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The rain was pelting against the windows like the nails of hundreds of fingers, looking like grey curtains over the storming sea. Occasionally the light shone out from above and into the night. Many years ago, when you'd first gotten this position, the way the heavy storms rattled against the building scared you. But you quickly began to find it oddly comforting.
You’d always had a hard time being around other people. Every interaction felt complex with such subtle signs you had to catch to gauge whether the other person was having a good time or wishing you were dead. So when the lighthouse keeper retired, you were quick to apply… and it wasn’t hard to get the job. Most normal people don’t really enjoy being stuck in a tower all alone 24/7. Though it did leave you with a lot of time on your hands. Thankfully, you could dedicate quite a lot of that time to your writing. …when you could find the words, that is.
As you continued to stare outside, your finger circled one of the buttons on your typewriter. The plot was laid out, and you had a protagonist…in fact you had an entire stack of papers about them… but there was supposed to be a romantic interest… one that would seduce them and set them onto the path of becoming an unwilling hero… but when you tried to see this person before you, all you saw was a vaguely humanoid shape. With a sigh you leaned back in your chair and folded your arms over your chest. Writing human interactions was so difficult… more so writing interesting characters when you barely met people at all. It had to be someone… different. Not overly nice and sweet. They needed to have some bite… but not the point readers would hate them… But you just couldn’t imagine a middle-ground.
*Thunk thunk thunk*
You perked up and looked over your shoulder towards the spiral staircase heading downwards. Was…someone at the door..? Surely not… You slid your chair back and grabbed a lantern before heading down.
*Thunk thunk thunk*
Again, a fist against the heavy metal door. You didn’t bother calling out since you doubted they could hear you. You unlatched the door and turned the handle, pulling the door inwards. It looked as though a part of the night itself slunk through the door, the handle slipping out of your grip as they pushed it shut again.
“Phew…”
The light of the lantern revealed a short, soaked man dressed in primarily blue, black and white. He slicked his wet bangs out of his face, revealing blue and red eyes that were quick to meet yours. “Lovely weather we’re having” he said with a grin. You blinked, then ran through human rules in your head. Of course! It was sarcasm!
“Right” you said before scolding yourself in your head. Mission normal interaction was off to a bad start. You cleared your throat. “Do come in. It’s warmer up there. Want me to take your coat?” you asked, holding out your hand. His grin widened and his eyes crinkled.
“How polite. Yes, please” he said, unclasping the strap to his coat and letting it slide off his shoulders. The wet fabric got stuck at his arms though and you were quick to help him, knowing too well how hard it could be. You folded the coat over your arm before beckoning him as you ascended the stairs. Reaching the second floor, the man let out a pleased sigh. “Now this is much better”
“I can imagine. What were you doing out there in the storm? – if I may ask” you asked, grabbing a log and tossing it into the fireplace for good measure.
“Oh I was just meeting someone not too far from here and was caught by surprise. This rain really came out of nowhere” he explained as he sat down on the couch facing the fireplace.
“Yeah, a lot of foreigners say that. But I suppose we’re used to it” you said, opening a cupboard and taking out a towel to hand to the man.
“That so?” he smiled as he took the towel, wiping his face first before sliding the towel around his shoulders and patting at his hair. You made the mistake of letting your eyes wander. A most common fact was that water and white clothing did not mix, as it would become see-through. And there the man sat, now with his upper chest and legs practically exposed. Your already poor ability to look at him completely went out the window and you proceeded to turn your entire body, seeking an excuse.
“So, did everything go well with this friend of yours?” you asked as you decided to make use of your hands and find your kettle and the almost completely diminished box of tea.
“Oh, it wasn’t a friend” the man said, and you could hear how he was smiling as he did.
“A partner?” you suggested, filling the kettle with water.
“A criminal”
You almost spilled the water, turning to look at him with wide eyes. His lips were curled up in amusement, one leg over the other.
“Sorry...?” you asked, unsure if you’d heard right.
“Oh where are my manners… My name is Lohen. I’m part of the Knights of Favonius. I assure you, I was simply doing my job and nothing untoward” he said… yet his smile looked almost wicked in a way.
“Favonius… you’re from Mondstadt then” you said, putting the kettle on the stove.
“Indeed. Usually this would be out of our hands, but this guy and I…well… let’s just say we had a bit of history to settle” he said, unclasping his long boots one at a time and sliding them off before putting them beside the couch. You couldn’t help but watch, even with flickering focus, as he brought his hands back and loosened his corset, unhooking it at the front before taking it off. His gaze met yours then and you immediately looked away.
“Feeling shy?” he cooed.
“What?!” you squeaked, not having expected him to say that.
“You were staring so intensely~”
“Sorry– I was just… considering whether I have something I could lend to you to wear” you said, hurrying over to the dresser, pulling out drawers like mad. Lohen laughed loudly at your reaction.
