Chapter Text
Upon entering Gandharva Ville, it should come as no surprise that one of the first scenes that anybody may witness upon entering, is that of a long fox eared man berating some bumbling fool. Whom most likely was taller than the one berating them.
"Look, this isn't some arbitrary rule that you can just bat away like an irritating insect. This is for the betterment of the rainforest and as part of its ecosystem you need to do your duty by following our guides."
The one being chastised was obviously a student from the Akademiya shown by the uniform adorning their person. They were in tears, but whether this was because of the visible rashes scattered around their showing skin, or rather because it was obvious they were severely sleep deprived. The observer pondered, unless it was a mix of both along with facing the disappointed lecture of Avidya's Forest Watcher, Tighnari. That was most likely it.
It was never a fun time when faced with a disappointed Tighnari. Which was exactly what Cyno, General Mahamatra, who was feared by many, was afraid of at this moment, as he coughed to grab the small group's attention.
"GENERAL MAHAMATRA!?" Apparently revealing himself was not the right choice as the already high wired student fainted at the sight of him. Leaving a few surrounding Forest Rangers scrambling to catch them.
"General Mahamatra Cyno! Please refrain from revealing yourself to unstable patients. You'll only make their conditions worse!" Oops, he already upset him.
".. I'm sorry.." What else was he supposed to do? He wasn't even wearing his full normal attire. Deciding to leave his headpiece at home since this was not a work related visit. Is he supposed to hide and never come out to save these pathetic souls from the fear of seeing him?
Normally when visiting the village, whether it was for his good friend, Tighnari or for his somewhat little sister figure, Collei, he would come at night and stay unnoticed by other occupants. This time was different however.
With a calming sigh Tighnari looked softly to him. "You don't need to apologize, you didn't technically do anything wrong. Just keep in mind the situation before revealing your presence. Wait for me at my house, I'll finish up here quickly and meet you there."
Cyno nodded in response to the dismissal. He decided to take less popular routes to his destination, to hopefully avoid causing more work for Tighnari.
He was nervous because he had received a letter from Tighnari expressing urgency at seeing him and the need to 'have a talk' about something important. The letter stressed it was not work related nor was it particularly time sensitive but the desire to have it soon was noted. If it wasn't work related then it must be personal. The letter also stated it didn't involve anyone else, which was mostly there to ease his worry that something might be wrong with Collei.
Tighnari was not one to have many problems that didn't already have solutions, so the thoughts of what could possibly be troubling him had Cyno more than worried. So he had rushed over as soon as all work matters were settled and barely even noticed it wasn't night yet, as the sun was only just now starting to lower itself out of view.
Arriving at Tighnari's house, he walked right in, knowing it wasn't locked. He scanned the place, hoping something would pop out that would instantly let him know what needed to be talked about. Obviously, he found no answers to the burning question. Luckily he didn't have to wait long, as the one with the answer walked through the door.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." Tighnari went on to put his things from the day away and get settled in for the night at home.
"It's ok. Is the scholar alright?" He didn't actually care about the student, but he did care about how much work he had accidently given his friend.
"He'll be fine, fainting might've even helped. Getting that lummox to calm down enough to sleep was starting to really aggravate my fur."
Cyno couldn't help the small smile that crept onto his face and had no issues of it being there. It couldn't be helped, Tighnari always made him smile.
The sentiment was shared with a responding smile and a flutter in Tighnari's chest. He'd never be able to get enough of Cyno's smiles. He had expected Cyno to come quickly in response to the letter he wrote but had assumed like usual that he'd wait until it was night and quietly enter the village. Maybe his wording was too worrisome, and maybe logically, it was an over exaggeration. But the haste and urgency definitely portrayed the feelings involved.
Tighnari was never one to let his emotions overtake his logical side. A day must come for everything, he supposed. However this wasn't going to be the day where he hesitated for the first time. So he sat down on his couch with Cyno following close behind, who then sat down next to him.
Though Cyno's arms were crossed, they were relaxed, along with the rest of his body. Startlingly attentive eyes staring patiently. Which is one of the many things that Tighnari appreciated the most about his friendship with Cyno. Silence was always comfortable with him, no insistent chatter or questions trying to get to the topic quickly. Just full focus and non-judgmental stillness, waiting until the other person started what they wanted to say. Well, at least in more serious moments.
