As Much As I Love Best Dad Diluc, Im Also A Believer Of Unintentionally Horrible Dad Diluc Troupe. Tonight,

First time?

um .

ˊ˗ ꒰🐚꒱ good morning, sunshine

waking next to marius von hagen, you’re guaranteed to not have a dull morning.

The sun’s light illuminated the room with a soft glow, the usual harsh rays softened by the billowing white curtains framing your windows. You were the first to wake up that day, groggily brushing your hair off your face with a huff. Reaching for your phone to check the time, you were only able to go a few inches off the bed before being stopped by a heavy force on your lower torso, where an arm was casually draped across your waist. Turning over, you were presented with one of the most beautiful sights you had the privilege of seeing in your short life. 

Marius has always been known to be a pretty boy, but seeing him under the enchanting glow of your bedroom was certainly a sight for sore eyes. The way his hair was ruffled after moving around during slumber, the way his eyelashes fluttered ever so slightly, his slow-rising chest accompanied with little huffs and puffs escaping his slightly parted lips looked nothing short of the paintings he oh-so-happily shows you after he finishes them. An absolute work of art.

Your heart swells at the sight of him. He looked absolutely stunning, so much so that you couldn’t help but reach over to cup his face, running your thumb over his features softly, feeling every inch of the face you often found yourself daydreaming about at random times of the day. 

Eventually, your soft caressing ended up waking the young heir, not really registering what was happening until he opened his eyes, seeing your love-filled ones staring back at him. 

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” He said in a groggy manner, his lower-than-usual voice sending a pleasant chill up your spine.

“If I could, I would have done so.” It took you a bit to recover from the embarrassment of being caught, but once you did, you were immediately able to quip back. “It would have been nice to have a reminder of how much prettier you look when you aren’t annoying me.”

“So you think I’m pretty?”

“What? When did I…” You ended up sighing, as he grinned brightly at the fact that he managed to outsmart you once again this early in your day. But just like that, his proud smile turned into a pout at the next few words you uttered. “Just for that, I’m not giving you your morning kiss.” 

Ignoring his whines, you pushed his arm off you to get up, stretching briefly before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. You hear heavy footsteps follow you there, accompanied by pouty exclamations by Marius himself. I swear, he’s such a baby.

“Jiejie, I said I’m sorry, please give me my kisses now!”

“No.”

“Please.” He whined again, dragging out the e sound.

“If you get ready quickly today, maybe I’ll consider it.”

The resounding sound of drawers hastily being opened and closed, along with the shower starting behind you made you laugh. Mornings are hard to deal with alone, but luckily you had Marius to make it a hundred times better.

© natsuhikous, 2021

Awww imagine reposting and translating someone work.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT !!

So, an anon informed me that my work was reposted and translated onto wattpad by the account: yukobit0. While in the process of looking for my post, I found many others who are big in the hashtag tokyo revengers. I just wanted to inform you all incase you were unaware. On my blog it specifically states my work is not to be reposted onto other platforms!! The person running the obit00 account did credit the original poster in the beginning of each ‘chapter’ on wattpad. Even so, many of these creators specifically say they do not want their work reposted. Please report the account or dm them so that they may take it down. Below are images. I tagged some people who’s @‘s I saw. Though I only got up to chapter 38 (my post) and I did not @ everyone I saw. If you see others please @ them!

@hqnma @mitsukeys @kazuluvr @kawaragi @bonten @zvnphoria @antagluv @swaggybaji2 @chifiru @himeno-exe @tokyo-fukushu

cat of war part ii

Thank you for writing mc, idk why i simp for her <3 (i mean she's gorgeous tho)

relaтιonѕнιp нeadcanonѕ

More like I ramble about chars to get a feel for them before writing fics,, sorry this is so casual

Includes Marius, Vyn, Artem, Luke, and the MC!

мarιυѕ von нagen

I REALLY like that YES he has money and uses it but isn’t the down to earth rich person trope? He acknowledges his responsibility and power and uses it to his advantage, but doesn’t get lost in either side of himself. He’s still a good amount of trope tho

He’s pouty and playful while retaining a really nice balance (albeit somewhat hidden) between that and being able to make hard and fast decisions as a CEO.

He rly wants to just be an artist tho skkakdjsjrkkwt

He’s so mf annoying (affectionate) sometimes okay,,, if he’s in a mood and you’re working? Not anymore lol you’re in his lap his arms are around you and he’s pouting into your neck :(

LOVES your hands. Loves them. Unconditionally and forever. Any scars or blemishes? Incredible. Vitiligo? He’s kissing your fingers as often as possible. Lil moles or freckles? He memorizes where they are and traces over those spots on his own hand when he’s lonely at work

Don’t take him to your house he’ll invite himself to your shower and drag you in with him to wash your hair. Yes he brought you new hair care stuff, he researched your hair type and brought the best products

If you have trouble accepting money or gifts you’re in for it,,, if you flat out tell him no, he’ll stop! But if he can tell you’re not 100% about refusing his gifts they’ll become commonplace

His favorite gifts to give you are things he’s made or personalized. Gifts you paintings and sculptures often, but if he’s really busy with work he’ll have a stash of meaningful designs and have them engraved on something for you

Am I projecting a little with the gift giving and touch love languages? No I’m not bc it’s canon ANYWAYS

He’s pretty lowkey about his identity so some of your friends are absolutely wigged at finding out he’s the CEO of Pax

Refuses to call you by your code name smh Queen is not it bb

Tell him early on if you like or dislike PDA bc he’s really versatile with it. Amongst the NXX he’s always got a hand on you somehow but in public or with anyone else? It varies HUGELY. Sometimes he can’t let go of you and other times he keeps his shoulder to yours and nothing more. Is it sensory or just a mood thing? That’s up to you ≧◠‿◠≦

vyn rιcнтer

Never ever ever forgets a meaningful date wtf,,, those he writes down so it makes SOME sense but also! Every piece of personal info you give him is instantly stored and ready for use. It’s equal parts endearing and shady

Unless you ask him to stop, he’ll openly read you. The only difference you’ll make by voicing discomfort is that he just doesn’t say it aloud when he does it

Secretly loves you stealing his glasses

Don’t ask why he has both a wristwatch and a pocketwatch, 50/50 chance you’ll be endeared or put off

He DOES get jealous but he’d never pass into yandere territory

If you’re here for soft vyn get off my blog /hj he’s sweet and I love him but there’s deadass something wrong w him (but I’ll never write yandere nor do I think he’d be one)

He doesn’t get JEALOUS if someone he doesn’t know helps you he’ll pout (maybe seethe just a little), he just really wants to be someone dependable to you skjjjsjejfjejtjss mild puppy moment

You’re one of the only ppl he can take places pls say yes if he asks, maybe he’s so off bc he’s got no friends loser

Can fight a bitch but will not

Really likes power rushes

Takes you to back alley restaurants that are ABSOLUTELY fronts for all kinds of illegal activity, but their food is incredible so you’re not complaining

arтeм wιng

He doesn’t blush, but when he gets flustered he DOES make it obvious snqkdjwnjrjw his fist goes to his mouth and he cannot make eye contact, sometimes he’ll even force down a nervous smile

Such a good mf listener he’s so interested in every word you say

His kisses are either barely there or passionate asf there is no inbetween

Teaches you how to shoot TEACHES YOU HOW TO SHOOT both for the sport and self-defense

Rly likes holding your hand while he drives, if you can’t then his hand is v innocently on your thigh. He just wants to touch you lmfao and he can’t do it at work