“Isn’t that cute? It would be very much appreciated. I’m itching to get out of these clothes. But don’t worry if there’s nothing that will fit… I don’t mind lounging around naked~” he teased. But you very much minded, so you combed through each piece you owned before settling on a button-up shirt and some pants.
“Here… I think these will do” you said, placing them on the couch beside the man. He offered a nod and a smile, starting to unbutton his shirt. You saw a flash of pale skin and quickly turned just in time for the kettle to start whistling. After taking it off the stove you poured the hot water into the cup and dipped the tea bag before heading right for your desk, as you did not dare look at the man until you knew he was dressed. “Once you’ve gotten changed, there is some tea there for you”
“How sweet. Thank you~” he cooed. You tried to ignore the way it made you feel as though something crawled down your back. Instead you focused on the rain, thumbing over a key on the typewriter again. “Are you a writer?” you heard Lohen’s voice from beside you before you saw a flash of color out of the corner of your eye.
“Sort of… guess that depends on what you would define as–” your voice died in your throat as you turned your head. Lohen stood, leaning against your desk with one of your pages in one hand and the cup of tea in the other. The pants you’d offered? Disregarded. He’d only put on the shirt… and only closed two buttons. The shirt hung off one of his shoulders, leaving his upper chest and stomach on display. The shirt was long enough that it would’ve covered the upper part of his lower body had it been worn correctly… but instead you were privy to the sight of his boxers and milky thighs. You didn’t know where to look. Even just looking at the black collar around his neck felt perverted. You wished you could look into the back of your skull. Then Lohen’s eyes left the page he was reading and he met your gaze, grinning. Oh no. Oh no, now you’d done it. He was going to bash you for looking, for being so disgusting! For–
“No need to be so shy, lighthouse keeper~ You can look all you want~” he cooed. Something broke in your brain.
“W…what?”
“You heard me…” he put the page back down on the stack and the tea cup beside it, placing a hand on the back of your chair before leaning down. “I think you deserve a reward for taking me in like this so suddenly~” he whispered, voice deepening. You had to force your eyes to stay above his chest.
“There–...there is no need for a reward. I-I’m just…uh… doing my job..! I’d help anyone in your situation” you stammered.
“But I simply have *so* much gratitude to show..~” he cooed, sitting down across your lap, making your entire body jolt.
“A-again, this is my job” you said, eyes darting about as your hands hovered at your sides.
“And such a fine job you are doing~ sitting here… watching the storms… helping poor lost men… and even finding time to write such an interesting story~”
“Well I– wait… you think it’s interesting..?” you asked.
“Mm. I’ve only read the first page, of course… but I found it quite gripping, I admit. The protagonist working as a supposedly regular apothecary, while selling dangerous toxins under a different name… I especially liked the part describing the process–”
“Right!?” you cut him off excitedly. “I did a ton of research just for that part! I even got myself a pen pal to ask questions all about it!”
“Oh..? That so?” Lohen asked, surprised.
“Yeah! And this part–” you leaned over to the stack, looking through the pages before you found the right one. “I actually acted out this part to make sure it made sense! It really hurt… but–”
You talked all about the world you’d created, the characters, and all the fun facts you’d learned along the way. It took a while before you noticed how Lohen was resting his head against your shoulder, smiling softly as he focused on your hand. You’d unknowingly wrapped one arm around him as you’d talked.
“Ah… sorry, I… got carried away there… I’ll stop” you said.
“Oh? Why?”
“Well, surely I’m boring you with this nonsense…”
“Is that what you think? I’m finding this very interesting” he said, grinning at you. “Please. Do go on”
And on you went.
“So my idea is that they’re seduced at this point… pulled down… then we fade to black and go on to–”
“Why the fade to black? Wouldn’t it be more interesting to prolong the tension?” Lohen asked.
“Well… I agree, but I honestly don’t know how to write that… I’m very much lacking the sexual experience to make it somewhat believable”
“Oh? I would be delighted to help you with that part~” he cooed.
“Really..? That would be great actually! It’s a bit late now, but you’ll have to come back someday soon so I can pick your brain about it!” you chirped. He was silent for a moment before chuckling.
“Of course~”
You talked about your writing for a little longer before motioning for the other to get off. He pouted before doing so, following you as you went over to your bed. You grabbed one of the pillows and blankets and motioned towards it.
“You can take the bed tonight” you said. Lohen sat down on it, crossing one leg over the other.
“Won’t you join me?” he cooed, leaning back against his palms.
“Well there isn’t a lot of space for two people in my bed”
“It’s not a problem, I’m a clingy sleeper~”
“You don’t need to worry about me, I’ll be sleeping on the couch. It’s almost as comfortable” you said, waving it off. Again you saw a momentary pout.
“Well… I’m still feeling a bit cold…”
“Oh it’ll get warmer fast if you put on the pants and button up your shirt before you crawl beneath the blanket” you said, turning and walking over to the couch. You lay down, shifting some until you got comfortable. With the dancing flames in the fireplace and the comforting patter of rain outside, it didn’t take you long to fall asleep.
