#elliwrites

[ellitx]

Entrapment | Alastor x Reader

Okay, hear me out. Alastor being a darling husband he is with his darling wifey is cute and all, but what about a darling wanting to escape from Alastor himself?

word count: 2.3k

warnings: alastor is enough to be a warning already, depictions of blood and gore, toxic and unhealthy dynamic

When you were still alive, he always had his eyes on you and controlled you like his little puppet. You hated it, you hated being commanded and controlled for every little thing you did and if you even dared run away from him, he’d always manage to find you. You hate every atomic part of his existence so much that you’d be willing to kill yourself just so you could escape and get that taste of freedom.

But you can’t and he won’t let you.

Alastor would never allow the tip of the knife nor even a simple piece of office equipment reach your hands. And if someone has the audacity to touch his play toy, it’s time to say goodbye.

You know he’s a malicious murderer, and he knows that you know about it. If you’re feeling brave enough to tell it to the police then go ahead, because by the time you report this to them and leave the station, the next day you find yourself throwing up yesterday’s dinner upon hearing the cops were all dead.

No one will ever believe you that the infamous radio host of your city is a murderer. For a puny citizen like you, what power do you hold to convince everyone? They’ll laugh it off and say you’re crazy.

But it’s crazier how they are all deceived by the facade he puts on. His knife plunged into the chest of your coworker, their blood spluttering on his cheek.

Alastor’s wide smile was strained and wicked, the image of the blood dripping from your head and lips when he entered the broadcasting booth was as clear as his collection of polished knives.

The audacity to lay a hand on you and push you down the stairs. Do they have the right to push you off? Of course not! He’s the only one who could torment you until you break!

He’s the only one who could tarnish your being and leave a wounded mark on your soul and heart, a reminder for you there’s no one but himself who could make you so powerless and helpless.

Do they have the right to make you so confused? To put all the blame on you, as if you were the worst person in the world? To try their best to tear you apart piece by piece? Because, after all, it’s always the fault of someone else, right? The audacity to hurt you more than any human has ever hurt another human being before… The nerve to be sure you will never find true happiness again because you're now scarred for life.

He thrust the blade again, the rains of scarlet droplets continued to pour until his face and glasses were doused.

But he didn’t let it hinder him from making sure they were as good as dead. He lifted his head and took a glimpse at the sky above. It was gloomy, gray, and dark. Not much sunshine.

Alastor smiled, stabbing the knife at the corpse's chest before wiping off his glasses with his clean napkin. Then an idea clicked onto him.

It's the perfect time to give you a little visit.

He laughed under his breath and stood up straight.

He knew his outfit was not in good condition, but oh well... Perhaps, he’d instead leave a gift for you on your porch. Oh, how he wished he could make an unexpected appearance, just to witness the shock and horror on your face as Alastor comes to the hospital drenched in a coat of glistening crimson.

The anticipation of your reaction fueled his excitement, the more he thought about it, the bigger his grin became. If this would truly happen, it will surely be a sight to behold.

Still fragile from your time in the hospital, you stepped through the threshold of your home.

You missed the sight of its familiar structure, the only space you feel safe and protected, away from Alastor and your colleagues.

A sense of relief washed over you. The familiar sights and comforting aura of your own space enveloped you like a warm embrace. But something was different, something unexpected awaited you.

There on the polished surface of your entryway sat an elegantly wrapped box, its rich paper adorned with intricate patterns and tied with a luxurious ribbon. Your fingers traced the smooth edges of the packaging and you checked for any signs who sent it. Alas, no name was found.

Who could have left this for you? And why now, upon your return from the hospital?

You had a bad feeling about it.

As you carefully untied the ribbon and peeled back the layers of paper, you stared wide-eyed at the contents hidden within.

Severed limbs, skin deathly pale and stiff.

Your stomach turned violently and you threw the box away from you, the gift spilling across the floor.

"Oh god, oh my god, what the fuck?!"

You were shaking. What was this? Was this a threat? A sick joke? Your heart thudded heavily in your chest, each beat pounding like thunder. You took a step back and stumbled, falling hard to the floor.

It didn't stop there.

Wounds inflicted on every part of your body, the scars on you began to open, rendering the healing done by doctors and nurses useless.

Wounds made by knives, claws, scissors, guns. Every imaginable instrument of torture. You cried out loud. Your voice pierced the quiet of the night, disturbing the tranquility of the neighborhood.

It was a perpetual and horrid nightmare. Just closing your eyes for even a millisecond, the image of his wide creepy smile flashed before you. You could hear his dark cackles, enjoying the sight of your vulnerable form as he tormented you in and out of your work.

“Run as far as you want, dear. In the end, I’ll always be ahead of you.”

The worst part was not knowing when he would strike next. He could appear anywhere at any time.

And it was all because of his sick game.

You didn't know what to do anymore. How long did you have to keep running from him? How many more days did you have to hide from the world? You were so tired of this, tired of having to live in fear of the monster that hunted you.

But God had finally heard your pleas and granted the wish you’ve been wanting for so long. So when the news came to you that the notorious radio host was dead, relief and happiness flooded every vein in your body.

You rejoiced, celebrating the death of the one who had terrorized you for a long time.

The nightmare was finally over.

The radio station was sullen by the news of their popular host, but you didn’t care. Your work became more efficient. You didn’t feel the need to be so wary and anxious by every move you made in the station. You have finally gained your freedom and the chain that was tied to him has shattered.

This was the best thing you could ever ask for.

Even on your deathbed, it was the best dream. Years without Alastor torturing and tormenting you was bliss. A man’s greatest wealth of freedom.

But then, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare, for it was never over. The demon who you thought was dead rose once again. It was only then you realized that he was never human in the first place. He was a monster.

And now, it was you who were caught in his web.

"My, what a wonderful reunion. Did you miss me, darling?”

The demon before you was mysterious.

Unfamiliar.

But his aura and voice screamed for you, the alarms in your body ringing, to run away from him as far as you possibly can.

The wide smile plastered on his face was all too familiar. Too familiar to be hated in the living and the dead. You’d be a fool if you didn’t recognize it.

You knew who he was. You just kept on denying what was the truth, brushing all the facts laid before you beneath the rag, and keeping your pretty little head away from the politics of Hell.

A demon who is powerful, dangerous, and cruel.

A demon who was feared by the other demons in Hell. A demon who is not to be messed with.

Alastor. The Radio Demon.

It was a miracle, or rather a curse, that you were brought back to life. But now you are a prisoner to this Hell. Trapped inside an inescapable cage with a dangerous beast, you could only hope that your second death would come quickly and peacefully.

But it seemed that fate was not on your side, and Alastor was the ever cruel demon. He did not scar you easily and instead prolonged your suffering, making your life a living torture.

Beads of sweat rolled from your temple. Your hands began to tremble and you felt yourself slowly succumbing to your fear. You had nowhere to go, nowhere to hide.

You were cornered, trapped.

Alastor had you where he wanted.

You watched him closely, eyes locked on him and every single movement. If he did something, you would see it.

"Are you frightened, dear?" he asked. His eyes met yours and he smiled. "There is no need to be afraid."

"Stay back! Don't touch me!" you shouted at him. The corners of his lips curled up, his smile turning sinister.

"Now, now, let's not act too hastily."

His gloved hand reached out and caressed your cheek, sending shivers down your spine. His red eyes bore into your soul, burning with hunger.

You couldn't bear to look at him. You didn't want him touching you.

"Don't," you whimpered.

"Don't be afraid. You have no reason to be afraid."

Rivers of tears streamed down your cheeks as the fear overwhelmed you. You didn't want him touching you. This man... He was the same one who hurt you, who ruined you.

"Why? Why are you doing this? Why are you here?"

The smile on his face grew wider.

"Do I need a reason? It’s obvious why we’re here," he replied, cocking his head to the side, eyes piercing through your eyes and consuming every little bit of your reactions in his head.

You gulped and stepped back, trying to create some distance between you and him.

"What are you going to do with me?"

He chuckled. "What a silly question! Would a little reacquaintance hurt?"

Reacquaintance? He was talking like this was a casual meeting. Like you were old friends reuniting. But this was the man who hurt you.

"What's the meaning of this?” You sobbed, shaking your head.

Alastor laughed loudly, his grin never faltering, and it makes you sick he finds everything amusing. An entertainment for his delight.

"You never fail to amuse me, dear. Aren’t you the one who killed me?” His antlers grew, his pupils changed to radio dials and his shadow stretched out of him, becoming more demonic in appearance.

You trembled. Your heart beat faster, your legs felt weak, and your mouth was dry.

"I... I…."

He stepped closer, and you stepped back.

Nothing came out of your lips. The words you wanted to say were stuck in your throat. You didn't want to look him in the eyes but his gaze held your chin up high, forcing you to face him. He smiled, and his eyes turned back to normal.

The knees that kept you upright gave in, unable to stabilize you any longer as your body slumped onto the rough pavement.

"Oh, darling," he sighed, the radio static in his voice disappeared as he crouched down. 

Your gaze remained fixed on the ground, avoiding any chance encounter with Alastor's piercing stare. Instead, your eyes trailed to his cane, a silent witness to the tense atmosphere between you.

You dared not meet those fiery red optics that seemed to delve into the depths of your very being, dissecting every nuance of your expression. Fingers clenched tightly, you seek some form of solace in the texture of the barren earth beneath you, as though it could take you amidst the storm brewing within.

Alastor took your chin between his fingers and delighted your vulnerable form. Your eyes were bloodshot and puffy and cheeks stained with tears.

"Fate has intertwined us together, dear. Run from me, I’ll always find you."

You didn't know what was more cruel—being brought to hell when you only wished for peace or being toyed around with him after death.

The nightmare you once thought had finally ceased returned to resume its cycle in the afterlife.

"I'll never get away from you..." You said, voice low and wavering. All hope was lost and so was your faith to continue living in this fiery pit of Hell.

"That's right. Good girl," He patted your head, taking a few strands of your hair and twirling it between his fingers. You fought the impulse to recoil, suppressing the urge to swat his hand away. 

The consequence of such defiance weighed heavily on your mind; after all, provoking one of hell's overlords was a gamble you weren't willing to take. So you held your ground, masking your inner turmoil beneath a facade of obedience, unsure of what consequences awaited should you dare to challenge the infernal authority before you.

In the dim light, his hand tenderly brushed away the tear tracing its path down your cheek. But as your eyes met his, a glint of something primal flickered in the darkness, casting an eerie glow upon his sharp, yellowed teeth.

Upon the moonlight, his crimson irises blazed like embers, drawing you into their hypnotic depths with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine.

"But fear not, darling. I can promise you a good time. And now that I found you again, we can pick up from where we left off. It will be just like old times."

[onthewaytotimbuktu]

It’s one of those days were I’m trying so hard to tell myself ‘you are not behind in life’ just because a friend had a baby and in my friends group from HS 2 are married and 1 has a successful Job

And here am I, not working at the moment and just living day to day, not being productive at all. And I’m failing to get out of this slump and all I do is eat, read and sleep

I am thankful for this time, i know it won’t be like this forever. Soon enough it will be back to working long hours in the hospital, but today I’m feeling anxious

[saintchaser]

the ones who know me from back when i was jamiesimps elliwrites or siriiius are the real ones

[elliandhercats]

My thoughts on Child Labor in the Philippines

I think it's part of our culture to compare ourselves to those people, especially kids already working as young as 7 years old. From telenovelas to the stories of our grandparents or even our own parents. 

It is safe to say that at least once in our life we heard comparisons from adults like, 

"Tingnan mo 'yang bata, buti pa siya nagtatrabaho para sa pamilya."

We always consider it as 'inspiration porn', when in fact, it is proof that we have a broken system. Hence, we usually attack those people who are trying to change the system and call them ungrateful. Not knowing that they are changing the system for the majority (yes, including those kids who badly need help) not just for themselves. They are calling out those people who are supposed to be in charge of fixing the system but hey, we are, attacking them because they are 'ungrateful'. That they should work to fend for themselves. Sure, they can but what about the voiceless? What about those people, especially kids who are not aware of their rights? 

Who will speak for them? 

Who will fight for them?

Although it is good for some people who've experienced labor at an early age are now successful, you still don't have to be continuously blinded by the success stories because CHILD LABOR IS NOT RIGHT. 

So, what can we do about it? 

- Firstly, don't use child labor as inspiration porn for the other kids to guilt-trip them to do household chores or to study harder. Instead, educate them about the child's rights or at least motivate them to study well to fix the system in the future. 

- Be compassionate and sensitive.

- Educate yourself by reading legit articles or even our constitution.

- Sex Education is needed too since most of the family who is practicing child labor doesn't have enough knowledge with family planning and such. Ask your barangays to conduct seminars and programs regarding sex education/ family planning.

- Call out and held the people who are supposed to be fixing the system but not doing anything at all, accountable.

- If you can, you may educate other people with the knowledge you've acquired regarding the topic. 

- Organize drives or at least volunteer.

 - Donate to NGOs with visions helping children.

- or simply by sharing fact-checked articles or posts to at least make your circle be aware of what is happening around you.

How can our children be the future if we're depriving them of freedom and their own rights?

[littlequeers]

zepeto rp news!

so we have dorcas (@elliwrites), sirius (@enbysiriusblack), remus

(@fire-balls-wiftie), IiIy (@royalty-of-fandoms), mary (@cameronnx) and james (me) ^^

we need a peter, a gay marlene and others (like regulus, the others in the gang, snape, and parents are welcomed as well!

if you make yourself an account, you can message any of us (preferably elli or scar) (on tumblr)

also tell us your user so we can find you!

for anything, our users are remoony, scar, casmeadowes, MacDuck, pr0ngs and i can't remember lily's :')

[ellitx]

Pls share those yandere Alastor concepts with us sometime! No rush and no specific request at this point, but I would love to see more of what’s on your mind, I really enjoyed the first one! :)

Yandere Alastor concepts

well this isn’t really a spoiler per se but i suppose i’ll give everyone a preview of Alastor and darling’s relationship since it’s going to be mentioned a lot (albeit in little details) in the upcoming stories

first part | second part | third part

word count: 1.4k

warnings: fem!reader

Before arriving at hell:

Alastor and darling are colleagues in the radio station they worked at.

She works as the scriptwriter and is in charge of creating the scripts for him (mostly for the weekly Saturday gossip)

Eventually, the longer you worked together, the less Alastor needed a script since he’s good at ad libbing

But he finds an excuse he needs one so you can visit his office and give it to him. For example, he needs a proper guideline for his upcoming broadcast

Most of the time he’ll invite you for a coffee inside and you’re worried your boss may find you slacking off the longer you stay, but Alastor reassures you it’s still job related discussion

He’d offer you a cup and you happily accept it

Once he knows you also prefer teas, expect there are several options prepared (mostly coffee cuz he doesn’t like teas)

After work, if it’s getting too late, he’d offer to walk you back home, AND he even gestures to you to hold onto his arm which you really find it sweet

Now Alastor’s a real gentleman. You find that very charming and you brush off his little touches such as his hands lingering a little longer when giving his script or when he stands next to you while the producer tells you the new ideas and his arm is brushing over yours

But Alastor can never forget the time you patted his head and praised him

He was flabbergasted. Shocked even. His smile was stiff like a mask. Then he looked away from your gaze and quickly walked towards the door

You were worried if you did something wrong due to his abrupt departure. Maybe he wasn’t comfortable being treated like that more than you thought

If only you knew what was going on in his mind…

The next day he was back to his usual self, but more chirpy and lively. It somehow unnerved you but you disregarded such thought and waved at him.

As usual with work life, you wrote the new script, your producer stayed back to give suggestions on how to improve the script, and Alastor was supposed to prepare himself for the recording.

Nope.

He stayed and tweaked the script. He would brush against you, giving you small jolts each time, and every time you subtly turned around, his glazed eyes met yours and you quickly returned to your typewriter.

His gaze is more intense. As if a hawk is waiting for their prey to take a step out of line. When you turned your face away, Alastor continued to watch you from behind. Your heart was beating so fast, you wished you could leave the booth and go back to the comfort of your house.

After the success of the latest episode, you weren’t expecting an invitation for a nightcap, especially coming from the infamous radio host. With the recent market crash making stable income a rarity, you found yourself hesitating.

Yet Alastor was persistent and he insisted on footing the bill. The urge to decline was strong, yet as you opened your mouth to refuse, his expression shifted, his eyes darkening slightly while his never-faltering grin remained unchanged.

“How could you refuse him?” Your inner voice scolded.

Before you know it, you find yourself at a speakeasy, a glass of chilled whiskey appears before you. You followed the trail of the arm, a long white sleeve covering the muscles you didn’t know were toned.

Has he always been this well-built?

“Is whiskey not to your liking, dear?” Alastor’s voice cut you off from your nonsensical thoughts.

Your gaze never took off from the glass.

I prefer beverages with a lighter touch than whiskey.

You mentally chastised yourself.

You heard a light chuckle, the wood creaking once he took the seat next to yours. The glass clinked as the small cubes danced along the waves.

“Hm, so my guess was right you prefer light alcohol over heavy ones.” The radio host remarked.

Your eyes widened, hands clamping over to your delicate lips. Did you just say that out loud?

“What’s wrong with wanting light alcohol?” The edge in your voice stung the other. His eyes narrowed ever so slightly at your remark in amusement.

“I never said it’s wrong to like light drinks,” Alastor swirled his glass before taking a small sip.

Your glass was still untouched, although curiosity was gnawing away at you.

“Why don’t you take a sip? It won’t hurt,” He offered.

Glancing at the burning amber liquid reminded you of the fate that awaited anyone who would be careless enough to get their drink mixed up. The cold droplets made you shiver slightly as they drifted along the sides of the glass.

You pushed the glass to him, “You can have it. I don’t want to get a headache when I still have to work on a new script tomorrow.”

Alastor gazed at your liquor. The jazz music of the bar was a nice touch after a tiring day, yet his visage that reflected beneath the soft glow of the speakeasy said otherwise.

“You’ll be working with Clyde?” There was a sharp tone in his voice.

When did he start caring about what you do?

Alastor looked past you, his eyes narrowed dangerously. That person whom you had previously mistaken for just another co-worker seemed more sinister, ready to pounce on any of your weaknesses. Was it because you rejected his invitation earlier?

“Yes,” you nodded meekly, shifting against your seat as you avoided making contact with his eyes. “The producer told me they want a new broadcast for our station. Like a theatrical drama rather than the weekly hearsay from our listeners,” you explained.

A loud crashing sound resounded within the small bar and you flinched, instinctively recoiling at the piercing noise and you gasped upon noticing a blood trailing from Alastor’s hand.

His drink which was half-empty was now dripping on the counter mixing with the blood that seeped through his hand.

“Alastor! For goodness sake, I just bought that!” A shrill voice shouted from the other side of the counter. A short woman in a flapper dress clicked her tongue and ordered the barkeeper to clean the mess.

“Pardon me for the unpleasant commotion. I didn’t mean to shatter the glass.” Alastor opened his palm and it felt like someone had suddenly slammed a brick wall right across your face.

The sight was sickeningly frightening.

You rummaged through your purse and took out your handkerchief, carefully removing the small glasses pricking into his skin.

He observed your careful ministrations with keen interest, a slight thrill shooting through him as your fingers grazed his. It was like experiencing a treat, each touch sending a wave of unfamiliar sensations coursing through him. Sweet yet sour.

The corner of his lips tugged, almost reaching his eyes. Your pale face, trembling hands, tightened jaw, stumbling words of assurance as you asked for medical assistance— he watched your face intently to catch every subtlety of your expression. He wants to devour every single bit, drink it, absorb it, consume it, nibble on it…

You cleaned up the last bits of blood oozing from his left palm, and he clasped your hand in his unblemished one, holding it firmly as he lifted your knuckles to his lips.

A broad grin spread across his face, reminiscent of the Cheshire cat's, and you couldn't shake the feeling that behind his dark eyes lurked a hint of mischief. It was a smile that seemed to dance between sweetness and something more sinister, leaving you both intrigued and slightly unnerved.

His lips that brushed against your skin provoked a shiver running down your spine, a cold realization settling in your bones. It lurked a darkness that sent a chill through your soul, leaving you with a sinking feeling.

—

After the small night of drinking, you promised to call Alastor later. You thanked him and hurried back home.

On the way, your thoughts are continuously turning into worry and fears. You asked yourself: why do you feel so uncomfortable around him? What makes you feel like you’re in danger?

Were you overthinking this? Maybe. But you couldn't shake off the uneasiness inside you.

Did he plan to hurt you? No, no way. It would be impossible since he was an impeccable gentleman.

This fear of the unknown and dread that gnawed at you will be the root of your sleepless night.

[ellitx]

Pussy Drunk | Venti x Reader

masterlist

art belongs to: 1o8k_

word count: 1.4k

warnings: fem!reader, nsfw content ahead

A warm sensation, trickling wet and warm breath, was what woke you up. You could hardly see in this dark room, with only the faint light from your window being the source, but you could see a dark tousled hair and hear faint hums.

You tried to focus your sight in this dark but once again found that there was something between your legs. That, and your moans had increased since your brain had finally awoken from its deep slumber.

Then your eyes opened fully. You immediately shut them, feeling embarrassed by what you were seeing.

Were you dreaming? Perhaps, but it felt too real to be a dream. A tongue was pushed inside your pussy and you moaned deeply. The other hand found its way to your breast and began kneading it slowly.

You recognized those hands, the way he’d reach up to your chest and fondle them yet you forced yourself to shut your eyes tightly. Venti continued eating you out, moving his face closer to yours until you felt him biting your clit. He must have taken off your panties because now you felt the cool air coming from outside.

And then he lifted his head and looked into your eyes as he smiled wickedly. “The princess finally woke up,” he said with a hint of teasing tone in it.

It was difficult to look at him in the eyes when there were your juices staining his lips and dripping on his chin. He licked his lips, savoring your taste before diving back to his haven.

“Don’t mind me. I was just getting my daily dose of you,” he whispered against your weeping sex. “Did you know you taste so good?” His blunt question made you red, warm, and hot at the same time, you deliberately convulsed.

You didn’t reply but a whimper. Venti smirked and trailed his fingers down your belly to your dripping lips.

He gave it a quick lick before shoving two fingers inside your cunt. You tried to hold back, you wanted him to do it properly but he already seemed too lost in his own pleasure.

“Hmm,” he moaned. “Could do this all day to you, princess.” He thrust his fingers in and out while he lapped your insides. You held onto his head, squirming and shivering and he opened your legs wider to get more access which allowed him to run his tongue upward across your slit—filling his mouth once again with your intoxicating taste.

Reaching your clit, he swirled his tongue around it several times before giving it the light-sucking motion he knew would drive you absolutely crazy.

Not slowing down, he pulled his head back slightly and began to truly eat you out, his tongue flicking over your folds in rapid succession. At the same time, his two fingers deep inside you curled to stimulate your G-spot while his tongue attacked your clit. Venti was determined to make you cum like crazy, to drive you completely insane in a fog of pure pleasure.

Your moans turned loud and louder, your breaths short and ragged. Your climax was almost here, your body trembling.

“Venti…I’m gonna cum!” you gasped as the orgasm hit you. You arched your back, forcing your body forward as your legs gripped Venti’s head.

Venti ravaged you like a madman, leaving no drops behind as he drank all of them. The noisy slurps, the moans vibrating against you, his fingers digging into your skin— it was all too much. You gripped the bedsheets and buried your face in the pillow.

To be woken up like this startled you but that orgasm felt too good. You were so warm and hot, that not even the night breeze was enough to cool your burning post-orgasm body.

But you’re too sheepish to admit it to him, more so to beg and ask him to ravish you more until you won’t feel your legs anymore. 

He cleaned up your juices with his tongue before covering your lips in kisses. “You’re so delicious, angel,” he murmured between your thighs as he licked his way up. His hands roamed over your curves, tracing each contour, enjoying the sensation of your soft skin against his fingers. 

“Look at me,” though a mess, you hear him faintly. “Look at me, [Name].” He repeated and so you obliged reluctantly, meekly gazing at him below you. You saw his face as his breathing calmed, calm despite the fact he spent minutes on you— probably even hours— and was probably exhausted from lack of sleep.

His gaze went back to your eyes and he let go of your thighs, letting his arms drop to his sides. He crawled over you and lifted your shirt until it rested above your chest.

You shivered from the cool air hitting you, your breasts now in their glorious bareness to him. Venti stroked them gently and moved lower until he reached your core. With one long finger, he dipped into you and you cried out.

“There, there…that feels so good. Let’s see if we can make it feel even better,” he teased you. He slid his finger inside, rubbing around your walls and feeling your inner muscles spasm. Your breathing became heavier and harder as your arousal built up.

He continued, moving his finger deeper each time. He bit your shoulder hard enough to leave marks but he didn’t stop, he simply intensified it. “Gods, you are so fucking cute,” he muttered as he nipped your earlobe.

You moaned, hiding your face in the crook of his neck while you wrapped yourself around him. He softly kissed your jaw, littering it with small kisses and bites, then he traveled downwards to your chest, treating them the same as before but with an added groping and squeezing from his free hand.