Doesn’t hold your hand while walking, but! He holds it every other chance he gets. Coffee shop, stopping to take a photo, bookstore, etc

When jealous he’ll put a hand on your waist or smth but nothing extreme until he gets drunk lmaooo then he’s mad but very easy to placate and put to sleep

Please tuck him in when he’s drunk, he hates it <3

Dw tho he doesn’t drink often and being truly sloshed is rare

ARTEM. Artem I understand you’re a lawyer but you cannot be this upset when I pirate movies and expensive programs. Artem give the computer back

Artem having a sleep schedule does not mean it’s a GOOD one you need more than 6 hours

His love languages are more quality time, words of affirmation, and acts of service, but he does really enjoy touch. Only one he doesn’t rly do is gift giving

Wear his tie and he’ll go kinda insane bc it’s so cute and YES you’re his aaaa

lυĸe pearce

Sweet boy. He’s so mf sweet

Scrambles to hold doors open for you

First sign of danger he shifts into cool, protective mode, but otherwise all of his attention is trained on you when you’re with him. It’s less when he’s working, but even then he wants you to talk to him. He engages in more banter when he works, is it a confidence thing?

Not that he has an issue with confidence, but maybe he feels his work is impressive so he shifts into a playful but focused mindset

Gives you candy and all his clothes. All of them. He’s not even slick about it LUKE YOUR WHOLE CLOSET CANNOT FIT IN MINE

Wants clothes of yours too, better buy some oversized shirts

Touching you all the time if you’re comfy with it, juss let him hold you

PDA for him means quick kisses and hand holding but that’s kinda it, anything more is behind closed doors

He’s scared of spiders I’m sorry to break it to you

Calls you Watson more than your actual name

Some days, when he’s alone with you, he slows down a whole lot. Maybe he’s burnt out, maybe he just needs some lovin’, but he really just wants to cuddle on the couch and press slow kisses to your lips

мc

If you exaggeratedly roll the R when saying her codename she giggles it’s the cutest shit

Her pad is so much nicer than yours but she prefers going to your place, she feels so happy that u trust her there

Loves linking pinkies w you in public and might swing your arms a little

If her clothes fit you, she’s putting you in her formal work outfits and taking hella pics skansjjaew

Loves being on your arm but always leads when dancing

REALLY quick and calm to point out smth she doesn’t like and talks you through it very civilly without feeling patronizing, arguments with her are nonexistent

Her kisses are deep but quick snnwkejfnentjjs no matter the situation

Please mess with her hair she loves it

Wants to hear everything about your day, but would rather watch you work on something you’re passionate about. She really admires drive and something about seeing you get really into a project hits her hard

Take her outside the city she needs it

Always knows what you like and buys you smth every now and again, but isn’t an avid gifter

She’s more quality time and words of affirmation

She likes handmade gifts or thoughtful ones, but mostly prefers touch, time, and words :)

hey vinny, dom said you're a simp / windbreaker

— Likes to pretend he's this broody, independent, need-no-woman badass. But if he woke up and your side of the bed is empty, he will get up to search for you around the house. Even outside of the house if needed. Honestly, if you're not in bed because you're cooking, he will abandon his sleeping endeavour altogether to spend time with you.

Will be a little pouty because you could've been in bed cuddling, but instead, here you are. He won't be annoying for long though, not when the smell of your cooking chases away much of his bad moods.

— His eating habit is a little... atrocious, to say it nicely. If his mom doesn't cook, then he will sustain himself with whatever he can find. If you cooked for him and prepared homemade lunches for him, he will love you forever. Honestly, the best way to surprise him is getting groceries and cooking with his mom. It warms his heart to see the most important people in his life getting along.

Hearing you calling his mother as “mom” ... not only it makes his knees weak, his eyes burn, his cheeks warm, it also causes him to be so embarrassed that he doesn't know what to do with himself. Can he really chastise you for doing something he doesn't even have the gall to do? (Admitting that he want to spend the future with you?)

— Not... good with emotions, he cares, you know he cares. But when you are in an emotional turmoil, he freezes. Moatly because he doesn't know what to do, he's a problem solver, when there are troubles, he expects to deal with it. However, he can't fight your demons, not when they exist in your mind.

It's ridiculous because he expects himself to fight his own demons without anyone's help, yet when it comes to your troubles, he wants to do it for you. The best he can do is being there for you when it matters, even if he can't find the right words, him being there at least helps you calm down.

— He's a bit troubled with understanding what you want, in general. Being a relationship is not easy for him, it's a completely new territory. It requires him to be emotionally vulnerable and rely on another when the time comes.

There will be times when Vinny shut down and try to recuperate from events from real life. All you need to do is being there for him and gently coaxing him to let you into his mind. This is necessary because he often gets self-destructive when his mind became clouded. Having you there to ground him would help him immensely.

— Not openly affectionate in normal terms, at least, not in front of others. Will hold your hand if you initiated it, sometimes he'd reach out for your hand on his own terms, too. Stands close to you whenever possible, it's mostly a protective thing. Nobody would mess with you while Vinny is around, at least, no one who knows better.

Will let you kiss him on the cheek if you want, but be warned that he will blush all from the moment you asked him to bend down and at least five minutes afterwards.

— Honestly, Vinny will mesh with your life perfectly once he got comfortable with sharing your living spaces. One day you'd come home to seeing him using your makeup headband because his hair was bothering him. He is a bit resistant to self-care things at first, but if you want to do it, who is he to say no?

He will have this moment of existential crisis after he saw how clean and smooth his skin became, but he improved for the better so he can't even compain much himself. Really, he even wore your cutesy house slipper with the rabbits on them when he can't find his own.

— He can get playful sometimes, even if it's only when you initiate first. At least, he knows to hold himself back whenever the two of you play-fight. However, if you somehow managed to tussle and had him pinning you down, you'd get the chance to witness Vinny devious grin. Even if his bastard days are long over, the reminder of it can send a shiver down your spine.

Until, until, he realizes how promiscuous your positions were. And he comes to notice your expression, the blush on your cheeks, the way your lips slightly parted. Cue Vinny jumped away from you like a spooked cat.

— He likes to walk you home, okay, let him do the gallant thing. You don't go to the same school, which is one of his grievance, but he never minded the walk back and forth even if your house is in the opposite direction of his. Since his bike makes the way back less tedious, he has even more reasons to go see you.

He likes knowing you're safe, and on a perverse note, likes being the reason you're safe. Secretly, he likes it when you greet him with a hug whenever you see him at the school's gate, too. Gives him a little peck before you get inside your home, and if he's feeling bold, he'll keep you there for a deeper kiss before letting you go.

— Don't think because Vinny is bashful sometimes that he's reserved. Not really, he's simply shy in the beginning since he's far rougher than you, he doesn't want to accidentally spook you away. Once he overcame his shyness, expects him to be far more intense whenever he kisses you. If he allowed himself to let go, you'll be left with your lips swollen and eyes glazed.

He knows he's a lot to handle, so he doesn't expect you to take all of him. This is why he always gets pleasantly surprised whenever you readily accepted him after his lips left a trail of evidence on your neck and shoulder.

— He has accepted the fact he is simply not... academically gifted, okay. Being badgered again and again that he has no future damaged what motivation for studying left inside him. Since he had accepted long ago that there'd be nothing awaiting for him, seeing you actively trying to help him stirred a weird feeling inside him.

