Hi Hi If You Do Tags Can I Be Tagged In HIRAETH?

Imagine you're opening AO3 and search for a fic. Imagine you're finding one that fits all your criterias. Imagine it has the perfect length. Imagine getting lost in the story and feeling almost high when it's over. Imagine looking up the author and they have written. so. many. more. fics. exactly. like. that. Imagine.

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓

—zhongli x reader : sunset berry tea (fluff)

— alhaitham x fem! reader: blurred lines (professor x camgirl! student) NSFW

—alhaitham x reader: yum-yum (fluff)

alhaitham x reader :between dreams and promises (angst and fluff)

𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐊𝐀𝐈 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋

— jing yuan x fem reader : let me call you mine, just for tonight [REQUEST] (emperor x assassin) NSFW

© 𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗀𝗂𝗂-𝖻𝗎𝗇 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟦. 𝖣𝖮 𝖭𝖮𝖳 , 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝗈𝗌𝗍 , 𝗌𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗆𝗒 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗄 𝗈𝗇 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗉𝗅𝖺𝗍𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗆𝗌, 𝗆𝗈𝖽𝗂𝖿𝗒 𝖾𝗍𝖼 , 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗏𝖾𝖽

sunset berry tea. zhongli x reader

✦....summary: in which zhongli tries out a new tea shop in liyue.

✦.....warnings: none!

✦.....word count: 1.1k

The small tea shop nestled along the busy streets of Liyue had quickly become a haven for its patrons. To Zhongli, however, it had become something more—a quiet retreat from the responsibilities and the endless history of the city he once governed. He had first noticed the shop a few weeks ago, its subtle charm standing out among the bustling market stalls. Today, curiosity led him inside.

The chime above the door tinkled softly, and you glanced up from the counter where you were brewing tea, your hands steady and practiced. Your eyes caught sight of a tall man with sharp amber eyes and an air of calm about him, his expression serene as he scanned the room.

"Welcome," you greeted with a warm smile. "What can I get for you today?"

Zhongli approached the counter, his gaze briefly flicking to the menu before resting on you. "It is a warm day today. Perhaps you could recommend something refreshing?"

You chuckled softly, the sound light and pleasant. "I’ve got just the thing. I’d recommend our Sunset Berry Tea. It’s fruity and pleasantly sour, and the cold brew is perfect for this weather."

"That sounds perfect," Zhongli replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

You turned to prepare the drink, pouring the mixture of berries and herbs with careful precision. As you worked, Zhongli’s gaze wandered over the tea shop’s décor—soft Sumeru influences interwoven with Liyue’s aesthetic. It was clear this was more than just a shop to you; it was a piece of your home, brought to the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor.

When you returned with the tea, Zhongli accepted it graciously. He took a sip, his eyes closing briefly as the cool, refreshing flavor washed over him.

“This is exceptional,” he praised, setting the cup down gently. “A drink perfectly suited for dispelling the heat.”

You grinned, a sense of pride blooming in your chest. "Thank you. I learned everything from my father. He ran a tea business in Sumeru, but I decided to bring a piece of that here to Liyue. I’ve always admired the culture and wanted to start fresh."

Zhongli listened attentively as you spoke, your passion evident in the way your eyes lit up with each word. You rambled on about the tea, your father’s craft, and how you had come to love the traditions of Liyue. What began as a simple conversation became a habit—a ritual of sorts. Zhongli would come by the tea shop regularly, each time eager to try a new brew and to hear you speak about your life and the things that fascinated you.

In turn, he shared his own stories—little pieces of Liyue’s vast history and its rich culture. The more time he spent with you, the more he realized how much he enjoyed your company. There was a warmth in the way you spoke, a sincerity that made him feel more human—less like the ex-Archon burdened by millennia of memories.

Over time, he couldn’t help but notice how your hair sometimes fell in different styles, how you tried new shades of lipstick that complemented your features. He would feel a faint flutter in his chest whenever your eyes met his or when you smiled at him in that gentle, unassuming way.

As the Lantern Rite approached, the city buzzed with excitement, the streets filling with vibrant colors, lanterns hanging from every corner. One afternoon, as Zhongli was finishing his tea, he hesitated, the words lingering on his lips before he spoke.

“The Lantern Rite is always a magnificent occasion,” he said, his voice calm as always. “I was wondering if you would care to accompany me to the festival? It would be an honor to share the evening with you.”

Your heart skipped a beat, warmth flooding your cheeks. You hadn’t expected him to ask, but the thought of spending the festival with Zhongli made your chest tighten with excitement. “I’d love to,” you replied softly, your smile bright.

---

That evening, the streets of Liyue were filled with the soft glow of lanterns. The sky was painted with hues of gold and crimson as the sun began to set, casting a magical light over the harbor. You and Zhongli strolled through the festival together, the air buzzing with the sounds of music and laughter. Street vendors lined the roads, offering a myriad of treats and delicacies.

“Have you ever tried these?” Zhongli asked, gesturing toward a stall selling golden shrimp balls. You shook your head, and he bought a pair, handing one to you. The crisp exterior gave way to a warm, savory filling, and you smiled as you tasted the delightful combination of flavors.

As you walked, you talked about everything and nothing at all—the culture of Liyue, the beauty of the lanterns, and the stories that had been passed down for generations. Zhongli’s deep, soothing voice mixed with the sounds of the festival, creating a comforting backdrop to your evening.

There was an ease between the two of you, a natural connection that neither of you could deny. And as the sky darkened, the first fireworks began to burst above, painting the night with brilliant colors. You both paused to watch, the lanterns floating up into the sky like stars.

Zhongli turned to you then, his gaze soft and warm. “May I ask you something?” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

You looked up at him, your heart fluttering in anticipation. “Of course.”

“There’s something I’ve been feeling… recently,” he began, his amber eyes holding yours. “Whenever I’m with you, I feel at ease. I find myself wanting to be around you more often, and I believe…” He paused, his expression growing tender. “I believe I’ve grown quite fond of you.”

Your breath caught, and you felt a flush rise to your cheeks. “I… I feel the same way,” you admitted, your voice quiet.

Zhongli took a step closer, the space between you shrinking. “Would it be all right if I kissed you?”

His question hung in the air, the gentle hum of the festival fading as your heart raced in your chest. You gave a small nod, your voice failing you.

With a soft smile, Zhongli leaned in, his lips brushing against yours in the softest, most tender kiss. The fireworks above crackled and burst into brilliant colors, but all you could focus on was the warmth of his lips against yours, the way your heart seemed to soar with every second.

When he pulled away, his thumb brushed your cheek, his expression soft and affectionate. “You have brought a light into my life,” he murmured, his voice like velvet. “One I did not expect to find.”

Your heart swelled, a smile tugging at your lips. “I could say the same about you.”

Hand in hand, you continued to watch the fireworks, your hearts intertwined beneath the glowing lanterns of Liyue.

author's note: this is just a little warm up writing for me as i have not written in a while, next work is al haitham x fem reader (professor x student) but reader is also a cam girl, so if anyone is interesting for that fanfic do let me know and I'll add ya to the tag list <3

let me call you mine, just for tonight | 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙧! 𝙟𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙪𝙖𝙣 𝙭 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣! 𝙛𝙚𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧. [𝙉𝙎𝙁𝙒 — 18 + | smut]

request by : @goddessofdestructionsposts

credits to them for the idea and qoutes, i really loved writing this, so i hope yall enjoy <3

summary : im which emperor jing yuan sets up a ball to catch you — his assassin disguised as a court physician—but ends up fucking you instead.

warnings : nsfw 18 + , rough sex, vaginal fingering, oral (fem receiving) , possessive jing yuan , squirting, spanking (like once), doggy style, dom! jing yuan , some angst.

word count: 7.8k words!

The imperial palace of Luofu was nothing short of breath taking that night. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings like glittering jewels, casting a golden glow over the sprawling ballroom. Opulence dripped from every corner—the polished marble floors, the lavish silks draped along the walls, and the clinking of crystal goblets raised in toasts from nobles adorned in their finest attire. The music floated delicately through the air, a soft waltz that barely masked the tension simmering beneath the surface.

Emperor Jing Yuan had made sure everything was perfect.

You could feel it—this wasn’t just any ball. It was a stage, and you, the assassin sent to end the emperor's life, had walked right into the heart of it.

Disguised as his court physician, you had spent weeks moving through the imperial halls, observing him, waiting for the right moment. But every attempt to poison him, every plan meticulously laid out to rid your empire of its most dangerous foe, had failed. Not because of a mistake on your part, but because he knew. Jing Yuan always knew.

There were times when you would mix a deadly tonic into his tea, only to watch him drink it with a smile, golden eyes twinkling with mirth as though he were in on some secret joke. You had given him a draught meant to put him into a deep, dreamless sleep, only to find yourself slumped at his bedside, drowsy and dazed, while he watched you with that infuriating, knowing gaze. It was as though he had been toying with you all along, allowing you to get close, but never close enough to succeed. Other times, you'd find yourself alone with him, hand brushing against the dagger hidden beneath your cloak, only to be paralyzed by the weight of his gaze.

But tonight… tonight was different. He had thrown this ball—a grand, sweeping affair—and the unspoken question haunted you as you moved among the guests: Was this his way of mocking you? Was this all just a game?

You scanned the room, your pulse quickening when you spotted him across the sea of nobility. There he stood, his broad shoulders relaxed, one hand wrapped around a glass of wine. Jing Yuan’s presence was a force unto itself. Tall, commanding, and impossibly serene, he looked almost disinterested, as if none of this mattered to him at all.

But you knew better.

And now, like a moth drawn to a flame, you were pulled toward him.

Your eyes followed him across the room. His presence was undeniable, commanding yet deceptively gentle. He moved with the grace of someone far too large to be that light on his feet. He seemed… untouchable.

For all the indolence in his posture, you knew better. Jing Yuan was sharp—dangerously so. There was a reason he had survived your many attempts, and there was no doubt in your mind that he knew exactly who you were, and why you were there.

But tonight, something was different. The atmosphere felt heavy, charged with a tension that made your skin prickle. And then, as if sensing your gaze, his eyes met yours from across the room. A shiver ran through you. His smile widened, but there was something predatory behind that lazy expression, something dangerous. He knew who you were—had always known.

Heat flooded your cheeks, and you immediately looked away, cursing yourself for letting your emotions slip. You were here to kill him, not admire him. But your heart betrayed you, thudding erratically in your chest as he began to make his way toward you.

With each step, the crowd seemed to part for him, a sea of nobility giving way to their Emperor. His tall frame and broad shoulders filled your vision as he approached, his lips curling into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Jing Yuan was in front of you, towering over you. His imposing frame dwarfed your own, and the intoxicating scent of his cologne filled your senses, muddling your thoughts.

“Physician” he greeted you, his voice deep and smooth, carrying a dark edge of amusement.

Your pulse raced, but you kept your expression neutral. “Emperor Jing Yuan.”

“You came,” his voice was smooth, velvet over steel. “I was beginning to think you might avoid me tonight.”

You offered a smile, one that didn’t quite reach your eyes. “It’s an honor to be here, Emperor Jing Yuan.”

He tilted his head, his golden eyes flickering with something unreadable. “You seem rather tense tonight. Perhaps you’re in need of a little… distraction.”

He looks at you with those sharp, golden eyes. They held a mixture of amusement and something darker, something that sent a thrill down your spine.

“Dance with me.”

It wasn’t a question. His hand extended toward you, palm open, waiting. The weight of the room seemed to shift, all eyes subtly trained on the Emperor and his court physician, the woman who had been quietly watching him from the shadows all night.

The murmurs of the surrounding courtiers faded when the emperor extended his hand to you in front of everyone. There was no refusal in a moment like this. Not without drawing suspicion.

So, you placed your hand in his, your breath catching as his fingers curled around yours. His hand was warm, larger than yours, and there was a subtle strength behind his grip as he led you onto the ballroom floor.

The music swelled, and he pulled you into his arms with such ease that you barely had time to think. His hand slid to your waist, pulling you closer than was appropriate for a formal dance, but no one would dare question the emperor.

Your heart pounded as your body pressed against his, his warmth seeping through the thin fabric of your gown. His size was overwhelming, and though you tried to stay focused—tried to remind yourself of your mission—it was impossible to ignore the heat building between you. His hand was firm, guiding you effortlessly across the dance floor, and your breath hitched as his thumb traced small, lazy circles against your lower back.

