Ruan Mei: a character study and attempt at understanding her.
Who is Ruan Mei? Why is she the way she is? Why does she do everything she does?
Ruan Mei is a very interesting and complex character who often gets misinterpreted by the fandom and goes under the radar as a "sociopath evil scientist" or "that one that wants to become an Aeon" or who knows what ales. Despite her popularity when it comes to the meta, you don't see people talk about her as often as other characters. That is a shame in my opinion for I think exploring characters who go outside the conventional of a good person so much that people call them "sociopaths" and "crazy" because of the way they do and understand things can be interesting.
Note that this dissection of her might not be perfect as I'm coming to and trying to understand her deeper as I write this and I'm always open to being corrected and to further discussions (I'm human and I can be wrong).
Who is Ruan Mei?
Ruan Mei is member #81 of the Genius Society, a genius who specializes in biology/life science and a member in Herta's Simulated Universe project. Her casual research shakes the schools of biology but why does she research? What does her research mean to her? What does she SEEK from it?
Lil A-Ruan
Despite her not understanding love, she actually grew up in a loving household! Her exposure to science was from her mother, who by the game calling her a scientist in quotes, it is to argue that she might have been more of a passionate person who seeked to acquire knowledge and test knowledge of her interest rather than an actual scientist who contributed to her field. But I digress.
Ruan Mei's mother would take her scientific expeditions and thus showing her daughter the wonders of life, biological life to be specific.
When she took lil Ruan Mei to No Man's Lend, the wonder that she experienced as she saw whatever was in that ice that came undone matched nothing ales. The emotional high and fascination was such a big and exciting emotion for Ruan Mei, that it cultivated her interest in biology science to this day. The discovery of something new that goes beyond her calculations, breaks away the ordinary and norm.
Since her early days of life, the feeling that came with the discovery of something new was presented to her and that's what she sought to chase to this day.
But it wasn't this moment alone that shaped Ruan Mei into being so obsessive to break and bend the rules of biology and create for her own fascination.
Ruan Mei's understanding of love
Since she was a child, her understanding of love was different from the ones in textbooks. Despite growing up in a loving household, where she would get forgiven all the time despite making mistakes, receiving snacks from her aunt and being brought with her mom on expeditions and let in her lab, she doesn't understand love.
But why? This is where I struggle to understand, but I think it just might be how Ruan Mei is.
She grew up with the influence of her mother, a research and thus, along with just who she is at her core, learned to be stubborn and to question. To draw her on conclusions and understanding of things and not take everything in the textbooks at face value and as absolute facts. And so, at a young age, her understanding of love broke away from the one in textbooks.
Specifically the "formulae" in textbooks. Formulae is an interesting word to use, not definition, formulae. Formulae and Formula mean the same thing: it can either be a mathematical relationship or rule expressed in symbols or a list of ingredients with which something is made.
The fact that little Ruan Mei thinks the definitions of love in textbooks are formulas says a lot. Ruan Mei in general sees the behavior of organisms in their logical ways and struggles to understand the more emotional and non-rigid explanations of them.
and her grief: the death of her parents and the broken promise
Because of her struggle to understand love and her exposure to the biology of life, the death of her parents took a huge toll on her.
She didn't cry, for she understood that life and death are inseparable but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt. After her funeral, as night fell, we are told she made clones of her parents. (which is insane to me, why are we not talking about this? Ruan Mei WTF!?)
If this happens after the funeral as the text suggests it means she has researched a way to clone her parents in advance for quite some time and years.
And her grandma made a deal with her parents, that this death failed to keep it. (her grandma is also hinted to be alive but absent for some time, maybe even before their deaths even?) A promise Ruan Mei was hoping for them to fulfill. But what was that promise?
We don't know.
But it might have to do something with their mortality. Ruan Mei comes from a planet blessed by the Abundance and that must have affected the way her grandma and mother saw biological life as well as her mothers interested in it that rubbed on Ruan Mei.
But whatever this promise was, her parents death and the inability to fulfill it upset and broke Ruan Mei deeply. That and her inability to protect them, whatever this protecting meant.
"Only science... never lets anyone down"
Her parents mortality and their death was a let-down to her, something like a betrayal. Their death HURT her so much emotionally that she shut down as a result.
Ruan Mei, as much as she seems cold and struggles to understand the department of emotions, feels VERY deeply.
She probably didn't grow up with many friends as it's not mentioned and her family boarded on a research aircraft and explored many worlds which probably didn't give her many chances to socialize with anyone her age. Her family and their love was the only one she had and understood (in her one way and definition) and the only people she had.