At first, he got mad because he thought it was pity, but with times he learned that you did all of it because you cared. You had to talk him out of thinking the worst, but once his mind cleared, he acquired a newfound appreciation for your determination and loyalty.

— He really be like, I'm not cute, I don't do cute, then goes around and uses a cutesy phone case because you bought it for him. You changed his wallpaper to a picture of you two together? It's going to stay there forever, he will never change it. The password of his phone? Your birthday. His password in general? Your name and birthday. His lockscreen is basically one of those silly pictures of you which was sent to him earlier.

No, he's not changing it, he likes it as it is. Your name in his contact list might have been left as is, but if you changed it into something adorable? He's not changing it back, you can live with your decision. Will still blush when he sees the copious amount of heart next to his name in your contact, though. Because he can dish it but he can't take it himself.

— Everyone pretty much know he always saves a seat for you in group settings if he arrived first. But honestly, that doesn't happen enough because Vinny always shows up with you. Somehow, the two of you always know why the other is absent. You're pretty much an unit together at this point, he'd not have it otherwise.

Having you around during the competition always makes him extra motivated to do his best, too. Can't really blame him for wanting to show his best side in front of his girlfriend.

— Although it doesn't happen, it's always funny for the group to see the two of you fight. Since he can never stay mad at you for long, it's always you that drag out the cold war period and whatever he does afterwards is mirroring you. So if you're ignoring him, he's ignoring you back but he always looks so miserable. You would, too, but pride, pride.

The funniest would be when you eventually reconcile because neither of you can handle the distancing period well. You can stick to him like glue afterwards and you'd hear no complaint from Vinny because he wants to make up for lost time too.

— Once showed up to a group meeting with others in the Humming Bird while carrying a huge teddy bear that he saved up to buy for you. It's meant to be an anniversary gift and he knew you had been eyeing it since forever. It's big enough that him holding it was an inconvenience, but you holding it simply looks comical.

Everyone else, including Jay, had to suppress themselves from laughing when the bear swallowed you from view. But the smile you made when seeing it really made Vinny's entire month, so definitely worth it.

— Never makes empty threats when chasing away guys who hit on you. He's an intimidating presence to everyone when he wanted to be. However, if anyone even crossed the line to harass you, suddenly his name is Fearless Hong and he's ready to go jail for, not physical assault, but murder.

He'd get extra physically affectionate after these occasions, too. Mostly in how he holds you and keeps you close to him, would have an arm on your shoulder at every chance possible for a while afterwards.

I need to stop reblogging things smh

can i request sanzu hanma rindou ran hcs for when their s/o gets jealous tysm!

SANZU

didn't know why you were jealous.

he didn't do anything wrong & it was nothing for you to be jealous of.

so he literally was like "why are you so jealous"

he's really loyal so he thinks you should know that no girl could take him away from you.

RINDO

rindo was really nonchalant about your jealously.

would kind of take it as a joke.

he didn't even know you could get jealous.

rindo tries to give you ressaurance.

RAN

takes it as a joke no kidding.

"aww, are you jealous" just being really fake about it.

he would laugh about it all day.

"poor baby got jealous today"

HANMA

literally would try to make you jealous even more just so it can boost his ego.

it will literally piss you off because he's doing it on purpose.

and he wouldn't have any remorse.

even if he doesn't want the girl, he'll still try to make you jealous cause he thinks you're cute when you are.

©all rights reserved to revengingvixen- please do not repost without permission, remake or plagiarize any work, thanks, beloved!

tags: @mypimpademia , @denjisteeth , @beezebub , @tsumtsumsemi , @valbedo♥︎

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A LIFETIME IN REPEAT / kamisato ayato ( genshin impact ) ( WHAT WILL SURVIVE OF US IS LOVE ) a/n: reincarnation au. quote by philip larkin. title from eden - circles. for @yelans spring serenades event w/ the theme being rebirth. thank you for arranging this !!

i. under the cherry blossoms lies love eternal, wistful and tranquil in existence. under the cherry blossoms there is the blooming of flowers in spring reborn, the sun brilliant in her ways as she blesses the earth with warmth once more.

under the cherry blossoms is a promise of tomorrow in the way ayato holds you, bodies pressed closely together, his hands resting on your hips. you sway together, side to side, in temporary respite ; the quickening and slowing of time blurs -- and it doesn't make sense, but it does : the way you could find sanctuary in his arms forever, the way it’s over in the blink of an eye and you find yourselves missing each other all the more.

“relax, love.”

ayato whispers the words softly into your ear and laughs when you tense in response. your cheeks heat up, but you tell yourself it’s from the weather and leave it at that. you’ve never gotten used to his endearing terms and you’re sure he plays it to his advantage.

“i don’t slow dance-- and when were you so romantic, anyway?”

“i’ve always been a romantic at heart,” comes the matter-of-fact answer, though you sense underlying amusement in it, “now, relax. you can always lean on me.”

your lips part with the intention of a ( hopefully ) composed reply, but his smile is all too gentle, so the words fade into oblivion. instead, there is a feeling of happiness that dwells deep within the heart. you let out a sigh of defeat, pretend you didn’t hear him chuckle, wrap your arms around his neck, and lean your head against his chest.

“the flowers are beautiful this season.” you half-heartedly murmur, face still ablaze as you seek distraction elsewhere. ayato knows this, kisses you on the head in quiet comfort. you feel him smile against your skin and you do not think you will ever get tired of the sensation.

“yes, they are.” he says, and somewhere in the tidal waves of the soul, there is a bittersweetness that invokes itself in the thought of a future known. “they are beautiful.”

( under the cherry blossoms is serenity and devotion and everything birthed from love. under the cherry blossoms there are lovers who will grow old and gray together, hand in hand.

under the cherry blossoms, in yet another spring, will lie love eternal after days long passed. in the roots of tomorrow, it will be found again. always again. )

ii. the colors blur, window to window, view by view. the subway hums, floods itself with life as passengers travel to and from, and here you are, gaze distant, vacant. waiting. you live this life now and it’s all you know. it feels weird, empty-- but you think that’s kinda how it goes nowadays : learn what it means to be an adult, or rather, function as one, have a crisis, think you’re taking all the wrong twists & turns, and learn to fake it like everyone else.

it is exhausting. you are exhausted.

you sigh, discontentment transparent on your visage. the subway buzzes again, but all the sounds twist into background noise, automatically blocked out from your senses. you fail to notice the stranger that appears before you until he gets a little too close for comfort-- and that’s when you’re suddenly all too aware of how crowded it is. you try to step back, take maybe half a step, really, and that hardly does much, but he senses your discomfort and offers a wry, apologetic smile.

you know that smile, is your immediate thought, but you don’t get to reflect on it too much before someone shoves him into you. he wraps an arm around you, staggers for a moment before finding stability, and here you are, one hand on his shoulder and the other desperately hanging onto the overhead handle.

“i deeply apologize.” are the first words you hear, and there is something about his voice that soothes the anxiety that brews in your chest. “are you hurt?”

your breath hitches in your throat. your eyes sting suddenly and your vision goes unclear, and that stupid, stupid, lump in your throat is too noticeable and bothersome. this is ridiculous and dramatic, you joke to yourself, and you want to find rationale, reason-- something -- to explain this whirlwind of emotions that sweeps you off your feet.

you nod because that’s all you really can do; you want to say sorry when you see concern adorn his features, but he smiles, he smiles and you’ve seen it before, somehow, and you think you are crying now.

“‘m okay.” you whisper. “i’m okay. thank you.”