With one finger, he circled your nipple and took it between his lips. They puckered instantly at his rough kiss, another moan escaped your lips.

Licking and sucking every inch of them, he teased your nipples constantly switching one to another. He sucked them firmly, tugging lightly while his fingers worked in and out of your slick pussy. The pleasure was building and building, the knot in your tummy beginning to tighten the further he stimulated you.

Venti’s voice was husky, full of lust. “You don’t know the things you do to me,” he groaned when he felt your insides flexing in his fingers. “Sleeping beauty will never sleep again.”

You tightened your grip around his hips, moaning as he circled your sensitive bud. “You love this, right? Love what I’m doing to your body?” he asked, watching you intently as he switched to your other breast.

A soft cry escaped your lips. You couldn’t speak. All you could do was pant and gulp for air as your body racked with tremors. You screamed when he moved his fingers faster and harder in your gummy walls, opening and motioning them in every possible way he could think to reach your depths.

You held onto his shoulders for dear life, tears streaming from your eyes as you cried his name. “Ven—Venti— oh! Hah… Hmm, good. S’good...”

You babbled every praise your poor head could think of amidst these lust-filled thoughts. You crave more of him, more of his mouth and his hands; you want his dick inside of you, pumping away to your clit until you have a mind-blowing orgasm that leaves you limp and helpless on the bed.

Venti kept going, his fingers thrusting into you again and again as his tongue continued to lap, swirl, and lick. The words coming from your lips died off, turning instead to a constant, vibrating moan as your body shook from orgasm after orgasm.

Sweat dripped down on Venti’s forehead. His whole body ached and his limbs were numb. But he didn’t stop moving. He went faster, harder, until you were in a toe-curling state of pleasure from merely his mouth and fingers.

Until you coat his fingers with your cum.

Until he eats and drinks and gulps down all of your womanly essence.

Until his dick throbbed in his shorts from arousal, hardening and dripping with pre-cum.

Until he could fill you with his seeds till the end of the day.

Oh, to turn you in this kind of state is an achievement only he could succeed. In the end, he couldn't help but revel in the satisfaction of his sweet angel begging for the great reverie of her beloved archon.

[ellitx]

Chapter 17: Ludi Harpastum 2

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁

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art belongs to: srr_yo

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          Venti steadied his breath, trying to calm the adrenaline rush of his nerves and the palpitation of his heart. He strides long and fast, searching for a place with less crowds and far from the main venue.

           “Ven—  Venti— wait!”

           Your pleas went deaf to his ears. You tried to keep up with his pace but he was too fast. Even if he was dragging you along with him, it was getting too much for you. Your wrist hurts so much. And you can feel the stems of the flower bracelet piercing through your skin because of the tight pressure.

           “Venti!” You cried out as loud as you could. But it was useless. He just kept running away from the venue where you both were supposed to celebrate the festival together. You tried to free yourself from his strong clutch but it wasn’t budging.

           “Please stop, Venti!"

           The bard paused, finally stopping in his tracks. You gulped heavily, catching your breath from keeping up with him. The pain on your wrist suddenly became bearable – maybe because of how much you've been suppressing it for some time now.

           “What’s wrong? Why did you suddenly run away from the city?” You asked in between your heavy breaths. 

           Venti turned to look at you, concern written in his eyes.

           “I…”

           I don’t want you to meet them. He thought. 

           He wished he could say that and yet you'd have no idea what he means by it.

           "I just need to get some fresh air." He lied.

           Venti hates lying. He doesn't want to lie to you. It's like killing the relationship he had already established. To keep you safe, he would tell infinite lies if he had to. He does believe in honesty, yet his love for you is his supreme first principle.

           “I-is that so? I was worried we left Mondstadt when we were supposed to find a different game.” You pouted.

           Venti smiled, relieved that you didn't ask him more questions about his sudden shift of behavior. But he wasn’t relieved when he saw small trails of blood dripping down the arm he was holding. Venti, in great panic, released your wrist and gently cleaned the smears of blood ruining your skin. 

           “Shoot, I’m sorry, I… I didn’t mean to...”

           His gaze immediately turned despondent and miserable. He felt his knees giving up as drops of your blood stained his own palm.

           Why…

           He asked himself. 

           Why is everything turning out this way?

           Venti was supposed to be enjoying this celebration with you and yet he himself was the one ruining it. Biting his lip, he fought the urge to cry.

           “I-I’m sorry, I...”

           He held your bloodied hand between his and healed it with Anemo. His chest stung. He can feel the marks in his chest burning. He can sense how hurt you are.

           How did I turn out this way…?

           His vision blurred heavily. Tears spilled over and flowed down his face like a river escaping a dam. No matter how much he wanted to hold back his cries, a small drop of tear fell on the back of his hand.

           “How… did I…”

           When did I make a wrong turn? What was my mistake?

           The more Venti thought about it, the more confused he got. How could he be so careless that he would end up hurting someone he loved? He was supposed to protect you, not hurt you.

           He only wanted someone to love and could be loved. However, he wasn’t able to become this person.

           “Venti, hey,” you cupped his cheeks and pressed your temple with his, gazing deeply into his watery emerald eyes as you hushed him. “It’s fine. It doesn’t hurt that badly.” 

           You reassured and tried to smile but the pain in your wrist made it difficult for you to do so. It hurts to see you smile through the pain. With hurry, he used more of his anemo vision to heal you. 

           “I’m sorry…” He apologized, his voice wavering as he turned away from you to hide his red face and disorganized visage.

           “Venti, don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong." You assured him gently, pulling at his chin. "It's okay, you know?"

           "I'm really sorry," Venti whispered and averted his gaze, hiding his face from you.

           "No, please look at me. I'm right here." You smiled softly, taking his hands in yours again.

           "What if I'm no good for you anymore?" Venti asked with a trembling voice, still avoiding eye contact with you. "What if I've ruined everything we had?"

           Your breath hitched and at loss for words he’d think of that. Is that why he’s so apprehensive when he left the plaza? All this day, he’d been overthinking of the relationship the two of you have bloomed. You pulled him in safe and tight and you wouldn’t let go for a long time.

           Venti’s breath was taken away, not from the squeeze but from the realization that your arms were finally around him.

           Carding your fingers through his short dark hair, you whispered in his ear, “You know I always love you. Even your imperfections.”

           Even my imperfections…

           He repeated to himself. Burying his head on your shoulder, he snuggled closer and he held onto your bare back. He pressed on the teal mark he implanted on your skin and traced it lovingly with his thumb. 

           The guilt is slowly eating him up. Every second, he fears you’ll know the truth he’s been hiding from you. Every minute, he fears Aether will approach you. And every time he thinks of these, he fears you’d leave him all alone, abandoned and deserted where he can’t feel your warm love anymore.

           “Come on, let’s go back to Mondstadt.” You helped him stand up and fixed his attire from his hat to his cape until he’s well-kept and tidy. “You still have to take the title of Champion of Ludi Harpastum, don’t you?”

           It was an attempt to make it lighthearted and Venti appreciated it. Smiling shyly, he nodded and took your hand to embrace it with his.

 —

            Briefly, a dark, wispy cloud eclipsed the crescent moon. For a few shadowy moments, it looked like there was a halo around the cloud, a dull aura of lunar luminescence. Lights were flickering in the distance as you walked with Venti back to Mondstadt.

           Even at this hour, the lively energy never seems to cease. The people are still crowded and much busier than at day. Now that the taverns were open, the men have flocked there to drink Angel’s Share’s signature wine. You saw a little cat girl, scolding a man with similar features as hers before she took the bottle from him.

           There is an air of celebration everywhere, from the sounds of merriment and laughter to the smells of food and incense. You feel a sense of joyous anticipation in the streets as if everyone is anticipating something grand.

           With each step you take, you felt like time had slowed down. Venti’s cape fluttered behind him as you followed his lead. 

           You hear the clink of coins as they rattled against each other or a jingle of jewelry as women walked by. You also saw people putting on makeup, choosing outfits, and doing their hair. Some wore robes while others dressed more casually.

           The more you lay your eyes on his back, the more your heart raced. 

           So warm…

           You smiled to yourself lightly.

           Our treasured celebration together. I hope I can make some fun memories with Venti.

           One moment the road is there, wide open and safe, the next there are loud noises, individuals flocking together and pushing themselves to push through the crowd to reach their desired destination. A little girl came rushing, her little boots pattering against the ground, and crashed onto as due to your deep thought of admiration on what’s in front of you.

           It is the equivalent of looking without seeing, a form of loving blindness.

           The girl fell on the ground, dragging you along with her as her red hat fell off of her head. The sound of the ruckus didn’t cease and you turned around to see if anyone was hurt.

           “Ouchie…”

           She grumbled, rubbing her left shoulder while she tried to get up from the ground. You feel bad for being so distracted and seeing her carrying a big bag added more salt to your wound.

           “Are you okay?" You crouched to reach her height and assisted her. "I’m so sorry! Are you hurt? Do you have any injuries?"

           "No..." She shook her head before noticing that the contents of her bag fell out of her hands. "Oh no!" exclaimed her, as she quickly gathered the fallen item. From the ground was a ball with unique patterns and small rabbit-like objects.

           "Klee, I told you to stay close to me." A voice chimed in and you looked up to see a young man with pale blond hair and teal eyes. He knelt down and assisted the young girl, collecting all the bunny objects before keeping them inside the big backpack.

           Concerned, you assisted her in collecting the small toys, feeling bad for bumping into her and causing a commotion in the middle of the street. “I’m so sorry! I wasn’t looking where I was going!” Your voice had a noticeable regret in it and as you grabbed the other toy bunny, another hand came in and took it before you could.

           It was the same young man. Fortunately, that was the last item and you didn’t have to worry about wondering where the rest went. 

           “That's ok! Thanks for helping, Miss!" She spoke up with a wide and bright smile as if the sun appeared before you in the middle of the night. She then turned her attention back to the young man next to her. "I’m sorry too, Albedo..."

           “It’s not me you should be apologizing to, Klee.” He shook his head and glanced at you. Klee’s eyes sparked understanding of what he meant. She turned her head and fiddled with her small fingers, feeling shy to face the lady before her.

           “I’m sorry for bumping into you, Miss…”

           “Oh no, you shouldn't apologize for something like this. It doesn’t matter who is at fault here, we both made a mistake.” You smiled, trying to put an end to the tension.

           “You're right! Thank you, Miss!”

           “I'm glad you're alright. Are you doing well?" You patted her big red hat and she nuzzled onto your palm, her heart beginning to warm at the fuzzy feeling she’s having.

           “Yes! I haven't seen you around this city yet, Miss. Are you from a foreign land?” Shaking your head, you offered her a sweet and shy smile. “I’m a Mondstadtian too. And it feels… new to me see the city so lively and full of life…”

           Unlike the previous city you’ve lived in where only cries and struggling to survive in the bloody battles endlessly echoed in your head. But you don’t want to ruin this joyful evening with your dark thoughts. It’s time to leave the past and move on.

           “Hehe, it feels great to finally meet someone so kind and nice. You even helped me gather all the things I need for the Ludi Harpastum. This is the first time Dodoco and I ever felt so happy when playing with my friends!” Klee showed you her stuffed rabbit doll and you can’t help but coo at their cuteness. 

           She hopped and took your hand in hers while her already sparkling red eyes shone even brighter than you can imagine. “Klee and Dodoco want to play with you, Miss!”

           “I appreciate the thought but sadly I need to get going and reunite with my partner…”

           You turned your head, however, seeing the mass flock of Mondstadians celebrating and no signs of them dissipating was hard for you to find where Venti was. 

           I might get myself lost if I go there!!

           You internally cried. 

           “However, I don��t know the routes of this city…” you mumbled. 

           “In that case, would you like to tag along with us? We might cross paths with that partner of yours you have mentioned.” Albedo suggested. 

           “I would love to.” You nodded happily. “I’m [Name] by the way.” You held out your hand to him and the man was quick to grasp your palm into his own. Opening his mouth, he uttered out his name, finally getting to socialize with someone else other than Venti.

           “Albedo, the chief alchemist working for the Knights of Favonius. It’s a pleasure to meet you, [Name].”

 —

            You’ve been walking along the streets together with Klee and Albedo. Yet all this traversing in order to search for Venti was futile… 

           Ludi Harpastum is one of the most anticipated annual events the nation celebrates, as the little elf child has said to you, so searching for him through these crowded areas made it harder for you to squeeze through. Klee noticed how dejected you are and cheered you up by showing you her beloved friend, Dodoco.

           “Hee hee! It's me, Dodoco!" Klee voiced out for her friend and began to spin it around with her and yelped cheerfully. 

           "Dodoco’s going to be the mascot character at Ludi Harpastum this year! I'll be wearing the dress mommy bought for me! Won't that be fun?" Klee explained to you about her friendship with Dodoco while you were both walking around the area, her small hand in yours so she wouldn’t get lost. 

           Klee’s so energetic, her bright smile was so contagious, and there's no doubt she has a lot of friends to play with. Albedo included.

           “For us freedom-loving bards, it is our journey and not our destination we must enjoy.” Under the spotlights, upon that stage, you spotted a man donned in Mondstadt’s traditional outfit with a lyre in his hand. His eyes glinted, grinning at his audience as all eyes were on him and the stage. “At least, that is what I believed for many decades before arriving in Mondstadt.”

           You turned to Klee and saw her eyes sparkle in wonder and awe at the stage play being held in the plaza. 

           “What perfect timing. Fortunately, we managed to get here on time to watch the play.” Albedo joined in, standing beside you. His eyes were focused on the actors, intrigued with his arms crossed. 

           “Play?” You questioned, tilting your head.

           “It’s an annual event during the Ludi Harpastum Festival where it depicts the beginning and history of the said event. If I’m not mistaken this one is called "The Wandering Bard”.” He explained to you.

           Your attention returned to the big stage. In the theater, you felt the brain of the screenwriter reaching out to the minds of the audience. 

           “One reason I've decided to stay is that I found Mondstadt to be perfectly faithful to its depiction by Alan the Bard, whose poetry inspires me the most. Its sweet and mysterious secrets are hidden in unknown spots, silently yearning to be discovered. However, if I'm truly honest, my stay in Mondstadt has been extended because of Ludi Harpastum, an annual festival in the city. What a delight! How could I miss out on such an occasion?”

           The actor’s words and emotions are asking questions in the way dreams do, always seeking a pathway to greater love and societal peace. 

           “I once heard a drunk Mondstadt merchant say that when Mondstadt was still but a small village, it was graced by the feather of a free bird, dropped by the beloved Anemo Archon. It was that feather that allowed Mondstadt to become the city it is today.” The setting changed, changing the scene to a mock copy of the plaza with a mimic of the statue situated far from his right.

           “Ever since, a commemoration has taken place every year to thank the Anemo Archon for his blessing. Over time, this commemoration grew to be the huge festival that we all know as Ludi Harpastum. Nowadays, it is fifteen days full of exquisite wine, poetry, music, flowers, and rituals. At this time of the year, the whole city bursts with joy and freedom.”

           It’s just as Venti has said to you, a fifteen-day event full of wine, artistry, and games for everyone to enjoy. Still, you are curious how this event began. You let all your attention to the stage right in front of you, blocking the loud noises of the crowds and cheers of the drunkards from the taverns, and let your eyes and ears consume every word spewed from the actors’ lips.

           “I'm sure that folks nowadays have forgotten about the original sacred aspect of Ludi Harpastum and might see it as a mere succession of lively events, no different from any ordinary festival. However, to us bards with a keen eye for detail, Ludi Harpastum is definitely the best festival in the mystical land of Teyvat. Even an outsider to Mondstadt like me can enjoy the feelings of freedom and independence that are unique to this city in just a short amount of time.”

           “But the true essence of the festival is not only how good the wine is or how beautiful the scenery is. That would be nothing compared to what Ludi Harpastum symbolizes to the people. Behind this joyous occasion hides a dark past even before Vennesa, the Lionfang Knight, founded the Knights of Favonius and became the Grand Master."

           From the other side of the street, Paimon and Aether were walking side-by-side with the little fairy carrying a load of street snacks. Taking a bite of her chicken-mushroom skewer, she gobbled it up whilst Aether squinted his eyes to see a crowd of people gathering. He can see colorful lights from afar which piqued his interest.

           “What’s going on over there?” He mumbled. Paimon hummed and raised an eyebrow not knowing what he meant, but quickly guessed it when she followed where he was looking. Gulping her food, which she can come back to later on, she floated over his head and expressed her amazement.

           “Oooh! That’s the play everyone was anticipating!”

           “Ludi Harpastum play? Isn't it too early for it?"

           “Well, it's happening now!" She exclaimed excitedly. “I didn’t realize it’s already nighttime and it had started already.”

           “Let us go then.”

           Aether and Paimon ran toward the plaza, passing by a group who were waving their hands and applauding the play. Just as they reached the theater, the actors were already starting to perform. 

             During that time, the aristocracy that ruled Mondstadt grew corrupt and abused their power. Gallant dresses and fancy suits sparkled, it’s no doubt only the high status of certain families are allowed to wear dreamy and expensive outfits. They walked side by side with their partners and one woman opened her fan and stared daggers at the commoners.

           Under their reign, Ludi Harpastum was transformed into an event enjoyed only by the wealthy elites. The head of the Lawrence Clan, Lord Lawrence, stepped forward and his long tail suit flapped along his strides as he settled both of his hands on his cane. 

           The commoners shivered at his presence while a few murmured under their breaths, whispering repulsive rumors to one another. But it ceased immediately when the Lord glowered at those pitiful peasants below him.

             It amazes you that such simple actions with no words can entail the atmosphere of the play. He dominates the other actors as if he’s asserting dominance. Well, it is his role to play as the head of that clan.

             The foremost clan among the aristocracy cared not for the enjoyment of the people and canceled all the games, leaving only the climax of the Harpastum. The crowd jeered, anger and bitterness were drawn all over their faces. From their reactions themselves, it is no doubt something controversial must have happened in the Lawrence clan.

           A political dispute? Tyranny? Corruption? You shall know soon enough.

           “However, only Lord Lawrence’s son, Barca Lawrence, had the right to touch that harpastum. Anyone else who dared even approach the ball would immediately face torture.” 

           On the young Lord’s hand was a colorful ball, perhaps the harpastum. Several commoners chased after Barca. They were after the ball than the aristocrat as if they were all desperate to take hold of it, but Barca drew his sword out and swung his weapon, and one by one they all fell down to their deaths. 

           “Tsk tsk tsk. You should know your place, plebeians. A mere touch on my Harpastum, you’ll be met by my sword’s blade.”

           The commoners who had been chasing after the ball scattered in fear upon seeing this display. On top of that, they knew he was an aristocrat; they were afraid to get close enough to him so the ball could roll away from them. 

           They were afraid the poor maiden will suffer and live a misfortune once the disgusting young lord brings her to his sick abode.

             You sneaked a glance at Klee and sensed she was trembling. Out of worry, you held her hand and gently stroked the back of the gloved hand back and forth to calm her. The little girl was taken aback by your small but gentle gesture, but a smile instantly replaced her previous fear. You whispered and reassured her that everything will be alright. 

           For a play like this, it might be too scary for young audiences like Klee. Maybe it’s best to go somewhere else…

             But upon encountering Vennessa the Warrior, Young Lord Barca quivered in fear. Her intimidating figure and her sheer death glare alone were enough for the aristocrat to surrender. But succumbing to her didn’t last long as the warrior had dearly hoped so because later that evening the young Lord returned. With a complacent grin, he spoke:

           “Your clan now belongs to the House of Lawrence! Those who dare defy the clan shall be slaughtered by none other than Ursa the Drake! If you wish to be free, then fight the dragon and the shackles will no longer restrain your humanity.”

           The announcement caused an uproar in the nation. 

           “This is unfair!”

           “You heinous murderers!”

           “You aristocrats are all pathetic!”

           “Give them a fair fight!”

           Despite the public’s holler of protest at his threat, his sadistic grin never faltered. The Lawrence family enjoyed every single second of the show. Their grins grew wider, baring their teeth and cheeks turning red. Their eyes shone with pure ferocious joy and cruelty, cackling loudly when Lord Lawrence released the wyvern from its cage and stormed Vennessa’s people. 

           His actions were met with howls of anguish and curses, but they soon came to realize that this was just another one of their cruel games. 

           Vennessa’s wrath burned brighter, her fiery rage igniting as she fought all monsters, slashing their bodies. She would take any power she could to slay the beast without mercy or hesitation. Though her strength was beyond compare, her opponents remained undeterred. They continued to mock her, even taunting her by killing her clan before her eyes.

           The remaining members of Vennessa's clan became desperate. All hope faded as they saw the battle devolve into a massacre. Her burning heart was fuelled by none other than anger and animosity. She pierced her sword into those monsters, slashing and twisting their bodies until they were burned to ashes. No matter how many enemies she killed, her rage only intensified.

           “I'm not going to let you get away with this!"

           Murderously foul glare was shooted at the tyrannical family but right then and there, Ursa the Drake stepped into the arena. Its giant and imperial figure may be intimidating but the gladiator never cowered. The dragon took a few steps towards Venessa and gazed at the young woman with its glowing yellow eyes. It roared, revealing its sharp fangs and serrated claws.

           Before Vennessa could jump in to protect her tribe from the draconic creature, teal feathers fluttered down from the sky and landed on her head. Instantly, a dazzling blue light filled the arena. Suddenly, it felt like time slowed down.

           The dragon was frozen in place and all its movements ceased as if time itself had come to a halt. Descending from the heavens came an angelic figure.

           "The hour is nigh! Children under the desolate sky, let the winds be your guide!"

           The angel appeared beside the dragon, dressed in white and adorned with a lyre. His bright, radiant wings flapped around his body as he descended, hovering over the arena. It was an unbelievable sight and a historical moment for the people of Mondstadt. Right before their very eyes was none other than the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, giving his people the freedom they sought and releasing them from the shackles of the Lawrence clan.

             "Barbatos...?"

           The familiar name that left your lips rendered you speechless. 

            “That reminds me, I wonder who the current Anemo archon is and how long I’ve been asleep…”

           You muttered to yourself.

           “The important thing to remember is he’s a kind-hearted soul. He saved his people many times.”

            Ah…

           You looked back up to the stage and saw the actors prepare for the curtain call.

           That’s right. Venti said that to me…

           Confusion washed over you like a tempest, leaving you at a loss for words. Barbatos, now a god, beheld you with a solemn feeling. It's no wonder why you rarely see him. He knew that your connection, once simple and pure, had shifted in the wake of his ascension.

           Although the nightly wind was tender, wrapping you in an ethereal embrace, it felt suffocating. Shouldn't you be happy your little friend led the people to the path of happiness and freedom you desired from the very beginning? 

           As you gazed up at the stage play that was still ongoing, a myriad of emotions swirled within you. Awe mingled with a hint of melancholy, for you knew that your bond had undergone a profound transformation. Yet, beneath it all, you seek to find solace, come to reach a transcending mortal understanding, but it was not there.

           You feel heavy. Your head hurts, perhaps from all the noise and commotion of the crowd. You have to get out of here fast before something awful happens. Noticing that the curtain to the performance has been drawn, you push your way past the throng of people, fleeing the scene.

           It’s hard to swallow and digest the sudden information. Are things really back to normal?

           I need to ask Venti…

           You didn't mean to leave Albedo and Klee behind, but perhaps the strong and overwhelming emotion swirling inside you clouded your judgment. It wasn't intentional. After all, this was the first time you've visited the city since returning from your old city. It's not as if you planned to go anywhere else.

           On the spur of a moment, your heart leaped when someone grabbed a hold of your hand. You felt a jolt of surprise as you turned around to see who it was.

           "Venti…?"

           Not the Venti you know. This man is different— and a familiar one at that. Aether looked at you intently, his gaze full of concern. 

           "Are you alright?” You nodded.

           "It's good to see you again." Paimon, on the other hand, floated over you and spun around dancing happily. "We've been looking all over for you! We actually want to give you something." She eyed her companion, cueing him to hand the item to you.

           Aether gently cradled a small, intricately designed glass pendant in his hands, its delicate beauty gleaming under the soft glow of the street lamps. The pendant, once lost in the chaos of their adventures, had been meticulously repaired and restored.

           As they stood before you, their eyes filled with warmth and compassion, he extended his hand, offering the pendant with care. Its transparent surface shimmered, capturing fragments of light as if holding the essence of countless memories within its intricate contours.

           Paimon fluttered around excitedly, her voice bubbling with joy as she shared the tale of their arduous quest to retrieve the pendant. She spoke of their unwavering determination, braving treacherous landscapes and formidable foes, all driven by their steadfast commitment to returning this precious memento to its rightful owner.

           Your eyes widened with disbelief, your fingers trembling as you reached out to reclaim what was once lost. "This is..." Your eyes shimmered. As your hand closed around the pendant, a surge of emotion coursed through you. Memories flooded your mind, intertwined with a renewed sense of hope and gratitude.

           "We found your pendant and had someone we know fixed it!" Paimon beamed, while Aether looked relieved. 

