I’m gonna be doing requests, fandom by fandom! First up, Genshin Impact! The rules for this round of requests are:

- No inazuma characters (I’m not there yet)

- No romantic requests with Qiqi, Klee, Sayu, or Diona

- No incest, pedo shit, abusive relationships, other illegal crap

- No NSFW

- I will deny any request if I feel I can’t do it justice

Please be kind, this will be my first time writing in this fandom!

When you overwork…

About: By which you’re working yourself a little too hard (or a lot) + are worried about falling behind your peers…

CW: Comfort, but it might hurt a bit (^^;)

Charas: Childe, Zhongli, Ganyu

Writing & Matchup Comms Open!

• “Whoa there,” Childe catches you before you can throw yourself into another pile of work. “Slow down, comrade. When was the last time you took a break?”
• He recognises it; the desperation hidden in your tone when you tell him there’s too much to do to mess around, and that you were fine.
• You were obviously not fine. Childe has seen many work themselves to the bone only to burn out in terrible ways. He doesn’t want that to happen to you - selfishly, he likes you better with some light in your eyes.
• “Then how about this? Come have lunch with me, and I swear I’ll let you get back to work after.” He extends his hand to you, palm up, with a boyish smile. You wonder if he’s been in your position before, in some shape or form. “But you have to promise not to think about work while we’re hanging out, alright? Focus on one target at a time.”

• “…Traveler.” Zhongli’s voice is gentle as he sets a teapot onto your desk. A calming aroma drifts from it; when did he brew that? Were you so distracted that you hadn’t heard him? 
• The man only chuckles at the question written on your face. “I’ve been here for a while.” He gestures to the window, sunlight streaming in like ribbons from a dance. “You’ve been working for hours.”
• …You didn’t have the time for what he was suggesting. There would be other days, where–
• When you meet those amber eyes, you feel your excuses deflate. “…Perhaps I’ll go for a walk, just a short one.”
• There’s amusement in the way he pretends this wasn’t the outcome he was hoping for - for you to take a break, however short, and remember there was a world outside filled with color. A bit of the weight on your shoulders lifts as you take a walk with him, allowing your world to slow down.

• “Catching up… to me?” Ganyu repeats in surprise. Understanding crosses her face when she realises how her work habits must’ve made you feel. Guilt comes next; she’s promised you a long time ago that she would take care of herself, but it seems like she’s failed to recognise when you started to need the same attention.
• “Y/N, please don’t ever feel like you have to match or surpass anyone’s progress.” Ganyu’s gaze holds yours, and you’re unable to look away. She takes both your hands to give them a squeeze.
• “There is value in you regardless of work results. You’re plenty irreplaceable without pushing yourself like this; your friendship in itself has made an impact on me, more than you’d know.” 
• “I… I wish to be someone you can rely on, just as you’ve accepted my insecurities.” Ganyu laughs lightly. “I suppose in that way, we’re both hoping to catch up with one-another, so don’t treat yourself too harshly, alright?”

Star-crossed Love…

About: A star-crossed AU that’s part of my ‘In Another Life’ AU collab! Do check out everyone else’s work through this linkif you’re interested in more content

CW:Angst for the most part! Specifics below:

• Venti: Love that can’t happen due to outside forces (right person, wrong lifetime) –> mortal lifespan
• Zhongli: Reader death implied (he loses you in the archon war)
• Gorou:Reader has memory loss about their s/o (your vision was taken away from you)

Link to a related scene for Venti here! And here’s a trio of drabbles with the same mortal/immortal angst concept I did for the 3 archons!

Writing + Matchup Commissions are Open!

