Prompt
Jealuc AU: Diluc is Klee’s biological father but has amicably separated from Alice who is trying to push Diluc and Jean together.
Delusion
A Childe X Lumine Fanfiction
Rating : Not Rated
Tags : Psychological, Mild Angst, Character Death
----
During moments of utter silence, Childe recalls that which Lumine once told him about a book she had read from a far away land.
"It is of utmost importance that those who seek to fight monsters must not become one in the process."
He likes to think that perhaps, by mentioning it, she had once hoped that he would be reminded of his main aspiration—to conquer the world that is, and not to simply bathe in the blood of his enemies.
It has its merits, he admits—for he finds himself fighting alongside her during the turning point of the war, the darkness in him dampened by the white light she emits—cleansing the corruption that has resided in him for the longest time.
This too though, reminds him of another of her words.
"The deep dark abyss—stare for too long and it would stare back to those who dare."
It is true, for he knows that ever since he dropped down that hole in the world, he emerged as a monster that is only tamed by bloodshed.
And from the moment he knew Lumine, perhaps by her as well.
He has always carried a portion of that so-called abyss, feeling its vines wrapping inside his very being. He is a monster, that much is true, but tamed as one can be, he became a tool under her commands.
He does not care, for it is times with her when the whispers of the dark become muted—turned into nothing but echoes of the past.
"Childe? Breakfast?"
The man spies her slender form by the doorframe of his bedroom, sees her domestically ushering his sleepy person into the kitchen and he feels as though he had achieved that which he desires, with her by his side.
To conquer the world.
They did. They won. And it was all that he could ask for.
Celestia is no more. The abyss is no more. It is just him, Lumine and the rest of the world.
He smiles as he sits down at the table, reaching for her hand as she places the bowl of steaming Calla Lily Seafood Soup before him.
"Oh, my favorite. What's the occasion, girlie?"
"Mhm, nothing in particular. Just wanted to cook something special for you." she smiles back and he thinks he saw the glimmer of stars beyond her eyes.
Or perhaps it was nothing but an illusion, masking the deeper end of the void he is familiar with—if such end even existed.
Childe shakes his head for he believes that that is not the case. Lumine is here with him. And the abyss is no more. It is no more.
And if the calling of that dark bud inside him grows too strong anyhow, he knows she is here to defeat it for him.
For she is also perhaps a monster in her own rights.
--☆☆☆--
The bags under his eyes, and the haunted looks in his face tell everyone that he is far from recovered but everytime someone comes to ask him how he is faring, he will do nothing but face them with a smile before answering.
"I'm very much fine! Lumine takes good care of me."
If there were curious glances sent his way, he does not care. They must be seething inside—jealous that it was him who conquered her heart by the end of it all.
The savior and the reformed harbinger.
What a perfect love story—great as a tale to pass down from generations to generations. He sighs at the thought.
"Childe, pardon my query but I must ask—how have you truly been?"
He already lost count of how many times the same question had been asked of him.
He stops walking—to face the former Geo Archon a few steps behind.
"I do not understand why everyone keeps on asking the same question. I already told you i'm fine, didn't I?"
Oh how he hates it when they ask—as if they were doubting his princess' ability to care for him, for it was her who has been on his bed, in his kitchen, in his very house ever since the world achieved true peace.
They do not understand just how capable Lumine is.
And they will never know, if he has anything to say.
"Though we are but friends, I must express my deep concern. The dips on your cheeks beg to differ from that which you uttered."
The blue in his eyes shift into something malicious, to that belonging to the beast he keeps inside.
"With all due respect, Mr. Zhongli. I do not appreciate the implications of what you just said. You asked and I answered." He pauses.
The abyss is no more for Lumine is with him.
"I shall be going now. My wife is waiting for me at home."
As he walks away, he ignores the burning gaze on his back. It's fine. That former god does not matter.
What matters is him and Lumine while the rest of the world could go crash and burn, he thinks.
--☆☆☆--
"Tough day at work?"
Childe sidles up to her side, wrapping an arm around the apron-covered waist of his beloved. He kisses her temple with reverence—for it is what she deserves.
"Not really. It was just Mr. Zhongli. And others. Being annoyingly repetitive as always." He grumbles, tucking her head under his chin.
The small hand resting atop his chest tightens against his clothes.
"Do they... not approve of me?" She asks almost inaudibly.
He was quick to deny the preposterous thought.
"Don't listen to them. They do not matter, girlie."
Childe feels her shift and he looks down at her.
Golden pools decorated by the glittering of stars—of tears, he realizes, meet his abyssal depths.
"Are you... are you going to leave me?"
He brushes the hair out of her forehead and tucks the strays behind her ears before promptly brushing away the tears that cascaded from her eyes.
"Never. You are mine, Lumine. As much as I am yours."
