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Tighnari sat beside his dad observing him as he conducted his research. His eyes wide and ears twitched as he watched every movement carefully.
His mom was currently out in the desert and due to Tighnari’s horrible heat tolerance, his dad decided to stay back to watch over their son.
Tighnari's eyes looked over the beautiful image that appeared on his dad's forearm. His mom also wore the same mark on her forearm. His dad took notice at the young hybrid looking at his arm. “Pretty isn't it?”
Tighnari jumped and looked up at his dad. He nodded slowly.
“When you get old enough, you will have a mark of your own too, my boy. The mark will be the same as your destined soulmate hand picked by celestia herself.”
“Will it look like your’s and mom's?” Tighnari asked with a curious look cast back down to the mark on his dad.
“No. Your’s will be different. But don't let the mark control who you fall in love with in the end. Especially if you find the perfect person.”
Tighnari kept looking down at the mark on his dad’s arm. Wondering what his special mark was going to look like. He didn't quite understand love yet and all the nonsense revolving soulmates. He just knew he'd end up with a pretty cool mark.
The little hybrid was drawn out of his train of thought when he felt his dad’s hand start softly patting him on the head, "Let's go get some lunch.”
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Tighnari stretched his arms high above his head. Today was going to be a long day. The final stretch of all his studies in the Akademiya. He was sick of being here. He longed to be away somewhere more, quiet. He longed for the days his head didn't constantly hurt due to the loud (to him) sounds in the city. But he was almost done and needed to focus on what's here now.
After his studies, he planned to move to Gandharva Ville to join the forest rangers of the Avidya forest. A waste of his potential according to all the sages and professionals. But he didn't care. He longed to be in the forest as much as he longed for quiet.
He made his way to the bathroom. He washed his face off to get the grim feeling of sleeping. Cool water hit his face. He lifted his face and took a look at what was looking back at him in the mirror.
His hair fell long past his shoulders. The bright green strands framed the soft face perfectly. The hazel like eyes staring back at him. His gaze slowly fell onto the mark that was slightly peeking out from under his right arm. He sized as he rotated his arm out to look at it. It had two scarabs on top and bottom with a nilotpala lotus between them. The poor bottom scarab has a scar running through the side of him from an accident that happened a year ago at Pardis Dhyai when Tighnari took a nasty fall and can really cut up from thorns.
All and all, it was a beautiful soulmate mark like he had hoped for. He was a bit upset the day it got cut and the scar was left. He just hoped deep down, his soulmate didn't mind. He has heard horror stories from his peers about how awful their soulmate was.
Tighnari sighed and slipped his Akademiya robes on and smoothed out the slight wrinkles. Today was going to be a long day, like every other day was at the Akademiya. But honestly, Tighnari didn't fully mind.
He grabbed his bag and books and pushed his way out the door. The fresh air of Sumeru City in the morning was crisp and refreshing. Also being as early as it was, it wasn't as loud out.
Tighnari’s ears twitched as he heard a sound from a nearby alleyway. A small smile forms on his face as he recognizes those barefoot steps. The barely audible steps of the general Mahamatra. It's been awhile since they have seen each other due to the other being away on a mission.
Tighnari looked around then headed over to the alley. The General Mahamatra noticed the hybrid approaching and lowered his hood so his white hair fell freely. He sat down against the wall. He looks so exhausted.
One thing Tighnari never expected was being best friends with the famed general Mahamatra. It was odd how it all began. Tighnari was a suspect in an investigation and the general took it upon himself to investigate the hybrid himself. He normally would have those under him take on such small tasks but Tighnari piqued his curiosity. Tighnari never showed any fear in the face of the general and even stood his ground. When questioned why he wasn't scared or trying to run, the male simply shrugged his shoulders and said he did nothing wrong so why should he worry.
Which proved to be true and ever since then the general Mahamatra will occasionally visit Tighnari. He quite enjoyed the company of someone who didn't fear him and treated him like he was a person.
“Looking a little rough today Cyno.” The hybrid said as he sat down by the white haired male. He reached up and dragged his fingers down the white hair, slowly working out small tangles. Cyno didn't seem to mind. He closed his eyes slightly. He lowered his guard around Tighnari and that made the hybrid’s heart beat a bit harder.