“How has your stay been?” he asked, his tone conversational, as though your body wasn’t molded to his, as though he wasn’t dragging his thumb along the edge of your spine in a way that made your knees weak.

“It’s been… interesting,” you managed to reply, your voice steadier than you felt.

“Oh? And in what way?”

His gaze locked with yours, the golden depths drawing you in, making it difficult to concentrate on anything but the feel of his hand on you. You swallowed, trying to keep your head clear.

“Well… I've had to tend to many things during my time here,” you said, carefully choosing your words. “You’ve kept me quite busy.”

“I’m sure I have,” Jing Yuan murmured, a hint of amusement in his voice. “But you’re not here to discuss work tonight, are you?”

His hand slid lower, his fingers grazing the curve of your waist. It was a subtle movement, but enough to send a rush of heat through your body. You bit your lip, fighting the urge to pull away—or to lean into his touch.

“Why did you throw this ball, Emperor Jing Yuan?” you asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from the dangerous territory it was heading towards.

“Why not?” he replied with a small shrug, though his eyes never left yours. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had something… festive. Besides”—his voice lowered, and he leaned in, his lips brushing against your ear—“I enjoy seeing you like this. So… tense, so poised. Trying to resist the urge to kill me.”

Your eyes widen, your blood ran cold. His eyes shine now with a dangerous glint as he moves his face closer to you, his lips now graze the lobe of your ear. Your heart raced. He knew. He had known from the moment you stepped foot in his imperial palace.

"Tell me," Jing Yuan continued, his voice dropping lower, "are you truly here to kill me, or is there something more you’re after?"

His golden eyes now bore into yours, searching, and for a brief moment, you felt exposed, as if he could see through every wall you had carefully constructed. You had come here with a mission—to eliminate him. But now, standing in his arms, his breath warm against your skin, his touch sending heat coursing through your veins, doubt began to creep in.

Could you do it? Could you really kill him?

"I don’t fear death," Jing Yuan whispered, his lips brushing against your ear. "But I wonder… do you?"

The tension between you crackled like a live wire, each second ticking by as you danced together, his hand sliding further up your back, his thumb pressing gently against the base of your neck. His words hung in the air, a challenge, a question that you weren’t sure you could answer.

Your fingers twitched toward the hidden dagger beneath your gown, but you hesitated. His gaze never wavered, his expression calm, almost expectant. He was daring you to make a move. To finish what you had come here to do.

But instead, you found yourself leaning into his touch, your breath catching in your throat as his hand brushed the nape of your neck, his fingers sliding through your hair in a slow, deliberate motion. His grip was firm, yet there was a tenderness to it, an intimacy that sent your mind spinning.

The tension between you was thick, palpable, as you moved together in the heart of the ballroom. The candlelight flickered, reflecting off the gold embroidery of his robe, illuminating the sharp line of his jaw, the way his lips curled into a knowing smile.

"You play a dangerous game," you whispered, your voice steady despite the flutter in your chest.

Jing Yuan chuckled softly, his fingers tightening slightly on your waist as he guided you through a smooth turn, the movement drawing your bodies even closer together. His eyes never left yours, a silent challenge lingering in their depths.

"Perhaps," he murmured, his tone a mix of amusement and something darker, something that made your breath catch. "But you’ve already walked into the lion’s den, haven’t you?"

You could feel the heat of his body through the thin fabric of your gown, and for a moment, it was impossible to focus on anything else. The scent of incense hung heavy in the air, the gentle hum of conversation around you drowned out by the pounding of your heart as his hand slid up your back, his touch deliberate, possessive.

The ballroom was a spectacle of imperial wealth—massive golden chandeliers dangled from the high ceilings, their crystals sparkling like stars above. Marble columns lined the room, each intricately carved with ancient symbols of power and protection. The floor beneath your feet was polished to perfection, reflecting the light of a thousand candles that cast the entire scene in a warm, intimate glow. Nobles in lavish silks and embroidered robes spun gracefully across the dance floor, but to you, it felt as though the world had narrowed down to just the two of you.

Jing Yuan's voice was a low murmur, his breath warm against your skin as he tilted your chin upward, his golden eyes locking onto yours. "You are here to kill me, yet every time you spoke to me, touched me…" He paused, his hand tracing the line of your jaw gently, as if memorizing every detail. His expression softened, something vulnerable flickering in the depths of his gaze.

"There was no malice. No hatred. Only something I couldn’t name but felt every time you were near. It made me question everything. I’m drawn to you, like the tides to the moon, and I can't stop myself."

You felt a tight knot form in your chest, an undeniable tension between you, but you steeled yourself, forcing the flutter of emotions to quiet. Swallowing hard, you scoffed lightly, keeping your voice steady despite the way your heart pounded in your ears. "Oh, so you invite assassins to your balls now? Quite the thrill for an emperor, isn't it?"

He chuckled softly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, but the intensity in his gaze never wavered.

His smile widened, a slow, deliberate expression that made your stomach twist with both dread and something far more dangerous. He guided you through another turn, his hand sliding further up your back, sending shivers through you with each movement.

"I welcome all sorts to my palace," he said, his tone light but layered with meaning. "And I am rarely caught off guard."

This entire ball—this dance—had been his way of toying with you, drawing you in, testing your resolve. But why? Why let you get this close?

Jing Yuan’s smirk held steady, a small, knowing curve that barely betrayed the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. As he stepped closer, the air between you seemed to charge with electricity. His towering form loomed over yours, not in intimidation, but in a way that felt impossible to ignore, like gravity itself was drawing you in. His hand found your waist, the touch subtle at first, a reminder of how easily he could command the space around you, you could only focus on him—on how his fingers tightened ever so slightly around you, how his breath seemed to mingle with your own in the quiet, secluded corridor.

"You know why you're here," he murmured, his deep voice a soft rumble in the dim light. His lips were near your ear, so close that each word brushed your skin like a secret. "But do you know why I haven’t stopped you yet?"

His question cut through your thoughts like a blade, leaving you momentarily speechless. Before you could form a coherent answer, Jing Yuan gently pulled you out of the ballroom, his fingers still firm on your waist, guiding you with an ease that made it clear he was in control of every step. The hallways outside were dimly lit, the soft flicker of lanterns casting shadows along the walls, heightening the sense of intimacy in the air. The soft hum of music and laughter from the ball grew faint, the silence between you filled with an unspoken tension that seemed to thrum beneath your skin.

He stopped, turning to face you fully now, and his eyes bore into yours with an intensity that made your breath catch. His tall frame seemed even larger in the narrow corridor, his presence overwhelming in a way that both excited and unnerved you. "You came to kill me," he stated, his tone light, as though he were discussing something as mundane as the weather. "Yet here you are… with me."

You opened your mouth to respond, to deny, to say anything to break the growing tension, but the words stuck in your throat. His hand slid from your waist to your cheek, fingers brushing your skin with a gentleness that made your heart pound. "You’re trying so hard to fight this," he murmured, his thumb brushing the corner of your lips, smudging the carefully applied lipstick. "But you know… You can deny your feelings all you want, but you can't resist me."

Before you could protest, Jing Yuan's lips crashed against yours, but it wasn’t the kiss of a desperate man—it was controlled, deliberate, a slow burn that sent a shiver down your spine. His lips moved against yours with a measured precision, coaxing rather than demanding. His tongue slipped past your parted lips, teasingly exploring, tasting you in a way that made your knees weaken. The kiss deepened, his tongue curling against yours in a sensual rhythm that left you breathless, your body betraying you as you leaned into him.

You could feel his smirk against your mouth as one of his hands snaked up to the back of your neck, pulling you even closer until your bodies were flush. The fabric of your dress felt far too thin between you, the heat of his body seeping into yours as his other hand grazed the curve of your waist. His fingers lingered there, pressing into the softness of your skin through the layers of fabric, his touch possessive, yet restrained.

Your mind screamed at you to regain focus—to remember your mission—but the warmth of his hands on your body, the intoxicating taste of him on your lips, was too much. For a fleeting moment, you let yourself get lost in the sensation, your hands finding their way to his broad shoulders, fingers curling into the fine fabric of his robe. He was so much larger than you, his presence overwhelming in the best way, every inch of him exuding strength and power, yet here he was, kissing you with a kind of tenderness that made your heart stutter.

He broke the kiss only to trail his lips down your jawline, leaving a burning path of sensation as he nibbled lightly on the sensitive skin of your neck. His breath was hot against your skin, sending shivers down your spine as his lips found that spot just beneath your ear, biting down gently. You gasped, and his grip on your waist tightened in response, as though he was waiting for that exact reaction.

"Let me call you mine, just for tonight," he whispered against your skin, his voice so low and husky it sent heat pooling in your core.

Your lips parted, but no words came out. You didn’t need them. The faint nod you gave him, the flush on your cheeks, the way your body instinctively pressed closer to his—all of it gave him the permission he sought. A soft growl rumbled from his chest, and without another word, Jing Yuan scooped you into his arms effortlessly, cradling you as though you weighed nothing. In the dim light, you could see the raw intensity in his eyes, the way he looked at you like you were the only thing that mattered in that moment.

Your heart raced as he carried you through the winding hallways, each step echoing the rapid beating of your pulse. His touch was still gentle, but there was an urgency now, a hunger that simmered beneath the surface. You barely registered the door to his chambers swinging open, the soft light from inside casting shadows across his face, making him look even more imposing, more irresistible.

He laid you down on the edge of the bed with a surprising tenderness, his large hands brushing over your arms as he leaned over you. The room was bathed in a soft, warm glow, the scent of sandalwood filling the air, and yet all you could focus on was the way Jing Yuan looked at you, his gaze full of something raw and unspoken. His thumb traced your swollen bottom lip, smudging your lipstick even further, his eyes drinking in the sight of you—flushed, breathless, utterly undone.

His thumb pressed gently against your lip before sliding it away. His hands trail down your body, large hands grazing against your breast as he finally stops at the edge of your dress. He let his hands slip beneath them as his hands made contact above your knees.

A soft moan leaves past your lips when he gave the skin their a gentle squeeze, Jing Yuan’s eyes darkened with a dangerous glint as his hands, warm and firm, trailed their way higher up your thighs. Every slow, deliberate touch sent shivers across your skin, each graze of his fingers feeling like tiny jolts of electricity, making your breath quicken involuntarily. His grip tightened ever so slightly, a teasing press against your flesh as his hands continued their sinful ascent. Just when you thought you could no longer bear the tension, your breath hitched as his fingers paused, resting against something cold and metallic—the hidden dagger strapped against your thigh.

He let out a low, amused chuckle, the sound vibrating through the space between you, his eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Slowly, with a deliberate flick of his wrist, Jing Yuan pulled out the dagger that had been meant to end his life tonight. The weapon glistened ominously in the soft glow of the room, its sharp edge reflecting the candlelight.

"Ah, so this is what you were planning to use on me?" he murmured, his voice teasing but laced with dark intent. He twirled the dagger lightly in his hand, studying it with an almost casual detachment. The sight of it in his hand—the very weapon you were supposed to use—made your heart skip a beat. For a moment, fear flickered in your chest, but the look in his eyes told you that he had no intention of letting things go so easily.

He brought the blade closer, the cold metal brushing lightly against your bare skin. Your breath hitched again as you felt its sharp edge graze your thigh - enough for you to feel it but also to not leave a mark on you. His other arm, strong and unwavering, held you firmly in place, pinning you beneath his body with ease.

“Scared?” he asked, his voice a low rumble, eyes locked on yours with a predatory intensity. There was something dangerously thrilling about the way he held you down, his gaze never leaving your face, the blade hovering just inches away. The weight of his body against yours left you feeling both vulnerable and completely ensnared in the moment.

Before you could muster a response, without warning, Jing Yuan moved swiftly, the blade slicing through the delicate fabric of your dress. A sharp gasp escaped your lips as the material gave way, falling apart in an instant. The air hit your exposed skin, leaving you clad only in your revealing underwear while he remained fully dressed. The contrast between the two of you—him still composed, his robes immaculate, and you laid bare, your body exposed under his heated gaze—only heightened the tension that crackled between you.

