A Comforting Night

A Comforting Night

In which our wind adeptus is plagued with nightmares and seeks solace in you.

Warnings: Mentions of death, nightmares

Defined Reader Features: None. *The reader has a pyro vision

Word Count: 686

He woke up with a start, his breath ragged and short. The cool night air made the sweat on his skin feel clammy. He blinked once. Twice. Thrice. He turned to look to his side, out one of the windows in his room at the Wangshu Inn. The night sky was clear, littered with stars that shone like diamonds. The only sounds he could hear were the distant hoots of owls, the leaves rustling outside the window and the calm breathing of you, laying next to him.

Slowly, Xiao turned to face your sleeping form, which was currently well tucked in under the blankets, both your arms loosely draped around his waist. He takes a sharp breath, the fear from his nightmares briefly melting away, and gently places his hand on your head. This gentle but new touch disturbs your rest, and you shift a bit. You were always a light sleeper, Xiao cursed inside his head as he watched your eyes flutter open. You squint a bit, confused as to why your lover was awake and watching you like a curious cat does to a scurrying mouse.

“Why aren’t you asleep...?” You question, removing your arms from his body as you push yourself up to sit up. Xiao shakes his head.

“I thought I heard something. It was nothing-- go back to bed,” he lies, hoping you’ll buy it and close your eyes. But you don’t, instead reaching around for the lamp that sits near your bed. Once your fingers graze the wick of the candle, sparks fly at your tips as you light the lamp, shedding some dim light in the room.

“You know I hate it when you lie to me, Xiao,” you start, turning your body back to face the visibly disturbed yaksha. He hesitates for a moment, before realizing neither of you will get sleep if he isn’t upfront about his feelings.

“Nightmares. Memories of the countless lives I took in my past...the dreams I devoured...they haunt me nightly, and this night is no different.” He glances away, uncomfortable with your intense stare. When he glances back, you still watch him, but your hands have lifted to touch his face. You pause for a moment, as if asking for consent. When he gives a slight nod in response, your hands carefully cup his face. You tilt it down a bit so he looks at you and you offer him a kind smile.

“I remember the stories you told me about your time serving under your cruel master. I know that those times trouble you, even with how distant in the past they are. I know that even as you lie in bed with me, you find yourself hesitant to express your love. These nightmares plague your dreams and make you walk with your eyes looking back to see if your karma will truly come to catch you. But it won’t, Xiao.” He leans into your touch watching you. A part of him wants to stop you and question your confidence, but he knows better.

“You are here. Your a Liyue’s protector, and Rex Lapis’s trusted adeptus. You are more than your past for it does not define you. The sword hanging over your head shall be cut, for you strive to be a better person. I promise you my love, you are free to be.” He stares at you, contemplating how lucky he got to have someone, especially a mortal as understanding as you for a partner. A rare smile graces his face and he turns his head slightly, placing a kiss on your palm. 

“Thank you, (y/n).” You beam at him and pull back, moving to get comfortable once more in your bed. 

“Let’s sleep. When I wake up, I’ll go shopping for some ingredients to make almond tofu, hm?” He nods, moving as well to lie back down and go to sleep. His arms snake around you and he tucks you under his chin, giving himself the privilege of being comforted by your warm body head on. The night of terror soon became one of comfort.

Death the Kid

who are your favorite mutuals/writers? or people ya wanna get to know better?

i don't know if 'favorite' is the right word because everyone i'm mutuals with is near and dear 2 my heart and i could never pick favorites....... they're all my babies..... i have a lot of problems with opening myself up to interacting with other people and it can be really hard for me to "put myself out there" so to speak, so admittedly i want to interact with basically everyone im mutuals with more.... i just need to work through some of my own feelings and issues with that sort of thing BUT u all are very dear to me ok i am silently watching and admiring u all from afar........

thank u to @lavandermin for letting me dump like 4K words in your messages every day i am so annoying in ur dms i swear LMAO you just have such a big brain and ur so much fun to talk to. my skrunkly. you make me feel a little less insane bc i'll be like "okay this kink/scenario is so weird im so sorry" and then you go "NO WAIT THATS GOOD" and im like "oh thank god" lmaoo

