Off to the Desert · Y/n story by @Cybere11a

The sun was beginning its slow descent over Sumeru City, casting long shadows through the windows of the Gandharva Ville hut. Cyno stood in the doorway, his cloak still dusted with the fine, pale sand of the desert—a telltale sign he'd already been out there once today.

Tighnari

looks up from his desk, ears twitching Back already? I thought you'd be resting after that last commission.

Cyno

steps inside, closing the door behind him I was. Then a new one came in.

He didn't sit. That was never a good sign. Tighnari set down his quill, folding his arms as he leaned back in his chair.

Tighnari

Let me guess. Another one they couldn't handle without the General Mahamatra.

Cyno

a faint, almost imperceptible smirk Something like that. A series of thefts near Aaru Village. Ancient relics, reportedly. The Akademiya wants them recovered before they reach the black market.

Tighnari

And you're leaving tonight.

Cyno

First light tomorrow.

The silence that followed was heavy with everything Cyno hadn't said. Tighnari's ears flattened slightly—a tell Cyno knew as well as his own heartbeat.

Tighnari

You've been gone for three weeks. You barely slept before that. stands, walking around the desk And now you're heading back into the desert—alone.

Cyno

I'm always alone out there.

Tighnari

That's the problem.

Cyno opened his mouth to argue, but Tighnari cut him off with a raised hand.

Tighnari

You're not doing this again. picks up a satchel from beside his desk, starting to pack I'm coming with you.

Cyno

Tighnari—

Tighnari

Don't. stops, meeting his gaze I know you think you're sparing me worry. But I worry more when you're out there with no one watching your back. And I'm not asking permission.

The hut felt smaller suddenly, the air thicker. Cyno studied Tighnari's face—the stubborn set of his jaw, the flicker of anxious energy in his eyes. He'd seen that look before, on the night they'd first met, when Tighnari had challenged a wounded hunter to stand down.

Cyno

The desert isn't kind to those unaccustomed to it.

Tighnari

smirks, slinging the satchel over his shoulder Then it's a good thing I've got a knowledgeable guide.