He discarded the dagger with a careless flick of his hand, the metallic sound of it hitting the floor barely registering in your mind. His attention was solely on you, his golden eyes devouring every inch of your exposed skin. His hand returned to your waist, fingers digging in with more need, his grip more possessive than before.

Jing Yuan leaned down, his lips finding yours again in a kiss that was nothing like the first. This one was filled with raw, unrestrained hunger. His tongue slid past your lips, exploring your mouth with a fiery intensity that left you dizzy. His teeth grazed your bottom lip before biting down lightly, drawing a gasp from you as he deepened the kiss. His hand roamed your body, squeezing the softness of your thigh, tracing the curve of your waist, his touch everywhere at once.

You could feel his need, his want, in every press of his lips, every rough caress. He was overwhelming, his presence all-consuming, and yet you found yourself clinging to him, losing yourself in the sensation. His lips trailed down to your neck, teeth nibbling at your skin, leaving marks that would linger long after tonight.

Jing Yuan shifts into an upright position, effortlessly pulling you onto his lap. The heat between you is undeniable, his hardness pressing insistently against your barely-clad core. Your body trembles as his lips trail slowly down your neck, sending waves of anticipation through you. His hand moves skillfully behind your back, and with a deft twist of his fingers, your breasts are exposed, the fabric slipping to the floor.

His gaze darkens as it falls on your soft, supple skin. His eyes flicker between your flushed face and the curves of your breasts, desire clearly written across his features. Without warning, one of his large hands envelops your breast, his grip firm yet intoxicating as a moan escapes your lips. His mouth quickly follows, latching onto your other breast, his tongue swirling, and his teeth grazing your nipple as your voice trembles in response. His free hand pinches and twists your nipple, eliciting sharp gasps as his relentless mouth sucks and nips at your sensitive skin.

Your breathing grows ragged, each sensation heightening your pleasure. His other hand ventures downward, and with a swift tug, he tears away your underwear. A low groan rumbles in his chest as your slickness coats his fingers, the heat of your desire seeping through. His hand leaves your breast, moving to his trousers as he frees himself, revealing his thick, hard length. Your eyes widen at the sight, but before you can catch your breath, he presses the tip of his cock against your folds, dragging it slowly along your sensitive skin.

A shudder ripples through your body as the thick, swollen tip brushes your clit, pulling a sharp moan from your lips. Jing Yuan’s gaze is clouded with lust, his breath coming in soft, ragged pants as he leans in to latch his mouth back onto your breast. His free hand toys with the other, while his hard length continues to tease you, gliding against your slick lips, building the tension between you to an unbearable height.

Jing Yuan’s movements were unhurried, almost torturous, as he continued dragging his thick length against your folds, teasing your entrance without giving in. Every graze of his cock sent jolts of pleasure shooting through your body, making your breath hitch and your thighs tense around him. His mouth was relentless, lips and tongue working your sensitive breast while his other hand kneaded the supple flesh, sending wave after wave of heat pooling in your core.

“You’re trembling,” he murmured against your skin, his voice low, almost a purr.

A flush crept up your neck, your heart racing as your body responded despite the conflict in your mind. His teasing was merciless, and the pressure building inside you was unbearable. Jing Yuan seemed to revel in your reactions, his fingers trailing down your sides, every touch deliberate, calculated to leave you breathless.

Without warning, his grip on your waist tightened, and with a sudden shift of his hips, he pressed the full length of his cock against you, harder this time. You gasped, feeling the intensity of his desire as it mirrored your own, your pulse pounding in your ears.

“Let me indulge in you,” he whispered, his lips ghosting over the curve of your neck, “just for tonight.”

You barely had time to process the words before his mouth was on yours, his kiss wild and hungry, tongues tangling in a passionate frenzy. His hands roamed your body, squeezing your hips and your breasts, pulling you closer to him as if he couldn’t get enough.

Each touch set your skin ablaze, the heat between you overwhelming, the tension snapping as your body pressed desperately against his.

Your mind felt hazy, lost in the sensation of him, of his tongue in your mouth, his hands grazing every inch of you. When he finally pulled back, your lips were swollen, your chest heaving as you tried to catch your breath. He stared at you for a moment, his thumb brushing across your lip, smudging the remnants of your lipstick.

“There are no words in this world,” he murmured, his gaze intense, “that can describe the beauty you hold.”

Gently, yet with the assurance of someone who knows exactly what they want, he lifted you into his arms and laid you down on his plush bed, as if you were the most precious treasure in the world. The undergarments that still clung to your ankles were swiftly removed, a final barrier between him and what he craved most.

You were pressed back against the cool silk sheets, and his lips returned to your skin, a trail of kisses that set your body ablaze. Starting at your chest, he kissed every inch with a reverence that made you shiver. His mouth lingered on your breasts, teasing your sensitive nipples, alternating between soft nips and warm, lingering kisses. Each touch left your skin tingling, your breath catching with each motion.

He kissed down your neck, his hot breath sending goosebumps along your flesh. Every brush of his lips was slow, deliberate, like he was savouring each second. His kisses trailed up to your ear, the soft lobe now between his teeth, and then down the line of your jaw, every inch of you claimed by his touch.

“Jing Yuan... please...” you breathed, the words barely leaving your lips in your dazed state, the need growing insistent.

This was the first time you had uttered his name without his title, his gaze flicking over your body, a spark of hunger igniting in his golden eyes. He was ready, and so were you. His hands moved with practiced ease, ridding himself of his robes and pants in one fluid motion, the sound of fabric sliding and soft breathing filling the room.

“What a sight you are,” he whispered, his voice deep, the words dripping with admiration and lust. He leaned in close, lips brushing your ear as his hands slid down your body, feeling the way your skin trembled beneath his touch. “To have you in my hands...”

Your body reacted to him in ways that left you breathless—hips rising, muscles twitching, a soft moan escaping your lips as you gave in to the sensations overwhelming you. You were lost, a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation, helpless under his spell.

“Please... I need you,” you whispered, voice heavy with desire as you spread your thighs wider, silently begging for him to end the sweet torture.

His deep chuckle reverberated through your body as he moved lower, kissing the line of your stomach, each touch of his lips sending waves of pleasure through you. His mouth found the place you ached for him most, he pressed a delicate kiss againts the folds of your pussy, your eyes widening in pleasure as his tongue now gently pushes through your puffy lips— teasing, tasting, the sensation too much to bear.

You moaned, gripping the sheets beneath you as he worked with relentless skill, each movement driving you closer to the edge.

Jing Yuan's tongue was buried in your pussy, lapping up your sweet nectare. You couldn't see but his hips where rutting into the bed like an animal in heat, his groans being muffled by your pussy as he ate you like a starved man. The pleasure built and built until you were barely holding on, your body shaking, breath hitching with each stroke of his tongue.

Just when you thought you couldn’t take anymore, Jing Yuan inserts a two thick fingers into your fluttering hole, his tongue now licking and nipping at your sensitive clit, your moans started tumbling out of your mouth as you gasped like a fish out of water from the overwhelming sensation.

His hands squeezes tightly on your hips when you tugged on his silver hair, elicting a groan from him. You could feel it, your toes curled as your vision turned white almost screaming as you came in Jing Yuan's mouth. Your thighs trembling around his head, your clit now sensitive but Jing Yuan let you ride your high on his tongue and fingers until your body started to squirm.

He didnt let you go instead he started moving his fingers again, your pussy squeezed tightly on them as you shake from the over stimulation as he hears you crying and squealing.

“J-Jing Yuan p-please s-stop! it’s t-too much, fuck!” you cry out, tears stream down your face as his fingers pound in you, hands fisting the sheets as overstimulation quickly washes over your body.

Jing Yuan watches you as steady tears roll down your cheeks as you beg and beg. your body is glistening with a fine sheen of sweat, Jing Yuan could tell you was about to cum again from the way your body twist and turned in his tight hold.

“f-fuck, fuck, fuck! i’m cumming again!” you wail, back arching off the bed as you cum once more. your body stiffens and this time, a stream of clear liquid shoots out of your pussy, drenching Jing Yuan's chin and the sheets even more.

your eyes are heavy and lidded, your chest heaving and nipples aching when Jing Yuan slowly removes his fingers from your pussy, you whine as you feel your juices slide down your ass.

Jing Yuan gently makes his way up your body, your body glistening with sweat as your breath heavily, your eyes solely focused on him as he gently kissed your neck.

"Turn around for me." He whispers gently, hand pushing aside a strand of hair that fell across your face. Your breath hitched as you tried to let out a sound of protest but the look in his eyes — dark, filled with need caused you to slowly turn around, your arms and legs trembling as you went on all fours. You could feel his body heat againt yours, your arms trembling to hold you up as your pussy throbbed.

You gasped as you felt his large hands cage your waist, your body trembling at the contact. Your eyes widen when you felt the thick head of his cock pressed agaisnt your opening, your body jolting from the overstimulation and pleasure as he preps your neck with kisses.

Jing Yuan let out a guttural groan, before positioning his head at your entrance and then slowly pushing his hips forward. You both let out shaky breaths at the new sensation. Your pussy gripped tightly onto his head, a hiss escapes his mouth as let's his teeth sink into your shoulder causing you to let out a choked moan.

"M-more, please" you whimper, your eyes glazed with tears meets his.The look in his golden eyes shifted from surprise to an intense hunger, making your heart race. Without a moment’s hesitation, he responded, thrusting deeper into you, his movements becoming rougher and more urgent.

“Look at you, begging for me to fill you,” he grunted, his voice low and laced with a teasing authority that sent shivers down your spine. “After months of playing hard to get who would have thought the assassin that was sent to kill me would be writhing beneath me." His words were both demeaning and intoxicating, igniting a fire within you.

His taunts made you tremble, your body instinctively fluttering around him as he drove into you. Each thrust sent waves of pleasure coursing through you, leaving you gasping and moaning loudly, the sound filling the room.

Jing Yuan’s pace was relentless, your arms giving up on you as you fall flat on the pillow, your face stuffed in it as you moan in pleasure. This causes Jing Yuan's big arms to cage your head, his teeth nipping your neck and back as his cock slammed into your battered pussy.

"Ah a-ah ! I'm close ! I'm close! " You screamed, your fingers grasping the silk sheets tightly as Jing Yuan started to go even faster in you. Tears escaping your eyes as your pussy clamped hard on Jing Yuan's cock as you came, yoru fluids drenching the bed below and his abdomen. Your body feeling weak as you go numb from the mind blowing orgasm.

Jing Yuan groaned at this, without warning he slapped your ass causing you to yelp from the stinging pain, suddenly, you felt him twitch inside you, that unmistakable signal that he was nearing his peak. Instinctively, you tightened around him, clenching your muscles as if to draw him deeper, eager to prolong the moment.

“you're mines.” he hissed, his breath hitching as he struggled to maintain his composure. “You’re mine to ruin, mine to break, and mine to piece back together.”

His thrusts became sloppy, the rhythm lost in a haze of pleasure, and you knew he was close. You could sense the tension in his body, the way he strained to keep himself together. He twisted your face towards his, capturing your lips with his, your mouths crashing together in a messy, fierce kiss. You swallowed his loud moan, the taste of him mingling with your own desperation, filling you with exhilaration.

As he released, warmth flooded within you, filling you completely. You felt his body shudder, every muscle tense and trembling as he rode out his orgasm, lost in the pleasure you had both created.

Jing Yuan broke the kiss, breath come out in short spurts. His eyes lingers on you as he preps a kiss on your shoulder. His rough hands knead your hips, causing a soft moan to leave past your parted lips as he slowly pulls out of you, his cum about to slip out but he pushes two thick fingers in you causing you to skirm from the feeling as he lays on the bed and pulls you on top of him.

You were entirely lost in him, every part of you surrendered to the intoxicating pleasure he gave. There was no escape, but you didn’t need one. All you desired was him—his hands on you, his body against yours, and the possessive whispers that claimed you.

Neither of you spoke, but as your eyelids grew heavy with sleep, your heart swelled with emotion. The steady beat of Jing Yuan’s heart against your skin was soothing, lulling you into a peaceful slumber.

