Hugging And Twirling Their S/o Around

{❀..•}_ Why Not Me?- Hu Tao

Summary: Hu Tao has loved you ever since you were kids. She’s been wanting to tell you for years, but an Adeptus named Xiao manages to capture your heart first, and Hu Tao is forced to stand by and watch as you spend the rest of your life with him.

Pairings: Hu Tao x Gn!reader, Xiao x Gn!reader (mentioned)

Genre: Angst, hurt no comfort, unrequited love

Warnings: injury, not proofread, suggestive (very very light though)

Notes: Please let me know if there are any mistakes! I’ve never done a wedding scene before, so if anyone has any tips/notes, I’d love to hear them!

Song pick #1: Nobody by Mitski

Song Pick #2: Heart Attack by LOONA/Chuu

It’s been years since then.

You were just innocent children, waddling around and giggling at the simplest of things. You could remember your mother calling for you, telling you to be careful before you mindlessly stumbled towards the streets of Liyue Harbor. The world outside of the Harbor was enticing, so you walked for hours, only stopping until you reached the dark corners of Wuwang hill.

You could remember the girl you found in the woods, curled up against a tree, holding a bleeding knee. The girl with brunette hair and eyes that glimmered like rubies, hyperventilating as she chuckled to mask the tears welling up in her eyes. As time passed, she stopped laughing. Her voice wavered as the darkness of the forest consumed her whole, her cries for help only bearing witness to the trees.

However, that was before you found her. As soon as you caught sight of another person on the hill, you ran towards them. When you saw that the person was hurt, you burst into tears and fell to their feet. You hadn’t seen blood before, and you additionally had the tendency to cry when other people cried.

You grabbed the girl’s hand, trying to babble out an “Are you okay?” to her. The girl in front of you wiped her own tears and looked at you with concern and confusion. She crawled forward to pat your head, her tiny fingers fluffing your hair around.

“H-Hey, don’t cry…” She mumbled, trying to be comforting. She wiped off her knee and raised it up to your face, wincing. “Look! I’m all okay now, see?”

You frantically shook your head, and started taking off one of your socks to stop the bleeding. You clumsily tied it around her leg, which still had blood running from the wound. It was a tiny scrape, but to a toddler, it practically looked like her leg had been chopped off. You sat down beside her and leaned against a tree.

A few minutes passed, and you had fully calmed down. You sniffled and wiped your eyes every now and then, but you were no longer crying, which the mystery girl considered a win. Your new acquaintance wrapped an arm around your shoulders, and started rubbing your back in a comforting manner. After a few minutes, you finally spoke up.

“Sorry…” you sighed. The brunette next to you perked up at your apology, energetically scrambling to reassure you.

“Huh? Don’t apologize, I’m all better now thanks to you!” She grinned at you, shifting to sit in criss cross position, the blood from her cut mixing with dirt as she did so. She started rocking from side to side, her hair swinging in sync with her movements. “Lighten up! What’s your name?”

You raised your head, a small smile spreading over your lips. “(Y/n). What’s yours?” Your eyes followed her form as she clapped in excitement. She was sent into a fit of quiet giggles as she continued to sway. You wondered why she was so happy, you only asked what her name was. “I’m Hu Tao, Its nice to meet you!”

After a while, you started laughing with her, despite your confusion. Being with another person felt… nice. You had been sheltered by your mother every since you had been born. Staying inside Liyue Harbor’s walls didn’t giving you much time to adjust to the world, especially since you were just a toddler. That was part of why you cried when you saw Hu Tao’s scrape, and that was why you were here in the first place.

As night started falling, mist spread throughout every nook of Wuwang Hill. The shadows cast from the trees melted into the night sky, the darkness forcing you to cling to your new friends. You and Hu Tao started walking, trying to find your way out of the forest by using seelies and butterflies. It was dawn by the time you had gotten home, and everyone had been worried sick about you.

So, you bid Hu Tao farewell, and promised to meet her in the forest another day.

It was around 7PM when Hu Tao finally returned to the funeral parlor. But something felt… different. Tonight, she didn’t feel the weight of death on her shoulders.

No, tonight, she felt happy.

——————————————————————————-

It’s been twelve years since you first met Hu Tao.

Your friendship with the Overseer brought good to your life, and continues to make you happy every day. She’s been there through everything, not just to watch- but also to support you in everything that you do. This was something that no one was willing to do for you before.

She knew nearly everything about you- your favorite food, you favorite books, all of the standard stuff that a close friend would know. However, Hu Tao also knew about your past, and some of the deepest feelings that managed to work their way into your stomach. Sometimes, you would show up at her door in tears, asking for advice, and she would happily comply.

