You and Gaming were walking towards Liyue Harbor, hand in hand. It was Lantern Rite season, and everything would be lit up with lanterns and candles after sunset. Gaming had offered to walk with you, since he had to wish all his friends in the harbor a happy Lantern Rite.
You spoke to Yanfei, the hardworking and decisive legal consultant, along with Hu Tao and Zhongli, two of the people who worked at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. You even met Ningguang, Ganyu, Keqing, and the other members of the Qixing. Although you were very happy to see you and your partner's friends, all the sounds, smells, lights, noises and people proved to be too much for your senses.
Leaving Bubu Pharmacy after saying hi to Baizhu and Qiqi, you noticed your surroundings beginning to change. Not visually, exactly, but everything seemed more intense. The sound of people chattering was so loud you couldn't hear Gaming, only see his mouth moving. The lights and lanterns seemed blinding, and the smell of so many different foods was nearly enough to make you vomit.
People milled about, laughing and bumping shoulders with one another. Several of them brushed past you and it only sent you further into the spiral that was growing in your mind.
Your legs suddenly stopped working, and your grip on Gaming's hand tightened. It was only then that he noticed your current state, your eyes brimming with tears, your breathing sharp and unsteady.
"Traveler..? Are y.. ..kay? Tr..v..ler?!" His voice became fainter and fainter- now all you could hear was your heartbeat, fast and loud in your ears.
"C.. ... hear ..e?" Your hand left his as you pulled your ears closer against your head. Trying to make yourself as small as possible, you squeezed your eyes shut and hunched over. Gaming seemed to realize what was happening to you and lifted you off the ground, heading straight to the thinnest area of the crowd. Everything was still so loud, ringing and screeching in your ears.
But suddenly it dimmed greatly. When you opened your eyes, you were behind a building in Liyue Harbor, the sounds and sights and smells blocked by the brick wall. "He.. hey, hey..... you're ...nna be alright... promise." Your partner's voice cut through your whirling thoughts, calm and gentle.
In response, you turned into your fox form, shivering and quaking violently. "Hey, fluffball. You're gonna be okay, I promise you." He said softly. "Can I pet you? I know it helps you reset a little." He continued to soothe you. You whined in quiet agreement, slowly climbing into his lap. "Good job, dim sum. You're doing really well." He smiled comfortingly.
"Can you breathe for me? You know how- just in and out. You do it all the time, every day!" He chuckled.
The sound of his sweet laughter calmed you down a little, and you tried to follow his instructions. "Breathe.. in.. and out. Good job, Traveler." He murmured. You calmed down enough after a few minutes to look up at Gaming. "Sorry for trouble." Your fox grammar wasn't the best, but your partner understood nonetheless.
He shook his head. "Oh, Traveler- you honestly think that? No, no, no, please don't! You needed help. As your partner, it's my duty to make sure that whenever you need me, I'm there." He began running his fingers through your fur, comforting you further. "Maybe.. I shouldn't have brought you into the harbor at the busiest time of the year. Especially without ear protection; I'm sorry, fluffball."
He sighed as he continued his petting. Instead of trying to reassure Gaming with words, you simply nuzzled closer into his hand as he scratched your chin. "Heh, I guess that means you forgive me?" He chuckled. "Ay!" He yelped as you nipped his hand. "Ouch, haha! So you were never mad, huh?" You nodded, satisfied.
"Oh, okay, fine. You're too cute- I'll just have to take your word for it." He giggled again. "Good." You agreed. "How about we go home, hm? I don't think either of us should be out for much longer if we want to get to bed at a decent hour. I have a Wushou dance booking tomorrow, remember? Oh, I'm so excited!" Gaming squealed, and you yipped happily as he lifted you up into his arms.
...
The two of you made it home, and you poofed into your human form long enough to get ready for bed. Gaming placed a gentle kiss on your forehead before you poofed back into a fox. Curling up against his stomach, you allowed his gentle snores to lull you to sleep.
Far away, you swore you could still hear the murmuring of the people of Liyue Harbor.
-
A/N
I know some people HC Gaming as a minor, but I see him more in the age range of 19-21 so if you disagree that's ok!
This chapter also kind of serves as a comfort for being overstimulated by large crowds, because I love reading those myself.
Heads up, I'm going to be very busy Monday-Friday for the next two weeks, so my posting schedule will most likely slow to account for my packed weeks. Afterwards though, I'll be back to normal, writing when I feel inspiration. If you have recently submitted a request, it will take me a bit longer than usual to get it out to you. Please be patient with me, thank you!
As usual, you're loved and stay safe. <3
-Enby
YOU ARE READING
Genshin x (Youkai) Reader Hurt & Angst/Comfort and Fluff
General Fiction-I require an outlet for the part of me that craves despair and then do my best to comfort that despair, then sometimes I write little fluffy guys as a treat :) -Most of the content here is x Reader, but once in a blue moon I write for ships I like ...
