Work Text:
Way too much blank space was staring back at Mona. The first paragraph of her column was a sorry excuse for an attempt at writing next month’s horoscopes for Fontain's population. She tried to suppress an annoyed groan, trying to make its way up to her throat.
It wasn't as if the blonde-haired person in the same room as her was intentionally trying to distract her, but simply being together with her in a closed space, away from prying eyes, was enough to make Mona struggle to concentrate on the task before her.
Fischl was lying on her stomach, reading relaxed one of the new fantasy books recommended by Lisa. She giggled at an especially funny part in the novel, while kicking her feet playfully in the air. Her left hand supported her head, while her right was just waiting to be used for another turn of pages. Blind to the (thankfully) not obvious struggle the astrologist was going through, she kept on reading without a care in the world, snickering here and there, making Mona steal glances in her direction.
It hasn't been that long since they’ve been adventuring together–the latest adventure could even count as a sort of vacation - yet it's been weeks, if not months, since they had some time alone for themselves. And, of course, the piled-up work needed to be done in time. Truly immaculate timing if you’d ask Mona. Diligence has never been a problem for the genius, but Archons, did the witch wish for a burst of concentration to finish this column before they had to part ways for today once again. She sighed exasperated and felt her brows furrow slightly.
The dark-haired woman wrote some notes on her spare paper, attempting to bring the focus back to the documents on hand. Some standard sentences here and there made it easier for the astrologist to find back into her workflow. Slowly, her quill resumed to writing the assignment.
It looked as if she finally found back into her groove when she heard her favorite voice read her latest written sentence aloud: “...while the stars may suggest a thoughtful approach to trouble around oneself, they also remind the bearer of this month’s birthday of their inner strength.”
When did Fischl leave the couch? Not that she was complaining. She instantly felt more at ease, for the source of her irritation was also the reason behind her comfort. Mona was ridiculously happy for the attention she at last received. Talking a bit to her girlfriend would surely replenish her energy and ultimately help her finish her work faster. A much needed break. Greatly, yet silently appreciated.
“You're as diligent as ever Lady Megistus, but it looks as if the demon of distraction has landed on you, to keep you from performing your magical duties.“ Grinning cheerfully Fischl placed her right hand on the back of Monas chair, analyzing curiously what the genius was currently working on. Judging from the good mood Fischl was in, the librarian probably hit the mark with her suggestion regarding the newest book in the fantasy section of the Knights of Favonius Library. The astrologist made a mental note to thank Lisa later for her recommendation.
Fischl continued in high spirits, “Do tell your majesty what darkness has washed over you, that you are letting thyself be drowned by merciless sorrow! What disgraceful powers have festered inside your genius mind to corrupt it with ignorance and the loss of grand ambition?” She changed her pose swiftly, “With grace and mercy, I shall grant you an audience to relieve the burden you seem to carry, for I am your Prinzessin!”
After being swung around dramatically to underline her declaration, the investigator's left hand came to a halt at the edge of the dark brown desk Mona was working on. Now, slightly hovering above her left side, Fischl took the freedom to take the astrologists witch hat and place it on the desk before them. She wanted nothing to shield Mona's beauty from her curious gaze.
It was small gestures like these that showed Mona that Fischl felt comfortable enough to act on her instincts and try to be actively close to her, without having to be afraid of being seen as too “overbearing” or “annoying”, as some citizens of Mondstadt used to describe her.
To this day, horrible experiences of the past impacted the blonde, making her dread some specific social interactions, inflicting her with anxiety and filling her head with disheartening thoughts. Knowing that her lover could let loose and be her complete and wonderful self around Mona gave her a lot of peace of mind. It was a nice feeling. This barely perceptible sentiment was a huge indicator that she too was getting more and more comfortable in the relationship and that they were growing together comfortably beside each other. She allowed the gentle feelings to anchor in her heart instead of solely intellectualizing them like usual.
Turning her head, she met the eye of the self-proclaimed Prinzessin. The flowery speech didn't hide the fact that there was a slight, but genuine concern for the wellbeing of her beloved astral emissary.
“No need to concern yourself with my column, Fischl,” Mona said, while letting her quill meet its designated place in the dark blue quill holder. “I solely wish to finish this while,” she couldn't help but smile, finally getting to interact with the blonde “you're still here and bless me with your presence, princess”. It was really quite ridiculous how happy just talking to Fischl made her. She felt giddy inside.