As the morning light filtered softly through the curtains, you stirred from sleep. The remnants of last night flooded your senses — the heat of Jing Yuan’s touch, the way his lips had devoured yours, the overwhelming passion that had swept you both away. But now, as you blinked into the light, something felt different.

Your hand trailed down your body, feeling fabric that didn’t belong. You were no longer bare instead, a simple white gown clung to your form. The room was tidy, all traces of what had transpired wiped clean. The intimacy of last night, the fire, the heat—it was as if none of it had ever happened.

Your heart raced as you sat up, your mind spinning, trying to make sense of it all. Did you imagine it? But the phantom touches on your skin and the ache in your muscles told you otherwise. Something real had happened between you, and now it seemed to have vanished into thin air, as though you had been dreaming.

Before you could gather your thoughts, the door creaked open. Your blood turned cold as Jing Yuan stepped inside, fully dressed in his military attire, his presence commanding as always. But it wasn’t just him. Two guards flanked him, standing rigidly behind, their eyes trained on you.

The tension in the room was suffocating. You clutched the thin fabric of the gown tightly around you, your heart hammering in your chest. He stepped closer, and his calm demeanor sent a chill down your spine.

“Awake, I see,” Jing Yuan said softly, his voice betraying none of the warmth or passion from last night. His eyes, though still intense, held a distance that you hadn't seen before. “You must have many questions.”

You swallowed hard, your throat suddenly dry. "What is this?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. “What happened?”

He gazed at you for a moment, his face unreadable, then he spoke again, his tone firm, almost indifferent. “You are here for a reason, aren’t you? You came to kill me.”

Your breath hitched, and the truth, the mission you had pushed aside in the heat of the night, crashed back into you. But there was something in his voice, something underlying the cold exterior—a flicker of something deeper. Regret, perhaps?

“Last night,” you began, but your voice faltered. You weren’t sure what to ask. Did it mean anything to him? Was it all just a game?

Jing Yuan’s gaze softened for the briefest moment, but he quickly composed himself. "You played your part well,” he said, his voice barely a whisper. “But I’ve always known who you were."

Your chest tightened as his words sank in. You had been a pawn, a piece in his game. The passion you shared, the intimacy—it all felt tainted now, like a trap you had willingly walked into.

“I didn’t—” you tried to speak, but your voice cracked under the weight of your confusion. How could he speak so calmly, as if last night had meant nothing? As if you were nothing?

The guards behind him moved forward, their steps deliberate, and your pulse quickened. Betrayal clawed at your insides, twisting with each breath you took.

“You were sent here to assassinate me, and now…” He paused, looking at you, his expression unreadable. “Now, your mission is over. You will be taken to the interrogation room, where we’ll discuss your future.”

Before you could protest, the guards seized your arms, pulling you to your feet with a force that made you wince. You looked to Jing Yuan, searching for something—anything—in his eyes that showed he felt more than just cold calculation. But his face remained stoic, betraying nothing of the man who had held you so tenderly just hours before.

As the guards began to lead you out of the room, he spoke again, his voice carrying that same underlying emotion. “Leave her there. I’ll come soon to… interrogate her myself.”

His words sent a shiver through your body. You felt like a fool for letting your guard down, for letting your feelings cloud your judgment. The man who had made you feel alive in his arms now stood by as if you were nothing but a threat to be neutralized. The betrayal was palpable, and it stung in a way you hadn’t anticipated.

As the door shut behind you and the coldness of the hallway enveloped you, all you could think about was the way Jing Yuan had looked at you that night, the way his lips had moved against yours, and how you had fallen for a dangerous man who played by his own rules.

But even as the guards led you away, one thought lingered—was there more to his coldness than met the eye? Did he feel the weight of what had passed between you, or was it all just another part of the game?

As the guards led you down the cold, unfeeling hall, memories of your failed assassination attempts flooded your mind. Every time you had tried, Jing Yuan had been one step ahead — or perhaps it was you who had hesitated.

You had mixed poisons into his drinks on multiple occasions, but they had always been mild, too weak to do any real damage. It wasn’t a mistake; deep down, you knew it had been a choice. Your resolve had faltered with every passing day, each time you saw the gentle way he handled matters, his kindness to his soldiers, his quiet strength. How could you kill such a man, one who seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders yet managed to offer kindness to everyone around him?

The nights you had crept into his chambers, dagger in hand, you’d been met with the rise and fall of his chest, so peaceful in his sleep. Each time, your hand had stilled, the blade hovering above him, your mind whispering that he didn’t deserve death, not like this. His kindness, his calm, his presence—it had disarmed you in ways you hadn’t anticipated.

But now, as the weight of betrayal settled like a stone in your chest, you felt like a fool. A fool for letting your heart think for once, for letting emotion cloud the sharpness of your mission. You had let yourself be swayed by the man behind the title, and in return, he had used your vulnerability against you.

He knew, you thought bitterly. He had known all along that you had a soft spot for him, that your heart wasn’t as cold as it should have been. That every failed attempt on his life hadn’t been due to his strength but your own weakness.

And now, here you were—trapped. You had let your guard down, let your feelings get in the way, and he had played you. The same hands that had held you so tenderly last night now orchestrated your capture. He had been so gentle, so kind—and it had been a facade. The realization cut deeper than any blade you had ever held.

Your heart ached as the image of him, standing stoic and indifferent, replayed in your mind. You had thought, for a moment, that maybe—just maybe—there had been something real between you. But now, his calculated words echoed in your ears, a bitter reminder that you had been nothing more than a pawn in his game.

How foolish, you thought, your chest tightening with every step the guards forced you to take.

author's note:

this is my first time writing a proper s3x scene so please forgive! anyways i hope this was okay! please do like, reblog and comment <3

—usagiibun 🐇

First chapter of my Bob x f! Reader fic will be out tonight or tomorrow 🙂‍↕️❤️

It takes place after thunderbolts

𝗉𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝖻𝖾𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖼𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗆𝗒 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀:

— 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗇 𝗇𝗌𝖿𝗐 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀, 𝗆𝖾𝖺𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗀𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝖾 𝟣𝟪+ 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗉𝗂𝖾𝖼𝖾𝗌, 𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖺 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋 𝗈𝗋 𝖺𝗀𝖾𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀— 𝗂 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖽 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝖼𝗄.

—𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖿𝖾𝖾𝗅 𝗎𝗇𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗍𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗌𝗎𝖼𝗁 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍, 𝗆𝗒 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀 𝗂𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎.

𝖣𝖮 𝖭𝖮𝖳 𝖨𝖭𝖳𝖤𝖱𝖠𝖢𝖳 𝖶𝖨𝖳𝖧 ME 𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝖺 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋, 𝖺 𝖹1𝖮𝖭𝖨𝖲𝖳, 𝗁𝗈𝗆𝗈𝗉𝗁𝗈𝖻1𝖼, 𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗌𝗉𝗁𝗈𝖻1𝖼, 𝗋𝖺𝖼1𝗌𝗍, 𝗆𝗂𝗌𝗈𝗀𝗒𝗇𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗂𝖼, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺, 𝖼𝗈𝗋𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗍 ?

𝖶𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂 𝖽𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾:

— 𝗂 𝖽𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗎𝗇𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗂𝗍 𝗂𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗇 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂𝖼 (𝖾𝗑𝖺𝗆𝗉𝗅𝖾: 𝗒𝗎𝗃𝗂 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗂𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖿𝖿)

— 𝗂 𝖽𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝗎𝗉 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌

— 𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗂 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖿𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗌 𝗎𝗇𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝟣𝟪 + 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝟤𝟢 (𝖺𝗅𝗁𝖺𝗂𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗆, 𝗃𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗎𝖺𝗇 𝖾𝗍𝖼)

—𝗂𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗍, 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 (𝗈𝗇 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗈𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗇 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋), 𝗍𝗈𝗑𝗂𝖼 𝗋𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉, 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋 𝗑 𝖺𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍 , 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗑 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋 , 𝗉𝟣𝗌𝗌 𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗄 (𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺) 𝖧𝖠𝖱𝖣 𝖭𝖮.

𝖠𝖫𝖲𝖮 𝖱𝖤𝖠𝖣:

— 𝗂𝗇 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗆𝗒 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗄𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝟤𝟢

—𝗂 𝗈𝗇𝗅𝗒 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖿𝖾𝗆𝖺𝗅𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋

— 𝗂 𝗈𝗇𝗅𝗒 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗂 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝖺 𝖼𝗎𝗋𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗅𝗒 𝖿𝗂𝗑𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇/𝗅𝗂𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀

—𝗂 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝖾𝗑𝗉𝗅𝗂𝖼𝗂𝗍 𝗌𝗆𝗎𝗍 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖽𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖽𝖺𝖻𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝗇𝗈𝗇 𝖼𝗈𝗇 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍

—𝗂 𝗍𝗋𝗒 𝗍𝗈 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝖾𝗑𝖺𝖼𝗍𝗅𝗒 𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝗂𝗆𝖾, 𝗂𝗇 𝗀𝖺𝗆𝖾 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗅𝗂𝗍𝗒

𝖱𝖤𝖰𝖴𝖤𝖲𝖳𝖲:

𝖼𝗎𝗋𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗅𝗒 𝗂 𝖺𝗆 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗌 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗅𝗒 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗂 𝗈𝗉𝖾𝗇 𝗋𝖾𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇

© 𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗀𝗂𝗂-𝖻𝗎𝗇 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟦. 𝖣𝖮 𝖭𝖮𝖳 , 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝗈𝗌𝗍 , 𝗌𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗆𝗒 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗄 𝗈𝗇 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗉𝗅𝖺𝗍𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗆𝗌, 𝗆𝗈𝖽𝗂𝖿𝗒 𝖾𝗍𝖼 , 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗏𝖾𝖽

𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐄𝐓𝐇 ( NAMOR X READER ) PT.5

in which you find a child floating in the water and you save them only for your acts of kindness to get misinterpreted by the father who is also the king of an underwater civilization.

hiraeth ( namor ) wattpad | oc version!

PART 1 , PART 2 , PART 3 , PART 4 , PART 5

Tag list :

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YOU FELT LIKE YOU WAS SINKING, sinking deeper and deeper into an abyss of darkness. You felt like you was suffocating, you couldnt see anything- your lungs felt heavy as if cement had dried within them.

Your eyes snap open wide, trickles of cold sweat runs down your skin, your back wet as if water had been splashed on to it.

Room spinning around, spiraling until it abruptly stop - gaze being met with a rocky ceiling where tendrils of blue light hung from it-your vision still blurry.

You closes your eyes, eyelashes drenched with tears, underneath your eyes wet and jaw stung. You breaths slowly, chest heaving up and down in an unrhythmical manner.

You moved your body slightly, mind still feeling fogged- only for your heart to skip a beat when your whole body seemed to move to the side, you did it again only for yourbbody to move to the other side.

You blink your eyes a few times, gently lifting your upper body up, the place you slept on felt unstable as your vision was much clearer - your eyes widen to find that you was in a cave and that you was laying on a hammock. The cave was adorn by what looked like blue lights giving the place a suttle blue glow.

Your heart starts to beat widley, throat parch and skin feeling clamy.

'Where am I..?' You thought, trying to figure out whether you was still dreaming but reality crashed upon you as memories from last night came crashing down, breath hitching as you can suddenly feel the cold harsh rain that fell on you, the pain that was on your right ankle and Huracan's enraged father.

You shake your head slightly to get rid of those thoughts as your fingers suddenly felt something soft underneath your touch- it was blankets that were neatly placed on you , you quickly removed it to look down at your right ankle, only to find it was wrapped in bandages, gently you moved it to the side and felt a slight pain.

It was less painful then you thought it would be causing your brows to furrow slightly.

Your eyes move up your body to find that you was now in a cream colored dress that had turquoise embroidery at the edges, the fabric felt extremly soft agaisnt your skin as you lift your arm to see it was a long sleeved dress.

The sound of footsteps echoing agaisnt the cave grabs your attention as you divert your attention towards the sound, heartbeating faster as your gaze is met with a woman- her skin is a marvelous shade of cerulean similar to Huracan's.

Your throat ran dry, the feeling of fear sinking within you when the lady made eye contact with you, the mask covered her mouth and nose, but you could still see the frown behind it.

You watched as the woman came towards the place you was, a tray was in her hands as she came towards you, the both of you making eye contact but the woman breaks it to leave the tray down on a small crafted table that was placed close to where the hammock was.