Her only having her family must have made her REALLY close and attached to them because without them, who does she have? No one. And they left her, they left her with this pain and loneliness and the realization that:
Life is fleeting, and getting attached to people will only bring the pain of having to face their mortality in the long run. Losing them and having to deal with the painful emotions that it brings. For such is the nature of life.
She doesn't want to get attached again so she won't experience that same pain. That's the logical thing to do right? Because the definition of it says this so she must do opposite and logically she won't experience it and be fine...right?
Besides her family she probably never had anyone around, so she is fine with being alone as she doesn't know how it is to not be alone outside her family. Loneliness is the norm for her.
Ruan Mei's research: her addiction to wonder
Ruan Mei's reacher, her discoveries, bring her that excitement and wonder that she felt as A-Ruan for that first time. Besides her family, these discoveries are the only thing that make her happy. But she doesn't have much to discover at this point. She managed to do and find so much that she can only occupy her time with "ik what if" projects like recreating a Propagation Emanator clone.
But Aeons? Oh they are her biggest wonder of them all, the most interesting beings out there to her. So much that maybe by understanding them and what makes them what they are, she might even be able to become one.
And imagine how much she could discover with the power of an Aeon. All the answers hidden to her by the limitations of her mortal understanding of things. Things only Aeons could understand. Maybe she will finally find the answer to when "life" those truly end and maybe what "love" is.
Ruan Mei and her understanding of life
Remember her parents? Yeah she probably brought them back based on the start of her Myriad Celestial Trailer.
Which brings everything to a new perspective as:
1. how much are those clones actually her parents? for Ruan Mei and just speaking logically
2. does Ruan Mei REALLY see them as her parents? Maybe. From the way she wonders "when does "life" truly end?" she might see them as her parents. They got the form and probably(?) maybe(?) at least most important(?) memories so you could say they ARE her parents.
Her parents being brought back but the wound of not fulfilling their promise to her grandma. Why do they exist at the same time? Was the promise for them to not d!e? Life is in quotes when she wonders "when does "life" end?" so she might not fully see them as her parents. But another form of life, "life".
"Life" is technically still life so when does it truly end?
Now that we understand her alone, let's try to understand her interactions with others outside her family based on what we know
Something that the fandom often criticizes her for is her relationship with her creations as she abandons them if they don't meet the results she wants or have any academic value.
Which is not something I'm gonna excuse because poor little catcakes :( but with what we know of her it makes sense.
She thinks their love is something inherently biological. She made them so they are gonna want to seek her comfort as she is their creator and mother but she doesn't see the more deepness of those emotions.
To understand Ruan Mei's way of seeing it:
Your mother for example. You love her right?(I'm sorry ppl with mommy issues) Because she is your creator so it's only logical to seek her love, attention and approvel right?
That's where Ruan Mei's understanding of love stops.
But no one loves their mother just because she created you and is natural as her child to seek her love. You love her much more deeply than that. And it's complicated to explain why and who right? But you do.
And that's what Ruan Mei can't understand from her creations, how deep their love goes, how it goes beyond its logical biological explanation.
Her creations should be fine. With time they are gonna grow and stop wanting love from her and be independent, as that is the nature of living things. Right?
Another thing people are upset about in the MC's stead is her dr*gging them with the anti truth serum.
Which is bad and a very drastic measure instead of just telling us "can you not talk about me to others please?" but it also shows how much she distrust others
I'm not justifying, I'm explaining:
Based on all we discussed, the betrayal she experienced with others and her lack of relationships in life outside her family makes her handle human relationship in a uhm...very original way.
She made us forget about her because she thinks it would only bring more trouble than good if the MC remembers her and starting on a new slate and forgetting it again and again is the most efficient way and one that brings the least emotional turmoil when it comes to their relationship in the long run (attachment).
She only dr*geed us because she believed that's the best way for this relationship to be. (now the fact that she makes this decision for the both of us and doesn't tell or late us have a say in it is a whole other thing)
But she can also be kind and considerate.
Asta's voice line about her:
"I asked Miss Ruan Mei where I could buy a charm like the one on her sleeve — but I was surprised to learn she'd hand-embroidered it. I was equally surprised when she gave me my own hand-embroidered charm the next time she came to the space station. Her craftsmanship, like her research papers, is superb."
She took note of her wanting a charm like hers, and proceeded to bring one the next time she came to the space station even though she didn't promise Asta. She did it because she wanted to not out of a need to fulfill a promise made of courtesy at the moment, she didn't even promise. She remembered and did it and gave it to her.