“It was an exhausting mission, to say the least.” Cyno whispered at a low enough time that anyone without hearing like Tighnari’s wouldn't hear. Cyno opened his eyes. The uncovered amber eye looked at Tighnari. “Have you been taking care of yourself while I was gone?”
Tighnari withdrew his hand and tucked it into his lap with the other hand. He nodded. Remembering all the times he neglected his own health in order to finish his research. He just hoped the other didn't see through his lie.
Cyno narrowed his eyes at the hybrid not quite believing that. He shrugged his shoulders, deciding not to push matter and later his head on Tighnari’s shoulder, “Keep an eye and ear out while I rest a second please.”
Tighnari felt his face heat up slightly and smiled, “Of course.”
“Your-”
“No jokes. Just rest.”
Cyno sighed but stayed quiet. He dozed off fairly quickly.
Tighnari opened one of his books. Might as well do some reading while he was stuck for a few minutes. Tighnari hoped his soulmate wouldn't mind if he let his heart belong to another, rather the other man beside knew it yet or not. Probably not, the general Mahamatra was pretty dense. Tighnari chuckled lightly to himself.
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Cyno sat down on Tighnari’s bed. He had taken a few days off from work to help the hybrid settle into his new abode in Gandharva Ville. It didn't take much convincing. Cyno was almost always willing to help Tighnari out, especially if the hybrid offered some Genius Invokation TGC as part of the reward. Cyno absolutely loved the card game. He is the reason Tighnari has his own deck and knows how to play. The deck was a gift from Cyno as well as every card in it.
“How about we take turns showering? I'll go first so when you're there, I can work on supper. Then after we eat, we can play Genius Invokation TCG.” Tighnari picked up two towels. He tossed one over to the white haired male.
“Sounds good to me.” He caught the towel.
Tighnari walked off towards the bathroom and shut the door behind him. He sighed as he pushed forward till he was in front of the mirror. He had hair strands stuck to his forehead with some other strands sticking out of the pony tail he had his hair in. He was a mess. But it was worth it being where he was more comfortable. He bent over and rummaged through the box that contained his hair and fur care. He sat on the edge of the shower then proceeded to throw his shirt off.
The image of his soulmate mark reflexes back at him. It still haunts him knowing he has a soulmate out there but Tighnari's heart already belongs to another. Hell, maybe if he meets his soulmate, they can have a great platonic relationship. Yeah that might work.
___________________________
Tighnari has just finishing cooking the food whenever Cyno emerges from the bathroom. He was just in his pajama bottoms. He threw his clothes onto his bag that was sitting on the floor.
“Do you even own a full shirt?” Tighnari laughed.
Cyno huffed. “Matter of fact I do.”
Tighnari sat down at the table placing both plates down, “Now I'll believe that when I see it.”
Cyno hummed and pulled the food closer to him, “Thank you for the food Nari.”
Tighnari nodded. As he was eating, he couldn't help but scan his eyes on the inner parts of Cyno’s upper arms. It made him sad not seeing it. He has seen this part of Cyno’s arm before and he knew it wasn't there but it still made him upset.
“Nari?” Tighnari snapped his head up and looked at the man in front of him. “You okay? You were staring at something quite intensely.”
Tighnari nodded, “Yes, sorry I must have zoned out in thought.”
Cyno tilted his head, “Need to talk about it? You know I'm all ears.”
Tighnari shook his head, “No need too. Everything is fine.”
Cyno narrowed his eyes but dropped it. The white haired male picked up a piece of carrot and held it in front of his face, “Hey Nari?”
Tighnari looked up at him and sighed, “What Cyno.”
“Did you know this carrot is angry?”
Tighnari tilted his head.
Cyno lowered the carrot and with the most serious face, “it's because it's a steam veggie.”
Tighnari groaned and brought his forehead to the table in front of him with a thud.
Cyno shrugged his shoulders and ate the carrot.
“You are horrible.” Tighnair groaned and lifted his head.
“And you have food stuck to your forehead now.” He reached forward and wiped the food particles off softly.
Tighnari felt his face slightly heat up from the slight skin contact.
Cyno sucked in a breath as he dropped his hand down slowly.