• A human and a god… That kind of story sounds like something out of a bard’s tale, doesn’t it? Yet in light of your mortal lifespan, Venti hesitates to approach you in a way that expresses his true feelings.
• If it was hard for normal individuals to be vulnerable, the idea can only be more taxing for him - after all, what right did he have to share a heart so heavy with sins of the past? Perhaps it’d be better to keep his distance while you still saw him as someone good and kind.
• Losing someone is something he’s used to, however… that doesn’t make each time easier than the last. And in the grand scheme of things, wasn’t Venti just being selfish by occupying your attention? When surely you’d be happier with someone else, your time better spent with them more meaningfully?
• He could not learn about the world with you with bright new eyes, experience age or illness - how could Venti bear to let you go through them alone? Thus he keeps his feelings to himself, lending you a shoulder to lean on when you needed, and playing melodies to lift your spirits.
• When you do find someone else, he’s happy for you! He ensures you reach your happy ending, both as a guardian deity of Mondstadt and your friend.
• It’s the least he can do, so just enjoy your life, alright? That’s his only request. For you to live without regrets; live a life that makes your chest ache with joy. He’ll do what he can to protect that.

• Zhongli lost you during the archon war, where you fought by his side. On the rare occasion where there was no conflict for a day or so, you’d regroup and finally let your guards down in the solace of one-another’s arms.
• It was a dangerous period - the loss of lives, immortal or otherwise, was nothing of an oddity. Zhongli… he considered himself lucky, for when he lost you, he had been by your side in your last moments.
• You asked him to continue living without regrets. You said that rock could withstand the most brutal of things - so Morax, please don’t burden yourself with my end. Just remember me fondly and know that I’ll always cheer for your happy ending, alright?
• You were one of the best of them, and yet you had no desire for a title or land in your name. You… Zhongli paused in his stroll, looking at the sea that stretched beyond the city’s harbour. 
• You were a little too much like him. Headstrong, well-meaning, willing to move mountains for what or who you loved.
• He misses you, he wishes you could see Liyue as it was today, where mortals were beginning to take charge of their future. Zhongli wonders what you would think of his new name, his new job. Would you make fun of his statues? Tease him about being the almighty Geo Lord?
• Ah, so it seems that he hasn’t completely moved on yet.
• Zhongli covered his eyes with his hand. Soon, you’d always say. Soon, we may lay down our weapons and only worry for ourselves. I’ll expect proper gifts from you then, Morax. No more dinners by the campfire in the middle of a war.

• One of the scariest things that’s happened to Gorou was when you looked at him through the eyes of a stranger. You’d returned his hug with a light squeeze - out of politeness, and leaned away with an unsure smile:
• I’m sorry, but I don’t recall if we’ve met before…
• Gorou has to try so hard to not let the hurt show on his expression - were you joking..? No, you didn’t usually try to prank him like that. Then why…
• When his gaze trails to the place where your vision normally rested, Gorou’s blood froze. Something fearful clawed at him as the color drained from his face, and his hands slacken.
• Those that lose their visions also lose memories tied to those ambitions. Please be careful, Gorou.
• The world came to a pause as his mind started to scramble for signs that this wasn’t the case. In his desperation, Gorou takes your hands and searches your eyes, asking, pleading for you to talk about the dreams that you held so dearly.
• But you only looked at him with more confusion in your gaze. A conflicted look crosses your expression as you feel something familiar about his touch, yet… 
• Even if you searched your mind, you were unable to find any memory that resembled what the man was hoping for.
• I… I don’t have a vision, General Gorou. You gently took your hands out of his, giving them a squeeze. Do you have the wrong person?

Comms Open!

Ah… Sometimes I just want to wipe them out of the sky. Venti reaches a hand up toward the sea of clouds above, the smallest of frowns on his lips. He stretches his fingers a little more; if he was in another form, he could have probably skimmed them for real, but…

Letting out a sigh, Venti pulls back, allowing himself to lean back and prop himself against his arms. He closes his eyes and feels the wind brush his cheeks - sometimes, living as a human really is tiresome.

If you watch idly, you’ll only lose them. A familiar voice rumbled, old as stone. Time passes quickly for mortals, Barbatos.

That arrogant little… Well, Venti supposed Morax- Zhongli, wasn’t little, but the nerve of him to say something like that! It wasn’t like the blockhead was some genius at romance either!