She turned away from the desk work, her attention now fully dedicated to the senior investigator who was still standing to her left, watching her closely while doing so, mouth slightly agape as if trying to form an answer befitting of her status.
Still seated, Mona continued at a leisurely pace: “Honestly, thank you for the offer, but I'd rather listen to you talk than rant about my work. It seems as if I’ll be writing this column longer than expected.” She crossed her legs with a bit more vigor than necessary, instantly drawing the green eye of her counterpart downwards to where the motion was coming from.
“So.” She let her head sway to the side, her twin tails following smoothly in the same direction. “How about you tell me about the plot of the book you're currently reading? Tickled your funny bone?”
She posed it as a question, but Mona wasn’t sure if she was about to get an answer since the archer was getting nervous. Was that a gulp she had just heard? How she loved making Fischl nervous. Teasing her might be one of her favorite pastime activities and it was truly a shame there had barely been any time for that in the last few weeks. It wasn’t necessarily hard to accomplish it. Even so. Being able to do so never failed to get her a slight rush and a delicious feeling of power over the sometimes "arrogant" and (more often than not) bratty electro user. Usually meeting eye to eye with her to bicker, making the eloquent and well-spoken Prinzessin stumble over her words just by slightly adjusting her own wording, pace and tone, was a delight Mona simply didn’t want to miss. She was truly grateful for Fischl’s powerful imagination, for it often played right into her hand. If she wished for it to.
“O-Oh! Why yes, dearest Archmage I shall indulge-”
“Indulge, you say?” Her eyes locked with the only visible one of her princess.
“Why yes, do indulge me.” Fischl almost mistook Mona’s voice as liquid honey.
A pinkish hue settled on the investigator’s ears while her mouth was now opening a few times, just to be closed equally often.
“A-Astral emissary… Let me gather my thoughts and remind myself of the favorable story I laid my eye upon…” Her green eye was jumping awkwardly from one corner of the room to the next – every other scenery would be better for her ability to form a coherent sentence than the distraction Mona Megistus was.
Knowing that Mona herself caused the beginning of the loss of words fed her ego gradually and she was planning on getting everything she could out of today’s interaction. She got hungry for more of the blonde. It wouldn’t hurt to indulge just a bit, right?
“…Fischl, go ahead.”, She cooed.
The blush was now spreading over her cheeks up to her ears, coloring Fischl’s face in a darker shade of red.
“Don’t tell me you already forgot what you just read mere seconds ago? Who would’ve thought that you’re so forgetful?” mixing a bit of fake incredibility into her words, she made sure to not miss a second of the growing fidgeting from the young woman before her. “Maybe I should warn Lisa that letting you borrow books isn’t safe anymore...?” The archer had taken her gloves off before she started reading her novel. Thanks to that, Mona didn’t miss how Fischl's left hand gripped the edge of the dark desk more intensely.
She felt the tension now, hm? The genius felt a smirk form on her lips.
“N-No! Don’t-“ Her lover turned her head away. She cleared her throat. “I mean,” Blond brows furrowed. “Cease your distasteful disruptions of royal speech at once! And don’t even think about threatening the sovereign of the everlasting Immernachtreich with baseless accusations ever again!” Fischl tried her best to glare back at Mona. It was an adorable attempt.
“However…” Fischl continued slowly, as if to calm her rapidly beating heart. “You are in great luck, for if I wasn’t in such a good mood, you might’ve been beheaded right here, right now!” She looked away once again. “Hmpf.”
Now Mona even got to see her pout? This afternoon really turned out way better than expected.
The astrologist saw right through the electro user and the growing tension between them made her lick her lips in anticipation. This tough act Fischl was trying to bring across - though failing while doing so - was almost too cute to handle. Way too cute. Fischl was often way too cute for her own good.
“Beheading me?” Mona was amused.
