Astrophile (Genshin Impact)

by justcallmeleanne

Summary:

(n.) One who loves stars.

Featuring compilations of Genshin fanfics (x reader) such as one shots, extras from other fanfic, imagines.

Chapter 1: Hanahaki Disease AU (diluc)

𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 (ᴅɪʟᴜᴄ ʀᴀɢɴᴠɪɴᴅʀ)

ᴴᵃⁿᵃʰᵃᵏⁱ ᴰⁱˢᵉᵃˢᵉ ᴬᵁ

---

It was love at first sight.

The way he stood there in front of the crowd will full compassion and confidence, the way he stand out from the crowd even by his looks and red hair.

He was the youngest, the same age as her,  to be given as the title as one of the captain on the Knights of favonius. 

It was love at first sight, and despair at first sight.

For as she was about to call out his name, as she was about to raise her hand for a wave as he start to look towards her way.

A figure walked, run passed her in a speed.

"Diluc! You made it"

A girl, a beautiful woman jumped into him in which he swiftly caught her in his arms, his already happy red iris sparkling even more as he return her hug right in front of the crowd.

"Yes, I made it"

He chuckle

The people around them continue to cheer as if nothing was wrong. There was nothing wrong of course, but there she stood frozen among the crowd.

They were just childhood friends, of course it was normal to have such affection since he probably see her as a little sister.

She thought, trying to convince herself

Her throat then starts to feel itchy. She thought it was normal, so she went to touch her throat, all by looking at Diluc whom as happily chatting with his fellow knights all by having the girl his side.

She was just a little sister to him, so why does he look at her with such...

It was just love at first sight. Maybe she should have stopped. Maybe she could have prevented such tragedy to happen.

Archon knows how long was she waiting for this, everything seems to come out of fairytale.

Noble couples were dancing in the huge hall of the manor, she was wearing a simple yet fancy dress that seems to give off her status among the people inside.

Many eyes were laid upon her figure yet her eyes remain glued on a certain red hair in the hall.

Diluc Ragnvindr, the one and only.

It's been three years, almost four when he suddenly left Mondstadt making not only her but everyone wonder why.

She had been dreaming and daydreaming of this moment.

"Ah, here is my daughter. The one I was talking about"

Being introduced by her father, she took a step forward

Giving Diluc a gentle genuine smile, their eyes met as she gently lift her skirt to give him a greeting, in that moment.

Everything seems to stop as she gets mesmerized by those red iris. They just stare at each other, or so she thought. 

"It's a pleasure-"

With a crash, one of the window glasses of the manor shattered into pieces as well as her dream night where she and Diluc would dance in the dance floor as they slowly fell in love.

It was all because of an eagle. The same eagle that is now clawing Diluc clothes as if to pull him somewhere.

Then it started.

It started with a simple cough, until it was getting harder to breathe. Then this.

Looking at the a piece of red petal in her palm, she couldn't believe it.

"It's hanahaki disease"

Looking away from the certain tavern owner, looking away from the certain red hair man who bolted out of the party without any hesitation. 

She look to her side, greeting her with a mischievous smile on her face was a woman with violet iris that seems to pierce her soul.

"Hanahaki wha-?"

"The sickness of unrequired love."

Her violet iris glow for a moment as she felt her heart dropped

Watching the woman right beside her, she could not help but to look away, looking at the back of the man she admire and loved a few years ago whom finally returned, yet leave without looking back.

"A sickness that will slowly kill you"

Once again her eyes widen, looking up to meet a pair of violet iris that was surely looking at her pathetically. 

"Hehe, that is why love at first sight is dangerous, falling for someone whom already has someone in their heart like it was their home"

The black haired woman grin at her

At some point, she should have stopped, she should have believed that strangers word, and yet.

She refused to believe, not then, not now, not in the future.

Looking at the childhood friend across her at the tavern, she refuse to believe there was something going on between the two of them. And yet,

Cough cough cough.

She quickly covered her mouth, preventing the mixed color of red and purple petals to be seen by anyone around her.

Stealthily withdrawing her hand away from her mouth without letting anyone see the petals on her palm.

She have the pair one last look as she went out.

For a moment she stopped, he was smiling at her, tucking her lost strand of hair locks behind her ears as she was currently busy working for a drink behind the bar.

It was getting hard to breathe, she felt suffocated, her throat was itchy, she wanted to throw up.

Looking at him looking at her affectionately, she could not bare it.

She left the tavern that night, leaving a couple trail of bloody petals along the way.

She should have stopped, or at least asked for help, but she.

"You're surprisingly stubborn"

She felt a presence beside her 

Yet she didn't bother look towards her, with a pale face, she continue to look at the couple.

It hurts, it was suffocating, she left like someone was clawing her heart.

She wanted to cry, she wanted to scream, she wanted to let out the pain she was suffering from.

"I told you didn't I?"

She slowly lifted her glare to met those violet ones.

"Love at first sight is dangerous"

The woman smile at her

"One moment he was just a stranger to you then bloom, just a glance and he was the love of your life"

The woman then chuckle before taking a sip of her wine

"Beautiful yet cruel."

The woman mumble that didn't go unheard by her

"I advice you to stop whatever you're feeling him, it's not going to help nor benefit you"

Slowly, without giving her a glance, the woman walk away from her

Once again leaving her in the midst of the crowd in the corner watching the newly engaged couple having their first dance like a perfect pair they are.

"Stop whatever I'm feeling for him.. huh"

Those red hair, red iris they never seem to change, the look of confidence, compassion and commitment, those were still reflected in him just by looking at him.

Just like the first time she saw him, as well as those affectionate look in his eyes remain the same. Always been looking at the woman in his arms with such look.

"I wish it was that easy"

She spoke in a bitter tone.

With one last glance, she turn around.

That night, she was coughing none stop until she starts to cough blood alongside the flower petals.

But perhaps it was already too late.

"You lasted this long huh"

She could tell it was a sarcastic remark

Looking away from the newlywed couple, she look at the lady right beside her who never seem to age at the very end row of the cathedral. 

"What a lovely couple, don't you think?"

The woman with purple iris spoke, looking down at her

"Yeah"

She agree, pressing a handkerchief on her lips

She didn't want to come, that was the truth. She didn't want to go but there is something she wanted to confirm. 

"Hey, can I ask you a question?"

"Spill"

The woman beside her shrug

"If she doesn't exist, do you think I stand a chance?"

With a pale face, she pointed out the bride whom was currently taking her vows with a smile on her face

Just like that, she felt a shiver down her spine as she watch the woman grin at her question.

"Oh Donna, even if (First name)(Lastname) doesn't exist, he will never, never ever look at you"

The woman with purple iris spoke

Just like that, the flowers bloom.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 2: Kamisato Ayato's significant other

Imagine being Kamisato Ayato's significant other.

Imagine it was that time of the year, his parents death anniversary where you would often come with him and Ayaka to pay visit and offerings in their grave.

Imagine standing close to him as both of watch Ayaka spoke to their parents, letting them stories about the blonde traveler, her newly found friend. Hand silently reaching out to hold his hand.

Imagine paying him a visit in the middle of the night upon having to partway after paying a visit to their parents upon having your own task and duties yet to be done for the day.

Imagine almost calling out his name upon gently and silently opening the door of his room only to find the room quite smokey, looking around the room there you found the source sitting on the floor right next to the window frame not sensing you at all.

Imagine seeing him, smoking pipe in between his fingers as he mindlessly breathe out as he blankly look at the moonlight, and as he loosely wear his kimono only makes him look alluring. 

Imagine standing there in the door frame just looking at your lover and turning back as you gently close the door behind you upon him not noticing you yet. Only to come back with a tray of tea in hand.

Imagine settling down the tray a few steps beside him, letting out a sigh upon noticing he was still deep with his own thoughts to notice you were around.

"Ayato." You called his name softly, gently resting your hand on his shoulder as you reach out for his pipe. "I prepared some tea." You smile at him, successfully taking the smoking pipe from him.

Imagine withdrawing away from him and all he did was to follow your figure as you walk towards his table, cleaning and storing his smoking pipe to his drawers before eventually looking back at him with a gentle smile on your face.

Imagine him just staring and observing you as you pour him a cup of tea, though he usually has his down boba to drink, he doesn't really mind drinking the tea that you brew yourself, knowing you rarely does such thing.

Imagine sitting across him right beside the window frame enjoying the gentle yet salty breeze coming from the sea nearby. Watching him calm down as he drink the cup of tea that you poured for him.

Imagine him gently setting down his cup of tea then eventually setting his tired yet loving glaze at you. A small smile on his lips that could be interpreted as a thank you.

"Hmmm. Do you want to talk about it?" You asked but upon seeing him drop his glaze on the floor, you could not help but to let out a chuckle, opening your arms as you said, "It's alright. We can always talk about it later. Come here?" 

Imagine him finding his way into your arms, settling in between you legs, his back against your chest as he rest the back of his head on your shoulder. There he find his peace.

Imagine just sitting there in silence as both of you stare at the moon light out the window, gentle breeze of the wind coming here and there once in while as you kept him in your arms. 

Imagine him holding your free hand, just mindlessly playing with it until he clasped it and bring in close to his lips before giving the back of it a peck. Your hand was warm, you're warm, giving him the comfort he thought he'll never needed for the night.

"I miss them." He whispered, biting his lips.

"I know darling, I know." You smile sadly, giving his hand a squeeze.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 3: Kaeya Alberich's significant other

Imagine being Kaeya Alberich's significant other.

Imagine one of those days where you happened to walk around the city of Mondstadt. Not because you did not live in there but due to the fact you were rarely in the city to begin with due to being a merchant.

Imagine being away in the city for almost two months, people here and there greeting you upon seeing your face in which you return with a wave and a smile.

"Oh dear, you're back. A successful deal once again I suppose? Fufufu- Oh! Does Kaeya knew you're back already?" Lisa, a good friend of you asked.

Imagine shaking your head, closing the book you were silently reading around the headquarters library upon her question before pressing a finger in your lips, keeping it a secret as Lisa laugh and shakes her head.

Imagine looking up at the direction of the cathedral, brushing back your (hair color) locks as a gentle breeze passed by, taking a deep breath before going through the endless stairs that would lead you to were your lover is currently at.

Imagine forgetting your purpose upon arriving, emerging from the endless stairs sweating of how hot and tiring was it to climb up the stairs. Once again brushing back your hair, you mindlessly wnet and lean at stone railings to cool off and relax.

Imagine how shock your lover, the one who was currently in the middle of his speech when happened to catch a glimpse of your figure. Although he thought that he was just mistaken at first upon once catching a glimpse of that person emerging like an mindless corpse in the stairs,

Imagine the knights to be looking rather confused at their captain, the one who called them in front of the Favonius Cathedral today for an announcement and although the important details have already been said and was now at the ending remarks, that was strange to see their captain suddenly pause like that and frown.

Imagine one of the knights, his vice captain nudging his captain on his side to snap him out of it in which he did. But now he was rather looking like he was in a hurry as he cut of his speech short. And then his captain dash, he was about to call him out once again, about to ask why he was in such hurry but upon noticing the place- figure his captain was approaching. With a sigh, his vice captain properly dismiss the knights, something his captain forgot to do as he hurriedly went towards your unsuspecting form.

Imagine Kaeya, walking towards you in a hurry, eager to have you in his arms once again. He can't believe it. You're finally back after months of business travels around the continent. He truly missed his drinking buddy.

Imagine him, rather than hugging you, end up putting you on a headlock almost making you scream if it wasn't for a very familiar scent. A very familiar voice saying.

"Why didn't you tell me you're coming home ahead of schedule? I could have taken a day off to pick you up ya'know." He chuckle, still keeping you on a headlock as you pout. "I love the look on your face whenever you see me came back, makes me think you really missed me." You chuckle back, holding into his arms.

Imagine him looking down, only to see you already looking up at him your head hitting his chest as his arms loosely hugging you by your shoulder when he suddenly lean down to steal a kiss.

"Yah-!" Kiss "We're" kiss "in the-" kiss "eyes of-!" kiss "public-" kiss kiss kiss "Kaeya!" You withdraw yourself away from him, cheeks and ears flushed.

Imagine him laughing, messing with your hair as he pull you close with his free hand, now once again warped around his arms. Looking all happy to have you back in his arms again. It's been a long month after all without you by his side.

Imagine everyone around the two of you actually not minding it, looking at anywhere other than you two, minding their own business. After all they knew how the blue haired chivalry captain was worried and in love with you, looking rather gloomy whenever you went for business travel in other nation. So really, they do not mind at all. Rather they find it adorable and refreshing.

Ah, young love.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 4: Dottore's clone significant other

Imagine being one of Dottore's clone significant other.

Imagine waking up one day only to find your lover whom rested with you last night gone, not even a note, his clothes were even left on side of cabinet, confusing you. He usually left a note whenever he left but now he did not. Still you don't really mind, he will comeback like he always does.