Almost too happily.

Hu Tao would get butterflies in her stomach whenever your gaze met hers, no matter the circumstance. Her hands would sweat, and to say that she would become flustered is an understatement. She would always become red faced if you ever got too close to her- and you, in your ignorance, would think she was sick or something.

She was happy that you relied on her, and she thought that the joy bubbling in her stomach every time you were mentioned was just the feeling of having a real friend. But, after a while, she realized that these weren’t just platonic feelings.

She realized that she was in love with you.

And dear god, she never expected love to hurt so much. All she wanted to do was take you into her arms and kiss you like there was no tomorrow, but she couldn’t risk losing what she had with you. Not now, not ever. So, she vowed that she would never come clean about her feelings unless you asked about them. She wouldn’t stand in your way.

It was only until she heard that you were going on a long mission that she regretted her promise. She didn’t want you to leave, she didn’t know what she would do with herself. You were the very reason she could move forward every day. After all, no one like the poor girl. Not Zhongli, not her own family, not anyone.

Every day you were gone, she waited at her door for you. The hollow feeling in her chest returned, and everyone who knew her had a feeling that something was wrong. Her eyes were dull, and the constant tapping of her foot was a clear sign that she was anxious. No one asked about her though, in fear of becoming her newest obsession.

Hu Tao buried herself in work after three days of your absence. After being yelled at by client and getting ignored by Zhongli, she tried not to cry. But, understandably, she broke halfway through the week. She truly did miss you, she thought as tears streamed down her face in the dead of night.

When you finally returned, you returned with a familiar face.

One she hadn’t seen in very, very long time

His raven hair decorated with glowing turquoise could be recognized by anyone who knew his name. His mask was practically a symbol of justice to the Archons, and his presence had once pestered Hu Tao long before you had left.

Adeptus Xiao.

He was always so cold, so unforgiving. It seemed that she always managed to tick him off just by being around, just like she did to everyone else. Occasionally, he would smirk at her antics, but other than that, he was something akin to a boulder. She didn’t want him to take away her best friend, or even worse- make you boring too.

Her joy was dampened when you said that he would be staying with you for a few days, but most of all, she was confused. A burning feeling settled in her chest as she watched you smile at him like he was the Sun and Stars themselves. Why did he need a place to stay? The Wangshu Inn was quite suitable for travelers and gods alike, so what was the problem?

Unfortunately, Hu Tao’s questions were answered when she caught you doing something that she never thought you would. The Overseer was going about her day as usual, tending to customers and preparing coffins. She was going to find you to ask you about something, when she witnessed you pressing a kiss to the Yaksha’s lips through a crack in the door.

Xiao wrapped a hand around your waist and pulled you in even closer, tilting his head to deepen the affection he was giving. Your palms glided up his neck, finding their way into his hair. You stayed like that for a moment, bodies pressing against each other, warmth emanating from your moving lips. A dark blush coated your lover’s cheeks when you broke away for air.

The image of you might have been hazy, but she knew what was going on now, and she knew what this was leading up to. A pang of jealousy and sadness shot through her stomach, infecting her system until it had reached her heart.

You didn’t want her. You never would.

A few small gasps left Hu Tao’s lips as she turned on her heel and ran away from the scene. The floorboards creaked as she did so, alerting both you and Xiao that someone was there. Both of your heads snapped towards the partially open door. That was the last thing you heard from her for days.

All you got was a mere glimpse of her uniform from behind the door, floating like a butterfly caught in a strong breeze.

It almost felt as if she was drifting away, bit by bit.

——————————————————————————-

Hu Tao returned to you almost a week later.

After she saw you and Xiao, panic set into her soul before she could realize it. She closed the Funeral Parlor until she returned, leaving you in a nervous state of confusion. The only thing you could wonder was, where was she? Was she alright? Why would she ever do this? Not once had she closed the parlor, so why now?

The truth was, your friend was now lost because of you. She though that she had a chance with you, but she had come to realize that that was far from the case. For three days, she had been aimlessly wandering around the dark corners of Wuwang hill, trying to gather her thoughts. But of course, she had no luck. The young Overseer needed advice on how to cope, so she ran to the wisest person she could think of.

Zhongli.

Hu Tao found the Ex-Archon to be irritably smart, making him a good, yet annoying source of help. He had expressed his hatred towards her, claiming that she acted like a child. His attitude always stung a little, but she couldn’t afford to hold grudges right now.