How could he simply approach you like Zhongli advised? It was one thing to wear his heart on his sleeve - dangling, teasing, fleeting before you could catch the sincerity underlying his pretty words and prettier smiles - but to simply reveal everything, handing it over…

Well, that was the same as giving you his heart, wasn’t it?

Isekai AU: Otome-Villain Edition!

About: You’re isekai-ed into the world of an otome game as the antagonist, who’s due for a bad end in most of the routes! The protagonist (MC) still hasn’t entered the game however, which means you have time to turn your fate around!

Characters: Diluc, Kaeya, Childe, Xiao (some utc!)

Warnings: A bit of angst for Kaeya and Xiao, mentions of a casino/gambling in Childe’s!

This post is also a contribution to my AU Collab!

(Yes, this was inspired by reincarnation-villainess manhwa <3)

Writing + Matchup Commissions are Open!

• Diluc, the crown prince; often busy with his studies and training, you recall he was one of the most popular characters within the fanbase.
• In the game’s route, the first meeting was in the gardens at night, where Diluc was taking a walk to clear his head and found himself talking to the MC.
• However here… yours was a bit different.
• Diluc almost attacked you at first, thinking you were an enemy tracking him - he was strolling in the gardens, yes, but it’d been to ponder over things related to his darknight hero character; created to investigate the kingdom without restrictions from status.
• He recognised you, seeing as you belonged to an influential family. Diluc initiated safe conversation that you were thankful for, even if its purpose was to deter from prying questions.
• The next times you met were coincidences as well, but you did find something endearing with how Diluc wasn’t as polished or experienced as he was in the game. There were still a few years before he’d grow even more capable - thus you took the time you had to leave an amicable impression.
• …After all, the villain in his route faced harsh retribution. You’d prefer to avoid something as unsavory as that. 
• How convenient would it be if you managed to befriend him for real? He was to be a ruler in the future, and that kind of power was something that could be much to your advantage.
• …Besides, in the moments you managed to catch him off-guard, Diluc was kind of cute. He was quite competitive as well, as you’d learn later on.

“I’m starting to think you just like sitting on rooftops.”

“I could say the same for you,” You raised a brow. Diluc’s face was hidden beneath a mask and hood. You had to pretend you weren’t aware of his real identity, lest it roused suspicion from the prince. “Were you on a mission of some sort, Darknight Hero?”

“It’s nothing I can disclose.” He said neutrally, pausing at your disappointed sigh. “Is that what you hope to find out when coming out here?”

“What I hope for is something interesting.” You gave Diluc a sardonic smile. It wasn’t untrue, even if your hidden intention was to leave an impression on him. “Would you be able to tell me something like that, at least?”

To your surprise, he does move to sit a little bit away from you. “I’ll see what I can do.”

• Growing up as the adopted son of the royal family, Kaeya was no stranger to feeling like he didn’t belong.
• What was curious is how you seemed to be feeling the same way.
• Why was that? You’ve been a noble all your life, and even flourished as a formidable individual in social circles. 
• Kaeya wasn’t one to believe rumors of all things, but he’d at least expected to see some semblance of that when he first met you.
• The way he carries himself is as suave as ever. Knowledge of his insecurities and troubles was private, and knowing how secretive Kaeya can be, it was quite safe to say that he kept his charming, confident mask on at all times to deter unwanted trouble.
• The time Kaeya properly meets you was during a hunting event, where you went to a quieter area to collect your thoughts - unknowingly entering the dangerous side of the forest.
• He finds and escorts you back since you weren’t armed with equipment or signed up to hunt (modern skills usually don’t include things like archery on horseback) - he could have travelled faster, but chose to take a longer route and stay at a leisurely pace to get to know you better.
• …Which was another way of saying “try to ease your secrets out of you” - Kaeya observes the way you fiddle with your hands or glance around. There was something odd about it; as if you were worried about survival - and not in the economical way most nobles did.
• After that day you were sent a flower and note from the prince - something lyrical about how interesting your meeting was, and how he hopes you’ll continue to hold him in good graces.
• At least you knew from there that Kaeya didn’t deem you an enemy. You’d even replied with a flower in return, one that held a more subte meaning compared to the popular blooms that were normally used.
• Kaeya couldn’t help but smirk at what you sent him; arguably the shortest he’s even gotten in reply to his pretty words, and with a small note hidden on its back:
• ‘Though honestly speaking, I think I’d have better chances facing off with a bear than with you. Your words make quite the sharp blade, my prince.’
• He twirled the flower in his hand. Your speech could be cold, but the thoughtfulness of the bloom suggested sincerity.
• How intriguing indeed…