As for her relationship with Herta is Screwllum? She doesn't want to be more than colleges. And she doesn't like having to socialize with them. Though she recognizes Herta for being similar to her on a deeper level, she doesn't want to connect with her.
--------------------------------------------------------------
To finally wrap this up:
Ruan Mei everyone ✨ *falls on the floor*
The silliest pookie ever who is definitely a green flag(trust) and will definitely come home (trust trust)
I hope this post can be of help in understanding her at least a little better and maybe even potentially sparking some discussion and theorizing about her (cause we can never have enough of that when it comes to fictional characters)
Again, this is my understanding of her and maybe I'm wrong on some stuff in here(...or maybe everything here is wrong 😭) so please correct me if so and don't please don't be mean (I genuinely tried, I'm only human)
Heey I'm back with another request 😁. Can you do how would ruan mei react to a sick reader? Thank you and have a nice day 😁
Welcome back; you're welcome, thanks for your request, and have a nice day as well 😊
Based on how she reacted about her critters, I doubt she would be vastly different when it comes to a S/O, even when sick
After all, having a S/O will not suddenly remove your troubles to express your feelings and emotions, or magically make you able to display affection, when you've never done it until now
Chances are, though, that she might introduce you to her private hobbies, could be somewhat curious about your opinions on certain matters, and more generally, will noticeably pay attention to you
Unless you happen to have hobbies in common with her, she will otherwise keep a relative distance from you
Despite this, as her S/O, you will show up in her thoughts far more than anyone else ever did or could... but she will never admit it, unknowing how to even process it
Now, if her S/O happens to be sick... expect her to check your temperature by herself, similarly to the first encounter with her in the Herta Space Station
If you tend to struggle with following medication, well, good news for you! She will personally ensure that you will... even if it means incorporating it within cakes or tea (she has experience in that regard, Stelle/Caelus can testify)
Speaking of cakes and tea, you can expect to receive them regularly; if not as help (hot tea when you have a bad cough, for example), then as a form of comfort food
She won't keep you company 24/7, even under normal circumstances (and she definitely doesn't seem like the cuddly type), but she would still let you message her, if you need something
And if the sickness would be strong enough to keep you stuck in bed all day however... she might then offer to stay during the meals
Overall, she would express her care (as minimal as it may be) through little gestures and acts of service, rather than with words or physical presence
If you pay enough attention, and if you're lucky enough, then perhaps... you might witness a few tiny smiles on her otherwise unsmiling face
But that's only likely to happen when you would announce the good news of the symptoms starting to disappear, and that your recovery is finally there
If it's just a cold, she knows you will recover from it in due time, so she sees no reason to feel worried (and even less to express it anyhow)
Ambient music:
"Ah, S/O. Good timing. The latest batch of cakes is fresh from the oven. You can get some."
"Thank you, Ruan Mei. I appreciate it."
The scientist leads you to the kitchen area, and hands you a piece of cake on a plate, alongside its spoon. You sit in the armchair opposite to her, but before you could even taste it, you couldn't hold back a sneeze, causing her sight to focus on you.
"You're getting sick."
"I'm not sure, maybe it's just-"
You found yourself interrupted in your speech, due to her hand casually resting on your forehead, and her gaze scanning your eyes with nearly as much focus and emotion as a robot would.
"Probably just a cold. However, you should rest from now on."
"You're right... I will."
"Good. You will get tea and cakes, to reward your good behavior. As for the medicine... I will fetch it for you."
"That's nice of you."
"Mhh. Make sure to not skip it."
"I do hope it won't be that kind of medicine with a terrible taste..."
Upon hearing these words, she gave you a view that seemed rather amused.
"If that's one of your worries, then surely you wouldn't mind the taste of the tea and cakes to be... slightly different from what you're used to."
"This... won't be necessary... I hope. I would rather keep their original tastes."
"That will be up to you, S/O."
Thank you for reading! Link to main post
thank you for doing my request!! i actually tried making dango with my best friend once! ...it tasted like play dough...
these are so cute, i never thought of cooking with navia but now that will be leaving in my head rent free, she'd be so sweet and patient. i love itto's part too, he'd be so fun to cook with!