@tokkishouse an angel walking amongst men please.... youre always someone i love seeing in my notifs bc youre just so sweet and ur ask to my spam acc was SO NICE i keep forgetting to answer it because im like lowkey hoarding it. also because im embarrassed to talk about my interests outside of genshin bc i feel so cringe talking about it i like commercial jet aviation a LOT its so bad. i can differentiate planes based on how many windows they have nobody look at me

@abbacchiosbelt FELLOW PERSON FROM (insert shithole state we live in here) i enjoy u so bad LKJGJG youre so fun to talk to and u make such yummy stuff.... my sylvain enjoyer in arms. nobody understands the relationship between two Sylvain Enablers

@jade-parcels has been here since the fabled Juju Enstars Era pls u are entitled to a veteran's discount. i love what you do pls youre so funny in the server and ur diluc posts are always so yummy... i wasnt a huge diluc fucker at first because im more inclined to obnoxious men (see: childe) over stoic men but you have Changed me

@ickyism U ARE SO FUNNY ALWAYS i love you...... my fellow luxiem stan in arms.... we need to return to our matching vox and mysta pfps that was so cute. i adore you and we need to talk more pls

@galair IS SO NICE and so talented you are just the nicest person ever i swear. i love what you do and i love talking to u and youre just so sweet and ur art hits different. thank you for making so much good stuff for us and for FREE TOO. do u have a ko-fi or something bc....

@kaeyatic @svgarslut @albedos-canvas @xialatvs are all very sweet and welcome presences on my dashboard and in my inbox... i care you guys so bad please every time i see new posts and new inboxed messages (including the ones i dont always answer bc im ngl i enjoy hoarding your guys' fun asks LMAO im like omg... thats my friend... talking to Me..)

@ literally everyone im mutuals with i would love to get to know all of you more LKFDKLFDJ some day i shall break free of my shell and allow myself to just be absurdly annoying in everyones inboxes and that's a promise... would def like to get to know everyone mentioned above + @jupeteer @astraluvs @kaeddehara @kazewhara @sukunasstarlight + ok literally everyone help me hehe

ahhhh thank you!! I love it!!!

Hey can I get a match-up with a genshin character? I'm a nonbinary AFAB who loves dancing (Im in an idol group actually lmao), and I enjoy art and writing. I'm pretty patient and good with kids. I tend to be told im intimidating at first impressions but when people get to know me I'm really warm and cuddly! I would die for my friends and overall I see the good in people initially. Cross me though and I'm done with your shit. Thanks for having matches open! (And I'm loving your content)

Honestly had a moment where I was lost for words but the Archons saved me and gave you love

Albedo

He found you interesting when he first heard about you and just wanted to meet you

He never thought about falling in love before, but after just a few chats, and seeing you with Klea, he was in fact in love

He stares at you with doting eyes and everything

It took him forever to even admit he had feelings for you

You made the first move for asking out, kisses, everything

He gets nervous about it all, not being used to love himself

At first he wanted to try to find a formula that could explain his feelings but over time just accepted them

He knows you can take care of yourself, so he never worries about you physically

Will make sure to keep up with your mental health and that you are taking care of yourself though

You, him, and Klea are a little family in Mondstat and he wouldn't want it any other way

Secrets

Childe x reader fluff

The fighting grew louder as the smugglers attempted to retreat back to camp but were followed ruthlessly. They'd finally met their end. The month of being treated like cattle and hearing what a pretty penny you'd sell for could be over.

One of the smugglers runs to the cage and opens it, grabbing you by the hair and pulling you out, "Lets go. The boss still needs this payout."

You groan and decide to take your chance. You grab the hilt of the sword he keeps to his side and pull, the sound familiar to you. You'd been a adventurer up until these idiots over powered you to sell you off.

If they hadn't gotten your vision away from you, they'd all be dead right now. That's how infuriating they are. You'd break your vow to never kill a human on these buffoons.

