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Ah, home at long last.
The gentle breeze of Mondstadt embraced you, soothing the aches and pains of your long journey. You closed your eyes, taking a moment to relish the feeling.
The expedition to Nod-Krai was most definitely not a walk in the park, to say the least. But that is not to say that it was a suicide mission. The campaign had come to a triumphant close. Thus, troops were sent home. The Fifth Company, which includes you, was just one fraction of the forces that were ordered to return to Mondstadt. At any rate, you weren’t complaining.
You did enjoy your duties as a knight, but being away from home was something you did not sign up for. Expeditions were few and far between, thankfully.
This one to Nod-Kai was particularly taxing. It had lasted for much longer than previous expeditions you had been on, for one.
At least you didn’t have to deal with Lohen very much during the expedition. He was often out on his own battling the Wild Hunt and was scarcely seen at camp. His thirst for blood could never be quenched it seemed.
You couldn’t understand that at all. The ability to fight is a necessity, not a sport. Sure, you could argue that seeking out opponents counts as the pursuit of practice. Simply honing one’s skills in the event self-defense is required. But Lohen is clearly looking for something more than just training. He is a thrill-seeker: battle is what fulfills him. And he was fanatic about it. Bordering on maniacal, in fact.
You sighed. You would rather not think about that menace.
Instead, you glanced up at the branches of Windrise’s great tree from where you sat underneath. The leaves above swayed softly, whispering amongst each other. You often came to Windrise to just breathe and take in the scenery. You’ve seen it all a thousand times, but it was a comfort you couldn’t do without.
Today was a beautiful sunny day. While the sunshine was nice, you enjoyed the refreshment the shade provided. You laid your head back against bark, feeling your eyes closing of their own accord. Perhaps an outdoor nap couldn’t hurt…
“What are you sitting around here for?”
Unfortunately, you’d recognize that voice anywhere.
You blinked to see Lohen approaching. Sure enough, it was the Vice Captain himself.
You addressed him despite your mood immediately souring. “Just enjoying some fresh air, Vice Captain.”
“You mean taking a nap outside? Because that’s what it looks like to me,” Lohen said dryly.
Is he seriously judging you?
You pressed your lips together, resisting the urge to frown. “Is there a problem with that?”
“No, but I think you shouldn’t be lazing around. It’s only just past noon. How about we spar to wake you up?”
And there it is. Yet another request to spar. As always.
“Did you really come looking for me just to suggest that?” You asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Of course. We knights have to stay sharp, y’know?” He replied with an unusual glint in his eyes.
Normally, Lohen’s eyes were rather dull and lifeless. If you didn’t know any better, you would say that it was a sparkle of mischief.
“Give me a break, we just got back from an expedition! A pretty long one, mind you. Don’t you want some rest?” You groaned, already fed up with Lohen’s antics.
Lohen pushed further. “Oh come on, it’ll be fun.”
You snorted, “Your idea of fun is entirely different from mine.”
“I’ll treat you to some food after,” Lohen said, completely undeterred.
Ah, he’s resorting to bribery now.
“I’m not hungry,” you replied indignantly, feeling insulted that he believed he could just buy your compliance. “Seriously, just leave me alone Lohen.”
Lohen clicked his tongue. “Now now, that’s no way to talk to your Vice Captain,” he chided.
“I don’t care.”
He sighed dramatically. “What will get you to spar with me then?”
“Nothing,” you said, frustration building up. He was being awfully pushy today.
He snapped his fingers. “Oh, I know! How about I get you that limited edition of that book you wanted?”
How did he know about that?
As if Lohen could sense your shock, he said, “Oh, you’re wondering how I knew about that, aren’t you? I just simply overheard you talking about it with the other knights in our faction.”
Okay… that makes sense you supposed.
“Well, whaddya think? You gonna accept my request now?”
His offer is rather tempting… The aforementioned book was rather expensive. They were clearly exploiting the fans, but you couldn’t help but want it all the same.
You refused to let him have his way, but no matter how hard you tried, there was just no winning against Lohen when he wanted something.
“Fine.”
Lohen grinned.
ʚɞ ʚɞ ʚɞ
You sighed. You already regret giving in to Lohen’s demands.
You weren’t planning on having a workout today, but if you got this over with, Lohen would likely leave you alone for the rest of the day. Thus, you weren’t too pressed about the outcome of this sparring session.
You were an exceptional fighter in your own right but competing with Lohen was no easy feat. That’s why it was impressive that you could keep up with him at all. Fighting him didn’t always result in defeat on your end. You’ve been victorious every now and then. Sometimes, it would end in a draw.