also fischl's dialogue was so funny, i was giggling the whole time 😭
thank you again for doing my request, i appreciate it :)
-🐈⬛
You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it! And such lore accuracy, if I may be so bold like a certain sly fox lady 👀
Navia is so precious indeed... As for Itto, it will certainly always be eventful when he's around 😁
And to think that, at first, I found her Fischl persona kind of annoying and thus I never built her... but the moment I found out that her splash art features the same pose as Hououin Kyouma/Okabe Rintarou from Steins;Gate... it was over (even more so after I started paying attention to loneliness traits in characters)
Since that time, I kind of gained the ability to fischl-talk... for the worse, or the better 🗿
Anytime! And thanks for being a regular; feel free to send more requests if you have any (currently onto the latest one you sent, namely the prank war with Yae Miko) 👀
oh no it was totally all my fault 😂 i couldn't get any matcha powder so i substituted it for matcha tea powder, and i couldn't get any rose powder or whatever's it's called for the pink ones so i got rose oil instead. but i tipped so much in the bowl that it was tacky and sticky, so i kept adding more flour to fix it (against my friends advice), lo and behold the pink ones were the most inedible of the three... those were our entry for a genshin meal cook off with friends too, so while everyone else brought smoked chicken and mora meat, all we had to show for ourselves was our multicoloured play dough that had gone all soggy from being in the fridge overnight 💔 fun memories though
YOOOOO YOU'RE RIGHT ITS THE SAME POSE!! i never noticed :-0 el psy kongroo 😌 i'm not really a big fischl fan, but i like the loneliness part of her character too!
-🐈⬛
Oh... I see, well, you have a bunch of inspiration now, to train for next time, and noticeably Navia 😉
I never noticed at first, it took me a while... but now it's done, and she's even C6 and built, although more for Physical than Electro 🫢
El Psy Kongroo 🍷🗿
thinking about comforting robin when she finally allows herself to give into the media’s pressure.
robin’s face is buried in her hands as she quietly sits in her dressing room during a prerehearsal. she’s tired, exhausted, don’t people have some humanity? she not an object, she has feelings. why do they think it’s okay to constantly cross her boundaries just because she’s a ‘celebrity’? for the first time in a while, the singer anxiously bites down on her bottom lip as she feels a lump lodge in her throat and the dreading feeling of anxiety bubbling in her chest.
the door softly opens and you enter inside with a cold water bottle in your hand. your brows furrow with worry when you see robin hunched over on the chair, face tucked in her hands and wings flattened. “ robin, what’s wrong? are you feeling sick?! “ you immediately ran to her side and crouched down in front of her, setting the bottle by her feet. your gaze drops down to robin’s phone on her lap. (e/c) eyes narrows into a squint at the screen showing a familiar advertisement of her. “ huh? “ you take her phone from her lap to read the text under your breath.
“ is robin binge eating. .20 pounds in a—what is this garbage? they have absolutely no reason to put it like that, it was merely a commercial shoot! these fools are so damn miserable, it’s not even funny! “ you hissed, gritting your teeth in anger. then, with a heavy sigh, you begrudgingly turned off her phone and set it aside on the vanity counter.
“ sweetheart, “ you touch her knees tenderly, robin only emits a soft little noise of distress in response. it breaks your heart to see her like this. if robin, who’s a kind-hearted and optimistic person, can get reduced into a depressive state, something has to change. “ angel, “ you call out again softly, reaching out to grasp her wrists. “ look at me, please? “
reluctantly, she removes her hands away from her face. sad jade eyes pools into yours as she casts you a tight-lipped smile. “ i’m sorry, i’m okay. i’m aware that i shouldn’t let things like that get to me but i suppose it’s just one of those days. “ she lies. you shake your head with disapproval, your palm presses against robin’s warm cheek and she nuzzles into it.
“ no no, it shouldn’t have to be like that, you have every right to feel that way. people are just incredibly nasty with no brains in their heads.—“
“ miss robin, “ a male voice calls out, a few firm knocks reverberates around the room. “ it’s about time for—“
you chime, not caring to shadow the irritation in your voice. “ give her 5 more minutes, she’s not ready! “
“ we don’t have time, she have to—“
“ she doesn’t have to do anything! “ you barked, throwing an angry glare at the producer behind the door. “ robin isn’t on your time, she’s on her own time! if i say she’s not ready then she’s not ready! if you have anything else to say about it, i can meet you right outside the door so we can discuss the issue! “
you can hear the man’s sigh of frustration before walking away from the door.