Even the sweetest wine cannot compare to the smile that adorns her face after his declaration. She buries her head on his chest once more, arms crossing behind him, bestowing him with nothing else but warmth.
Childe thinks for a second, that this moment is perhaps the best there is in the world. And he knows he is ruined for anything else.
It is impossible to feel anything akin to this feeling and he strongly believes that the desire to even experience it from others aside his princess does not exist anymore.
--☆☆☆--
The sound of deliberate knocking at the door rouses the harbinger from his sleep. Childe growls in annoyance at whoever is behind that piece of wood as he untangles his limbs from the goddess laying beside him.
He kisses the top of her head before deciding to rise and check who their visitor is.
He stills when the one in front of his humble abode makes himself known.
Zhongli, of course.
"Mr. Zhongli, why the early visit?"
The man only hums before crossing his arms, pinning him with a serious gaze.
"May I come in, Childe?"
"Ah, of course."
He lets him in and ushers the former archon to the couch. Upon sitting, the latter immediately scans his surroundings with vague concern in his eyes.
"I must say, your house is surprisingly empty and devoid of life, Childe."
"What do you mean? I think it's pretty homey. Lumine designed it by herself when she first got here."
A frown makes its way to the other man's lips.
"Childe, can we talk?"
He stiffens, tone changing into a defensive one.
"We are talking, are we not?" He spats.
"Why don't you ask Lumine to come down here with us?"
He summons one of his water blades.
"Why exactly are you here, Zhongli?"
"Call Lumine, Childe."
In a flash, the water blade comes in contact with the polearm that materialized in front of the visitor.
"Why. Are. You. Here?" He asks, hostile in every way as he accents each word with a swing of his blade—all thankfully parried.
"I need you to understand, Childe." Zhongli calls forth a jade shield that rattled even the sturdy walls of the other man's home.
A water spear slams against the shield.
"That Lumine..."
Yet another side step, perfectly timed to avoid the beast cloaked in water suddenly crackling with electricity.
"Stop it!" It yells.
But Zhongli is not known for being gentle. The wrath of the rock and the harsh truth—both must be laid out for him to save the monster disguised as a man.
"Is no longer with us."
A beat passes.
"She's gone, Childe. And you must accept that fact."
"No!"
And like that, the man surges forward with the fury enough to fuel wars.
The walls crumble and the terrified shrieks of townsfolk in the immediate vicinity sound off but Childe could no longer care.
Him and Lumine. The rest of the world does not matter.
His mind goes blank with nothing but white hot anger, and he brandishes his weapon with renewed vigor.
"Take it back." He quietly demands, voice distorted.
Instead of complying, multiple stone steles rise up from the pavement, obscuring the two men from prying eyes.
"Everyone grieves for her departure, I assure you. We are hurt as much as you are." A water blade makes contact with the archon's cheek and he winces as response, "but she chose to sacrifice herself for this world's peace and she will not be happy if she sees you rotting away to your demise, Childe."
"You—you don't know anything! Do not lie! Lumine..." A crack in his composition and Zhongli is quick to take advantage of it.
All at once, like a puppet with strings cut off, Childe falls forward when Zhongli's polearm strikes down his chest. The accumulated hunger and fatigue from weeks of barely holding on to her memory suddenly come crashing down upon his person.
Empty plates and sweet nothings.
Cold bed and pristine kitchen.
Unused scarf with the color of the skies and the clouds—like the view he's witnessing right now.
Stare into the abyss, and it stares back at you—its remnants staying within, slowly consuming that which it latches on to.
The abyss is no more—or so he believes.
"Lumine... she promised me." he whispers into the wind.
The rustling of cloth distracts him from his thoughts.
"Do not lean too close to that edge, Childe. I beg you, not as your friend, but as Lumine's—please, do stay with us."
Before his eyes closed, he heard the call from the deep dark abyss of the waters.
The sea is calm. And he couldn't care less about the rest of the world.
Him and Lumine, he thinks. Him and Lumine.
Follow up (imma make this flexible): Jean (or Klee) gets deathly (just a word you can decide if actually) sick after a mission in DragonSpine and Diluc (or if Klee, Jean and Diluc) take care of her. Hope this works. I might ask for ChiLumi next...Love your work!
I'm just gonna say both Jean and Klee get sick... don't worry, they're okay :) here you go! [got a bit lazy to the end tbh.]
@luciana-scarlet
[[ Mild Injury/Sickness ]]
[[ Summary: After Jean put two and two together about the odd silence from Dragonspine and Klee, she dragged the girl down from the mountain... only to realize she had been affected by the cold, just as badly as she was, and was only just lucky enough to be saved...
Word Count: 1'771 ]]
When Jean didn't get word from Dragonspine for a week, she didn't think much of it.
When she didn't get word from Klee for a week, she got a little worried.