If Tighnari didn't have as sharp hearing as he did, he would've missed it.
“Did you know carrots….”
Tighnari threw a carrot at Cyno's head, “ Shut up and eat you lumox.”
Cyno started laughing.
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Tighnari sat down clutching his shoulder. Dehya and the Travel had finally left him to be alone. He had to do some heavy convincing to let them leave him alone with Haypasia. They didn't need to waste time worrying about him when the fate of Sumeru fell into their hands. Every second mattered. A safer place for me, you, and Collei.
Granted, Tighnari didn't fully know what was going on. He just had why Cyno said all those moons ago to go by. You did disappear. That was the only signal I needed.
Tighnari sighed. He missed his white haired oof of a friend. He hoped he was alright. But archons, this was Cyno he was talking about. The general Mahamatra wouldn't go down that easy.
Haypasia jerked suddenly in her sleep, causing Tighnari to break out of his trance. He pushed himself up. The pain from the lightning strike coursed through his body with every move. Can’t stop now.
Once he was up, he quickly looked over Haypasia to make sure she sustained no injuries. To his relief she didn't.
Tighnari knew he needed to address his own wound sooner than later. He slowly peeled his layers of tops and accessories off his body. It was agonizing.
He threw the clothes off to the side. The hybrid made his way over to the med kit he kept handy in case anything happened. The burn solution he added never thinking it'd be used. Well he is using it on himself.
The lichtenberg marks that appeared on his skin were very prominent against the slight tan skin. Tighnari sighed as he grabbed the balm. He slowly spread it across his arm and shoulder. He was only able to reach so far on his back so that'll have to do for now.
He wiped his hands off on a spare rag. Wrapping this up won't be easy, but the wound needs something to protect it and his shirt won't cut it for now.
The banding wasn't too tight, but not as tight as he'd desired. It'll have to do till he has someone help rewrap it.
Tighnari sighed and sat down. The balm was numbing the pain slightly. It was just enough to let him doze off. A little shut eye wouldn't hurt right now after what just happened.
_____________________________
A twig snapped in the distance but too close for comfort. Tighnari jolted awake. He was now on high alert, considering what happened before he fell asleep. How long was he out anyway?
He summoned his bow, just in case. The hybrid was still in no condition to fight but like hell he would go down without a fight. He slowly stood up ready to take aim.
He looked around, tilting his ears trying to pick up on anything. As soon as he did, he took a deep relieving breath. The most comforting and familiar steps.
“Nari!”
Tighnari snapped his head in the direction he heard his name be called. There stood the general Mahamatra. Tighnari smiled, “Hi Cyn-”
He was cut off by his friend quickly running forward and quickly hugging him. That was odd. Cyno never showed any signs of physical affection before. Tighnari winced at the sudden pain that went through hun. Cyno quickly let go, “Sorry.”
Tighnari shook his head. He lifted his hand up and ran locks of white hair through his fingers, pushing Cyno’s bangs to the side. “It's alright.”
Cyno ran his eyes along the bandage wrapped around Tighnari. The general took his helmet off and placed it off to the side. He lifted his hand and softly ran it down Tighnari’s arm. “How bad is it?”
Tighnari huffed, “It could be worse. Why are you here anyway? Don't you have a big plan to finish?”
Cyno sighed, “I needed to make sure you were okay.”
“You should know, it's going to take a lot more than a little lightning to take me down.”
Cyno sighed. His hand made its way down to Tighnari’s hand. He slipped his fingers between the hybrid’s fingers gently. “It wasn't just any lightning.” He sighed, knowing fighting Tighnari was a hopeless cause. “I'm just glad you're alright.”
Cyno sighed, “I can’t stay long. I promise once this is over. I'll have dinner with you and Collei. And even try to make it happen more often again since I'm not in exile.”
Tighnari smiled. “I understand. You better also visit us, you oof.” The hybrid squeezed the other’s hand. “Can you help me fix the bandage before you leave? And help me get some balm on my back.”
Cyno nodded, “Of course. Where-”
Tighnari let go of Cyno’s hand to grab new bandages and some more balm. He missed the warmth of the other hand but he knew it was going to last long in his heart. He handed the stuff to Cyno.