And now you hold true to that as you thrust all of your energy into the blade moving through the man. He gasps and lets go of your hair immediately, falling backwards.

You let go and run for the tent where the put your supplies. Thank the Archons they didn't break anything.

With your personalized sword and vision in hand, you head back out only to get caught in the thick of the fight.

You quickly notice the orange haired man who stands out from the rest of the convoy. He looks almost surprised when he sees you fighting the smugglers. Then again, most of the men who aren't with the smugglers look surprised by the stranger who is fighting along side of them.

As the last smuggler drops, your body suddenly becomes aware of how exhausted it is from a month of barely any food and constantly being shoved around. You go to put away your sword properly only for the man who stood out to take a swing at you, the rest of the group watching intently.

Your blade blocks his out of instinct and your eyes widen, "Wait please... they held me captive to sell me... I have no quarrel with you... in fact I'd appreciate any help I could get..."

His eyes glance around subtly then his sigh, "You have a choice then. Serve me and the Tsaritsa, or fight me right now."

You frown and kneel down. You know you wouldn't stand a chance to fight him right now. You can sense he held back on that strike, and you practically lost your grip when your blades clashed. You'll just have to bide your time until your strength is recovered and you can fight properly. "Fine. I'm at your comand."

He nods, his water blades vanishing before your eyes, and picks you up shockingly gently. "I will treat your wounds. I expect medical supplies in my tent as soon as we are back to our camp."

"Yes sir!" Someone yells and they all start heading back for the camp.

The man walks back in silence and lays you on a cot in what seems to be a private tent. Just as he lays you down, one of his soldiers drops off supplies and leaves just as fast. He sits beside you, and he seems to instantly become a different person, "I am Childe. I'm honestly quite impressed you could fight while looking so... worse for wear. I won't ask anything much of you, I promise. That whole serve me thing was for show. Though I do expect a fight before you leave. I'm interested in seeing your skills at full strength. And I refuse to let you leave my side without showing me that you are at full strength."

You look confused, "Is this some twisted way of saying you want to ensure I actually get better?"

He just looks at you, then the supplies, "Did they cause any damage to you that needs immediate attention? If not we will just have a doctor look at you when to the city."

You sigh, "I'm fine. With a little food I'll be able to heal myself."

"I actually insist you don't use your vision right now. It may make the men think you're trying to escape. We don't need that mess." He says casually.

You sigh, "Fine. No vision use."

"I'll make you something to eat that should help." He says gently and leaves the tent.

Your mind wanders, who is this man? How can he go from kill to help with just a few words?

You feel yourself start to doze off and only stay awake because the promise, and smell, of a meal is something you've been praying for.

Over the next month, the trip leads the convoy to Liyue. Childe has a set of rules you have to follow in front of the others, but in private you actually find yourself free to do as you please. And you won't admit it, but you have grown fond of his company in private.

Over the coming months in Liyue you find yourself back to full strength and even joining Childe on some jobs he has to do. He's fascinated by your unique fighting style. He apparently hasn't met many Dendro Vision users who fight, and certainly not the way you fight.

The Fatui he controls are quite impressed that you are so loyal to him for technically being a captive. They all assume that it's because of the punishments he has laid out for you are that intense. They also take note of how he seems to have began to spoil you with material items.

Childe will buy you almost anything you want. He says they are rewards for behaving and being faithful to him as you'd promised. You just wonder if that's all it is.

One evening, after the chaos of a literal ancient being attacking Liyue, Childe looks to you as he packs. "Y/n. We are headed back to the motherland. Now is the time for you to challenge me for your freedom." His movements to pack have stopped and he almost looks sad.

"Is that what you want?" You question him.

He looks confused, "No. But a promise is a promise. And now is the last chance you will have. Once we return, you will have to swear full allegiance."

You step towards him tentively, "And what if I want to stay by your side?"

"Why would you want that? You've seen the chaos I cause." He says firm.