You woke up with a heavy feeling in your chest… or rather on it… blinking a few times, you noticed a head of slate-grey hair. Hesitantly you raised the arm hanging off the edge of the couch and lifted some of the hair, revealing the peaceful sleeping face of Lohen. Panic set in. How had this happened? Had you somehow sleepwalked and kidnapped him from the bed?? No wait, that was too ridiculous even for you… More likely *he* had sleepwalked over to you… if he woke up there, he’d think you did something! Your breathing picked up alongside your heart. You looked around as if the answer to your solution would be written somewhere.
“Mm…” Lohen stirred before his eyes fluttered open. You froze. He blinked slowly a few times at you before smiling. “Good morning, lighthouse keeper~” he cooed. You blinked at him dumbly.
“Uh…morning… do you…did you…”
“Did I crawl on top of you during the night? Yes” he answered, putting his hands on each side of your neck to stretch like a cat before pushing himself back so he straddled your waist, the blanket sliding down his back. “I hope you don’t mind~ I simply couldn’t get comfortable in the bed~”
“Oh uh… you could’ve just woken me. I would’ve switched with you”
“I know you would’ve~” he cooed. What the hell kind of human rules did he follow??
“...are you hungry? I could make us some breakfast” you suggested.
“How sweet, feeding me the morning after~”
“Of course. I’m not going to send you on your way on an empty stomach. I’m not heartless”
“You’re certainly not~ Breakfast sounds nice”
“Right! If you could just get off me I’ll–”
“Later, I’m still oh so sleepy…” he cooed, lying right back down on top of you.
“... maybe I should get off then–”
“Shh…” he covered your lips with one finger, nuzzling into your neck. You lay there completely still before hesitantly reaching for the blanket and covering the other, patting his back. He hummed pleasantly in response.
Eventually your own stomach began to growl and you slowly tried to sit up, expecting the other to get off. But instead he wrapped his arms around your neck, hanging on. You tried to stand up and he wrapped his legs around you in response, crossing them over your lower back.
“Uh, Lohen..?”
“Yeees?~”
“I need to make breakfast…”
“But I’m oh so comfortable… I’d really hate to let go…” he said, clinging to you tighter. You hesitated before placing one arm beneath him to keep him steady. He didn’t complain, so you took it as being okay and began the struggle of cooking with just one hand.
As you sat across each other at the small dinner table later, eating the mostly successful breakfast, you cleared your throat.
“So… I… uhm… I just want to make sure about something…” you said. Lohen stopped eating and rested his chin on the back of his hand.
“Mhm~ Go on~”
“Yesterday when you said you’d offer to help me write a particular part… did you really mean that..? I don’t mean to put you on the spot, but I just want to make sure I’m not expecting something when you were only trying to be nice…”
Lohen’s gaze softened some.
“I meant it. I’m not trying to placate you. Anything you want to know, I’ll teach you. It’ll take a bit of time… at least an entire night… but once I’m done with you… you’ll be an expert in the field~” he cooed, finger running along the rim of his cup. You smiled softly.
Thank you, Lohen… it… means a lot. I know I can be a blabbermouth and most people don’t really care for it…”
“I like an active mouth. It is good for so many things~” he said, bringing the cup to his mouth before letting his tongue run over his upper lip once he lowered it.
“You’re too kind” you chuckled. Lohen was weird compared to most people you’d met… but it was a pleasant sort of weird. He wasn’t bothered by you in the least, instead being very friendly and unbothered. It put your anxieties at ease, although you did worry about him not knowing how scandalous he could be. He… was perfect, actually…
Once Lohen changed into his dried clothes, you saw him off outside the lighthouse before hurrying to return to your typewriter.
‘He sat comfortably amidst the chaos with a calm expression that told them he commanded it all. His short slate-grey hair contrasted against the deep red of part of his eyes. While his face showed control, his piercing gaze held a deep want. He beckoned them with his finger.
“So you’re the apothecary I’ve heard so much about… I need one of your creations very soon… in return… why don’t I teach you something new…” he raked his eyes down their form. “I can teach you all night”’
You held up the latest page with a smile. It felt like you were really getting somewhere! The other character had more of a personality, and you’d figured out something somewhat seductive… Your smile fell and you read it over again. Wait… didn’t Lohen say something familiar..?
Why don’t I teach you something new. I can teach you all night.
I’ll teach you. It’ll take a bit of time… at least an entire night… but once I’m done with you… you’ll be an expert in the field~
Your face grew hot in an instant and you slapped your hands over it.
“OH MY GOOOOOOODDDD! I’M AN IDIOT!”
“Welcome back, Lohen. You seem to be in a good mood” Kaeya greeted as the other man entered the headquarters.
“Oh? Do I?” Lohen cooed as he went to sit down, crossing one leg over the other. “I suppose it can’t be helped” he leaned towards the armrest, resting his cheek against his knuckles. “I’ve laid claim to the most adorable little lighthouse keeper~”