Cyno began slowly working the old bandages off. Being as gentle as he can. He would stop whenever he felt Tighnari tense up or wince.
The white haired male rolled the old bandages up into a ball and tossed them to the side for now. He grabbed the balm and slowly started working across the angry skin. He followed the marks slowly and carefully. Once the balm was rubbed up, he grabbed the bandage. He slowly wrapped it around but kept it tight enough for Tighnari’s liking. He knew how Tighnari liked it becuae of all the times he had wrapped him up. They have the tables turned this time.
He moved to the front of the hybrid to finish tying the wrap up. Cyno tied off the bandage and gave himself a satisfied huff. He let his eyes trail Tighnari’s exposed torso. Tighnari get his face warm up. He tends to make sure he is never without a shirt in front of others. He noticed Cyno’s eyes land on his soulmate mark. He will admit, he forgot that existed for a second. He wanted to reach up and cover it but before he could, he felt fingers barely touching it.
“It's beautiful. How come you never showed me it? You know I loved scarabs.” He smiled.
Tighnari huffed, “Sometimes I forget it's there. I also don't want to rely solely on that to find my other half. And besides you never showed me yours.”
Cyno laughed, “Maybe next time.I have to get going if I'm going to make it back to get a few hours of sleep.”
Tighnari huffed, “If you can call it that.”
Cyno smiled. He slowly wrapped his hand around Tighnari’s arm. Tighnari looked into Cyno’s eyes. Both their cheeks turned a slight pink. “Stay safe, Nari. For my sake.” He leaned forward and placed a soft and quick kiss to Tighnari’s forehead.
“You better not die out there Cyno.”
He smirked and let go of Tighnari’s arm, “I won't, trust me.”
He stepped away and picked up his helmet. The general placed it back on his head before giving the hybrid one last chance before taking off into the tree.
Tighnari watched as he disappeared into the darkness. His heart felt like it was going to beat out his chest to what all just happened. “Please. Be safe.”
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Collei was sitting at the table just outside Tighnari’s hut, going through her Genius Invokation TCG cards. Tighnari was currently making dinner for the both of them. Something simple but hearty. It was a long day for both of them between Tighnari making sure the sages didn't get themselves eaten and the arguments between them since the sages still believe they are all ‘high and mighty’. Collei has been getting used to the freedom she now has, being freed from her eleazars. It's definitely been a learning process but she has taken it in great strides. She started going on longer patrols.
“When's Cyno going to visit again? It's been way too long.”
Tighnari chuckled slightly, “I would imagine soon. Why do you ask?”
Collei looked a bit embarrassed, “I miss playing Genius Invokation with him and it's been way too long!” I think I miss him.”
Tighnari smiled and walked over to the green haired girl. He ruffled her hair slightly, “It's okay to miss him. I miss him too.” He sighed.
Collei looked up at her master, “Well, maybe I should write to him! You said he's out of exile, so he should get the letter, right? And maybe with me saying that we both miss him, he should visit right?”
“I think that's a great idea. After supper, I'll help you write a letter.”
Collei clasped her hands together.
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Cyno’s next visit came unexpectedly. Tighnari didn't expect Cyno to show up at his doorstep that night with an unconscious traveler and Paimon.
“They should be fine.” Cyno explained the situation as Nahida herself had told him. “They should wake up but I figured here would be the safest place for them. Especially with you watching over them.”
Tighnari hummed in agreement. “Are you okay, Cyno?”
Cyno nodded, “No injuries on me. At Least major enough to worry about. A few scraps are nothing.”
“I meant mentally too.” Tighnari crossed his arms.
Cyno sighed, “I do have a lot on my mind but it's not the best time to talk about it.”
Tighnari looked over at the traveler and Paimon, “I think they'll be fine. Come back to my hunt. We can talk in peace then.”
Tighnari looked back to Cyno. The white hair male nodded slowly. The hybrid reached forward to grab the other’s hand slowly and softly. It felt like such a bold move on his part. Still timid that last time they interacted, it was a dream. But Cyno didn't dodge it or pull away. He let the other’s hand slowly fit into his own.
Both their faces turn a slight shade of red at the contact.
Tighnari tugged at Cyno's hand to drag and lead him towards his hut. Cyno followed closely behind.