“ like, see? the nerve of him. “ you exhale heavily through your nose and returned your attention back to the stressed singer. there’s admiration in robin’s eyes as your thumb strokes the fleshy area of her creamy skin. “ thank you, my muse. but, i wish you could’ve been a wee nicer. “ she says, a playful pitch in her dulcet voice, feathery wings slightly puffed out according to her better mood.
your lips pucker into a pout. “ not when he’s talking to my woman like that. if it weren’t for you, i’d go out there and—“
robin’s soft lips meets yours in a tender kiss for a short moment. she pulls away and rests a delicate hand over yours on her cheek.“ again, thank you for being by my side, my sweet, you’re like my rock. i’m not sure what i’d do without you here. ” she confesses in a gentle whisper, resting her forehead against yours.
you let out a soft sigh, brushing your nose against hers. “ robin, let’s run away together, away from penacony—just me and you. “
robin holds onto your hand a little tighter, the conflicted look on her face makes the creases appear between her brows. “ i. . truthfully, i wish to leave but. .i haven’t put much thought into it yet. “
you press a kiss to her frowning lips, “ that’s fine. but just know whatever decision you make, i’ll be there to support you. “
i had a fun request idea: reader getting into a prank war with yae miko >:) i like to think she'd be playful enough to join in and retaliate. i used to get up to a lot of pranks with my old coworkers and by far the funniest was hiding then jumping out and scaring each other- i think that would be a really funny prank to play on miko
-🐈⬛
Oh she would definitely get her share of fun by retaliating, for once that someone is bold enough to just dare tease her in return 😏
It's common knowledge, at this point, that Yae Miko is among the biggest teasers in Teyvat
Witnessing all forms of reactions is a great source of entertainment for her, especially when your lifespan is longer than the one of humans
But the rarest, and most exquisite of them, is when her interlocutor purposely dares to tease back
For her, this is akin to a declaration of (prank) war, and she certainly won't stop until you are the one admitting defeat... or begging her to stop, if you end up being so desperate
As a certain Aranara called Aranakin would put it: "this is where the fun begins"
One day, you felt brave enough to hide on the path leading to your home, as you invited her for your weekly tea time together
It was initially a spontaneous offer from you, but over time, it became a regular part of your weekly schedules, with each of you preparing the tea by turn
Naturally, you kept her in the dark regarding your true intentions for today, as you would usually wait for her to arrive, or come along with her
You suddenly emerged from behind the bushes as she passed by, causing her ears to twitch a little, but only out of surprise
It would take a lot more than that to scare her though
"My, my... Someone's feeling bold today. Were you trying to scare me, little one?"
With the same amount of confidence as always, she casually approached you, and slowly reached out for your chin, embracing it with her hand.
"I do hope, however, that you're fully aware of what you've just done... And I trust, of course, that you're ready to face unforeseen consequences, hmm?"
"Of course I am!"
"Very well, S/O. We shall see for how long you will be able to keep up."
She then releases your chin and moves back along on the path, as if nothing ever happened just now.
The rest of that day went as normal as always, and just like you kept her in the dark for the little surprise today, she's doing the same regarding all the ideas sprouting in her mischievous mind
Things are going to be eventful from now on
~~~~~~~~~~
One day, you were casually enjoying your time with her at the Grand Narukami Shrine
A shrine maiden requested her attention for some matters, thus leaving you alone in the room for a while
The prankster in you suggested to swap her current light novel in progress, with a blank empty one
She noticed it only after you left... thankfully
"That little rascal..."
~~~~~~~~~~
The following day happened to be your weekly tea time
Except that your cup is filled with what seems to be tea, as always... minus the taste, replaced by just hot water
"What the..."
"Is the tea not to your liking, little one? I prepared it like I always do."
"That's just... colored hot water!"
As you dared to say this, her eyes started to glow, while an Electro kitsune began peeking from behind her.
"Are you saying that you now dislike my tea? But you always praised it until tonight. Does that mean you've been fooling me all this time, S/O?"
Her stare turns more intense on you... until it all returns to normal, followed by a chuckle coming from her.
"You should have seen your face just now, that was quite the sight. I jest, of course~"
~~~~~~~~~~
You collapse exhausted on her laps, at the end of a long and tiring day
At this, she glances down at your weakened form and starts patting your head
"Dear me, how kind of you to use your remaining energy to come visit me, out of everything you could have done."
You hum gently at her words, while she scratches softly through your hairs to help you relax a little.
"After all, you know full well that I would never give you up, or let you down, or even run around and desert you. Likewise, I happen to know your boundaries, so I would never make you cry, say goodbye, tell a lie, or desert you."
Her smile increasingly grows into a smirk, as you process what you just heard, until it finally hits you.
"You..."
"What is it? If you're willing to discuss a truce, maybe you should rest first. After all, we don't want you to agree to my conditions without paying attention, mhh? I admit this would be pretty amusing though."
Considering your exhaustion, and knowing how she would set her conditions, you decide to wisely follow her advice, and consequently rest
You may not be safe from her little tricks, but alas, you will be safe in her near
And it's not a privilege she plans to remove through her truce's conditions
Thank you for reading! Link to main post
See? Told you there would be lots of Anemo Crystalflies here, hehe!