‘A cursed child from a fallen, forgotten kingdom.’

‘Look at that golden eye! The king and queen were blinded by kindness when they took him in!’

‘Shh! They’ll hear you!’

It didn’t take long for a child to start and believe those rumors, even if just a little.

‘What?’ You laughed, as if it was the silliest thing in the world. ‘I’ve seen monsters, Kaeya. And you’re certainly not one of them.’

Sometimes he wondered if your words were empty ones - then he remembers the look in your eyes, the kind that’s as desperate as him to live in peace.

…Maybe he’ll let himself believe in words like that, just this once.

• Childe was a foreign nobleman that visited your kingdom often. Granted, not many knew of his reasons for being here, but the money in his pockets and friendly smiles were more than enough to win them over.
• Your home was no Snezhnaya, but the glow of the marketplace in winter was quite reminiscent of his snow-covered memories. That’s where you bump into Childe, who was there in hopes of finding souvenirs for his siblings.
• You were simply there to enjoy the day and nice weather, so when the man offers to treat you to lunch in exchange for a bit of local expertise, who were you to deny him?
• Childe was aware that part of your motives was to see if he was a potential ally. But he didn’t mind that in the least - considering how he was doing the same. Eventually Childe deems you worthy of befriending, and invites you to an event his ‘friends’ were hosting on the weekend.
• You soon find out it’s not like any social event you’ve attended before
• So this was what Childe’s been up to… tracking down criminals from his home that were stirring trouble elsewhere.
• Childe likes how you’re not afraid to lie and cheat to get things done. The more ruthless you are when faced with a situation, the more blatantly Childe would brag about your friendship with others; there’s a nice balance between regular fun and Childe inviting you to help with his other work.
• The inclusivity surpasses that of his route in the game, which only gave the MC a brief idea of his underground life and limited the player’s actual contributions to help. There, Childe hadn’t wanted to put them at risk. Here, you were his teammate.
• You once found yourself in a very illegal, incredibly hidden casino. (With disguises, of course). You spent the night collecting intel and keeping track of people of interest, but much to your surprise the casino erupted into a fight from an argument, resulting in Childe defending you from getting hurt.
• (Okay, so maybe he was just itching to join too - it’s not often he gets to fight hand-to-hand)

“Do you want another drink?” Childe asked as he clinked his glass against yours. “They seem to have quite the menu.”

“You seem to be having fun with this,” You deadpanned. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m fine. I’d much rather we figure out how we can catch that man.”

“We could join his table. I’m quite curious as to how well you can play, comrade.”

“…I’d probably lose all your money.”

He barely batted an eyelid, having the nerve to smile as he passed you a heavy pouch. “So is that a yes?" 