           The two of them were so enthusiastic, you couldn't help but smile. With tear-filled eyes and a grateful smile, you locked gazes with them, feeling an unspoken bond forged through shared experiences. In that moment, the fixed glass pendant became more than a mere trinket; it became a symbol of resilience, friendship, and the unwavering support that had carried you through the darkest of times.

           Embracing the pendant, you knew that its return signified not only the restoration of a cherished possession but also the affirmation that you were never alone in your journey. Aether and Paimon, guardians of your heart, had returned what was lost, mending more than just a shattered pendant, but the fragments of your spirit as well.

           "Thank you both!" You bowed and embraced them tightly, thankful for their kindness and devotion. "Hehe, we're happy to help you anytime, [Name]!" Paimon's chest puffed out, her hands over her hips while a smug smile donned her face.

           Aether looked at you, his eyes filled with genuine curiosity and compassion. "May I ask why this glass pendant is so important to you?" he inquired softly, his voice carrying a gentle warmth.

           Your gaze shifted to the pendant, your fingers tracing the intricate patterns etched upon its surface. You took a deep breath, summoning the strength to share your tale. 

      "This pendant," you began, your voice laced with bittersweet nostalgia, "is my memento of a time when my mother and father were still with me before the war tore our family apart."

           Aether listened attentively, his heart heavy with empathy. He understood the profound significance of cherished memories, especially those that symbolized moments of love and togetherness. 

           "I'm truly sorry for what you've been through," he whispered, his voice tinged with compassion.

           Tears welled up in your eyes, shimmering like the pendant itself. "When I hold this glass pendant," you continued, your voice trembling with emotion, "I can still feel their presence. It reminds me of the laughter, the warmth, and the love we shared as a family. It's a connection to a time that feels so distant now."

           The traveler nodded, a tender understanding reflecting in his eyes. "Memories hold great power," he said gently. "They remind us of who we are, where we come from, and the love that has shaped us. The pendant serves as a beautiful vessel for those precious memories, keeping them close to your heart."

           A moment of silence enveloped them, as the weight of their shared experiences lingered in the air. Aether's presence, unwavering and supportive, allowed you to feel heard and understood.

           "I believe," Aether finally spoke, his voice steady yet filled with empathy, "that the love and strength that your parents bestowed upon you will guide you through even the darkest of times. The pendant serves as a symbol of that love, reminding you that they are always with you, even if not physically present."

           Your tears flowed freely now, mingling with a bittersweet smile. You embraced the pendant tightly, finding solace in its delicate presence. 

           "Thank you," you whispered, your voice quivering. "Thank you for understanding, for helping me remember the love that still surrounds me."

           He reached out, gently placing a hand on your shoulder, offering silent support. In that shared moment, they found solace in the power of memories, the bond of compassion, and the unbreakable spirit that can emerge from even the darkest of pasts.

           “I’m sorry you have to see me like this.” Wiping the tears away, you turned away from them to hide the endless stream of your tears. It’s embarrassing to show them a vulnerable sight of you. 

           “Ludi Harpastum is really interesting…” Under the moonlight glow, the soft radiance of your figure left them breathless. Slender fingers caressed the floral bracelet and Aether and Paimon stood silent. “I never expected Barbatos to be the current Anemo Archon after the downfall of my father.” Such a solemn voice made the air bitter. 

           “Huh? I thought you already knew that.” Paimon tilted her head to the side, her arms behind her as she glanced at you caressing and clutching the ornament. Although you seem happy, she can’t help but feel there’s something troubling you. Her mouth parted slightly before letting out an annoyed huff and did her signature stomping.

           “Did Venti not tell you about this before?”

           An awkward and weak chuckle slipped from your pink lips just as you scratched your cheek with your dainty finger and glanced away from shame. “Not really… I only saw Barbatos once when Venti was away from the ruins.”

           Rather than shame, an indescribable emotion was saturating over your chest. Perhaps the idea of not being with your little wisp friend has gotten you a little emotional. Even if Venti is always there by your side, it feels incomplete— a puzzle piece that has suddenly gone missing from the complete image.

           Aether and Paimon stood before you, their usual playful banter replaced with an uncharacteristic silence. Something weighed heavily upon their hearts, causing a nervous hesitation in their voices. They exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mixture of concern and uncertainty.

           Aether took a deep breath, steeling himself against the rising tide of anxiety. The truth he held threatened to unravel the fragile peace that enveloped your world. Yet, deep down, he knew that concealing it would only prolong the inevitable. With a determined resolve, he mustered the courage to speak the unspeakable.

           "Listen, there's something we need to tell you," Aether began, his voice tremulous yet resolute. Paimon, usually quick with words, remained uncharacteristically quiet, her eyes fixed upon you with a blend of worry and compassion.

           You looked at them, your gaze brimming with curiosity and a hint of apprehension. You sensed the gravity of their words, the unspoken weight that hung in the air. Aether struggled to find the right words, his voice faltering momentarily.

           "It's about the current Anemo Archon," Aether finally revealed, his voice tinged with unease. "The truth is... the current Anemo Archon is someone you know very well."

           Silence engulfed them, the weight of Aether's words settling like a fog around them. Your eyes widened, your heart racing with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. They knew, deep down, that this revelation would alter the course of your understanding of the world you thought you knew.

           Aether's nerves threatened to overwhelm him, yet he pushed aside his doubts, his fears, for the sake of honesty. 

           "The current Anemo Archon is—” 

           In the hushed embrace of the night, a deafening silence hung heavy in the air, suffocating your senses. The world seemed to stand still, as if holding its breath, while the piercing blasts of fireworks shattered the fragile stillness. Each explosion reverberated through your being, mirroring the tempestuous storm brewing within your heart.

           Aether's words, like a blade to your soul, shattered the fragile sanctuary of your understanding. The truth, once hidden in the shadows, had been laid bare before you, leaving you speechless, your mind consumed by a maelstrom of emotions. Shock rippled through your veins, intertwining with a sense of betrayal that gnawed at the depths of your being.

           As the words sank deeper into your consciousness, a dark cloud descended upon your world. The bond you had shared with Venti, once an ethereal connection woven with trust and shared secrets, now felt frayed and tattered. 

           It was as if a string had snapped within you, severing the fragile bond and time you had spent with him. A friend and a loving partner you thought he was from the very beginning when you opened your eyes from your depths of endless slumber. 

           Your heart echoed with the weight of centuries, a crushing burden that threatened to drown you in despair. How could you reconcile with your lover you had revered with the shattered image before you? The pain of realization engulfed you, engulfed their once-unbreakable bond, leaving you adrift in a sea of conflicting emotions.

           Your breath came in ragged gasps, your trembling fingers reaching for the pendant that had once been a symbol of solace and belonging. Now, it felt heavy and cold against your chest, a painful reminder of the shattered illusions you had held dear. The tears welled up in your eyes, cascading down your cheeks as the weight of your emotions became too much to bear.

           You stood there, your chest ablaze with a searing pain that seemed to radiate from within. It was as if an invisible fire had ignited, devouring you from the inside out. Each breath you took was a struggle, your lungs constricted by an unseen weight, while your heart felt as if it were being pulled by strings, tugged in opposite directions.

           In the midst of your anguish, Venti, the beloved bard, finally emerged onto the scene, his face etched with a mixture of exhaustion and desperation. Panting heavily, he had searched tirelessly for you, his soul aching with an overwhelming sense of loss and longing. But when his eyes fell upon you, a shockwave of despair surged through him.

           His heart dropped, his once vibrant spirit dampened by the sight before him. There you stood, the girl he had watched over and cared for, now accompanied by Aether. 

           The bond he had forged, the connection he had painstakingly nurtured, lay shattered at his feet. His voice caught in his throat, his breath shallow, as a deep sense of misery enveloped him.

taglist: @trust-the-oxygen @so-uncute

[ellitx]

Just A Little Bit | Heizou x Reader

You’re in a hurry for brunch with your friend but your husband decided to make you stay a bit longer with him. 

my second heizou bday fic. i know im late but whatever. i crave for domestic husband heizou stories 

warnings: fem!reader, established relationship, nsfw content

word count: 5.9k

Vigorously blinking once then twice, the sleep was shaken loose from your eyelashes in fine, golden specks of dust. Shapes before you were still molten into a hazy blur, emphasized by fulgent beams of Sunday morning light that flooded through the bathroom door and propped open halfway.

It's as though your brain had woken up shortly before your vision got the chance to and now it had some catching up to do. Your silhouette was presented to you— weary and lightly slouched in the mirror, circling a toothbrush within your mouth at a reluctant pace.

Shrouded in post-sleep delirium, you realize you've forgotten to wet it before you squeezed the toothpaste upon it, where you're reminded by the dryness of the sharper-than-usual mint taste on your tongue.

Without paying much mind to it, you exude a groan through gritted teeth, proceeding to brush them.

Mentally, you browbeat yourself for having gotten up this early on a damned Sunday, let alone freed yourself from your sleeping husband’s firm, love-infused grasp you found yourself encased in upon waking up. However, to your own demise, you almost forgot the plans you had made for this day.

And judging by the claim of the clock adorning the wall that you checked mere minutes prior, you were dealing with the better part of an hour to get ready in order to make it there in time. Considering your drowsy composition, you would have to make each minute count.

Once your surroundings swim into view more or less clearly, you're suddenly taken aback by the state you're in. A succession of marks bloomed upon the side of your neck, trailing down to your collarbone and disappearing beneath the crisp white cotton of one of Heizou’s button-ups you're enveloped in.

Each one of them deviated from the rest in color ever so slightly, gleaming at you in different shades of dark purples and reds.

You cannot deny your awe. It doesn't look bad per se, but the hints of a possible attack having gone down are there. Though there wasn't one; not in a way one would think, anyway.

Whenever frustration has built up within Heizou to a point that diminished him to nothing but a huffing, grumbling mess when he’s at a dead end of finding clues, he would almost become primal in nature. You, of course, secretly wallowed in these particular occasions— the roughness of his touch and pace, the hoarseness of his voice drilling into your ear, the sharpness of his teeth each time they'd sink into your flesh.

Catching yourself dwindling away into a lustful daydream, you forced your thighs together and squirmed restlessly, meaning to ease the tension that has flourished between them. This action forced you to focus upon the knife-like soreness tugging at your lower abdomen, left there the night before— also by your husband, also feverishly, also in an act of passion.

You want to be sort of mad at him, but it's difficult to be. Instead of falling victim to displeasure, your stomach flutters again.

Fuck, you're done for.

Clearing your mind— and the least attempting to— you bend towards the sink and spit out the toothpaste, consecutively rinsing your mouth with a cup of water. You're stirred to alertness by the brisk sound of the bathroom door clicking shut to your left, which prompted you that you're no longer alone here.

Originating from the same direction, faint footsteps crept up to your side. Having splashed a handful of frigid water upon your face, you surged back into the air. To nobody's surprise, Heizou has settled behind you, close enough for his body heat to merge with yours being palpable, but not close enough to make actual physical contact.

He's donned nothing but his trousers, which seemed to be clinging onto his hips for dear life. Not only were you able to follow his happy trail with your eyes, but almost caught a glimpse of the base of his shaft. The outline of which, just by the way, is more than emphasized to you on behalf of the drab fabric. You gulped, the minty freshness on your palate inducing a numbing tremor.

Heizou’s forlorn eyes took a clumsy, yet amiable guess and plateau upon where he assumed your face was, beaming widely. That dark maroon hair of his was all sorts of tousled, sticking out in ten different directions and all four cardinal points.

You were sure he followed your heartbeat here and was currently stalling so as to make use of the silence in order to register its spike, justified by his sudden appearance. It flattered him thus he delights in a hearty chortle.

“Good morning,” you crooned, cutting his glory short. Intent on continuing to dream for at least a little while longer, you studied his charming features in the mirror.

“Morning, sweet,” Heizou retorted through a smile, using his voice for the first time this morning, which was prompted to you by the profound rasp of it that tugged at your heartstrings in an alluring fashion.

He finally made the decision to grasp onto you, his palms wandering beneath the cotton of his shirt that you're wearing, taking hold of your bare hips beneath it. His fingertips pranced upon your skin, and he allowed your bodies to collide by pushing up on you from behind. This was when his arms wholly twined around your figure, pulling you into the soft curve of his slightly bent frame.

His torso was firm and placid against your back, and you were debating whether or not to falter in his grip. He's so pleasantly warm, and though you've only left your shared bed a few minutes ago, you've already grown to miss that signature fervor of his that you know to be the most comforting quality on earth.

Once you shut your eyes, if only for a fraction of a second, it's as though you're still entangled in him, obscured by silk sheets, drifting in and out of sleep as one tends to on a lazy day.

Soon enough, you snapped out of it by forcing your eyes open and repeatedly batting your eyelashes— Heizou heard it, or at least that's what the slight twitch of his head told you.

The reason was simple: You have matters to attend to.

Reaching for a scrub on the right-hand side of the sink, you grabbed the tub and screwed it open. Your hypersensitive husband lightly hummed at the sudden whiff of pomegranate it exuded, theatrically exhaling and thus fanning his lukewarm breath over the back of your head. He then freed one of his hands from around you, using it to peel back the neat collar of the button-up you're wearing, attaching his hot lips to the nape of your neck.

Heizou’s palm consequently snaked underneath your breasts, though loosely, applying the slightest bit of pressure that was nevertheless enough to send your mind down a frenetic spiral.

In contrast with the languid kisses placed upon the back of your neck, he sent sensations tumbling down your back that provoked your nipples to stiffen in an instant and a faint yelp to tear free from your depths.

In response, he merely smirked against your skin, pressing more wet kisses upon it. As though on command, you slanted your head to the side, firmly believing the motion will enhance the sensations you're granted.

Your perception might be manipulated by the placebo effect, but for all you know, it's working just fine. Heizou proceeded to slowly pull away, abandoning the spot upon the nape of your neck that's practically aching for attention now; fluttering and tingling from the ticklish play of your husband’s breath.

Soon, he proceeded to sweep your hair out of the way from the crook of your neck, letting it cascade down your spine. There's care obscured in his motions that you've never encountered with anyone before him, and it left you breathless.

“Why're you up so early, hm?” he questioned in a gravelly tone, and you're suddenly swallowed by the tart wave of regret.

You know you can never get away with fleeing him or his bed, nor is he capable of sleeping well without you, anyway, prone to waking up with the merest stir you caused. He deserved that rest you cheated him out of— with all the work he's been taking on lately, let alone the nightly endeavors he partakes in every now and again, sleep should be his top priority.

Guilt has nagged away at your intestines. You almost find yourself apologizing, but then Heizou lodged his face in the space he just cleared for himself and the steady contact his breath made with your sensitive skin sent an icy shiver racing down your frame; it's refreshing, though frustrating.

If he continues like this, you'll not only be late but exhausted and possibly more marked-up than you already are. Had the situation been different, you wouldn't catch yourself complaining in a million years, but you've been putting off meetings with Sango for as long as you can remember— with half of the excuses to be traced back to Heizou— and don't want to leave her hanging this time around.

Thus, you ignored your husband’s affection and the numbing effect it has on your mind as you dipped your fingers into the scrub and scooped some of it out.

“I'm meeting Sango for brunch, remember?”

You reminded him, only to receive an affirmative hum in return. You started working the scrub between your fingers, lending it warmth before you decided to apply it.

“I already feel terrible after blowing her off so many times. I can't possibly be late.”

“Not even a little late?” Heizou mumbled, sucking greedy kisses onto your neck. His lips dallied along your heated flesh, and every now and again, he flashed his tongue to slide it over the outlines of the marks he's given you last night.

He knew exactly where they are too— the tease he is— it must be the burst of your system and the blood that drained away from them he was smelling. You cannot help but lean into him— it's an instinctive reaction you fail to prevent.

Your body was guilty of naturally responding to his touch, which your brain sheepishly convicted.

“A little bit— just for me?”

His right hand released your breast then it slid downward. It proceeded to loom around the center of your chest, coming to a halt just a breath of a touch over your nipples, where he traced the maroon stains littering the skin stretched over your clavicles.

His calloused thumb caressed the surface, and in combination with the barely noticeable sting of the mark, you're left to endure pleasure so bittersweet it caused your insides to churn.

“Heizou—!”

You choked out, caging a moan that was about to erupt within your mouth. He's kissing your neck in a way that reminds you of all similarly sensual encounters you've shared with him, which, in its turn, caused ardent arousal to pool between your legs.

Since Heizou sniffed away at the air a little more forcefully than normal, you assumed he must've noticed. Having thrown a glance at the mirror, you find it harder and harder to contain yourself. The sight of you captured in his arms, his entire attention focused on your body and your body alone, your eyes hooded and skin ablaze, is nothing short of debaucherous.

Your frame fitted into his so perfectly, the back of your thigh translating the luscious feeling of him gradually hardening against you. His breath was less controlled now, and you delighted in his agitation for a split second. However, you're not one to talk. You're practically melting into his embrace.

“I can taste you off the air, [Name],” he groaned in between planting sloppy kisses upon your neck. His tone is dark, though breathy.

“My wife’s so sweet, so delicious. Can't I make you feel good? Can't I please you, sweetheart? You took me so well last night, I have to express my gratitude.” You whimpered at the sole obscenity of his words, your stomach wringing and twisting at the spilled praise.

He's irresistible, and fuck, you don't want to dismiss the pleasure you know he can bestow upon you. Not when he's offering it to you so gallantly.

With your judgment clouded and all senses heightened, you gasped.

“Hmn! J-just a little bit…”

You failed to recognize where the desperate aspect of your response finds its origin, but you cannot take it back now. Heizou’s lips stretched into a grin against your flesh, and he shifted them to gently nip at your jawline.

“That's it, darling,” he uttered. His left hand gifted your hip an approving squeeze and his voice grazed your ear, coating it in a layer of calidity.

“I'll be quick, I promise. I’ll make my sweet wife cum like I know she loves to.”

The hand that was teasing your sensitive nipple and circling the marks bedecking your chest gradually drifted downward. His fingertips scattered bursts of fervor over your skin, and you stertorously watched the coarse scenario unfold before you in the mirror.

It's a leg-trembling sight, and Heizou knows you're delighting in it, which to his surprise, merely stung him with the prick of jealousy.

The shirt you're wearing is only buttoned halfway, wherefore it peels aside further than would be considered modest, revealing the better part of your left breast. His palm captured the tender mound as your breath hitched treacherously, and kneaded it ever so slightly, enough for the heat between your legs to graduate to a fire.

You issued a whine, needy and hoarse, which signaled him to keep going. After all, you're on a schedule here.

His palm wandered lower, sweeping aside the cotton of his shirt, thus revealing the smoky-pink lace of the underwear you slipped into this morning.

At first, he curiously slid his fingertips along the fabric, just to acquaint himself with it. By now, he's learned all of your lingerie by heart, has his preferences set in stone, and this piece happens to be one he's especially fond of. This realization elicits a groan from him, and in no time—whilst his lips are still gently glued to your jawline— his fingers pushed aside the hem and sneak into your panties.

You shuddered, where his free hand stabilized you, and he comfortingly shushed into your ear. That doesn't help with your agitation, whatsoever.

Heizou started off slowly, first sliding his fingers along your slit and coating them in the slick that's gathered there.

“Man alive… so wet for me. Always so good and wet for me,” he mused, more to himself than to you, partaking in a few more gentle caresses along your core. In response to his teasing, you whimpered, bucking your hips towards the hand that was buried in your underwear.

Soon enough, your husband’s joint middle and ring finger grazed your clit, which they consecutively started rubbing. This is where the first proper moan erupted from your mouth, and you reclined into his frame, one hand clutching onto the bathroom counter for support, the other stumbling upon his free hand to settle on. You don't care that your fingertips are stained with scrub— if only, Heizou welcomed the scratchy sensation on his skin.

His fingers kept their pace, nice and quick, causing white-hot pressure to swell in the pit of your stomach, that you know only Heizou and only him can diffuse. You issued successions of mellow moans and dared to glare at the mirror – and fuck, you're in shambles.

Your mouth was pried open, knuckles were tense from grasping whatever was in your reach, flesh was practically scorching hot, and Heizou’s strong and firm arm was twined around you and steadily working your core. His fully hardened cock urged against you from behind, building piquant friction as you rock in his grip.

It's blissful enough to break out crying, you thought until his fingers rearranged and two of them plunged inside you, his thumb taking over the focus on your clit.

“H-Heizou!”

And suddenly, your entire understanding of pleasure is redefined. His digits curled within you, and you're convinced you won't last much longer like this. Your heart is going haywire beyond your ribs, threatening to crack them. It seems to be the only thing Heizou could hear aside from the array of sounds you gifted him, and he's set on nudging you over the edge right here, right now.

“‘m close…” you rasped, though he was already more than aware of the fact. You used the outcry as an excuse to dilute your moans with at least one coherent word— to not seem as frenzied, at least a little sane, maybe.

Heizou’s voice was low and spread heat across the shell of your ear.

“Let go for me, darling.”

His order was one you cannot disobey, and with another “C'mon, give it to me” falling from his lips, your cunt throbbed and spasmed as you came undone at the merciless pumping of his fingers.

Your legs gave out beneath your weight, your figure suddenly too hefty to hold up, and Heizou was forced to bend his knee for stability as you slumped into him. The whines fleeing you echoed across the bathroom walls, and while you reveled in the bliss your orgasm brought on, he led you through it to the best of his ability.

When the pleasure promptly faded, your eyes fluttered open. You're too ashamed to look at yourself in the mirror, anticipating a picture that'll figuratively cripple you more than you already are. Instead, you panted your pent-up agitation out, clawing at the dissolving remnants of your discharge.

Once your heart lulled, Heizou teasingly dragged his fingers out with a delicious smack, bringing them up to his face and placing them into his mouth to suck on. His tongue swirled along each curve to collect all of the slicks he gathered.

This you cannot disregard, marveling at the reflection of him doing it, still folded into his grip. Your stare burned into him, and his flushed face was suddenly adorned with a smirk. The desolate emerald eyes you love so much ghosted over the mirror once more, and the realization that he's at least trying to find you enchanted you.

Your temple was covered by a glistening film of sweat, hair was unkempt and in sure need of getting taken care of soon.

“I need a shower,” you declared, breathless. The reason you voiced your intention was the realization he'll request to stick around for it, and there's nothing you wish for more. After all, there's still time left. You finally allowed yourself to be a little late, however little persuasion it took.

“That can be done,” he responded as he rested his palms upon your hips. This statement of his meant he was joining you— you hear it in the lingering lustful tone and see it in the curve of his lips. He promptly twirled you around to face him, and after a quick peck on the tip of your nose, lifted you onto the bathroom counter.

You shifted around, getting comfortable and propping yourself up by grasping onto the edges with your hands. Your husband knelt before you, clutching onto your heel and lifting one of your legs into the air.

He kissed a long, ardent trail along it, eliciting some needy panting from you until he was greeted by the much softer and more sensitive flesh of your inner thigh. The overwhelming smell of your pooled slick has overtaken his nose entirely, and God, what on Teyvat he wouldn't do to put his mouth on you and nuzzle into your pleading heat right now?

Nevertheless, he suppressed the urge by detaching his lips from your skin and tangling his finger in the lace of your panties. One second later, he's sliding them down your legs. Once you're freed, they're discarded onto the tiled floor. Soon thereafter, he rose back into the air, slotting himself between your legs and starting to glide his hands over the shirt you're wearing.

It's the same one he came home in last night and the very same one he swathed your glistening, sweaty body in once he was done with you. The recollection caused him to clench his jaw, and he could barely conduct his fingers upon the buttons from the balmy arousal blooming within him. The fact he's painfully hard, straining against his trousers, wasn’t helping either.

Once the button-up was undone, Heizou guided it off your shoulders. By doing so, he released a waft of your scent to come flooding his senses – it cost him a mellow groan.

You shed the shirt completely, nipples perked by the cold of your sudden bareness. As you leaned forward and hooked your fingers in the waistband of his trousers, you absent-mindedly captured your lip between your teeth. Once you slid them down his thighs, his hardened cock sprung out, flushed and upright against his toned stomach— veins defined as ever, leaking at the tip, and flushed from all the blood urging it on.

You cannot lie, the sight was an enticing one to have, which is why you leaped from the counter and dropped onto your knees before him, colliding with the fuzzy rug covering the floor.

Before you get the chance to take any action, though, be it by wrapping your hands around him or even opening your mouth, Heizou caught your chin.

“Not so fast, sweetheart. Today's about you. Plus, didn't you say you were in a hurry? We're showering together and have you get you ready, hm?”

Oh, now he's playing that game. Backing out after finally convincing you to give in to him. You want to hate him and you really try to, but fuck, with his cock hard and rouge on eye-level with you, you're fully convinced you could never find yourself hating Shikanoin Heizou.

Annoyed, you surged upward with a small pout; having taken his hand, you led him towards the shower, where you opened the door and tugged him inside after entering yourself. In his turn, your husband switched on the water, and it came splashing down onto the two of you, gradually heating up.

Still, you're fucking aching for him. Despite having come for him just minutes prior. Despite having him all to yourself for years. Despite having plans to attend in less time than you expect. He can't possibly be teasing you this way after igniting your potent flame.