“you’re welcome.”

the subway hums again. longing fills your heart. you want to know why.

the stranger clears his throat, lets go of you, and you stand before each other in silence.

“my name is ayato.” he tells you. he offers you a handkerchief. “i believe we’ve met before.”

tears trail down your face. it is three in the afternoon. you are on the subway with a stranger. you do not remember something you should.

“i don’t remember you.”

ayato’s smile almost falters, but he is used to masking such emotions, so he maintains it ever so perfectly, hoping that you will not feel guilt for something that is not in your control.

( you don’t remember him. that’s okay, he thinks. he will wait for you until the end of time. it’s okay, even if it hurts. )

iii. with an aching heart made of uncertainty, you fall asleep to peaceful dreams that night. it takes place in a regal estate, splendid and grand in its decor. you wonder how you find yourself in such a setting. it’s busy-- chaotic and calm at the same time, moving constantly at a steady pace as voices and faces flood the halls. you recognize these voices, hear yourself among them.

the faces are blurred. all of them.

this is where you belong. these are days you’ve experienced before ; nostalgia lines itself in the hollows of your ribs, wraps its knowing around your lungs. you have lived and breathed this life.

you can’t remember.

you wake up. the ache grows deeper, burrows itself in fragile heartstrings. you fall back asleep, vision engulfed in pink hues of cherry blossoms and ayato’s name lingering on your tongue.

iv. you don’t remember anything, not really. you know you dreamt of something strange and significant and it bothers you, horribly so-- but these things will come in time, you suppose. so you move on with your day, hope you can find solace in falling back to your daily routine.

you enter the cafe, inhaling deeply when the aroma of coffee overloads your senses. there’s comfort to be found in the little things, you remind yourself, ordering your regular drink. it’s not long before you’ve settled into the corner of the cafe, set up your laptop and stationary. your focus goes into your work for an hour or two-- maybe longer-- until you see a familiar face before you again.

“what a coincidence.” ayato muses, curiosity in purple eyes. “i did not expect to see you here.”

you stare at each other in silence for a moment-- you, more so out of shock, ayato, truthfully, in amusement at such a reaction to his presence.

“you must have missed me, finding me already.” comes your response, a forced lightheartedness in your voice meant to disperse the tension in your body.

“i did, in fact. may i sit with you?”

you almost want to think he’s joking with you, but the way he looks at you is too tender, too knowing, and somehow, it breaks your heart.

( ayato spends hours with you at that cafe. it feels like home, feels right. feels like something is missing and it shouldn’t be. )

v. you don’t ask ayato what he meant back then, where he recognized you or how he recognized you. you didn’t ask when you first met on the subway, didn’t ask at the coffee shop, didn’t ask during any single encounter you’ve had in these past few months.

you are frightened of the unknown, and perhaps you are a coward for that.

( because you want to know, but there’s something in the nagging feeling you carry that makes you want to run away from all of this. but you don’t because you know you shouldn’t. because in all the time you have spent with him since that fated meeting, maybe there is a place in your heart for him that grows larger and larger and maybe that scares you. )

you walk along the quiet streets, side by side with ayato. the storm has long passed, puddles of water reflecting gloomy skies. it is nearing the end of fall but the weather does not let up, always unpredictable in its path.

“i enjoy the rain when i am aware of its incoming presence.” ayato mumbles, gaze cast upwards at the clouds.

“you don’t like getting caught up in it and getting your beautiful hair ruined?”

“i don’t.” he laughs at your teasing tone. “you find my hair beautiful?”

“i do.”

“how generous of you.” he hums, and there’s an extra little skip in his step now. “i find you beautiful, as well.”

your face gets hot. how embarrassing.

“so romantic.” you mumble, clearing your throat. you can’t help but feel familiarity in such exchanges. “what’s your favorite season, anyway?”

ayato’s gait comes to a standstill. you pause, watch as a sorrowful and hopeful smile rests on the curve of his lips. he glances up at the sky once more before he looks at you, his hand brushing against the back of yours.

“i have always been fond of spring.”

“why’s that?”

you don’t move your hand away. he notices this, remains cautious, gentle, and laces his fingers with yours. it’s warm, comforting.

“it reminds me of someone i love.”

you freeze, see the way ayato looks at you-- like there’s something more, like he has known you in a life past-- and you want to speak, but nothing can register or come to mind.

the rain pours again, but neither of you move.

“you told me that we’ve met before.” your voice quivers. “so why don’t i remember you? i know you. i dreamt about you once, i think. i don’t know. why don’t i know? where have we met? what do you know?”

panic arises with each word spoken. you’re crying again, just like you did the first time you met. you feel like an idiot, your chest tightening with anxiety. ayato squeezes your hand. it would be so easy to tell you everything, to bring the memories back all at once. but such things take time, he kindly reminds himself, so he will wait until it all comes back.

“you’re not going to tell me.” you whisper. he shakes his head, places an umbrella over your heads. “then tell me this: the person you love-- is it me? and did i love you once, before?”

ayato smiles, just as he always does, and the tears run rampant.

( you both know the answer already. you know this, don’t you? )

vi. you dream again that night. it’s a different dream, but almost the same-- the hustle and bustle surrounds you, overwhelms you. you’re not entirely familiar with this environment yet. you only know some of the voices-- a bright, cheerful one that always seems to bring a smile to your face. a soothing one that always brings reassurance. you hear a bark and playful laughter, and in your heart there is relief.

you’ve done this before.

“daydreaming again?”

you recognize that voice. you are quick to turn on your heel, though reluctance fills the corners of your mind. you are afraid the faces will be hidden again, obscure just like last time, but they are not.

ayato stands before you, almost entirely the same with exception of attire. maybe you are daydreaming-- this is a dream, after all, and the boundaries between what is real and what is not are too chaotic to distinguish. but that doesn’t stop you from hoping, from thinking this could be what you were trying to remember after all. in the realization of such, you cry again. you cry again and again because you hope that this is it, that it’s not just a dream, that you’ve finally come to understand ayato’s words and what that emptiness meant.

“what is it? what’s wrong?” ayato asks, dabbing the tears away with a handkerchief. you know that one, recall it from the subway.

“nothing’s wrong.” you laugh in disbelief, shake your head as his thumb grazes over your cheek. “i’m okay. we’re okay.”

( you wake up the next morning. you remember it all. )

vii. it is spring now. you have not seen him in a long while-- perhaps out of avoidance or a clash in schedules, neither of you are sure. you weren’t ready to tell him once you awoke from that dream, more so because you couldn’t comprehend it all-- thoma, ayaka, ayato--

you spent a lifetime with him before. you were married to him and you loved him. you danced under the cherry blossoms on the first day of spring and you told him you didn’t slow dance, that you weren’t good at it, but he didn’t care, as long as he could hold you close.

you sit on the park bench with him now, quiet. children play in the distance, their laughter filling the silence that rests heavily in the air. your hands wring nervously in your lap, words unspoken lodged in your throat. you want to tell him, but you don’t know how. you want to tell him that you know, and you’re almost sure he knows this, too.

“have you been well? it’s been awhile.”

he starts off slowly, treads carefully on thin ice.

“i’ve been...thinking. i dreamt about you again.”

“oh?”

“i cried a lot in the dream.”

