Genshin x (Youkai) Reader Hurt & Angst/Comfort and Fluff

(TW: Trauma) Lynette x M!Reader Trauma/Isolation Comfort

Request from kenji137

Lynette took a flourishing bow as her trick was pulled off seamlessly once again. Raising her head, she smiled softly at you as you applauded her perfect execution. Freminet, a few seats down, lifted Pers into the air in praise.

Although this was only a rehearsal, the show which it was for was a special one. The performance was going to be led by Lynette, and the twins had planned an extravagant routine to showcase the often-overlooked assistant. Her tail flicked, betraying her shyness as she moved on to the next trick. Lyney popped into visibility in a cloud of smoke and lifted his hat from his head.

Out of it he pulled a small stack of cards, and he passed them to Lynette. She fanned them out in her hand and held it above her head. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she let the cards fall from her grasp. They fluttered to the stage quietly. But when you looked back up at Lynette's face..

She was gone.

You blinked once, leaning forwards and trying to find where she'd slipped off to. "Looking for someone?" You jumped internally at the familiar voice so close to your ear. Your lover smiled as you turned to see her seated at your side. "Believe it or not, I also have the capacity to be a magician. Not just an assistant." She nudged your shoulder. Snickering, you elbowed her back. "Of course I believe it, Lyn. I've known that for a long time." 

She wrapped her tail around one of your legs and leaned her head on your shoulder. "Thanks, Traveler." Lynette hummed. 

Even though she was literally resting against you, you couldn't help but feel incredibly distanced from your partner. You cared about her, but there was so much she still didn't know about you. On one hand, keeping it locked away was so painful. Some days you wanted nothing more than to tell her everything. To let her hold you as you let all the pain of the past out.

But on the other, you knew that if you were to tell her about your past, she'd probably view you differently. And you would rather lose your tail than lose your beloved Lynette.

So you kept your mouth shut for the rest of the rehearsal, only smiling whenever she looked to you for reassurance.

...

Climbing onto the aquabus, you offered a hand to your partner. She took it with a nod of thanks and sat down next to you. Lyney and Freminet sat across from you, engrossed in a heated conversation about Freminet joining the Tabletop Troupe. 

Elphane- the Melusine who ran the Navia Line- noticed her regulars and spared them the disclaimer, sitting peacefully and watching the stars as the aquabus coasted along the waterway. Other than the four of you, there were no passengers.

Closing your eyes, you leaned on Lynette's shoulder. Until you arrived in Fontaine city, you intended to get a quick nap. You were certainly tired enough to.

"Hey.." A hand intertwined its fingers with yours, and you glanced over to meet your partner's eyes. "Hm?" You'd been lost in a horrible nightmare, where you'd been swimming underwater.

The world was so silent, so still. Not even a fish flickered out of hiding for a moment. You had become desperate, speeding past growths of kelp and coral, searching for any sign of life. Peeking into caves, ducking through tunnels and parting seagrass, you sought a fellow diver. But there was nothing; you were alone. Flicking an ear, you tried to shake off the memory.

"What is it?" You asked. "Are you okay? You were mumbling." Lynette told you. Her own ears glinted as they twitched in the moonlight. 

Trying to squash the spark of panic in your stomach, you tilted your head sideways. "About what?" A great deal of effort went into keeping your tail still. She turned her gaze upwards, scooting closer to avoid the night chill. "Something about someone leaving. You were asking them to stay. You sounded.." She paused uncertainly. "Panicked. Desperate. And scared."

You avoided making eye contact with her. You knew she could read your eyes easily, and instead stared intently at the sky. "I'd like to talk about this later, if that's okay." Her voice was low and soft, like you would flee if she spoke too loudly.

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you did your best to reply. "Sure. I can talk once.. once we get to the House of the Hearth." You replied, internally wincing as you heard your own hesitation. She nodded, and you swore she squeezed your hand a little tighter.

...

You stood on top of the House of the Hearth, balancing on the rounded metal with both arms extended to your sides. A tap-tap-tap behind you alerted of Lynette's presence. She sat down, beckoning you to join her. 

"So," She began conversationally, "what's going on, Traveler?" You let out a breath, sinking down by her side. "You really don't need to worry about me, Lyn. I'm fine."  You insisted, resting your feet on the cold metal in front of you. "It's a little late for that. If you truly didn't want to talk about it, you wouldn't have come up here in the first place."

Remaining silent, you listened to the quiet murmur of the city at night. Everything seemed so calm, in stark contrast to the turmoil in your mind. "You can tell me anything, y'know. I trust you, and nothing you could say will change how I think of you." She murmured.

You furrowed your eyebrows. "You wouldn't be telling me that if you knew what I wanted to say." Your ears flattened slightly, and you felt your tail flick side to side.

A firm grip on your shoulder turned your gaze towards Lynette. Her eyes were firm and her face was set in a determined expression.

"Try me." She challenged.

Another heavy exhale passed your lips. "You really want to know?"

A nod.

"Fine. Just.. don't say I didn't warn you." 

Fuck, I hope I don't regret this.

...

Lynette took your hand in hers. With effort, you looked up to meet her eyes. They were narrowing as she blinked away a few tears. "Traveler.." She began, voice trembling.

You pulled your hand back and looked down. "You don't have to say it. Just go. Forget about me like they did." You mumbled. A force took you by the shoulders and pulled you into a tight hug. The magician sniffled, not letting go, despite your struggles.

"I'm. Not. Leaving." She insisted. You let your arms fall to your sides. "I swear it. You'll have me by your side forever."

A small sob grew into a full breakdown, the tears flowing without end. Your partner held you close, gently rubbing your back and shushing you comfortingly. "You can be your true self with me. I'll always be here for you." She soothed.

Eventually collecting yourself, you scrubbed your eyes dry and stood up, staring at the tall figure of the Palais Mermonia. "How do you feel?" Lynette asked softly. After a brief hesitation, you nodded. "Lighter. But also.." You turned to face her. "A lot more scared." Your admission came as a whisper. She smiled, rising to stand beside you. "That's okay. Because I'm here to hold your hand."

Her fingers intertwined with yours, and she leaned her head on your shoulder. Turning your head, you pressed a kiss to the top of hers. "Thank you, Lynette." She murmured something you didn't catch; then she was suddenly facing you and wrapping her arms around your shoulders. You felt her smile as she placed a kiss of her own on your lips. You hummed, melting into her hold.

When she released you she chuckled. "Want to head down to the House? It's board game night." You reached a hand out to hold Lynette's face and she leaned into it.

"Yeah. I'd like that."

-

A/N

Thank you for the request, kenji! I hope you all liked this chapter.

I have two other chapters in the works right now, so don't worry about waiting too long for the next one!

Remember- you all are loved and keep yourselves safe!

-Enby