Hearing such “threats” coming from the kind investigator made her chuckle. Still observing her princess, Mona carefully laid her head now on the back of her lover’s right hand. The investigator was clutching the backrest upon this sudden touch and one of Mona’s ponytails was tickling her knuckles, enhancing the movement, making Fischl even more conscious of it. Mona’s temple contacted the soft, warm skin of Fischl’s backhand. The archer’s fingertips twitched, but her hand bravely remained on the backrest, not daring to move. Not wanting to move. Not wanting to break the growing proximity between them. A satisfied hum came from the astrologist, which was rather felt but heard by the blonde. Mona seemed pleased. She enjoyed every second of this back and forth. Her composure got more relaxed. Her eyes fluttered close. How long has it been since they had such an intimate moment together?
“But wouldn’t you miss that part of me?” she asked innocently.
Her eyes opened deliberately again and anchored themselves in the intense gaze of her lover.
“…I would miss every part of you if it would go missing.” A mere whisper.
There was a certain seriousness between those words, filled with gentleness and sincerity.
Those barely audible words were pouring out of the setting sun, right into Mona’s demanding arms, filling them with unconditional affection and kindness. Just like Fischl’s temper, it was so oddly ...comforting, it sometimes irritated Mona. Celestia, what did she do to deserve someone like Fischl? Mona doubted her grip on reality in such moments. With Fischl, she seemed to slip away, to float, to almost miss how time passed. It seemed as if time was stopping just for them. With Fischl, time and space, reality and illusion became one and the same, instead of separated parts of the same coin – Fischl would tie fates together and it looked as easy as breathing to her. She made stars follow her while glimpses of destiny were hidden in her curious eyes, drawing even more astronomical objects towards her. Mona was almost convinced that this was the reason shooting stars existed. It had to be. What else could be the reason for her to get lost in those genuine eyes, gleaming with hope and earnest, connecting the vast sky above and the lush greenery of the world below? If the stars themselves couldn’t hold themselves back to be drawn to the sparkle Fischl’s orbs held, how was she supposed to defy her? Not even her might could go against fate. She knew she had to surrender, to accept fate, and archons, she knew that her prideful nature would never even let this thought cross her mind normally. Mona Megistus, Teyvat’s genius astrologist, backing down? Surrendering to something so… vague? It was unheard of. And yet– nothing would feel more right and at its place with Fischl by her side, looking towards an unknown future together.
Her breath got stuck in her throat. How did she get so lucky? She lifted her hand to her lover’s lower arm. What did destiny think, allowing them to meet? Her fingertips circled across the delicate skin, following invisible threads of fate.
“… oh”, Mona hardly managed to breathe the next sentence out.
“Thank the Archons you won’t let any part of me go missing, right?” She hated how vulnerable she sounded, how quiet her voice was, how Fischl could effortlessly tear her walls down, without even being aware of them. Green eye suddenly widened by this seemingly outrageous hypothesis.
“Wh-! How dare you even think of such a preposterous outcome?!” In her small outburst, Fischl grabbed Mona's free hand, which was sitting until now relaxed on her thighs. The intensity of her counterpart took aback the genius. Was she actually that ser-
“…Don’t you know how serious I am about you...?”
This time, there was a barely noticeable waver in her strained voice. However, the astrologist detected it right away. Not being able to withstand the tension from before, as well as the sudden embarrassment caused by the awareness of her instantaneous emotions, the blonde not only looked away but closed her only visible eye. “There’s no way I would just be able to go on with my day if something were to happen to you or if... I don’t know!” she shook her head energetically “some part of you would suddenly go missing, geez!!” She kept murmuring or rather stumbling over her words, talking about the sheer audacity which had to come from the “demon” that distracted the Archmage of the Immernachtreich. There’s no way such a baseless proposition would come from the Astral emissary herself! The Prinzessin der Verurteilung had to ask the Librarian for a potion that would drive the “demon” away, so that Teyvat’s genius astrologist could think clearly once again and-
Oh.
She really loved Fischl, didn’t she?
Barely following the rant, Mona regretted uttering such nonsense for a second, but at the same time, she didn’t. Of course, she didn’t. Seeing how sudden and rash, how raw and true to herself Fischl reacted to this moment of rare insecurity, how seriously she took her feelings, how considerate she was, trying to reassure the seemingly cold and arrogant astrologist – Mona was always taken aback by the sheer love she had for the archer and its intensity. She was a bit shocked. She was a bit scared. However, there was nothing to fear, right? After all, it was Fischl we were talking about.
Sweet, creative, too-good-for-this-world Fischl.