Imagine the anxiety as days passed by and your lover have yet to return home. You've been waiting for quite a few months now. No notes or words from him. You're getting worried now. Sure he have left for so long as you can remember just like the other times but at least during those times he have left a letter.

Imagine missing your lovers warmth. Although he have never showed you his whole face, although you knew he was hiding something from you, that never stopped you from loving him despite his weirdness and craziness. 

Imagine finally having enough, tears running down your cheeks as you packed your things and his. Fine, if you won't come back then I'll just come and get you. You thought, wiping off the tears on your cheeks as you finished packing of your things.

Imagine going so far, so damn far just to reach Snezhnaya. The motherland of your lover, something you only manage to get out of him when you asked him, more on forced him to tell you about himself. 

Imagine finding yourself among on of the pubs in Snezhanya, tears once again about to stain your cheeks but held it in. If I happened to dissappear, go to Snezhanya. There you will find your answer. Remembering your lovers words, you couldn't help but to let out a deep sign.

"I'm here now. So where are you?" You missed those red eyes of his, those soft light blue locks of his that you always run your hand through. His weird humor and intelligence. You love him, really.

Imagine walking out of the pub, going back into your rented place in the current nation you're in. Imagine the cold breeze that hits your exposed skin. Pulling your clothes closer as you try to keep warm, your breathe out.

Imagine walking across the road when you catch a familiar figure on your sight which cause you to stop and take a good look of the figure. The man from afar was talking to what it seems like was a subordinate. But you will not be mistaken by that hair color, that damn light blue locks.

Imagine just staring there wide eyes as the figure turn to his side, there was a familiar mask he was wearing and before you knew it. You run towards him, heart beating wildly on your chest.

Imagine getting over excited, recognizing your lovers figure and hair alongside the mask that he always worn, although it was a different type of mask, the pattern was still the same. So as soon as you manage to go near him, you pull him into a hug.

"Dottore! I missed you so much. Why did you leave with any notes!? Do you know how worried was I? I can't get a hold of you, I thought.. I though..-!" Before you could really cry into your lovers arm. A cold blade was pressed upon your neck.

Imagine just standing in there, not daring to move as you kept your hands on your lover still, silently clenching on his beautiful coat. Thinking you've done nothing wrong but oh dear, you do.

"I command you to step back and let go of The Doctor!-"

Imagine your lover finally moved, chuckling as he pushed away the head of the spear pressed upon your neck as much to his subordinate surprise. One of his hand warping around around your waist to pull you close to him.

Imagine a shiver down your spine upon hearing his chuckle. Sure it sounds the same, at the same time you knew it wasn't the same, and the way his hand rest on your waist, you knew something was wrong, he was familiar, definitely familiar but something doesn't seems right.

"Sir-?" "All of you go back in your station." Even his voice was the same, but something really wasn't right. It feels like your Dottore, at the same time he wasn't. 

Imagine trying to pull away from him, only to have his arm warped around tightly around you. His other hand going under your chin to make you look up to him, faced with his masked face.

"Hmm? You seems to be going somewhere little one." He chuckle, making you look away from him as you utter "I.. I- uhm. On the second thought it seems that I have mistaken you for someone else- I.. I need to go.. Can you please let go of me? I'm really sorry."

Imagine him, except of letting you go, just chuckling with no signs of ever letting you go as in fact, take of his coat and place it into you. Adjusting its collar around your neck, he smirk behind his mask.

"Oh little one. You're not mistaken, you did call out my name did you?" He spoke, brushing back your (hair color) locks behind your ears that once again send a shiver down your spine.

Imagine him, holding your hand, pulling your flustered and confused figure with him back to his place, a smirk on his face you did not see as he was leading the way. It seems like one of his clones have found something worth and interesting, he thought.

Imagine him looking back at you, who was warped around his coat, guard up but rather unsuspecting of him as you stare longing and innocently at him, as if actually hoping for something. 

Not bad, he thought. For once other than the gnosis, getting rid of his clones seems worth it.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 5: Diluc Ragnvindr's significant other

Imagine being Diluc Ragnvindr's significant other.

Imagine how proud you, his father and adoptive brother were when he was recognized as the youngest captain in the history of the Knights of favonius. The smile on your faces that day, of how happy you were for him and his achievements. 

Imagine how nervous you were as you called him out that night after the family dinner. All these years you thought you only see him as a brother figure, having to grew up alongside the two step siblings. But you knew it wasn't the case anymore.

Imagine how nervous you were when you confess to him, how you aren't able to look at him in this eyes upon saying the words of your confession. Your hands were shaking, waiting for his reply. Already accepting the fact that he doesn't feel the same way about you, you don't feel bad at all, after all you just want to get these feelings out of you chest.

Imagine the way your heart skipped a beat when he took a hold of one of your trembling hands, there you watch as he bring it close to his lips, your (eye color) iris meeting his crimson ones as he give the back of your hand a kiss.

"Please do give me the honor of going out with you." He said with a smile on his lips. Making you gasp in surprise. "I'll make sure you won't regret it, Luc." You smiled back at him, showing him that toothy grin of yours that he loves very much.

Imagine being the couple that nobody knows were together, the people of Mondstadt suspecting the two of you were just friends. And as years went by, both you, Diluc and Kaeya were now 18 years old, even Kaeya was even now one of the knights of favonius. Their Dad was very proud of them and of course so were you.

Imagine that one eventful afternoon, as where you riding on a separate carriage, behind your carriage was the son and father duo where Kaeya were still on the city, out for some patrol. 

Imagine as you were busy chatting with out of the attendants and knights who happened to accompany you back on your way back at home, as relax and happy you were. The next thing you knew the carriage was overturned, ears ringing as everything was spinning, you felt numb.

Imagine trying to hold on into your consciousness, wondering about what could possibly happened, wondering if your lover and his father were alright. Unable to call out his name as you shaking and numbly hold out your hand and everything went black.

Imagine staring at a piece of letter left by your lover. After being two months in coma, you finally woke up in a very unfamiliar room. Turns out his father died, you almost did too as the knight arrived able to aid you. And Diluc quit the knights of favonius, as stated in the letter.

Imagine the unreasonable, emotionless expression on your face as your head throb in pain, hands still clenching on the letter he have left for you. Also stating about what had happened between him and Kaeya.

Imagine as tears unconsciously roll down your cheeks, heart aching in pain as you were confused. Just a day ago, or a few months ago for everyone other than you. Everything seems right, their dad was still alive, Diluc was still a part of the knights, his relationship was Kaeya was still alright and good and now. And now you don't know where to start, lost.

-- I don't know when I'll be back but always remember this. The times I have with you, I will forever remember cherish it. 
I love you. May the wind allows us to meet again, my love.
- Diluc Ragnvindr.

Imagine the night before he left, he was sitting by your bed side, looking at your still unconscious figure, his one hand holding your slightly cold yet warm hand or was that his just body heat? His other hand gently stroking your head. Looking at you like this, there was nothing else to change his mind.

"I'm sorry to leave you like this." He held into your hand tightly before bringing it close to his lips and giving it a peck on the back of your hand. "I love you, I love you so much, my love." He whispered, silently hoping and praying you'll at least wake up. But you didn't.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 6: Diluc Ragnvindr's significant other

Imagine being Diluc Ragnvindr's significant other.

Imagine being left with nothing but a letter letting you know about his departure as he suddenly left the Mondstadt City one day. 

Imagine the pain of longing, change, adjustment of the things that was once there was now gone and missing.

Imagine being the one to be in charge of the things your lover has left behind, having no reason to refuse, hoping this was one of the few things you could do while your lover, the one was now the head of the household was gone of to somewhere you do not know.

Imagine as years went by, the more you grew accustomed to the works around the winery and business. Once in awhile, Adelinde would receive a letter coming from your lover, it was nothing but a note that says he's alive and well. Doesn't really ease the pain and longing you felt for him.

Imagine one night after a very eventful day at the tavern, having a talk with Kaeya and Sister Rosaria the night before, having the two encouraging you to drink your fill for the night, but you didn't. You had too much more waiting for you at home waiting to be done.

Imagine the going to sleep and waking up with the sound of your name being called, a very familiar yet unfamiliar voice calling. You did not mind it at all, just groaning and shifting, wanting to sleep more. Then you heard a chuckle, the feeling of someone stroking your hair, making you snooze into sleep.

"I had a really good sleep today." You yawn,  rubbing your eyes as you navigate your way downstairs from the manor, all on your nightgown and when you finally reached the end of the stairs, you stopped. 

Imagine the way your (eye color) iris widen upon seeing your lover, unlike the way he was before, his hair has grown, he looked buff and mature as ever, if it wasn't for his hair you wouldn't have recognized him. He was talking to the butler and maids at the moment, then his eyes fell upon you.

Imagine the way words were stuck on your throat, the feeling of wanting to say something but can't really do so. You just stood their, both of you staring at each other. Then he looked away, continuing the conversation between him and the staffs of the manor. For the first time, you felt the distance of time between the two of you.

Imagine the dinner with the two of you that night, the silence slowly eating away your appetite as you silently glance at your lover across the dining table. It was suffocating. The silence between the two of you were just.. Awkward. Not like those years were everything seems alright and joyful. This atmosphere makes you want to cry but you try to relax, clearing your throat as you set down your utensils. 

"So.. uhmm.. How was your journey.. Lu- Diluc?" You called him out like you did before but it doesn't feel just right. The distance between the two of you seems further right now to call him out like that.

Imagine the way he too puts down his utensils, picking up the cloth and bring it close to his lips to wipe it. Then he stood gently stood up, at the same time you felt your heart dropped. "Why don't we take a rest for the night? (First name)" "Huh? Ah. Right.. Yes.. Let's do that, you must be tired after all." 

Imagine the uneasiness building up inside you as days have gone by as the distance between you and you lover had had grown bigger. You knew he wasn't the same as he was before, he was rather aloof than the person he was before, even the way he started treating others had change. That being said you really aren't sure on what to feel knowing he hasn't just changed on you but to everyone around him.

Imagine as you cried silently, or at least what you thought. Diluc as just listening outside, one hand holding the doorknob, the other holding a tray of your favorite beverage that will help you sleep at night, but then he stopped, at your door step he stopped upon hearing your painful cries. Knowing he could be the cost of it, he took a deep breath. 

Imagine his mind going back in his near death encounter. The moment he was about to lost his consciousness, the flash of your face was the first thing that came into mind. Until the very end, you were the first and last person who came into as everything went black, your were the name he called out.

Imagine upon waking up in fatal injuries and bandage, you were the first person once again who came in his mind. The thought of not being with you as he took his last breath seems to hunt him. For the first time in years of seeking revenge and wandering around. He thought that it was finally time to come back home, to come back to you.

Imagine upon coming home, the first thing or person he seeked for was you, he had been receiving letter for Adelinde for years about you after all. Going inside your room the first thing he saw was your sleeping figure on the bed. 

Imagine the feeling of relief and longing as he gently and silently made his way towards you. Unconsciously calling out your name, he stroke your (hair color) hair, a chuckle leaving his lips upon seeing you stirring on your sleep. And then he pull out his hand.

Imagine for a moment he stare at his hand, the image of it so bloody came into mind, making him unconsciously step back, looking at your hair only to find no traces of blood in it, just you peacefully sleeping still.

Imagine as he stood there in bedroom door. All those memories came into mind. Once again he snapped back into reality upon hearing your cries. The hand that was holding the doorknob slowly tighten his hold as his heart throb in pain. Soon enough, he walked away.

"Where are you going?" "Huh? Uhmm. I'll be staying in the city for awhile.." "Why?" He looked confused when he asked that you almost take back what you just said, but then you took a deep breath. 

"Uhmm. You're uncomfortable being with me right now, right? To be honest.. Uhm.. Luc.. Diluc you've barely interact with me ever since you came back. I know somethings have changed, not only you but me too of course, we're not the same person as we were years ago when we were eighteen but I.. I tried okay? I know I'm not the best but we can't stay like this Diluc.. I want to get to know you more.. this version of the new you ever since you came back.. but everytime I made a move you just ignore nor try to change the subject. In order for this relationship to continue we just both make a move. I think.. I think we should take a break, Diluc." You spoke, brushing off the tears that went down your cheeks by the end of your words.

Imagine the look on his face upon hearing your words, the way you can't seem to face him as you wipe of the tears on your cheek. His heart painfully throbbing on his chest upon realizing how much he have been hurting you all this time ever since he came back.

Imagine turning your back at him, bag already in hand as you were about to take a step forward. But then a strong pair of arms warp itself around your waist and shoulder. "I'm sorry." He said and so you cried.

"I'm sorry for making you feel unease, I never meant to hurt you." He added, keeping you still in his arms. "I.. I was never the same guy as I was back then years ago, I admit. I.. I have do somethings when I was out on a journey. I got blood on my hand now, my love." "I thought I was taking things slow, turns out I was just hurting you. I'm so sorry, I really am. But believe me my love. My feelings for you were still the same, in fact much even stronger than it was before, you're my only home now my love." His hold on your tighten. 