Taking in one more long silent look at the one beside him, greedily taking in his companion's currently gentle and soft appearance that only a handful were given the chance to see. Tighnari decided to just jump straight to the point and not waste time. "Cyno, I've been running around with a theory in my head for a while now since proving it to be right would greatly benefit the feelings I have in regards to you."
".. feelings in regards to me?" A white eyebrow was raised in confusion.
"Yes, from my multitude of observations of you, I have finalized that the likelihood of you having the same feelings as I, was very high. This compelled me to finally let myself act on such affections and to at long last confess them." To make himself very clear in a way that left no misinterpretation he ended with, "I love you, Cyno. I am romantically attracted to you, emotionally, mentally, and physically."
"Wha-what?" He didn't grace that with a response knowing it to be a reaction to shock and not because his words were not understood.
Hmm, probably not the most romantic way to confess, but Tighnari just didn't see any reason to sugarcoat it or add flowery language. He hated wasting time and was anxious to get it out there.
He had started his friendship with Cyno just a little bit after graduating from the Akademiya. Though some of their ideals didn't align, a close bond of friendship was formed nonetheless.
His fondness for Cyno only grew until eventually it was obvious where it was headed. Tighnari wasn't the most attuned to his emotions as most people but he was rarely one to just blatantly ignore them. When the urge to affectionately touch, kiss, hold and just be around Cyno increased, there was no denying what it was. Feeling like he was about to burst with the amount of romantic and sexual feelings he held in, every time he so much as saw him or even just heard someone talk about him. Confessing right then and there was out of the question though. He had zero interest in confessing blindly, for their friendship was more important than anything more he may want. So he hid every sign he could possibly give that he felt anything more than friendship for Cyno. He made sure his touches were strictly platonic and never let himself give into any of his desires. Which was agony but he held on strong. Being conscious of his tail wags was probably the hardest not going to lie.
It was all worth it though as he watched his close friend. Trying to find evidence that the feelings were mutual. The minute details of changes in Cyno during their many moments together may be hard to spot to an undiscerning eye, but Tighnari saw them. The prettiest eyes looking away briefly, when before, eye contact was always made consistently. Deep breaths and barely audible low gasps when he got too close to Cyno. Friendly touches from the other lingering longer. The slight leaning into the friendly touches Tighnari gave. All tiny factors that most would brush aside with excuses. But he was not most people, all these served to provide sufficient enough evidence for his assumption to be correct.
Once he was satisfied with his findings, he wrote his letter. Looking back on it, he definitely let himself get carried away a bit in his writing but the excitement and unsettling yearning he felt was still somewhat foreign to him. As he only proofread the letter once and sent it off. To which Cyno had shown up a few hours earlier than he was expecting, catching him off guard. After dealing with the scholar, he had rushed back to his house quickly.
Realizing once coming out of his pondering, that Cyno was silent now. His sun red eyes stared somberly into his lap, body slumped but now also tense. Well that wasn't a good sign. "Cyno."
Snapping Cyno away from whatever was happening in his head, he looked at Tighnari briefly before glancing away. "I'm sorry Tighnari. I can't accept your feelings." That.. was unexpected, was Tighnari wrong in his interpretation of his observations? Before he could respond however, the love of his life stood up. "I should go," was stated shortly before Cyno took one last look at him, nodded, then walked to the front door to leave.
'Oh most definitely not.' Tighnari thought sternly before standing and following after. He caught up to Cyno in just a few long strides and firmly planted his left palm past his shoulder onto the door. Preventing any easy openings and closings of it.
"Cyno"
The barely covered tanned shoulders slumped down ever so slightly before the body attached turned to face their blocker. Never one to be meek, sun red eyes peered into layered orange and cyan ones. Tignari didn't like that look, it was now guarded and no longer had the softness attached that he had come to adore from Cyno. Tanned arms came up to cross themselves, to create some barrier in between them.
To lessen any misunderstandings of being accidently intimidating, Tighnari removed his hand from the door. Since Cyno was one to see a threat in such a gesture even if it came from one of his closest friends. Still having the desire to grab the other's attention visually, he pulled his left glove off, and brought his hand up ever so delicately, so as not to appear imposing, to that beautifully exquisite face. Touching two fingers to the back of Cyno's jaw right below the ear then lightly dragging it along the curve up to his chin, grabbing it gently. The lovely eyes widened, and he felt the jaw he held tighten.