When she didn't get word from Klee OR Dragonspine for a fortnight?
Something was wrong. Very wrong.
"I'm going to be gone for the next two days, Klee must've gone to see Albedo and... Well, you know what happens."
Kaeya was only amused.
"My, I didn't expect you to jump to conclusions like that... Oh well, I'll keep everyone alive while you're gone."
Jean had then taken the long walk to Dragonspine, bundled up and warm as can be, and as soon as she got to the camp at the base of the mountain...
"Oh, Albedo had brought that little girl up the mountain to... Actually, I don't know, something about 'Jumpty-Dumpty's, or something like that. He left this morning."
It had been noon, past noon by that point... did these people really not think about anything that wasn't right under their noses? Oh, oh... No, no, she shouldn't think like that. Dragonspine has always been a precarious settlement, a threat to everyone who came, but always holding memories of a forgotten past. Of course they were more interested in that than the Chief Alchemist and a little girl who liked following him around.
It wasn't exactly that she distrusted Albedo, but more than once he blacked out from not eating, he had stayed awake until he was 'seeing sound', and got incredibly confused when he could not feel, and his skin was paler than ever.
In the end, he didn't have the best understanding of human needs.
Jean immediately had found her way up the mountain, following the tracks not yet filled by the everfalling snow...
And it took hours, hours, of Jean searching, the cold seeping past her coat and to her flesh, deep into bones... if she never had to come to Dragonspine ever again, it'd be too soon.
She found Albedo, and Klee, who insisted on not wearing her coat because 'I'm not cold!' and Albedo, bless his foolish heart, didn't realize that was an issue. For being a genius, he was a bit of an idiot.
So she took Klee, and that was the last thing she remembered, only flashes as she continued onwards.
She remembered hearing someone concern over her, but she knew better, she needed to return to Mondstadt, the child heavy in her arms.
The distant smell of sweetness in the air.
The silhouette of a building she felt was familiar.
Being carried.
Being warm.
Being too.. damn... hot.
She found herself sweltering, as her vision began to adjust... In her arms, Klee was wearing a t-shirt that was far too large for her, Jean herself was wearing clothes that were incredibly soft and silky to the touch, but not hers.
Weakly, she pushed herself up, looking around the room. She couldn't recognize any of it, but it was all quite darkly colored, blacks and dark reds, everything pushed to the walls, even the bed was pushed to one wall, leaving much floor space.
Klee whined in her sleep as Jean completely sat up, pushing the blankets off of her in a fit- a fit! She... she felt so foolish, but it was so... so... hot...
She tore the shirt off, holding it in a fist as she tried to gasp for air, fanning herself with one hand, gods, she felt horrible... She was just on Dragonspine, why was she...
"Hypo... thermia..." She muttered, softly. She got hypothermia. As she looked over to Klee... she knew she had it, too... Of course she did, she declared she wasn't cold on Dragonspine, it must've been from freezing so much she couldn't understand hot and cold anymore. Moving her hand over to the child, she ran her hand along her arm... and then grabbed her wrist, pressing two fingers to the base of her palm...
A pulse. Well, of course she was alive, she was breathing well, but her pulse was weak.
Hypothermia, hypothermia, Archons forsaken Hypothermia!
She just wanted to make sure Klee was safe, and... oh, she felt horrible, but she almost wanted to blame Albedo... he didn't know better, he had no malicious intent, but... A cruel part of her mind just didn't want to understand that... sometimes things happened just by chance, not by anyone's fault.
The door to the room clicked, slowly beginning to open, and then was pushed open, and Jean held her breath in pure shock, arms covering her chest in panic, but--
Diluc.
He looked at her with surprise, and in his arms was her and Klee's clothes, folded neatly... likely cleaned.
"I..." He said, intellegently, but he didn't elaborate for a good moment, walking to a dresser to set the clothes on it, before he began to speak, as though the clothing in his arms affected his ability to think, "You were delirious." He said, "And weak," he walked over to Jean, resting the back of his hand on her forehead, "... Do you feel alright?"
Jean lowered her arms, she felt... bare, but alright.
"I feel hot." She admitted.
"You feel cold," He took his hand back, and shifted to sit on the bed near her, "You... and Klee, have hypothermia. I- Don't think it's too severe."
She sighed, and flopped back onto the bed, prompting Diluc to jump a little in surprise.
"I figured," Jean sighed, her head lolling to the side. Klee was still dead asleep, curled up, her feet wiggling in her sleep... she was probably dreaming of bombs and crisped fish and fire.
Diluc shifted for a moment on the bed, and took the liberty of grabbing the blankets and tossing them back on her, "I apologize for... changing you. Both of you. I figured it was the best thing I could do."
Jean was quiet for a moment.
"It's alright," she said, quietly, "I know you just wanted to take care of us."
There was a moment of silence, and Diluc sighed softly.