The streets of Liyue were filled with a mix of tourists and locals, the bustling crowds forcing Hu Tao to get through using force. She pushed her way through the ocean of people, the tears that lingered on her cheeks smudging from bumping into the bodies of others.

When she finally reached Zhongli’s door, it was almost sunset. She rapped on his door, and waited for a response. A sharp click echoed from the other side of the door as it swung open, revealing Zhongli, who was looking just as professional as always. He quirked a brow at her appearance and gestured for her to come inside.

He could tell that she had been crying, her puffy eyes and red nose giving him all of the minor details he needed. However, something else was off about her. The light from her eyes was gone- that really told him everything. There was no requirement for questions, he just needed to offer any form of comfort, since her previous source was the very thing that had her caused to seem so… dejected. Zhongli walked over to a kettle situated in his kitchen, and blew out the fire warming the water inside of it.

“It’s something to do with (Y/n), right?” Zhongli asked, pity lining his tone. The woman in front of him nodded sadly as tears welled up in her eyes. He sighed and patted her on the back. ‘You truly did have full control over this poor soul, didn’t you?’ He thought as he poured the boiling water into a cup. The problem was, you didn’t know of the power you held, which could possibly lead to the Overseer’s downfall. “Please, come sit down. Would you like some tea?”

“No, that’s okay.” Hu Tao replied, voice so quiet Zhongli could hardly hear it. “Thank you for the offer, though.”

The Archon sat across from her, holding a steaming cup of tea, his amber eyes boring into his guest’s soul. A shiver ran up Hu Tao’s spine as she soaked up his intense gaze, the despair she harbored just minutes ago morphing into pure nerves. She chuckled nervously and wiped her eyes.

“(Y/n) is in love with Xiao, and… I’m more than certain that he loves them in return.” Zhongli choked on his tea at her words, eyes as wide as saucers. He hurriedly set his teacup down and gently patted himself on the chest to regain his bearings. The infamous Yaksha… was in love? Was that even possible?

Confusion and disbelief were glazed over Zhongli’s features as he coughed into his fist. “I… I see.” He answered, “I suppose miracles do happen, even if they are in the, uh- strangest of circumstances.”

“Zhongli, you don’t understand, I love (Y/n). I love them too- I’ve loved them for longer than Xiao has.” Hu Tao cried, more tears accumulating under her irises. Tiny sobs left her throat as she ranted. “I hate having to watch the person I love the most get taken by some else, It’s not fair!”

An agitated sigh vibrated through the Archon’s chest at her words. How young and naive she was. A part of Zhongli understood how she felt, and another resented her for crying over something that he had been through millions of times. But, in reality, he had a secret soft spot for the young Heiress.

“Love isn’t fair. It never was.” And in the end, that side always managed to win him over, “The best thing you can do for yourself is move on.” because no one should have to go through what he did. He was alone when he lost his friends, and this child shouldn’t have to live through that too, even if she was a bother sometimes.

The girl’s breath hitched. Move on? How could she ever move on when you had captured her heart and marked it as your own? Anger started rising up Hu Tao’s neck as he spoke. She opened her mouth, ready to retaliate- but she was cut off by another statement shook her to the core.

“(Y/n)’s feelings won’t change, you know.”

He was right.

She knew he was.

No matter how much she wanted you to love her, you were incapable of doing so.

But why couldn’t you?

“But it isn’t fair to make them worry about you by running away. Go back to the Funeral Parlor, and patch things up.”

Heavy silence filled the air. The atmosphere was intense as the crushing realization hit Hu Tao- the realization that she had been selfish by running. She had caused you more trouble than she had meant to. A few minutes passed like this- the Geo Archon watching as a lovesick girl silently have an entire existential crisis inside the walls of her own mind.

Abruptly, she stood up.

The life had returned to her face again, and a determined look shone in her eyes. She was ready to come home. She couldn’t hold you down anymore. She would go back to you and apologize, because promised she would never, ever hurt you. Hu Tao ran out of Zhongli’s apartment, yelling to him about how grateful she was for his help.

It was nightfall when she had arrived at your house, exactly four days after she had left. She placed her hands on her knees and she panted into the cold, damp air. Soon enough, she felt gentle arms looping around her body. It was you.

A smile bloomed on her face as she hugged you back. “I’m sorry.” She whispered as you cried into her shoulder. Butterflies bloomed in her stomach when you did so, a faint blush coating her ears and cheeks. You bombarded her with questions of concern when you led her inside, Hu Tao joyfully answering each one of them. But as soon as she saw Xiao emerge from your room, she felt sick.

The butterflies that had been fluttering in her stomach were now dead.

——————————————————————————-

Today was your wedding day.