This time Tighnari spoke softly and put as much of his love and reverence for Cyno into his voice, as he leaned in and whispered, "Cyno."
If Tighnari had any less of the overly astute hearing that he had, he would have missed the barely audible low whine that uncharacteristically came from the back of Cyno's throat. If he was any less sharp-eyed and focused, he would have missed the slight shaking of the eyes and the shiver that ran quietly through the gorgeous body before him. Luckily for him, he caught all of it. Cyno's guarded body language softened. Eyes glistened, though no tears would leave them, it still sent a pang through Tighnari's heart.
Just from these reactions alone, made Tighnari reaffirm that his love was most definitely mutual. So why was he running? He decided to jump straight to finding out. With his voice still quiet he pressed, "I know you feel the same way Cyno. So why can't you accept my confession?"
How was Cyno supposed to respond? His body was now feeling like jelly from the fervent whisper of his name by the one standing way too close, holding his face like he was precious. Tighnari's face was always pretty, but he couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the beauty of the image before him now. With Tighnari looking adoringly at him, stunning eyes leveled with his (since they were of similar heights). His tongue felt dry and his throat stung as he felt the new overstimulating wave of longing that crashed against his severe feelings of guilt. He felt his eyes water a touch but refused to let any of it escape.
To say he was shocked by the confession was an understatement because it wasn't just that he hadn't predicted it but also because he deep down had feared something like this would ever happen. He prided himself on being an extremely observant individual, which was one of the qualities that made him do his job proficiently well. Even still there were a few people in his life that he could never read. And the one before him was at the top of that list. As multiple interactions between the two of them came to mind, he scanned them trying to see if there were any possible hints that Tighnari had harbored these feelings for him, but he found none. Which kinda pissed him off that the other was so good at hiding things from him but that feeling was not a priority in his chaos filled mind right now.
He tried to relax his locked jaw to open his mouth and say something, anything. The skin that Tighnari was holding was tingling and he was hyper aware of it. Finally able to open his mouth, Cyno quickly realized he couldn't find any words. Because he couldn't deny the statement. His reluctance and retreating were not because he didn't feel the same way, but because he did. And any response to the question asked was locked up tight within him, a secret he was truly ashamed of.
Cyno was used to being feared, hated, or interacted with guarded respect. He was used to calling himself a monster as a fact towards the things he's done for his job. None of those deeds, however, were anything he felt self-conscious of, especially around Tighnari. But he was more than a monster now, he was hurting his friend. He was now an unredeemable pile of shit.
Tighnari couldn't stand the silence, it wasn't comfortable anymore. He watched Cyno open his mouth, then close it without saying anything before looking to the side. Was Cyno ashamed? This possible revelation astonished him, he's never seen that emotion ever show on the other. It was time for a different approach.
Removing his hand from the Cyno's face, he then went and embraced him. His head over his love's right shoulder, his ungloved left hand coming to rest on the bare tanned back, and his gloved right hand came up to gently cup the back of his head. Cyno didn't reciprocate but he felt some tension leave the muscles under his hands as he rubbed gentle circles into them with his thumbs. Tighnari thought, 'It's alright, my love,' but was sure that wasn't the right thing to say, since it might be taken as belittling, so he replaced it with, "look, whatever you're beating yourself up about, just tell me. You don't need to force yourself to suffer just because you think you might know the response to it. It's self-sabotaging and unproductive, so just let it out." Tighnari didn't mean to let the small lecture slip but that's just who he was. He had no intention to step back and watch the one in his arms spiral down to where he couldn't reach him. "Let's just start with the basic question, do you feel the same way about me?"
Cyno felt the rush of 'yes, yes, I love you so much it hurts,' but was only able to croak out a low grunted, "yes" from his dry throat. "But-"
"No no no, Cyno. That was all that was needed for that question." Tignari felt a wave of relief, he was right and his love returned the affections. Now time for the next issue. "Ok, now tell me why you won't let yourself be happy, now that we know we feel mutually?" He wanted to see Cyno's face for these answers, so he reluctantly let the other go from his embrace, but moved his hands to below the shoulders to lightly hold the tanned arms, to continue rubbing that skin with his thumbs, keeping himself close with only a few centimeters between their bodies.