You gently nudged his taller figure against the wall, lacing your fingers through his damp hair and joining your lips. His palms adhered to your waist, pulling you closer. You veered your body against his erection, meaning to wind him up so he yielded to you at last.

He reciprocated by gasping into your mouth, water leaking into the kiss after dribbling down your faces. For a moment, it appeared as though you'd stolen his composure, but he regained it shortly before you could pride yourself on that achievement.

He trudged forth and pinned you against the tiled wall right across from where you had captured him prior. Once again, he nipped at the skin of your neck, though more vigorously, and this time around introduced his teeth. His lascivious biting has punched the remaining air out of your lungs, which you made noticeable by gulping for it.

This is where his hands set off on a roam across your body, exploring every patch as though he's never touched you before, never made you his before, never ruined this perfect skin of yours before.

He tapped his fingers along the curve of your waist, pads prancing upon its damp, balmy surface. Each minuscule collision elicited a hitched breath from you, and you sent your own hands swerving over his lean, though tender-skinned chest.

Heizou, however, changed course and slowly but surely traveled up to cup your breasts. He palmed the tender mounds, digits toying with your hardened nipples captured between them. You whimpered, the sensation penetrating you to your core.

“My wife’s so beautiful,” he uttered into your flesh with a sated groan, gradually directing his hands back down.

“So perfect,” he sighed, exasperated, and added a breathy All mine. Soon enough, his palms glided towards the tenderness of your thighs, where they squeezed and kneaded and massaged them, whilst his mouth mumbled incoherent chants against your skin.

Whatever it was he's crooning, you understand it's nothing short of delirious – in a way that prompted you he's wholeheartedly in love with you. And as his fingers strayed along your figure, you gifted him alluring successions of deep, grateful whimpers.

Heizou has your body memorized – each stretch, each bend, each sweet spot that could send you down a pathos-filled spiral.

Not much later, his lips caught yours, nipping at them like he was starved for your taste. Even you can sense how flustered he's become, how much desperation he's driven by, how badly he's out to please you.

“Archon, you drive me insane...” he hissed into your mouth, the rapid pace of your heart aligning with his husky breathing. You maintained him pressed flush against you by his shoulders with zero intention to ever let go— the effect his previous statement had upon you was colossal; each limb of yours was buzzing with excitement and your pulse was transcending the realm of health. You could die right here, and it wouldn't be a half-bad way to go.

For a little while, you kissed him back. Soon enough, though, it becomes unbearable to tiptoe around the lechery in this manner— thus, you spoke your mind. Or, more accurately, whined your mind.

“Can't you fuck me? Please, Heizou?” The sheer rashness you filled his name with flustered you, and you struggled to comprehend he was capable of turning you into a pleading, begging, whimpering, faltering, pathetic mess. But then again, you're fully used to it.

The groan your husband issued in response was deep and worked-up. He yearned, more than anything, to grab you by your damp hips and slam you down his length at a pace that'll bruise you from the inside, swallow each outcry you give him, and keep it sacred in his lungs. Stimulate you until your hot tears leak into the shower water racing down the curve of your cheek, but he digested that yearning.

Today, he wanted to be gentle with you. He means to worship the body that's offered up to him so generously whenever you unite in acts of intimacy. He wished to deify you— to prove to you how pure of a goddess you truly are to him.

“I'm afraid that if I fuck you,” Heizou let out a stuttered groan, his dick hardening between your thighs. “We won't be leaving this shower until noon.” He panted and you know he's telling you the truth. If this had been going down on any other day, you'd have gladly accepted that offer. “So, no. However...”

He lowered himself upon his knees, snaking his palms around the backsides of your thighs. In no time, he flung your legs over his shoulders with zero difficulty, keeping you pressed against the cool wall and readjusting his position in order to gain better access to your sex.

In response, your hands dug into his burgundy hair, seeking support in this position he placed you in. His fingers sprawled out over your hips for stability, and he aligned his mouth with your sopping, aching cunt.

Wasting no more time, his tongue made electrifying contact with your heat and parted your folds. A yelp slipped from your mouth, and you're overwhelmed by the friction he's spreading across your center. It roused a stirring within the pit of your stomach that you cannot, by any means, allay.

First, he merely glided his tongue along your slit to prep and work you open, yet soon enough, his lips hungrily closed around your sensitive clit. Once he started sucking upon that sensitive bud, you tilted your head back, launching it against the wall and lightly rutting your hips against Heizou’s mouth with all sorts of whines and moans escaping you.

It should be forbidden to feel this fucking good, you pondered since you've come closer to heaven more than you can count with your husband. There was just something about him— something that transcended your ability to comprehend but lured you in magnetically, nonetheless.

His tongue swept and worked your clit like it was the only thing it knows how to do, and you reveled in the sensations branching out throughout your frame. Your eyelids fluttered, your mouth gaped with threads of sighs of pleasure leaking out of it, and your torso and arms erupted in beady goosebumps— even though the water pouring down upon you was a degree shy of scorching.

You're heaving all over and struggling to claw onto the last shreds of sanity you're left with. Heizou withdrew them from you with each forceful flick of his tongue. His mind was dimmed with the taste of you that filled it, gathered in a thick, tangy cloud, causing his hardened cock to give helpless twitches at each moan and spasm you awarded him with.

You're close to the point where you'd offer your life up in exchange for the incoming orgasm, the raging fervor buried within your depths setting your body ablaze. Heizou was more than aware of how close you'd grown to him. Your heart has sold you out to him so brashly, and as your thighs clasped shut around his head with agitated anticipation, he channeled a guttural groan into your heat.

It did you more favors than you expected it to, bliss bursting in the pit of your stomach at once as he continued bobbing his head and simultaneously lapping away at your clit to lead you through the sudden orgasm. Your muscles tensed up, your core pulsating against your husband’s skillful mouth.

He swallowed each throb, each flutter, each thump, and God, does it sate him. If it were up to him, he'd have you coming on his face until the end of time. It could seriously send him over the edge alone— and before he knew it himself, it did.

Once you're clambering down your overwhelming high, he desperately spilled onto his own stomach, siphoning broken-up moans into your heat, his eyes closed taking in every drop of your white fluid.

Your thighs were stiffly clenched as his fingertips twitched upon them with the dawn of his orgasm, nails digging into your sensitive flesh. His chest swelled with force. Words fail to describe the shock you're taken over by, however arousing the situation translated to.

Hands still securely tangled in his hair, you massaged his scalp. “Ohh, Heizou...” you whispered your husband’s name, starstruck.

You're not sure you can come up with a better response to the ongoing, thus you simply marveled at the aroused detective: flushed, exhausted, wallowing in his high whilst still nuzzled against you. Once his orgasm started wearing off, the groaning against your center ceased, but it's nevertheless obvious that he was trying to savor every last bit of bliss he could get before it slipped away from him entirely.

At the same time, you're elevated to a degree of astonishment that robbed you of all ability to respond to the outer world, and at this moment, all you knew was you and him. And the fact he just came from solely eating you out.

In no time, Heizou gently lifted your thighs from his shoulders, setting you down on the wet ground with utmost care. His knees yielded to a crackle as he stood up, pain briskly dashing through his frame. He ignored it.

Instead, he rose to your level, cupped your hot face, and invited you into a soft, loving kiss. Your flavor played on his tongue so fervently, and he shared it with you— an offer you cannot ever refuse. He kissed you deeply, cordially, sweetly.

You’re loved, and what's more, loved by him.

But you're also late. And still need to shower.

Therefore, your palms landed flat upon his chest. You proceeded to gently push him away, and unfortunately break the kiss much to his disappointment.

“Now I really need to get ready.” you panted, a blush playing on your face. Even though Heizou couldn’t see it, he filtered it through your tone. By now, you've already taken hold of your body wash and spurted some of it into your hand.

Once you began spreading it over your glistening skin in languid, thorough motions, he delivered you his usual mischievous expression.

“Need any help with that?” he inquired and who are you to say no?

The next few minutes were spent with Heizou posing somewhat of a help, rendering assistance with washing your body, but also diluting the deed with tender kisses and not-so-innocent caresses.

You were definitely late to brunch by the time you were out of the shower, and the very moment you haphazardly wrapped a fuzzy mint towel around your figure— which soaked in the soapy droplets of water trickling down your body— you're already racing across the house towards the ringing telephone.

It laid upon the front counter of the kitchen, and as you took the handset, you were faced with an enraged Sango.

Fuck.

You cursed in your mind, preparing for the worse.

Sango’s voice spilled out of the speaker at once, calling out your name with a harsh undertone. You're stung by guilt the second you hear it, toying with excuse variations within your head as her words flew on in that grainy fashion everyone's familiar with.

“[Name], where are you? Look if anything happened, emergency or not, you have to call me immediately. I’m worried sick if something might have happened to you! You know what, I should drop by your house.”

“W-wait no! I’m fine really! I’m going to be a bit late so you don’t have to come here.” You assured, but Sango wasn’t taking any of it.

“Look, if Shikanoin— er, Heizou’s doing horrible things to you, I won’t let him get away with it! He’s—“

The call was cut off and you felt a presence ghosting behind you, and it didn’t take you too long to notice the handheld in your palm had disappeared. Once it came to a conclusion, you spun around, only to perceive him standing before you, a towel loosely tied around his hips and wet strips of hair dropping into his beautiful face.

What's more: Your husband was taking your call with a smirk on his face.

“Mrs. Shikanoin is unable to attend your brunch today. Hm? She’s sick, that's why she woke up late.” He glanced at you and seeing your disbelief reaction was enough to gauge out a chuckle from him. “Now now, I’m being a caring husband, that's all. I don’t want to see my wife pass out and get hurt when she’s out sick.”

He felt no remorse at all. That smirk was enough to say everything. The cocky, rapacious asshole Heizou sometimes is...

Heizou ended the call and the termination of plans with someone you care about pained you. You don’t know how you would face Sango and explain everything to her.

“Well, then,” your husband dragged the words out with mischief smoldering in his voice, “guess you're all mine for today, hm?”

[ellitx]

Chapter 18: The Veil of Veracity

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁

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art belongs to: srr_yo

word count: 8.3k

           Mondstadt's Ludi Harpastum festival was a vibrant explosion of sights, sounds, and exhilarating energy that reverberated through the city. A symphony of jubilant voices filled the air, mingling with the exuberant melodies of harps and flutes, as people flooded the streets, clad in colorful costumes and adorned with intricate masks.

           The bustling atmosphere was alive with laughter and cheer, as children ran through the streets, their gleeful shouts intermingling with the lively chatter of adults. The clinking of glasses and the aromatic scent of delicacies wafted from the numerous food stalls, enticing passersby to indulge in the festive culinary delights.

           Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, depicting fantastical creatures and legendary heroes, while vibrant confetti floated through the air like tiny bursts of joy. The sound of drums reverberated, their rhythmic beats pulsating through the crowd, urging everyone to join in the revelry.

           Amidst the lively chaos, Aether stood in a quiet corner, his gaze fixed on the girl before him. His thoughts swirled like a tempest, torn between the desire to protect you and the burden of the truth he carried about the bard. As the cacophony of celebration washed over him, he contemplated the weight of his decision.

           The vibrant noise of the festival seemed to amplify the turmoil within Aether's heart as if the very essence of the city urged him to break the silence and reveal the truth. The cheerful laughter and joyous melodies became a poignant backdrop to his internal struggle.

           With each passing moment, the festive ambiance tugged at his resolve, as if urging him to seize the moment and confide in you. But doubt lingered, intertwining with his hesitation. Would the revelation shatter the fragile bond they shared, much like the glass pendant that you held so dear?

           As fireworks exploded in a symphony of colors overhead, illuminating the night sky with their radiant brilliance, Aether took a deep breath, steeling his nerves. The time has come to bridge the gap between truth and your perception of the lover you care for.

           Amidst the swirling chaos of the festival, Aether approached you, his voice steady but laced with trepidation. As the joyful celebration carried on around them, he spoke, his words blending with the festive commotion, hoping that the cacophony of the Ludi Harpastum would soften the impact of his revelation.

           And so, in the midst of the pulsating energy and boisterous merriment, Aether took a step closer to you, his heart aching with the weight of the truth he was about to unveil. At that moment, he realized that the festival's noisy revelry mirrored the tumultuous storm brewing within their hearts, their destinies on the precipice of change.

           “The current Anemo Archon is Venti.”

           Finally, he veiled the truth to you. Yet something was off, he felt like he stopped breathing all of a sudden and the air is thick it’s hard to breathe properly. Standing still, you were dumbfounded. Paimon and Aether knew well enough you were bewildered.

           You opened your mouth before closing it again. Once again, you open, trying to utter a single sound and word to address the current topic he began. “Wh-what do you mean? I thought it’s Barbatos?”

           “He is the Anemo Archon.” Paimon clarified. “It’s just… they…” The fairy fumbled on her words, looking at you and then avoiding your eyes as if she was in trouble, preparing to be scolded. Aether’s heart was racing, his head was throbbing, and so was his lips shaking.

           He took a deep breath and looked at you in the eyes, stern and resolute. “They share the same identity. Venti... he is Barbatos." Aether revealed, his voice trembling with the weight of his confession.

           The world around you seemed to blur, the vibrant colors of the festival fading into a haze of confusion and disbelief. It felt as if time itself had slowed down, each passing second stretching into eternity as you tried to process the truth that had been veiled from you.

           “How can you be so sure? I’ve known them for a long time! It’s impossible—“

           “Venti told us!” Aether’s loud voice had you shrinking in fear.

           “He… he told us his story when he was a wisp. He told us about you and his friend. Venti, or rather Barbatos, took the form of his friend. That friend… he died during the war with Decarabian…” He sighed heavily and furrowed his brows.

           Aether's words crashed into your shattered reality, causing the fragments of your belief to scatter even further. The noise of the festival seemed to fade into the background as his voice echoed in your ears, drowning out all other sounds.

           You desperately searched for any semblance of denial, hoping to grasp onto a shred of the familiar, but Aether's resolute gaze and the weight of his words left little room for doubt. Venti had entrusted them with his secret, revealing the truth behind his dual existence as both the carefree bard and the revered Anemo Archon.

           Tears welled up in your eyes, blurring your vision as conflicting emotions surged within you. It was as if a tempest raged within your heart, torn between the memories of the gentle wind spirit who had shared moments of solace with you and the newfound knowledge of the bard and partner you thought he truly was.

           A part of Aether wanted to ask you about your relationship with Venti, but a part of him wanted to stop himself from being intrusive as it’s not his business. Yet he can’t help but feel something was off…

           Your arms limped as if gravity was pulling you to the center of the earth. Everything in you was heavy. Your shoulders, your head, your legs— like a sudden drop of weight crushed your entire entity.

           You managed to find your voice in the back of your throat, but the statement still came out far less assertive than you would’ve liked.

           “That’s… that’s not true…”

           You forced out a laugh. Aether had mixed feelings seeing your strained smile and your furrowed brows after he told you about Venti.

           The look on your face…

           It’s beyond doubt you’re in disbelief and shock. A mix of emotions of shock, betrayal, and a profound sense of loss. Venti, the person you love so dearly, had died?

           The wind spirit who had been your confidant and source of solace was not only the Anemo Archon but also the one who had taken on the guise of the bard you had grown to cherish.

           The revelation struck at the very core of your being, leaving you speechless and utterly bewildered. Your mind struggled to reconcile the image you had held of Venti with the reality presented before you. The bond you thought you shared, the connection that had woven its threads through your soul, now felt like a fragile illusion.

           “That’s not true, Aether… Venti’s…”

           Venti has always been with me.

           But everything Aether said had made sense. Yet a part of you was doubtful of what he had said. How come he knows so much about your past despite only meeting once?

           A battle between trust and lies, a back-and-forth altercation with yourself on who to trust.

           Venti wouldn’t ever do that to you, right…?

           Because you have to know how easy it is to manipulate the truth or make bad decisions based on partial evidence. It’s similar to when Venti twisted his words of keeping you safe from harm during the war. The war he told you that was too “dangerous” for you to take part in.

           But there is more than that going on. Every day when you watched the nation slowly crumble into dust, it was like the tale of the three Moon Sisters.

           What is this? Something feels strange.

           “[Name]…?”

           Aether’s voice snapped you out of your deep thoughts. His gentle golden eyes looked at you with solicitous, attentive concern. “Is something wrong?”

           You nodded, unable to find the words to articulate the whirlwind of emotions that swirled within you. The world around you seemed to spin, the noise of the festival fading into a distant hum as a profound sense of unease settled over your being.

           “Protect her for me.”

           It can’t be…

           “Please do what I can’t.”

           You swear you heard his voice. Lips trembling, you watched in silence as a familiar silhouette was sitting on a patch of flowers, holding his beloved instrument close to him.

           “Thank you for keeping the promise from so long ago.”

           It’s as if he was there. He smiled at you with a bittersweet expression, his ethereal presence radiating a mixture of sorrow and affection. The weight of his words lingered in the air, echoing in your heart.

           “Thank you. The original memory is forgotten by everyone. The original promise…”

           He turned his back on you, not even sparing you a glance. You wanted to call for him but you were stuck in place. The memories began to flood your mind, from the midnight gentle dance to the songs he sang to you.

           “Goodbye.”

           He faded into the distance, leaving you with a profound sense of loss and longing. The echoes of his melodies whispered through the air, a haunting reminder of the connection you once shared, now slipping away like fragments of a forgotten melody.

           As the weight of the truth settled upon you, you felt your heart shatter into a thousand fractured pieces. Waves of overwhelming sorrow crashed over you, threatening to pull you into the depths of despair. It was as if a tempest raged within you, tearing at the delicate threads that had once bound you to Venti.

           With each passing moment, the string of your bond unraveled further, the echoes of your shared memories fading into a distant echo. In the deafening silence, you stood alone, feeling the profound emptiness of a connection severed, your soul aching for the comfort of a love now lost.

           “[Name]? A-are you alright?”

           Paimon’s voice went deaf to you. Heavy tears rolled down your cheek, its trail glistening in the glow of the festival lights. The silence between you and Aether was heavy, punctuated only by the distant sounds of fireworks and the murmur of the crowd. It was as if the world itself held its breath, awaiting your response.

           “I-I’m sorry for crying out of the blue. It’s just…”

           Anguish and confusion intertwined within you, the noise of the festival fading into the background as you grappled with the shattered pieces of your perception. It felt as if the world had shifted beneath your feet, leaving you unsteady and lost.

           “I parted with someone who’s always been with me. Being together with him, I never thought it’d hurt me so much.” You sobbed.

           It hurts… It hurt you so much to know this. Now at the knowledge that he’s gone, you feel so lost, hurt, betrayed, and even confused.

           First, your father had abandoned you. Though he tried to protect everyone from the outside world, he grew heartless and inhumane. The memory of his tyrannical rule still haunted your dreams, a constant reminder of the love you never received.

           Second, Amos, your mother who had been your guiding light, was taken away by the cruel hand of war. Her unconditional love and warmth had nurtured your spirit, but now you were left with an emptiness that seemed impossible to fill.

           And lastly, Venti, the one who had entered your life like a fleeting melody, had been torn away by the very war that shattered your world. His music and love had resonated with your soul, offering solace and companionship, but now he was gone, leaving behind an unbearable void.

           Aether's expression softened with understanding, his hand reaching out to gently touch your shoulder in a gesture of comfort. Paimon, no longer worried about breaking the fragile silence, hovered beside you, her eyes filled with sympathy.

           “Will you ever be able to see him again?”

           In the midst of the festival's jubilant celebration, your heart mourned these three losses, the weight of their absence pressing upon your shoulders. The cacophony of joy and laughter around you felt distant, an echo of a life that no longer held the same meaning.

           “No, I won’t…” Tears streamed down your face, each droplet carrying the weight of your sorrow and loss. Your sobs echoed through the night, a raw expression of the pain etched deep within your heart.

           “But he gave me my freedom. The freedom we always wished for.” You whispered through your tears, your voice filled with a bittersweet mix of gratitude and longing. As the fireworks illuminated the sky in vibrant bursts of color, you clutched onto the glass pendant, your fingers trembling with the memories it held.

           Through your mourning, the betrayal remained. Not from those who left you but from Barbatos. Connecting everything, the revelation struck you like a dagger to the heart, piercing through the remnants of trust and affection you had held for who you thought was Venti.

           Disgust surged within you, your stomach churning with a mix of anger and betrayal. The memories of your interactions, once cherished, now appeared tainted and manipulated, a cruel facade that had preyed upon your vulnerability and love for the deceased friend.

           Every fiber of your being revolted against the deception, leaving you feeling sickened and resentful as if a dark shadow had engulfed the purity of your emotions.

           And then, amidst the chaos of your emotions, the bard in disguise appeared. His breath was ragged, his eyes wide with worry as he assessed the situation. His heart dropped when he saw Aether standing beside you, his presence a stark reminder of the impurity and taint he will leave on what’s his.

           Without a word, Venti rushed forward, his voice filled with urgency. “[Name], I’ve been looking for you. Please don’t leave me like that ever again—”

           The bard stomped, and each step of his sent you to depths of fear you unknowingly got into. Sensing your alarms and mixture of bitterness, he stopped midway when you immediately hid behind Aether and clutched on his back.

           Venti then forced a smile, masking the seething anger and jealousy that churned within him as he watched Aether's close contact with you. It should be him keeping you safe, not this pesky traveler. His eyes betrayed the storm of emotions that raged beneath his serene facade, the smile a fragile veil concealing his inner turmoil.

           “[Name]…? Is something wrong? You don’t have to hide—“

           “Stay away from me,” your voice quivered with a mixture of anger and disgust, your eyes filled with a profound sense of betrayal. The realization that the spirit, the very friend you had cherished, had deceived you by masquerading as the bard you have fallen in love with, gnawed at your core, leaving you feeling violated and used.

           Every word, every song shared between them now felt tainted with a bitter aftertaste like a melody played on false notes. The memories of their encounters, once cherished, were now soured by the revelation of his true identity, leaving you longing for the innocence and authenticity that had been stolen from you.

           “Stop doing this to me, Barbatos.”

           Venti's heart dropped like a heavy stone, the weight of his deception crashing upon him as you called him by his true Archon name. The alias he had carefully crafted to protect his identity and shield you from the truth had been shattered, exposing the depths of his betrayal.

           At that moment, he felt the bonds of trust and the foundation of their connection crumble, leaving him with a profound sense of remorse and an irreparable distance between them.

           These many years, most of them beautiful, some brutal, he has earned your trust. He has never strayed, betrayed, or abandoned but been stalwart, true, and loving. He had shown over and over that he would do anything in this world to keep you safe, yet all hope was lost when your trust in him vanished.

           He thought you knew his heart. Now that you've known the truth, he felt nothing but numbness. You misread him and then feel bitter and angry, though all the while he was simply doing his best to take care of you.

           His heart still beats, but against a chest that feels hollow. His eyes still see, yet the world that is so close around him seems far away. His mind began to shut down, unwilling to think anymore. Perhaps this was a shock, he’s really not sure. All he knows is that he keeps on pouring in love, hoping for the day he has earned redemption for "crimes" based on nothing but false perception.

           With his lips parted and slightly trembling, his eyes wavered, seeking to search for your own gentle ones he always loves to see. But fantasy wishes were absent when he was delivered with great betrayal and streams of tears.

           Pieces of him shattered within. The string of bond he’d been forging so carefully, a visceral representation of between Venti and yourself, now irrevocably snapped and broken. The pain of that rupture echoed through his heart, mingling with the confusion and disappointment you have that engulfed him.

           I kept wishing she’ll wake up…

           His hands outstretched as if to bridge the growing chasm between you.

           But as time went on, I wished I’d be with her. I wished she’d be mine.

           The bond that Venti had strived so tirelessly to safeguard had fractured beyond repair.

           I don’t have any hope anymore…

           As the fireworks continued to burst in the night sky, their explosive brilliance mirrored the turmoil within your heart— one in which he can still feel the connection with you.

           So I beg you, let me be by her side.

           The festival's jubilant symphony had transformed into a cacophony of pain and shattered love, leaving him standing in the midst of the chaos, feeling adrift and alone.

           Until the very last day, the very last moment.

           His memories of loving you, of twirling with you amidst blooming flowers in the garden, slipped through his grasp like ephemeral wisps of wind. The warmth of their connection, the carefree smiles they once shared, faded into the depths of his heart, leaving an ache of longing and regret.

           With each passing moment, the memories slipped further away, as if the hands of time were determined to erase the traces of their cherished moments together.

           “Tell me, what are you going to do? All of them have parted ways from this world and yet you don’t give up on her.” Rukkhadevata’s words echoed, reminding the Anemo Archon of the weight of his choices and the resilience of his unwavering affection.

           Sadness clouded upon his features, lips opening and closing to think of what to say yet no words or even a single sound came out.

           “But if you ever have encounters from the mortal world,” she paused then looked at him straight in the eyes. “You must never love anyone from there. Once you love a mortal, you’ll truly be all alone.”

           A whirlwind of thoughts and fears swirled within Venti's troubled mind, leaving him in a state of desperation and confusion.

           I didn’t know what to do…!

           I was desperate!

           I’m scared you’d leave me!

           He couldn't bear the thought of you leaving— of forgetting the time you once shared.