As an Outrider, it's definitely my job to lead the way to these hidden spots!
Wait, do you smell something...? Ah, it's buttered pancakes! Did you make these yourself? They even look so cute!
Here, the hardest-working master chef should get the first bite!
thank you for doing my request! :-D the rick roll at the end made me laugh 😭 that sounds like something i'd do. also, i'm so hyped that black swan is added to the character list!!
i hope you're well :-D
-🐈⬛
You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺️
Great minds think alike, it seems, if you rickroll people as well 😏
Speaking of Black Swan, last night I received a request involving her, so, she should show up soon enough here 👀
I am, thanks, I hope you're well too! 😊
Back to work after some weeks of vacation, though in parallel to your request, I also started writing something involving Lumine... Let's just say the anime short about the siblings came at the right time 🗿
Hello people,
After giving it some thoughts, I finally decided to officially write for Honkai Star Rail too 👀
The following characters will inaugurate this new universe for my blog:
Ruan Mei
Black Swan
Robin
At the same time, I also updated the list of Genshin Impact characters I can write for, adding these 3 ones:
Beidou
Lisa
Arataki Itto
As always, please check the rules/main post first before you submit a request you may have 🙂
Last but not least, have a nice day/night, and please take care 😊
Heey, can you do Ruan Mei or Black Swan (your choice :)) reacting to reader asking them for hug? I hope it's not too hard. Have a nice day/night!
Thank you for the request, I hope you will like it, and have a nice day/night as well 👀 Ruan Mei or Black Swan, huh...
Ruan Mei
Ambient music:
Both of you are minding your own business, albeit in the same room. You are the one breaking the silence, and with such a question that her focus moved from the embroidery in her hands, over to you.
"... hey, Ruan Mei? Could you... please hug me?"
"... a hug? Why?"
Who knows what kind of thoughts perpetually rush through a genius' mind, but such a question was definitely not within the range of expectations. Not to mention physical affection being somewhat of an alien concept to her - much like displays of affection in general.
"Well I thought that, since you're so devoted to studying Life, and that hugs are a thing among certain animal species... then why not try it?"
She moves her embroidery aside as she thinks upon your words and gathers her thoughts, to craft up an answer.
"Alright then... but you take the lead. You certainly have more experience than I do, in that regard."
She raises from her chair as you move closer, before she lets you embrace her first. Only then does she do the same in return, but purely to imitate you, and not without a short delay.
"How is it?"
"At the very least, it's not unpleasant. But that's probably because it's you. Were it someone else instead, then it would be rather forgettable. However, I admit it's intriguing that... this, became a thing."
It's unclear if she's being nice, to cover her doubts regarding how to feel about a mere hug, or if she only accepted out of politeness. Either way, you know how deeply focused she can stay on her things, and thus, you're grateful she complied to your request... somewhat.
----------
Black Swan
Ambient music:
"... hey, Black Swan?"
The memetic entity appears out of thin air next to you, hovering lightly in the air, with her interest piqued by your summoning.
"Something the matter, S/O?"
"Could you... please hug me?"
"A hug?"
You nod, looking up at her and watching her hover a little closer, facing you with crossed arms.
"Should I understand you wish to create a precious memory with me?"
"Absolutely."
"Very well. It would be a shame to miss such a kind offer, after all."
With that being said, her feet land on the ground and her arms open in a welcoming gesture, inviting you to become part of her embrace - something you willingly and gladly do right after. She then closes her grip around your form, holding you with motherly tenderness.
"Thank you..."
"There's no need to thank me. This captured fleeting moment is truly worthy of remembrance. And I have no doubt that you will cherish it as well, S/O."
You smile and hum, satisfied, and at her satisfaction. Her grip remains until you move out of it at your pace.
"We should do that again somewhen, but I would suggest in a cozier environment. Then, I could bring some perfumed candles, to further... improve the ambient."
"Agreed."
"Well then, I'll see you there."
And with a satisfied grin, she disappeared the same way she appeared.
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I'm not sure if it's okay to ask multiple requests (if so please feel free to ignore!), but I was wondering if I could also request Yae Miko/Beidou/Lisa comforting gn s/o through a bad depressive episode?
Multiple requests are allowed! :) I can't claim to be an expert regarding depression, so, figuring out what exactly is a "bad depressive episode" wasn't really easy... just like I'm not entirely confident with how effective this would be as comfort (besides writing for Beidou and Lisa for the first time). Thank you for the request nevertheless, I hope you like it despite the time it took!