Today was the day that Xiao would promise his soul to to you for eternity.

Nerves and love were mixing in your stomach as you got ready. Your hands were sweating, and it felt as though electricity was spreading throughout your chest. You had envisioned yourself walking down the isle many times before, but you’d never expected it to actually happen. Especially not with someone as amazing as Xiao.

The wedding was being held at the Wangshu Inn, the very place where you and Xiao had met. It wasn’t a big reception, neither of you were up for that- but a few close friends had been invited to come and celebrate with you. It was only a few minutes before you had to come out, and the last checks of your outfit were being done.

Hu Tao stood behind you, trying to style your hair. You looked so beautiful in your wedding attire- hell, you were practically glowing. A constant ache had settled in Hu Tao’s stomach, and ever so often she would start to feel nauseous because of it. It hurt, knowing that you would never be hers. It hurt, seeing you look at someone else with such love. But she swore, years ago, that she wouldn’t get involved.

She knew you were happy, and that’s all that mattered to her.

She entangled her fingers in your hair and closed her eyes. A giggle rose from her throat to try and mask the fear that coursed through her body. It was just like you were kids again- it was just like the day you met. Hu Tao wondered if you remembered that day. She wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t, it had been two decades since then.

She should have told you. She should have taken the chance to tell you she loved you, instead of digging her own grave. Images of what could have been flashed before her eyes, and the hollow feeling in her chest had returned.

Her hands shook slightly, alerting you of the expression on her face. She grinned as big, glistening tears rolled down her cheeks. Small hiccups emerged from her lips, chest heaving with despair. She felt as if she was grieving for no reason, and she hated that she was burdening you with her issues on the most important day of your life.

You looked up at her, guilt clouding your eyes. Gently, you stood up and pulled her into your arms.

“Hey, hey… what’s wrong?” You whispered.

“N-Nothing, really, I’m just happy for you!” Choked laughs were scattered throughout her words as she nuzzled her face into your neck. “My best friend is getting married, of course I would cry.”

It was meant to seem like a lighthearted comment- a mere joke for you to laugh at, but there was a melancholic undertone to her voice, unlike the usual bubbly one she had. You quirked your head at her voice and placed a hand on her shoulder. You stared at your friend, the hues of your eyes being reflected in the hers.

“Nothing will change Hu Tao, I promise. You’ll always be my best friend.”

A friend. That’s all she was to you.

Hu Tao nodded and pulled away from you, wiping her eyes one last time. She brushed herself off before patting you on the back and ushering you to the door. The sounds of clapping could be heard as Verr Goldet finished up her speech. “Well, it’s time.” She sighed, “Now go out there, and give them a wedding they’ll never forget!”

The exchange that happened between her and Zhongli replayed in her head.

Time seemed to slow down as you gave her a final ‘thank you’, before walking down the aisle and leaving her side forever. Flowers clouded Hu Tao’s vision when she went around the seating arrangements to take her place up front as your Maid of Honor.

One last time, she looked at you, eyes filled with the disgusting feeling of love she had felt for so long. Taking a deep breath, she realized that Zhongli was right. She needed to move on. But she couldn’t, no matter how many times she tried.

Even as you both grew old together, the memory of the day she met you still lingers in her mind, reminding her that you gave your life away to someone that wasn’t her.

—# 🍨 HOLDING HANDS AT SCHOOL

A/N; :)

ᥫ᭡ HOLDING YOUR HAND IN PRIVATE; Eula, Diluc, Baal & Barbara

They wouldn’t mind holding your hand in public, but they only want to hold your hand when it’s a moment that can be shared between only you two.

ᥫ᭡ HOLDING YOUR HAND EVERYWHERE; Kaeya, Venti, Rosaria, Childe

Adores being clingy. Though despite their quiet or extremely loud attitude they want to hold your hand anywhere. They always just take your hand into theirs despite the situation.

ᥫ᭡ HOLDS YOUR HAND WHILE SLEEPING; Yae, Zhongli, Diluc, Albedo

Likes to hold your hand while they sleep. Because it brings them gentle comfort and it makes them sleep very well. They shall forever thank you for allowing them to hold your hand while you sleep.

fischl💓💕 pls

congrats on 100 followers! <3

awwww thank you anon!! (p.s. was very tired when i wrote this so sorry if its not that okay than usual)

💓- When they first know about their feelings about you

HAHAHA GAY PANIC, GAY PANIC, AHHHHHH AHHH AHHH PLS SEARCH THIS SONG THATS HER EXACT REACTION THE MOMENT SHE REALISES IT (THANKS OZ)

but ok seriously, she’s probably just at her house with Oz, rambling about you when Oz looks at her dead in the eye, and tells her

“Mein Fraulein, are you not in love with her?”

