Chapter Text
The sound of birds chirping could faintly be heard as droplets fell from leaf to leaf. The earth’s soil was damp yet puddles still remained. An early morning shower appeared yet quickly went away. Rain was always good for the Avidya Forest of course. Yet for the forest rangers could be seen as a headache if not properly prepared. That, or if your duties somehow were now screwed up because of that.
Another droplet slowly pummeled to the ground as the canopy above became more and more spread apart. Tighnari flinched as the water hit his nose. It was cold which confused him as the air was quite warm. He kept up his pace, clutching tightly onto a small bag. He was careful as he made his way towards a small cave he knew barely anyone visited. A couple more raindrops fell onto his head, accidentally stepping on a puddle too. That didn’t matter though, the plant foliage started to look familiar now. Vines and leaves covering the cave entrance which looked almost ancient. Tighnari slowly moved away the vines stepping inside the dark yet lightened up underground.
The Valuka Shuna’s ears perked up as soft movement was heard in the back making him smile softly. Nothing could escape his ears. He made his way forward as a figure slowly came into vision, seemingly hunched over and lost in his thoughts.
“Are you pouting? That will get you nowhere.” Tighnari mused as he sat down in front of the young man. Opening the bag and taking out some bandage wrap and ointment.
The Wanderer grumbled refusing to look at his partner. “What took you so long? I feel like a caged animal here.” Spoken with some annoyance yet raised his hand out so it could be looked at.
Tighnari gently but firmly grasped Wanderer’s wrist, looking it over carefully and nodding to himself. “I don’t wish for the other Forest Rangers to harass you. Besides, I was quick wasn’t I? Apologizes I am unable to fly like you. I’m not a bird” he flicked his ear to emphasize his words. Though Wanderer rolled his eyes. That seemed to be his reaction to everything.
“Sure, you grabbing medical supplies and running back into the woods without a word definitely isn’t suspicious though. They know you’re with me, it's obvious.”
“Even so, it’s better this way. Hold still.” Tighnari said firmly.
“This wasn’t even needed. I can heal by myself.”
“Will you stop complaining?” with a final tug the bandage was securely on Wanderers hand. “Regardless, that scab looked rough. Better to tend it than leave it be.” Tighnari huffed as he put away everything he brought. “It’s my duty to care. Is it not?” he asked, looking towards Wanderer, his gaze softening.
The other finally looked at him and simply shrugged. “I suppose so.”
“Whether as a forest watcher or your partner, I will care.”
That earned another eye roll “Don’t get all sentimental, I get it.” Wanderer moved towards the cave wall and leaned his back on it. Tighnari followed and sat beside him, feeling Wanderer rest his head against his shoulder. The two sat in a comforting silence as they let their minds entertain themselves.
It always baffled Tighnari how the two ended up together. When most talked of true love it was in the very romanticized way of speaking. The light novels of Inazuma or poems in Mondstadt. Yet for this Valuka Shuna, he fell for a puppet. A puppet who tried to destroy his nation, the one who struck him with lightning. Well he didn’t know that for a time of course.
According to Aether, many months ago. The Balladeer was defeated and all was well. Now a prisoner of Lesser Lord Kusanali. Then something happened? What it was he never fully understood, yet somehow this war enemy changed. He never learned the details as frankly getting the Traveler to share anything was hard and well, getting Wanderer to talk about anything regarding his past was like pulling a juicy steak away from a Rishboland Tiger.
When he met The Wanderer it was during the competition of all the six Darshans. Though again he didn’t remember much of that either. Besides the fact that the puppet helped him out.
Maybe he needed to get his brain checked out.
A little after that the two ran into each other again, got to chatting and, well now, here they are.
Who would’ve guessed this quiet and stubborn guy would catch his attention. Nothing and no one ever seemed to do that to Tighnari. The two’s bond became tighter after a fateful evening of falling asleep together under a tree. Learning Wanderer was a puppet was a shock yet something Tighnari apparently handled much better than others. Which made him feel very special. That was about as much information he had gotten though. Not that Tighnari minded at all, he could tell it was a tough topic. Whatever Wanderer was, it didn't matter. He still saw that pretty young man who somehow stole his heart.
Then everything went wrong.
As memories came back from what The Balladeer had done to Sumeru. The death, the destruction, the pain…suddenly he was back to being viewed as an enemy. Scum of earth, a cold hearted villain. Pure evil.
It shouldn’t have happened, Aether had said. The memories should have never come back. Yet here they were. Wanderer now stuck in a nation which seemed to hate and despised him. As well, apparently the fear that if Sumeru got its memories, does that mean the other nations did too? Likely, yet no Fatui had entered Sumeru since the fateful defeat. Other than the usual annoyances here and there. At least no one was looking for Wanderers head. Teyvat’s laws always worked in complex ways it seemed.
Tighnari perked up as he felt Wanderer gently run his fingers through Tighnari’s tail. Which gently laid on the young man’s lap. Tighnari’s eyes shifted to watch Wanderer stroke his fur.
According to Wanderer, they were all correct to some extent. He was evil, once upon a time. In another way. Yet somehow Tighnari couldn’t see it, well at least not this Wanderer could be exactly. Sure his personality to the average person was unbearable or rude. But it was nothing new to Tighnari. There was more to him than the surface. Which many even Wanderer refused to admit. Those memories, technically, aren't from here. Wanderer didn’t strike him with that lightning in this world or pilot that massive god machine. No, those memories despite saying otherwise..they felt like two separate people. Thinking too hard about it was a headache though.
Point being, there was some tether between the once The Balladeer and now Wanderer .
But many just saw the black and white painting. Tighnari was no saint of course, he first became wary of Wanderer after the first couple memories sparked back. But he got over it, it was foolish. He loved him and even if Wanderer’s way of loving wasn’t exactly normal..he did love Tighnari too.
The only downside was now the looks and antagonizing glares. Tighnari always hated prying eyes and unfortunately his relationship only made it happen more often. Gossip never bothered him, however, something about the feeling of being looked at made him very uncomfortable.
The two found workarounds at least.
“Hey, let’s get going. This place is starting to feel stuffy.” Wanderer finally announced as he stood up. Dusting off some dirt on his clothing.
Tighnari nodded and slowly got up from his spot as well. “Sure, I’ll walk you to a less used path so you’re not disturbed when getting back to the city” which Wanderer grunted in agreement.
Tighnari just hoped no one saw the two together. Last thing the two needed was another fight or stupid questions. Gathering his things and putting out the lamp to not leave a mess. “Come on slowpoke.” Wanderer smirked a bit as he left the cave. Tighnari quickly followed. This guy and his love to rush into things. It was just as amusing as it was annoying.
Tighnari caught up, his tail wagging softly as he felt Wanderer interlock their fingers together.
Maybe today would go alright.