Imagine, wiggling out of his embrace that almost breaks his heart, almost fearing you may not accept nor forgive him when you end up facing him and hugging him back, bags no longer in hand as you cried in his chest. For the first time ever since he came back, he felt like the man you loved.

Imagine as the two of you hugged in silence as he let you calm down crying in his arms. Running his hand up and down your back, his chin resting on your head as he once in awhile would kiss the crown of your head. Damn he missed this. And then he heard you sniff, gently pulling away from him as you look up to him. You look cute with fluffy red eyes and red nose to him, making him smile, making you smile.

"Stay?" "Only if you stop ignoring me." You pout, making him lean down to steal you a kiss. "I love you." "I love you too, Luc"

He loves it when you call him like that.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 7: Morax's significant other

Imagine being Morax's significant other. 

Imagine having to wake up from your slumber upon a blonde traveller and a fairy like creature interruption only to hear some sort of nonsense utter bullshit that your lover, Rex Lapis have died upon an assassination. 

Imagine the flabbergasted look on your face, not knowing if you should get mad or just laugh it off. For you knew your lover was still alive somewhere, you knew. You could feel it. You've been through all odds together even before the ascension of the seven archon, saying he died upon assassination sounds like a joke to you.

"Go back, I have no business with you. Children." You spoke, laying back down into your bed. "Paimon is wondering. Do you really not care that your contract lover is now dead?" There was a moment of silence after that, "I'm going back to sleep, that should be none of by business." Contract lover, they said. Heh? That takes your sleepiness away.

Imagine Zhongli taking a sip of his cup of tea in one of the office rooms in the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor suddenly choked on it, something that has never happened before.

Imagine him elegantly placing his tea cup down, looking at the window were a harsh breeze suddenly came in, brushing back his long brown locks. And then he chuckle, looking at the moon from afar.

"Ah, (First name) have heard about it."

Imagine the smile on his face, the way his amber iris shines upon realizing you're coming back although he might receive a scolding. You're probably already on your way to find him upon hearing the news from the traveller. Wondering what sort of gamble of shit is he up to.

Imagine the feeling of longing and excitement coming into him. It's been so long since he have been by your side after all. You whom have gone to sleep for hundreds of year, leaving him to wait for you as years gone by.

"I can't wait to see you again, my dearest."

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 8: modern! Kamisato Ayato first time meeting his significant other

Imagine a modern! Kamisato Ayato first time meeting his significant other.

Imagine him siting behind his desk, having a normal boring day of reading, approving, and rejecting paperwork in his office inside the office of the vice-chairman when suddenly his phone rang, not the business one but the private one where only a little list of people got a hold of his number.

"Hi! Good afternoon, is this Mr. Kamisato am I speaking to?" He could tell that the person seems to be a little bit hesitant. "Yes, this is Kamisato Ayato speaking, to whom am I speaking?" "Ah yes, I'm sorry I am Ayaka's homeroom teacher, (First name)(Lastname). I'm sorry, I tried calling and reaching out to her parents but they seems unavailable at the moment, Ayaka gave me her brother's phone number instead.." "It's fine, our parents were busier than me. Did something happened to Ayaka?" personally, he thinks he is busier than his parents whom was the chairman of the board but us currently on a paid vacation.

Imagine him suddenly sitting straight, did something happened to his sister? And before so many thoughts went through his head. "Well you see, Ayaka got into a fight with her fellow classmate and well.. I could tell you the details sir, when you arrive in here." ".. what?" "Huh? Ayaka got-" "No no, I get it. I'll be there as soon as I can." "Ah yes. Thank you."

Imagine as soon as the phone call ended, Ayato let out a laugh of disbelief, shaking his head with a smile on his face. He can't really imagine why is cute obedient little sister would cause such trouble to the point of her guardian being called out but this seems interesting. So he reach out for the telephone on his table, calling his secretary outside to cancel out his meetings for the rest of the day.

Imagine not even 15 minutes later he arrived in front of the school, leading towards the unfamiliar building he rarely went into, maybe a couple PTA meetings where his parents were to busy to attend. Anyways, he started walking towards the direction of the room is adorable little sister. 

Imagine as he entered the already open door of the room, the first thing that came on scene was you kneeling in front of the three children, his sister being one of them alongside with a blonde boy and purple haired girl. He watched as you hold on into their little hands, talking to them in the most caring and soft voice he have ever heard in his life

Imagine as he stood there for almost five minutes, not daring to move in place as he just watch you interact with the children in which seems you're good at and right when you're done solving the matters among the children only then did you notice him when your (eye color) iris met his pair of light purple ones.

"Apologies sir, I did not notice you in there.. Mr.?" "Ayato, Kamisato Ayato." He spoke, accepting the hand you're holding out for a handshake, realizing how soft it is afterwards. "Ah, I should have recognized you were her guardian upon look, please sit this way sir. I'm very sorry but we would have to wait with the other parents of Aether and Keqing." You spoke, pointing out on of the two children at the back of the room alongside his sister whom was all currently playing side by side.

Imagine him nodding, the sight of him sitting on his little sister desk seems quite funny but he doesn't really mind at all, not when he got this view of you behind your desk, going through what it seems like were assignments on the children as you would once in awhile glance at the children playing joyfully at the back and even at him, giving him a smile before going back to your works.

Imagine how he giggle, not only him but the other parents of the children to upon hearing the reason why they were called. It was indeed a silly reason, what just make the matter worst is that a physical fight happened between Ayaka and Keqing, pulling each other hair and maybe a little bit scratch here and there, Aether having to be the reason of their quarrel. 

Imagine how everything ends well, the kids have been in a good terms with each other after all even before they came, all thanks to you giving them a bit of scolding and the same time making them realize their mistakes and making them genuinely apologize to each other.

Imagine the genuine smile on your face by the end of the meeting, as the children once again apologize to each other, little Aether just standing in there blinking in the arms of his parents. The way you look lovingly at the children, he have seen it all.

Imagine as the rest of the parent and children go home, you happened to go out on the same time as the pair of brother and sister. "Be careful on your way home Ayaka, Mr. Kamisato." You spoke, giving them smile as the three of you walked out of the door, locking it behind you. "Well then, have a nice day. If you'll excuse me." You bow, walking in the way of the parking lot.

Imagine in the middle of your way towards the parking lot, you heard someone calling out your name, making you turn around only to see Ayato alongside Ayaka walking after you making you blink. 

"Is there anything else you would like to ask me Mr. Kamisato?" You smile at him. "I.. Well, can I offer you a ride?" He asked politely as possible, not wanting to sound rude or anything, holding the hand of his little sister.

Imagine the taken a back expression on your face only to be followed by laughter. "Apologies Mr. Kamisato, but I do have my own car today so I would have to turn down your offer, I'm grateful though, truly." You smile, showing of your car keys, for a moment he felt disappointment in which he quickly brush off.

"Well then, I'll get going Mr. Kamisato, Ayaka." You wave at his little sister which does the same. "Wait." This time as he spoke, you turn around, brows raised his time that he almost chicken out.

Imagine letting go of his sister, walking towards you as he reach out his calling card. "Here, take this." And you did with a look of amusement at him. "Call me or at least text me, this time not using the school telephone." He spoke, making you laugh and shake your head. "Only when needed, Mr. Kamisato."

Imagine the urge to correct you from calling him, wanting to know how his actual name not his surname roll of your lips but manage to suppress it. So as both of them, him and Ayaka whom now back on his side holding his hand, headed towards his car. 

"Isn't my homeroom teacher lovely?" Ayaka giggle as if knowing the reason behind his older brother moves.

Imagine as he securely place a seat belt around his sister, he smile. Going on the driver's seat, as he start his car, he faced his little sister with a helpless look on his face as if he couldn't agree anymore less. "You're right, I've never seen such lovely person before." He chuckle as if he couldn't help it.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 9: leadguitarist! Tartaglia meeting his significant other

Imagine leadguitarist! Tartaglia meeting his significant other for the first time.

Imagine being part of a different band yourself when you came across into hearing that there was a new rising band full of promising members you can't help but to raise a brow but not like you care, having to be proud and confident of your own gro-

"I heard the lead guitarist is much better than (First name)" "Wait. For real? But isn't like (First name) a top tier?" "Yeah I know, but this new guy had some skills and much better looks! I heard they're having a gig this week end, let's go!" 

Imagine the look on your face as your band mates snicker- the others laughing at you as the two random stranger that manage to irk you off walked out of the cafe you and your friend/band mates are currently in right now.

Imagine the way you roll your (eye color) eyes, brushing back your (hair color) locks in frustration. You'd rather accept the fact that they were a better hand than having a better lead guitarist than you. Fuck that. 

Imagine being grumpy the whole following days of the week minus the times where you have to perform right in front of the other people for your band gigs.

Imagine as you smile brightly in front of the crowd, obviously enjoying the joy of performance you were giving for your supporters that came in tonight. There was a certain ginger head among the crowd that you have failed to notice. Right beside him was his fellow bandmates. 

Imagine as that ginger head stand alongside the crowd whom was obviously having fun, he was staring intensity at the lead guitarist on the stage, you, who was smiling confidently at the crowd, sweat dripping down your forehead down to your chin and into your neck.

Imagine the way he gulps, hand going into his mask as he try to cover his already masked mouth as he stare at you overall mesmerizing. Fuck this, he and his bandmates just came here to see what your band was all about, the one that seems to be competing with them.

"Fuck." He took a step back, then look at his band mates, luckily they seems to be in their own world as they to observe the band performing right in front of them.

Imagine as he once again glance at the stage, then as soon as he did, his heart skipped a beat upon meeting those (eye color) iris. And then you smile and wave at him, a simple gesture to the crowd of fans and yet it send him a mini heart attack and brain malfunction.

"Holy shit!" He whispered to himself, feeling a blush creep up on his neck all the way to his cheeks. Never have he ever felt so thankful wearing a mask right now.

Imagine friday that week before the weekend, as you yawn walking out of your finish lecture on the campus, you noticed a ginger head out the door perhaps because of its color and eventually brush it off, having things to do such as meeting up with your bandmates to talk about somethings.

Imagine as you walk pass him, adjusting the bag strap on your shoulder, you heard a voice behind you, calling out your name, making you turn around. It's the ginger head.

"Yes? What can I do for you?" You raise a brow, you really got some things to do. "Please come to our gig this weekend. I really want you to see me play." "Hah?" You didn't mean to say it out loud, and yet you did with a flabbergasted look on your face.

Imagine before you knew it, four sets of ticket was shoved into your hand as you watch the ginger head skipped steps away from you, looking all happy and excited. You just stood there a couple of second before looking down on the tickets in your hand.

"DCKZ?" Reading the name of the out loud. You could not help but to burst into fits of giggle. "I got things to do this weekend but this seems a little more interesting." Besides didn't that guy said he wants you to see him play? 

"Isn't that the band were they say that has a better lead than you?" "Hah?" You look at your band mates wide eyes. "Yeah, as far as I know thats the name of their band. You know, were the lead guitarist much better than you and look far more better than you." Your bandmates laugh, obviously teasing you. "I mean great timing, we don't have to buy a ticket since we already got them, I mean the ticket has been sold out anyway."

Imagine the blank look on your face, the feeling of rage swirling inside you at that very moment. "Say, do you know what that lead guitarist looks like?" "Hmm? Not sure, but one thing for sure is that his hair is ginger, ginger head." "Right.."

Imagine the look on your face that makes your bandmates flinch and look away. At it again, they thought. Poor guy, (First name)'s going to kill you. "That guy.." You don't really know what he's up to. But he should have known better than to give you a ticket to their gig just so he can show off.

Imagine taking a deep breath to calm yourself down, once again looking at the remaining ticket in hand as your bandmates already have taken theirs. Fine, you want to show off you're better than me? Let's see once I see you on the stage looking like shit.

Imagine, Tartaglia on the other hand just going on excited about the fact that you were actually going to watch them him play. The feeling of something on his chest with just the thought of you coming makes him want to give his best to perform. 

Imagine as you actually stand in front of the stage, eyes locked in into the certain handsome ginger head on the stage that seems to have taken your breath away. He was shining, the way he smiles, the way his fingers played with the guitar strings. He was glowing.

Imagine as you gulp, as your eyes met. His blue iris telling you something, seems to be hoping for something as he stare at your (eye color) ones. Then unexpectedly, in the middle of the crowd, you chuckle.

"You actually play well, bastard."

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 10: Genshin Men's the one that got away featuring Diluc, Tartaglia, Zhongli, and Ayato

Imagine being Genshin Men's the one that got away featuring Diluc, Tartaglia, Zhongli, and Ayato.

---

Diluc Ragnvindr
I should have told you what you meant to me.