           I can’t live without her…

           She’s going to leave me.

           I won’t ever see her again.

           If we’re to separate, what am I to her?

           Fear gnawed at his heart, as he grappled with the uncertainty of what to do, desperate to find a way to keep you by his side.

           She’s going to forget me.

           I’m going to be a distant memory.

           Don’t leave me, please!

           No no no no no no no!!

           “AAAGHHHHHHH!!!!!!”

           Venti's once lively countenance crumbled under the weight of his inner turmoil. He fell to his knees and his hands clenched and pulled at his own raven locks in a frenzied grip. His eyes, wide with desperation, searched for solace in a world that seemed to slip away from his grasp.

           His piercing scream tore through the air, reverberating like a shockwave, causing a sudden commotion among the festival-goers. All eyes turned towards him, their joyful revelry momentarily halted by the raw display of anguish. The nearby knights were on alert and Aether pulled you back, shielding you from his sudden outburst.

           As his fingers tangled in his disheveled hair, his face paled, drained of its usual vibrant hues, reflecting the magnitude of his emotional breakdown. Tremors wracked his body, each gasp for air punctuated by a visible tremble, as the overwhelming weight of his sorrow threatened to consume him entirely.

           Amidst the crowd, a golden-haired knight quickly rushed forward, concern etched across her face.

           “What’s the matter?” As Jean approached him, an invisible force pushed her back. A strong gust of wind repelled her with a palpable force.

           “STAY AWAY!” Venti's emerald eyes burned with a fierce intensity. Teal winds gathered over him that were harsh and sharp.

           “Nobody comes near her! I won’t hesitate to kill any of you if anyone dares touch her!” His agitated features emitted a strong warning, a threat that dared anyone to come near—particularly those who might interfere with his desperate desire to keep you close.

           Jean stood in stunned silence, her usually composed demeanor shattered by the sight of Venti's transformation. His intense gaze and agitated state left her at a loss for words, a mix of concern and bewilderment swirling within her.

           As she gathered herself, a familiar presence approached, and Diluc, Mondstadt's respected noble and owner of the Dawn Winery, appeared at her side. His crimson gaze scanned the scene, his expression a mix of worry and determination.

           "Jean, are you hurt?" Diluc's voice held a note of urgency, his concern evident in his furrowed brows. He glanced at the tumultuous display Venti presented, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. "What happened here? Is Venti alright?"

           Jean shook her head, still grappling with the shock of the situation. "I... I don't know. Something has happened to Venti. His behavior has drastically changed, and he seems determined to keep everyone at bay. We need to approach this situation with caution."

           Venti's world crumbled around him as the weight of your loss of love for him settled upon his fragile heart. A mental tempest consumed him, tearing at his very core. Tears streamed down his face uncontrollably, mingling with anguished cries that echoed through the depths of his being, as he desperately clung to the hope of being with you once more.

           Aether's eyes widened with a mix of concern and urgency as he realized the dangerous shift in Venti's demeanor. Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed your hand firmly, his grip conveying both protection and determination. Together, you ran, desperately seeking safety and distance from the escalating turmoil.

           Everything of the archon shattered into pieces when you fled from the scene with the traveler and his companion. The anguish was soon replaced by madness that clawed at his soul, driving him to the brink of hysteria.

           As you distanced yourselves from Venti, a tempestuous storm wall began to take form, encircling the city of Mondstadt with its formidable presence. The air crackled and a powerful surge of wind emerged, its intensity growing with each passing second.

           The blond dug his foot into the ground and allowed Paimon to clutch onto the tails of his cape as the wind grew harsher. The gusts howled, whipping through the streets and sending debris swirling through the air.

           Aether's brows furrowed, his focus unwavering as he guided you through the chaotic tempest. His elemental powers intertwined with the raging winds, creating a shield to protect you from the fury that brewed within the enraged god.

           However, soon was all meaningless when the wind surged with an unfathomable force, overpowering Aether's attempts to withstand its power. He was swept away. His figure was being thrown onto the ground harshly and you almost heard one of his bones crack before you could even react.

           Panic coursed through your veins as you instinctively reached out for him, but despite small efforts to help him and Paimon, you were locked in place. Before you could fully process what had transpired, an unseen force constricted around you, holding you in place.

           It felt as if an invisible hand, firm and unyielding, was gripping your very being, preventing any movement. The pressure intensified, leaving you immobile and vulnerable, trapped within an invisible prison while the storm raged on around you.

           The realization struck that this was no ordinary tempest, but an embodiment of Barbatos’s unleashed power. The bond between you and him, once a source of comfort and friendship, had now become a source of danger and entrapment. As the winds howled and the world seemed to fade into chaos, your heart raced when footsteps echoed from behind you, gradually getting louder and louder.

           The familiar green cape fluttered from your peripheral view and you sobbed, scared by everything that had been happening in this evening. This was supposed to be a happy day— a memory you want to keep and cherish forever, but it all changed after the reveal.

           “Barbatos, p-please… you have to stop this!” Your voice croaked but even if you were scared you have to stop him at all costs. But to no avail, he didn’t even bother turning to you. He continued walking, walking to where Aether lay.

           Paimon tried all her best to wake him up, but when a shadow loomed over her, she stood rooted in place. Her body was rendered motionless by the overwhelming force of the menacing aura that ensnared her.

           Venti approached Aether's collapsed form with measured steps, his features a tumultuous combination of anger and resentment. With hands surrounded by anemo, he reached out and grabbed Aether's cheeks with one hand. His hold was so tight it threatened to crush bone. The strength of his grip mirrored the overwhelming intensity of his emotions as if he could unleash his frustrations upon Aether's delicate jaw.

           “Why are you taking her away from me? You should know where to keep your hands to yourself.”

           His eyes darkened, filled with murderous intent to crush him against the floor. The Honorary Knight may be notorious for his strength and achievements in saving a few nations, but an archon’s power was not to be jest against an outlander. Barbatos may be weak, but he can command the winds at any time to slash this meddlesome man in an instant.

           “Barbatos, I said stop!” Your voice quivered with a mixture of fear and desperation as you pleaded at him to release his grip on Aether. Your words hung in the tense air, a plea for mercy.

           The archon slowly turned his head, his brows knitted and tightly drawn together, forming a series of horizontal wrinkles across his face.

           “[Name], don’t tell me you choose him over me?” He looked at you desperately, still clinging to that little bit of hope you’ll go back to him. But when you remained silent and flinched from fear, his grip on Aether’s jaw hardened and you faintly heard from afar his raspy grunt.

           Barbatos bit his lip so harshly that he drew a line of blood down his chin.

           “Why… why… why… why did it break?” His figure quivered as he sobbed his heart out. Your absence will surely leave an ache within his being, a void that cannot be filled. His mind and heart will be filled with equal parts of longing and frustration. “Why? It’s our bond.”

           “Bond…?” You echoed. “Barbatos, what are you talking about?” The conflicting emotions continued to surge within you, the pain and sense of betrayal intermingled with the lingering affection and connection you had felt toward him. The air around you was thick with tension as you stood there.

           He could see it in your eyes, confusion danced and their once familiar spark clouded by a haze of uncertainty. Disbelief lingered, as if questioning the very foundation of the bond he’s murmuring to himself. And in the depths of your gaze, he caught a glimpse of a distant look, as if your thoughts had wandered to a place beyond his reach, leaving him with a profound sense of longing and the daunting task of bridging the growing divide between them.

           “What’s that in your eyes? Ever since…” He questioned which was almost a whisper. His heart sank at the thought that you believed he could truly be that mean to you, that he really had the capability of lying to you over something as serious as this.

           Barbatos’s throat constricted, a physical manifestation of the turbulence raging within him, as he grappled with the consequences of his actions.

           “No!” In anguish, he gripped his own hair tightly, his hands trembling with self-reproach. “Why do you look at me with such distant… distant eyes?!”

           The sight of you, filled with fear and apprehension, struck him to the core, for the last thing he ever wanted was to be the cause of such terror in your eyes. Immediately, he let go of the Honorary Knight and approached you. His walking mannerism was unstable and crooked, his green eyes were dilated and the wind surrounding him became ruthless.

           In his unstable state, he stumbled forward, driven by a desperate need to bridge the growing chasm between you. He reached out, his trembling hands finding their way toward you, but in his faltering steps, he lost his balance and fell, his weight pressing down upon you, effectively caging you within his grasp.

           “NO!!”

           He yelled, whipping his head up to meet your gaze. His face was the most vulnerable anybody had ever seen it, eyes bloodshot as he looked at you with dampened cheeks. His hands clenched tightly onto your dress, fingers gripping as he wept, the weight of his emotions pouring out in a flood of tears.

           “Don’t go! Don’t go! Don’t go!”

           Gut-wrenching sobs tore through his chest, each tear that escaped his eyes carried the weight of his remorse and despair, mingling with your presence as a testament to his shattered heart.

           “Don't go! Don’t go anywhere! Don’t leave me!" he cried out, his voice filled with desperation and fear. "Stay by my side! Stay by my side forever! Don’t leave me behind!”

           An endless fleet of desperate pleas for you were thrown through his hysterical cries. His body was shaking, his breath was patchy, and his voice cracked with every desperate plea that escaped his lips. The intensity of his emotions radiated through his trembling body, his very being consumed by a profound fear of losing you. Each word was punctuated by gasps for air as if the weight of his cries threatened to suffocate him.

           Tears continued to stream down his face, mingling with his desperate cries, as he clung to you with fierce determination.

           “Don’t… don’t…” His breath came in ragged bursts, his chest heaving with the weight of his emotions. At that moment, it was as if time had frozen, the world reduced to the two of you, entwined in a moment of raw vulnerability and desperation.

           “DON'T ABANDON ME!”

           The three words choked out from his lips and it weighed so heavy, his voice filled with a mixture of anguish and an unwavering fear that transcended worlds. The depth of his plea resonated through the air, carrying the weight of his shattered soul, as he desperately sought reassurance that you would remain by his side forever.

           Your breath hitched and upon looking at him closer, he reminded you of a child who doesn’t want to be alone. Like a child throwing a tantrum as the scream came from a place or terror, telling of a mind lost in absolute fear. A lone tear streamed from your eye and you couldn’t take your eyes off of him.

           You didn’t know what to do. You didn’t know what to say. Even you were at a loss and confused. And even if you did promise him you wouldn’t leave him, all those vows and commitments were insignificant if he played your feelings like this; hiding the truth from you from the very beginning.

           “[Name], please don’t leave me!” The spasms in his throat were potent. With each desperate plea that escaped Venti's lips, the winds surrounding Aether intensified, their force pressing against his body with an almost bone-crushing strength. The gusts howled mercilessly as if echoing Barbatos’s anguish, while you stood nearby, tears streaming down your face in silent despair and fear.

           The invisible pressure bore down on Aether, threatening to break him, his body bending and contorting under the immense strain. The agony etched across his features, mirroring the torment he endured both physically and emotionally. Yet, even amidst his own suffering, his eyes never wavered from yours, filled with a mix of determination and a desperate plea for your safety.

           In that harrowing moment, the winds howled in symphony with Venti's heart-wrenching cries, their combined force a manifestation of his turmoil and the strength of his longing.

           The delicate balance between the elements and the fragile memories you once shared now teetered on the edge of chaos, leaving you both caught in a tempestuous struggle between love and the painful reality of your fractured connection.

           Rain began to pour in the city. It has lost the ambient temperature of early fall, freezing and paling your skin on contact. Your dress was now drenched and so was the boy in front of you. The archon’s hand over your shoulder dropped back to his side and you heard him chuckling. Slowly, he turned to glance at the struggling traveler over his shoulder.

           “Haha… remember when I said your smartness sometimes makes me uncomfortable, Traveler?” In a blink of an eye, the bard was nowhere to be found. You don’t know what happened, but the choking sound was enough for you to find his current location.

           “It seems I’m growing to hate it now.” His voice dripped with venomous disdain. Barbatos’s hands were wrapped around Aether’s neck, the latter's face paled trying to gasp for air. The former’s glare was fierce and deadly while the blond struggled to free from his grasp, clutching on his wrist. Aether attempted to summon his sword, but it was futile when another wind force pushed his hands against the ground.

           “Always poking around when it’s not even your business. Are you really that eager to take her away from me?”

           Barbatos’s tone was dark, laced with a bitter resentment that cut through the air like a chilling wind. His words dripped with accusation, casting Aether as an intruder, an unwanted presence encroaching upon the fragile sanctuary of their relationship. His gaze, once filled with cheekiness, now bore into Aether with a cold, piercing intensity.

           “Venti, please stop!” Paimon cried but was once again left ignored. She eyed you pleadingly, her tearful round dark eyes begging you to cease his aggression to her one and only companion.

            As the winds of Barbatos’s Anemo power surged around him, you felt lightweight, breaking the invisible restraints that held you captive. In an act of sheer determination, you leaped forward, propelling yourself between him and Aether, using your own body as a shield to halt the escalation of his actions.

           With a surge of adrenaline, you pushed against the archon’s form, desperate to create a physical barrier that would prevent any further harm. The force of your impact disrupted the delicate balance of the moment, causing Barbatos to stumble backward, his grip loosening on Aether.

           For a brief moment, silence hung in the air and only the drops of rain reached your ears. It’s as if time had frozen, and the weight of your actions settled upon the trembling atmosphere.

           At that moment, you stared into his eyes, the depths of your own gaze reflecting a combination of determination and sorrow. You almost thought it was Venti’s eyes you were looking into. It was an unspoken plea for him to recognize the consequences of his actions, to understand that his path of despair and bitterness would only lead to more heartache.

           The eyes half-hidden behind his onyx hair were screaming, “Please… Don't leave me. I can't bear to lose you…” That was even sadder to you. It tugged at your heart even more than the idea of you all alone without your mother.

           “Will you throw me away?” His voice, albeit soft and in pain, reverberated through the cold air. A raw expression of his anguish and torment. “Abandon me? Leave me behind?” His voice cracked with the weight of his emotions, each word punctuated by a deep-seated longing.

           The feeling of being left behind… the loneliness of being alone…

           He gritted his teeth, his eyes furrowed so deeply from pain at your lack of response. He glared at Aether who was being taken care of by you. The blond leaned against you for support as he caught his breath and he looked at the bard through his hooded lids, his vision too hazy to see clearly.

           “Are you happy? You’ve won, Traveler.” Barbatos’s voice wavered, his eyes being covered by his dark fringe. The droplets fell with a steady rhythm, drenching the surroundings that matched the intensity of emotions in the air.

           “You stole my place in the world. You made me the villain here.” He clenched his fist, letting the rain cover his tear-stained face. “Does that feel good for you? Being the hero and saving the princess from the wicked villain?”

           Aether caressed his own neck to alleviate the pain. He can still feel the fingers wrapped on him so tightly and it’s horrifying how strong his strength is. He watched the archon, shriveled and small as he continuously threw harsh remarks.

           “Thanks to you, I’m alone!” His words echoed, his voice trembling with a mix of rage and anguish. “A mistake. The bad guy. Does that feel good?!” The accusation hung heavily in the air, a piercing reminder of the shattered trust and the weight of the consequences they both bore.

           In the midst of the downpour, Aether watched with a mixture of sorrow and resilience, his own eyes trembling as he mustered the strength to respond but he shut his lips, unable to find the right words to say.

           “You wreck my whole purpose and still get to be the “savior”.” A teal wind crowded within his palm and a sword was formed. He lifted the weapon and pointed at Aether, casting a dirty scowl at him with his deadly viridian eyes.

           “You’re the dirtiest of us all!!”

           As Venti lunged forward, his fury fueling his every movement, his sword poised to strike Aether. However, a red-haired figure emerged from the shadows, swiftly intercepting the archon's attack. The clash of steel reverberated through the rain-soaked air, a symphony of defiance and protection.

           His ruby eyes were ablaze with determination, his own greatsword meeting Barbatos's with a resounding clash. The nobleman stood firm, his unwavering resolve radiating from him like a shield. The intensity of their standoff intensified, their swords locked in a fierce battle, each swing a testament to the tumultuous emotions that coursed through them.

           In the face of the man’s intervention, the god's once-unyielding aggression seemed to waver. The torrential rain bore witness to the struggle, as the archon's fury clashed with Diluc's unwavering resolve. Their clash held the weight of conflicting loyalties and the desperate desire to protect, creating a moment of turmoil within the storm's embrace.

           “This has gone far enough! You’ve lost yourself, Venti! Stop this madness!” Diluc's voice thundered through the rain-soaked air, his eyes blazing with a fierce firmness.

           “Stay out of this!” Venti’s voice strained with a mix of frustration and anguish as he locked eyes with the nobleman, countering his attack by using another of his elemental powers.

           You observed the spirit’s demeanor. His enraged and heartbroken state tugged your heartstrings.

           All this time…

           His eyes spoke volumes, filled with regret and sorrow for the pain that had been unleashed.

           He’s been putting up a front because he was lonely…

           From the beginning, ever since the rebellion ended, he was given the role of the Anemo Archon to rule over Mondstatd— someone who’s not an average human, but above them all.

           He had seen countless of his people born and died. He tried to blend in with the community, but that’s just like being abandoned.

           “The reason you kept talking about “promises” and “bonds”…” You slowly stood up and Venti recognized the familiar beating against his chest. He halted and glanced at you with wide eyes, watching carefully and wishing in his mind you had finally understood him.

           “Otherwise, it would be scary if I leave you. It’s too scary to bear that feeling of loneliness.” Your eyes were brimming with tears as you turned to face the Anemo Archon, the conflicting emotions within you mirrored in his anguished gaze.

           The anemo sword in his hand dissipated and a smile tugged his lips.

           “[Name]…”

           Ah… you wished the sound of your name from his lips would give you that comforting and tingling feeling you’ve always loved whenever you seek his attention. But this isn’t Venti. He was never Venti from the moment you woke up from the garden.

           “But,” Barbatos flinched, his heart racing. “You’ve deceived and lied to me. You broke our promise, Barbatos.”

           He bit his lower lip. If only he could go back in time and change all of these, these would have never happened. He wished you’d go back to calling him Venti, but that name was never his but from a dear friend of his who died during the war. He simply took it, so that his name will be recognized by the people of Mondstadt for his great feat and effort.

           As the years of loneliness weighed upon him, he had fallen for you, and in his desperation, he had manipulated his powers to ensure your love. With a cautious and hesitant touch, he reached out, taking your hand into his trembling grasp.

           You didn't slap him, nor did you recoil from his touch. Instead, a complex mix of emotions flickered within your gaze—betrayal, confusion, and a hint of compassion. He took a deep breath and opened his lips. “Why would I lie to you about something like this?” he asked. 

           Your silence spoke volumes, the weight of the truth hanging heavily in the air, leaving both of you suspended in a moment of profound uncertainty and shattered trust. “I-I don’t know...” you answered, swallowing the hard lump in your throat. 

           “People and feelings can’t be bound down…” You added. “I think you have already realized that, haven’t you?”

           His thumb and index finger circled one of your wrists, and he gently whispered your name making you wish that you could rewind the time just to hear how sweet it sounded from his lips for a second time, and what Aether said was a mistake.

           “Hurting you is never an option. You have no idea how much I care about you. The lengths I am willing to go just to protect you from anything from anyone...”

           I don’t want to be alone. I don’t want a world where you don’t need me.

           He paused and you saw a shift in his expression, a pain that lingered before he allowed it to pass. He sighed before finishing his statement.

           “I can’t live in a world without you, without any of your love, promises, or bonds.”  His heart yearned to reach out to you, to restore the broken bond that has always been his peace. “I can’t live surrounded by strangers, without any guarantee I’ll be loved.”

           His voice quivered with a mix of pain and longing as he finally found the words to speak. “I know I’ve kept many things from you, and it’s usually for your own good. I promise, I have my reasons but…at this point,”

           I’ve run out of good enough excuses to keep hiding what you really mean to me.

           Barbatos’s grip on your hand tightened, his heartache evident in his gaze as he searched desperately for any sign of forgiveness or understanding. The rain continued to pour, washing away the remnants of their once unbreakable bond, leaving them to confront the painful reality of their intertwined fates and the fragile threads that held them together.

           “I mean it... every word...”

           Your eyes widened, everything around you went eerily silent and no sounds remained to wind up at your ears.

           It’s hard to grasp his words, trying your hardest to take in everything he said if the certainty of his tone was a fact or a lie. You recalled all the moments you shared. The time the two of you danced on that fine evening back in the garden that further deepened your relationship with him.

           A sense of unease lingered, a subtle tightening that wound around your heart, yet you dismissed it as inconsequential, attributing it to your usual infatuation with the bard's visage he emulated. You pushed the feeling aside, reassuring yourself that it was merely an inherent aspect of his demeanor.

           For months since you’ve woken up, you believed it was him all along. 

           Or maybe, I was too naive to see the truth.

           Venti isn’t an ordinary bard you could see anywhere you go. Everything about him is flawless. His charming personality, his attractive features, his unique talent in music, his carefree nature, the incredible skill set of a leader that leads him to win the rebellion against the tyrannic archon…

           Out of all the forms he could take, he took his identity and deceived you.

           You sucked on your bottom lip, hesitating your next move and not giving the young man in front of you any idea of how you were feeling about the entire situation. Your hands rested on your lap, clutching on the damp skirt of your dress— the dress he gifted to you— as you averted your gaze from his own.

           Barbatos only wanted you to be happy. You’re so beautiful when you smile at the grandiose and carefree festivity of Ludi Harpastum. That was why he prepared this for you—so that you would be happy and smile and not want to push him away because of his irrational deeds. He never meant to make you mad.

           When you first began to open your eyes in the garden of Old Mondstadt, he was afraid that you, too, might never wake up again as the former Dendro Archon had promised him. So he made everyone else go away instead. The red-haired warrior, the God of Time, Durin—they were all swept away, erased from his presence, as Venti wielded his power over reality. He believed that he could make anything disappear if he truly desired it.

           Yet, despite his godlike abilities, there was one thing he couldn't make vanish. One thing he desperately clung to with every fiber of his being—the love he harbored for you. It lingered, an unyielding force within his heart, refusing to be erased by the very power that had removed all else.

           In the midst of the storm, as the rain continued to fall and the weight of their shared history bore down upon them, Barbatos was left with the profound realization that his powers could never erase the complexity of emotions, the depth of his affection, or the consequences of his actions.

           It’s fine.

           The Anemo Archon cupped your cheek and lightly lifted your head up so you could see him eye to eye. Your breath stilled when his temple rested over yours, his breathing fanning over your lips as you trembled against his hold.

           Closing his eyes, Barbatos’s expression shifted into a twisted grin, his love for you manifesting in a possessive and unsettling manner. With an intensity bordering on obsession, he whispered the words over your lips, his voice laced with both adoration and a hint of madness.

           “I love you, [Name].” He smiled, the blush on his cheeks taking on an eerie hue in the dim light.

           It's alright. I'll fix everything.

           His thoughts spiraled into a mirage of darkness, a soliloquy whispered only to himself. His delighted voice reverberated through his mind as he pondered the complexities of their intertwined fate and the possible change of their future. In his delusion, he believed that he held the power to mold their destinies, to reshape the world to fit his desires.

           As the eerie glow of his blushing cheeks remained in his youthful face, Barbatos's smile widened, revealing a glimpse of his disturbed state. In his warped perception, love and possession merged into a twisted dance, blurring the lines between affection and obsession.

           “Don’t worry, we’ll start our life all over again.” His voice dripped with a sinister sweetness, promising a new beginning that carried a dark undertone. His dark emerald eyes bore into yours with an obsessive and possessive gaze. They held a wildness that bordered on madness, consumed by an unhealthy infatuation that seemed to consume his very being.

           Before you could fully comprehend the implications of his words, a snap of his fingers resounded amidst the rain in a chilling finality. In an instant, the world around you transformed, engulfed in an inky blackness that swallowed all light and hope.

           In the depths of his deranged mind, he envisioned a world where you were forever bound to him, where his love would rewrite reality itself. With a fervent determination, he vowed to mend what he believed was broken, heedless of the consequences that awaited both of you in the wake of his unsettling obsession.

taglist: @trust-the-oxygen @so-uncute​

finally wrote the most awaited part of the series! i really enjoyed writing this and venti's despair and thought process throughout this chapter <3 and also when he said he was uncomfortable with the traveler's keen observation and smartness, that's actually canon!

[ellitx]

Derisive 2 | Heizou x Reader

Where Heizou decided to investigate and uncover Watatsumi Island's secret, and further investigate the mysterious shrine maiden in his own way.

part 2 of Derisive and one of my birthday fics for him. One year later and ive finally finished it lol. I might make this a series but updates will be sporadic since i still have to draft more outlines for a good plot and progress

fem!reader

artist: max_eera

word count: 6.4k

“Are you really that wary of me, Miss Shrine Maiden? I have told you, I’m here for a little trip.”

Ignoring his attempt in making a conversation with you, you could only huff as you put a good distance between him.

“I have my own intuition whether I trust you or not, Detective Heizou. Sure, you may be the renowned greatest detective in Inazuma but that doesn’t mean we’d let you do as you please.”