“you do that often in reality, too.”

you laugh for the first time that day, feeling your body relax against the bench. your hand rests at your side now, brushes against ayato’s. wanting. waiting. hoping.

the cherry blossoms are in bloom now, the wind casting the petals along the sky. they fall gently, gracefully, and it reminds you both of that day.

they’re beautiful, aren’t they?” ayato asks, taking note of the closed distance between you two. he swallows hard, curious as to why he hesitates now- because maybe you truly do remember now, and maybe this is the moment he’s been waiting for all this time-- the reunion of two lovers. his hand finds yours. you do not pull away.

“they always have been.” you smile faintly, intertwining your fingers. you ignore the way your voice trembles and you hope he does, too. you inhale deeply, close your eyes. “can i lean on you, ayato?”

you know. you have to, he thinks, and he cannot help the surprise that appears in purple hues. you look at him, countenance riddled with apprehension, and there’s that familiar curl of the lips you have seen many times before. he nods in confirmation, so you rest your head on his shoulder.

pink petals fall onto your laps-- delicate, loved, and seen.

“i remember you.” you whisper. the wind almost drowns out the words, but his grip on your hand tightens. “i remember our life back then-- being married, spending time in the garden when it was the beginning of spring. i-- i took so long ayato. i took so long to remember you.”

in your voice there is regret, but in his eyes there is understanding. you want to apologize, but you know he would tell you there is no need for such things.

“i knew you would, in time. i would have waited for you, nonetheless.”

ah. you’re going to start crying again. you laugh when he pulls out that handkerchief again, but when the tears come, he kisses them away ever so gently before murmuring words of comfort. his arms wrap around you, hold reassuring and filled with ardor.

“i missed you.” you whisper against his lips, and how lovely it is to feel him smile against them once more. “i love you.”

“i love you, too.” he tells you, once, twice, a million times-- as many as he needs to until it is known. “i will love and find you in every lifetime, my love.”

( under the cherry blossoms is rebirth and reinvigoration of life. under the cherry blossoms, there is love lost and love found.

under the cherry blossoms, there is you and the one you love, reunited at last. )

CHAPTER THREE // GOLD RUSH

SYPNOSIS (of chapter). in which you decided to spend your day reuniting with old friends and encounter an old flame.

SYPNOSIS (of series). breaking up with your first love was heartbreaking, but not as heartbreaking as getting invited to his wedding after years of not seeing him. that is, until things seem to be easier when you encounter a certain guest, who could end up being more than just a blooming friend to you.

CHARACTERS. kamisato ayato, (later) diluc ragnvindr

CONTENT. fluff/angst, modern!au, mentions of death (minor), mentions of break-ups, mentions of car accident

TAGLIST. @scaraslover @dawgimsohot @kazu-topia @aqualesha @mrkamisato @serami00 @serenareiss @hiqhkey @emperatris-rinaka @bystander36 @irisxiel @coleluuviida @034ven @dear-dairiess @luv3rxcha @hadesaedes @chiro-chiro-kun @hersscherofyatta @mariusvonhangme @yuzuricebun @nejibot @hoshikistarlette @solaaresque @crowbird @lordbugs @estelwrld @giyusimpsassemble @irethepotatosblog @elychee @rion-s @denkineptune @franini @sophisticatedleslie @thedivinepriestess @smashsubs @httpmitsuya @cottonkendi @uchihaeirin @abvolat @kokushiboswife @kyomihann @jiyujinsstuff @durptwit @elegantcecile @crowbird @mnemosyneechan @s-adidass @belovedxiao @deimmortales99 @veyu002

WORD COUNT. 5.1K words

NOTE. please make sure to check the end of the post for extra notes by the time you’re done reading (just to clear certain things up !!)

SPECIAL NOTE. was gone for a few days and came back to life. i will be gone again after posting this probably. have fun with this meal <33333

EVERMORE MASTERLIST \ MAIN MASTERLIST

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You felt sick to your stomach. 

Yesterday, as soon as you and Zhongli returned to the Grand Goth Hotel after buying the wedding gift, you suddenly came across Ei and Yae Miko, who were about to leave the hotel for an unexpected reason.

“...You guys were looking for me?” You asked with furrowed eyebrows. “You guys should’ve texted me instead, I was busy finding a wedding gift.” 

“We wanted to tell you in person rather than messages since it’s important. Besides, we wanted to spend our dinner somewhere outside since the food in this hotel’s not to our taste, or Ei’s specifically.” Yae explains casually, her mouth curving up. “Do you mind if we could talk in the lounge area? We want to talk about something related to tomorrow.” 

Hence how you found out that you’ll be meeting with your old college friends today. 

“Are you still uncomfortable, ( Name )?” Zhongli asks with a concerned look as he watches you staring at your food down in deep thought. 

Right now, the both of you decided to try and eat in Goth Grand Hotel’s finest restaurant area for breakfast. Although you’ve enjoyed the foods the hotel provided, the thoughts of what will transpire in your reunion has never faded away.

“I wouldn’t say I’m uncomfortable,” You spoke up. “Just… nervous, that’s all.” 

Don’t get yourself wrong, you’re truly happy that you’ll get to reunite with your dearest friends after being away from them for so long, but you couldn’t help but feel nervous due to the fact that you haven’t talked to them ever since you went to Liyue after one year of graduating. 

Maybe you should just pretend to be sick and try not to go to this meeting–

“You’ll be okay,” Zhongli assures you, cutting your thoughts off with his calm voice. In all honesty, his smooth voice never fails to soothe you no matter what he’s saying. “I’m sure your friends would be delighted to reunite with you after being away for so long. Besides, you have your boss and your colleague with you, am I correct?”

You nodded slowly, your shoulders slowly relaxed. “Yeah.. you’re right…” 

He then moves one of the meals forward with a cheeky smile. The food contains plenty of seafood. “Now go eat your breakfast before it runs cold, a good meal can heal one’s mood after all.” 

You laughed at his attempts in finding a way to not eat the food – that was offered by some ginger-haired man who was for some reason interested(1) in your friend – and grabbed your eating utensils to take a few bites. 

It’s delicious, you admit. The ginger-haired man made a good choice, but it’s too bad that Zhongli despises seafood. 

“It’s good,” You hummed in a content tone. “You should try it, that strange man just offered you free food, you know?”

He continues to smile. “Have you decided what to wear? Or will you be going shopping?” 

He really just changed the topic, huh. You mused.

“I have decided. What will you be doing while I'm gone, if I may ask?” 

“Perhaps it’s not too bad if I explore around the hotel, and maybe stroll around the city if I have the time to do so.” Zhongli answers, patting his mouth with a napkin gently. “Do you need me to escort you? The restaurant sounds pretty far from what Venti told me.” 

You shook your head with a reassuring smile. “No worries, I have Ei and Yae who rented a car, we’ll be meeting by the lobby later at 11:00.” 

The man frowns. “Do you think they’ll be late?” 

You shook your head once more. “I’m sure they won’t. This is a special occasion, after all.” You said confidently. 

If only you knew how you were wrong.

“...Fools.” You mumbled with an irritated look, looking around the lobby to look for the two women. “Why on earth are they late?” 

Then again, you know they always have tardiness, but did they seriously have to be late and keep a person waiting for them?! 

You huffed before pulling out your phone to contact them. 

As you continue texting them, you suddenly hear someone clearing their throat, causing you to flinch slightly and look up at the person in front of you, only for your eyes to widen at the sight of the stranger. 

The stranger turns out to be Ayato. 

“Hello, ( Name ).” He spoke in a gentle tone. 

And somehow, the tardiness of your two friends suddenly became your least of your worries. 

