A/N: Happy birthday to our favorite blue edgelord! 💙🤍

Sorry I posted this too late, school keeps occupying my schedule but I hope you guys will enjoy this oneshot!

(P.S. I haven't written in so long so I apologize if there are some grammatical errors or something.)

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"Lumine! Great timing, I have a favor to ask." Lumine listens willingly to Nilou's request despite having done commissions and accepting help from other Sumeru civilians. It's nothing that she couldn't handle. After all, with receiving entitlements such as the Honorary Knight, the hero of Liyue, the Captain of Swordfish II, and the First Sage of Buer, handling common tasks is like a walk in the park. Although, it can get a little overwhelming when people keep giving demands left and right and at some point, Lumine wondered if she'll end up scurrying around Sumeru City like a headless chicken.

Nilou gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry, am I asking for too much? I know it's a bit sudden but..." She trails off when Lumine waves her hands in front of her dismissively.

Apparently, Nilou had to prepare a dance number for a little girl's birthday celebration who became a huge fan of her after witnessing her solo performance at the plaza. Ecstatic that someone had appreciated the art of dancing and specifically asked her to perform on a special occasion, Nilou was determined to put on a magical performance. And in order to do that, a lot of heavy props will be needed for the stage backdrop which is the part where Lumine's strength comes in handy.

"I'm always ready to help you with anything Nilou. So don't worry, this is a piece of cake for me." She flashed a reassuring smile.

Paimon nodded happily, floating beside Lumine. "Yeah! We're your friends, Nilou. And friends help each other out."

Nilou clasped Lumine's hands, her ocean blue eyes brimming with excitement. "Thank you, Lumine! And you too, Paimon! I'll make sure to treat you after the celebration!"

"Yay! Now that's what I'm talking about!" Paimon squealed, doing a little twirl mid-air.

Lumine rolled her eyes. "Typical Paimon."

As Lumine and her floating companion bickered on their way out of the Grand Bazaar, a figure behind the wooden bulletin board watches them. A sigh left his lips.

"That's the seventeenth request you've accepted today, idiot."

🍃🍃🍃

"Phew! My arms feel like they're about to fall off at any moment." Lumine groaned as she drops onto the grass, allowing her aching legs to relax.

"Paimon's head feels so woozy from walking around in the sun for a long period of time. Why do we have to take charge of the props in the middle of the day anyway?!" Paimon complained in her usual high-pitched voice.

Lumine inhaled the fresh scent of nature, her hands brushing against the grass mindlessly. "Apparently some props were finished late and since the performance happens this evening, we had to set them up immediately."

She observed the way the gentle breeze blew the leaves towards the lake, its small ripples forming around the water made a satisfying sight.

Paimon huffs in annoyance. "So it's the designer's fault after all! Oh well, Paimon's gonna go wash her face by the lake and maybe catch some fish. Be right back!" She chirped, floating towards the lake.

"And off she goes." Lumine mumbled, closing her eyes when the wind brushes past her face. Now that she thinks about it, being in a state of tranquility in Sumeru is something foreign to her. Perhaps it's because of all the unexpected turn of events she'd encountered so far. Meeting the Doctor, the samsara cycle in the Sabzeruz Festival, Alhaitham's operation to save Nahida, and stopping the Balladeer in his False God form. Everything felt like a whiplash to her, but she was thankful it all ended well thanks to Nahida.

And to think that she was even able to win the Balladeer over to her side, the former Sixth of the Fatui Harbingers, Lumine was a little cautious of him at first. After all, someone who tried to kill you three times will surely give you trust issues. But as time passes by, she finds softness in his once cold indigo eyes whenever they interact and his usual nasty remarks replaced with playful mischief. It would catch Lumine off guard whenever he gives a gentle touch on her shoulder to get her attention. She convinced herself she was hallucinating upon seeing the hurt in his eyes as she behaves rather awkward and stiff around him. Lumine wanted to believe the Balladeer had changed for the better, however.

"I finally have you all to myself, my dear traveler." A deep husky voice said behind her, his breath tickling Lumine's ear and neck.

Speak of the devil.

Goosebumps rose on her skin as she jolts up from her sitting position, letting out a small squeak. She whips her head upon hearing a familiar villain-like chuckle. Dressed up in blue and white like a mountain ascetic with his signature hat, Wanderer stood in front of her, amused at her rattled expression.

"Oh, you're just so fun to tease, Lumine. Sorry, I couldn't help myself." The way her name rolled off his tongue made Lumine blush furiously for some reason.

"Jeez, Wanderer. You scared the heck out of me." She grumbled before turning her back on him then dropped onto the grass once more.

She felt him sit beside her. "Good. You should be." There's that playful tone again, Lumine thought.

Silence went by, birds chirping and the rustling of leaves occupying the stillness. Weirdly enough, Lumine felt at ease around him. His aura seemed gentle, no hint of hatred nor malice. It's like she was sitting next to a friend.

"Hey," Lumine blinks out of her reverie, realizing the Wanderer has been giving her the sidelong stare the whole time.

"Aren't you gonna..." He clears his throat abruptly, looking away when Lumine returns his gaze. "Hah, don't tell me you forgot the occasion today." He puts up a cocky attitude, crossing his arms. But to Lumine, he reminded her of a little kid not getting his favorite candy from the way he's biting the inside of his cheek.

Lumine chuckled. She knew very well what he's talking about, how could she forget?

