The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over Viyadra Village. The usual sounds of the forest were muted, a gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets filling the air. Tighnari, ever attuned to the forest's subtleties, was standing by the edge of the village when he heard the familiar, rhythmic crunch of footsteps approaching.

He had learned to recognize Cyno's distinct stride over the years—a steady, purposeful cadence that always signaled his arrival. Today was no different, but Tighnari could sense something unusual. Curiosity piqued, he adjusted his stance, preparing for the meeting.

As Cyno emerged from the tree line, Tighnari's eyes widened slightly. The General Mahamatra was accompanied by a young girl with green hair and a wary but hopeful expression. Cyno's stern face softened just a fraction as he approached Tighnari, Collei standing quietly beside him.

Collei's eyes light up "It's the day we first met!"

"Tighnari," Cyno said with his characteristic bluntness, as if delivering a routine report. "This is Collei. She's our daughter now."

Kaveh, as many others, breaks into laughter "Wow Cyno, as blunt as usual!"

Alhaitham grins at their friend "Typical Cyno."

Tighnari blinked, processing the statement with a mix of surprise and amusement. Cyno's tone was as flat and unadorned as it always was, reminiscent of his most dreadful jokes. Tighnari struggled to suppress a chuckle at the sheer absurdity of the situation.

"Ah, so you've decided to adopt a child as casually as you would report the weather?" Tighnari said, a playful glint in his eye. He turned to Collei, offering a warm, reassuring smile. "Welcome to Viyadra, Collei. I'm Tighnari. I'm sure you'll find this place a safe and welcoming home."

Collei managed a shy smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and trepidation. The transition from Mondstadt to Sumeru was clearly a significant change for her, and Tighnari could sense her apprehension. He extended a gentle hand towards her, indicating a nearby seat where she could rest.

As the evening progressed, Tighnari and Cyno introduced Collei to the village and made her feel comfortable. It was clear that Cyno's straightforward approach was complemented by Tighnari's nurturing demeanor. The two of them worked seamlessly together, showing Collei around and helping her adjust.

Later that night, after Collei had been shown to her new room and had fallen asleep, Tighnari and Cyno found themselves alone by the fire. Tighnari took a deep breath and sighed, the weight of the day settling upon him.

"Cyno," he began, his voice carrying a note of exasperation mixed with fondness, "you really have a knack for making grand announcements in the most casual manner. 'Our daughter now,' indeed. You could at least pretend to be more... ceremonious."

Laughter echoes through the theater once again.

Cyno looked at him with a raised eyebrow, his expression unmoved. "I thought it was efficient. Besides, I'm not one for unnecessary theatrics."

Tighnari shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "Well, efficiency aside, I suppose it's good to have her here. She seems like a brave and resilient young girl. I'm sure she'll fit in well with us."

Cyno nodded, his gaze softening slightly. "She's been through a lot. I believe she'll find some peace here."

Tighnari leaned back, the firelight casting shadows on his face. "You know, Cyno, despite your bluntness and lack of pomp, you do have a knack for doing the right thing. Collei is fortunate to have you."

Cyno's lips twitched into a small smile. "I suppose I can accept that."

As they sat in companionable silence, the crackling of the fire filling the space between them, Tighnari felt a sense of contentment. The village was quiet, the night calm, and their new addition, while unexpected, promised to bring a new chapter of growth and warmth to their lives.

The bond between Tighnari and Cyno, though often marked by playful banter and contrasting personalities, was a testament to their deep-rooted friendship and shared commitment to those they cared for. With Collei now a part of their lives, they faced the future together, ready to support and nurture the young girl who had come into their care so unexpectedly.

Their new family dynamic, while unconventional, was filled with love and understanding. Cyno's straightforward approach and Tighnari's gentle demeanor balanced each other perfectly, providing Collei with the stability and warmth she needed. Together, they faced the future, ready to support and cherish their new daughter, embracing the unexpected joy she brought into their lives.

---

The sun had set over Viyadra Village, and the quiet night was alive with the gentle sounds of the forest. Tighnari was in the kitchen, preparing a simple but hearty meal. The warmth from the stove mingled with the cool evening air coming through the open window. Cyno was outside, tending to some administrative tasks for the village, his figure visible against the dimming light.

Collei had settled into her new routine, and tonight was no exception. After a long day of exploring the village and getting to know her new home, she was quietly finishing her evening meal at the table. Tighnari had been attentive, ensuring she felt comfortable and welcome, while Cyno had been his usual self—efficient and somewhat aloof, though Collei could sense the underlying care.

As Tighnari brought a bowl of fruit to the table, he noticed Collei's thoughtful expression. She had been slowly adjusting to her new life and had been calling him "Tighnari" out of habit, despite his gentle insistence that she could call him something more personal.

"Well," Tighnari said with a warm smile, setting the bowl down, "how was dinner?"

Collei looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of uncertainty and determination. "Papa, can I have some more of the fruit?"

A collective Awe rings out through the theater.

Tighnari feels himself tear up slightly, remembering how happy hearing her call him that made him. Cyno takes his mates hand in his, stroking his knuckles softly.

Tighnari froze momentarily, his ears twitching in surprise. The word "Papa" had slipped out of Collei's mouth naturally, and the tenderness of it caught him off guard. His heart swelled with a mix of joy and emotion as he processed the new title.

"Papa," Tighnari repeated softly, a smile spreading across his face. He met Collei's gaze with a mixture of warmth and surprise. "You can have as much fruit as you like, Collei. I'm glad to hear you call me that."

At the same time, Cyno had entered the kitchen, having finished his work. He observed the scene with a curious expression. As Collei looked up at him, she hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"Dad, could you help me with my new book later?"

Cyno and Tighnari cuddles closer together.

Cyno's stride faltered, and he paused just inside the doorway. The word "Dad" had come out of Collei's mouth with a shy but hopeful tone. Cyno's usual stoic demeanor wavered as he absorbed the significance of the title. He had always been straightforward and unpretentious, but hearing Collei address him so familiarly tugged at something deep within him.

Cyno's lips curled into an uncharacteristically gentle smile. "Of course, Collei. I'd be happy to help."

Tighnari watched Cyno, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "Looks like you've made quite the impression."

Cyno shot Tighnari a sidelong glance, his smile still in place. "Seems like she's adjusting well."

Collei's face brightened at their responses. The warmth in Tighnari's eyes and the subtle smile on Cyno's face reassured her that she was indeed finding her place in this new family.

As dinner continued, the atmosphere was filled with a newfound sense of closeness and warmth. The titles "Papa" and "Dad" were not just words but symbols of Collei's growing trust and affection. For Tighnari and Cyno, these new names represented the bond they were forging with Collei, a bond built on love, support, and a shared commitment to their new family.

Later that night, as Collei drifted off to sleep, Tighnari and Cyno found themselves reflecting on the day's events. The quiet of the house was a contrast to the bustling energy of earlier, and the bond between them felt stronger than ever.

Tighnari turned to Cyno with a smile. "She called me 'Papa' today."

Cyno nodded, his expression softer than usual. "And she called me 'Dad.'"

Tighnari's eyes shone with affection. "It suits us, don't you think?"

Cyno's gaze was thoughtful. "Yes, it does. It's a step towards something we didn't expect but are grateful for. Also, I can officially make dad jokes now!"

Kaveh, Alhaitham and Tighnari groan annoyed while Collei giggles.

As they settled down for the night, the sense of family felt more tangible than ever. Collei's new titles were a testament to the love and care that had begun to weave their lives together, and both Tighnari and Cyno embraced the unexpected joy that their new daughter had brought into their lives.