"... You scared me," he said, genuinely, "You weren't making any sense."
Jean, once again, sat up, "What?"
"You were tripping over yourself," he wouldn't look at her, just at his lap, "And when you spoke, it was... jibberish at best. Then you just... hit the ground, protecting Klee as you fell."
It seemed, even in her worst moments, she still knew to protect anyone and everyone.
"... I..." She swallowed thickly, but suddenly she felt the bed shift, and her entire form being jostled, everything... She almost wanted to think it went white, but truly, it was more like she skipped through time.
When she was back, it seemed it was only a few seconds. and Diluc was holding her tight, his face buried into her shoulder, and she was frozen... unsure, but she eventually found herself wrapping her arms around him, weakly relaxing without the energy to cling to him as tightly as he did to her, as though she would fall into the abyss and be consumed wholly if he let go.
"Don't," he warned, "Don't do that again. Don't scare me again." He said, with no small amount of fear and distress in his voice, how choked up it was... barely keeping himself from sobbing.
She held onto him a little tighter, but only for a moment, her arms went completely slack... she was so tired, she couldn't hug him at all. Suddenly, it all hit her, the world was so cold outside of Diluc, the cool air nipping at her bare flesh...
He let go of her, and gently lay her down to rest, "I... I think you and Klee should eat before going back to sleep. I thought some soup would be enough... warm you both and get some nutrition into you."
Jean looked down at Klee for a moment, "That... would be best." She muttered, and there was a moment of hesitation before Diluc stood,
"I was already in the process of making some," he said, "Wake Klee, please... I don't think she'd be happy to see me."
"Alright," she knew better than to press, Klee had always openly expressed that Diluc wasn't... exactly her favourite adult. He was odd, and 'scary'...
... Jean remembered when she and Diluc were young, and for some reason, he was absolutely terrifying. She understood now, it was just that the difference scared her. How funny it was...
As she gently began waking Klee, the girl, while awake, was not pleased to be awake, and whined until Diluc brought food, tossing a towel over her lap, then giving both a bowl. He sat in the other half of the bed, as though it was meant for him [Now that Jean thought about it... the room reminded her of Diluc to a great degree. Did he truly just tuck her and Klee into his own bed?]
It was quiet, and after Klee half choked while guzzling down her soup, she curled up beside Diluc, and quickly began to doze off, Diluc idly patting the top of her head.
"I should leave you two to sleep," he said, softly, "You've both had a long da-"
"Noooo..." Klee whined, "Warm, red man warm..." She nuzzled into Diluc's side, he only able to helplessly stare, and then he looked up at Jean, quietly echoing her,
"Red man?"
"Red hair," Jean explained, "I don't have any issue if you're alright with staying."
He never was very good at touching people, "Alright,"
He was so again- Wait, what?
Jean stared for a moment, opening her mouth to speak... But she just sighed and chuckled softly, shifting to lie down properly, "Come, I'm cold too... No amount of blankets can fulfil the warmth of another human body." She held her arms open for him, and he looked down at Klee, shifting her to Jean's arms, despite her sleepy protests, and Diluc lay back down, Jean pushing both of them to Diluc, squishing all three into a too-small space in a bed that could easily have enough space for all three to hog all the space they could ever want.
Diluc adjusted so she could rest her head on his arm, she pressing a brief kiss to his arm before resting her head on it, a sleepy smile on her face...
Maybe, maybe next time she had to go to Dragonspine, she could be a little bit selfish, and ask for him to warm her.
He had a nice bed.
He was good at cooking.
He was warm...
And he was a very good cuddler.
Okay, hear me out- (idk funny thought that came to my mind)
Klee: Hey Diluc, can I go get some candy?
Diluc: what did Kaeya say?
Klee: no
Diluc: then why do you think I’ll let you?
Klee: Because Kaeya’s not the boss of you.
Diluc, internally: it’s a trap it’s a trap it’s a trap
A list of all my fanfics for Genshin Impact/Chilumi (Childe x Lumine) for easy navigation! Will update this list as I write more fics!
Here is a link to translated fics! [Translated Masterlist]
I will also be uploading to AO3 if you prefer reading there! [AO3 Link]
* indicates fics I wrote before I discovered that Childe has an older brother and sister, and that his parents are, in fact, alive. owo
Most of my fics are a General-Teen rating: mostly for language, violence, maybe some slightly suggestive scenes, but nothing explicit. I will indicate if a fic will be rated higher, and the reason for the rating.
starconch — Lumine stumbles upon Childe at the beach one restless night.
glaze lily — Childe asks Lumine to accompany him to Qingce Village.
campfire in the snow — Childe suffers during the winter and Lumine has to take care of him.
bloodlust — Tartaglia’s origins, his Childehood if you will. (tw: graphic depictions of violence) *
party disasters — Lumine and the Knights of Favonius are having a party when Childe unexpectedly shows up. Lumine gets a little drunk, Childe gets a little jealous.
