day you two got married

Nothing much changed, other than he's more touchy and caring for you (in private, of course)

The reality that you're now his forever makes him happy

Time passes, and his love just keeps growing for you

Just seeing you doing your normal things can make him fall in love all over again

He can get dazed just by looking at her. You then looked back at him and he didn't hide the fact that he's staring at you in a loving way

You would chuckle and ask him why is he staring at you

He can't help but kissed your face and peck your lips

You really are the person that he wants to spend until both of you are up in the sky <3

"Nothing.. you're just so beautiful.. my love.."

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He knows something's off about you

Your eating patterns are.. let's just say scattered

In the morning, you usually have breakfast with him, which was pretty early

For the last few days, you would eat when the sun is almost high in the sky

You also ate lunch at 4 or 5 pm and not eating dinner AT ALL-

It genuinely makes him worry about your health.. you're an ordinary mortal, he's scared if something bad happens to you..

Night time comes, both of you were enjoying your time with each other

Both of you are currently in the living room, you reading your documents whilst laying your head on his lap

Zhongli was reading a book. His other hand gently stroked your hair

"mmh.." you made a noise, he then looked at you, "is there something the matter..?"

He scans you, you shake your head slowly, "I'm just hungry.." you said. His eyes widens a bit, "I'll make you something then-"

Before he could finish, you cut him "thanks.. but I don't want to eat.." you then continue reading

Excuse me?? It left him speechless, did he do something wrong to make you like this?

"Love, I've noticed you haven't been eating properly. Mind telling me?" he spoke softly

You hesitate a bit, "it's dumb.. but nothing really taste good.. just thinking about it.. I don't know.."

Now, it left him confused.. "Even something you like?" he asked and you nodded

He sighed, gently cupping your cheek and facing you towards him. "You have to eat at some point, whether you like it or not.."

It's true.. you've been eating just because you need energy.. even if your body refused to..

"I'll make you something.. don't worry, it's not going to be in a big portion.. just small will do.." he left a little kiss on your forehead, then walk to the kitchen to cook :3

You smiled to yourself, "how sweet.." you mumbled

It makes your heart flutter on how caring he is <3

Zhongli comes back to you after a few minutes to give you a cup of tea, "Here, not to worry.. it's a softer brew, it'll help your stomach a bit.." he smiled softly

You hummed as a thank you, carefully taking a sip at it. It does made your stomach better

Knowing that you were comforted by it makes him feel relieved a bit..

..He hopes that you could finally eat properly again.. it hurts him that his gem didn't want to eat :''

Usually at the Crux, it's always a large feast for everyone to gather around and eat

It's normal for you and Kazuha to feast together and both of you never missed it

But now it's a bit different

You told Beidou that you're a bit busy and probably going to end up in the room for a bit

She then gave you the idea that you could eat while working, so she then told Kazuha to bring you some food

You thanked her and it was going smoothly until.. you told him just bring the food to you later

Not only that, when both of you are at Liyue, you refuse to eat anything and told him that he can eat first

..he doesn't want to, okay?? :(

Kazuha won't eat if you're not going to (but he ended up eating because from your whines..)

Although you grab a drink or a bite-sized cake to consume.. it doesn't feel the same

It feels wrong for him to eat a full portion of food while you were only having a snack

He DESPERATELY needed you to eat with him or at least let him feed you with his cooking :(

One night, he decided to confront you about this, he knocks the door

''y/n.. it's me" he spoke, you responded with a hum and he then walks in, like usual.. you're working

"Darling, can we talk for a bit..?" he sat on the bed beside you

You then put your pen down, looking at him, "what is it, Kazu?" you tilt your head.

"I realized that you didn't want to eat.. are you okay?" he pats your head.

You kept quiet, you looked at him, hoping for an answer from you, "I just.. didn't feel like it.. although to be fair.. I am hungry..'' you explained, "nothing really tasted good.. even my favourite foods.." you continued

It saddens him.. not wanting to eat although you're hungry is far too concerning..

"My poor sunshine.." he gently pull you to his chest, you leaned your head more

He hums softly, twirling your hair gently

"I don't want you to get sick.. especially busy like this.." he holds you, sniffing your hair, "try to eat, okay..? it'll make you feel better.."

You nodded slowly, leaning against the desk for support you then rest on the bed beside him

Pulling out a bar of chocolate and snapping it, he then feeds it to you, you bite into it, "See? it's good, right..?" kisses your cheek

"It's.. sweet.." "I know.." he chuckled, pecking your lips

"Try to get some rest too, don't stress yourself out.." he smiled, you hummed as you continued eating the chocolate that he feed you

Just by you eating chocolate makes him happy a bit.. but it still a long way for it to go away.. :")

He knows damn well that you're a hardworker, but not this much-

You've been busy with the reports from the Akademiya

It takes quite a bit of your energy, but that's just how it is..

Alhaitham wasn't concerned about anything, he's glad that you have some productivity

After a bit, he noticed somethings wrong with you

When he prepared some snacks for you in your office, it often left untouched

Also, did I mentioned that you also got a bit isolated (EVEN FROM HIM)??

When he happened to met your friends, they told him that you also refused to go eat with them, even if they forced you, you only asked for a drink (non alcohol ofc)

It makes him worried for you, your work is also starting to get a bit more stressful every minute

Often times also, you came home and just continued to work.. not paying attention to him

..how odd he thought, the usual you would greet him with a kiss

Alhaitham then followed to the bedroom, to his surprised, you're not even resting.. you continued working..

His heart sinks a bit, just when did you stop resting..?

Approaching you, he was caught off guard by your soft whimpers

"y/n, what's wrong?" he went beside you quickly, rubbing your shoulder gently

"..mmh.. I feel sick.." you curled up a bit, trying to hold the pain

Holding you close to him, he gently soothes you, "want to go to the bathroom?" he rubs circles on your back

You shake your head, leaning more towards him, he then pick you up and move you to the bed

"Have you eaten today?" he asked, holding your hand gently, "I didn't saw you go out from your office.."

You look away, not wanting to face him, this made him more greedy for answers. "Is your work stressing you out? If yes, I can help you reduce it."

It sounds great actually, "..a bit.." you looked at him, smiling a bit, "and no.. I haven't eaten anything.." you looked at his hand that was holding yours

He wasn't surprised actually, and you also know that, "What would you like to eat?" he asked, you fall silent again, thinking deeply before then shaking your head, which made him frown

"Sorry.. it's just that every food that comes to my mind doesn't sound good, it makes my stomach uncomfortable.." you answered, "although yes.. I am hungry.."

Rubbing your hand again, he sighed, "How about I'll make you some soup?" it sounds a bit odd since he doesn't prefer eating it, but for you right now, he'll do it. You nodded

"Be right back." he kissed your hand before leaving the room

Although the smell of food that he was making was good, your stomach didn't agree, it churns a bit.. making you curled up again

It took a bit to calm it down, just in time when Alhaitham comes in

"Here.." he sat beside you, gently feeds you the soup, making sure it's not too hot

It hurts him to see you slightly frowned uncomfortably whilst holding your stomach at some of the bites..

Especially when he felt that you were a bit lighter when he picked you up.. :(