You shifted uncomfortably, now realizing that there are people eyeing at your direction in curiosity due to the fact that you’re in front of a successor of an infamous company that everyone knows of. “Hel.. Hello, Mr. Kamisato.” 

It was clear that the awkward atmosphere between the two of you is strong, but you knew the very reason why it’s like that in comparison to college. 

It was because of how this is your first time having a proper conversation with Ayato after years of not seeing each other. 

Everything went downhill ever since you broke up with Ayato. 

For the past few weeks, you had never seen your ex at all. When you went to the area that connects all the dormitories where you’d walk to the university with your lover, he was no longer there anymore. Whenever you visit the Student Council, he’s either unavailable or usually takes his leave to buy boba tea. Whenever you tried to come up to him in the cafeteria or some areas around the school, he pretended to not know someone was calling him and continued his day. You hated how he even avoided the places you go to daily, something that you thought was once admirable from your ex, who knows you more than any other person in your life. 

It was obvious he was avoiding you.

And it hurts.

“I don’t know what I did wrong..” You spoke solemnly as your friends tried their best to comfort you in your dorm room. “Was I not that good enough for him? Was it because his parents hate me?” 

“Nonsense, ( Name). You’re being too harsh on yourself!” Yae told you, trying to soothe your fragile state as Ei continues to offer you food. While the two women comforted you, your other friends went out to buy something you didn’t manage to understand due to your breakdown. “That foolish brute had no right to suddenly break things off like that.. I’m sure the both of you can talk it out-”

“How can I…?” You whispered. “How can I talk to him when he’s been avoiding me like I’m some.. Some plague!” 

Ei pats your head, unsure what to do to help you. “Whatever his reason is, it must’ve been a bad one if he’s willing to go all out in avoid–”

The pink-haired woman nudges the blunt woman for her words. “What Ei meant to say is… Whatever his reason is, it’s not worth it. Don’t let him see you being so desperate to come to him, just avoid him too and see if he’ll actually be affected by it.” Yae clarified, shooting the purple-haired woman a warning glance.

“I don’t see how this helps..” Ei mumbled, to which Yae managed to hear but didn't bother retort back.

“If he’s affected by it.. Then he’ll eventually come to you himself.” 

You gulped, looking down with a hesitant look on your face. It wouldn’t… hurt to try, right?

Thanks to your friend’s words, you started avoiding Ayato as well. 

It was already obvious to everyone in the university that something happened between the two of you, I mean, who wouldn’t notice how the so-called high school sweethearts who are joined at the hip are avoiding each other? 

This was a good thing for those who had admired Ayato romantically. Everywhere Ayato went, there’s always one or more people trailing behind trying to make a chat with him in hopes of being close with him, but as always, he made sure to cut the conversation short and run away. 

Of course, you felt jealous, but who are you to be jealous of now that he’s no longer yours?

It wasn’t fact that the university knows about your break-up and the fact that Ayato now has admirers didn’t phase you,

What phased you is the fact that your ex did not look affected by your ignorance at all. 

It only took a couple of months for you to understand why. 

“...What…” You mumbled to yourself, staring down at Ayato – who’s in the area that connects all the dormitories for the first time in months – with a disbelieved look on your face. 

It didn’t matter to you that your ex has finally shown up at the place where the both of you always meet. 

What mattered to you was the fact that he’s with an unfamiliar woman. 

You felt chills run down your spine from how he’s looking at her with a gentle and genuine smile on his face, something that he only showed to you and only you. You despised the fact that envy started to grow in your body. 

You weren’t envious of the woman who managed to win his heart. You weren’t envious of the couple who obviously look happier than you and Ayato. You weren’t envious of how they have each other now. 

You were envious of how Ayato moved on.

He continued to avoid you since then.

“What brings you here in the lobby, if I may ask?” Ayato wondered. “Are you perhaps waiting for someone?” 

You nodded slowly. “Ye… Yeah. I’m waiting for Ei and Yae to come back down from their room to have lunch together outside the hotel.” You explained. You didn’t bother adding the fact that you’re reuniting with old friends, since him tagging along will only make things awkward. “And you?” 

“I’m waiting for a photographer who’ll be taking pictures for the wedding.” He answers. 

The two of you then fell silent afterwards. 

Despite the fact that you “moved on”, you can’t even manage to have a proper conversation with the man who ruined your heart years ago. Just being near him made you feel uneasy, as if something bad will happen.

“...How’s… Miss Chisato?” You questioned. 

“She’s fine. She’s currently shopping for her wedding dress with her bridesmaids and father.” 

Before the conversation started to get longer, you felt someone tapping your shoulder lightly. 

“We’re here~” Yae spoke up, smiling at you as soon as you looked at the person who tapped your shoulder. “We apologize for being late, Ei just couldn’t decide what to buy.” She explains apologetically.

You looked at Ei's direction, who holds a paper bag that contains what you assume is her dessert and sigh. "It's alright, I'm just glad you guys made it already."

The two women suddenly noticed another person’s presence, if you looked closely, you would’ve noticed how their eyes slightly darkened. “Oh, hello Mr. Kamisato.” Ei spoke up in a nonchalant tone. 

Ayato continued to smile, but it no longer reached his eyes like before. “Miss Shogun… Pleasure to see you after all this time. How has your business fared?” 

“It’s as smooth as always,” She answered. “I would like to congratulate you once more for your wedding.” 

He hums, placing his hand on his chest as a sign of gratitude. “You have my thanks, Miss Shogun.” 

While the atmosphere with you and Ayato was tense and awkward, the atmosphere with him and Ei and Yae was always intimidating and far from awkward.

In fear of having the situation go longer than to your liking, you immediately intervened in the “polite” conversation. “We should take our leave before we’re late for our reservation. I heard we won’t be able to apply for another reservation for the next few months due to the overwhelming number of customers if we were to miss it.” 

The purple-haired woman clears her throat, her face brightens up quickly. “Ah, right. We shall take our leave then, Mr. Kamisato. I wouldn’t want to let ( Name ) be hungry.” 

“( Name ) must be proud to have a friend like you then.” The blue-haired man commented with a small laugh. “I shall see you three again next time.” 

You gave him an acknowledged nod before the three of you left towards the exit, your smile immediately drops the moment you’re no longer seen by the groom.  

“You guys should’ve been early.” You grumbled. 

Yae laughs. “Yes, yes, we apologize again for being so late. You can tell us all the details on our way.”

As the three of you entered the car, you couldn’t help but glance at where Ayato walked away with a frown. 

Since when did Ayato stop avoiding you?

It felt like you guys had been driving around for an hour.

“...So how was it?” Yae asks as she focuses on the road while driving. It was the first time one of you spoke up ever since you left the hotel, if it weren’t for the music Ei was handling, the car would’ve fallen to an awkward silence.

You knew what the woman was referring to and answered, “He acted as if he hadn't avoided me.” 

“How pathetic,” Ei mumbled with a tsk. “Not even a single apology?” 

“It’s fine, I didn’t expect him to do it anyway.” You said, leaning against the window. “Besides, he’s the last thing on my mind right now.” 

“Are you still nervous about meeting the others?” Ei asks. 

“Of course. I haven’t seen them for so long.” 

“Cheer up, I’m sure things will go well. They miss you more than you think.” Just as Yae said that, the car suddenly stopped, and you realized that you finally arrived at the restaurant. 

Unlike most restaurants you’ve seen, this one had a more home-y feeling and has the kitchen being in the same room as the customers with the chefs being seen cooking. Not to mention how it’s all decorated nicely and suits the atmosphere outside.