“What, Oz? Blasphemy! A mortal like y/n is not fit to earn my affection! I am the Princesszin Der Verurteilung, and I must marry someone of similar stature, to befit my status!”

“Are you sure though? You think about them, your heart beats faster around them, you blush easily around them, and most of all, you let down your guard around them, and let them in.”

“...”

“I’ll leave you to think about it, Princesszin.”

With a poof, Oz leaves Fischl alone on her bed.

She proceed to crawl to bed, but thoughts of you invade her every moment that night.

Needless to say, she did not get a good night’s sleep, and had caused you to worry about her sluggishness.

As she drifted to sleep in the morning, with you checking on her, she sighs internally

“Sigh... it does seem that I have fallen for y/n...”

💕- how they show affection

(a/n affection go brrrrrrrrr i dont need it)

dont pda. She shy. if you do it, she will instantly stop working. You learnt that after you pecked her lips in public.

She instantly crumbled and you took her back home.

And she was like, "Y/n! Please, do not do perform such affection outside closed doors, it is unfitting for me, as Princessin Der Verurteilung, to be so affectionate in public!"

*cue you being actually sad*

She instantly feels guilty and adds on that she didn't mean it, and has Oz explain that she's just so flustered by affection in public. But she doesn't want you to be upset at the thought of almost no pda

"Of course, you may still hold my hand and give me cheek kisses. Just, not too obviously, alright?"

She rarely would show pda in public unless she's jealous, missing you a lot, or nearly lost you and is panicking so badly. Only on rare occasions like your birthday or your anniversary would she give you a public peck on the lips.

She loves being around you at home, to make up for keeping up her persona and all. She'll be literally clinging onto you like a koala. Except when you have to go to the toilet, yes.

Gets all shy when receiving kisses, and even more so when she tries to give you kisses. She loves them, give it to them. She feels less pressured if you close your eyes though.

I think she would like hugs too, especially as she gives back hugs so that she can show affection without blushing in front of you.

Oho yes Raiden request incoming. How about Raiden like being reminded of her old friends and how they're no longer with her anymore which causes a break in her usual guard around the reader. This results in Raiden pleading for the reader to never leave her and just soft fluff from there.

Well this request was awkward. If you don't wanna follow exactly, go ahead and do just that

A/N: I'll format this post some other time lmao. Also, Reader appears very suddenly, I know that, but that's because I didn't know how to transition the scene lmao. Also-also, the relationship between Reader and Raiden is unclear. So feel free to imagine it whatever you want it to be.

Words: 456

Raiden:

Every morning brings about pain in her heart—aches and pangs of all kinds. This pain pressures her further to strive for eternity. Eternity is nearest unto Heaven after all, right?

The winter morning freezes in time, soft snow falling—muting the world it coats. She gazes out upon the white-painted world before her from atop her room balcony. She grits her teeth, feeling her heart swell with desperation for the old times with her dearest friends. A fist of her own clenches, resting on her chest, fingernails threatening to break her snowy pale skin.

She sniffs. Whether it's from the cold or her emotions, she doesn't know. It's both, it's definitely both, she concludes. Her eyes become dusky and hazy with dark thoughts and intense desperation. The world grows fuzzier and fuzzier with a white glaze. She gulps and frowns, collapsing to her knees and clenching her fists.

You appear at her side, a warm and fluffy wine-colored coat in your arms. You unfold the coat and wrap it around her shoulders. Out of respect, you do not speak to her. You turn, ready to leave her be, but she clutches at the edges of your clothing—looking up at you with knitted eyebrows and parted lips. Desperation fills her glassy violet eyes, tears threatening to spill.

"Please, don't leave me." She whimpers, voice barely above a whisper.

You blink, nodding slowly and returning to her side. You settle down onto your knees next to her, gazing at her with a diligent stare. Your eyes soften out of concern for her, wondering what's gotten her so down and out all of a sudden.

With hesitance, your hand reaches out to her. When your hand makes contact with her soft violet hair and pets her oh so softly, her eyes go wide. Yet, she's quick to relax—sighing in content as her eyes flutter shut. A soft smile caresses her thin lips and rosy tint coats her cheeks.

And for once, the morning is different than all the others. It's soft as the fluffy snow beyond you yet warm as a long-awaited embrace. She relishes in these quiet moments, leaning her head toward your comforting hand like a cat. You swear she could start purring at any moment.