The woman did not say anything and just walks away leaving you restless s you gaze down at the tray to see it was filled with a variety of fruits- some you recognized and some you had never seen your whole life.

'Could she be related to Huracan?' You thought, mind a mess as yourbanxiety was slowly surfacing.

'Why did they not leave me on the beach?' Or 'Why did he not kill me?' You thought as no formidable answer came to mind making you feel even more anxious as your thoughts are once again interrupted by footsteps , gaze once again lifting up only for your eyes to widen slightly- it was Huracan's father.

Every step the king took was elegant and filled with authority. He still had that aura of regality with him, if not it was much stronger due to the cape he now adorned which was tucked into golden plates of armor on his shoulders.

What you noticed about him was that his skin didn't turn into a shade of cerulean nor did he wear any apparatus with water in it- you was curious but your fear was even greater.

He now stood a few feet from the hammock you sat on. The king's eyes held a look of apathy towards you, making you feel like you wanted to dissolve into nothing under his gaze.

"You're finally awake." The king breaks the silence between the two of you, gaze never leaving you as he continued to speak.

"To expiate for the way I behaved towards you in such a hostile manner last night, I have brought you here so that my healers can help and assist to heal you much faster." K'uk'ulkan states, voice echoing through out the cave- sending chills to spiral down your spine.

Feeling great trepidation, you gave a small nod and mumbled a soft 'thank you'.

K'uk'ulkan could see the uneasiness bubbling within you, the way you anxiously let your fingers dig into the blankets that surrounded you.

He was extremly grateful towards you for saving and nourishing his son but he couldn't fully trust you— your acts of kindness could have a hidden ulterior motive yet he took the risk because of his son's attachment towards you.

K'uk'ulkan was just going to leave you on the beach- that being his way of showing gratitude by not killing you for finding out about the Talokanils existence but seeing his son cry over your body, pleading him to save you- he could not just leave you, leading to you being brought here to heal.

You finally mustered the courage to ask him where you was but the sound of feet pattering agaisnt the floor echoed through out the cave as from a conner Huracan appears, a large smile graced upon his face from behind his apparatus.

Your eyes widen, an unknown smile gracing your features as the king looks away from you and towards the young boy that entered the place he was not allowed to.

"Hura what are you-"y/n!" The child excitedly shouts cutting his father's words and runs past him, only to head towards you.

"Huracan, wow ! Slow dow-" your words being muffled when the boy jumps and hugs you tightly almost dropping the both of you off the hammock as it sways unsteadily.

Hauran was elated at the sight of you still being alive, his arms rung around you tightly. He was anxious the whole night about you, pestering his father non stop- he just so happened to sneak up to the surface when he saw his father going and to his luck found you awake again.

"I'm so happy you are alive!" The boy cried out and finally let's go of you, only to cling onto your arm and take a seat on the Hammock.

You roll your shoulders due to the boy hugging you so tightly and the fact that his hug was almost bone crushing.

"Huracan, stop being clingy- you might hurt her even more." The king sighs out tiredly ,cautiously watching as you gave Huracan a gentle side hug.

"Hurcan seems to have taken a great liking towards you , usually he finds it hard to trust others and to create a bond with them." The king says in english towards you as you finally look up to make eye-contact with him, his brown eyes were not as harsh as they were last night but you could still see the uneasiness swirling with in them.

"I guess I am honored to earn his trust" you say thoughtfully as you swallow thickly.

" I would have not had anyone to assist me since I live alone, so once again thank you urm.." your words dying down slightly towards the end since you didn't know what to call the man.

"Namor." He states not too keen on allowing you to call him by his real name as he was still wary about you.

"K'uk'ulkan!" the boy says suddenly and points an accusing finger towards his father- who gave the young child a firm look.

"It's Namor to her, my child." K'uk'ulkan says, Huracan could only retaliate by sticking his tongue out towards his dad, this causing you to let out a stifled laugh which caused K'uk'ulkan to glare at you instantly cutting short your laugh.

"Y/n! you must eat, so you can get better! " the child says, lifting up what looks like a piece of melon towards you as you give the boy a smile as you understood what he meant from his gestures.

"It's okay, Hura. I'm not hungr-gwh" he pushes the small piece of melon into your mouth cutting your words as you was forced to take a bite.

You chewed the fruit slowly causing Hurcan to smile widely and feel happy that now he can take care of you.

K'uk'ulkan watched the two interact , he felt a slight pang of jealousy towards you, the surface dweller because you was able to form such a close relationship with the child.

Ever since Hurcan's mother's passing- the boy and his father's strong relationship was slowly breaking, K'uk'ulkan had made a promised to the young child that he won't let anything happen to his mother but that promise was broken along with Huracan's trust for his father when Huracan found his mother unmoving, the illness she had- had won against them leaving behind a heartbroken child and father.

note !

hi guys ! pls do reblog , like and share if you enjoyed < 3

also if you want, you can check out this one-shot namor x reader request i have written , it's a soulmate au ♡

𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 , namor x fem! human reader pt.1 ( soulmate au! )

Here's part 6

𝗉𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝖻𝖾𝖿𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖼𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗆𝗒 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀:

— 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗇 𝗇𝗌𝖿𝗐 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀, 𝗆𝖾𝖺𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗀𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝖾 𝟣𝟪+ 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗉𝗂𝖾𝖼𝖾𝗌, 𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖺 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋 𝗈𝗋 𝖺𝗀𝖾𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀— 𝗂 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖽 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝖼𝗄.

—𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖿𝖾𝖾𝗅 𝗎𝗇𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗍𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗌𝗎𝖼𝗁 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍, 𝗆𝗒 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗀 𝗂𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎.

𝖣𝖮 𝖭𝖮𝖳 𝖨𝖭𝖳𝖤𝖱𝖠𝖢𝖳 𝖶𝖨𝖳𝖧 ME 𝗂𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝖺 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋, 𝖺 𝖹1𝖮𝖭𝖨𝖲𝖳, 𝗁𝗈𝗆𝗈𝗉𝗁𝗈𝖻1𝖼, 𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗌𝗉𝗁𝗈𝖻1𝖼, 𝗋𝖺𝖼1𝗌𝗍, 𝗆𝗂𝗌𝗈𝗀𝗒𝗇𝗂𝗌𝗍𝗂𝖼, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺, 𝖼𝗈𝗋𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗍 ?

𝖶𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂 𝖽𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾:

— 𝗂 𝖽𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗎𝗇𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗂𝗍 𝗂𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗇 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗂𝖼 (𝖾𝗑𝖺𝗆𝗉𝗅𝖾: 𝗒𝗎𝗃𝗂 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗂𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖿𝖿)

— 𝗂 𝖽𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖺𝗀𝖾 𝗎𝗉 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌

— 𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗂 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖿𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗌 𝗎𝗇𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝟣𝟪 + 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝟤𝟢 (𝖺𝗅𝗁𝖺𝗂𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗆, 𝗃𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗒𝗎𝖺𝗇 𝖾𝗍𝖼)

—𝗂𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗍, 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 (𝗈𝗇 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗈𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗇 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋), 𝗍𝗈𝗑𝗂𝖼 𝗋𝖾𝗅𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉, 𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗈𝗋 𝗑 𝖺𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍 , 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗑 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋 , 𝗉𝟣𝗌𝗌 𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗄 (𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺) 𝖧𝖠𝖱𝖣 𝖭𝖮.

𝖠𝖫𝖲𝖮 𝖱𝖤𝖠𝖣:

— 𝗂𝗇 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗆𝗒 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗄𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝟤𝟢

—𝗂 𝗈𝗇𝗅𝗒 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖿𝖾𝗆𝖺𝗅𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋

— 𝗂 𝗈𝗇𝗅𝗒 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗂 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝖺 𝖼𝗎𝗋𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗅𝗒 𝖿𝗂𝗑𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇/𝗅𝗂𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀

—𝗂 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝖾𝗑𝗉𝗅𝗂𝖼𝗂𝗍 𝗌𝗆𝗎𝗍 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖽𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖽𝖺𝖻𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝗇𝗈𝗇 𝖼𝗈𝗇 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍

—𝗂 𝗍𝗋𝗒 𝗍𝗈 𝗐𝗋𝗂𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝖾𝗑𝖺𝖼𝗍𝗅𝗒 𝖺𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝗂𝗆𝖾, 𝗂𝗇 𝗀𝖺𝗆𝖾 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗅𝗂𝗍𝗒

𝖱𝖤𝖰𝖴𝖤𝖲𝖳𝖲:

𝖼𝗎𝗋𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗅𝗒 𝗂 𝖺𝗆 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗍𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗌 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗂 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗅𝗒 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗂 𝗈𝗉𝖾𝗇 𝗋𝖾𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇

© 𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗀𝗂𝗂-𝖻𝗎𝗇 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟦. 𝖣𝖮 𝖭𝖮𝖳 , 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝗈𝗌𝗍 , 𝗌𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗆𝗒 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗄 𝗈𝗇 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗉𝗅𝖺𝗍𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗆𝗌, 𝗆𝗈𝖽𝗂𝖿𝗒 𝖾𝗍𝖼 , 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗏𝖾𝖽

♡...in which alhaitham is your childhood friend.

♡...warnings : fluff and slight angst.

♡...note: i wrote this half asleep but i really wanted to write this idea <3

word count: 6.7k

The classroom was stifling, filled with the low hum of students reciting their lessons, but Alhaitham sat in the back, his head resting on his hand, eyes half-lidded in boredom. The teacher had given up on him for the day, again. He’d finished the exercises in a fraction of the time it took everyone else, leaving the teacher visibly frustrated. "Alhaitham," she had sighed, exasperated. "If you’re not going to participate at the same pace as the class, you can go sit outside."

So there he was—sitting on the bench outside the classroom, staring at the dust swirling in the hot afternoon air. He didn’t understand why his abilities seemed to be such a burden. His grandmother always told him that being different was a gift, but it didn’t feel that way when his intelligence only isolated him from everyone else.

He wondered if being "gifted" was just another way of saying you didn’t belong.

Just as he was sinking further into his thoughts, the door of the neighboring classroom burst open with a sharp clang. You stomped out, your brows furrowed in frustration, clutching a worn sketchbook in your hands. The teacher had kicked you out for the third time that week, irritated by your constant drawing during lessons. You hadn’t even been trying to hide it.

You glanced around, noticing the boy sitting alone on the bench, and without hesitation, made your way over and plopped down beside him, the wooden seat creaking slightly under your weight. For a moment, you just stared ahead, still fuming from the unfairness of it all.

After a moment, you turned to look at him. “Why did you get kicked out?”

Alhaitham blinked, a bit startled by your directness. He hadn’t expected you to speak to him, let alone with that bluntness. “I… finished the work too fast,” he said simply, unsure if that was a reason worth mentioning.

You snorted, rolling your eyes. “Really? They kicked you out for being smart?”

He shrugged. “They said I wasn’t participating properly.”

“That’s stupid,” you muttered, crossing your arms. “I got kicked out for drawing again.” You lifted your sketchbook slightly, showing him the half-finished sketch of a bird you’d been working on when the teacher had confiscated it. “Apparently, art doesn’t count as learning.”

Alhaitham looked at the sketch, noting how detailed it was for someone your age. “It’s good.”

You gave him a sideways glance, surprised. Most of the other kids didn’t understand your drawing, let alone compliment it. You raised an eyebrow at him. “Thanks, I guess. Still doesn’t stop them from kicking me out.”

For a while, neither of you spoke. You both sat there, two kids thrown out of their classrooms because being "different" was seen as wrong. You could feel the unfairness of it sitting heavy in the air between you—your art, his intelligence. It was as if neither of you fit the mold they wanted you to.

After a while, the sound of the school bell signaled the end of the day. Children began pouring out of the classrooms, their excited voices filling the courtyard as they were met by their parents. You stood up, stretching your legs, but as you glanced toward the gate, you noticed Alhaitham was still sitting there, waiting for someone.

A group of boys stood nearby, whispering to each other and shooting glances his way. You watched as one of them called out, "Where’s your mum, genius? Oh wait, you don’t have one, right? Just your grandma."

Alhaitham’s face remained expressionless, though you could see the slight tension in his shoulders. He didn’t react. He never did. But the words still stung.

Before you could think, you reached into your bag and grabbed the first thing your hand touched—a small peach from lunch. Without hesitating, you hurled it at the group. The peach hit one of the boys square in the back, and he whirled around, startled.