Loud, dramatic, maybe-a-bit-too-naïve-for-this-world Fischl.
Kind, kind, Fischl.
“Hmpf,” Mona pridefully scoffed, more in jest than in seriousness. The soft look she gave Fischl spoke volumes. “You might have a point. Though the potion I’ll be asking for will only boost my concentration.” She spoke with soft laughter. She regained her posture and stood up. Mona always seemed so in tune with herself, and the elegance within her day-to-day activities constantly put Fischl in awe. Her movements were fluid and behind every one of them would lie an ocean of thought. Nothing Mona did was in vain. So, of course, there was nothing the Prinzessin could do, except watch her lover make her way slowly, but surely towards her. The blonde was awestruck as the dark-haired mage made another step towards her, seemingly cornering her, making Fischl want to shrink in herself and let herself be completely engulfed by Mona and her divine presence. The afternoon sun lighting the room dimly in a rich orange, not quite helping Fischl with the excitement that became harder and harder to ignore, which was now casting a shadow on Mona's face.
Mona’s tone was rich, and she kept her tone low. “Regarding that 'demon' that might’ve possessed me?” She snaked her arms around the investigator and leaned her body against hers. “I don’t need to worry about that, don’t you think? After all-”
Giving Fischl a squeeze, she went on whispering in her ear: “I’ve got an angel by my side, who is the very Prinzessin der Verurteilung herself.”
The archer returned her hug, slightly overwhelmed, but still welcoming her in her arms and squeezing Mona back. “And I’m sure you can command every creature of the darkness, right, beloved princess?” Fischl couldn’t put in words how much she loved when the hydro user referred to her fantastical origins and built with her pastel colored castles of words and dreams. She prayed that Mona didn't notice the shudder that washed over her whole form.
“…I- I! Of course! You needn’t worry about such matters, dear Archmage. No harm will befall you while I’m beside you! I-It is my royal duty to protect my r-retinue!” Fischl mainly resorted to showing her appreciation through her squeezing, because finding the right words without looking like the flustered mess she now was... was simply impossible. Especially when Mona did those unexplainable things to her.
The astrologist continued to play along, “How about you leave the protecting to the Archmage of the Immernachtreich, hm?” Fischl squeezed her visible eye shut and wondered if Mona could feel the shivers running over her skin, making her crave for the touch of the hydro user more and more.
Warmth between them slowly turned to heat and Mona was just about to let her hands roam until she suddenly heard a gentle knock on the window. The genius ignored it while Fischl hadn’t even noticed it. Not bothering to even acknowledge whatever might be the cause for this unusual disturbance, Mona let her fingers dance almost too slowly across Fischl’s clothes and her underlying curves.
“How about... you leave everything to me right now, Fischl” Her voice sounded so melodic, the archer was afraid to melt in her arms.
Hot breaths were grazing the blonde’s neck. Nothing but a whimper came back from the investigator. This would do. The dark-haired woman guided her hands from Fischl’s lower back to her lover’s waist and the crook of her neck, pressing herself more into her lovely counterpart. Freeing Fischl’s neck with her left hand from some of the golden strands, Mona exposed the delicate skin for her to trace over. Inhaling her scent, the astrologist ached for more of the archer. Her lips found uncovered parts of the blonde’s neck and softly grazed them. Fischl blissfully sighed, still unaware of her familiar standing outside the window.
Another knock. More urgent this time.
Whatever it was, it could wait, for there were more enticing things right in front of Mona. Like her girlfriend, who was now aware of her blush and didn’t know where to hide her red face behind. Fischl let her head roll to the side to disclose more of her vulnerable throat for the astrologist to caress. Mona's pecks continued and grew more passionate, while her left hand made her way to the back of Fischl’s neck to open her dark collar. Uneven breaths turned to unsuccessfully suppressed, soft whimpers, which made their way directly to the astrologist ears, heating her own face and whole body too. Mona's right hand started caressing Fischl’s waist in circular motions, urging her to press herself more into the own frame. The witch's’ want for her girlfriend grew with every passing second, resulting in heavier breaths between them and needier movements. The investigator's own hands found their way to Mona's face, cupping it on both sides, suddenly locking their gazes back together. Their faces were so, so close and Mona’s name rolled off almost too desperately off her lover’s lips.