Her eyes flitter open, staring out to the snowy landscape before her striking gaze flickers over to you—sparing you a pure smile and adoring gaze.

"Thank you. Let's...stay here a while longer."

Okay so hear me out on this. What about a one shot/a little Drabble about HuTao trying to be sexy for her S/O when they come home late from work, adventuring, commissions, etc.

But half way trough HuTao’a demeanor changes. She gets super shy and self conscious because of her flat-chest, her boney thighs, and her stick like legs.

Definitely some body positivity, and comfort from S/O who lets HuTao know just how loved and adored she is.

You don’t have to if you don’t want you. You’re doing an amazing job and I look forward to your future posts.

Please and thank you so much

I tweaked it juuuust a little to fit the idea I had, but here you go ✨

You were going to be out late that night, and Hu Tao wanted to surprise you.

She had pulled so many pranks on you in the past that you were getting used to her tricks, and she had to think long and hard about how to really shock you when you come home.

Suddenly, she had an epiphany.

A playful prank, something that would get the perfect flustered reaction out of you. You were so cute with your mouth slightly hanging open and that look of surprise in your eyes… she couldn’t resist.

She put on one of your shirts that was long enough to almost pass as a dress on her small frame and draped herself over a chair, waiting to surprise you.

She inspected herself in her boredom, at first admiring how your shirt looked on her.

Then… something unexpected began to happen. Her features started to appear differently as she thought. The shirt made her chest look even more small than usual, and her exposed legs looked skinny and sticklike.

A lack of cheer was unusual for someone such as Hu Tao, but she quickly felt her excitement draining away, replaced by something darker.

She pulled her knees up, hugging them to her chest. Just as she started to feel tears stinging her eyes, she heard the door open.

Before she could collect herself, you were in the room. You saw her wiping at her eyes and were quick to ask what was wrong.

“Nothing,” she sniffled. “I just… was going to surprise you, but I don’t look very good in your clothes.” She tried to chuckle, but it was halfhearted.

“Oh, darling… you look wonderful in them. Beautiful.” You crossed the room to gather her into your arms, hugging her tightly. “Don’t ever think you’re not beautiful…”

She clings onto you tightly that night, characteristic smile quickly returning.

they are besties !

Starts out as sucrose doodle only but then i remembered that I love women

glasses

pairing: jean x gn!reader

genre: fluff :))

word count: 963

warnings: none!!

a/n: this is based off of true experiences </33

Keep reading

When you reject them

characters; Scaramouche, Kazuha, Childe, Yoimiya, Hu Tao

;contains a quite a few story spoilers! And a little yandere at Scara's part.

Zhongli, Ganyu and Ayaka were here originally but god idk what flaw i could use against disciplined peeps to get reader to dump them shshhsshs

Scaramouche

Ah. Of course.

This isn't the first time someone had rejected who he truly was. Who in the right mind would love a mere puppet? Maybe he shouldn't have revealed this truth he oh so despises.

He thought, that maybe, you were different, that you'd accept him and his feelings, not as The Balladeer or as the Shogun's prototype, but as Kunikuzushi, the forevermore chalked embodiment with a soul longing for appreciation.

But boy, was he wrong.

"I'm sorry, Kuni-, I mean, Scaramouche. But I simply wish to live in peace with my family." His arms stiffed under your sorrowful gaze as you handed him back the bouquet he bought for you. "And, being with you will prevent me from doing that."

"...I see." He looked away as he somehow heard his heart crack into small pieces.

"D-don't get me wrong!" You flailed your arms in concern, "You're a good person! But, I'm afraid I can't overlook your title as a Harbinger..."

You both had gone silent after. Well what could you say? You can't just apologize for breaking a man's heart. Especially to someone who's already as fragile as he is.

You felt your eyes widen when he slowly started approaching your figure. "What are you-"

You were cut off as he patted your head with a small rare smile upon his features.

"It's okay. Your cautiousness is one of the things I liked about you after all." He retracted his hand as he stepped back, slowly donning his hat once again. "I guess, this is farewell, as Kunikuzushi atleast." You noticed his hand gripped the bouquet tightly as he bowed towards you, before he turned around and started walking away, leaving you under the falling petals of sakuras.

What did he mean by "atleast"?

Kazuha

He slowly writhed in pain as he looked at you interact with Gorou. You both looked terribly down for each other, it was so obvious that you harbored feelings for each other that the whole resistance army ships you both.

He clutches the bamboo flute you had made for him specifically in his hand, reminding himself that not all hope has been lost, especially with the look of adoration you adorned him with as he played the flute during a sunset in Watatsumi Island.