mask — Childe invites Lumine to a masquerade ball. Lumine accepts. The party is filled with Fatui—Harbingers included. Uh oh.
groceries — For her project in her History of Liyue class, Lumine has to partner with Childe. Modern College AU.
why — Childe realizes he needs Lumine. He needs her more than he needs the Tsaritsa.
new arrivals — Lumine and Childe anticipate the birth of their baby. As always, the two of them never have a moment of peace, and unexpected events arise, throwing everything in danger’s way.
you, my enemy — Lumine must assassinate the cruel king of Snezhnaya, Ajax.
family holiday [part 1] [part 2] — Lumine finally arrives in Snezhnaya and takes Childe’s offer of visiting his home (mansion). *
fever dreams (family holiday part 3) — Lumine gets sick and Childe and the children have to take care of her. *
ice fishing [part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [part 6] — Childe invites Lumine to the annual Snezhnayan holiday dedicated to the Tsaritsa. There, she meets his entire family, and all the conflict that comes with them.
the president and the troublemaker [part 1] [part 2] [part 3] [part 4] [part 5] [part 6] [part 7] [part 8] [part 9] [part 10] [part 11] [part 12] [part 13] [part 14] // [AO3 Link] — Lumine is the student council president and Childe is the school’s number one troublemaker. They cross paths more than they’d like. Especially when Childe finds out Lumine’s big secret. Highschool AU à la Kaichou wa Maid-sama.
cough syrup — [coming soon]
This just popped up out of NOWHERE. LOL.
Anyways. This short fic was inspired by this little bit from the anime because they’re totally a family. *sob*
Nightmares
“Are you awake?” Erza whispered, twirling her fingers through Jellal’s hair. It was a hot, muggy night. Jellal had passed out hours ago, arms wrapped around her hips, head resting against her belly. She traced her finger down the scars across his bare back. “How are you even asleep?” She smiled as her husband’s grip around her tightened.
“’m not,” he mumbled, his lips moving against the fabric of her shirt. “Too hot.”
“It might be cooler if you let go,” Erza said, running her fingers through his hair again. He groaned.
“Never.”
“At least come closer,” she whispered. Jellal sat up, his hair a mess, his eyes shimmering in the pale moonlight streaming in from the window. He smiled. Erza shook her head and grabbed his arm, pulling him down to kiss him. He sighed against her lips, brushing her red hair away from her eyes, and then kissed her again.
Then he groaned. “It’s too hot,” and flopped back over onto his side of the bed. Erza turned to tease him, but the moment she did there was a scream from across the hall.
“Wendy,” Jellal whispered, his eyes wide. He was out of bed before Erza could even respond. It had been a while since she had had a nightmare. Jellal yanked on his t-shirt and was striding across the hall before Erza even had time to react.
Since Erza and Jellal’s wedding, Erza had noticed Jellal was closer than ever to Wendy. She had, for some time now, thought of Wendy as her daughter. And Jellal, when Jellal and Erza had finally started dating, she knew he felt the same way. She almost smiled about it as she threw her blankets aside and pulled herself out of bed. Wendy could ask Jellal for anything and he’d give it to her. Such a pushover.
On the other side of the hall Wendy was still screaming: “He’s coming! He’s coming!” They were familiar words. Erza had heard her scream the same ones every night for weeks after Acnologia. Now… every so often the same nightmare came back. Erza’s heart hurt everytime she heard Wendy scream in her sleep. She saw some things… some things that no little girl should ever have to see. And then she paused in her doorway, clutching the doorframe till her knuckles turned white. No. She saw some things that no one should ever have to see.
Erza sighed, padding barefoot out into the hallway. Light streamed out from Wendy’s room, and she could hear soft murmuring. Jellal whispering over and over, “It’s okay. It’s okay. It was just a dream.” Erza could hear Wendy sobbing. She gently pushed the door open to see Jellal kneeling by Wendy’s bed. Wendy was still sitting on her mattress but was practically buried in Jellal’s arms—sobbing into his shirt—clutching at him like she still couldn’t quite believe that she was safe. Jellal glanced up at Erza, offering her a worried smile. It’s okay. She’s okay.
She was calming down, her trembling slowly dying away, her breath coming in gasps. “I’m… I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” She breathed. Jellal looked bewildered.
“What…?”
“I wake you so much…” she whispered, pulling away from his embrace, rubbing away her tears with her hands. “And they’re just dreams.”
“Wendy.” Erza said, sitting down next to her on her bed. “You’re right. They’re just dreams. But you should never apologize. Jellal and I, we have nightmares too. And we wake each other up. We’re there for each other. And we want to always be there for you—when you need us.”