• Xiao was one of the best swordsmen that worked for your family. In about a year’s time, he would be promoted to become a royal knight, and the game would begin soon after.
• You’d planned to avoid him for the most part - if you simply didn’t antagonize him or the MC when they arrived, you were quite sure there were no repercussions to be faced.
• But that was hard when he lived and worked at your manor, and you find yourself encountering Xiao many times; some ended with a simple greeting and glance, others involved formal events where you were actually being escorted by him.
• Now, Xiao’s not one to really care for what others think of him, but seeing as you were one of the people he’s meant to protect and you seemed wary, Xiao starts to pay closer attention to you.
• He promised Zhongli before that he’d strive to do his job well and make him proud, so it was only logical that Xiao doesn’t let this go until he figures out what’s wrong.
• Were you receiving threats from unknown sources? Was he simply too intimidating that even you had started to avoid him? If he wanted to be a knight, Xiao had to be reliable and trustworthy enough that you’d come to him for help, so he tries a few times to initiate conversation when he’s off-duty and bumps into you.
• It was definitely an uphill battle, but you eventually gave in one day and resigned yourself to the fact that you could not in fact avoid him.
• From there a friendship starts to develop! Because Xiao isn’t the type to push (unless it’s related to your safety), you find yourself more comfortable around him than any of the others (they were all nobles, after all. And while your character was one as well… you originally weren’t, so it’s only natural that it starts to become stressful, living in such a foreign world while feigning familiarity.)
• You grew hopeful that when the MC of the game does enter this world, Xiao would still be in your corner like he assured you he’d be.
• …Yet you remembered how he was one of the most loyal in the game’s route, and a bittersweet feeling blooms in your heart at the idea that one day, he might leave you for real.

“Hey, Xiao.”

“Yes?”

“Remember the promise you made? To always be there when I called?”

“Of course.” He met your gaze.

“You don’t have to worry about that anymore,” You played with your hands. “I wouldn’t expect you to, seeing as you’re not bound to our house any longer.”

Silence followed, before finally: “I wouldn’t mind keeping that promise.” At your surprised look, Xiao merely shrugs. “What kind of knight would I be if my loyalty was that cheap? While it may not be my job to continue to guard you, I’d still come if you needed me.” A pause. “I’d like to think I’m not that shallow of a person, at least.”

That was the day you formally became friends and would address one-another as such. The insecurity in your heart lessened bit by bit. You never took Xiao as one to send letters, but he did every few weeks just to keep in contact with you. 

It was fun. You looked forward to the next time you’d meet; even if the player may be in the picture by then.

Right, Xiao’s loyalty isn’t that cheap.

You chose to believe in those words as you started to write a reply to him, the parchment crinkling under your touch.

About: A soulmate AU where a word is written on your wrist, describing your soulmate’s love for you! Concept taken from this postby@xiaowhore

Characters: Xiao, Kaeya, Xingqiu, Kazuha

CW: A bit of angst (mostly Kaeya’s)

• Gently. Despite his work as a yaksha, he treats the one he loves as if he was afraid to harm them in even the littlest way. His nature is one that brings soft touches, tender words, and the slightest distance kept between you at the start.
• Though this gentleness is enveloped by you, who loves him invincibly, willing to battle the stars and heavens if it would result in his happiness.
• Xiao often traced over the word on his wrist contemplatively, wondering how brightly you must shine to be able to love someone like him like that. Though when he sees ‘gently’ on yours a part of him weakens, for it has been far too long since he’s been described with that word.

• Tentatively. Kaeya treats love like something that might escape his grasp at any moment, not for a lack of faith in his soulmate but rather in judgment of himself. Would you want to love him even after knowing all he’s done?
• That’s why when the word on his wrist reads ‘unquestioningly’, Kaeya feels both relief and an even deeper chord of fear– was he really deserving of a love as unconditional as that? Would he be able to accept that love, deep down?
• Kaeya finds favors in the way his gloves cover up his soulmark. It’s odd, but there’s something about how it’s concealed and blanketed with only him knowing what it says that comforts him. Like a secret that he can tuck away to revisit once he feels ready.

• With clarity. Xingqiu’s love is one that is transparent; if he tried to hide it, it would still speak through the subtle ways he treats you. It is also clear as water, and he reaffirms it in an almost righteous way to wittingly drive away your insecurities.
• In return, the word on his wrist is ‘fiercely’. Despite how he acts, Xingqiu happens to try not to believe in things that sound too good to be true. His rebellion against the path his family offered leaves him to walk a new road alone, and with that comes the loneliness of independance.
• Which is why when you show affection so unapologetically, it’s as if another fish has joined his little pond. It really is lovely, isn’t it?