"Y/n." You heard him call out from up the trees as you were making your way towards the camp.

"Oh, Kazuha." You smiled as you waved at him, which he took as signal to jump down in front of you.

"There's something I wanna tell you."

"What a coincidence. Me too!" You laughed a bit, too giddily...he thought. "You can go first though."

"I- uh, no. You can go first." He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. Could you possibly be...?

"O-oh well, actually..." You put your arms behind your back as your face flushed a bit. Kazuha gulped at your actions. Are you actually gonna...?

"Me and Gorou started dating!" You giggled happily, as he froze in shock, but alas, you didn't notice. "I actually wanted to tell you this quite a bit ago, since you're a close friend of ours, but-"

The rest of your words were tuned out as Kazuha stood completely still, not quite processing your words.

"You guys...are dating...?" He repeated, still not believing.

You stopped your babbling as you looked at him with a raised brow. "Yeah...we are. Are you okay? You don't look too well." You stepped closer to inspect his horrified look.

His doubts and thoughts spiraled as he tried to wrap his head around those words. He couldn't believe it. No way, he can't. He couldn't believe that...

he had lost you to him already. (this isn't really a rejection but i can't hurt my boy like that)

Childe

"Bleeghhhh! You'll never catch me!" Ajax stuck out a tongue as he dodged a snowball you had threw at him. "You always speak way to soon!" You ran behind a rock to dodge one of his throws as you scooped up another batch of snow.

Playing with him, never felt cold. Even in the everlasting cold winters in Schneznaya, simply being in his presence was warm and delightful, almost like a fireplace, haha. Kinda ironic, considering the sudden chill you felt down to the very bottom of your being when he walked past you silently after missing in the forest for 3 days straight.

He changed.

Just what had happened during those 3 days? It all still remains a mystery to you and his neighbourhood.

You frowned as he appeared before you once again, this time wearing an all too familiar uniform. Way proudly. Too proudly.

"Of course, you became a Harbinger. Of course." You sighed, disappointed with his choices. Where was the boy you loved who would always bring hot bread from his home to yours? And who was this man named Childe, in front of your doorstep?

"I-" His smile fell at your expression. "Aren't you proud?" You looked down at your feet as you spoke up, "I...how could i be proud? When you're now affiliated with the Fatui, as one of their lords at that?"

He blinked. Was this because he had stopped playing with you a few years back? "Are you...angry with me joining them?"

You looked at his lightless eyes as you cupped his face with gentle hands. "It's more like...I feel sad."

"About what?"

"It's nothing you have to worry about." You stepped back onto the other side of the doorstep, keeping your silent pleas for him to come back near your heart, long decided to be unsaid. "It's better to not be know, as it'll probably affect your line of work." You smiled as you tried to close the door, but suddenly his hand had stopped it.

"What are you saying?? I came here since I felt that..." He frowned. "That you felt the same way."

"What way? You mean loving you?"

"Yes."

"Childe." You stared at him blankly. "I'm engaged."

And he fell down into misery, yet again.

Yoimiya

"The fireworks are as spectacular as always, Yoimiya." You lifted your gaze to the sky blooming with colorful lights, "It seems you've went after a romantic theme for today." You say as you spotted multiple heart-shaped explosions in the sky.

"Oh, that's- uhmm..." Yoimiya looked down at her feet, with an uncharacteristically shy voice. "It's just..."

"Oya?" You felt your lips tug into a smirk. "Did our Queen of Narukami find herself a little crush? Mind telling me who has the honor of catching the attention of her majesty?"

"Eh???!" Her eyes widened as she felt herself get hotter.

"Pfft, you should really look at yourself right now." You laughed a bit at her sudden shyness.

"D-do you really wanna know who it is?"

You blinked at her demeanour. "Not if you're uncomfortable with it."

"It's fine." She put down her sparklers as she stood up, fully taking the view of the fireworks. "This person...has always been by my side." She started. "They...had always supported me with my passion for fireworks. Even though I failed many times, resulting in some severe burns, they were always the one patching me up, and telling me that I shouldn't give up, even if I didn't plan to, hehe."

You felt your chest tighten as you connected the dots. There's no way she's talking about...

"Hey, Y/n." She turned to you with a smile that mirrors the beauty of the fireworks, "I like you. I really do."

"..."

"I already know...that you like Ayaka, but...!"

"Yoimiya." You halted her words. You felt your mood dampen with the visible hurt in her eyes. "I...only see you as a sister of mine. I don't think i can-" You sighed, not wanting to have to tell her this way. "I don't think i can see you as anything beyond that."

You could only watch as she smiles to herself, and silently cry, knowing she'd never win against an actual princess.