Your eyes then land on a certain group whose table is by the window, and you wipe your sweaty hands on your lap with a gulp. Here goes nothing..

“Welcome to Good Hunter.” The guard stationed in front of the entrance spoke as he opened the doors for you and your friends to enter. You quietly thanked the guard in response, and decided to let Yae and Ei walk in front of you first. 

It didn’t take long before the others noticed your presence, and they instantly stood up from their seats and walked towards you three with excitement. 

“Took you guys long enough to get here!” Yoimiya(2) exclaims, giving a hug to the two women first before hugging you next. “I missed you three so much! I apologize that our conversation was so short yesterday, ( Name ).”

You hugged your friend back. “It’s alright, I’m just happy I got to see you again.” 

Suddenly, you felt huge arms wrapped around you and Yoimiya, causing you to yelp in surprise and look at the person, only for your face to beam at the sight of Itto. “Don’t tell me you forgot about me, ( Name )! Why didn’t you hug me first?” He whines. 

“I hugged them first, big guy!” Yoimiya retorted with her tongue out. 

Before the two of them could banter, they were instantly smacked in the heads by a certain woman. “Cut it off, you two. We just met ( Name ) after so long and this is how you’re acting in front of them?” Kujou Sara scolded. 

You laugh in response. “It’s alright, Sara.” You said reassuringly, your shoulders no longer tensed. What was I even nervous about? You thought as you mentally facepalm yourself.

“If you say so, it’s nice to see you again, by the way.” Sara replied. 

“I agree with Sara, it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other, ( Name ).” Kokomi spoke up with a warm smile as Gorou waves at you. “...And Ei and Yae as well, we’re glad you guys had time to come here.” 

Yae hums, copying Kokomi’s facial expression. “We are happy enough to come here even if we’re busy. I must say, you’ve grown taller than before.” She teases, glancing at the brown-haired man’s direction with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

You notice how Gorou flinches from the tall woman’s stare before avoiding eye contact, causing Yae to giggle. “And it’s nice to see you again, Gorou. You’ve grown more handsome than before. If you still remember what I told you, are you still up for cosplaying as a certain writer for my dearest readers?” 

“Wh-What?! No way!” He stumbled. 

Before Yae could continue to tease him more, you heard a familiar voice calling your name, causing you to look at the person by the table and see Thoma waving at you. 

“Ah ( Name ), come sit here! I saved a seat for you.” Thoma said with a smile as he pulled back the chair that’s beside his. “You should come and order your food as well, I’m sure you must’ve been starving the whole time on your way here.” 

Hearing the word food instantly caught Itto’s attention, and he immediately let go of you and Yoimiya before he rushed back to his seat to grab his menu. “Aw man, I forgot what I was supposed to order!” 

Yoimiya lets go of you as well, following Itto in a panic. “I forgot what I was supposed to order too! Was it the Barbatos Ratatouille or Sweet Madames?” 

Your eyes brighten when you see Thoma, remembering that he’s in the reunion as well.  You followed Itto and Yoimiya in excitement to talk with your friend once more after seeing him yesterday. 

“Thanks for saving me a seat, if it weren’t for you I would’ve been unsure which seat I should sit on.” You spoke as you sat down on your seat next to him. “How have you been? Isn’t it great that you’re back in your hometown?” 

The blonde-haired man nods happily. “Yeah, it’s just the same as I remembered! I visited my mother’s side of the family and they’ve all been well thankfully.” 

His smile is quite infectious, you thought, finding yourself smiling as well. “That’s good.” 

“What about you? How’s Liyue?” He asks. 

“Surprisingly well,” You replied fondly. “I made a few friends here and there, and the prices are certainly not as absurd as our home.” 

“I’m guessing that brown-haired man with you yesterday is a friend from Liyue?” Thoma questions, and you nodded in response.

“Yes, he and I are neighbors. He helped me a lot with Liyue’s culture and traditions whenever we hung out in his home. I’m glad I have him as my plus one.” You explained, wondering to yourself what Zhongli is doing back in the hotel. “He’s quite a gentleman too, just like you.” 

Thoma felt flattered. “Y-You think I’m a gentleman–?”

“Hey ( Name ), what did you order?” Itto interrupts. “If your order sounds tasty I’ll order the same!” 

You chuckled in response, opening the menu as well to check the available meals. “I’m not sure, to be honest. There’s a lot of good food here.” Your eyes scan through the numerous names.

Unnoticed by you, Thoma stayed quiet, still thinking of your compliment.

By the time the server has received your orders, all of you have started talking to one another. Whether it’d be college memories, struggles in certain subjects and topics, and love lives–

Ah, how you despise love lives so much.

The moment someone brought up love life, you could instantly tell what the others are thinking thanks to how they’re glancing at your way with a hint of sympathy in their eyes, especially Itto, who’s easier to read than a children’s book. 

“So, ( Name )...” Yae spoke, trying to think of a way to lighten up the conversation. “That plus one of yours seems very interesting, don’t you think so?” She giggles. 

You rolled your eyes with a smile, knowing where the woman is going with this conversation. “He is, but we’re only just friends.” You explained. “Don’t tell me you’re interested in an older man, are you?” 

She immediately laughs. “Oh my… Don’t make this about me, besides, Mister Zhongli is not my type so you don’t have to worry about me snatching up your man.” 

“He’s not my man nor someone I’m interested in that way.” You clarified, crossing your arms. “Besides, I don’t think I’m interested in anyone.” 

“Ooh what about Mister Tartaglia?” Yoimiya chimes in. “I saw him walking towards your table during breakfast, and you seemed like you like the food he offered for free!” 

Your eyebrows furrowed. “You were there?” 

The girl giggles sheepishly. “Sorry I didn’t come up to you, I didn’t want to ruin your conversation with Mister Zhongli since you looked so serious.”

You nodded in understanding. “I see… But Mister Tartaglia gave the food to my plus one, but Zhongli despises seafood a lot so I decided to eat it to not let free food go to waste.” You clarified. 

“Hm.. Mister Albedo seems interesting, have you met him?” Kokomi chimes as well as Gorou agrees with the pink-haired woman’s words. “He has great talent with his art skills, maybe you should try to talk to him–”

Your eyes widened when you realized what the others were trying to do. “Woah, woah, woah! I didn’t ask for you guys to be my wingman and try to pair me up with some guys I don’t even know much!” 

“( Name )’s right, you guys should let them choose who they want to choose.” Thoma joins in, patting your shoulder in a reassuring gesture that he has your back. 

“You guys should mind your business, ( Name ) can choose whoever they want without our help.” Sara interjected, being on your and Thoma’s side as well. 

Unfortunately, your comment as well as Thoma and Sara’s went to deaf ears.

“Mister Albedo? Pfft, please, ( Name )’s better off with uhm…” Itto stops for a moment to think. “Uhm.. Ooh! Why not be with my bro, Xiao?” 

“Isn’t he younger than ( Name )?” Ei questioned with raised eyebrows. “He’s the same age as Kunikuzushi–”

“Ei, they’re both the same age as our dear ( Name ).” Yae corrected.

“Ah,” Ei clears her throat, looking away from the pink-haired woman. “Then.. How about Mister Diluc? I heard from a friend of mine that he knows ( Name ).” 

Everyone suddenly stops talking the moment the purple-haired woman mentions the fact that he knows you, causing your eyes to widen from the mention of the man who paid for your wedding gift. 