Cold fierce eyes, squared-up shoulders, gritted teeth—

“Intuition you say?”

He smirked, looking over his shoulder to peer at your frowning face. Without a doubt, you’re an aggressive woman. It’s a shame you always seem so grumpy and your temple would grow out wrinkles the often you do that.

Quite ironic he detests prejudice yet he’s doing it now. For a young shrine maiden such as yourself, you’re quite the character.

At his silence, you raised a brow at the young man before you in bafflement as he softly chuckled to himself. Whatever he was thinking, you hoped he wasn’t plotting against the island or planning to poke his nose around to where it shouldn’t be. Hearing rumors of him, the only way to silence him is through force— even if he’s the Shogunate’s loyal dog.

The man stopped in his tracks— almost having you bump into him if not for your quick reflex to notice his figure pausing. You eyed him intuitively whilst he stared at the scenery of Watatsumi Island.

Heizou’s breath slowed down. All pastel hues of this island will surely attract tourists to visit this side of Inazuma since the Sakoku Decree has ended. A small smile lifted up on his face before he turned his gaze back to you.

“Say, Miss Shrine Maiden—“

“[Name]. I have a name, Mister Detective.”

“Miss [Name]," He corrected. "Are there any cases arising here? Perhaps cases of a thief who stole a precious item, or mysteries left unsolved here such as the long lost treasure left by the Watatsumi Omikami?”

“There are no cases here and no treasures as well. If you want to go adventuring you’d be better off to go back to Narukami Island and take some commissions provided by the Adventurer’s Guild.”

Your eyes flashed open upon the realization of your words. That’s it! Giving him a case would have him preoccupied and absorbed. Once he’s gone, then the concern is finally out of the way. And you can finish discussing your unfinished business with General Gorou…

“Ah, actually, I do have a case for you.”

Heizou had his attention on you. His eyes glimmered in interest as he folded his arms over to his chest.

“Oh? Do enlighten me, please.”

“I have asked a friend of mine, who’s a traveler from afar, to assist us in finding the Heart of Watatsumi. Perhaps you’d be interested in taking this commission?”

Once his demeanor changed, you knew you caught his attention with your interesting offer. This is the chance he’d stop nosing around, and he wouldn’t bother anyone because after all, the traveler has already—

“Miss [Name], I’m disappointed you have the audacity to lie right in front of a detective. But I commend you for having the courage to do so.”

He smiled— or rather, sneered— at your petty attempt in fooling Inazuma’s greatest detective.

Staring back at him, you drove the corner of your lips to turn up and hid your clenched fists underneath your sleeves. Very cunning, without a doubt, but who said you couldn’t battle him through wits?

However, before the flames arose, a bundle of blonde locks of a certain traveler came into view together with her companion. Disappointing with the turn of events that Lumine unintentionally intervened, yet a blessing that she put an end to the silent fume between the detective and a shrine maiden lest it could lead to another war.

It would bring shame to you as the loyal servant of Lady Sangonomiya if that were to happen after all the efforts of bringing down the Sakoku Decree and the Vision Hunt Decree.

“Heya, [Name]! And hello… um…" Paimon looked over to the man next to you and leaned close to her partner to whisper. "Traveler, do you know who this guy is?”

Paimon asked the latter to her partner, yet both you and Heizou heard it clearly. After all, Paimon is never the type to be discreet and she’s in fact the opposite of considerate. Being conscionable wasn’t necessarily a bad thing yet when you partner it up with the floating creature, it’s much worse than bad.

Lumine berated Paimon with gritted teeth and apologized to you and Heizou on behalf of her.

“Oh! You must be the esteemed traveler!” The detective’s eyes glimmered in excitement as he leaned closer to the said female. “I’ve heard a lot of stories about you. From fighting dragons to saving the nation from a disastrous attack from a god. To see you this close in person, it feels like I am now taking the role of the main character in your story.”

His fingers were settled on his chin as he examined her carefully from top to bottom.

“Uhm…”

Raising her hands to block him from invading another inch of her space, she took a step backward to put a distance between them, yet the universe was conspiring against her as her heels slipped at the unevenness of the surface causing her to lose balance.

She searched for an object to grab onto— anything that her eyes and hands could catch on— and yet she did not do so as she feared you’d be dragged along if she attempted to. Preparing for the worse, she braced herself for the harsh collision with the ground and hoped she wouldn’t fracture any of her bones.

But the concussion has never arrived, for a tenacious pair of arms wrapped around her slim waist and caught her on time before she meets her demise. To say that you’re the one who caught her was no surprise, yet her heart hammered and rang loudly in her ears at how close your face was to hers.

“Are you alright?”

You asked lightly, like the whispers of the wind lulling in the gentle breeze here on Watatsumi Island. Lumine’s shoulders squared up, her face heating up abruptly as she nodded vigorously and held on to your clothes for dear life.

Is it just her or does the lighting behind you make you even more charming than ever? The way you gazed at her with your deep-hued eyes, eyelids lowered as your hand gripped onto her waist firmly, almost slipping out a surprised squeak out of her lips when your fingers grazed against her bare back.

She averted her gaze from you, the tips of her ears yet to cease their steaming warmth from how cool and handsome you looked when you saved her.

“Lumine?”

“Oh! Uh, yeah… thanks, [Name].”

The traveler fumbled as she struggled to stand up straight. She can’t help but think you smelled nice—

No! Now’s not the time for that!!

Meanwhile, Heizou whistled in amusement at the intriguing turn of events. Just from Lumine’s reaction alone, he can already deduce there’s something going on between you two.

Would he use this chance to investigate further? Nah, as much as interesting it was, he wasn’t the love angel, and being a wingman isn’t his kind of field or specialization. He can simply observe from afar rather than confront.

And even if he did ask Lumine, she’d only deny it.

Man alive…

Despite how she finally recovered from her clumsiness and shock, she still swayed albeit unnoticeably whilst Paimon cooled her off with her scarf.

“Wow, you’re all red right now. Do you have a fever?”

Paimon inquired as she flew over to her partner and peeked underneath her burning visage. In turn, Lumine turned her away and forced out a chuckle— a really poor and discernible attempt to brush things off. Even a mere child can connect the dots altogether.

“I-I’m fine— anyways, enough about me,”

Clearing her throat, she turned her head to you, golden eyes displaying a serious demeanor.

“I’m here for a commission to bring Shikanoin Heizou back to the Tenryou Commission.”

A loud click resonated in your head, the spark of plugs roaring into the purr of anticipation when her little partner held out a letter over to you with the eligible and elegant handwriting of the sender.

As your eyes scanned over the significant details of this so-called “missing person”, you can’t help but laugh and jutted your thumb in Heizou’s direction.

“Well, aren’t you lucky? This man right here is the one you’re looking for. Now go on and have safe travels going back to Narukami Island.”

“Woah now hold on there, Miss [Name],”

Heizou butted in and curled his lips. His right hand hovered over to the commission letter you’re holding and lowered it down. His smile gradually became wider and condescending which irked you the most. At this point, you’re like a walking bomb, ready to explode once the time runs out.

“Who told you I was going with the traveler? For all I care, the Police Station can handle themselves when Madam Kujou is there to supervise them.”

Oh how much you wanna wipe off that smug smirk etched on his face.

“And besides, I can send a letter and have Traveler hand it to them. Honestly, I’m really flattered they missed me.”

Heizou drew his shoulders displaying his satirical indifference to the situation. It can’t be helped then… It’s better to have someone watch over him if he insists on staying on this island.

“Fine,”

Heizou didn’t miss the sharp tone in your voice. He can tell you were holding yourself from lashing out at him. Though everything he does is mundane activities and nothing suspicious of sorts, it’s like passing by the lion’s cage and roaring at him.

“Lumine, pardon for this sudden request but please keep an eye on Detective Heizou. I need to get going and assist the shrine maidens.”

Giving them a short and brief bow, you bid your last farewell. “I’ll be taking my leave. If you need any assistance you can always approach General Gorou or any of the Watatsumi soldiers.”

With that, you waved your hand in goodbye to the three and left off as you withdrew from your misadventures with the detective.

“Heizou, if you don’t mind me asking…” Lumine called out to him. “I’d like to know what you’re doing here.”

The detective chuckled as he rested his elbow over his arm, deep in his thoughts. “Well, let me think for a moment… It all started a long time ago, during the war…”

Heizou began to explain his purpose for being sent here. The former Tenryou Commissioner, Kujou Takayuki, ordered him to investigate the military capabilities of Sanganomiya. However, the detective wasn’t interested in abiding by his orders and decided to treat his free trip on this island as a vacation.

“As for the mission, I thought I’d just come up with some random excuses or whatever when I reported back hence why I proposed sending a letter to the commission instead of having me go back there.”

Heizou cheekily smiled and chuckled after looking at Lumine’s perplexed state. She can already sense mischief in him and begins to understand why some folks of Inazuma are irked by him— even the shrine maiden of this island was affected by it…

Poor, [Name]…

She internally prayed for you. No wonder why you seemed so aggravated when she came onto the scene.

“So will you be sending a letter then?” Lumine inquired though the detective clicked his tongue at her and wagged his finger. Heizou’s green eyes glinted under the sunlight, his smirk widening— an announcement of sorts that was yet to unveil its magic to his audience— and it was hard to miss that he had something up on his sleeves.

“Nope, but rather, I would like to invite you to come join me.”

“Join you…?” Lumine’s suspicion grew further. It’s best to be cautious and wary around him. And knowing he’s pretty cunning and smart that he can already tell their purpose of being here based on their appearance and demeanor that gave it away, who knows if Shikanoin Heizou is a trustworthy detective as they say.

But what I’m thinking is contradicting… I heard he’s solved hard cases to help those people…

Whatever plan or motive he has, she has to make sure it’s not something dangerous or that would affect everyone here…

Eyeing him in suspicion and doubt only caused him to laugh, not even worrying the slightest bit that in front of him was the famed traveler who defeated a god and saved a nation. For all he knows, he could easily be pinned to the ground by her.

But Heizou knows.

His intuition is telling him that she was the key to solving the mystery of this island.

Walking up to her, he leaned close to her ear and whispered. The words ingressing through her ears had her shuddering as a surge of turmoil coursed through her veins.

—

“The survey status of Great Omikami’s resting place is complete and no sight of Fatui has been detected.”

“The Mouun shrine is still in development and it’s slowly rebuilding to its former glory.”

“The sango pearls are kept in the warehouse. Do not worry, we stored all the high-quality ones in preparation for the shipping tomorrow.”

“The villagers in Bourou Village are having a shortage of goods. We need to transport plentiful of produce as soon as possible…”

The last statement was inevitable given the fact how dense and barren the soils are… You heaved a heavy sigh and took a mental note of the samurais’ and shrine maidens’ reports.

Hopefully, everything goes as planned…

“Thanks. Please report this as well to General Gorou.”

This is bad. Really really bad.

Dismissing all of the samurais, you have a bad feeling something bad might happen. You know for sure the major problem here is the lack of medicines and produce. Not only that, you have to keep the Fatui away from stepping on this land after the Delusion incident that affected all the soldiers who were deceived.

And that detective…

Shikanoin Heizou is one of the major disturbances you need to handle lest he discovers Watatsumi’s affairs… Hopefully, he doesn’t cross paths with General Gorou and have the traveler bring him back to Narukami Island.

—

“W-wh-whoa, hold it right there! Are you saying Gorou’s a thief? As in, he took something valuable?!”

The little fairy hollered. Disbelief and perplexity were written all over her small round face as her brows curled up and her nose scrunched after Heizou’s proclamation.

“It’s not simple, I can’t fully explain it… It’s just my intuition.”

Heizou sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. He then eyed Lumine who was beginning to be slightly uneasy.

“This certainly doesn’t line up with the Gorou I know…” She muttered under her breath. If anything, Gorou is one of the trusted fellows she knows and for anemo-user to say something absurd about him is beyond logic. There’s no evidence of it nor good reasoning as to why Gorou would do such a thing.

“Sure, I trust your judgment. But if that’s still not enough to convince you then what about Miss [Name], the shrine maiden I was with before?”

Lumine felt herself snapping. She silently clenched her fist, her nails digging deep into her palm as she harshly glared at the young detective before her. Hearing your name spew out of his lips and claim you as a thief is even far worse than pointing out Gorou’s suspiciousness— at least by her standards.

She puts you above anyone else she has met in her travels in this vast world.

“What makes you say that?” She asked through gritted teeth and Heizou did not miss the sharpness in her tone, yet he merely brushed off her change of behavior.

“Given from her strength alone, she’s most likely trained in combat. I wouldn’t even be surprised if she’s part of the army guising as a shrine maiden to watch out for suspicious activities happening around here.”

That’s it. Lumine had enough of Heizou’s “intuitive” remarks.

“No, you’re overthinking this,” She grabbed his wrist harshly then pulled him away from the shrine. “I’m going to take you back to Ritou no matter what and investigate this Godot character.”

But Heizou broke free from her brutal grip and stayed put in his place.

Well, this is getting interesting.

“Getting too suspicious, am I?” He rubbed his wrist which was reddening, but it didn’t hurt as much as he expected. He stared at Lumine with the same vigor she was radiating before sighing. It was a big disappointment the traveler wasn’t on the same page as him for taking this adventure and solving the mystery.

“In which case, I’ll stay here and get back to you once I figure out the secret of this place.” Heizou turned his heels and waved them goodbye, taking his leave. However, Lumine rushed into view before him, using herself to stall him and prevent the detective from going anywhere.

“Fine. I’ll go with you on your investigation. But on one condition,”

Lumine, who was increasingly provoked by his previous comments, scorned then turned up her nose, declaring something remarkable— something Shikanoin Heizou himself was awaiting for this specific event to occur.

“If we don’t find any of this secret you keep talking about, you take back what you said about Gorou and [Name] and never interact with them ever again. And if you were right about [Name] and Gorou who are involved in this so-called “theft”, then I won’t get in the way of all of your investigations no matter how suspicious it may be.”

Heizou’s hunch was right. A smirk was itching on his face. One that makes this day more interesting for him than spending his time at the boring Police Station flipping through all mundane and typical missing items cases.

His front was now directly facing the traveler and he rested his hand atop of his chin.

“May I add on that offer then? If I crack the case, then tell me all you know about [Name]. Of course, an equivalent exchange must be done and it would be unfair if I get all the things I want, no?”

Heizou walked towards her and patted her shoulder. Leaning in close to her ear, he then whispered. “Think this thoroughly on what you would add to this proposition you started yourself. I’m even willing to offer myself up to assist you in any way I can, that is if you win, Traveler.”

—

After Lumine and Paimon had a thorough discussion on what to do, they decided to investigate Borou Village late at night and follow Todoroki, the man responsible for the caravans. It’s the best time to trail after them yet a risky job because of how open the village is.

Although, it would’ve been better if the little fairy had kept her mouth shut. Heizou had his hand over Paimon’s mouth to silence lest Todoroki and Tokuda could catch sight of them.

“Keep quiet! We don’t want to be caught when we’re this close to finding out the truth!”

Heizou lightly scolded her as Lumine looked over to her shoulder and took a peek over the fence if the coast was clear. Signaling to the detective, both moved swiftly towards the small house and kept a good distance where they could still eavesdrop on their conversation and note down important details.

Just as Lumine was about to steal a peek at them again, the familiar sight of her dearest shrine maiden was walking to where the two men were. Your hair was tied into a ponytail that swayed as you strolled along the trail. And the big crates you were carrying were hard for her to miss.

Her heart dropped. She knew right away where she was going.

“[Name]?!” she whispered to herself in dismay.

Paimon was startled by Lumine's reaction and turned back to look at her with wide eyes. But thankfully, Heizou was able to suppress her voice and keep her down before she could act recklessly and ruin their cover.

“I guess that’s all of them?” They heard your voice behind the small hut, the sound of a crate’s woods crackling on one another can be heard as well. Heizou deduced you must have stacked them up.

“Amazing as ever, Todoroki! Your intel was spot on!” One of the Watatsumi soldiers exclaimed with a laugh. “We wouldn’t have done this without the assistance of [Name].”

The soldier slapped his hand over your shoulder, earning a groan from you before taking his hand off of you. “Everyone did their part as well. Don’t give all the credit to me.” You remarked.

Todoroki circled the area, checking for any damages to the supplies. “Everything seems in order and the price of the grain in the village has decreased thanks to you.” He hummed in appraisal.

“It’s great you’ve brought medicine for us, Todoroki.” The other Watatsumi soldier said before continuing, “I would have never thought the injuries we sustained in the war would have a lingering effect on our bodies…”

“Don’t push yourself you two,” Patting both of their shoulders, you gave them a lighthearted smile. “The island still needs you and don’t you dare die on me when you still owe me for that drink I made you.”

Both of the soldiers chuckled at your joke and thanked you profusely. You just let it slide and continued, "Oh! I almost forgot!" You turned around to the two men, "The wagons are prepared!”

“Before that, what’s the state of the village's inventory?” Todoroki questioned. The voices faded out from Lumine’s ear, still in disbelief you were part of this suspicious activity. You’re not that kind of person, right? That’s not the [Name] she knows so well!

In the background, you and the soldiers walk away from the scene, giving the opportunity to Heizou and his companions to further investigate the area and in this case they’re dragged with.

“The soldiers seized the Nobushi’s stolen goods?!” The little fairy’s comment made it even more difficult for the traveler.

“And they never intend to return it to the International Trade Association…” Lumine added. Her heart feels heavy and her stomach churning from discovery. Bringing her palm to her lips, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. With everything that’s going on here, it might take some time for her to digest this information.

Heizou eyed her from the sidelines, observing her pale features and change in behavior. He can’t blame her. If he were in her shoes, he’d lose his trust in his friend too. But as a detective, you shouldn’t always trust what’s in front of you and only trust yourself.

Heizou patted Lumine’s shoulder, snapping her out of her train of thought. “Todoroki said he’ll get instructions from Gorou tomorrow. There’s something else behind this.” His touch was almost reassuring her that he’d crack the case and reveal the hidden truth. Lumine can’t help but scoff coldly to herself. It’s ironic, really, that the detective was showing her sympathy despite their recent negotiation about [Name] and Gorou.

But despite all these, she can sense no malice or mockery from his touch. Maybe he has a good heart after all, and yet…

No, I have to focus on this. Snap out this, Lumine! I still know [Name] is a good person! Maybe she has a good reason behind all these things…

Investigating through those boxes it’s mostly herbs and flowers such as qingxin flowers and glazed lilies… And according to Heizou’s deduction, it should be for medicinal purposes. From the corner of Lumine’s eye, she saw a piece of paper sticking out from the crate and faded written letters of “Foreign Trade Association”.

Perhaps a bill of sorts…

“If these crates were to be imported from Ritou, the price would be jaw-dropping,” Heizou remarked.

[Name]’s a good person!

“On top of that, these items seem to lack a tax clearance certificate, meaning they were most likely smuggled.”

That’s right! It’s all those thieves' fault. It had nothing to do with them.

“Did you find anything else, Traveler?” Lumine jumped and shook her head.

“Oh, ugh, unfortunately nothing…” Heizou squinted his eyes at her and she was practically sweating bullets when he never took his eyes off of her. She coughed to divert his attention to somewhere else.

The detective can only sigh and leave her be to give her some space. Across his vision, two figures were coming their way. Oh, speak of the devil. The two soldiers who were with you are now here. Heizou smirked behind his hand, closely observing and listening to their conversation. Now’s the good time to dig for information from them to confirm his suspicions.

—

The goods are prepared and ready to set off. The last thing to do is to wait for the ship to arrive. You sighed and wiped off the sweat rolling down your face with the sleeve of your kimono.

Please let everything go well.

The sun is bright, the corals are more colorful than ever, and Todoroki was with you at the Sangonomiya Shrine. You smiled and the man chuckled, taking in the breathtaking scenery, hoping for a peaceful voyage ahead.

“Today’s a good morning isn’t it?” You began and Todoroki could see the flowers blooming around you because of your positive state.

“Indeed a good morning.”

Huh, that’s weird. Todoroki’s voice seemed so different. “Todoroki did you drink something? Your voice seems younger.” You chuckled and the man looked a bit perplexed but then burst into laughter.

“How odd. I thought I heard someone else when it’s just the two of us here.” He laughed along with you, finding the situation quite amusing.

“Weird isn’t it? Because there’s actually someone here with you, Miss [Name].”

Your eyes were now wide open. The brightness in them had faded and transformed into one of darkness and annoyance. Though the smile on your face remained, Todoroki saw the corner of your lips twitch and the broom in your hand almost snapped into two pieces.

“Oh my. I take back what I said. This is a rather horrible morning.” The man’s laughter slowly died down as he noticed the change in your behavior and the appearance of a new guest— well, three guests to be exact— who was behind you.

The playful atmosphere vanished in mere seconds and he can sense your annoyance. Todoroki cleared his throat nervously and cautiously observed the unfamiliar red-headed man who had a striking smirk donning his youthful face.

“Ahem… uh, who are you?” The old man asked, his brows knitted together.

“Hello, Todoroki and Miss [Name]. I'm Shikanoin Heizou, special detective of the Tenryou Commission.” The detective introduced himself and he never missed the way you glared at him. He simply smiled at you and his eyes glowed as he crossed his arms over his shoulder, preparing the confrontation to finally seek the answers he’s been looking for.

“I believe you two have been manipulating large-scale illegal trades for some time now. Mind if we talk about that for a bit?” He didn’t hesitate to ask. It was now or never when the two main culprits were here before his eyes.

Lumine clenched the hem of her skirt. She’s helpless and unable to do anything to stand up for you. Even though things have already been discussed yesterday to clear things up, she still believes in you no matter what.

Todoroki was about to storm off but you managed to stop him. The baffled and shocked reaction was clear and expressive and things may get out of hand if he raged and shouted to the detective. “I don’t understand what you mean, detective.”

The detective's smirk only widened as he leaned in, maintaining his composure despite the tense atmosphere. "Oh, I think you understand perfectly well," Shikanoin Heizou said, his voice calm and collected. “Well let me make it clear for you: we've been closely monitoring the activities, and all the evidence points to the two of you."

Todoroki's face flushed with anger, his usually composed demeanor shattered by the baseless accusations. Clenching his fists, he struggled to contain the seething rage building within him. “Ridiculous! I don't have time to listen to this. Get out of here, you little brat!”

“Todoroki, calm down.” Your restraint on him was tight and firm, though his anger can never diminish at least he held back from lashing out.

You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose to alleviate the building headache. Your morning started off horribly already before you could even do your usual work.

“I just wanna know and confirm from you personally what we already know to be the truth.” The detective chuckled, seemingly unfazed by your glare. At this point, he’s already grown used to it now.

You cast a worried glance at the old man, realizing the severity of the situation. Lumine, though unable to intervene directly, tried to offer silent support from the sidelines. The detective's gaze shifted to her, and he raised an intrigued eyebrow.

“Argh... Masashi! Tokuda! Arrest these people!” Todoroki shouted, alerting the named soldiers. Masashi and Tokuda hesitated for a moment as they saw the intensity of his anger. They were torn between obeying their superior's orders and questioning the validity of the detective's claims.

Seeing the dangerous situation unfold, you stepped forward, your voice calm but assertive. “Wait no! Put the weapon down!”

The detective sighed, seemingly disappointed by the chaos he had caused. "Oh, but it seems like emotions are running high. Perhaps the truth is finally coming to the surface," he remarked, fueling the fire further.

You tightened your grip on Todoroki's arm, trying to anchor him and maintain control of the situation. "Enough of this nonsense! If you have any evidence, present it properly instead of making baseless claims."

The situation had escalated far beyond your expectations, and you knew that finding a way to clear your names and prove your innocence would be a daunting task. With tension still thick in the air, you hoped that rationality would prevail and that the truth would ultimately come to light.

Heizou tutted, wagging his index finger as if he was a disappointed parent. “We saw you last night, Miss [Name] and Mister Todoroki. You were with Tokuda and Masashi helping to carry the goods.”

Your eyes widened in surprise and you felt your heart was about to come out of your throat. “Well, the Traveler can confirm it for me. Isn’t that right?” The redhead peered over to the said name. Lumine hesitated for a moment, torn between being truthful and not wanting to further implicate you or Todoroki. She took a deep breath and nodded.

You groaned, the defeat sinking into you slowly, eating up your entire soul. You swallowed your pride and sighed heavily. It’s better to clear up the misunderstanding than fuel this fire into madness.

You went down onto your knees and placed your head against the ground. Todoroki's eyes widened in shock, and it wasn’t just him. Even Lumine, Paimon, the two soldiers, and Heizou were surprised.

For you to kneel and beg was unexpected and Todoroki was concerned when you performed dogeza. "Hey, [Name], there's no need for that," he said, his voice softer now, realizing the toll the situation was taking on you.

Gorou came rushing in, his arms wide as he stepped in and intervened. “Everyone, please calm down!” He was panting heavily, running immediately to the Sangonomiya Shrine when he was alerted by the soldiers of the conflict occurring here. 

You ignored Todoroki and pleaded for Heizou’s empathy. “Please, listen to us.” Heizou watched you with a mix of surprise and curiosity as you pleaded for understanding. The tense atmosphere seemed to momentarily ease as Gorou's presence diffused the situation slightly.