Cyno felt all the tense energy collapse, fading away to leave only numbness, as he took a long breath and sighed deeply. Closing his eyes for a moment before steeling himself. Tighnari was right, it was pointless to keep this festering. He then opened his eyes to suddenly see warm beautiful ones staring into his, which made him slightly breathless.
"I can't let myself return the feelings you confessed because it would not be right. You deserve everything, Tighnari. You deserve someone who can give you their heart fully. And until I figure some things out, I can't do that without feeling like I made a promise I'm not sure I can keep." He was still skirting around the hard-core problem and knew the ever-observant Tighnari would point this out right away, so he decided to just get it over with and lay it out. "And that's because my heart is currently torn from overwhelming romantic attachments between you and another."
There Cyno said it. He was in love with two people like the horrible person he was. When he had realized this not long ago, he tried, he tried so hard, so very much to decide. Going between the two and trying to feel the emotions, telling himself whenever he was around one that he had decided, only to meet with the other and collapse into indecision again, falling in love with them all over again. He felt like a stain on Teyvat's surface. Being so painfully in love with both but knowing he didn't deserve any possible requiting from them. He shoved it down hard trying to only enjoy the friendship he had with them both. Resigning himself to never allowing it to surface and to never be exposed. Which was why he was hyper aware of the fact that neither felt the same way, because he was afraid they would so he had observed carefully for any sign. However with Tighnari's confession, it threw everything he had come to accept as reality, out the fucking window. Because APPARENTLY Tighnari had been in love with him for a while. Maybe he's worse at observing others than he thought or at the very least just with Tighnari. Still, it made him nervous that he might be also misreading the situation with the other owner of his heart.
"Ah! I see! Yes, I understand why you would feel guilt with that. But worry not my dear, this isn't something that we can't figure out." The beaming face of his gorgeous love snapped Cyno out of his miserable spirals. Tighnari had moved his hands upwards to his shoulders holding him determinedly.
"Wait you're not mad? Or upset?" Now he was confused. He wasn't necessarily the most knowledgeable about the details of romance but he knew enough about it. Like what's acceptable, what's not, societal norms and expectations. He's heard enough personal stories from those around him, like from the other Matra (after he assures them that it's ok to idly chat, he's not that strict). Stories of heartbreak, drama, feelings regarding every mundane thing within a day to day in a romantic bond. So even though he hasn't actually been in love before his recent revelations and hasn't been in a relationship yet, he knew enough about it. Enough to realize his own feelings without the aid of others and knew upon no longer denying both, that you were not allowed to be romantically in love with more than one at the same time. To have your attention romantically divided was unfaithful, unloyal, utter betrayal and unfair to your partner because they deserved all of you, just like how they gave you all of them.
"I'm not upset at all because this isn't a problem."
There was no reason for Tighnari to be happy about this, unless. "Tighnari, I don't speak on these facts lightly. My feelings for the other person are just as strong and I don't think you will be able to easily help get rid of them."
Tighnari was amused. "Haha, no no no. That's not it. Did you know I used to date Nilou?"
The randomness of that question left Cyno even more confused. "Uh, no?"
"It's been many many years but during my early Akademiya days we started dating. It was mostly friendly with hints of romantic gestures. I was super busy at the time and rarely even felt the need to be romantic, I just wanted to enjoy spending time with her when I could. I didn't feel any guilt for my lack of participation because she didn't need anymore from me. She already had a deeply wonderful romantic bond with someone else and was also dating them at the same time."
"So.. cheating?"
"Nope! We were in a polyamorous relationship, Cyno. A polyamorous relationship is where a romantic relationship consists of more than two people, that all consent and are knowledgeable about each other. Her other partner knew about my existence and my relationship with her. And I knew about them. Even though I eventually realized the feelings I felt were more of an intense platonic kind than romantic so we broke up, but that experience made me learn something. It made me learn that I was completely fine with that type of relationship. I'm not one to be overly possessive or wanting my partner to be around 24/7 anyways. As long as trust and similar levels of participation and feelings are given between you and me, then it would be fine if you had another lover."