You smile softly, "And I've seen the good in you. The way you care about your family... You are protecting them... but who is protecting you?"

Childe shifts, looking more confident, "I protect myself."

You raise a hand to his cheek, fingers trembling a little nervous. You are scared he will flat out reject you, but he instead subtly leans to the touch. You speak softly, "Wouldn't you like to have someone you can trust travel with you?"

He sighs, "We would have to keep up this front where you follow my rules to the dot. And in front of the other Harbingers and the Tsaritsa, it would be even stricter. I wouldn't be able to claim you are punished in private then. They'd want to see proof."

You smile some, "Then I guess I'll have to be on my best behavior..."

His hands find your waist, "Are you positive this is what you want?"

You nod, "I've never felt more conviction than this..."

He touches his forehead to yours, "Then we leave at dawn..."

You smile and gently peck his lips, before pulling back, "I should get packing..." You eyes glance to the floor nervously.

He pulls you close to him, "I will protect you... just please, don't break any rules in front of the Harbingers or the Tsaritsa... I never want to hurt you..."

You wrap your arms around him, "I trust you, no matter what. I will do whatever you say in their presence... I'll do my best that we never face that situation..."

He nods softly and lets you go. You pull back yourself and the both of you finish packing your belongings.

The trip to Snezhnaya is long, and the weather just gets colder the closer to the region you get. At night you snuggle close into Childe's side for warmth. During the day you are greatful for the sun's warm rays.

Some members of the Fatui had taken a liking to your presence in the group and would use their flame visions to help warm you if the wind picked up even. Apparently they felt bad to see you shiver so much when you were such a loyal and kind person.

Upon reaching the Tsaritsa's castle, you were ushered to follow Childe directly into the main hall. Before he could even give his greeting, she is already staring at you, "So this is the pet I've been hearing of?"

You bow in silence as Childe had earlier instructed,  he himself giving a bow as well, "It is indeed. She has sworn loyalty to you and provided great assistance in your goals at my side. With your blessing, I would like to keep her at my side to work for you."

"Is that so? I want to hear it from her." The Tsaritsa's voice is firm.

You look to her, then Childe who nods and smiles, then back to her, "It would be a honor to serve you at his side."

She glares, stepping closer and grabbing your jaw in her hand. Her eyes seem to pierce into your soul as she looks into your own. "You have potential. I expect to see you both at the meeting coming up. I want to see how well she follows the rules in a social setting."

Childe nods, "Of course. I will make sure she is fully prepared for it."

The woman nods and walks back to her throne, dismissing you both with a wave. Once outside, Childe begins leading you through the snow covered lands. It is another half an hour before he speaks and turns to you, "You handled that amazing... I was concerned she'd find what you said too informal though. Please be on your gaurd."

You grab his hand gently and nod, "I will. And I'll make sure to sound more formal in our next meeting with her and the others."

He smiles and kisses you, a gentle peck before smiling playfully. "We aren't far from my home. Let's go introduce you. They will adore you."

"Do the rules apply in the house?" You look curiously.

He shakes his head, "Not at all. You can relax around my family. Just... if the kids bring up toy selling... that's a cover for what I really do." He looks down, "I don't want them learning the truth of what I do while so young..."

"Makes sense. I'd bet you'd make a amazing toy seller." You slide your hands up to his elbow and hold close to him as you both walk.

Once at the house, Childe is instantly jumped on by the youngest, the others following suite in a more calm manner. His mother walks straight to you and smiles warmly, "He has written about you often since you met. It is good to finally meet you in person."

"It's my pleasure. I've heard so much about all of you." You smile warmly back.

"Come inside, you'll catch a cold out there." She says gently, but her eyes are looking behind you.

You glance back, only to see a figure that backs away and vanishes from view all together in the snow that's started to fall. You turn back and head inside, knowing you're being watched.

Over the next few days, you grow close to the family. His older siblings are in shock. They tell you of how he vanished into the woods when younger, and that when he returned something had changed. As if he'd lost a part of himself. They said that it's almost like you brought that part of him back.