• Nostalgically. Regardless of when you’ve actually met. Kazuha’s love is one that learns and commits you to memory, to the point where it might as well be that he’s known you forever.
• It’s a delicate thing where he notes all the things he finds endearing about you, which is a list that could stretch on for miles. He’s a free spirit and wanderer, but in terms of finally settling somewhere it’s obvious that his home would be you.
• One may think that his affections are over-the-top, but that’s only because of what is written on his own wrist; ‘eternally’, a promise of forever. Sometimes when you’re together he likes to link your pinkies– as if he was making a promise to you in return.

About: Reader is a member of the Kamisato Clan, as well as an artist. They’re visiting the main estate for the summer, where they get to catch up with a good friend ☀

Thank you @simplypotz​ for the trade!

Commissions Open!

Summer in Inazuma was a time of festivals, fireworks, and of course, bright and sunny weather. Ever since your youth you’d always gone to visit the Kamisato estate for the holidays, and this year was no different.

It was hard not to admire Ayaka when she and her brother were so accomplished and well-versed in many things. Much time has passed though, and you’ve become an established artist yourself!

There was no doubt that you enjoyed your craft and strived to deliver the best to your customers, which was why you ended up spending the first portion of your holiday in your guestroom. The concept sketch for your latest commission was already approved, so all there was left to do was to bring it to life! The last three days were spent on this seeing as it was a rather large canvas you worked on, but you were satisfied with the results so far. 

It was tiring, sure - but pride welled up in your chest whenever you stepped back to see it in its whole. It was a nostalgic illustration of a couple walking through the seasons, with little details to signify the growth of their relationship. It was so idealistic that it made your heart ache; your commissioner truly loved their parents to order such a painting of their legacy.

Two knocks sounded against the door of your room, calling your name to inquire if they may enter. You hummed in reply, to which Thoma slipped in quietly so as to not disturb your focus.

A tray was placed on the table as he sat down beside it, thoughtfully watching as you flitted around the room to add colors here and there, mixing the paints and rinsing your brush. 

Thoma was done with most of his work by the time he visited you like this, but you were aware not to subject him to too much strain despite that; the two of you tended to spend these moments in comfortable silence. You finally placed your materials down, deeming it time to let the paint dry.

You quickly washed your hands by the door leading to the patio, leaving it open a bit so that the fumes wouldn’t get to either of your heads. Noticing that Thoma had brought your favorite snacks and drink, you couldn’t help but smile as you sat and clasped your hands in thanks for the meal.

In the past you used to have tea-time with your friends too - albeit it was just eating whilst the adults were talking. You preferred this more; Thoma may not be traditionally part of the family, but he’s brought his own charms and familiarities to the clan. His presence made you feel like an equal and listened to, which was something you hoped to give back to him over time.

“Are you planning to visit the city this week?” Thoma asked. Will you be finishing up by then?

You nodded, glancing at your work thoughtfully. “I am. I think it’ll only take two more days to finalize this, but before that I have to get more paint.”

“I’ll order them for you,”

“We can maybe go together.” You caught yourself, clearing your throat. “I mean, if you’re available for that, that is. It’s just that I would like to stretch my legs a bit, so even if you’re busy I would go by myself. A bit of a walk would be good for my creative flow, and buying supplies myself always feels better…”

Thoma chuckled - it was a gentle sound. “Regardless of your reasons, it would only feel right if I came along; both as a housekeeper and friend. So if you’re fine with it, I’d be delighted to accompany you.” 

You nodded gratefully. “In that case, I’ll be in your care!”

- 

The view from Ritou’s docks was a sight you wished you could capture forever. The azure water dyed with warm oranges from the Sun paired incredibly well with scarlet trees. Even if you did appreciate the beauty of sakura blossoms, this sight felt tranquil beyond anything else you’d normally see. 

