Freedom (Jean x oc) A Genshin Impact Fanfic *Completed*

Chapter 19

Three days had passed and the Abyss debacle was still fresh in Jean's mind. Despite her readiness for the travel to Liyue, the more she grew apprehensive to leave Mondstadt. It was her cornerstone, a solace she swore to protect ever since Varka fled off to who knows where. 

That arrogant but robust man was voracious and permeated all kinds of power in different variations. And yet he had to leave.  

It's not that she couldn't just send one of her messengers and private accomplices to send a warning dispatch to the Tianquan. It's because Amell had been insistent on going there himself to prevent the Abyss from wreaking irascible havoc. Jean had naturally felt it in her to seek his safety at all costs. She liked him a lot too. More than she can ever envision. 

And so they went with haste, crossed mountains, met a few travelers on the way and settled for Wangshu Inn as a pit stop. 

When the moon touched the riverbed, they were already near Liyue Harbor, intent on informing Ningguang the predicament they faced. 

Amell had yet to witness the true beauty of Liyue's fine people and the financial squanders the kids were good at as they ran from store to store. It was incredulous looking up close as they exhibited cogent smiles and expressions. Something that he wasn't able to see very much in Mondstadt. 

One thing he could say about Liyue is that it was 'massive' to the point that every store had a specific purpose. Food vendors trained in cooking wild fowl failed to conceal the scrumptious smoldering scent on their booths. The streets were decorated by unruly orange, lanterns infested the roadways. Assiduous men carrying crates and barrels passed Jean and a few men winked at her as they crossed paths. He'd read about Liyue but not so extensively. He just knew the people worshipped the Geo Archon called Rex Lapis and that he was responsible for the creation of the harbor. He'd not only built it but also introduced other ways of livelihood to Liyue's ancestors. 

There was also one more thing he was certain of. The businesses here were extremely competitive.

Amell was tempted to growl out of jealousy but he was too busy admiring the way Jean ignored the world for a glimpse and smiled at the floating lights. Liyue was incredibly magnificent under the moonlight brimming with comfort.

He laced his fingers with hers, taking into mind the softness of it. Jean caught her breath, the emotions on her face pellucid for someone like Amell. A strange feeling came over him. How could fingers like these ever harm someone? He'd remember her fighting alongside him and Diluc. Even without a garrison, her presence alone was sufficient to stampede a whole hilichurl camp. 

Now she was here, eternally grandiose under the stars as her cheeks went red.

"Stay beside me," Amell told her, glaring at the retreating backs of the men who whistled at Jean. 

She didn't even notice.

"I would say the same but you said it first..." Jean talked to herself, her focus lost temporarily before she shifted back to no-nonsense. "We don't have time for this. Finding the Tianquan is top priority right now." 

She released their hands as she walked in front. "Do you even realize how worried I became when you told me you'd come here alone? You could've brought me too, you know?" 

Amell faked a cough. "Well..."

"I've noticed that there's something wrong with you ever since we went back to Mondstadt," Jean said, stopping her walk. 

There were numerous people dancing by the docks. Shopkeepers, children, and sailors were clapping away at the merriment. Taking the small opportunity, Jean rested her head against Amell's chest, his eyes paralyzed on the men and women dancing to not get distracted by Jean's scent. He could feel his heart skyrocketing to Celestia just by a simple touch.

"Hey," Jean beckoned, looking up at Amell with 'those eyes'. "As your lover, you can tell me anything. We've shared our passions and fears before. There's no reason for you to hide your worries from me." 

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Amell ruffled the top of her head, encircling her waist afterward. The people were dancing, why couldn't he and her do the same? He'd kissed her and almost made love with her. Why couldn't he be more honest with himself? He worked for her for crying out loud!

He grabbed her hand gently raising it up horizontally, the other hand planted firmly on her waist. 

"Here I thought you were concerned of a potential bombing threat," Jean smirked playfully. "Or did you just want to snag a dance with me somewhere far away?"

He put his lips near her ear, a gust of blazing familiarity taking over her as he whispered so seductively. "Maybe. You don't mind, right?"

He's making a fool out of me... A lovestruck fool. Jean thought, biting her bottom lip. 

"You're right. I'm sorry for keeping it to myself. I can tell you later if that's okay," Amell kissed her cheek, letting his lips linger there for more than a second before withdrawing. "Why don't I make it up to you and make you the happiest woman alive for tonight?"

"Just tonight?" Jean smiled, feeling like one of those protagonists she'd read back when she was enamored with romance books in her private study. "We still have a job to do here, you know? You can love me anytime you wish to. Right now is a bit... um."

He kissed her forehead, earning a giggle from her. Amell continued on kissing her some more, peppering her face with brief but loving pecks and she would just chuckle it off, holding the back of his head as their foreheads connected. He kissed her on the lips this time, savoring the taste and making sure every man in the crowd would understand he was hers. She responded with as much hunger, embracing him with all the love she could muster from her heart.

Their lips separated and a line of saliva was in between before it vanished like a cloudy mirage. He opened his mouth to speak. "I could just say I have no problems. I'd be lying, however. I have a lot of concerns, Jean. I've already told you there's someone I need to see, no matter what."

Jean caressed his cheek comfortingly. "Your master, yes?" 

He nodded.

"He was taken away by creatures of the Abyss and when the Herald had told me he knew nothing... I was fixated on just finding out more answers." 

"We will go through this together, Amell," Jean assured him. "This may have been your qualm for a long time. But right now you have people you can depend on. You have me." 

"Thank you, Jean." Amell sincerely replied.

"When we go back home, I suppose I could teach you a thing or two about gardening! Additionally, have you heard of magical teapots owning furniture inside it? I hear there's someone in Liyue who gives them rarely on special occasions," Jean happily conversed as they walked together hand-in-hand. 

"I'd heard you can attract distinct animals by the quality of the flowers' pollen," Amell had felt a little loose right now. He'd have to thank Jean again for existing. "Though we'd probably have to prepare soil and inquire from a professional."

Jean replied, "How hard could it be? We're invincible, you and I."

Amell rolled his eyes, "Okay. Maybe we can start by gathering seeds first."

"Let's finish this up quickly then I'll try consulting Flora about advice," 

He hid his smile but Jean already knew how fast his heart had beat.