“…M-Mona…”
Hearing her name like this, spoken by the voice she loved the most, made her weak in the knees. She was about to eat her up on the spot and finally have her fill of her princess until-
Oz knocked with a bit of vigor for the third time with his beak on the window, and while the astrologist usually appreciated the very polite raven, his timing could not be worse. Mona groaned and Fischl almost jumped out of their embrace, finally noticing the knocking. She quickly stepped to the window, all the while trying not to look too startled. Swiftly opening the window to let her familiar in, she exclaimed, “O-Ozvaldo! My!” Shaking hands tried to calm themselves on a missing collar. “Has thou already finished the prime investigation around the area in Dragonspine?!” He seemed a bit taken aback by the nervousness and the shrieking of his master, but a look towards the genius, who glared in his direction, gave him enough information to know that he may have disturbed an intimate moment between the two.
“Greetings, Mein Fräulein, Lady Megistus” he shook his wings, and nestled himself towards his master, trying to warm himself. Fischl immediately noticed that the raven was ice cold to the touch. To warm him up, she started petting him, all the while looking for any outward injuries. Luckily, she felt he was alright, but he needed a break from this commission and something to properly warm him up.
“Forgive my sudden appearance, but I indeed tried to contact you beforehand. It seemed as if you were… too busy to notice mein Fräulein.” Mona snickered. It was almost funny how time simply wasn’t on their side the last few weeks. What had one to do for some alone time? There wasn’t even time for a kiss?! It was ridiculous.
“Don’t worry about it, Oz, I was just about to go find Lisa” the astrologist tried to sound nonchalant and shrugged her shoulders. The annoyance in her voice was more detectable than she would like to admit. She took a step back to the desk and snatched her hat off it. Putting it on perfectly took a few more attempts than usual.
“You’re going already?” the disappointment was clear in Fischl’s voice. A moment later, her hand flew to her mouth, realizing that she broke out of character. Mona made it always so easy for Amy to slip out. “Oh! Forgive my unusual choice of words, the Prinzessin herself wondered if ah…” Stammering she finished the sentence: “…If the Archmage of the Immernachtreich wouldn’t be able to join her for a break between dawn and dusk to ingest earthly treats...?”
She looked like a puppy, a bit lost, yet so adorable. Mona didn’t know what she would’ve done without her familiar as audience. Actually, Mona knows exactly what she would do if they were still alone right now. At this point, she may be a bit starved for more of Fischl. There was a certain pulsing still coming from between her legs. Great. She wasn’t much better than a pubescent guy who had gotten his first girlfriend. Though she would rather not disclose this to anyone except her lover. Mentally scolding herself, she frowned. Pathetic, really. Was this demeanor befitting of a genius such as herself?
Not awaiting an answer, the archer continued, “A-ah, of course, her majesty wouldn’t let her loyal retinue pay in the face of last moon's abundance-”
“Let me stop you right here.” Fischl’s face fell along with her shoulders, even though she tried to hide it. “But don’t be too sad,” Mona quickly added. “After visiting Lisa, I’ll be on my way back to you, alright? Let me write half of the horoscopes for my column and then…” An amused giggle escaped Mona's lips. The antics of her majesty lifted her mood to the better.
The astrologist took the Prinzessin’s hand and pulled her back towards her. “…my attention will be once again solely yours.”
Their chests were almost touching from their proximity, and Mona wasn’t about to let this opportunity go to waste. Audience or not. She just needed a bit more, just a bit more of Fischl, so she could write this damn column without losing her mind while drowning in thoughts about the electro wielder and the things she wanted to do to her. Oz took the more than obvious hint and disappeared.
Pressing fully into her, Fischl practically melted back into their embrace and Mona didn’t let her get away this time. She took the investigator’s chin between her index finger and thumb and guided her to face her. She got closer, not even leaving an inch between their lips. Instead of closing the gap, Mona whispered, “Don’t give me that look, or I will scoop you up right here, right now. But don’t worry, Fischl-” Finally, the genius gave the blonde a peck. Sadly, just a quick one.
“…I’ll make it up to you tonight. Prepare yourself, my princess.”
Mona stepped away for the last time and gathered her unfinished column. With a smirk, she vanished through a starry portal along with her documents, and stillness settled around Fischl. The burning of her insides rivaled the one of her cheeks. Oz was warmed up again.