Imagine being a part of Diluc's team back when he was a still part of the knights of favonius when he serves as the captain. You were a few years older than him and unlike looking at him with envy like the others did, you look at him with nothing but admiration and respect. Maybe that's what pulled him close to you.

Imagine being one of the best knights to have you by his side, the only on in his team who doesn't seem to hold a grudge on him. He could still remember that you were you approached him despite the disapproval glance that was given to him by the other knights.

"Diluc Ragnvindr right? I'm (First name)(Lastname), will serve as the vice captain of your team sir. It's a pleasure to meet you." You spoke, holding our a hand with a smile. Seeing him hesitant to shake your hand, you grabbed his with hold hand as shook it gently. "Don't mind others, they'll get used to it in no time. Besides seeing now that you have my approval, the way they treated you will be better in no time." You smile reassuringly at him.

Imagine you being a senior knight guide him what he was lacking as a captain which lead him to become a righteous knight as his term continues. You were always there by his side, standing as his guide and partner in work. Most of the time the two of you were left alone in the office which leads to late night walks and talks.

Imagine the people around you always saying that the two of you seems like a couple as you two suits each other. Like a perfect puzzle piece for each other. In times of those teasing, you would always just laugh it out, pointing out the little age gap in between the two of you that no one, even him, doesn't seem to mind. Diluc would never forget the way you tried to suppress your blush as you clench your fist tight. Everyone could tell there was something going on in between the two of you.

Imagine you, who have heard the news of the sudden ambush on your captain's way home with his father after his coming of ceremony, tried your best to come as soon as possible but still come in late. Looking at your captain hugging the body of his father right next to his step brother, you couldn't help but to clench your fist as you bit your lips. It was way too late.

"Wait! Captain wait! Please wait up!-" you stopped once he turn around to face you. You have been cashing after him ever since he burst out of thr office. "Please captain! Calm down, think about it fi-" "Calm down? Calm down?! How can you ask me that when it was all thank to my father that we are saved and what?! You want to disclose this to the public?!" That made you shut up. It's not like you want this to happened, he knew that too, you as a mere knight have no power to disobey others from the above.

He knew he should have shut up, but in moments of rage and sadness, regrettable things can be said. "Captain-" "Don't call me captain anymore. It disgusted me." The way he was looking at you made you feel small as you shudder. He really, really should have stopped talking as his next words breaks your heart. "And do a favor will you? Don't ever show yourself in front of me, it makes me sick looking at people- knights like you." "Ah." All you could do was to stare at his emotionless face as he turn around, never once looking back at the same time ignoring the fact that something inside him broke.

Imagine years aftera long and tiring journey with scars, blood and revenge. He decided to came back in Mondstadt. And as he did on the way, he could not help but to recall the past events that he seems to have pushed back on his mind, you. The heartbroken look on your face that seems to hunt him ever since the day he felt to Mondstadt. Your smile, the way you spoke to him, your hair. Looking back, he missed you a lot. At the same time, not only does your heartbroken face hunt him but also the words he have said to you. As selfish as it may sound. He wanted to apologize to you and have a fresh start were he is not blinded by the expectation of his father and his rage for revenge.

Imagine the first thing he did after he came back was to send you a letter asking for a meet up, in which not even a day later, he have received a reply that you have accepted. For some odd reason, it made him feel restless and nervous. But still he was quite thankful that you have accepted his request.

"Ah no, it's alright. I understand, looking back, I suppose was blinded by the fact that I wanted to be by your side." You replied to his apologies with a chuckle, at the same time he was thinking, what was that supposed to mean? "Cap- ehem. Mr. Ragnvindr." "Diluc." He corrected you in which you smile lightly before you let out a chuckle. "Hey. Do you know who much I wanted to call you my your name back in the days?" He felt his heart skipped a beat.

"In anyway, I was so glad you came back Diluc. I have always wanted to apologize for actions that last time we met." "I told you it was nothing to say sorry about." "But really, now that I think about it. Back then I almost asked you to stay being in the knights. It was so stupid looking back, after what the those officials did to you." He saw you straightened your back as you smile gently at him. "After what you said.." "Hey-" "I quit knights of favonius a month after you have left."

"You were right, they were disgusting. Though the knights of favonius right now was different" You chuckle. "Hey Diluc. You knew I was in love with you back then right?" What? "If you wanted me to give up, you could have just told me softly you know, the way you said things.. It was a bit harsh." You chuckle once again, only then did he notice the shining silver ring on your finger. "Well I suppose it's fine. I'm happy now. I met a wonderful person who loves me so much" "Do you.. Feel the same way as them?" It was a unexpected question that made you look at him.

Imagine the way you look at him at that moment, Diluc have changed, although he looked the same, he was much more mature than he was years ago. Setting your clasped hand on the table, you smile at him genuinely. "Yes. I do feel the same way as them, I love them very much haha I wouldn't have get married in the first place if that wasn't the case." ".. I see."

Imagine as the two of you walked in the middle on the night in the streets of Mondstadt, just like the good old days. "This my home, thank you for walking me back home cap- Diluc." "Hmm. I'll take my leave then." As you watch him turn his back on you. "Hey Captain!" He did not turn around, but he stopped from his tracks. "I mean it when I said I forgive you and I'm really happy now." "I see." "And Diluc." He glance at you, "Welcome back."

It's better to forgive yourself and let me go, Captain.

---

Tartaglia | Childe | Ajax
Never one without the other, we made a pact.

Imagine being Ajax's childhood friend, being part Childe's team and being Tartaglia's secretary. Just like how Childe has so many identities, you have too, being his partner in crime which is sometimes literally, sometimes in a joking manner. Thought not as strong and fighting maniac as him, you're strong enough to stand beside one of the harbingers of your motherland.

Imagine being in love with Childe not because of how strong he was but because he was Ajax. He was the boy you grew up with, the man you fall for and would always chase after. He was the reason why you have joined the Fatui in the first place. You didn’t give up on him, even when he seems to become a different person when he disappeared for days back when you were younger.

Imagine being with him when he was in tasked to go to Liyue to retrieve one of gnosis from the Geo Archon. Being his secretary and part of his team, you were a witness as became friends with one of the people from Liyue, Mr. Zhongli. Although you can tell that the man was hiding something, you shrug it off. That being said, you were there when he met her.

Imagine being on a stroll in times of Rex Lapis assassination when Childe suddenly dash out beside you, causing you to be stunned for a couple of second before you ran after him. And as soon as you manage to catch up after him. There you saw him teaming up with a beautiful blonde woman to escape after the guards, leaving you as they did escape without wasting time.

"Who was that?" "You haven't heard of her? She's the traveller." "Really?" "Yes haha come on don't look at me like that, it's nothing like that."

Imagine the feeling of knowing he felt the same way as you when it comes to each other. Although the two of you never really admit to each other, you knew he felt the same when it comes to you. But the more he spends time with her, the more you stay at the side as you watch him look at her. You what he felt for you was nothing but your own illusion.

"Are you alright?" It was Tartaglia who went to visit in your room in Liyue. "I'm fine. Just a little bit home sick right now. But I'm fine. What's up, its are for you to seek out for me nowadays, did something happened?" "Ah yes.. I planned on asking out Lumine on our date next week." He spoke, for a moment, just for a moment he saw how your heart broke in your eyes as if filled with agony and yet the moment he blinked he must have seen it wrong because you were smiling brightly at him. "Good for you! I bet you she's going to say yes Childe."

Imagine in contrast to your words and his expectations, Lumine did not accepted his confession. "I think you're mistaken Tartaglia. You do not love nor like me, what you felt for me was nothing but comrades and nothing more. Maybe you've mistaken your feelings for me for someone else."

Imagine Tartaglia taking it as an insult nevertheless for some odd reasons he shouldn't hate her for rejecting him on contrary, he was somehow relieved? Making his way into your room, there he wasn't able to find you. He wanted to tell you about what happened, he was a bit heartbroken at the moment so he didn't bother much when he waited at your room till midnight and still haven't been able to see you, he return to his own room hoping to talk to you the next day.

"What do you mean (first name) left?" His voice was calm but he was rather confused and slightly panicking inside. You left? Without saying anything to him? That was so not like you as the two of you would always inform each other before doing anything. "Ah-ah ye-yes sir. They said they'll be back in the motherland which was two days ago." One of the members said.

Imagine at first he was mad. The mission was yet to end so he couldn't chase after you way back home. Then he was confused, the feeling of uneasiness when you haven't replied to his letter, not a single one. At some point he wonder if you didn't receive it but upon investigation, it did reach you, so why aren't you replying to his letters?

Imagine by the end of his mission, he get to hear the news about you. You have quit being part of the Fatui. And... You're getting married? That should be impossible. You... You wouldn't. Right. You.. You promised you'll be together forever right? That you'd to everything together, never one without the other, right? You wouldn't keep such important thing to him.

"Oh Ajax. It's been a while." You smile and invite him inside your house as if nothing was wrong. Everything was wrong, nothing was right ever since you left without saying anything. "Come inside, I'm sorry everything was a mess, we just moved out in here since the wedding." He stood there at the door way as you continue to speak. What the fuck?

"I don't know you'll be back so early, did the mission went well? I'm sorry for going back without a word, something came up" you chuckle. Damn you're glowing, you're looking much better than the last time he have seen you it's actually annoying. "Why didn’t you tell me a word?" "Something-" "You got married." He spoke, eyeing the expensive ring on your ring finger.

"I met a good person." "You look happy." "I am happy. How are you and Ms. Lumine?" "We're good." "Good for you tw-" "Good friends." "Ahh." You stopped for a moment and shook your head. "Do you want to talk about it?" "Nah it'll be a waste of time." He spoke how taking the opportunity to talk around the house as he paused in the door way for way too long.

Imagine as he does, the more he stumble across the pictures of what it seems to him was taken just a few months ago. In those pictures where the photo of you and your spouse looking peaceful and happy. For a moment he stopped as a thought came in mind. That could have been me.

Imagine the emotionless look on his face upon realization, the words of Lumine a few months coming back into him like a lighting bolt. Then he turn around to look at you who was across the room. There he found you already looking at him with a nostalgic look on your face, "Ah." Was the only thing that came out of his mouth. "I.. I need to go." "Duty calls?" You asked in which he have no choice but to nod. His heart painfully aching on his chest.

Imagine as you walked him out of the door, you felt like you wouldn't see him for a long time after this. Bidding your goodbye at each other, you watched him walk alone in the streets of your motherland out in the cold. "Hey Ajax." "Yeah?" For a moment when he turn around, a glimpse of his child self came to view in which you just let out a genuine smile. "You know you can always count on me. Right?" Ten he chuckle, a tear rolling down his cheek "Yeah. I know." "I'll introduce you to my partner in some other time." "Alright." "And Ajax?" "Yeah?" "Be careful, always."

You waited that day, didn't you? You waited until the ceremony hoping he'll burst the door open and take you away. But he didn't.

---

Zhongli | Morax | Rex Lapis
We'll keep all our promises.

Imagine being Guizhong younger sibling. Having to grew up as one of the gods by your sister's side, you were taken care of and protected all throughout your childhood all the way to your adulthood with no harm, all away with the aggressive gods all over Celestia. That being said, you were familiar with Morax. The God of Contract, the friend of your older sister.

Imagine the first time you saw him, instead of fearing him, you were mesmerized by his eyes and that sort of mysterious air around him, the feeling of all sorts of wisdom he might have the the secrets he have kept all throughout.

"Sister, who is that?" You spoke, grabbing the attention of your older sister right in front of you, eyes still fixed on the beautiful god right in front of you. "Oh? I haven't introduced you to him right? This is Morax, a friend, contractor of mine. Morax, this is (First name) a younger sibling of mine." "Sibling? I never knew you have one." "Well, you never ask." You sister chuckle as you continue to follow his eyes, and when he suddenly meet your glaze, you look away.

Imagine how often you saw each other after that. It started with a greetings which slowly turn into short conversations, which turn into light conversations, which eventually leads into a long interesting conversation as time passed by. After all, it's not everyday you get to see the the God of Contracts which usually has a stoic expression on his face smile let alone hear him chuckle.

Imagine in contrast to your expectations, he was not scary at all rather, he was quite easy to get along with and he wasn't as scary as others make him to be, though you would have to admit that he was strong, hella strong. You're pretty sure if all hell broke loose right now and a war started among your kind, he would stand on top of it.

"So how was Morax?" It was your older sister Guizhong, "How is he? He's good, the last time I've seen hi-" "Ah no. Not that." She spoke softly, looking at the distance where Morax have gone to after walking you back home. Only then did you notice the way she looks at him. "He's kind isn't he?" She looks at you with some sort of smile, "He's always been like that to everyone." She added. That day, you excuse yourself and went off on your own, for the first time in your life, you didn't felt like looking at your sister.