The Wanderer perks up when Lumine pulled something out of her pocket. She scoots over and sat on her knees in front of him. He tenses up at their sudden closeness, eyes widened in surprise.

Lumine puts her hands behind her back. "Give me your hand."

He raised an eyebrow. "Copying my lines, huh? Alright." He did as he was told.

The next thing the Wanderer felt was a soft, fluffy texture on his hand. It was a small plush doll of Lumine.

Lumine gave him the sweetest smile, and for a moment, he saw the face of a familiar young boy with the same smile. "Happy birthday, Amane."

A heavy lump formed in his throat, his vision becoming blurry. The feeling he had buried deep down in his heart resurfaced, like fireworks about to burst out of his chest. He didn't want to admit it but there's no point in hiding it any longer.

He fears for his fourth betrayal, and that is losing Lumine.

She even called him by the name she gave him. It made him feel... Human. It gave him a sense of belonging. A home. She is his home.

Worry contorted Lumine's features as tears streamed down Amane's cheeks like a waterfall. "Amane, are you okay? I'm sorry if you didn't like the gift, I--"

Lumine felt the wind knocked out of her as she fell on her back when Amane engulfs her into a tight embrace, his face nuzzling her neck. His hat had fallen off but he couldn't care less. She blushed at their current predicament, but she pushes those thoughts away.

He smelled like peppermint tea, Lumine smiled at that. He probably drank tea this afternoon again, She thought.

Slowly, she wrapped her arms around Amane's neck, petting his hair gently. It pains her seeing him so vulnerable with her, his quiet sobs and trembling body breaking her heart. At the same time, Amane revealing his rare side to her meant that he trusts her completely, and it made Lumine feel closer to him.

"It's not that, I..." His voice cracked and slightly muffled against her neck. "Why did you choose that as your gift?" He sounded genuinely curious.

Lumine continues petting his hair, feeling Amane relax against her and sigh softly. He traced small circles on her shoulders with his fingertips, returning her sweet gesture. "In your letter, you mentioned that it's painful to be alone sometimes. So I made you a tiny version of myself as your companion. It's just a little something to make you feel less lonely so I hope you like it."

Amane's soft laugh made her feel butterflies in her stomach. "How thoughtful of you, I'll make sure to cherish it. Thank you." He whispered, lifting his face from Lumine's neck but not pulling away from the embrace.

Her heart felt like a pounding drum against her chest as Amane stared deeply into her eyes, longingness found in his indigo irises. She felt his hot breath against her lips from their proximity, blood rushing to her cheeks at the building anticipation. Lumine's hand moves on its own, reaching up to wipe his remaining tears with her thumb. Amane's eyes fell shut as he leans into her hand, like a kitten longing for affection.

"Hmm... Lumine..." Amane hums softly, taking a hold of her hand to plant a gentle kiss on her palm. Lumine felt like she had been struck by lightning at the soft sensation. Her brain had malfunctioned at his intimate gestures and she didn't know if she could take it.

Amane slowly opens his eyes, one of his hands beginning to caress her cheek. "You know, as much as I love the doll you gave me, you still don't know the best present I could ever have."

"What is it?" Lumine was breathless at this point as Amane traced his thumb on her lips as his eyes never left them. She was confused about his endearing treatment, but she certainly didn't dislike it.

It felt like her lips placed him in a trance as he leans in, tilting his head slightly. "You."

Lumine's mind went blank as the warmth on her lips flooded her system, hands reaching up to play with his hair while kissing him. Amane groaned into the kiss, his mind going crazy at the softness of Lumine's lips against his. He deepened the kiss, the tip of his tongue poking at her lips. Lumine gasped as she felt the slimy muscle, with Amane slipping his tongue between her now parted lips.

"Mmph!" Lumine couldn't fight back her moans, eyes squeezed shut in embarrassment and ears now red. His tongue rubbing hers sensually is making her feel certain things. She kisses him back shyly, his dominance making her weak.

"W-Wait, Paimon might-- mmph! Hngh!" Lumine pulled away from the kiss, flustered as she pushes at Amane's face when he leans in once more. Amane clicks his tongue, swatting her hand off him before charging in for an agressive kiss.

Amane pins Lumine's hands above her head when she kept struggling, ignoring her muffled protests. His free hand wandered down to her thigh, rubbing it up and down teasingly. Lumine shivered, her body twitching at his touch. He then licks her lips, Lumine getting the message as she opens her mouth, a knot forming in her stomach when Amane whispered, 'good girl' inbetween kisses. This time, Lumine tried to claim dominance in their fiery tongue kiss, only for Amane to win once again as the tip of his tongue swirled around hers thay nearly made her combust. He squeezed her thigh to add on the pleasure, making Lumine mewl and arch her back. A line of saliva formed between their lips when Amane broke the kiss, breathing heavily. He smirked at the rather delicious sight of Lumine, messy blonde hair, half-lidded eyes, a deep blush dusting her cheeks, and a drool of saliva on her chin. Amane exhaled shakily, stopping himself from ripping her clothes off right on the spot.

Amane leans into her, teased her with a slow lick on her ear that made Lumine gasp. "Such a lovely present you are for me, Lumine. But surely, there's more in store for me, right? So just keep your pretty eyes open and don't disappoint your birthday boy." He then goes in for another hungry kiss, with Lumine whimpering softly as his hand finally went under her dress.

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A/N: And there you have it! Hope you guys enjoyed it and feel free to give requests! Adios, Scaranation!