"Who—?!" He stopped short when he saw you standing there, glaring at him. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but thought better of it and quickly walked away with the rest of his group, muttering under his breath.

You turned back to Alhaitham, who was now staring at you, wide-eyed. “Why did you do that?”

“Why not?” you replied with a shrug. “They were being jerks.”

He blinked, as if trying to make sense of what had just happened. He was used to dealing with things on his own—being the “genius,” the one “born different” like his parents, had always meant walking his own path. The idea that someone else would stand up for him… was new.

“I’ll walk with you,” you said, offering your hand. “My dad’s busy, so I usually walk home alone anyway.”

Hesitantly, Alhaitham reached out and took your hand. The warmth of your fingers wrapping around his felt strange but comforting. He couldn’t quite place the feeling—it wasn’t something he was used to. Yet as you started walking together, a small part of him began to feel like maybe, just maybe, being different wasn’t so bad after all.

The walk to Alhaitham’s house was quiet, the sun casting long shadows across the dusty streets of Sumeru City. You kept your hand in his, feeling the slight stiffness in his grip as if he didn’t quite know how to hold it, but you didn’t mind. It was strange, but in a nice way, walking with someone who didn’t rush to fill the silence with useless chatter.

As you neared his house, you saw it was nestled between a few others, slightly older but well-kept. The door was painted a deep green, vines climbing up the side of the building, the vibrant leaves glowing under the afternoon light. You stopped just short of the steps leading up to the front door.

“This is your place?” you asked, glancing up at the house.

Alhaitham nodded. “Yes. My grandmother lives here.”

Before either of you could say more, the door creaked open, and an older woman stepped out. She was small and frail-looking, but her eyes were sharp and bright, filled with a wisdom that seemed to stretch back through the ages. Her grey hair was pinned up neatly, and she wore simple, well-tailored clothes, the kind you’d imagine a scholar might wear. You noticed the subtle ink stains on her sleeves—she clearly spent her time among books.

“There you are, Alhaitham,” she said with a warm smile, her voice soft but firm. Then, her gaze flickered over to you, and her smile grew wider. “And who is this?”

You hesitated for a moment, suddenly feeling a little out of place, but you met her gaze. “I… I’m a friend. I walked him home.”

Alhaitham’s grandmother studied you for a moment, her sharp eyes assessing but not unkind. She nodded approvingly. “Thank you for looking after him.” Then she turned back to Alhaitham. “You should introduce your friend properly, Alhaitham.”

Alhaitham blinked, as if the concept of introductions had momentarily escaped him. “This is… um…”

“Y/N,” you filled in, smiling a little at his awkwardness.

“Y/N,” he repeated, glancing at you for a second before turning back to his grandmother.

His grandmother nodded thoughtfully. “Ah, Y/N. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Any friend of Alhaitham’s is welcome here.”

The word "friend" hung in the air for a moment, and you could see the faintest flicker of surprise cross Alhaitham’s face. Perhaps the idea of having a friend was still something new for him. You remembered the way the other kids treated him—the way they treated both of you, really. Being different in Sumeru wasn’t something to be celebrated, not when it came to talents that set you apart from the ordinary.

“I didn’t do much,” you said modestly, shrugging. “Just made sure no one bothered him.”

Alhaitham’s grandmother smiled knowingly. “That’s more than enough.”

For a brief moment, you felt a warmth from her that reminded you of your own dad, who, despite being so busy, cared deeply for you. It was strange to think that the boy who seemed so alone at school had this calm, intelligent woman guiding him through life. You wondered what it was like to grow up in a family of scholars, with everyone expecting greatness from you before you even had a chance to discover it for yourself.

“Would you like to stay for some tea, Y/N?” his grandmother offered kindly.

Before you could answer, Alhaitham spoke up. “She should probably get home. Her dad is busy, and she usually walks alone.”

You looked at him, a little surprised that he remembered. But his grandmother’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she nodded. “Of course. Another time, perhaps. You’re welcome anytime.”

You smiled, appreciating the gesture, but you did have to get back. “Thanks, maybe another day.”

As you turned to leave, Alhaitham’s grandmother’s voice followed you. “Remember, Y/N. Being different is a gift. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.”

You glanced back at her, those words lingering in the air. They seemed to hold more weight coming from someone who clearly understood what it meant to stand apart from the world’s expectations. You gave a small nod before heading back down the street, your heart feeling a little lighter than it had before.

Alhaitham stood by the door with his grandmother, watching you disappear into the distance. He didn’t understand this feeling yet, the warmth that seemed to fill his chest whenever you were near. But as he closed the door behind him, something told him that you, too, understood what it was like to be set apart, and maybe—just maybe—that made all the difference.

As the years passed, you and Alhaitham became inseparable, though your bond grew in a way that remained largely unspoken. You had both found comfort in each other's presence—two children who had been marked as "different," yet somehow understood that being different wasn’t a burden but a quiet kind of strength.

Your days were often spent together, even when words weren’t necessary. You’d sit under the same large tree after school, you with your sketchbook and he with a book in hand, both of you immersed in your worlds but connected by the mere fact that you didn’t need to explain yourselves to each other. Alhaitham would read with a quiet intensity, his mind clearly miles ahead of his peers, while you sketched your surroundings—people, birds, the intricate patterns of the leaves dancing in the wind.

Despite his aloof nature, Alhaitham slowly began to appreciate your presence. You weren’t like the others, the ones who either sought to belittle him or use him for his intellect. You never asked him to explain the things he knew, never prodded him with questions about why he was so smart, why he didn’t fit in. You simply let him be.

Sometimes, in rare moments, he would glance up from his book to watch you sketch. You never noticed, or if you did, you never said anything. You’d often mutter to yourself as you drew, deep in concentration, criticizing a line here or pondering aloud whether to add more shading there. And though Alhaitham never admitted it, he found your artistic process fascinating in its own right. You had a way of seeing the world in shapes, light, and shadow, the same way he saw it in logic and reason.

By the time you were both teenagers, your friendship had solidified into something unshakable, though neither of you had ever put a label on it. You had both grown—Alhaitham into the quiet, intellectual type that the Akademiya would undoubtedly be drawn to, and you into a more expressive, artistic soul whose talent had only grown more refined. Though your interests differed, your paths always seemed to align.

It was during your early teenage years that Alhaitham began to take his studies more seriously. His grandmother, always supportive of his brilliance, had begun preparing him for the Akademiya. His natural intellect and analytical prowess were already far beyond what most of the instructors at the school could teach him, and the Akademiya was the logical next step.

The day he told you about his future plans, you were sitting together in your usual spot under the tree, your sketchbook open on your lap as you worked on yet another drawing of the city skyline. Alhaitham was quieter than usual, lost in thought, and it didn’t take long for you to notice.

“What’s on your mind, Haitham?” you asked, using the nickname you’d given him long ago. He only allowed you to call him that—anyone else who tried would be met with a cold stare.

He closed his book and looked at you, his gaze steady. “My grandmother wants me to enroll at the Akademiya.”

You paused mid-sketch, your pencil hovering over the page as you processed his words. You’d known this day would come eventually—he was too brilliant not to go—but the idea of him being at the Akademiya, immersed in a world of scholars and intellects, somehow felt distant and cold. A part of you worried that it would change things between you.

“You knew this would happen, right?” he continued, watching your reaction carefully. “I’ve always planned on going.”

You nodded slowly, putting your pencil down. “Yeah, I knew. It’s just… the Akademiya. It’s different. You’ll be surrounded by people who are just like you.”

He frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

“Smart people,” you replied with a shrug, trying to keep your voice light, though the worry lingered at the edge of your thoughts. “People who are probably going to understand you in ways I never will.”

Alhaitham was silent for a moment, his gaze never leaving yours. Then, in his usual straightforward manner, he said, “That’s not true. They might understand my knowledge, but they don’t know me.”

You blinked, caught off guard by his words. Alhaitham was never one to speak about emotions or anything too personal. Yet, the weight of his statement hung in the air between you, and you realized what he meant. It wasn’t just about being smart; it was about the connection the two of you shared—something that went beyond words or intellect.

You smiled softly, feeling a little foolish for doubting. “I guess you’re right.”

He looked at you for a long moment before turning his attention back to his book. “Besides, the Akademiya is just another place to learn. It doesn’t change anything.”

And, in typical Alhaitham fashion, that was the end of that conversation.

The day he was officially accepted into the Akademiya was a quiet one. There were no grand celebrations, no overly emotional goodbyes. His grandmother congratulated him with her usual calm pride, and you… you simply met him under the tree like always.

But something was different. You both knew it, even if neither of you said it out loud.

You handed him a sketch that day, one you’d been working on for a while in secret. It was a detailed drawing of the two of you sitting under the tree, books and sketchpads scattered around, just like the countless afternoons you’d spent together. It was your way of capturing the moment, freezing it in time before things inevitably changed.

Alhaitham took the sketch, his fingers brushing the edge of the paper as he studied it. “You drew this?”

You nodded, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. “Yeah. I figured you should have something to remind you of home.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment, but then he folded the sketch carefully and slipped it into the front cover of his book—a quiet but significant gesture.

“Thanks,” he said simply, but you knew, in his own way, that he meant it.

---

The Akademiya was everything you had imagined it would be—prestigious, rigorous, and filled with students who were just as sharp and talented as Alhaitham. He fit in seamlessly, his intellect quickly earning him a place among the top scholars.

Yet, despite the demands of his studies, Alhaitham never drifted away from you. He still came back to Sumeru City often, and when he did, the two of you would slip right back into your old routine—sitting under the tree, you with your sketchbook and he with his books.

There were times when you visited him at the Akademiya, too. The towering buildings of the institution intimidated you at first, but you quickly found that, with Alhaitham by your side, you had nothing to fear. He introduced you to the library, showing you sections filled with texts that most people your age wouldn’t have even heard of, let alone understood. You watched him interact with the other students—aloof, confident, and always in control.

Despite his growing reputation as a brilliant but somewhat detached scholar, you saw the parts of him that others didn’t. The way his eyes would soften slightly when he spoke about his grandmother, the way he’d listen carefully when you talked about your latest artistic project, even if it wasn’t something he fully understood.

And though neither of you ever said it out loud, you both knew that your bond, forged in childhood and strengthened over the years, was something rare—something that no amount of Akademiya knowledge or scholarly prestige could replace.

---

The inevitable question of the future loomed over you. Alhaitham’s place at the Akademiya was secure, his path clear. You, on the other hand, weren’t quite sure where you fit into the grand scheme of things. Your art had grown more refined, your talent undeniable, but the world didn’t seem to value creativity in the same way it did intellect.

One afternoon, while sitting under the tree, you voiced your concerns aloud for the first time. “Do you ever wonder if we’re supposed to fit into certain roles?” you asked, absentmindedly sketching the edge of a leaf.

Alhaitham glanced up from his book, his brow furrowed slightly. “What do you mean?”

You sighed, leaning back against the tree trunk. “I mean… you’re destined for the Akademiya. You always have been. But me? I don’t know where I’m supposed to go.”

He was silent for a long moment, his gaze thoughtful as he considered your words. “You’re an artist. That’s where you belong.”

“But what if it’s not enough?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. “What if the world doesn’t need art?”

Alhaitham’s gaze softened in a way that was rare for him, and he set his book aside. “The world doesn’t need most things. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t important.”

You looked at him, surprised by the quiet conviction in his words.

“I’ve seen the way you look at the world,” he continued, his voice steady. “You see things in a way that most people don’t. That’s your gift. Just because it doesn’t fit into the Akademiya’s way of thinking doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable.”

You felt a warmth spread through your chest at his words, the kind of reassurance you hadn’t even known you needed.

For the first time in a long while, you didn’t feel so lost. And as you looked at Alhaitham, sitting there beside you, you realized that no matter where life took you, this bond, this friendship, would remain

As the years passed, your bond with Alhaitham deepened. He wasn’t the most expressive or emotional person, but you learned to read the subtle ways in which he showed that he cared. The moments you shared were often quiet, filled with comfortable silences as you both worked on your individual projects—Alhaitham with his studies and you with your sketches, which had become more intricate and beautiful as you grew older.