Your legs hung from your seat on the wooden walkway, and you’d sometimes swing them in the air as you spoke. With the water glistening and playing in the early evening, your worries lightened bit by bit. You and Thoma were taking a break after running errands together, while bags of paint and cooking ingredients sat beside him as he fished out a spyglass. You peered curiously when he smiled, beckoning you to come closer.

“Can you see that?” His voice was soft from beside you, tentative as he pointed towards a boat floating in the distance. “Sometimes people like to go out onto the water to watch the sunset. The Sun shines the same around the nations, after all, so it’s like a balm for homesickness.”

You held your breath as your gaze focused on the vessel. Briefly, you noticed figures moving on the deck. “Do you ever get homesick, Thoma?”

“Hmm… I do sometimes, but I chose to stay in Inazuma at my own accord.” You leaned back to say something else, only to feel your heart leap when you almost bumped heads with him.

Too close!

“Sorry! I was just trying to–” Thoma gestured at the spyglass, storing it away as he moved to give you space. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, I was just surprised!” You placed a hand on your heart to calm yourself. “Archons, that was clumsy of me.”

“We all have our moments.” He laughed. 

“But I’ve never seen you like that.” You tried to recall the times you’ve seen him flustered or airheaded - coming up empty, you shrugged with a fond smile. “You just seem too perfect to be real sometimes.”

His reply was murmured so you didn’t manage to catch it. Noticing your confusion, Thoma reiterated: “Maybe you’ll find that to be untrue if you spent more time with me.”

“Is that an offer-?”

“Ihave been told that I’m a good host.” He returned. “Perhaps not perfect, but hopefully there’s some charm in that.”

-

The feeling of freedom from a job well done was one you enjoyed dearly; you felt yourself bubbly with energy as you went out to the city to unwind, the marketplace alive with chatter and the comforting aroma of local cuisine. Falling into conversation with Thoma was easy, and it was only a bit ago when the topic went to interesting places around Inazuma.

“I do like visiting Chinju Forest,” Thoma considered. “It feels really magical there, especially since it’s a place with eternal nightfall.”

You felt a smile tugging at your mouth. “I remember you were interested in the tanuki. Apparently Sayu won’t teach you their arts no matter how much you try?” 

“Yep.” He sighed. “It’s a shame because of how cool it is, like how they can even shapeshift into items – it would’ve been such a useful skill to have.”

“Just what would you have used that for…?” You mused as you took a bite of dango. Your mood brightened as its sweetness met your tongue. “Oh, these are good.”

“Food is always better fresh! Not that I mind bringing meals to your room, but this kind of experience is always nicer.” It’s been a while since you’ve had time to catch up, after all. There were stories and restaurants that he’d like to introduce you to.

“Mhm,” You hummed. “The setting is half of the experience, after all.” No matter how convenient it was to have things delivered, getting to wander around with friends was fun. “Chinju Forest… I guess in my case I’d love to visit Watatsumi Island.” 

You weren’t able to travel there freely because of the conflict from the Vision Hunt Decree, but now that it was resolved…

“I think we could arrange that.” Noticing your interest, he started to explain. “The Clan Head was thinking about sending some gifts over, so if you’d like you could tag along.”

“Would that really be alright?” Your brow furrowed. “You’ve already done a lot for me. Even if I’m part of the clan, I shouldn’t impose on you too much.”

“You’re an artist, aren’t you?” There was a fond glimmer in his eyes. “It’s only natural that you’d want to see the world, and I’d love to have your company.”

You had always wanted to visit Watatsumi Island for its breathtaking colors and plants. You heard of its mountains and waterfalls, brought to life with soft hues of beautiful pinks and purples. How mesmerizing would it be to explore a place with bubbles and jellyfish in the air?

But right now with the person before you, you considered that there were other things that could enchant you just as much - if not more.