Wendy stared up at Erza for a long moment, and then tears welled up in her eyes. “Promise?”
“Of course,” Jellal frowned, “Always.” Wendy pulled them both into a hug.
“Thank you.”
“I have an idea,” Erza declared. “I’m going to make some hot chocolate. We’ll all have some together, and then lets try and get some sleep. This time we’ll have good dreams.”
Wendy laughed a little, wiping the last evidence of tears away from her eyelashes. She beamed up at both of them as they stood. “Alright, can I help?”
“Sure,” Erza smiled, pulling her up to her feet. “You find the hot chocolate mix. I’ll heat up the water. Deal?”
“Deal.”
Hi @aetherarf !
Can you write a Xiao x Ganyu fanfiction where Ganyu is hurt in a battle against the Primo Vishap (Because I always die trying to farm it) and a completely clueless Xiao who refuses help attempts to help her?
Hello! And here it is! I apologize if it's a little off but tbh my brain died and i just kept writing to have something to post.
@luciana-scarlet
[[ INJURY WARNING ]]
[[ Summary: When he does not feel his name called, and yet he does feel the shifting of wind and the aching yet silent cry of the Qilin... He must follow it, only to find something far worse than he expected.
Word Count: ]]
It was a quiet enough night on his own-- He had hunted countless beasts, and now Xiao was eating pensively, looking down at the almond tofu before him... He wondered if there was a way it could be rendered tasteless, instead of the sickly sweetness that haunted his tongue, only soothed by the silkiness it offered.
Setting down his spoon, he looked to the landscape...
And...
A cry.
He tense, there was no sound of his name-- in fact, it was not even an audible cry, but it was so intense that his body ached from it, like the deafening shriek of a dragon just ran through his body, but did not make a single sound...
If he could hear his name carried on the wind, he could follow the sound of the silent ringing...
... ... ...
He found his way to Tianqiu Valley, and... to say 'chaos had struck' was an understatement- Normally, the Primo Geovishap was content to reside deep under the earth, within its cave, needing to be defeated regularly and its strength sapped with the purest resin to stop it from progressing to a more lethal state...
Was it time for the Adepti to subdue it again? Had it been too long, and even Xiao had forgotten? Had it learned to avoid their attempts at stopping its growth to a more terrifying beast?
He could not think of that now, instead donning his mask and leaping towards the creature, blinking in and out of sight, only to get closer, and the beast shrieked, standing over a figure--
Ganyu.
Of course, she had attempted to subdue it... But with the pale markings on its body, it seemed to consume and crystallize all of the Qilin's attempts to destroy it. The scent of blood haunted him, and he leapt at the creature from above, sending his spear into the earth, the ground shaking, and the Geoshivap glared at him...
And, before he knew it, it was over.
The frost had seeped from its scales, turning the water in the air to ice, a facade of snow, desperately clawing through the earth. He would need to check later, to possibly defeat it again, he lucky enough to not be as perceptive to the beast's hunger to consume whatever force he had to offer...
But instead of chasing it when it was weakened, even if it was likely the more reasonable option, he found himself returning to Ganyu's side. She lay on the ground, bumps and bruises and some cuts, but no bleeding that seemed lethal or even too severe... He would have panicked if it were not how she lay- Hands resting on her stomach, just looking at the sky, her bow within reach, but knocked to the ground. Despite that she was fine, he still sat on his knees beside her, reaching and setting his hand atop hers, and she tilted her head to the side... Just looking at him, with tears glazing over her eyes, her lips quivering just the slightest bit...
"... Ganyu," he said, softly, his grip atop her hands tightening just the slightest bit, "Are you..." He paused, looking at her face, at how desperately she fought the tears that wanted to fall, "Injured?"
Softly, she sighed, "N-no... I mean..." Her voice was choked up, a silent suffering, "I'll heal," she clarified with a smile that was faker than the weakest Xiao could ever muster. Xiao shook his head, before grabbing her hands, trying to tug her upwards but she pulled her hands back, "No, no... I'm-I just want to lie for a moment."
He looked over her for a moment, softly sighing... Snaking his hand below her head just so it was slightly less hard than the rough ground below.
"... I... I always feel helpless," Ganyu admitted, softly, "Like I just keep messing up, I can't fulfil the duties of both a human and an adeptus... but I should be able to, shouldn't I?"
She closed her eyes, sighing softly, simply relaxing where she lie... And Xiao pursed his lips, looking away for a moment, and then back to Ganyu.
What could he say...?
His hands twitched, and he felt a lump in his throat.
"You... have done enough. You can rest."
Somehow, he felt like he shouldn't be saying such a thing, but he truly couldn't help it. Those were words Rex Lapis would speak, with love to those who still served.
"And you shouldn't?" Ganyu pushed herself up, "I appreciate it... But if your work isn't done, neither is mine."