Imagine not too long after that, you started seeing him less as you started descending in the land of mortals. It's not like you're ignoring, but knowing the way your sister looks at him sends an ache on your chest, specially when you look at the two of them looking like a perfect fit. You knew it was none of your business yet it hurts. Because you knew he as looking at you the same way she looks at him, and you can't. As much as you felt the same way as he does, you can't. You can never betray your sister like that, even if it causes your own heart.

"Now now." You heard a familiar voice as soon as you descend back in Celestia, and damn, you missed his voice. "Its been a while hasn't it? Darling? Or should I call you Zhongli like those mortals call you?" "In deed, it's been a while Morax. Now if you'll excuse me-" "Bullshit. You're ignoring me." Before you knew it he was blocking your way and yet you remained calm. "I believe it is a misunderstanding Morax, who am I, and why would I even ignore yo-" "Is it because of your sister? I do not harbor any roman-" "Don't!" You cut him off quickly, pulling the sleeves of his hood. "Wha- whatever it is that you're about to say. Please, I'm begging you, don't."

Imagine the look of pain, betrayal, rage and confusion all over those amber iris before he walked away from you. Because how? How can you treat him and his feelings like that? Even if it was obvious that you felt the same way as him, all because of your sister? Leaving you alone in there looking down on your own feel, heart aching and begging to chase after the god, the man you grew fond of as time gave gone by. Yet the look at you sister face always can into mind. At that point, you knew you can never chase after him, even if you both felt the same way.

Imagine as times have gone by, the more the distance and silence their was when it comes to the two of you. Even your sister have been questioning you and you just smile and told her it was nothing, telling her you're just a little bit too busy about your people in Teyvat. Though she could tell there was something behind it, she never pressed upon it and brought your lies as she would soon find herself asking Morax in which the God of Contracts smoothly change the topic.

Imagine the change of times, years, decades, a hundred of years have gone by. You knew something seems- feels wrong. Like something big was about to happened. That was the feeling every time you ascend back in Celestia. That being said, you have no choice but to stay alert and to call upon him for the first time in a while.

"Morax. How are you?" You spoke the never changing man right in front of you in which just let out a sigh, causing you flinch. "What do you want?" You almost flinch once again if you didn't relax. "A contract." Letting out a scoff, "What are the details, conditions? What's in it for me?" For a moment, you almost chuckle and yet upon meeting those amber iris looking at you with indifference and a bit of anger, you just stay silent. Just like that, his first contract with you was made.

Imagine when that feeling of yours came true, you were at the land of the mortals, in the land of Teyvat where you would have no choice but to handle the Gods that came after all, all because they've been eyeing to rule over your people. And Teyvat, at the time was yet to ruled over by the archons as they call, nowadays only a few gods would descend and do such thing for they found it troublesome, and in land where you can't just call upon help to other Gods, you're bound to face these powerful aggressive young gods aiming for your land and people.

Imagine as you lean against the pile of dead gods behind you as they slowly start to go back to nature, you breathe heavily as you bath in your own blood that t coming out of your countless major and minor wound caused from the fight. You can feel your consciousness slowly fading, looking down on your own hands stain by the blood of your kind. It starts to crack like a glass, strange enough, it doesn't hurt.

Imagine Morax, about to flip the who Celestia and Teyvat just to find you, who have gone missing for some time now. Though your sister says it isn't something to worry worried about, maybe you were just having your fun in the land of mortals. There was something inside him that kept on telling him that something was wrong, that he must find you right now. Sure he was still bitter about the fact that you just threw away what the two of you could have been because of your sister but he need to find you right now, if his institutions were wrong and he manage to find you, he'll just brush you off again but at least he knew you're safe. But if.. No, he doesn't even want to think about it.

Imagine as he happened to find you. What is this? His amber iris tremble upon seeing your figure right in front of him. You're... dying? "What. What in the- ?! (First name)!" He called out as ran towards you whom consciousness seems to be slipping away bit by bit as time have gone by. What the hell. Just what the hell is happening?

"Mo.. Morax?" You called out, snapping out a bit in daze as you even if you're slowly losingit you felt someone picking you up, a very familiar smell and touch which is none other than the name you've called out. "Fucking bastard! What the fuck were you doing all this time being around fight hundred of gods without an ally!" Taken a back by his sudden burst out, you end up chuckling which end up in a groan.

"What are you chuckling for?" You could tell that he was mad, strange enough you don't feel bad. "Nothing.. Strange enough I'm still surprised you came." You lean gently at him. "Why won't I?" "You were mad at me the last time we met, what do you mean why won't I?" You chuckle once again, feeling extremely light. "I was mad, but that doesn't mean I stopped caring." There was a few moments of silence after that. "I see."

Imagine as you look up at him, only to see him already looking at you and unlike the first time you've met those amber iris, you didn't dare look away. You didn't feel the way he adjusted you in his arms, you just gently warped your arms around his neck as he walked silently in the middle of the somewhat, peaceful night.

"Morax, do you remember our first contract?" "Take care of your sister, in return, if something ever happened to you, I will took charge of your people." "You do remember" "Of course, I memorize ever single contract that I made." "Really? That's a relief, let's make one more." "I don't want to." "Awww let's make a promise then." He didn't spoke for awhile after that as if he was thinking, because he is.

Imagine the difference between a contract and a promise. One was legally written with all terms and conditions intact, promise on the other hand is not always legally enforce thus can be taken back without any terms and conditions and Morax who always makes contract thought for a moment, but you who was already running out of time is in a hurry.

"Morax, promise me you'll take care of my sister." "Isn't that already part of the contract?" Unless you're talking- referring about something else in which your silence after his question was his answer. Once again he scoff. "You think my feelings for you were that shallow? What do you take me fo-" "Please.. please Morax. I- my sister would fall apart when she heard the news about my death. It's better to have you by her side, you whom she loved and treasure the most even before me." "What about me?" Once again there was a moment silence between the two of you. "Are you going to disregard my feelings for you until the very end just because of your sister?"

Imagine the way you clench, the way you give it your all to clench around his cloths, not knowing what so say nor reply at his words. "You.. You have the rights to hate me all your life." "Do you honestly think I can do that?" "You've been doing it for the last hundred of years." You chuckle. "Please Morax? Before you hate me for the rest of your life, can you promise to love my sister.. If not much, then at least just a little bit?"

"Please.. please please Morax." The way you tremble in his arms, the way your skin starts to crack. The way he knew you're slowly dying in his arms. "Fine.." "Thank you." "In return, promise me to be mine in your next life, and next one after that, in all your next life, promise to be mine."

Imagine being taken a back by his words. The feeling as you slowly fade and slip in his arms, the way you look at him wide eyes, the way a tear roll down those (eye color) iris. You smile at him saying. "Alright, I promise." Just like that you close your eyes, just like that you slip in your arms, just like that, he lost the love of his life.

Imagine as years have gone by, as centuries passed by. He kept his contract and promise just like you wanted, he took care of your sister, sure he did love her, but never in the way he loved for you. In the archon war, for the first in a while, he felt devastated, not because his friend have died, maybe a bit part of it but more on the fact that he couldn't kept his contract with you, to take care of his sister.

Imagine as centuries have gone by, your name would be find on books and history, though it may not be important as the other gods people knows nowadays, it is enough. If he knew people where talking about you with nonsense, he would immediately correct them, if not worse.

Imagine just like what you wanted, he took care of your people, in current days, your people, now also his people lived in Liyue. These days were quite peaceful than it was hundreds of years ago. Nowadays he also goes by the name Zhongli, the one you were known of centuries ago. Looking back, he may now what you were feeling when you said that you treasure your people more than anything. Because now was feeling the same way as you were.

"Mr. Zhongli! Paimon is wondering why you always look so longingly at the stars! Are you perhaps waiting for someone? Paimon is curious!" The travellers companion spoke. For a moment Zhongli pause, then he smile genuine. "You're right Paimon. I am waiting for someone for a long time now." "Really? How long?" "Hey Paimon-" "No, it's okay. It's alright. It's been awhile since I've talked about it. If it's alright with you two, would you mind hearing their story?"

I have kept my promise, I am here now. So where are you?

---

Kamisato Ayato
In another life, I would be yours.

Imagine the first time Ayato seen you, you immediately caught his attention, not because you're beautiful, okay maybe that was a part of it but because of one major thing. You look like his former fiance, one that was engaged with him upon both family's decisions but soon they fell in love with each other but in the end, not too long ago he was left alone hanging as the other canceled the engagement.

"Excuse me! Would you mind giving me the privilege to-" "Excuse me, you're blocking my way Mister." You spoke with a smile causing him to halt. By the looks of people giving you around, you could tell that this gentleman man was a very high ranking person in Inazuma. And yet you couldn't careless, you're about to be late on your errand. "Well then, pardon me." Just like that, you whisked away from him and the crowd, leaving the head of the Kamisato Clan stunned before he let out a chuckle.

Imagine upon first investigation, it says that you were an in fact a citizen of Inazuma, of where? There was no information about, you were also called and named just (First name) with no family background and surname. In fact he could tell from one glance that you were in fact a citizen given by your obvious etiquette and way of speaking, yet those (eye color) iris which is one of a kind in Inazuma gives him second thought.

Imagine being a pub owner, something new in the always elegant place in the capital of Inazuma as well as a singer. At first he seems hesitant, and yet as rumors about the place starts to spread, all because of a mesmerizing performance happening inside the bar. He starts to investigate or at least how he said it. And there he find out the rumors were indeed true, you have very beautiful voice.

Imagine once in a while, when the Lord Kamisato has time, he would visit you in your pub where most of the time you'll be serving behind the bar or at least be singing in front. In which visit, Ayato could let you were far more different, in looks and attitude, you're far more different than his former fiance. You're far more beautiful, mature, intelligent and last but not the least, free.

"Free for the night Mr. Kamisato?" "Oh please you'd be crying with me once you see the pile up papers on my desk." "Such a shame then I suppose." You shrug, refilling the now empty cup of sake he was drinking. "If you have that much paper work, what in the tevyat are you doing here then?" "Can't afford to miss your performance, can I?" "Oh please, your flattering won't take you anywhere Mr. Kamisato" You spoke as you chuckle, looking away from but as he didn't missed the way your cheeks flushed pink.

Imagine as time passed by, the Lord of the Kamisato Clan find himself falling for you. You just felt like home, you felt like peace, something he has been longing for a very long time, quite different from the one he felt for his former fiance. With you, he always find himself laughing, he find himself talking and ranting as you listen to him silently, with you he could find himself rest. He could breath calmly when he's with you, away from his work and responsibilities. You're like a calm breeze.

Imagine one midnight upon coming back to the estate from the pub after watching a wonderful performance and a heartwarming conversation with you afterwards, he was greeted by a panicked attendant, Thoma whom soon told him about the uninvited guess for the night. His former Fiance.

"What do you want?" "I want you." By her remark, he could only let out a scoff. The nerve of her to say that. "Do you think I'm an item you can just pick up once again just be-" "I have no choice back then!" "You could have talked to me about it." He spoke coldly, because back then, he always does listen to her. "I know. But I was in agony. I don't know what do after my older sibling abandoned and left us. I have no choice but to focus and succeeding to be the spare heir after them. I have no choice but to let you go." "No, you have a choice. You could have told me but you choose to bear it on your own. I could have be with you through it you know?" "When you're busy rebuilding the status of your own family? No. We would just fall together."

Imagine the moment of silence after that, the way Ayato's brows were frowning as he would rather stare at the window than look at her. His mind rather wanting to see you at this very moment, maybe he should have stayed at your pub until the morning. That way he wouldn't have to face this bullshit.

"No matter what you said. I'm not coming back to you." "You will marry me." "Where is that confidence coming from?" "Not for the sake of your heart but for the sake of your Clan." That causes him to flinch. "By marrying me, your Clan status will rise ever further. Even you can't deny that, Mr. Kamisato Ayato. You as the current Lord of the Clan knows that more than anybody." Ayato couldn't help but to clench his fist. What she said was correct, although he was able to help the clan recover, it would take at least years to go back to the times where their clan was at their peaks as the other clan. All because by the death of his parents.

"Also, I heard you've been meeting up with my older sibling, I would advice you to stay away from them. They're far more complicated than you thought." What? For the first time in a while, he was caught off guard. "Oh. You didn't know? Well I suppose they were to blame, hiding, running away and keeping secrets was what they were best at after all" You sister spoke sarcastically. Then she stood up from her seat, still full cup of now cold seat left on the table. "Think about my offer Ayato, oh wait, I'll save that name for later. Nevertheless, think about my offer, My Lord."

Imagine the look on his face when he put he pieces together. The reason about your abnormal background, the way you look like his former fiance, how you often remind him of his fiance back then. It was never because you look and act like her. Rather it was her who looked and act like you. Because you're her older sibling, the one he would often heard about, the one his former fiance always talked about because she admire and respect you whom was her older sibling.