Yae Miko
You're no stranger to the fact she greatly enjoys midnight strolls
They help her soothe her mind after an exhaustingly unthrilling day at the shrine, or learning at Yae Publishing House that the competition dared to consume her market territory with their latest shabby release
Going for a walk so late also means that encounters with people are few, most of them are getting sleepy at this point anyway
This results in places being free of people's presence... typically, at least
Ambient music:
"Dear me, it appears we're crossing paths once again, S/O."
Her gaze immediately rests on you, as soon as she spots you, sitting on a rock by the beach beneath Inazuma City.
"Yae, I was... waiting for you, actually."
"Oh? Were you looking for my company, little one?"
You hum as you nod, inviting her at the same time to sit besides you on the rock.
"How considerate of you, I'll keep that in mind."
"It's also... the only pleasant thing I have nowadays, I fear..."
Her eyebrows lower in response, while your glance focuses back on the horizon of the sea, with the sound of the waves being the only ambient sound alongside the cicadas of summer nights.
"I just wonder... why do I even wake up in the morning...?"
Your hands rest flat on your laps, turning now into fists... though it's only a matter of seconds until her hand gently embrace one of your fists, caressing it a little in the process, as a subtle way to invite you to speak up. One of her tails peeks out meanwhile, surrounding your back and side in the next moment.
"Everyday, I just feel so... empty inside, so tired, no matter how long I sleep... or don't..."
"So what you're saying is... the darkness is consuming you from the inside, correct?"
"Yes..."
She exhales briefly, while her tail brings you a little closer from her. From this point on, you can also feel how her arm is wrapping around your shoulder, completing the tail's movement and now making your cheek rest against her shoulder. The two of you look out in the distance and remain silent for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence.
"S/O?"
"... hmm?"
"You might have forgotten the following, so I shall remind you, for good measure. You matter."
"What... are you implying?"
"What I'm implying is, even if you feel down and empty... it doesn't make you any less important, S/O. Besides, you basically admitted to not be fine, right? And acknowledgement... is a step toward recovery."
You slowly glance up at her again, and she welcomes it with her own. She might be more agitated on the inside than she appears to be on the outside, but her confident attitude serves as anchor - and as a lighthouse, even. While it's true she doesn't spare you from being teased from time to time, although within your boundaries of course, you cannot deny that her taking your concerns seriously is something you're grateful for.
"Of course, any recovery will take the time it requires... but you're not alone to make it through this hardship now, are you? Hmm?"
She gently squishes your shoulder with her hand as she speaks that out with a low voice, before beginning to massage it. Her stare remains fixated within your eyes.
"But... won't I be a burden to you...?"
"Not at all. Besides, it will put my mind at ease, to know that you're in good hands. Also, it might have escaped your attention as well, but you're strong. Being vulnerable is no easy feat, even less in the presence of someone. And I would rather not have anyone dare destroy the efforts you're pouring into getting better."
"Yae, I... I..."
Your view turns blurry as tears create in your eyes - tears which she wipes away with her delicate fingers, soon after.
"It's okay, let it out. Some feelings are best led outside than kept inside."
Seeing that your emotions are becoming increasingly present now, Yae Miko simply keeps holding you through without a word, with her comforting presence anchoring you, as you manage your feelings at your own pace, for as long as you need. It's only after you become a little more collected that she dares break the silence.
"The Grand Narukami Shrine has a few guest rooms. If you wouldn't mind, you could reside in one of them for the time being. That way, you would be close to me, should things get... uncomfortable again."
"That... would be much appreciated... Thank you, Yae..."
"No need to thank me, little one. I'm confident in your ability to make it through. You simply need a shoulder to rely on... for when it gets too tough for you to carry alone."
----------
Beidou
The two of you would regularly have a feast together, as a way to celebrate her bountiful returns from sailing around
It never escaped your attention that she has quite the appetite
... just like it didn't escape her attention when yours was, on this day, suspiciously low
Aside from this "detail", everything seemed normal on you, except perhaps your walking pace being slower as the two of you head back from the tavern... and your talkativeness while inside, too
But it would be foolish to believe that Captain Beidou, who has eyes for nothing but the finest treasures, wouldn't have eyes for her treasure
Ambient music:
"Hey, S/O... Something the matter?"
You don't say anything, instead simply stopping and glancing at her, whose steps bring her closer to you.
"I have a feeling there's something off about you tonight. Would you... like to chat about it?"
"Oh... no, no need... I'm fine. Thanks."
"Is that right?"
