A Light To Call Home ☆Genshin Impact☆

Echoes of A Fallen Past

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3rd POV

The cozy warmth of Akemi and Karazumei's home envelops them as they settle in for the evening. The soft glow of the lamps casts a gentle light over the living room, where remnants of Akemi's birthday celebration still lingered. Colourful wrapping paper, a half-eaten cake on the table, and small gifts scattered about. The scent of vanilla and frosting hangs in the air, a sweet reminder of the day's festivities.

Akemi, still buzzing with excitement, sits cross-legged on her comfy chair, her smile wide and eyes bright. Her father watches her with a fond, almost amused expression, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest.

"So," Karazumei begins, his tone teasing but affectionate, "did you have a good birthday, Akemi?"

Akemi's smile only grows wider as she nods eagerly. "Yes! It was perfect! I got to play all day, and I really loved all the presents everyone gave me!"

Karazumei raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Oh? And which present was your favourite?"

Akemi tilts her head thoughtfully, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Hmm... I can't decide between Uncle Zhongli's gift and Ms. Cloud Retainer's," she says, a hint of a giggle in her voice.

At the mention of Zhongli's name, Karazumei's face falls into a mock frown, and he lets out a dramatic sigh. "Zhongli, huh? Of course, it's Zhongli," he mutters under his breath, shaking his head in exaggerated annoyance. "Why is it always him? What's so special about his present anyway?" He huffs, clearly feigning frustration but unable to hide the playful glint in his eyes.

Akemi laughs softly, her expression turning gentle as she looks at him. "Because I'm always with you, papa," she says with a sweet, sincere smile, her eyes full of warmth. "So the present doesn't matter as much. Just being with you is my favourite thing..."

Karazumei pauses, her words catching him off guard. He opens his mouth to respond but then closes it, a small, bewildered smile forming on his lips. He lets out a long sigh, shaking his head as if he's trying to make sense of something he'll never quite understand.

"Maybe I'll never fully get it," he murmurs, more to himself than to her. "I'm a dragon in human form, after all. Children and their strange ways..." He trails off, but then glances at Akemi's beaming face, and his expression softens. "But, as long as you're happy, I guess that's what really matters."

Akemi's eyes light up again, and she suddenly looks toward the table where the cake rests. "Daddy, can I have another slice of cake?" she asks, her voice hopeful.

Karazumei's eyes narrow, and he points an accusing finger at her. "Absolutely not," he replies firmly. "I just finished getting you ready for bed, and I'm not going through that whole routine again. You're always so difficult when it comes to settling down."

Akemi pouts, her bottom lip sticking out in a way that's almost too adorable for Karazumei to handle. She crosses her arms and gives him her best attempt at a sad face, but the resolve in Karazumei's eyes doesn't waver. "Nope. Not happening," he says, standing his ground.

With a resigned sigh, Akemi relents. "Okay, fine," she says, though the pout remains on her lips as she allows the single father to guide her upstairs to her bedroom.

Karazumei tucks her in carefully, pulling the blankets up to her chin with a gentleness that contrasts his earlier firmness. "Goodnight, Akemi," he says softly, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face. "Sleep well."