Xiao's hands nearly tingled, he almost wishes she lie for a moment longer, but...
"... You cannot control such things," he said, softly, "that will hinder you. You fought valiantly... that is not your fault that... the odds were against you."
Ganyu shook her head, and stood.
"Thank you, Xiao... please, let me just use the resin to weaken the beast... And I'll return to Liyue harbor. I'm sure you have more important things to do."
And Ganyu left, and Xiao could only helplessly watch...
...
Well, he did have more important things to do, despite how, for once, he wanted to do nothing but shirk those duties.
Diluc: *carrying a sleeping jean on his back* . . .
Xiao: *carrying a sleeping ganyu on his back* . . .
Diluc: *looks at ganyu and back at xiao*
Xiao: *looks at jean and back at diluc*
Diluc: *reaches out his hand and nods*
Xiao: *shakes his hand and nods as well*
Diluc/Xiao: *walk away in oposite directions* . . .
Aether: . . . .what the hell just happened?
Another found family fic, because I’m weak. Wendy and Jellal decide to celebrate mother’s day with Erza.
Mother’s Day
Jellal was sitting in one corner of the guildhall reading. He looked like he was focused. Wendy wasn’t sure she really wanted to bother him. Besides, her request seemed so silly.
“Wendy,” Carla said, crossing her leg and dropping her head into her hand, “You really should go ask him. He’s not talking to anyone. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you asked to talk.”
“I just…” Wendy felt her cheeks grow warm. “Maybe it’s stupid. What if it’s a terrible idea—”
“It’s not a terrible idea, Wendy,” Carla huffed, “I think it’s very nice. And I think Jellal will think so too.”
Wendy bit her lip, and then stood, hands balled into fists. “Alright. I’ll go ask him.” She crossed the guildhall with purpose and slipped into the seat across from him—the nervousness returning in the pit of her stomach. Jellal offered her a soft smile, setting aside his book.
“Jellal,” Wendy began, clasping her hands together. “I heard… I heard Gajeel talking about what they were going to do for mother’s day with Levy, and…”
“You want to do something for Erza,” Jellal finished.
Wendy’s eyes widened, and she quickly glanced up at him. “You… how did you guess?”
“Erza talks about it,” he said, “Not about mother’s day, but about how much she cares about you. You’re like a daughter to her, you know?”
“Really?”
“So you want to do something for Erza for mother’s day?”
“Of course! Erza… Erza’s like a mom to me. I want to let her know how much I appreciate everything she’s done.” She whispered, “I can never really pay her back. I was wondering if you would help.”
“Sure, I’d be happy to, what do you have in mind?”
***
They had decided on a classic mother’s day plan: breakfast in bed, flowers, chocolates, the whole deal. Wendy had taken it upon herself to use her well-earned money to buy some fancy chocolates—Jellal had used most of Saturday to find the perfect bouquet of flowers.
They were sitting at dinner when Erza put down her fork with a sigh, glancing over at Wendy—who was squirming in her seat—and Jellal—who was silently cutting his meat. “What are you too planning?” She narrowed her eyes. Jellal glanced up, trying his best to put on an expression of mock surprise.
“What makes you think we’re planning anything?”
“By now Wendy’s usually telling me all about her day, and you always say something about the market prices or something silly—”
“Well,” Jellal searched his memory, “I think the broccoli was on sale when we were down there.” He was scrambling, trying to come up with something, Wendy’s eyes were wide across the table. “And umm…”
“Erza!” Wendy interrupted. Erza turned her head and Jellal swung his hand across his neck. Abort. “I’m sorry. I told Jellal I wanted a kitten.” Jellal froze.
“Oh,” Erza’s eyes widened. “A kitten, huh?”
“Yes!” Wendy nodded. “I promise I’ll take care of it!” She clasped her hands together, looking up at Erza pleadingly. Erza glanced over at Jellal who shrugged his shoulders.
“We were going to talk to you tonight—after dinner. I think it might be nice to have a pet.”
“Please, Erza?” Wendy said, her eyes wide, her lips pouting. Damn, she’s doing a good job. Jellal had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. Erza picked up her fork again, pressing the tips against her lip for a moment—deep in thought.
“I don’t see why not. As long as you promise to take care of it.”
“Yes!” Wendy pumped her fist, and then jumped up to give Erza a hug. Jellal shook his head with a little smile, spearing a piece of meat with his fork. She’s too smart. Erza seemed convinced, for now.
***
“You really think a kitten is a good idea?” Erza murmured. Jellal groaned, rolling over to glance at the time.
“Erza… It’s three in the morning…”
She shifted in bed, the sheets rustling between them. She rested her head against his shoulder, nuzzling against him. “Sorry. I just… we’re away so much…”
Jellal let out a deep sigh, holding her close. “I’m sure that when we’re gone someone will come and feed the cat for us.”
