Title: || Greed ||

Word count: 724

Pairing(s): Dainsleif x Reader (kinda?) (only romantic if you choose to read it that way, I suppose)

Genre: Angst, a little fluff at the end (sorta? not really?)

Warning(s): Objectification (not in like a sexy way more like I-mean-nothing-so-use-me way), cult stuff, slight mention of injuries/bruises, obsessive tendencies

--

It was often said that Khaenri'ah was a nation without a god. Though, as Dainslief himself knew, that was not true. They, just like the rest of Teyvat, worshiped the god of all gods, so they couldn't claim to have their own god.

Dainsleif was unable to say that he was sure what Gold's motive was exactly, but he had some ideas. The alchemist had created monsters and sent them out to the other nations for invasion. Perhaps he thought that if there were no other countries other than Khaenri'ah, you would, by default, become their god. The idea was foolish. The scriptures say clearly that you loved all of your subjects, so wanting to claim a god for yourself and no one else was pure and utter greed.

Dainslief wanted to believe that he was immune to the allure of wanting. He has lived for hundreds of ears, seen his home destroyed, forced to wander the world cursed with eternal life. He has seen so much and met so many. There was nothing that he longed for other than his mission of stopping the Abyss Order. He had never even thought about what he would do after that desire was fulfilled. Would he search for a new purpose? Continue wandering until the end of time? Waste away until there was nothing left? He didn't know and he didn't want to think about it.

Yet when he saw them, everything became crystal clear. He wanted to be by his god's side, protect them from anything and anyone that tried to question or harm the Great One. He wanted to be useful to them, even if it meant becoming an object, a living weapon or shield. They would use him and he would use them.

When you first appeared in front of Dainsleif, it was not at the best of times. You had just narrowly escaped from the vengeful clutches of Mondstat's citizens and were covered in wounds and bruises and your soul held fear above all else. Even when you laid eyes upon him, your first instinct was to run away, fearing he might hurt you too. Yet he just looked at you with sorrow in his eyes. He leaned down when you fell on your behind trying to run, and pulled you into a hug, petting your head and whispering soft "I'm sorry"-s and promises that things would be okay.

--

When you awoke, you found Dainsleif right there next to you, watching over you. He had found a cave nearby and whisked you in there to hide from the angry mob that had followed you.

"Forgive me for not finding you sooner, Creator." His voice showed true regret. A shock to you, as you had only been met with hatred since you arrived. "We should be safe here for now, but we have to leave soon. They will find this place eventually."

Your question left him speechless. "Why are you helping me?"

Why would you even ask that? You were his creator, of course he would do anything for you. He was yours and yours alone. He had to face that he was being beyond greedy when it came to you. But he would willingly become the incarnation of greed for you.

Grasping your hands in his, he swore to protect you for all time. He was firm in his words, as if he knew that this is what he was born to do. After so long of being hated, hearing his declaration of love was something you welcomed, but didn't expect. It even managed to move you to tears, even if you knew that the self-deprecating and objectifying way he spoke of himself was not what you wanted.

"I know every step you've taken in this world. I was watching." He said, wiping away your tears. "But watching was all I was doing. So if you can, I'd like you to tell me everything you've seen, everything you've thought and felt and how much weight you've carried. I want to know."

In this moment, Dainsleif wanted nothing more than to take you away somewhere far, somewhere where those wretched archons, humans and Abyss Order would never find you. Make a place for just the two of you, away from any harm forever.

After all, it is human nature to be greedy.

--