She sees through your attempt to reassure her with this little forced smile, causing her unpatched eye to narrow its sight on your form - you're anything but fine. Then, with a low sigh, she closes her eyes and uses her proximity from you to rest her hand on your shoulder, with far more delicacy than her feats and physical strength would suggest.
"It's okay if you don't want to talk it out, S/O. I just don't want you to ignore your own needs, that's all."
As your answer to her words consists of silence, and that you keep standing as idle as a tree, she takes the initiative to embrace you and pull you against her chest - though she didn't catch a prey, far from that.
"There, there. Nobody's around here at this time of night. I may not know how tough it must be for you now, but you're allowed to not feel alright. Your feelings matter, S/O. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise, you hear me?"
The proximity of her face to one of your ears allows her to whisper gently into it. Her voice, usually befitting of leading a crew, took now a softer tone that few people get to hear coming from her.
"You're doing good, even if you may not notice it. Every little achievement matters, even those that look mundane... especially these ones."
She now embraces your cheek with her hand, gently wiping a tear away with her thumb.
"Beidou..."
"You're not alone for fighting this. If there's anything you need, just say the word, whatever it may be."
She smiles in return as she notices your lips forming a tiny smile, out of your remaining strength.
"Want me to carry you back home?"
You nod and she proceeds to lift you with ease, through a secure and gentle grip. Then, she begins to walk but at a slower pace than earlier, to ensure that your ride will be comfortable enough.
"I'm proud of you S/O. I believe in you."
Just as a yawn catches up to your face, she began to hum a song to soothe your mind, eventually leading you to fall asleep under the safety of her watch and protection.
----------
Lisa
You both agreed to meet up at Good Hunter tonight, to share a meal together
However, despite waiting for you... you were nowhere to be seen
If this would be with someone else, Lisa's patience would probably have run dry by now, and those who miraculously survived forgetting to return a book in time, know very well about the consequences
But she knows you, and always appreciated your punctuality, so this must mean there's something up... and she's going to find out
First things first, she headed to your home in Mondstadt and knocked on the door a few times... eventually frowning as no reply reached her
That's strange, she thought; she knows for a fact that you're always home at this time of day
She knocks once more but to no avail, and after taking a quick glance around, she took the initiative to try open the door...
... which is unlocked, suspiciously enough; leading her to believe that you're home, after all
"Cutie? Are you in here? It's me, Lisa."
She glances around in the main room of your home, hoping to find you safe and sound. As you don't appear to be there, she then heads toward your bedroom, with worry beginning to raise within her, after each step she does.
The door is half-open. She takes a peek through its opening, and cannot retain a gasp upon finally seeing you - although not exclusively out of relief.
"S/O! What... happened to you?"
You know the situation is truly serious when she doesn't call you cutie or darling, nor is keeping up that perpetual confident smile. As you lay on your bed, consumed on the inside by the darkness, you manage to react to her question... although, with only a mere glance up at her, and just enough strength to weakly breath out her name.
"Lisa..."
She immediately sits on the bed, besides you, and then does a quick check-up of your condition. Her Akademiya knowledge soon kicks in and the realization hits her, as you could guess by her eyes opening wide.
"Here... let me help you."
Ambient music:
As her arms wrap around your form, you are met with what feels like a ray of moonlight piercing through the night. From a laying position on the bed, you have now been switched to being snuggled against her chest, held in place by the loving and gentle embrace of her arms.
"You are doing the best you can, S/O, even now. You're going through a hard time... and it's perfectly okay to not feel okay."
Her voice is low, but calm, and very tender. Her chin rests on your shoulder, cheek against cheek, while one of her hands stroke up and down along your back, providing you with a little bit of much-needed comfort - which you gladly welcome and acknowledge, through leading a little more toward her.
"If you feel the need to talk about it, know that I'm there for you, S/O, you will always have my full attention. And should you decide to remain silent, it's perfectly alright. In any case though, you matter to me, please remember that."
For the next few seconds, only silence fills up the room as she holds you closely, with the utmost motherly-like care possible, as she blesses you with her presence.
"Are you hungry? Thirsty, perhaps? I'll get you something, please wait here for me."
She removes the purple rose from her hair and then places it into your hand while she gets up, as a way to keep her present in your near, even if just a little bit.
"Here, keep this meanwhile. I'll be back in no time."
And she indeed didn't take long, for she returned soon enough with water as well as a handful of sandwiches - something convenient enough to feed you with, after setting you in a better position for this.
"If you don't mind, S/O, I will help you for the rest of your tasks tonight, and I'll come check up on you every day. That's the least I can do for you. I'll even make some potions, to help you get some relief. You won't have to face this burden alone, you have my word."
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