“Right,” she whispered. There was a pause before she said, “What would you want to name it? If it’s a girl?”
“Erza, it’s 3 a.m…” Jellal whispered. “Besides, I think if Wendy wants a kitten—she should get to name it.”
“Right.” Erza nodded.
There was a long pause, Jellal tried to drift off to sleep, but he could almost hear Erza’s thoughts racing. “Erza,” he murmured, not opening his eyes. “Are you trying to go to sleep or are you thinking about the cat?”
“Sorry!” She laughed a little. He felt her sit up and the next moment her lips were against his. He didn’t open his eyes. She rested her forehead against his and whispered. “I’ll try not to think about it.”
“You need your rest, Erza,” he smiled.
“I know.”
“Goodnight.”
She got comfortable against him and murmured, “Goodnight.” Before Jellal drifted back to sleep.
***
“Wake up.” Small hands shook his shoulder. Jellal let out a soft groan, rubbing sleep away from his eyes.
“Wendy,” he whispered, “What… what time is it?”
“Seven,” she said, her voice low. She pressed a finger to her lips and pointed at Erza, who was fast asleep on the other side of the bed. Jellal smiled.
“Alright. Let me get dressed and I’ll be out to help.”
He wasn’t exactly a good cook, but he knew how to make a simple breakfast: scrambled eggs and toast. They had decided on buying a cake for a breakfast dessert—knowing how much Erza loved cake. Jellal knew a store-bought cake would never taste as good as Erza’s homemade version, but he also knew he could never replicate her perfect recipe. If they even tried, the cake would just burn, he was sure.
“I’ve cracked the eggs already!” Wendy said, grabbing a whisk as Jellal came into the kitchen, “And poured in some milk.”
“You could practically do all of this by yourself,” Jellal grinned shaking his head, “Have you been cooking with your mom?” And then he froze. Was he still half asleep?! Wendy had never called Erza mom and he just—
“Yeah,” Wendy said, smiling, “I have been. I wish I could bake as good as she does though.”
Jellal blinked, and then ran his fingers through his hair with a laugh, “Me too. I’ll get started on the toast.”
Soon their breakfast was complete and on the bed tray: orange juice, buttered toast, scrambled eggs, and a slice of cake with strawberries. “Can you carry the tray?” Wendy asked. Jellal nodded. “I’ll carry the flowers and the chocolate!”
Erza was still asleep when they tiptoed into the bedroom. Jellal paused at her bedside, the tray was getting heavy in his hands. “Erza?” She sighed, rolling over. “Erza, wake up.” She blinked, groaning.
“Jellal… it’s too early—” she froze, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. “What… what’s going on?”
“Happy mother’s day, Erza!” Wendy threw her arms around Erza’s shoulders, still holding the bouquet and fancy chocolates in both hands.
“Happy what?”
“Happy mother’s day,” Jellal smiled, leaning in to kiss her forehead and set down the tray.
Erza looked absolutely bewildered. “How…?”
“Wendy wanted to do something special,” Jellal said.
“But…” She blinked, glancing over at Jellal, “How did you know?”
“You’ve always said you thought of Wendy like—” Jellal froze, searching her expression, “What do you mean ‘how did we know?’”
“That I’m… pregnant?” She whispered. Jellal’s eyes widened.
“You’re… what?” Wendy was just as stunned, planted in place, still holding the chocolate and bouquet of flowers. Jellal could hardly breathe. “You’re…?”
“If this isn’t about that then…?” Erza glanced over at Wendy, realization dawning on her face. “Oh! Wendy! I’m sorry, I… I’m still tired—” Then she glanced up at Jellal, eyes wide, “I didn’t mean to tell you this way! I—” Before she could finish another word his arms were around her, shaking the tray and almost knocking over the orange juice. He cupped her cheek, pulling away just to look her in the eyes.
“You’re really…?”
“Yeah,” she grinned, tears welling up. Jellal pulled her into a kiss, the tray shaking again underneath him. He pulled away glancing over at Wendy. She looked stunned, but there was a small smile on her lips.
“Wendy, I’m sorry,” Erza whispered. “I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“It’s fine,” she said, but there was pain in her eyes. Erza held out her hand, and Wendy took it. Erza pulled her into her arms.
“I’m not worried about the baby,” she said, “Because I know they have a strong big sister who will watch over them.” Wendy pulled away, eyes wide.
“Really?”
“Of course. I’ve always seen you like a daughter,” Erza beamed. Wendy beamed, throwing her arms around Erza again.
Jellal pulled them both into a hug. “You should eat breakfast, before it gets cold.” He murmured. Erza laughed, kissing him once more before both he and Wendy pulled away.
“Thank you for celebrating mother’s day with me,” she beamed, picking up her fork. “This looks wonderful.”
I’m Luciana (she/her) I like creating. Taking requests :)
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