Imagine at that same night, there was a knock on your door. Although you don't plan to entertain it, the knocking didn't stopped for a couple of minutes causing you to get pissed and answer the door. And there you came face to face with your younger sister. One you haven't seen for mon- a year now. "What are yo-" "Please.. please let him go."

Imagine the look of confusion on your face telling her you don't know what the hell is she talking about until she utter a familiar name. "Ayato... Ayato is my former fiance." The one you knew she loved very much, but did you just say former? "I do not understand why are you telling me thi- why are you kneeling?! Show some dignity Lady!" "Please.. Please please I'm begging you. Do not accept his feelings." That causes you to halt, then you got furious. "You fuck-!" "This is all your fault to begin with!" Once again you pause but thus time with a surprised look on your face, did she just blamed you?

"If you just didn't leave the family! If you didn't abandon us your siblings! If you just stay as the heir I wouldn't have ended things with him out of pressure! We would have been happy till now!" She cried, gripping on your pants as she continued to kneel in front of you. "This is all your fault! At least take some responsibility!" "What you and Ayato has nothing to do with me." "He loves you! He doesn't love me anymore!" "Wha-" Your voice cracked. "What he felt is entirely up to hi-" "That's why I'm begging you. Please.. Please don't accept his feelings. He's the only good thing that has ever happened to me. Please I'm begging you, I'll do whatever you want. Just please don't accept his feelings. I'll die. I'll fucking die (First name)." She cried, begging and wiping not caring about her dignity at all.

Imagine as you continue to stand in there being unable to move as your younger sister cling into you like a madman. As she call out your name, the image of her when you were young came into mind, one of the most treasured memories you ever had. As emotions slowly drain down from your face. "Alright." "Tha-" "I will reject him like you said in return. Don't ever show yourself in front of me again, and forget that you have an older sibling. I do not want a sibling like you, pathetic." That night, you down yourself in drinks as you cried your heart out, throwing away on the back of your mind every single memories that you have with your sisters, who was once the light of your life.

Imagine a week after that, Ayato cane in the pub with only one thought, to confess to you. But as if knowing what he was about to you inside the now almost deserted pub. You opened a topic put of the blue. "You treasured your little sister pretty hard don't you?" "Hmm? She's my only remaining family, I did tell you that, didn't I?" He chuckle, the thought of his little sister easily made him smile.

"Right that goes without saying when you only have each other. Say, I'm the same as you. Do you know that I have two younger sister?" "Oh?" Ayato was interested, although he did knew that, it was a different thing when you say that to him yourself, all this time you rarely tell him about yourself after all. "You see when I was very young, I was kept behind the walls, I had to study everyday, learn about manners and etiquette about different languages and shits. It was hell, under the guidance of my father, never once have a choice on my own, I felt like a damn doll about to do whatever my parents wishes to do." You look so sad when you said that Ayato unconsciously hold your hand that was up, clenching on the bar counter. Then you smile at him as you continue.

"The only time I could be honest with myself was the time when I'm with my sisters, strange enough seeing them acting like a normal child being able to play around without worry is enough to comfort me and keep me going." You then hold the land that was holding into your with your free hand. "I thought it was enough into I realize, maybe it was time to live for myself, not without the expectation of my parents but for my own dreams and passion. I never want to lead, I want to sing." You chuckle. Then looking at him in the eyes, your (eye color) iris staring at those purple ones. "The difference between you and I is that I'm selfish, willing to give up everything, be it title, reputation and status and even my family to achieve my dream. You on the other hand can't. You have your own people to take care of, a family member you can never give up of, a status and reputation you must keep and reserve."

Imagine the way Ayato chuckle as he felt you slowly prying off his hand away from yours. "Is that your way of saying you don't feel the same way as me?" "That's my way of saying you should marry her." Ayato unconsciously clench his teeth as he chuckle bitterly. "Is that what you wanted me to do?" "That is what you should do." "Is that what you. Wanted me to do?" He asked once again, and for a while, silence passed by the both of you. "Yes.. That's what I wanted you to do." "Then I will marry her."

Imagine a month after that night, one of the grandest wedding in Inazuma happened, the union between the Head of the Kamisato clan and one of the daughters of the (Lastname) clan. There you would find yourself among the crowd as you witness the exchange of vows, smoking pipe in hand as you found yourself back on one of your old hobbies.

Imagine as you listened there on the crowd, as you watch him spoke his vows in front of the crowd, you saw his eyes scan the crowd as he said his last part of his vow. Causing you to chuckle as you turn around afterwards as you mumble, "What a fool." Maybe you won't be drinking as much as you thought you would tonight. "Congratulations." You whispered with a genuine smile with the feeling of someone looking at you by your back lingering until you made it out his vision.

So much more was said in the unsaid.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 11: Al Haitham and Kaveh roommates

Imagine being Al Haitham and Kaveh roommates. Nothing romantic just plain chaotic.

Imagine finding yourself outside, sitting right beside Kaveh on your doorstep as the two of you just sat there in silence. Nothing but pure silence as the two of you waited for Al Haitham to arrive. "What are you two doing outside?" "..." "..." "You lost your keys didn't you?"

Imagine waking up at 3 am, walking up groggy in the kitchen to go fetch yourself some coffee only to bump into Kaveh, looking all tired and exhausted making you almost scream if you didn't recognize that messy hair. "What the heck?" "My bad, I about to finish my plate.." "Is that a coffee? Thanks!" "Hey! That's mi-" He was cut off with you pushing your hand into his mouth to shut him off and carefully ran back into your room with his coffee in your free hand. "What the heck Kaveh?! How many shots did you put in here?!"

Imagine at 6 am in the morning, you happened to come across Al Haitham as you made your way out of the house, "Ain't going out today?" "No." "Okay, I'll be back by 4 in the afternoon." "Okay." He spoke never once looking away from the book he was reading. "Okay, have a nice day!" "Hmm. Wait." Looking back at him, you see a familiar key coming towards your face with a great speed but before anything else could happen, "Thanks" "Well don't want you and Kaveh sitting like a homeless individual outside the house." "..." "You know what? Fuck you."

Imagine that same day you end up coming home far more later than scheduled, looking down at your pocket watch and the dim house in front of you, you cannot help but to curse. It was a good thing you had your keys with you this time or you might have to spent your night outside, probably out in the library. Being careful and quiet as you enter the house, making sure to lock it behind you upon entering.

Imagine the first thing you notice upon entering the house was Al Haitham being in the same chair you've seen him this morning but this time, the guy was peaceful sleeping still. It was hilarious to be honest, wondering why he was sleeping in there in the first place. But then shaking your head, you just go and fetch him a blanket when you happened to come across Kaveh's opened room, glancing inside upon curiosity, you happened to see the guy just like Al Haitham as sleep right in front of his plate. "Oh Archons these two."

"Rare to see you two barely bickering on breakfast." You pointed out upon entering the kitchen with a yawn. Then you flinch, looking at the two person glaring at you. "Wa.. what?" Are they actually mad for not putting them on their beds yesterday? Well too bad for them you can't afford to carry them.. "Where were you yesterday?" "At work? Some shit happened I end up working overtime." "Even at your birthday?" "Huh?" "Don't huh me. We didn't get to celebrate your birthday yesterday-" "But today is my birthday?" "Eh?" "Oh."

Imagine the way Al Haitham let out a deep sigh, Kaveh looking like he was struck by a lightning was enough to make you chuckle. "Awwe. You guys plan to celebrate my birthday? Thats nice." You chuckle at the two, joining them in the table with breakfast in hand, purposely sitting in between he two of them before they bite each other off by the looks of it.

Imagine the way the day went off like that, Al Haitham placing a cake on the table after having your breakfast. To be honest, this isn't surprising at all as they did this ever single year ever since the three of you have graduated the academia. And yet it never failed to make you feel treasured by your friends. With these guys you actually feel like you've found your new home and family.

"Happy Birthday." "Happy birthday (First name)!" The two greeted you, with the usual genuine smile on Kaveh's face and a rare smile on Al Haitham lips. Throwing your arms on their shoulders as you lean down to blow the candle lit up on the cake. "Thank you." You laugh.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 12: Diluc and Kaeya's older sibling

Imagine being Diluc and Kaeya's older sibling.

Imagine being that time of the year. Looking down at your two lovely siblings, one red and one blue. You cannot help but to smile at the scene as the two got along really well as they talked to Adelinde about the choices of food for the night.

"Now now young masters, what should we get for dinner?" "Chicken mushroom skewers!" "Pile em up!" Just like that the two turn at each other with a glare "What about the drinks?" "Grape juice!" "But I don't like grape juice.." "I don't like skewers.." And now they were looking at each other with a tearful not wanting to loose face. "Aren't they lovely?" You spoke, glancing back at your aide who just sweat dropped at you.

Imagine looking at the scene for a couple more of second as you smirk amusement at Adelinde's obviously distressed with the two children. And then you have a bright idea causing you to make your way down stairs. "Master (First name). You're up." "Ah yes, I just woke up right now actually." You chuckle, that was lie. You woke up like an hour ago, causing your aide to let out a few fake cough right behind you in which you pretend not to notice.

"Also you're talking about the dinner for tonight right?" "Yes, it was rare to have the family completed in such event so I figured out to ask the young master what to prepare for the luncheon but.." Looking at the two children with tears running down their pouty faces, you smirk. "If thats the case, how about you prepare for some of my favorite food for tonight? I'm pretty sure they'll like it, my favorite drink would also be appreciated." You smile innocently at the two as they look at you like they have some across a big villain. Haha, cuties.

Imagine that same night as you were having your luncheon dinner with the rest of the staffs in the manor, in the middle of your conversation with Uncle, now your adoptive father with some business matters, you manage to catch a glimpse of Diluc and Kaeya's sulking faces upon seeing the food prepared right in front of their faces. And then they took a bite of it, slowly but surely, their cute little faces lit up. "(First name)? Is there something wrong?" "Hmm? Nothing. In fact I'm quite happy tonight." You said with a chuckle. Glad you two enjoy it.

"I think.. I think I should do the wrapping.." "Nonsense, I can do this. There is nothing I can't do.." "Wrapping I suppose?" ".. fine you do it." "Well if you really want, I can lend you a hand if you'll allow me?" "Fine, teach me." "That's what I've been trying to do for a while now Master." "Oh shut it will you?"

Imagine after an hour of twist and bickering with your aide, perhaps taking advantage of being in the same age as you. The two of you walked down the manor, two gifts in your aide's hand as the two of you stopped under the huge ass tree in the middle of the hall. On the table in the corner of the room was a meal of pile em up and chicken mushrooms skewers as well as a glass of grape juice and.. wine? You almost burst out laughing. "Please hold it Master. We don't want the young masters to wake up" "Pfff oh please."

Imagine the day after, you joyful tears and laughter was the only sound that wake you up as much to your aide's dismay given the fact that he was been trying to wake you up for a while now but got no reaction but here you are waking up at the sound of your siblings have fun.

Imagine dragging yourself all the way towards the tailings of the second floor to have a better view of your younger siblings on the ground floor, your aide trailing right behind you with his own box of presents. There you lean against the railings, looking down was the happy faces of your younger brother opening up their gifts, one was a little claymore sword and the other was a new black eye patch with a simple pattern, much better than the same old boring white medical one. Also do not forget about the extra present, two tortoise on a small glass container.

Imagine the smile on your face, the way you let out a sigh of relief at the few of your younger siblings enjoying their presents for the special occasion for the day. "Master ?" "Yeah?" "Here." "What?" "Here, a present." ".. Thank you." Despite your adoptive father busy schedule for the day, leaving you and your little siblings to spend the rest of the day, maybe it wasn't that bad as you thought. "Could you tell Adelinde to dress up the boys? I'm planning to take them to the city with me." "As you wish my liege."

Imagine as years have gone by, looking back at the memorable times you've spend with your siblings, there was a bitter smile on your face. "Master Diluc and Master Kaeya has yet to reply to the invitation, I think.." "We'll be spending this time on our own again?" You chuckle, "It's all right. I suppose they're busy like the past few years."

Imagine after the death of your adoptive father, nothing was the same as it was, Diluc left leaving you to manage all the things that was left behind, and although Kaeya never left, the distance between the two of you. It was already too late when you noticed it, leaving you off on your own to manage. But then again, looking at your aide, no. Your lover currently making your luncheon for the night, "What?" "Nothing" You shake your head with a small smile on your face.

Imagine as the two of you was about to start, there was a knock on your door. It was late, plus the manor was in a bit of a secluded area per your request when you moved so people doesn't really come here unless needed. Perhaps? Still you shake your head, you knew better than to get your hopes up. There was a time where you're actually all excited, but then as time passed by, you just don't want to get disappointed, you don't want to get hurt by your own expectations.