Though a new concept to Cyno, he now understood why the other wasn't upset. It relieved him immensely, but still doubted Tighnari's sincerity, being too biased on the norms that society pressed. Regardless of the biases that he needed to unlearn there were still many issues.
"I see. I can't say I fully understand the concept right now but I can't lie that it sounds like a wonderful idea. However none of that matters if my love for the other is unrequited. But if that's the case then hopefully it can die and I can give you all of my heart."
His sincerity and devotion was genuinely endearing, thought Tighnari as he smiled at his love. Which was why he was honestly fully fine with Cyno dating another. He didn't doubt for a second that Cyno would show any less devotion and love just because there was another that needed attention as well. "Very well, you are correct. So, are you going to tell me who this other person who has captured your attention is?"
Shit. Cyno was just having the relief of everything being out in the open wash over him only now to suddenly be slammed back into reality.
Tighnari was amused at Cyno, who suddenly tensed and became wide eyed, looking like a scared deer. "Come on Cyno, who is it? Just tell me."
Nope, he really didn't want to. Not happening. Cyno had enough of a difficult time coming to terms with his feelings for his long-term friend, but it was nothing compared to the absolute war he had actually accepting the ones he had for the second person. He was too ashamed. He couldn't even say that stupid fucking man's name out loud in any way connected to this topic. No way. Never happening. Admitting it inside his head was one thing but saying it out loud was very different!
Instead of asking again, Tighnari took his hands off the other and crossed them over his chest. Giving Cyno a pointed look, with an eyebrow raised. Remaining silent, but the look was effective enough.
The recipient of this look let his arms fall, hands closing into fists, shoulders moving upward with high tension. Then a ground out name escaped his lips, "Alhaitham."
Tighnari almost burst out laughing but succeeded in subduing the urge. He was shocked but only a little. Cyno and the Akademiya Scribe had an unsaid history of not getting along in their Akademiya days (having very different ideals and work ethics) and then not interacting at all after, but the two had struck up a somewhat friendship after saving Sumeru together. Even still, the friendship wasn't all that close and Cyno was always grumbling about how Alhaitham kept getting away with tiptoeing on the edges of the law. Of course, Tighnari did the same but what Cyno didn't know couldn't hurt him (stupid Akademiya labeling his lessons to the Forest Rangers as 'dISseMInAtion of INforMAtion,' hmph, whatever). Though Tighnari couldn't deny those grumbles had started to come out sounding somewhat fond, it still was unexpected that the other, who equally captured his beloved's heart was none other than unfeeling, stone-faced, Alhaitham, Scribe to the Akademiya.
Though the laugh was prevented, the sign of absolute hilarity was not well hidden, because Cyno looked irritated, scowling at the mirthful fox. "It's. Not. Funny."
"I'm sorry- hahaha" oops that one slipped out. Trying to calm himself down, Tighnari continued, "I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you Cyno, I just think the irony of the situation is funny. You're allowed to fall for anybody you please, even if they don't make sense."
He growled out, "I didn't want to fall for him. Trust me, I very much tried to prevent it!" After the raise in his voice died down, Cyno sighed, letting himself relax. 'It's fine, it's just Tighnari, no need to be tense.' He let that thought wash over him. Tighnari knew now, he knew about it all, and there were no negative consequences to the information being told. He suddenly felt calm now, because nothing else mattered when looking at the amused, smiling, adorable man before him. They would figure this out, but the conclusion was the same regardless of the outcome with the other individual not present. He decided to finalize this outcome by grabbing the arms of the still semi laughing man to bring him forward and kiss him. The kiss was mutually received as clothed arms came up to wrap themselves around a bare tanned waist pushing them against each other. Sparks shot through both their bodies as the long-awaited kiss finally satisfied the parts of them, they had denied before.
Tighnari was shaking, too emotionally overstimulated from finally being able to kiss those lips he had longed for, for years. He poured his comforting love into each kiss, trying to cement those feelings into Cyno.
'Everything will be alright' the kiss said. 'Your feelings are real and they aren't an issue' the pecks upon a tanned face told.
Because the outcome was; Cyno was now Tighnari's and Tighnari was his.