The detective crossed his arms, his expression stoic as he considered your plea.

"Fine, I'll listen," he said, though his tone still held a hint of skepticism. You took a deep breath, trying to steady yourself as you explained Watatsumi Island’s current struggle and situation.

“Watatsumi is a barren island. Growing crops here is futile…” It shattered Lumine’s heart to hear your voice wavering. “You can't grow food or medicinal herbs here. And if we buy them from Ritou, we pay exorbitant taxes.” Todoroki added, exasperation evident in his tone.

“My eldest son died fighting on the battlefield. But do you know how my second son died? He died because there was no medicine to treat him! He sacrificed himself so [Name] will be treated!”

Your stomach felt heavy, recalling the smell of rust and heavy stains of red all over your abdomen. The old man's face was etched with grief and frustration as he continued, his voice trembling with emotion. “[Name] got injured during the war and I was able to cure her before things got worse…”

You clenched your fist and bit your lip. You still didn’t raise your head. This was the only way to show and beg for the Shogunate’s mercy and understanding. Rebelling would be useless and you’d be willing to turn yourself in if that’s the only option to save your hometown.

“I beg you, please don’t tell this to the Commission… This is the only thing I ask of you, Shikanoin.” You dropped the mocking nickname and addressed him by his last name. Todoroki hated seeing you kneeling like this. His anger was boiling, fueling his rage, and it was hard to stop himself.

“Gorou, if we detain them today, the Shogunate will never know what we've done. Besides, we're only a few months away now...We will set them free once the new bill is passed in just a few months, and everything will be okay. None of what happened here will be mentioned again, and life on Watatsumi Island will continue to improve.” Todoroki convinced the general. The urgency and desperation were so evident and the gears on Heizou’s head were turning, finally confirming his case.

“I understand you’re worried about them, Todoroki. But they won’t—“

“That man’s a Tenryou Commissioner!" He cried, his voice becoming scratchy. "If we let him go free, then who's to say that the Shogunate won't come after us tomorrow? If they decide to investigate, we won't be able to hide the truth.”

The general furrowed his brows, understanding the gravity of the situation. Heizou's knowledge of the smuggling activities could be disastrous for the people of Watatsumi Island.

Todoroki looked like he was giving up. No matter how much he argued and convinced Gorou, it’ll all be useless. He’s a simple farmer and he has no power commanding the island’s government.

The atmosphere was gloomy and tense, it almost affected Lumine as well. But her eyes lit up recalling what Todoroki said.

“Wait, what is the bill you just mentioned?”

“It's a new commodity tax bill currently being drafted by the Kanjou Commission. The bill exempts taxes on goods that are in short supply on Watatsumi Island. Once the bill is introduced, we'll be able to buy commodities that we need from regular marketplaces…” Gorou explained.

Then everything clicked. Heizou chuckled and shook his head. "Oh, I see. Man alive… These all make sense now.” He settled his gaze back to you and your eyes made contact with him. Just one look at him and you can feel the dread eating you up whatever that might come out of his lips.

“Alright, in exchange to keep everything here a secret, I’ll stay here a little bit longer.”

“YOU WHAT?!” Hearing you scream at the top of your lungs and standing up surprised everyone.

Oh that shit-eating smirk is back again. The vein on your forehead was noticeable and Lumine calmed you down by pulling you back.

“Oh you heard me. I’m staying here and I’ll be able to see you more, Miss [Name].”

Your heart sank as you realized the implications of Heizou's words. He was willing to stay on Watatsumi Island, watching and wandering the coast area. You’d see him all day while you work and just the thought of it is enough to make you gag in disgust you’ll see this man.

The relief you felt about the bill that could potentially help the island was overshadowed by the fear of having a Tenryou Commissioner in your midst, ruining your peaceful life.

“Oh, come on, Miss Shrine Maiden. What’s with that look? Surely you must have noticed that, aside from being a detective, I am also an ordinary tourist who likes to enjoy good scenery?”

The annoying nickname was back again. You couldn't hide the disdain in your eyes as Heizou's smirk grew wider. Your heart sank further as you realized that the detective's prolonged stay on Watatsumi Island would indeed be a constant source of unease for you.

It wasn't just his involvement in the smuggling investigation that bothered you; it was his nosiness that annoys you the most that there's a possibility he'll take confidential information about the island and use it against you leading to another war.

Gorou and Todoroki, however, seemed unfazed by Heizou's decision to stay longer. The general saw it as an opportunity to further strengthen the island's ties with the Tenryou Commission.

"I'm glad to hear you'll be staying a little longer, Detective Heizou," Gorou said, a hint of gratitude in his tone and Todoroki nodded in agreement.

You forced a smile, not wanting to cause further tension. Deep down, you knew that they were right – accepting Heizou's presence was necessary to buy time until the new bill could be passed. Still, it didn't change the fact that you dreaded the days ahead, knowing that you'd have to endure his watchful gaze while trying to go about your daily work.

Heizou's eyes locked with yours again, and you could sense the amusement in his gaze. "Oh, come on now, Miss Shrine Maiden. I promise I won't be a bother," he said teasingly.

You gritted your teeth, suppressing the urge to retort. There was nothing you could do but play along and hope that the situation would resolve itself once the new bill was in effect.

Until then, you'd have to be on guard and keep Lady Sangonomiya close and safe, all while enduring the presence of a suspicious and nosy Tenryou Commissioner on Watatsumi Island.

[ellitx]

— art belongs to: @gege112h and @idomiz_

₊˚ପ⊹ welcome to my blog! i’m elli. i love writing fanfics and stories especially for small fandoms and limited screen time characters. i do NOT take requests. however thirsts, asks, and rambles are always welcome.

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₊˚ପ⊹ im currently into genshin and cool doji danshi (for writing fanfics) other interests can be found in my side blog which is down below.

₊˚ପ⊹ souma’s muse, himmel’s princess, heizou’s housewife, and venti’s angst bully | firm believer of dom venti supremacy

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[ellitx]

Chapter 16: Ludi Harpastum 1

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁

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art belongs to: srr_yo

word count: 4.7k

           Mondstadt has always been known for its peaceful and calming breeze from the north. The scent of dandelions would waft in the air, inducing the townsfolk to lay back and enjoy their peaceful self-time in nature.

           It’s a characteristic of countless other natives with the exception of some organization that handles and maintains the peace in the nation. 

           For the past week, the plaza was bustling with people running in and out of the city and a few other travelers visiting. Quite the contrast with their well-known culture, though in a satisfactory standard. A strong scent of alcohol being brewed can be sniffed from miles away but Flora’s flower stand is still triumphant with all her bright and consummate garlands decorating all structures and statuettes of the Anemo Archon.

           Dancers were everywhere, colorful and bright stalls and candy floss carts could be seen, and the fountain spouted clear blue water that glinted in the sunlight. 

           Mondstadt was buzzing with excitement with the Ludi Harpastum Festival. 

           Children were running around, going from one booth to another with their fellow friends to get their desired rewards and men drank their hearts out with a hearty laugh as they cheered and clunk their mugs altogether before chugging their drinks down. 

           Paimon was having a lot of fun celebrating. Buying one food and then another before she could even finish the unfinished fried radish balls. She was drooling, admiring all the stalls displayed as her eyes glimmered in childlike excitement at how festive and wonderful this day was.

           Aether would have a lot of fun with Paimon walking from booth to booth, eating until their bellies ache, and playing against each other on who could out-best the other in a game of Pile ‘em Up if not for the urgency of looking for you.

           Not here. She’s not here…

           His face paled and everything went deaf. The loud clamor and bellows of stand owners were silence to him as well. 

           “..ther. Earth to Aether!”

           A small hand grabbed his scarf and tugged it, snapping him out of his floods of thoughts of your current whereabouts. 

           “Hey, are you alright? You’re looking a little pale there. Do you feel sick again?” 

           The young man stared blankly, before blinking and looking away at his companion. “I’m… fine.”

           Paimon was silent and still, her eyes never taking off of him with how he was sweating bullets and distracted for the past seven days. Ever since he’s been discharged by Barbara, he immediately went off to search for you the day Ludi Harpastum began. 

           Day and night, he looked for you. Looked for Venti. 

           And when he asked the townsfolk about you or the bard, the only response he got was a shake of their head or a shrug that they haven’t seen them. 

           Is looking for [Name] a good idea? 

           Is it worth the risk to look for her?

           More and more questions erupted in the little fairy’s head, becoming even more anxious at the thought of Aether being wounded and attacked by the bard ever since that incident occurred.

           Their travel would be nothing if he died in the hands of the wind of god. He still hasn’t found his sister yet and they have little to no clue of where she is. If he dies, Paimon will…

           Paimon will—

           “Aether, why don’t we just let the Knights of Favonius handle this?”

           The said male looked up at his companion with hazy eyes before scoffing, something she had already grown accustomed to with how they often berate.  

           “I would if I could. But I chose not to.”

           It took her by surprise, but she should’ve expected this is how he’ll react. After all, Aether is strong-willed and a tenacious person, but perhaps he’s overstepping his bounds with his decision.

           “But…” 

           “Don’t worry. I trust them. I really do.”

           His gaze faltered back to the sky, the dim clouds beginning to bury the moonlight. 

           “What time is it?” 

           Looking back to the starry night horizon, it’s been hours since they’ve been exploring Mondstadt City to search for you and Venti. To say the least that Aether is determined to look for you, it would prove to be difficult for Paimon alone to drop this quest and just move on with their day to enjoy Ludi Harpastum without any worries. 

           Yet, she wonders how far will Aether search for you. After Ludi Harpastum ends? Or a week after that? It would be futile and hopeless to proceed onward without solid tracks on where you are… But if ever the time comes things will not end up so good, then Paimon has to intervene and force her companion to stop.

           Sighing, she fiddled with her stick and answered his question. 

           “It’s past 8 pm. We should head back to the Favonius Headquarters and get some rest.” 

           It’s conspicuous how the traveler has been so drained the past seven days. Although he admits that he had fun celebrating this annual event with the little fairy, the heaviness weighing on his shoulders that you’re with the bard still bothers him. 

           It’s not his business to meddle with your affairs, but ever since he had gained significant information from the talk with Dr. Edith and Barbara, he had a feeling something was not right with Venti.

           Especially, what you are to the Anemo Archon.

           One more day… Just one more…

  —

             “Will you close your eyes for a bit?”

           Venti’s voice reverberated behind you, his hands still wrapped around your waist whereas you stopped twining the garland you have in your hand. You eyed him from the corner of your eyes and saw a rather peculiar expression he was wearing. 

           Maybe it’s better to not question any further and so you heed his request and closed your eyes slowly. There was a sudden emptiness behind you and you presumed Venti had to move somewhere else but in less than a second you felt something warm pressing onto your temple.

           Although he told you to close your eyes, you opened your right eye to take a peek and saw him smiling at you full of warmth, tenderness, and love. Your heart raced, much faster than before and it’s difficult for you to look at him with straight eyes when he’s gazing at you with genuine kindness and love.

           Yet, something felt odd after that kiss. You blinked and looked around the lair. Something was off with your perception and at the same time, it’s nothing… It’s hard to point out what it is but maybe it’s the low energy that’s taking a toll on you.

           After all, you’ve been spending so much time with Venti and Dvalin, taking care of the lair to return back to its rightful glory and beauty after the war, as well as having to feed the dragon. Dvalin sure has one big stomach and all the apples you’ve given to him weren’t enough.

           Being lightheaded after waking up for who knows how long now has been your cognitive condition and you’re thankful Venti was the one who was looking after you while you were in deep slumber.

           “What was that for…?”

           “Just a little kiss mark. Don’t worry too much about it, [Name].”

           When he spoke, you could feel his warm breath against your face, and it’s just now you realized how close you two are. He grabbed your hand delicately and kissed the fingertips one at a time while you watched with total calm and comfort taking over your body, snuggling closer into the crook of his neck.

           Venti carded his fingers through your hair and made sure he won’t tear or damage the flower garland he made specifically for you. Today’s the eighth day of Ludi Harpastum being celebrated in Mondstadt and the bard has been patiently waiting for this day to arrive.

           Waiting was torturous, at the same time he can’t risk going ahead without proper plans. He’s been so excited he’d finally be able to celebrate a proper event with his lover and of course this annual event wherein you’d discover how much the wind nation has changed over the past millennia. 

           Venti’s sure you’d love it and so he hoisted you up carefully with ease and took your hand, dashing to where the main entrance to the lair was.

           “Let’s go to Mondstadt and celebrate the festival!”

           His radiant voice reminded you of the time he brought you to the garden back in Old Mondstadt. A clarity of vision showed you his relief at finding you at the manor, and you pictured Venti and Barbatos consoling you in those times of difficulties when your father still reigned the nation, promising that once the war is over they’ll hold a big celebration. 

           You were free now. You can go away together with Venti to a place where no one knows you, where you aren’t restrained, and live a happy life. 

           A hearty giggle lifted the air, reaching the bard’s ears as he listened to the song of grace and warmth— the warmth that he loved so much, the grace of your hand he can never forget every time he held you and the smile he promised to never let it falter.

           From there, he wished among the sea of dandelions for time to stop where he could be with you.

  —

             “Woah, I never knew this city would be bustling…”

           As the clamors of the sellers and Mondstadtians celebrate Ludi Harpastum, the flock doesn’t cease its hearty laughter and promotion of their own stalls by inviting visitors and offering them special items. 

           Paper windmills and balloons were decorated in all houses from top to bottom, even the giant windmills itself residing in the city were intricately decorated with banners of cecilias and windwheel asters. 

           You were beyond overwhelmed. Right as you stepped foot at the gate entrance, a young girl, who he knew very well was little Flora, welcomed you with a big smile and offered you a flower garland.

           “Happy Ludi Harpastum!” 

           You hid behind Venti, still wary and cautious when interacting with people outside the tower. You were like a newborn rabbit, hiding from the dangers of the world, and although this has always been your wish to see the outside world and its beauty, the disruptive difference and changes to the current Mondstadt really surprised you.

           Venti chuckled when you were silent, unsure of what to say. And so to assist his dear, he placed his hand over your lower back to ease you and took the small garland from Flora on your behalf.

           “It’s a tradition for Mondstadters to greet everyone Ludi Harpastum.” He spoke while he lifted your right hand, carefully settling the floral bracelet on your wrist.

           Putting your wariness aside, you didn’t want to be rude and leave the little girl hanging, so you uttered, “Thank you for the beautiful ornament. And… happy Ludi Harpastum to you as well.”

           In that bashful smile of yours, the little girl was so giddy and upbeat. She smiled widely, her dimples showing and her eyes glittering with excitement before nodding and waving at you.

           “May the Anemo Archon guide you, pretty lady! Please come visit our stall if you have the time!”

           It’s soothing and refreshing to see everyone here smiling and enjoying their life along with the gentle breeze Mondstadt is known for. No more war, no more deaths, no more rebellion.

           Everything here is peaceful and warm just as how you always longed for. 

           You moved your middle finger, grazing the back of Venti’s hand. He jumped for an instance, yet kept his composure, the same finger grazing his hand again, and he moved his index. 

           Your fingers touched, stayed touching for a few seconds, and both kept walking forwards, each step taking them closer to the heart of the city.

           Venti twitched his pinky, tickling yours, extending it outwards as he brushed your pinky. The tip of his finger met yours, and pulled away then doing it again as a faint giggle echoed from you. You curved your pinky inwards, seizing him and keeping him there.

           You began to walk slower with Venti matching you. Step, and a step, and another step were taken together, a few bumps happened, and two more fingers ended up touching. 

           The sounds of far-off children and the chiming of the wind chime singing filled the silence they had created, the back of their hands touching long enough for it to no longer be considered a bump.

           As your hand barely moved, not even by a noticeable distance, Venti took your hand with his. He slotted his fingers with yours, pressing down and evoking a firm and gentle and loving hold on his partner. With the same desire, you couldn’t resist for long and clamped down on him with as much love.

           You walked together hand in hand, stretching out the walk by minutes, shortening the strides and basking in the jovial day of Mondstadt.

           “That reminds me, I wonder who the current Anemo archon is and how long I’ve been asleep…”

           You muttered to yourself.

              “The important thing to remember is he’s a kind-hearted soul. He saved his people many times.” The bard chuckled once again and pulled you close to him and laced your fingers with his to make sure you wouldn’t wander off and get lost along the crowds.

           “I’ve already lost count of how many years it has been…” He answered. “I have only been able to speak to a few people at first though after the war ended. I mostly stayed at Old Mondstadt to watch over you and wait for you to wake up, but now that it's over, we've started to interact with the citizens."

           “I’m sorry I kept you waiting...” 

           Venti’s heart tightened hearing your soft and apologetic voice.

           “Don’t be. I’m just happy to see you open your eyes again and be with me. As long as I’m with you, I’m already satisfied with my life,”

           Venti looked down, suppressing the trembling of his heart by forcing a smile. You felt his grip on your hand went firm, fear was what you sensed. He was scared to let you go, and if he does you might never return.

           “But I’m still worried about what the future holds. How many are going to come or leave?"

           A question he asked to no one. The years of isolation he had felt all throughout his life, but he wasn’t lonely. He’s been with you the entire time. He won’t expect any replies from you because he knows you’d be speechless and hesitant about what you might say. 

           You know you'd be a mess speaking so much, so you reciprocated his hold and moved closer to him until your arms were brushing together with his.

           "I'm afraid that I may not be able to protect you anymore..." You could feel the pain in his voice and the worry in his eyes.

           “No. You're strong, and besides, I think I'll have you to rely on." You kissed him softly right on the lips before he pulled back, his cheeks slightly flushed.

           “I really am happy to see you awake again,"

           “Me too.”

           You fixed Venti’s hat and skipped over until you were facing him in front.

           “How about we explore this cultivated city together?” 

           He wished he had a Kamera with him. This scene is so perfect and gorgeous with the petals of flowers dancing with the breeze in the background as your hair gently swayed.

           “Like a date?”

           “Silly,” you grabbed his hand and tugged him forward. “We’re already on a date.”

           “Well, where do you want to go?” He asked with a small stutter, the red tint of blush on his cheeks still lingered which you find really cute and plan to tease him later on.

           You had no clue what could be fun or interesting here, but you didn't want to offend him by not being a good guest. So instead of saying anything you just smiled at him.

           “Well, I’m kind of peckish…” 

           You laughed awkwardly. Dear archons, you hoped your stomach won’t rumble so loudly and that would be so embarrassing. 

           “Well, what are you waiting for?” Venti leaned closer, turning his head slightly while he gazed at you deeply.

           “The meal is already in front of you.” The bard winked and he grunted when you slapped his shoulder, your face flushed red from his dirty invitation.

           “Venti!” 

           He chuckled before lightly kissing your cheek affectionately. And good thing you were distracted from that kiss as he brought you to a diner and found a seat with a nice view. 

           The balcony was the perfect place. Windy, but warm enough for it not to be freezing. Venti left you for a moment so he could take his orders and it was not too long before he returned with two drinks in his hands. You thanked him and took your drink from him gratefully with a smile.

           Everything here is just so perfect. It’s how you envisioned the new Mondstadt. A land of freedom and wind.

           A land that is full of lilting voices brought to the seeds of dandelion. You had your head on his shoulder while he held your hand between his own.

           “I bought you a Moon Pie. It’s really good I assure you.”

           You glanced at him smiling innocently. Venti returned the smile before taking a sip of his drink. It didn't taste bad. It was sweet and refreshing. The aftertaste was divine, ending with the rich cereal aroma.

           You looked down at the food to avoid his gaze and stared at it instead. Even though you had been hungry ever since you woke up this morning, all you could think about was how much you wanted to know about the current status of Mondstadt and general knowledge about this festival.

           "So… how was Mondstadt after the war?" You asked in hopes that he would talk to distract himself from your silence.

           Venti snorted. "Everyone is given freedom and they are off on their own adventure." He glanced at the crowd below the balcony who were running and celebrating the happy feast with their friends and family.

           "Everyone here lives happily, smiling brightly and enjoying the gentle breeze of the nation. Every time Ludi Harpastum arrives, the citizens often compete with each other to gain the title of Champion of Ludi Harpastum." Venti informed you, looking back towards the crowds, but not really seeing them. 

           "It used to be more of a tournament than anything else with a side of wine and games but I prefer this new festival where everyone can just be themselves and enjoy the event."

           You nodded, listening intently as he explained it to you. 

           “Speaking of champion,” Venti put his glass down and rested his cheek over his fist. He took the spoon from your plate and scooped some of the Moon Pie then drifted the spoon over to you. You didn’t think any further as you leaned in and accepted his offer to feed you. 

           “A vow must be fulfilled, and it is my motive to seize the name which you shall be thrilled.” He eyed you in hopes you knew what he was implying. 

           And as ever, you understood what he meant with no problem with his riddles and poetries. You huffed, chewing on the delicious meaty pie. 

           “If you become the champion.” You emphasized.

           Venti pumped his fist, all fired up and excited to take all the various games and be the winner of all. 

           “I can do it! I won’t let that elf girl beat me as she did at the other games.”

           The memory of a certain elf magician beating him several times was still fresh in his mind. How can he lose to her?! He was far too old than her and had more knowledge about the world than her. 

           Well, now that she’s too busy traveling in faraway lands, he’s assured that woman won’t interfere with his day when he can finally show off his talents to you.

           He smiled wide and continued eating and talking about how he was going to win, and how you would probably reward him as his lover when he did so.

           Your cheeks felt warm with embarrassment at Venti’s enthusiasm and yet it was so contagious. Continuing to eat your meal, you muttered. “I look forward to seeing you be the champion, mister bard.”

           His face lit up and he gave a happy nod, continuing to talk about his plans to win all the games. 

           Taking another bite, you stopped halfway as you felt something was rubbing against your leg.

           “Meow~”

           You looked down and saw the cat walking in circles towards you. Its tail curled over your leg as it nuzzled its cheek on you.

           “Aw, what are you doing there, kitty?” You asked the cat while it stared up at you with a curious expression. “Oh, you mean this?”

           You looked over to your Moon Pie and the cat mewled. The stray animal turned around and jumped onto you as it sat on your lap, the white fur around its body making it look like a cloud.

           “Ah—choo—!”

           Venti sneezed, his nose itching and acting up. 

           “My apologies, I have been exposed to cat dander for too long.” He put his hand up to his face, wiping it as he tried to calm his allergies.

           You checked on your table to see if there were any tissues left, and finding enough, you wiped Venti’s nose and softly laughed at his runny nose. 

           That’s a new side of him to see.

           “You remind me so much of Barbatos with the way you sneezed.” You remarked, dabbing his nose lightly and putting it aside somewhere on the table far from your plate.

           Venti blinked and tilted his head to the side. “Do I?”

           Even the way he leaned his head was so adorable!

           You hummed in affirmation and put down the cat on the floor. You didn’t want to torture him if you keep the cat close. That would be so horrible of you to do that.

           “But I didn’t know you’re allergic to them.” 

           As far as you remember, Venti was used to being surrounded by animals whenever he sings, and even cats are attracted to his charming voice. He would’ve had a sneezing fit during his performance if all those cats were disturbing his music back then.

           “My cat allergy developed over the years. And even just thinking about it is already making me— achoo!” 

           He grabbed his nose again but this time, with his hand. And when he did, he made such an adorable gesture! You giggled at his reaction and smiled at him.

           “I guess that explains why only slimes and foxes are allured to your music?”

           Venti groaned and rested his head over to your shoulder, whining and sniffing about his unpleasant allergy situation.

           “[Name], feed me, please. I might die from my allergy if you don’t!”

           “Alright, alright, I have some tissues here. Come on, let me help you.” You said, petting the top of his head as you looked at his hand.

           “Wait, wait. Don’t touch my hands! They itch now, they—achoo!” He covered his face with both his arms.

           “I won't touch anything dangerous, okay? Just let me take care of you first before I’ll feed you.”

           You gently lifted Venti’s face, cupping his cheek as you dabbed his nose with gentle taps of the tissue, making sure it won’t irritate the skin area on his nose lest it’ll leave a burning mark.

           Once you took care of Venti, you offered him a tissue to blow his nose and took the spoon to feed him with the Moon Pie.

           “Mm, mmm. [Name], yu dob now hawb mash ay lab yu.” Venti opened his mouth, his eyes closed while you spoon-fed him.

           The food was great but his energy was even better, making you smile as you feed him more of the Moon Pie.

  —

             “Aaand, we have a winner!! Breaking the record of 112 cm, this lad here has set the new record of 120cm of Pile ‘Em Up!”

           The crowd cheered whilst the participants sighed in defeat. Venti smirked, throwing an apple in the air before taking a bite of it. 

           He searched for you over the crowd and you were in awe at the height of the stack of ingredients he used. The bard was complacent, boosting his confidence seeing his lover be amazed at his work. 

           “Did you see that? She was amazed by my work!”

           He grinned wide, waving his arms to the crowd and taking a sip of his ale. Despite missing seven days of the festival, he managed to beat every single game prepared by the citizens and for the Pile ‘Em Up challenge, he tried to make the tallest tower of ingredients he could.