"Who- oh darling. It's the traveler." "Really? Tell her to get i-" "She says she had only come to deliver a present." "Wha- pfff what pre-" "Would you mind preparing another set of cutlery for the night?" "If you don't mind us bargaining late for the night? We're hoping that the invitation is still-?!" Before you knew it yourself, you're already hugging your two younger siblings with a flabbergasted look on your face.

Imagine crying before you knew it, still clinging into your younger siblings, they have no idea of what to do, unconsciously clenching on the gifts on their hands. The feeling of guilt creeping up on their chest just seeing you like this. Realizing how hard it must have been for you for the past few years because the two of them suddenly went on their own way, leaving you torn and wondering what happened between the two of them. You were alone all these time, or so they thought when they notice your once aide approaching.

"I.." "We.." "Right. How about we save that for later? The food is getting cold." "Oh dear yes, you're right. Ms. Lumine, paimon. Please do stay for the night and join us and the boys for the meal." You spoke with a smile upon withdrawing away from your siblings. "Oh dear I suddenly missed Adelinde and oh your friends too, Jean and Barbara such a shame they couldn't make it for the night." "... Adelinde says she got something to do, I brought a gift on her behalf." "Same goes with Jean and Barbara.."

Imagine as the luncheon dinner passes by, there was nothing but small comfortable talks, strange enough it felt comforting and not uncomfortable as much to their surprise and expectations maybe it was because of the traveler and paimon who mostly do the talking but they were pretty sure of one thing. It's like nothing have changed. You're still the same, although they could tell you've aged quite a bit, perhaps because it's been a long time since they've seen you, because it really has been a long time.

"Thank you for coming tonight. I really mean it." It was your lover who spoke to them as they waited for you, who was currently with the traveler and paimon cleaning the dinning table in the kitchen. "It was nothing." "It was nothing." They both spoke at the same time. "Ehem, rather we're thankful for inviting us despite not giving any heads up nor reply." "What's important is that you've come." "Can we ask, how were they doing these past few years?"

Imagine the look on their faces, the way both of their fist curl upon self frustration as they heard about have you've been doing the past few years. For the first time, well, not really the first time as they've already been told by Adelinde, one of the reasons why they decided to call it a truce for the day as they came here despite the bickering and sarcastic on the way with the traveler having to put up with it.

Imagine it was their time to leave, as much as they want to take the offer and stay for the night, they all got something to do. Bidding your goodbye with the traveler, you turn to your siblings. "I'm not sure if I've already said it but, thank you for coming, Luc, Kaeya." You smile at the two. "If it wasn't that much to ask, would you like to come over in some other time? In normal days? You don't even have to give a heads up, just knock on our door and... haha I'm sorry, I know you two are busy most of the time. Please do forget about it."

Imagine once again they felt a pang on their chest, but this time, before they could regret anything again. "We.. We will come. We'll drop by when we have time.. Isn't that right, Kaeya?" ".. Right. We'll make sure to bring the others that time too." "Really?" "Really." "Really." "Then that's a relief." You smile at them. "Oh no, you should go, it's getting late. I've hold you guys up for too long."

Imagine as you rest on the arms of your lover as you watch the duo and your siblings walking away from afar, you seem to notice Diluc and Kaeya bickering from afar causing a smile on your face but then they suddenly turn around causing you to raise a brow. "What's with them?" "I don't know?" But then as you read their lips saying. "Thank you for tonight. Merry Christmas"

Imagine upon reading their lips, a rare smile on their faces could be scene. At the same time, the flashbacks of their younger version came into mind that time where they received the present you've given them back when they were still a kid. "Ah really, they're so cute." You laugh, for some odd reasons, you felt like you won't just be spending these kinds of celebrations alone with just your lover anymore, but rather as the way it was before.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 13: Ayato and Thoma's roommates

Imagine being Ayato and Thoma's roommates. Nothing romantic, just plain chaotic.

Imagine being going back at your shared dorm apartment for the day, finishing your lectures and classes for the day when as soon as you walked in, you were greeted by a smoke? A smoke? Why would there be a smo-?! "kamISATO AYATO! ARE YOU COOKING ALONE AGAIN?!" "I swear to our almighty shogun I followed the instructions!"

Imagine yawning as you made your way out of your room when you happened to come across Thoma who seems to be trying to clean off the kitchen Ayato had made a mess a couple of hours ago. "You good Thoma?" Focused on his own world as he tries to clean off the burned pan and mumble, "Why won't it come off." You shake your head, putting a mental note to buy a new one later as you get out.

Imagine coming home with a new frying pan in one of the bags you're carrying, you make your way into the kitchen and dining room only to see Thoma and Ayato sitting in the dining table as you set down the groceries for the next two weeks. There was a familiar looks pot on the table and upon looking at Thoma's helpless face, you could clearly guess the situation, almost wanting to run away.

"Come to think of it, I call it a day and go to my-" "(First name)! Just in time! Me and Thoma were having a hot pot for dinner, I know you haven't eaten yet, join us." Your light blue haired roommate offered. "Well-" "I feel bad for what happened today, for almost setting fire in the kitchen-" "Again." "Yes, Thoma, again. Anyway, I wanted to make it up to you two, so I came up with this hot pot." He spoke with a gentle smile. "Well actually I was just.." "Just??" "You know what, sure." Giving you a sympathetic smile, Thoma adjusted his seat so the three of you can eat closely.

Imagine as you nod at Ayato whom told you he would be going out, was about to mind your own business when you suddenly remembered sommething. "Wait!" You yelled after him as he was just about to walk out the door. "Your wallet?" You asked, looking up from your phone to meet his gaze. There you watch him as he reach out for his back pockets. "Oh." He look up to you. "It's not here." "Go look for it in your room. Don't forget about it. I got things to finish and Thoma has his own classes, so we won't be able to take it to you if you forget about it today." You reminded him with a chuckle in which he nod in return, thankful for the reminder for he actually often forgets about his wallet.

Imagine the look on your face as you shop with Thoma, who manage to get every discount there is at every shop the who of you want it. "Damn bro, I can't never get used to this." "Haha come on now (First name) this isn't the first time I'm doing this with you." "I know, but it's amazing every time it happens." You spoke with a chuckle, taking the bags off his hands, causing him to halt and call out your name in which you paid no mind into.

Imagine coming home drenched, "Damn I really should have carried a damn umbrella like Ayato said." You spoke to your self as soon as you entered the empty home at the moment, Ayato and Thoma did said they would be running late tonight because of their thesis. Letting out a sneeze and cough, you knew this would be a long night.

Imagine waking up like shit. Your body feeling heavy as well as your head spinning makes you regret even waking up as you weakly open your eyes only to notice two pairs of eyes staring at you, almost wanting to jump out of shock but you really can't right now but it didn't took you long to relax upon realizing it was just your roommates. By the tooks of it, their mouth was moving, they must be talking about something in which you can't seem to hear nor understand. But if there was one thing you're quite sure about, the is the fact that they told you to sleep.

Imagine waking up, but this time, the first thing you felt was something dump in your forehead, causing you to reach out and touch it. It was a wet cloth, which was enough for you to understand the situation that had happened. Besides looking at the sleeping light blue haired man right beside you sitting on a chair, you let out a chuckle before placing the wet towel on the basin on your nightstand. Was about to wake up Ayato, then the door opens, revealing you other missing roommate with a tray of food in hand.

"How are you?" "Im feeling alright now." "That's a relief, Ayato was about to take you to the hospital if you're still unwell." Thoma chuckle and upon noticing the bags under his eyes. "Sorry, you guys stay up last night because of me no-?" "Well..." It was Ayato who woke up and started stretching his arms that have gone numb upon sleeping on them. "It's not like you won't do the same thing for us if we get sick." "I agree. Come on now, eat up first. We'll take later." "Hmph. You're right, alright." You chuckle.

Imagine if your parents were to ask how you've been doing since college, you would tell them you're fine. The feeling of home sick long gone, after all you found a new home with these guys. Sure, they could be a bit annoying and troublesome sometimes, but you really enjoy and treasure being with them, like true friends and newly found family.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2022°

Chapter 14: Without Me (Zhongli)

「Without Me」 Zhongli

↳ In which as the lantern rite festival was once again celebrated, you find yourself bidding your farewell in the land that you cherished the most. They're doing fine without you anyway.

---

Hands on the pocket, the figure quietly approaches the place. (Hair color) locks being swayed by the wind as the figure does so. After making sure no one was around, the figure pulled out something out of who knows where. There a two cups as well as a bottle of osmanthus wine was all you could bring.

Right in front of you were a few offerings, things that surely reminded you of her. Placing a cup on her nonexistent grave yet knew it was quite a memorial place for her to be, you place a cup on her seat and just hold your but upon realizing you need to open the wine bottle, you place it on the table, opening the bottle afterwards.

"It's been a while, hasn't it? Guizhong." You spoke as you pour her wine cup and yours some wine. "I thought about it for a long time and decided to pay a visit before I go." You spoke casually, placing the wine bottle right beside the rest of the offerings on the table before picking up your own cup. "So here I am." Then you took a sip, and damn, it tastes the same.

You just stood there for a long time. You have nothing to say in the first place. So you just stood there as the gentle breeze passes by, your (hair color) locks slowly becoming a mess by the wind but not that you mind. As time passed by, the slowly but surely the wine is being emptied and with one last sip, you throw the cup away by the lake, watching it sink for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Happy lantern rite, Guizhong."

You didn't leave right away. You just sat there, humming a tune you haven't for so long as your eyes fixed on the scenery in front of you, waiting for the night to come as time slowly passed by. As you did, you can't help but look back of the memories of yesterday not so long ago.

"They're at it again." You said with a chuckle as you sat down next to your friend and lover whom too were watching the scene with interest. "You're not going to join?" Your lover, Rex Lapis asked, and you shake your head. "One thing I learned over the past few decades is that I can't win against Guizhong when it comes to mechanisms." You chuckle and shrug, eyes boring to your lover who never looked at you, those amber iris never once looking away from the goddess of dust.

"Those were the good old days, I suppose?" Just like that, a bitter smile left your lips. "Heh." Good old days, huh. Thinking about it gives you mixed feelings. Nevertheless, the warmth it gave your heart was enough for you to call it good memories.

Before you knew it, the once bright sky was now filled with stars. Only then did you realize you have long stopped humming. Getting up from your seat, brushing off the dust in your clothes. It was now time to leave.

"You know. I never hated you." You spoke as you give her resting place one last glance. "In fact, I could never." You chuckle. "Goodbye, Guizhong." With a genuine smile on your lips. You walk away and never look back. Ascending down from the mountains, you can't help but admire the bright harbor from afar.

"Now, now. Where should I go?" You whispered and asked yourself. It was too early for you to leave, you still have a few hours for you to kill time. And as much as you wanted to go to the harbor yourself. As the other adeptus were currently in there, your presence might just spoil the mood so you'd rather not come. It was okay seeing the city from afar.

Suddenly, a place came into mind. Without missing a beat, you made your way at the place. It was such a good timing, after all, the current conquer of demons is currently away in the inn. That place was a good place for sightseeing after all. A good place to admire Liyue and waste time until your departure. Or so you thought.

"Aren't you going to the city?" "Old foes are in there, I'd rather not." You chuckle helplessly as you turn around. There a certain adeptus you thought won't be here have arrived. "Well then, now that you're back, I should get going before I ruined your night." You bow politely, something a mere mortal would do in front of him nowadays.

Walking past him, you did not expect to be stopped, having him grabbed you gently by the wirst. "Adep-" "It was an accident." He spoke before looking at you, meeting your (eye color) iris. You blink, gently prying off his hand away from you before you take a step back. "Right, but that doesn't change the fact that I was the one with her when she died." You give him a small smile. "I should get going."

"Why do you keep running away?" He sounds frustrated that you almost look back, but you didn't. But you did stop walking when you're about to walk out the door to the top floor where he was always at. After all, Yaksha was never the one to initiate a conversation, let alone an outburst. By his question, you can't help but to let out a chuckle, "Running away, heh. That's an interesting way to put it when I was the one that was left alone."

Realizing what came out of your mouth, your (eye color) iris widen as you cover your mouth with your hands. "I said something I shouldn't have." You took a deep breath and eventually dropped your hands to your side. "I apologize." You said with a sigh as you look back at the green haired adeptus whom had his eyes looking at you wide upon, probably because of what you just said a couple moments ago. "I'll take my leave now." This time, you really did leave.

Finding yourself back on top of the high peeks of Liyue, you casually lean back at one of the statues of seven, your back meeting with cold stone it was made out of, sending shiver down your spine. Still, your mind wandered off the little interaction you had with the fellow adeptus earlier. Just like that you let out a sigh.

You honestly didn't want to be seen by your fellow adeptus. Not because you'll be leaving without a word, but because of what happened in the past that each of you can't seem to forget.

Guizhong was a very bright, extrovert, and genius being. You can see she was always the center of everyone's attention. Maybe that was the reason why even Morax can't seem to look away from her. Maybe it was the reason why she always felt a bitter taste on your mouth. Because whenever she was on sight, Morax, Rex Lapis, your lover never looked at you.