He had introduced you to books that went beyond the curriculum, texts from the Akademiya that challenged your thinking, and though you weren't academically inclined, you appreciated the way Alhaitham's mind worked. In turn, you’d share your art with him—showing him your latest sketches and projects, which ranged from detailed drawings of nature to abstract depictions of your thoughts and feelings. He didn’t always understand your creative process, but he admired your skill, especially the passion behind every line and stroke. The two of you complemented each other in ways that neither of you had ever expected.

When you weren’t drawing, you were often with him, exploring the libraries of Sumeru City, wandering through its bustling markets, or simply sitting by the riverbank, enjoying the quiet moments together. Alhaitham had never been one for grand gestures or declarations, but you’d caught the way his gaze lingered on you sometimes—soft, thoughtful, as though he was memorizing every detail of your face.

By the time you were both teenagers, it was clear to everyone around you that your relationship had evolved into something more. Even if neither of you had admitted it out loud, the unspoken connection between you grew stronger with each passing day.

That connection was precisely what was on Alhaitham’s mind as he paced outside his house, hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket. He had spent weeks thinking about it, planning it, and today—today was finally the day. He was going to confess his feelings to you. He had never been one for sentimentality, but after years of friendship, study sessions, and quiet moments spent together, it had become undeniable. You were important to him, in ways that transcended logic and reason.

He had rehearsed the words in his head a hundred times, though they never sounded quite right. Still, Alhaitham was determined to tell you—today.

But as he made his way to your house, hoping to catch you before your evening sketching session by the river, a feeling of unease settled in his chest. The atmosphere around your home seemed different, more tense. When he arrived, he found you outside, sitting on the front steps with your sketchbook resting on your knees, but there was something off about your expression. You weren’t drawing, just staring at the ground, as if lost in thought.

“Y/N,” he called out, and you looked up, your eyes clouded with something he couldn’t quite place.

“Hey, Alhaitham.” Your voice was soft, and he immediately knew something was wrong.

He approached slowly, sitting down beside you on the steps, waiting for you to speak. You had always been the more expressive one, able to put emotions into words while he struggled with them, so he waited.

“My dad’s leaving for Liyue,” you said quietly after a long pause.

Alhaitham’s brow furrowed. “For how long?”

“Two weeks. Business trip.” You bit your lip, your fingers tightening around the edges of your sketchbook. “I’m going with him.”

He blinked, taken aback. He hadn’t expected that. “You’re going with him?”

“Yeah,” you sighed, staring down at your sketchbook. “He asked me to come along. Said it’d be a good experience for me. I’m leaving today.”

Alhaitham felt a jolt of surprise. You were leaving today? He had been so focused on confessing his feelings that he hadn’t anticipated the possibility of you not being around.

The news hit him harder than he expected. He had wanted to tell you everything, wanted to finally put his feelings into words, but now… it didn’t feel like the right time. How could he confess now, only for you to leave? And what if something changed while you were away?

For the first time in his life, Alhaitham hesitated.

“Well… I suppose I can tell you when you come back,” he said quietly, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

You turned to him, frowning. “Tell me what?”

He paused for a moment, meeting your gaze, but then shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “It’s nothing. It can wait. I’ll tell you when you return.”

You stared at him for a moment longer, as if trying to figure out what he wasn’t saying, but eventually, you nodded. “Alright… I’ll hold you to that.”

There was a strange weight between you now, something unsaid that lingered in the air. You both stood up, and for a brief moment, you hesitated before stepping closer to him. You weren’t the kind to hug often, but in that moment, it felt right. You wrapped your arms around him, holding him tightly.

“I’ll miss you,” you said quietly, your voice muffled against his chest.

Alhaitham froze for a second, caught off guard by the hug, but then his arms slowly came around you, holding you in return. The warmth of your embrace filled the emptiness he hadn’t realized he’d been carrying.

“I’ll miss you too,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

When you pulled away, you gave him a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach your eyes. You grabbed your bag from the steps and slung it over your shoulder, then turned toward the path that led to the main road, where your father was waiting with the carriage.

“I’ll see you in two weeks, Alhaitham,” you called out, waving as you started walking away.

He stood there, watching you go, the words he hadn’t said still lodged in his throat. He would wait until you came back, he told himself. He could wait. Two weeks wasn’t so long. You’d return, and then he’d tell you everything.

But as he watched you disappear down the road, a strange feeling gnawed at the back of his mind—a nagging sense that something wasn’t quite right. What he didn’t know, what neither of you knew, was that your trip to Liyue would be far longer than either of you had anticipated.

When you left Sumeru all those years ago, Alhaitham didn’t think much of the two-week trip. He expected you to return soon, and he had held onto the hope of confessing his feelings as soon as you were back. But when days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, the reality of your absence began to weigh on him.

You’d left your art behind, your sketchbook sitting on the desk where you used to draw, pages half-filled with ideas and fragments of your mind. Alhaitham found himself flipping through it occasionally, his fingers brushing over the pages. He was never one to dwell on emotions or let them consume him, but the emptiness left by your sudden departure was hard to ignore. He missed the way you’d ramble about your latest ideas, missed watching you sketch with that focused look in your eyes.

At first, he buried himself in his studies. He was, after all, a logical person—someone who sought knowledge above all else. He excelled in every subject, his intellect sharp and precise, gaining recognition at the Akademiya for his dedication and brilliance. By the time he was twenty Alhaitham was already on the path to becoming one of the most esteemed scholars in Sumeru. He should’ve felt fulfilled by his success—his life was progressing exactly as he had planned.

But there was always that lingering emptiness. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something important was missing.

Even as the years passed, the absence of your presence in his life was a constant. He heard little of your whereabouts, and whenever he saw your old sketchbook on the shelf, he was reminded of the quiet moments you used to share. He often wondered what had happened to you. Why had you stayed away so long? What had kept you from coming back?

Ten years later, at twenty-seven, Alhaitham had become a well-respected scribe. He had moved out of his childhood home and had his own home whom he shared with Kaveh, who was—unfortunately for Alhaitham—an incredibly vocal and emotional roommate. They often found themselves at the local café, Kaveh talking about the latest architectural projects or complaining about his own work, while Alhaitham kept his nose buried in a book, barely paying attention to Kaveh’s ramblings.

Alhaitham’s mind barely registered Kaveh’s endless chatter as he focused on his book. He wasn’t one to let distractions pull him away, but the familiar sound of the Traveler’s voice reached his ears. His brows furrowed in mild curiosity, and his gaze flickered toward the café’s entrance.

The Traveler stood there, Paimon floating beside them, talking animatedly. But his eyes weren’t drawn to them. Instead, they were pulled to the figure standing beside the Traveler—a woman dressed in elegant Liyuean attire, her silhouette framed by the café's warm light. At first, he didn’t recognize her, his mind struggling to place the image with his memories.

But then, like a flash of clarity, it hit him.

It was you.

Alhaitham froze, his heart skipping a beat as he stared at you. You had changed so much over the years, your teenage softness replaced by the refined elegance of a grown woman. Your Liyuean clothes—a long, flowing dress in shades of deep red and gold with intricate patterns—hugged your form with a grace that seemed to suit you perfectly. A simple but delicate hairpin glinted in your hair, securing it neatly behind your head. The outfit made you look almost regal, exuding the kind of maturity that hadn’t been there the last time he’d seen you.

You turned slightly, laughing at something the Traveler said, and in that moment, your eyes met his.

For a second, time seemed to stop. The café’s noise, Kaveh’s voice, everything faded into the background as your gaze locked onto his. Your smile faltered, and the laughter that had just been on your lips disappeared as your eyes widened in shock.

You hadn’t expected to see him. Not here, not so soon. It felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room as you tried to process the reality of seeing Alhaitham again after all these years.

For a moment, you were the teenager you had been, standing in front of him all over again. Memories of Sumeru, of your days spent sketching beside him, of the time you had shared, all came rushing back with a force that left you breathless. You hadn’t realized how much you had missed him—until now.

He had changed, too. The boy you once knew had grown into a man. He was taller, broader, his physique more defined, and there was an air of quiet strength about him that hadn’t been there before. His grey-green eyes, always sharp and thoughtful, were now piercing as they looked at you, a mix of shock and disbelief swimming in them.

Paimon was the first to break the silence, her eyes lighting up in recognition. “Oh, Alhaitham!” she called, waving at him enthusiastically. “It’s you!”

The Traveler followed Paimon’s lead, giving a small wave. “Alhaitham, it’s been a while.”

But you were still frozen, your lips parting as if to say something, but no words came out. Slowly, you made your way over to his table, your legs moving almost on autopilot. The closer you got, the more real it felt, and the butterflies in your stomach twisted into a knot.

You stopped just in front of him, staring at him for a long moment before a smile—a hesitant, almost disbelieving smile—began to form on your lips.

“Alhaitham…” you said, your voice soft, as if testing the name. “I can’t believe it’s really you.”

He blinked, still processing your presence, before his features shifted into something unreadable. “You’re back,” he finally said, his tone calm, though there was a slight tension in his voice.

“I’m back,” you confirmed, though the words felt heavy, as if there was so much more behind them. Your gaze swept over him again, taking in the changes, before you let out a soft chuckle. “You’ve… gotten bigger. Stronger. I guess you could protect me now, huh?”

The teasing tone in your voice brought a flicker of something in his eyes—amusement, maybe. But it was fleeting.

“I suppose so,” he replied, though his eyes never left yours, searching for something. The quiet between you felt charged, as if the years apart had left too many things unspoken.

You shifted slightly, trying to ground yourself in the moment, your hand brushing the fabric of your Liyuean dress. “I never thought I’d see you again, at least not so soon.”

“Neither did I,” he admitted, his voice quiet. “What happened? Why didn’t you come back?”

Your smile faltered, the weight of your answer settling over you. You let out a small sigh, lowering your gaze for a moment before meeting his eyes again. “It’s… a long story,” you said softly. “My dad got stuck in Liyue. He… ran into some debt, and things got complicated. We ended up staying there much longer than we expected.”

Alhaitham’s brows knitted together in concern, but he remained silent, waiting for you to continue.

“I had to help him,” you went on, your voice a little steadier now. “It wasn’t easy. I had to put everything on hold. And before I knew it, years had passed. I ended up studying law in Liyue to help him deal with everything.”

He blinked, surprised. “You’re a lawyer?”

You nodded, though there was a sadness in your eyes that he didn’t miss. “Yeah, I am. It wasn’t what I had planned, but… it seemed like the right thing to do at the time.”

Alhaitham was silent for a moment, processing this new information. You, the girl who had once poured her soul into art, had become a lawyer. It was hard to reconcile the image of you sitting beside him, sketching, with the idea of you in a courtroom or an office, dealing with the complexities of law.

“What about your art?” he asked, his voice gentler now.

You smiled, but it was tinged with that same sadness. “I still draw… but not as much. Sometimes, when you grow up, life pulls you in directions you never expected. And before you know it, the things you love… they become hobbies rather than careers.”

Alhaitham’s heart ached at your words, though he didn’t show it. He had always admired your passion for art, the way you poured yourself into every sketch, every line. To hear that you had let go of that dream, even partially, left him with a sense of loss he hadn’t anticipated.

But before he could say anything, you smiled at him, brighter this time, as if trying to lighten the mood. “But enough about that. It’s good to see you again, Alhaitham. You really have grown into someone… incredible.”

He didn’t reply right away, his eyes still lingering on you, on the woman you had become. Ten years had passed, but the connection between you felt as strong as ever, even if it had been buried under time and distance.

And as he sat there, staring at you, Alhaitham realized something that made his heart clench. You had returned, yes—but the years had changed you both in ways neither of you could have predicted.

The moment stretched between you, filled with the weight of ten years of absence. Alhaitham’s usual calm, controlled demeanor was chipped away, revealing something raw beneath the surface. He had prepared himself for this reunion countless times in his mind, but the reality of seeing you again left him unsettled.

“I didn’t think you’d ever come back,” he finally said, his voice low and steady, though his eyes betrayed the emotion he tried to suppress. “Not after so long.”

You felt the heaviness in his words and it tugged at your heart. The boy you once knew, the one who had always been so composed, was struggling to contain the hurt he had buried deep inside. And it was all because of you—because you had left without ever explaining why. The guilt weighed heavily on you now, knowing that he had been waiting, never knowing when or if you’d return.