           “You could’ve made that tower higher if you used those cheeses.” You remarked, walking towards him with a radiating smile he adored so much. 

           “Ugh, I’m not a big fan of cheese.” 

           You stifled your giggling behind your hand, his resentment towards the dairy product was exhibited.

           “So out of 7 games you’ve won 4 of those. Pretty amazing if you ask me.” You hummed, walking along with him in the streets of Mondstadt to find stalls with games to claim his title of Champion of Ludi Harpastum. 

           “Not exactly seven but I need to go beyond that for me to win.”

           “You’re really eager in getting that title,” 

           Venti huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. “Of course I do! It’s been a long time since I got to see a maiden as pretty as you throwing the Ludi Harpastum ball for the final event.”

           He gave you a wink, your cheeks flushing in embarrassment. 

           “You are quite the charmer, mister bard.”

           You couldn’t help but smirk at his handsome face and charming eyes. “I don’t know how you did it but you managed to win most of the games. You have a knack for these.”

           Both of you stopped at one of the biggest stalls situated in the plaza. Travelers and adventurers from Adventurer’s Guild were gathered here whilst the host of the event announced there are only a few slots left before the main event starts.

           It was a gliding challenge. Whoever claims all the flowers and finishes them faster will be the winner. As simple as that but dangerous since it’s an aerial activity.

           “Are you going to join there, Venti?”

           Just as he was about to reply to you, a familiar blonde figure and his little companion were in line, just right behind you.

           Venti shut his lips and paled. Even if the Celestia has alleged this is purely coincidence, that coincidence is a devastating one. He didn’t want to ruin this fun because of those two. 

           Indignant eyes in the vulnerable are a sign of stress that should never have come their way. Once it is drawn out, they can express sadness and recover, perhaps in time become strong enough to be a protector and rise to trusted positions reserved for psychologically mature protectors.

           It was painted with harsh and incensed fury. It may be invincible to the eyes of the public but to you, it was faint. You can feel the tension in him.

           “Venti?” You called out to him.

           The said male snapped out of his thought and looked at you. You were worried. Your brows creased and your gorgeous [eye color] eyes were tinted with concern. He really needs to avoid making you worry lest he drags you into his personal affairs.

           “What’s wrong?” You asked again.

           “Nothing… I just remembered I can’t participate. I don’t have my gliding license with me.”

           He lied. 

           He doesn’t want to go there. He can't even look at the blonde boy. He's been avoiding him since that incident. He couldn't even look at his little companion.

           It was enough for his head to boil. A wave of anger curling hot and unstoppable in his gut, like a blazing inferno that wanted to burn him from the inside out.

           “Why don’t we look for a different game?”

           He suggested, immediately grabbing your hand and marching off away from the venue. As much as possible, he doesn’t want Aether and Paimon to cross paths with you. 

           If that happens, his dream and future with you will be ruined. A butterfly effect he desperately wished wouldn't occur.

taglist: @trust-the-oxygen @so-uncute​

fuck you hyv ive been waiting for two years and sumeru is already here, scaramouche was already dripped market and up till now there's still no ludi harpastum. im tired of waiting im gonna make my own ludi harpastum hmph. yknow ive had my hopes up when the leakers mentioned 3.1 will have a mond festival and i was badly hoping for ludi harpastum but look at that making myself look like a clown when it's weinlesefest

anywho im finally back. it's been a year since ive updated and i honestly really want to continue writing but bcs of the lack of lore for this festival, i had to put it in a hiatus since i want it to be accurate as possible to the canon. worry not tho, ive prepared some of the chapters already for smooth updates. and speaking of lore, ive made changes in "Past Memoir" and "Historiae" chapters huehue go on and check those if you wish ;>

[ellitx]

Kaleidoscope Memories | Shiki Souma x Reader

Never in Souma's life did he think he'd be head over heels for you and become his muse. Your presence in his life transformed him in ways he never thought possible, making him grateful for the unexpected love and artistic passion you brought into his world.

ASDJSAKJDASJDA I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM GRRRR ARF ARF WOOF WOOF BARK BARK ARF BARK GRR I WANT HIM TO BE MY BOYFRIEND 😭 ISTG EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM MAKES ME SWOON OVER HIM GRRR 

also here’s the first part of my "Reverse Fanfic" Series! Once you're done reading from top to bottom, read it from bottom to top by parts ;) im kinda playing safe here with the tooth-rotting fluff story before i delve into the more dramatic and angsty writing so yeah this oneshot is more of an experimental but nonetheless i enjoy writing this and i will write more for him :>

general warnings: fem!reader, tooth-rotting fluff, smooches and huggies for souma <33

word count: 3.7k

i. Cooking

 It’s no surprise that Souma is a hardworking person. He always tries his best in everything to find a new unique talent that he can call his own specialty. Despite how forgetful he is and how often he makes slip-ups in his daily activities, you still find everything about him cute.

And so when he asked you if you could teach him how to cook so he can create homemade dishes for his brother and for himself, you eagerly accepted his request. He doesn't want to make the same mistake after that gyudon incident.

“I wanna try making another bento.” He told you, watching you take out the grocery items from the bag he bought with you.

“That’s a good start. We can start by making egg rolls.”

Staying in his apartment really makes you feel at ease and comfortable. Everything around here is just homey and warm. You sometimes wish you could sleep with Souma but it’s embarrassing since he lives with his brother, but nonetheless, they always welcome your visits— and not because your cooking is so good and they’d love to taste more of it.

As you both stood in the kitchen, cracking eggs and slicing the carrots and green onions, you couldn't help but smile at Souma's earnestness. He approached cooking with the same determination he applied to his studies, and it was endearing to witness his enthusiasm for this new venture.

As you guided him through the steps, you noticed how he carefully followed your instructions, grasping the techniques swiftly.

Throughout the cooking session, there were some adorable blunders—like mistaking sugar for salt, again, and forgetting the order of ingredients—but each mistake only made the experience more enjoyable. Fortunately, it wasn't too salty that the dish was inedible.

You found yourself unable to resist the overwhelming affection you felt for him. His earnest efforts and genuine excitement were simply too endearing to ignore. As he giggled at yet another mix-up, you couldn't help but lean in and plant a gentle kiss on his rosy cheeks.

"Souma, you're just too cute," you said with a fond smile, feeling your heart flutter with affection. "Even your blunders make me adore you even more."

He blushed, his cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red, but the grin on his face grew wider. He loves being adored by you but he wants more. And so his mischievous side came to the forefront, eyes glinting in slight excitement.

"You missed," he whined, a small pout drawing over his lips. His complaint had you puzzled by his words and before you could ask for clarification, he leaned in playfully, attempting to give you a cheeky kiss. However, the unexpected bump of your nose made the moment turn awkward.

A soft stifled chuckle escaped from Souma's lips, but he quickly composed himself, his cheeks tinged with a slight blush. Embarrassed by the situation, you couldn't help but playfully frown and lightly slammed his chest with your fist.

“Souma, don’t laugh!”

The laugh he was trying his best to hold back slipped right out of his lips and came right out was a series of hearty chuckles. Hearing such genuine happiness made your stomach have butterflies fluttering all over the place.

“Sorry, sorry! The sound you made was so adorable when I bumped into you.”

Embarrassed by the situation, you couldn't help but smile back, appreciating his lightheartedness. Your boyfriend has always been like this, constantly finding every small thing positive, even his mistakes and it’s what made you fall for him. Without missing a beat, he kissed you tenderly, making your heart skip a beat.

"I love you," he whispered against your neck, burying his head over and the ends of his hair tickled your skin. A warm and fuzzy feeling enveloped your entire being and in that moment, all the mishaps and teasing melted away, leaving only the sweet intimacy between the two of you.

As you wrapped your arms around him, you couldn't help but reciprocate his affectionate gesture.

Well, he deserves that kiss.

 ii. Cuddling

 Feeling his warm embrace on the couch, you couldn't help but be absorbed by the enticing world of online shopping. Your boyfriend nuzzled closer to you, trying to capture your attention, but you remained engrossed in the virtual realm of fashion.

He playfully squeezed your waist, attempting to draw your focus away from the screen. "[Name]-chan, if you want to buy clothes, we can go out shopping," he suggested, hoping to entice you with the idea of a date.

You giggled at his adorable pout, leaning back against him, savoring the comforting scent of his cologne. "We could, but I'm not finding anything that catches my eye right now," you replied, your thumb still scrolling through the pages.

"But Tokyo has so many stores and malls," Souma insisted, his determination evident. "Shinjuku and Shibuya are great places to find cute clothes."

As he mentioned the bustling shopping districts, you couldn't deny the appeal of an actual outing. Turning your head to meet his gaze, you found his eyes filled with excitement and anticipation. His desire to spend time with you was evident, and it melted your heart.

And it hurts you to deny him more than all those tear-jerking shoujo animes you have watched with him. As much as you loved the idea of spending time with Souma and going on a shopping date, a part of you wanted to stay cozy on the couch a little longer. However, you knew how much he looked forward to the outing, and the last thing you wanted was to see him sad or disappointed like a sad puppy.

"Actually, you know what would be just as fun?" you suggested, trying to find a compromise that would make both of you happy. "Let's have a cozy day in. We can order some delicious food, binge-watch our favorite shows, and just cuddle here on the couch."

His face lit up at the mention of cuddling, and he pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you.

"That does sound nice," he admitted, his smile returning. "But I was really looking forward to going out with you."

You couldn't resist his adorable pout, and your heart melted at the sight. "I know, and I really appreciate that," you said sincerely, brushing a hand through his pink hair affectionately. "But I promise we'll have just as much fun staying in. Plus, it's more intimate, and I get to have you all to myself."

His pout softened into a half-smile as he considered your words. "Well, I guess spending time with you is what matters the most," he said, snuggling closer to you.

"That's the spirit," you replied, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Now, how about we make this cozy day extra special? I'll pamper you with all the attention you want, and we can have a date right here, just the two of us."

Souma's eyes lit up again, and he nodded eagerly. "Okay, deal!" he said, his enthusiasm returning. "As long as I get to be with you, I'm happy."

With that settled, you both settled back into each other's arms, relishing the warmth of each other's presence. The prospect of a cozy day turned out to be just as wonderful as you had hoped, and as you enjoyed the comfort of cuddles and each other's company, Souma was already dozing off. The gentle warmth, comfort, and feeling of being so close to you lead him to a sense of relaxation and contentment whilst you’re locked in his arms.

 iii. Gift

On your anniversary, Souma surprised you with a thoughtful gift—a mint green colored teddy bear adorned with a cute cap and earrings that reminded you of him.

You wondered if he intentionally did that and created small accessories that highlighted his sense of style and fashion so you can always think of him even if he’s not by your side.

The moment you laid eyes on the teddy bear, you couldn't help but smile so widely, touched by his sweet gesture.

“Souma!! This is so adorable! I love it so much~!!”

You tightly hugged the toy, the cuteness fever rush was taking a toll on you and you heard him chuckling across you.

“I thought I’d buy it for you when I saw that when I was shopping. I’m glad you like it.” He pecked your cheek and hovered his hand over to the box you were holding.

“There’s more inside~” he cooed enticingly and just from the light in your eyes was enough to make him melt right there and then. God, he thanks the heavens for meeting you and appearing in his life.

You harvested through several paper star origami and you saw a white synthetic white sheet. And you couldn't believe your eyes. Your heart fluttered and raced a thousand miles and you almost cried just how much effort he put through in this.

Deep in the box were multiple polaroid films of you and Souma together. The image of him hugging you from behind, your hand gently cradling his face as you both smiled at the camera, brought tears of joy to your eyes. You were so grateful for his creativity and thoughtfulness, touched by the effort he put into curating these beautiful memories.

“Souma-kun~!! Ah, stop being so romantic!”

You playfully scolded him, hiding yourself on his chest so he can’t see how red your face was. Souma merrily laughed and caressed the top of your head. He missed capturing your bashful face but he didn’t miss how red your ears are. He’s so tempted to scoop you in his arms and kiss you all over the place. From your nose to your temple, then your cheek, and down to your neck—

"Oh? Since when did you take this?"

He turned to you and saw you were holding a photo of yourself smiling with a white flower in your hand.

Souma snickered, a smirk drawing over to his lips. "It's a secret." He uttered each syllable playfully with a wink, holding out his index finger over to his lips. 

Blushing even more at Souma's playful teasing, you playfully swatted his arm, trying to hide your embarrassment. "Stop being sneaky," you murmured, but the smile on your face betrayed your attempt to scold him.

As he caressed the top of your head, you couldn't help but melt into his touch. His playful laughter and affectionate gestures made your heart skip a beat. And you cherished these moments of pure happiness with him, clearly enjoying the adorable back-and-forth between the two of you. He admired your spirited and cheeky side, which only made him fall deeper in love with you.

Though the fondness ceased when you flipped over to the next image.

“Pft…”

Your boyfriend tilted his head and he noticed how your shoulders were shaking. “[Name]? What’s wrong?”

“I-it’s nothing,” your voice wavered and he grew concerned that is until he saw you holding a piece of paper which was the poem he wrote for you.

Roses are red, violets are blue

I cling to you like a glue

Will you please be my please be my dream come true?

Oh, he repeated the “please be my” when writing the poem.

 iv. Movie Date

A lot of things have been bugging his mind and to this day he knows that he shouldn’t mess this up or else he’ll bury himself from embarrassment if he did.

Souma sighed, his heart hammering in his chest as he waited for the service crew to arrive with the snacks he ordered.

He meticulously selected his outfit, second-guessing each choice, wanting to make a lasting impression. His hands trembled slightly as he tried to style his hair, hoping it looked just right. Left and right, he’s been fidgeting a lot. From readjusting his wristwatch to opening his camera phone to check his appearance, and then fumbling with the buttons of his shirt.

It’s a constant repeat from here to there and it felt like hours waiting for his order. He wanted everything to be perfect, knowing that this moment held the potential to become a significant change in his life.

He recalled standing at the agreed-upon meeting spot, he spotted you approaching, and a mix of awe and nervousness washed over him.

He couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance to spend time with you. His cheeks reddened slightly as he greeted you with a smile, admiring how adorable you looked in the dress you wore, hoping it hid the nervousness he felt.

“Sir, your order is here.” The voice across him halted his thoughts as he reverted his eyes to the source. He blinked and then realized his order arrived. Souma chuckled lightly before taking the two drinks from the counter. He thanked them, gave a small bow, and went off to search for you.

Good thing you weren't there or else you might see just how airheaded he is. That would be so lame... Shaking his head to get rid of those possibilities, he set his focus back on his objective. He spotted you standing near the corner, your back facing him, engrossed in the movie posters displayed on the wall. Excited to share the snacks with you, he hurried over, his eyes fixed on your figure.

“[Name]-chan, I’m back!” He jogged to where you were, making sure he didn't trip and drop the drinks. “I got your drink.”

Upon getting close and standing next to you, his eyes widened when an unfamiliar face turned to him. “Um… Is there something I can help you with?” The stranger sheepishly asked, a blush forming across her cheeks when there was literally a hot guy talking to her.

Souma blinked and his face turned slightly red as he chuckled, realizing his blunder. "Oops, I'm sorry," he apologized, trying to hide his laughter. "I mistook you for someone else. My apologies!”

The stranger chuckled as well, amused by the mix-up. "No worries. Happens to the best of us," she replied good-naturedly.

Embarrassed yet trying to maintain his composure, Souma quickly made his way to find you, his heart still racing from the funny yet embarrassing encounter. This time he made sure the girl he was approaching was you.

“[Name]-chan!” You looked up from your phone and saw Souma walking towards you before handing you the drink with a bashful grin. "Here you go, got your favorite drink," he said, relieved that he finally found you.

You couldn't help but giggle at his adorable flushed face. "Thank you,” you said, taking the cup from him. "You almost gave my snack to a stranger."

Your date exploded from embarrassment. His entire face was covered in bright pink and steam coming out from his ears.

“Y-you saw that?”

He can’t find himself laughing at this situation. Normally, he’d laugh it off but if you saw that, then he just wants the ground to swallow him up.

As Souma's embarrassment reached its peak, he couldn't help but wish for an escape from the situation. His heart pounded even faster, and he felt like he was melting under your gaze. With a sheepish grin, he attempted to hide his flushed face with his hands, the heat of his embarrassment evident in his entire demeanor.

"I-I can't believe you saw that," he stammered, his voice slightly shaky. "I was so nervous and... I must have looked like a complete goof."

You couldn't resist the urge to reach out and gently pat his shoulder, reassuring him with a warm smile. "Don't worry. It was kind of cute, actually," you said, finding his flustered state endearing.

His pink cheeks grew even rosier, and he managed a shy chuckle, still embarrassed by the situation but grateful for your understanding. "Thanks for being so nice about it," he said, appreciating your kindness.

Souma’s very much aware of how love-struck he is when it comes to you. He’s mesmerized by your presence, drawn in by your laughter and the sparkle in your eyes, and hearing such a warm giggle had his heart fluttering all over the place. His stomach was churning and turning in multiple ways just how adorable and sweet you are.

Despite his initial nervousness, he realized that being with you felt natural and effortless. The conversation flowed smoothly, and his worries slowly melted away in the warmth of your company.

 v. Perfect Capture

“Sorry for dragging you out here with me, Shiki-kun.”

You and Souma strolled through the garden park, the vibrant blooms and serene surroundings were so beautiful you hoped that the gears in your head could work again and come up with an inspiration.

“Don’t worry. I appreciate you inviting me to go with you. I was having a rough time as well thinking of a good design for the project.” The graphic designer assured you with a soft smile.

As you both continued to walk through the garden park, you couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in Souma's presence. The peaceful ambiance and the beauty of nature seemed to have a calming effect on both of you, washing away the stress and worries of the day. This place is so relaxing and gorgeous, he wondered how come he didn’t know this place. It’s as if he’s entered a secret garden with all these flowers blooming and the trees full of life.

"This place is amazing," he remarked, his voice filled with wonder. "I can't believe I've never been here before."

You smiled, feeling a sense of pride for introducing him to this enchanting spot. "It's one of my favorite places to visit when I need inspiration or just some peace and quiet. I'm glad I could share it with you."

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the garden, you found yourselves lost in the beauty of the moment.

“Shiki-kun, look!” Kneeling down to the ground, you pointed at a flower with white petals. With a grin on your face, you started explaining how the flower symbolizes purity and a vow of fidelity.

As you talked and explained the meaning of the flower, Souma stared at you in awe. Your voice went deaf to his ears but the glow of your figure being radiated by the sun gave a soft golden warm tone over your skin. The white dress complimented your features further, and together with the hydrangeas in the background, it’s the perfect spot for this scene.

You were still admiring the little flowers, playing with their petals, lost in your own river of thoughts. The smile donned on your lips right now is so beautiful, the kind that could make even an angel blush.

Unbeknownst to you, Souma couldn't help but admire how beautiful and captivating you looked in this natural setting. Your eyes sparkled with excitement, and your smile exuded a sense of joy that he found utterly mesmerizing.

He wanted to capture this moment, the genuine happiness he saw in you. He mustered up the courage to snap a picture, capturing this moment in his memory.

With the DSLR camera in his hand, he discreetly positioned himself, silently framing the shot, careful not to interrupt the flow of the moment. He snapped the picture, wanting to hold onto this glimpse of you, this snapshot of your essence in that idyllic setting.

And as he gazed at the photo he had taken, a thought crossed his mind.

You’re the most gorgeous person Souma had ever taken a shot of.

  vi. Inspiration

Souma keeps overthinking about the designs he made.

Your own goodness and confidence… He always wondered where he could get those things.

When he spends his days wielding his strengths to figure out what he really has, there are times he can’t get up from the wounds he gets…

How he wished the ground to eat him up and never return.

“Woah, Shiki-kun, did you make this?” The thrilled voice cut him off from his depressing thoughts. He turned and saw you there, eyes gleaming and sparkling excitedly he could almost see stars in them.

Souma rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and looked at the ground. “Yeah, it’s not that great so I have to throw out this design and make a new one.”

“Eh, no way! This looks amazing though! The way you chose the colors and the typography is so stunning!”

As you complimented Souma's work, the genuine admiration in your voice struck a chord deep within him. The small praise you gave him meant the world to him, and he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of newfound confidence in his creations. Your encouragement felt like a warm ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds, dispelling the self-doubt that had been plaguing him.

He looked up from the ground, his eyes meeting yours, and he was taken aback by the stars in your gleaming and sparkling eyes. You truly believed in his work, and that belief made his heart swell with gratitude.

"You really think so?" he asked, his voice still tinged with uncertainty, but a flicker of hope had ignited in his eyes.

"Absolutely! I mean it, Shiki-kun," you replied earnestly, your enthusiasm contagious. "Your designs are unique and captivating. Don't doubt yourself. Trust your instincts, and let your creativity shine."

His face flushed even more, but this time it was from the warmth he felt inside. Your words were like a balm to his wounded confidence, soothing away his insecurities.

You saw the beauty in his creations when he struggled to see it himself. Your genuine appreciation and belief in him were like a gentle wind beneath his wings, pushing him to soar higher in his pursuit of creativity.

“Thank you.”

His heart fluttered from your compliment. It may seem nothing to others, but to him, it’s enough to give him that confidence he needed. Looking at you, your smile was radiant and beautiful— as if he was in the morning field of flowers.

As the canvas of his imagination unfurled, a whirlwind of ideas danced across his mind like vibrant brushstrokes on an artist's palette. In this torrent of creativity, amidst the swirling hues of inspiration, a single thought emerged like a guiding star in the night sky—you were his biggest muse.

[ellitx]

How'd you imagine going shopping with the twins would be like? I'd imagine it'd be very chaotic, lol.

Oh it is chaotic especially if venti and you are tagging along in himmel’s shopping.

Himmel prepared for this. His dark circles much more darker than it is. The list on his hand crumpled as his knuckles turned white when his younger brother just put whatever items that aren’t necessary in the cart. He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose and raised his voice a little.

“Venti, return those things. We don’t need it!” His words carried a hint of exasperation, a difference from his usual patient demeanor. It’s the first time you hear him sound like that.

“But we need it! Look, I added more sausages and veggies because I know we’ll ran out of those soon when you prepare dinner.” The younger musician protested without looking over to him.

A flicker of frustration flashed across Himmel's face. He couldn't help but notice the box of beers amidst the added groceries. Trying to regain his composure, he spoke with a mixture of disappointment and resolve. “And how exactly is buying a box of beers going to help? There’s no way I’ll pay for those.”

Deep down, Himmel understood that Venti's intentions were well-intentioned, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that unnecessary items were adding to his almost empty wallet.

As much as he wants to do this alone, he can’t due to his poor condition and he needs you two to carry all those bags when going home.

“Himmel! I got you your favorite banana milk!” Your voice chimed in, interrupting the tense atmosphere. Himmel turned to see you standing there, holding a box of his beloved drink. A flicker of surprise and relief crossed his fatigued features.

A faint smile tugged at Himmel's lips as he accepted the offering. "Put it in there," he replied softly, gesturing towards the cart.

Venti, ever quick to react, couldn't help but protest. "Hey, no fair! How come you get to get what you want?" he whined, a hint of jealousy lacing his voice.

Himmel turned his attention towards his younger brother, his eyes conveying a mix of understanding and responsibility. "Because I'm the one paying for it," he replied firmly.

“Venti, look! Wasn’t this the cereal we ate when we were young?!” Your excited voice brought the said man out of his staring contest with his brother and reverted his attention to where your finger was pointing.

His eyes gleamed in excitement, bringing his face close over the shelf. “Wait— no way! I thought it vanished forever!”

Already knowing what he’ll say next, Himmel immediately caught onto it and crossed his arms. “No! We’re not gonna buy that!”

But Venti, ever persistent, turned to face his older brother, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

“Oh come on, Mel! You ate these too y’know? Don’t you miss it?”

“Don’t you want to relive the taste of childhood memories?” Upon joining with him, you earned a smirk and knowing look from Venti. Both of you nodded in unison, sharing the same idea.

“The crunchy texture and the chocolatey flavor as it melts in your mouth?”

“Waiting to wake up and to be served by this?”

“So crunchy~ so yummy~” Both of you sang together, holding the box and had it dancing with your vocal tunes.

Their words resonated with a hint of playful temptation and Himmel's resolve wavered for a moment as he caught a glimpse of his own nostalgia reflected in Venti's expression.

Memories of carefree mornings and shared laughter flooded his mind. With a soft sigh, he uncrossed his arms and relented, a subtle smile forming on his lips.

"Alright, fine," he conceded, unable to resist the allure of reliving those cherished moments. Shopping with you two isn’t so bad. It may be chaotic but the fun was there. A small fond smile tugged on his lips while he listens to the duo react to the familiar items they see along the aisles.

“You’re still the one going to pay for those beers, Venti.”

“Ugh, fine, I’ll return it!”

[ellitx]

general warnings: fem!reader, established relationship, tooth-rotting fluff

SFW

— 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗶𝗱𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

NSFW

[TBA]

*I will update this masterlist everytime I publish a new oneshot

— for certain headcanons, oneshots, and other drabbles, you can search the tag #elliwrites or #souma shiki x reader