Ah shi–

“When did you meet? How did you two meet? What is he like? Is he nice? Is he mean? Is he handsome?” Yoimiya immediately asks, eyes sparkling as everyone curiously tries to hear your answer as well. You honestly forgot how nosey your friends can be, to which you don't mind since they know when to mind their own business.

“Uhm…” You hesitated for a moment, unsure if you should really tell them such unnecessary information. “Well, I guess he and I met when we bumped into each other in the lobby.”

“Then what happened?” Yoimiya asks eagerly, urging you to continue talking.

“...Nothing?”

“Really?” 

You look away from the girl’s gaze, and she gasps. “You’re lying! Something did happen!” 

“I won’t say it!” You said defensively. 

“From the way you look, it’s obvious that something did happen to make you look so embarrassed.” Yae comments with a giggle.

You felt your cheeks warming from being exposed so easily. That woman really can bring out your embarrassed self with just her teases, you can understand why Gorou’s always avoiding her. 

“Well.. either way… I don’t like him, he’s rude.” That was a lie, and you knew it. However, you knew mentioning the fact that you don’t mind him as well as the wedding gift incident will only give them – especially Yae – more reasons to tease you and not bring the topic down at all. 

“That’s just because he looks like it, if anything, I think he’s quite a gentleman like Mister Zhongli based on my first meeting with him for business reasons.” Ei retorted casually as she took a sip of her drink. “You should give him a chance.”

Before you could respond, the waiter suddenly interrupted the conversation with the meals beside him, causing you to sigh in relief. “Your orders have arrived.” 

Thank you, waiter! You thought gratefully, watching as he hands out all the food to your friends, who are all eager to eat the delicious Mondstadt meals that they ordered, the conversation they just had with you had all been forgotten. 

Unnoticed by you, a certain man whose table is beside yours heard the whole thing with his ears flushed. It was a coincidence that he’s in the same place as you once more, and you and your friends are pretty loud enough for him and nearby customers to hear. 

They’re still mad at me? Diluc thought, bringing out his phone before calling someone with a huff. 

“Kaeya you liar, you told me buying an item for a person will make them forgive me.” 

-

As you enter your hotel room, you immediately yawn in exhaustion. 

Thankfully, your friends decided to talk about something else besides your love life. In all honesty, you really appreciated them for helping you find someone you can date, but you sincerely think you can’t fall in love just as easily as before. Nevertheless, the reunion ended on a good note as a smile never leaves your face. 

“How is it? Did it go well, I hope?” Zhongli asks, looking up to your direction from his book as he lies down on his bed. 

You nodded happily. “Yeah.. I don’t even know why I was nervous in the first place.” You answered with a laugh, remembering how you didn’t feel well thanks to your nervousness. 

He hums. “I’m glad you enjoyed your day, care to tell me all about it over a cup of tea?” He asks, gesturing towards the table nearby that has a teapot and teacups on it. 

“...And facial skin care?” You ask with a cheeky grin, imagining Zhongli wearing a face mask with cucumbers on his eyes as he tries to drink his tea.

Besides chatting over a cup of tea and helping Zhongli out with his inconveniences in the apartment, the both of you had also spent the night having a sleepover during occasions when the electricity would go out of nowhere, leaving you to visit Zhongli to have some company and give him a facial skin care routine that he finds himself enjoying a lot. 

Your friend laughs. “And facial skin care.” 

Your eyes brighten. “Alright, Just give me a moment to change my clothes and get my facial products ready for the both of us.”

He nods in understanding, watching as you grab your clothes from the closet and rush inside the bathroom. It was quite amusing to see you so excited over something such as this, but he didn’t mind. As long as you’re happy, then he’s happy as well. 

As soon as you leave, his smile instantly disappears, remembering a certain incident that occurred while you were out with your friends.

“...Good afternoon, Mister Kamisato.” Zhongli greeted, eyes slightly widening in surprise from the sight of Ayato standing in front of the door of his hotel room with an unexplainable look on his face. He doesn’t recall you telling him that Ayato would be visiting. “May I help you?” 

“...Is ( Name ) here?” Ayato asks, smiling politely. 

The brown-haired man shook his head. “Unfortunately not. They’re outside hanging out with Miss Miko and Miss Shogun.” 

He watched as the blue-haired man’s smile slightly dropped at the moment, before regaining his facade once more. “Oh… I see… I was hoping I was going to talk to them about something..” 

Zhongli guessed it was about the break-up that you told him, your tear-stained face haunting his mind. “You can visit again tomorrow. From what I remember, ( Name ) won’t be having any plans in mind on that day.” 

Ayato nodded slowly. “I understand. Thank you for telling me.” 

The man didn’t move at all, still standing in front of Zhongli in silence for a moment. “If… I may be bold to ask, what's your relationship with ( Name )?” 

Zhongli tilted his head slightly. Where is he going with this? “...( Name ) and I are neighbors. We’ve been friends ever since they traveled to Liyue.”

“I see,” He murmured, his shoulders slowly relaxed. “...I take it that they’re doing well in Liyue?” 

“Why don’t you ask ( Name ) that when you try to talk to them tomorrow?” The brown-haired man retorts with a stiff smile. “I’m sure they’re willing to tell you. That is… If you have good intentions when you come up to them.” 

The blue-haired man is taken back for a moment, before he chuckles in response. “You’re a good friend, Mister Zhongli. Rest assured that I don’t have any ill intentions towards ( Name ).” Ayato spoke. “I shall not waste your time any longer, thank you for answering my questions.” 

“It’s no problem, Mister Kamisato.” The older man nods. “Have a good day.” 

Zhongli lets out a small sigh, hoping that whatever the groom intends to do when he visits your room again will be nothing bad like he claims.

He honestly feels conflicted from how Ayato treated you as if he didn’t break your heart and didn’t even explain himself nor apologize for it. Perhaps it’d be good if apologizing was Ayato’s purpose when visiting your hotel room. 

But who’s to say that would be enough to help you officially move on? 

The man could recall certain moments when you still had a sad look on your face whenever Ayato was mentioned, and he could tell that you aren’t as happy as you are back in Liyue ever since the both of you had arrived at the hotel for the first time. Not to mention how Zhongli noticed you having a hard time sleeping when he woke up in the middle of the night to pour himself some water, so seeing you so happy after meeting with your old friends is a relief.

For now, the best thing Zhongli can do as a friend is to make you happy and not get sad over that jerk who broke your heart.

“That is what friends do, you know.” Guizhong once told him as he watches her placing her bags by the trunk of her car. “We make each other happy and care for one another.”

“She’s right,” Azhdaha chimes, carrying two more bags towards the car. “That’s why we’ll make sure to video chat with you once we arrive at our universities. Don’t worry about us, Morax!” 

The man smiles in sadness from the memory, staring down at the book he’s holding as he fondly remembers how Guizhong used to love reading it. 

“I’ll fulfill your promise, my dear friends,” He whispered, trying to forget the image of their corpses inside their car that was hit by a drunk driver as well as the two funerals he had to attend alone.

“I’ll make sure to be a good friend like how you were both to me.” 

DAN'S NOTES !

(1) "by some ginger-haired man who was for some reason interested(1) in your friend" - the interest tartaglia has for zhongli depends on how you guys see it, just don't let it boil your blood if you see how some people see it as romantic or however else they see it.

(2) "Yoimiya exclaims" - If you guys wondering why on earth Yoimiya's in the reunion meeting despite being younger and being in the same batch as Ayaka's, it's because of certain circumstances that led Yoimiya and the others to become friends during college.