It’s not that your skills are subpar compared to his: it’s just that bastard seemed to have unlimited stamina. He never seemed to tire, which was usually the cause of your downfall.
At any rate, you should switch your focus to the task at hand. You swiveled your head, taking a quick sweep of the area.
Lohen had chosen some open field not too far from Windrise as the battleground for this match.
Seems he was itching to start as soon as possible, judging by the fact that he didn’t want to have to walk far.
Figures.
“You ready?” Lohen called out to you.
The two of you were standing opposite each other at a fair distance apart.
You nodded, readying your polearm.
You barely finished that motion before Lohen charged at you.
You blocked just in time. “Hey, that was cheap!”
“You said you were ready,” Lohen smirked, already going in for another shot.
This time, you were prepared. You swatted his polearm aside and went in with your own jab.
This went on for quite a bit. It was just an exchange of trading blows. However, you felt yourself on the verge of exhaustion slowly but surely. You won’t be able to go on for much longer if this keeps up.
Better finish this fast.
You aimed for a finishing blow but had to sidestep instead to avoid an incoming strike. Unfortunately for you, that was just a feint. You walked right into Lohen’s trap. Luckily, you managed to dodge his real move just in time but not without his polearm grazing your cheek.
A look of concern crossed Lohen’s face, and he paused mid-swing. “Oops, didn’t mean to scratch up your pretty face.”
Huh? Why did he care? It’s not like he stopped when you received way worse during past bouts with him. This was just a scratch.
In your confusion, Lohen had taken the opportunity to sweep you off your feet with an arc of his polearm.
Unable to avoid it in time, you fell easily. “Shit!” You let out.
“I win.”
Standing right in front of you, he held out his hand.
Was he helping you up…? That’s new.
You stared at his outstretched hand with suspicion.
Lohen sighed and pulled you up against your will.
The moment you were back on your feet, you instantly pulled your hand away as if you had been burned. “Are you satisfied now?” You asked with contempt.
“No, not really.”
You’ve got to be kidding-
“Do you hate me or something?” You blurted out.
Oops, you hadn’t meant to say that out loud. It was a question you kept to yourself, never voicing it to anyone. Why? You weren’t sure exactly. Maybe because you didn’t want to hear the answer, despite already knowing it.
Lohen quirked his brow. “No, I don’t hate you. I like you very much, actually. I thought that was obvious.”
You stared dumbly at him. Did he just… confess? And what does he mean he thought it was obvious? Like hell it was!
As you were stuck in your stupor, you didn’t notice Lohen’s face closing in until his thumb brushed the scratch on your face.
You froze. Your faces were practically nose to nose.
“Sorry, I didn’t think you would fall for that move. Normally, you’re not so sloppy.”
His thumb continued to trace the cut as a short laugh escaped him. “How about I kiss it better?”
Before you could say anything, Lohen leaned in, and without warning, his tongue darted out to lick the blood off your scratch. His hand reached out to hold your chin as he proceeded to press his lips against your cheek.
And just as soon as it started, Lohen pulled away, leaving you incredibly flustered.
“What the hell was that?” You managed to stutter out.
Lohen shrugged. “Well, you were mistaken about me, so I had to correct that.”
“If you really do like me, then why are you always pissing me off and trying to fight me?” You demanded.
“Well, it’s not like I’m trying to make you mad. But I do like seeing you all worked up. It’s cute,” Lohen replied with no shame at all.
You gaped at him. This motherfucker-
“I know you said you weren’t hungry, but that was then. I’m sure you’ve changed your mind after our match. So how about we go to Good Hunter?” Lohen moved on casually, as if he hadn’t just dropped a bombshell on you.
“Wait, don’t just change the subject!”
Lohen tilted his head. “Oh, do you have something to say?”
Wait, did you? Your mind was reeling. What is going on?
“I… I don’t know,” was all you could manage.
An unreadable expression rooted itself on Lohen’s face. “Let me ask a question of my own then. Do you hate me?”
Do you? Sure, you found him a nuisance, but you didn’t hate him. If you had to be honest, you found him pretty. When he wasn’t pissing you off, that is.
“No, but…” You started before trailing off.
“But what?”
“I don’t know, okay! I have no idea what’s going on here.” You burst out.
A small smile found its way to Lohen’s features.“How about we talk about it while we’re eating then?”
He was met with silence and a blank stare.
“Well, since you’re not objecting, let’s go then.” Lohen said as he began gently tugging you along by your hand.
You couldn’t help but blush at the gesture, staring at your laced fingers.
Did you like him too?
Only time will tell.