Tighnari pushed through the leaves blocking the entrance to his hunt. He held them open so Cyno could follow him in. He let go of the other’s hand to reposition the leaves back over the opening. Cyno sat his helmet on Tighnari’s desk then proceeded to sit on the bed. Tighnari sat down behind Cyno and started running his fingers through the white hair in front of him. Carefully working out any tangles.
Cyno melted at the sensation. He's been so busy lately, he's been neglecting some basic needs.
Cyno sighed and laid his head back into Tighnari’s lap. Tighnari brought his hands to the side of Cyno’s head and scratched it slightly. Cyno hummed and closed his eyes.
“Stay the night, Cyno. You need to relax for a minute. Take a breather. Just for tonight if anything.”
Cyno looked back up to the hybrid. Tighnari looked deep into the amber eyes. No one else would easily be able to see the exhaustion in Cyno’s eyes. Or the softness in them now.
“I will have to leave early in the morning.”
Tighnari smiled, “That's fine. You normally do.”
Cyno smiled. He sat up. “I need to, uhm, talk to you about something first.”
Tighnari stared blankly. A bit confused and worried. Did he do something wrong?
Cyno took a deep breath and stood up. “Before I finished the whole thing, I wanted to let you know,” he turned to face Tighnari, “ I… I love you Tighnari. More than a friend. I have for a long time now. I don't expect you to feel the same but I wanted you to know. Nothing has to change if you don't want it too.”
“Cyno..”
“There's one more thing. It's been bothering me since I saw your soulmate mark.”
Tighnari tilted his head slightly, about to talk.
“That's the thing…”
Cyno undid his belt. It dropped to the floor. He hooked his hand into his shorts and slowly shimmied them down. They hit the floor and he carefully kicked them away. Cyno took a deep breath and slide up the fabric of his boxers on his right thigh.
Tighnari sucked in a breath, not knowing what he was expecting. But it wasn't what he thought it was going to be.
Tighnari couldn't help himself from reaching forward and lightly touching the mark on Cyno’s skin. Finger tips barely grazing it. Two scarabs and a nilotpala lotus. Just light Tighnari’s. Ironically, it has a scar in the middle of it.
“As soon as I saw yours, I wanted to tell you. But I didn't think that moment was the best timing. I'm sorry I withheld that information from you.” Cyno sighed.
Tighnari looked at him and smiled, “It is beautiful isn't it?”
He stood up and reached his hand up to cup Cyno’s cheek. Cyno looked up to Tighnari. He slowly placed his hands on the hybrids waist
“I guess it's meant to be.” Tighnari laughed. He leaned forward and rested his head on Cyno’s should with his face buried in his neck. “Regardless of the mark, I love you too.”
Cyno squeezed tightly and hummed. Tighnari leaned up and placed a kiss on Cyno's cheek. “I'm glad it's you though.”
Cyno turned his head so their lips were barely touching each other, “Me too.” He then pushed forward and fully connected the contact. Tighnari melt into the kiss. He can't believe this is happening. It felt like he had won the biggest prize in the world….
Cyno leaned back and rested his forehead on Tighnari’s, “I got to leave in the morning. But tonight, I'm all yours.”
…. Cyno’s heart.
Tighnari smiled and pulled Cyno down. His back hit the bed with Cyno on top, “Good.”
Cyno smiled and reconnected the kiss.
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Tighnari woke slowly when he felt his bed shake slightly. He sat up slowly, stretching his arms up. He let out a big yawn and looked towards the other male standing not too far from the edge of the bed. He was quickly slipping his clothes back on after they got thrown off in a rush last night. He turned his head towards that hybrid and smiled. Tighnari couldn't help himself when his tail started thumping softly on the bed.
“Morning Nari.” Cyno bent forward and kissed him on his forehead softly. “I am sorry I have to leave.”
Tighnari hummed and reached up, placing his hand on the back of Cyno’s head. “Just come home safe. And soon.” He pulled him forward and gave him a soft parting kiss. Cyno pulled away and picked up his spear. He gave one last look back and smiled before slipping out of the house.
The hybrid couldn't stop smiling.
With you being my soulmate, I truly have won.
He sighed and rolled out of bed, not ready to tackle the day.