“I didn’t plan to stay away,” you admitted softly. “Everything just… spiraled out of control. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, ten years had passed. I wanted to come back sooner, but I couldn’t.”

Alhaitham leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed as if to shield himself from the feelings he didn’t want to confront. “I get it. Life happens.”

The casual response stung more than you expected. You could sense the disappointment in his words, the unspoken frustration. He was holding back, as he always did, unwilling to let his emotions show fully. But you could feel them, just beneath the surface.

“Alhaitham, I’m sorry,” you said, your voice soft but sincere. “I never wanted to hurt you.”

His gaze softened for a moment, but then his usual calm expression returned. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, looking away as if gathering his thoughts. “I waited,” he admitted quietly, his words almost too soft to hear. “I was going to tell you how I felt before you left, but I thought I’d wait until you came back.”

You froze, the breath catching in your throat. He had wanted to tell you… back then? Before you left?

“Tell me?” you echoed, unsure if you had heard him correctly.

His eyes met yours, and for the first time, you saw the vulnerability he had kept hidden all these years. “How I felt about you,” he said, more firmly this time. “I was going to tell you that I liked you… more than just a friend.”

Your heart clenched. In all those years, you had never known that he had felt the same way. You had thought about him often, wondered what could have been, but you never allowed yourself to dwell on it too long. It was easier to believe that the past was just that—the past.

“I… I didn’t know,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “I had no idea.”

He shrugged, trying to play it off, but there was a sadness in his eyes that couldn’t be ignored. “It doesn’t matter now, does it? Ten years have passed.”

“But it does matter,” you replied quickly, your emotions bubbling to the surface. “I cared about you, too. I thought about you every day after I left. I always wondered what could’ve been if I hadn’t gone.”

The admission hung in the air between you, both of you silently processing what the other had said. The café seemed to fade into the background, leaving just the two of you, confronting the feelings you had both buried for so long.

“You never said anything,” Alhaitham muttered, his eyes dropping to the table. “I thought you were happy in Liyue, that you had moved on.”

You shook your head, tears threatening to blur your vision. “I never moved on, Alhaitham. I just… I had no choice. I had to help my dad. It wasn’t about moving on or forgetting you. It was about surviving.”

His gaze lifted to meet yours again, searching your face for the truth in your words. And he found it—the pain, the longing, the regret. It was all there, as raw and real as his own.

Silence settled over you once more, but it was different now. It wasn’t the awkward, tension-filled silence from before. It was something deeper, something filled with the weight of all the things left unsaid over the years.

Finally, Alhaitham spoke, his voice gentler than before. “So… what now? You’re here, after all this time. What happens next?”

You smiled, though it was a little sad. “I don’t know. I’m still figuring things out. My dad’s debt is taken care of now, but life… it’s complicated. I came back to Sumeru because it felt like the right thing to do, but I don’t know what the future holds.”

He nodded slowly, understanding. “And the art?”

You chuckled softly, though there was a touch of bitterness in it. “I wish I could say I’ve been painting every day, but the truth is… I haven’t. Life got in the way. Being a lawyer takes up most of my time.”

“I see,” he said, but there was a sadness in his eyes, as though he mourned the lost artist in you.

You reached across the table, your fingers brushing his hand gently. “But I haven’t given up on it. Not completely. It’s still a part of me. Maybe… maybe I’ll find my way back to it one day.”

He looked down at where your hand rested on his, a small flicker of hope lighting in his eyes. “You should,” he said softly. “It was always something that made you… you.”

You smiled at that, a genuine smile this time. “Maybe I will.”

For a moment, you just sat there, hands touching, the weight of the past finally beginning to lift. There was still so much to talk about, so much to work through, but in that moment, it didn’t feel impossible. You had found each other again, after all the years and the distance. That was something.

And maybe, just maybe, it was the start of something new.

The silence between you and Alhaitham felt different now—lighter, yet still heavy with unspoken emotions. The café bustled around you, but it was as though the two of you were in your own bubble, suspended in time. Your hand remained on his, and for the first time in years, you felt a sense of calm.

Kaveh, who had been quietly observing from across the table, cleared his throat loudly, pulling both you and Alhaitham out of the moment. “So… not to interrupt or anything, but I’m dying to know—what’s the plan now?” His tone was teasing, but there was a genuine curiosity in his eyes.

You pulled your hand back slowly, suddenly aware of how much time had passed. "I don't really have a plan," you admitted with a small shrug. "I’m still trying to figure things out."

Alhaitham's gaze remained fixed on you, studying your face like a puzzle he was trying to solve. "You don’t have to decide everything now," he said quietly. "You’ve just come back."

His voice was calm, but there was something in his tone—a quiet plea, almost—as if he wanted to hold on to the moment a little longer, to not let you slip away again.

You nodded, grateful for his understanding. “I suppose I don’t.”

Kaveh leaned forward, a mischievous grin on his face. “Well, while you figure out your life plan, why not start by catching up over dinner? It’s been ten years, and I’m sure Alhaitham has plenty to tell you.”

Alhaitham shot him a look, but you couldn’t help but smile at Kaveh’s suggestion. “That sounds nice,” you said, glancing at Alhaitham. “Dinner. It’ll give us time to… catch up.”

Alhaitham’s lips quirked into a small smile, one of those rare ones that always caught you off guard. “I’d like that.”

The moment felt delicate, as though you were both trying to navigate the shifting ground beneath you, but for the first time in years, you felt like you were on solid footing with him. The years of separation and uncertainty hadn’t erased what you once had; if anything, they had made it more precious.

Kaveh stood up suddenly, clapping his hands together. “Alright then! Dinner it is! I’ll leave you two to… sort out the details.” He winked at you before turning to Alhaitham. “Don’t screw this up, genius.”

Alhaitham gave him a deadpan look as Kaveh sauntered out of the café, leaving the two of you alone again.

You turned back to Alhaitham, feeling a nervous flutter in your stomach. “So… dinner?”

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving yours. “Dinner,” he confirmed. “But I’d like to take a walk first. It’s been so long, and I’d like to hear more about what you’ve been up to.”

You smiled softly, nodding. “I’d like that too.”

As the two of you left the café, stepping out into the cool evening air, you felt a sense of nostalgia wash over you. The streets of Sumeru were different now, yet familiar. You glanced at Alhaitham, who walked beside you, his expression thoughtful as he took in the city. You wondered if he was thinking about the past too—about the two teenagers who once roamed these same streets together.

“I never expected to see you so soon,” you admitted as you walked, your voice breaking the comfortable silence. “I thought… well, I didn’t think it would happen like this.”

Alhaitham glanced at you, his gaze softening. “Neither did I. But I’m glad it did.”

You looked away for a moment, collecting your thoughts. "When I left, I wasn’t sure when—or if—I’d be back. I thought about Sumeru a lot… about you. But life had other plans."

“I understand,” he said quietly. “Things change. People change.”

You nodded. “Yeah… but it’s strange. Coming back now, it feels like so much has changed, but at the same time… it feels like nothing has.”

Alhaitham slowed his pace, turning to face you fully. “You’ve changed,” he said, his voice steady but filled with something deeper. “You’ve grown, and I can see it in everything about you. But you’re still… you.”

You felt a lump rise in your throat at his words. There was a warmth in the way he looked at you, as though he saw through all the years and the distance, straight to the person you had always been.

“And you’re still you,” you replied, smiling through the emotions threatening to spill over. “Still calm, still steady. Still…” You hesitated, searching for the right word. “Still Alhaitham.”

He smiled—a real one this time, small but genuine. “Still Alhaitham,” he echoed.

The two of you continued walking in silence for a while, the weight of everything left unsaid hanging between you. You knew there was more to talk about, more to reveal, but for now, just being together again was enough.

Eventually, you reached the edge of the city, where the streets gave way to open fields bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Alhaitham stopped, turning to you with a question in his eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked softly, the vulnerability back in his voice. “When you left… why didn’t you tell me what was going on?”

You bit your lip, the memories rushing back. “I didn’t want to burden you,” you admitted. “Everything with my dad… it was so sudden. And I knew that if I told you, it would only make it harder to leave.”

He looked at you, his gaze intense. “You could’ve trusted me.”

“I know,” you whispered. “I should’ve. But I was scared. I didn’t want to pull you into my mess.”

Alhaitham’s expression softened, and he stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently touch your arm. “You were never a burden,” he said quietly. “And you never will be.”

You felt your heart swell at his words, the guilt and regret that had weighed on you for years slowly starting to lift. “I’m sorry,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “For everything.”

He shook his head, his thumb brushing your arm in a comforting gesture. “There’s nothing to apologize for. You did what you had to do.”

For a moment, you just stood there, the two of you bathed in the fading light, the weight of the past slowly being replaced by the promise of something new.

Finally, you broke the silence, your voice filled with hope. “So… where do we go from here?”

Alhaitham smiled, that rare, beautiful smile that you had missed so much. “Wherever you want,” he said softly. “We’ve got time.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of orange and pink, an electric tension settled between you and Alhaitham. The fading warmth of the day mirrored the warmth building in your chest, a heat that seemed to grow with every second you spent standing there, inches apart. His hand, still resting lightly on your arm, was the only point of contact, but it felt like so much more.

You looked up at him, your eyes meeting his, and for a moment, you couldn’t breathe. There was something unspoken in his gaze, something deep and intense that you hadn’t seen before. The weight of the years apart, the missed chances, the unspoken words—it all hung in the air between you, begging to be resolved.

Your lips parted as you tried to speak, but no words came. Instead, the pull between you grew stronger, undeniable. Alhaitham’s eyes flicked down to your lips for just a second, and your heart skipped a beat. The soft breeze carried the scent of the fields around you, but all you could focus on was him—the way his hand lingered on your arm, the warmth radiating from his body, and the tension in the air thick enough to cut through.

Neither of you moved at first, as if both of you were afraid that taking that final step might break the fragile moment. But then, without thinking, you closed the distance between you. It was subtle at first—a shift of your body, a tilt of your head. And then his hand slid up your arm, gently cupping the side of your face, thumb brushing lightly against your cheek.

Your heart pounded in your chest as he leaned in, his breath warm against your skin. Time seemed to slow, and every nerve in your body was focused on this moment, on him. You weren’t sure who moved first, but suddenly his lips were on yours, soft yet firm, hesitant yet sure.

The kiss was slow, almost tentative, as if testing the waters after so much time apart. But the moment his lips touched yours, everything seemed to fall into place. It felt like coming home after years of wandering, like everything that had been missing for so long was suddenly found.

You responded without hesitation, your hand coming up to rest against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath your palm. His other hand found its way to the small of your back, pulling you closer, deepening the kiss. It was gentle, but there was an underlying urgency—an unspoken promise that neither of you wanted to waste any more time.

When you finally pulled apart, both of you were breathless, foreheads resting against each other as you caught your breath. His thumb still caressed your cheek, and you felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of you.

Alhaitham’s eyes searched yours, his voice soft when he finally spoke. “I’ve waited for this,” he whispered, his breath warm against your lips. “For so long.”

You smiled, your hand still resting against his chest. “Me too,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “I never stopped thinking about you.”

His lips quirked into a small smile, his thumb brushing your bottom lip before leaning in for another kiss, this one deeper, more assured. You melted into him, your arms wrapping around his neck as his hand tightened around your waist, pulling you flush against him.

It wasn’t just a kiss—it was years of longing, of missed moments, of everything that had been left unsaid. And in that moment, nothing else mattered but the two of you.

When you finally broke apart again, both of you were breathing heavily, but neither of you moved to step away. Alhaitham rested his forehead against yours, eyes closed, and for the first time in years, you felt whole.

“You’re not leaving again,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with determination.

You smiled, leaning into him. “I’m not going anywhere,” you whispered back.

And in that moment, under the fading light of the evening sky, it felt like everything had finally come full circle.

—usagiibun2024 🐇

new theme : furina <3

୨୧ ────𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐒 𝐃𝐍𝐈 ノ 𝗂𝗆𝗉𝗈𝗋𝗍𝖺𝗇𝗍 ノ 𝗆𝖺𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗅𝗂𝗌𝗍 ノ 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗆𝖾 ノko-fi

ᯓᡣ𐭩ᝰ.ᐟ

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