Hu Tao

"Ah-!" You exclaimed as you felt something heavy jump on you from behind.

"Hello, my lovely Y/n!" She giggled as she stuck on to you like a koala, "Nice to see you today!"

You sighed as pried her off from you. "Hu Tao, not now. I'm busy." You heard her huff as she crossed her arms.

"Collecting debts is sooo boring! Why don't you come work at the parlor instead?" She winked at you, as if she just suggested some completely genius. "I'll give you an extra bonus on your pay if you bring new customers, ehe!"

"Stop disrupting my work. Besides, the Tsaritsa has given me enough money already."

"Then why continue working for themmmmm, boo hooo!"

"Hu Tao, just leave me alone. I don't feel like dealing with you today."

She felt a pang in her heart, yet her smile didn't waver. "Oh, come on! Just admit it, you like me being around-"

"No. You're annoying." You stated as you looked towards her. "I seriously don't get why you keep going after me. Can't you go annoy someone else, like Zhongli?"

Her ruby eyes widened at your harsh words. "I-I just wanted to-"

"To cheer me up?" You fixed your position to fully face her. "Being in the Fatui has shown me all the ugly sides of this world. You're only constantly reminding me of my siblings that I'll never see again."

Hu Tao looked down at her feet, knowing fully well that she did nothing but pester you.

"My anger towards you right now may be misplaced, but you'll need to know that I also need space."

"I already know all of that." She spoke up, with a new determined look in her orbs. "It's precisely why I keep insisting you to be with me so you could be happy. You're all alone...and i just wanted to change that."

You frowned at her words, "Why are you trying so hard to-"

"Because I love you!"

Your eyes widened as she gritted her teeth. "I've always loved you!"

"Hu Tao."

"-Ever since that time you found me at Wuwang hill, and helped me move on from my grandfathe-"

"Hu Tao."

She looked up with tears prickling her eyes.

"If I were the same person all those years ago, I would've accepted your confession with no question." You looked down at your own feet this time,

"But unfortunately, I'm not the same as I used to be."

# Paper Hearts | Mona X Reader

➵ warnings: angst, mentions of character death

➵ notes: self-indulgent drabble that has been in my drafts for a while;; I haven't written angst in a while, so I hope it's an enjoyable read!

"Being an astrologist such as I, I can see glimpses of the future." With a gentle sigh, Mona traced circular patterns on your palm, humming a familiar tune whenever you wake from your nightmares.

"Really, now?" You asked with intrigue, moving closer to envelop yourself in her warmth and comfort. The vast topic of her abilities was still confusing, for you weren’t blessed with a vision nor a magical ability. Nevertheless, you’ve shown great interest in her works ever since she has decided to teach the basics.

Running your hands through her hair, you’ve always admired how soft it was. “Maybe you can ask the stars how to manage your financial situation.” You teased, nudging her shoulder as Mona feigned an offended gasp.

“Oh hush, you! Astrology shouldn’t be used for minor things like that. Misusing the guidance of the stars can bring great misfortune to its user, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.” She scolds, then flicking your forehead with her index finger.

“Ouch, that hurts.” You complained, only gaining a giggle as a response.

“I think you deserved it.” Mona teases before running her hands through your hair. It takes a while before she speaks again. "Sometimes, I can see things that'd make you smile, or the numerous ways that can ruin a day, if I truly wished to, of course."

With a yawn, you stretched your arms before slumping over her figure, smiling. "That sounds like a lot of fun." The atmosphere settled into a comfortable silence. Moments such as these were rare since your lover spent most of her time knee-deep in her studies; always searching treatments for ailments and illnesses yet being unable to get the answers that she wanted. You didn’t blame her, though, you know she was only trying her best.

“..Do you see us staying together for a long time, then?”

Mona freezes, turning to look at you as she contemplates the question. She can’t bring herself to answer it, she doesn’t want to destroy that tiny glimmer of hope in you. It was a question she had asked the stars, and time and time again, it had remained unanswered.

She couldn’t.

Instead, Mona interlocked her hands with yours and held tightly, as if she was afraid that you could vanish.

Instead of answering, Mona looked at you with eyes brimming with anguish. Maybe, just maybe, if she doesn't speak of it, then maybe it wouldn't come true. Maybe the universe will be kind enough to spare you from your cruel fate.

It shouldn’t have hurt as much, but it did. You already know what she saw for your future.

“I love you, so much.” She whispered ever so softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead. A promise.

“..I love you too.”

The silence hung heavily in the air, broken only the faint beeping sounds of a heart monitor.