"They're at it again." It was a strong sense of deja vu but this time, it wasn't you who was speaking, it was one of the adeptus, the cloud retainer speaking as the two to you look at the near distance. Rex Lapis and Guizhong alongside the rest of the Yaksha. It was a heartwarming sight, to be honest. But it did nothing but ache in your heart as you see Marshall Vritras give Guizhong and Rex Lapis a new pair of clothes. It looks like matching with each other.

"I'm going ahead." "Already?" "I wasn't feeling very well nowadays." You chuckle. That was the truth. Nowadays, it felt like someone was sucking your energy out of you. You get easily tired nowadays, and today might be one of those days. "Should I call Rex Lapis?" As she stood up, you grab the hem of her clothes. "Don't, leave him be. I can go back on my own. Just tell him I went ahead." You smile gently at her.

With one last at your lover, you bid your farewell at cloud retainer and quietly make your way back to your lair. It wasn't that bad at first, the as you walk and walk, the more you felt like everything was spinning, the grounds felt shaking, or was that you slowly loosing you strength all over you body? "Wha- what.. In the.." Before your body fell on the ground, you felt a small arms capture your figure. "(First name)?!" That voice was familiar, familiar enough to bring you back to your senses.

"Gui..zhong?" You utter in disbelief, she was just with the other not long ago, what is she doing here? "I've seen you leave not feeling very well, I decided to follow you and-" "Tsk. Another one to ruined my plan." Both of you turn to the uninvited guess, another God. It feels like you've seen him somewhere. That.. Where have you seen him? Before you knew it, an attack was launched at the two of you.

It was hard. You knew the two of you don't stand a chance. You're slowly losing your senses, you're not in the condition to fight in the first place and as you pant, looking at Guizhong right beside you. She was as wounded as you were, blood dripping down her temple all the way to her chin. "R-run." You utter.

This time, she was looking at you in disbelief. "Do you think you're in the position to say something like that?! You won't be able to hold him back!" "He was coming.. coming for me ha- in the f-first place." You pant heavily. Just like that, you heard a sinister laugh from the god in front of you. "That's right. I'm glad you're well aware (First name)." So it was true, it was really after you. "Guizhong... Run."

"That's right, you two can't take me. Why don't you go and ask the others for help and leave (First name) here for me. Don't worry, we'll only talk." "Like I'll believe that!" "You should. Do you even know why they're in a state like that? It's because they hate you." "What non-" "What shit are you saying?!" You shout all of a sudden, (eye color) iris shaking.

"You don't know? Were you really not aware of it? Aren't you just wondering why you're running out of energy nowadays? Why do you think was the reason?" "You-!" "It's because of your hatred and jealously." As the god in front of you laugh, your (eye color) iris shook even more. No, no. No no no no no. It's nothing like that. That's not it. There is no way in Celestia he was able to suck your energy away because you're what, angry and jealous? How pathetic!

"Come to think of it, isn't they God the reason for all of it?" By those words, you felt like you're drench in cold water. "Isn't she the reason why you and Rex Lapis rarely get along nowadays?" "What nonsense are you saying?! We're nothing but friend-" "Isn't that right, (First name)?" No I- you- I... "(First name)?" They shaky voice of Guizhong snapped you out of it. "No- I.. I don't-" "HAHAHAHA See? They can't even reply properly!" "Shut up! Don't confuse them any longer!"

"You know me and Rex Lapis were just friends, right? Right (First name)?" She spoke gently. But at your (eye color) iris met those bright ones of hers. You can't help but look down and utter. "I'm sorry." You knew they were friends, heck. You knew that, and it disgusts you to think there is something more. You never felt so broken, confused, disgusted, and pathetic to yourself all your life. "I'm sorry." You utter once again, this time, tea rs where pooling in those (eye color) iris. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry." You don't long for how long were you saying that but you kept on saying anyway. "It's alright." You heard a quiet yet genuine chuckle. "It's alright. You don't hate me, right?" She smiled brightly at you. But before you can even reply. A blinding attack cane towards the direction of you two. Only then did you realize, you've been distracted for awhile now. And before the attack reach you. You one again felt an arm wrapped around your figure. "Close your eyes, (First name)"

Looking at the city afar, you blink. Then you look up. It seems like you've taken a nap. Your shoulders were cold and stiff, so you stood up and stretched your arms and back. Then you halt. "Alatus." You sigh, looking back to see the green haired adeptus once again.

"You're leaving." "Heh? Where did you get that idea?" "Why are you leaving?" "You didn't answer my question, so I have the right not to answer your question too." "Fine. I just have the feeling." "Hmm. Why am I leaving? I just want to travel." "Don't." "Why?" You raise a brow. "Everything is fine right now." That is the truth.

"I'm just leaving Liyue, I'm not going somewhere far away." You added. "Then I'm going to get going now, I had a quick nap so-" "I told you it was just an accident, when will you stop blaming yourself-!" "That doesn't change the fact that she died because of me, okay? Besides, that's surprising coming from you. She was your esteemed master after all-" You stopped and sigh. You've said too much once again.

"I'm going to tell Morax." "Then tell him." As if he'll do something, you almost scoff but held it in. "No one has ever blamed you for what happened." "Really, Xiao? Did you honestly forgetten?"

A harsh slap across the face made you turn to your side. It hurts, but you didn't dare cry. You deserve this. "You-! You-! I can't believe you!" "That's enough." The Cloud Retainer eventually restrain Streetward Rambler from laying a hand from you again. "Enough??! Enough?! It is all because of them that Guizhong died! All because of what? All because of them being envious?!" "I'm sorry." You clench your jaw. "I'm sorry."

"I wish it was you who died." You don't know, perhaps you don't want to know who said that as you flinch. "Rex- where is Rex Lapis?" You asked, never once looking up. You haven't seen your lover ever since then. " Who knows? Maybe he doesn't want to see you for what you did?" Once again you flinch. "We were just doing fine without you, even before. If you aren't Rex Lapis lover, I wouldn't have approached you in the first place."

Looking away from Xiao, you sigh, rubbing your temples. "That-" "Enough. I'm not changing my mind. It's much better this way. Besides, even without me, you'll be fine." Just like that, you disappeared from the conquer of demons' sight.

When you teleported into a familiar place you haven't been for a long time, you didn't expect to see him there, he should be around the city somewhere after all.

You couldn't help but stare at his back. You haven't seen him for so long. So you didn't expect to see him in the place where the two of you first met, of maybe it was just place to him.

As you were about to leave, about to teleport away. Your (eye color) iris met with a pair of amber ones. You couldn't move. Morax, he looked the same as he has always been. "I- I was just passing by." "I see." He replied like it was nothing, maybe it was nothing. So why is he looking at you like that?

"I'll get going then." You spoke and turned around. As you did, you felt his glaze upon your back. Then you stopped. "Morax." "I go by Zhongli nowadays." "Yeah, I've heard." You bit your lips. "But this question is for Morax, not for the mortal Zhongli." "I see." There was a moment of silence as a harsh wind breeze passed by. "Morax." "What it is?" His voice was soft as always, like the good old days.

"Morax, did you ever love me?" You asked the question you've been dying to ask for a long time now. And yet, as moments passed by, there was nothing but silence it makde you laugh. "I see, so that's how it is." You smile bitterly.

"I should get going now, thank you for your time." You spoke before you continue to walk away from him. "Oh, and Zhongli. You'll do just fine without me. Like always."

As you glance back at him, and for a moment, you wish you never did. Because as soon as you did, he was looking with eyes wondering what were you up to, those amber iris wondering why you even asked him of such question. Those amber iris looking at you with such affection as it did in the past. But perhaps that's just you. Because as you walked away like you did in the past, he never chase after you. Like he never loved you.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 15: Without You (Zhongli)

「Without You」 Zhongli

↳ Part two of Without me in which he was fine without you as long as he get to watch you from afar, safe and sound and above all, happy. (Mentions of self harm ahead.)

---

Morax first met you in a field full of flowers. The thing is, you aren't there to take care of them. In fact, when he first met you, you were busy pucking them one by one, causing a him to frown, wondering what you were doing.

He have heard stories about you, the lonely one with a nasty attitude, always picking up a fight with anyone who dares to mess with you, there were also a rumor among the gods that you aren't like that in the beginning, but after killing your friends with your own hands, you turn into an approachable, loathsome, alof, ready to kill anyone on your path.

Morax found it amusing, but he couldn't careless, it was none of his business away nor there was something to benefit him if he was to mess with you. So it was really nothing but a strange coincidence that he had met you during one of his walks around the mortal world.

"I do not remember giving permission to a mortal, let alone the god of contracts to come in my territory." You didn't turn around, but he did catch a glimpse of those hands pucking yet another flower in the field. "If you're just another useless god I would be very delighted to kill you right here and now because you just invaded my sanctuary. But I'm letting you off the hook because you're the God of Contracts, Morax."

Leaving was on his mind truly, afer all, he doesn't want to be engaged in a fight with no meaning behind it. Thought it may be a shame to leave this beautiful place perfect for his walk, now that the owner asked him to leave, he would have to leave. That was until you turn around to face him as you said those words. For a moment, his amber iris hidden beneath his hood widen. You look so lonely, lonely yet mesmerizing. " Then will you give me the permission to come in here in some other time?"

Morax, or Zhongli as he was called nowadays. Was left standing on a huge flower field. It may not be as huge as it was when he first saw you, the part where you were at most was still intact. Nowadays when he got nothing left to do around the hardor, he would find himself walking towards the place where the two of you have met.

As the gentle breeze passed by, his brown locks swaying along the direction of the wind. His fingers carefully reach out to touch one of the flowers in the field. This place was not known to many, well, at least to the mortals, as well as the rest of the aduptus. This was your secret sanctuary, after all. Who would dare expect a flower field inside deep down a mountain?

After a while, Zhongli pulled out a pair of gardening scissors. Then he kneeled down and started trimming the stray grass that was slowly growing across the field. This place was left unmaintenanced for so long.

"You're quite persistent and consistent. Don't you have some other things to do?" Across to him was you, just like the first time he met you, you were busy pucking flowers out of the soil. At first it really bothered him why were you doing such thing, but the more he dropped by in here as he took a walk due to the fact that he took your silence as a yes when he ask permission. He noticed that every time you pucked a flower out, it was quickly replaced by a new one. Never once taking his eyes off you, he answered. "I got nothing to do, so I dropped by to see my friend."

That causes you to raise a brow, "A friend? I sincerely hope you aren't referring to me because I will have to blow your head off if you do." By your words, he could only chuckle by your vicious words. Brushing it off, he took a step forward towards you, causing your eyes to go wide. "Stay where you are! You're ruining my garden!" "Relax, I did not step on them." ".... Really? Still wait a minute, I'll pave the way." Just like that, a path was created in the midst of the flower field.

Morax, at the time, was still yet to have friends by his side. In fact, just like you, he finds it hard to trust someone. So you were the very first one. Although it took a very long time for you to open up, as well as he to you, though it may not be obvious.

"No.. no. no no no no. I can't drink anymore, Morax." You said with a giggle. There were the two of you, in the middle of the field were a table for more was placed, Morax never knew it was in here until you tour him in the flowery field not too long ago. "Hehe." Looking at you silently giggling, he couldn't help but to smile, unconsciously moving away a lost trand of (hair color) locks behind your ear. Looking at you all flustered up, he shakes his head side to side with a smile. Maybe he shouldn't have brought that many osmanthus wine. But as you said you've been wanting to have it for a while now, how was he to say no? He barely managed to sneak in the land of the mortals to get you this.

"Hey Morax.." You tap him by the arm to gain his attention, something unless when he was already looking at you. "Did you.. Did you know why I don't have and want to have friends?" You asked wasted. "Because they all dieeeee haha." Then you lean against your palm. "They all leave me alone. They left me all alone. Heh. Hehehehe they should have taken me with them." You chuckle. "Everybody says I killed them. It wasn't me, it was another god." You frown then pout. "I arrived too late to save them. Maybe I did kill them." Suddenly you look at him. "Right? It's my fault that they died."

He just looks at you, not saying anything as he lets you speak, rant out everything you've been keeping. He was planning to let you finish before he speak, but as tears started falling down your cheeks as you chuckle in the middle of your ranting, his eyes widen. For a moment, the always calm and collected god of contracts doesn't know what to do. And it pained him, it pained him to see you crying that he doesn't know what to do.

So you sat there crying, cheeks flushed, mind spinning, Morax pulled you in his chest. And before you know you it, you were crying like a mess on his chest, and all he did was to run his hands on your back, patting you gently waiting for you to calm down as he whispered. "Please don't cry. I don't know what else to do when you cry." Morax doesn't know how long you've been suffering, how long you've been alone, but one thing he knew is that he should have found you earlier. He should have been with you. "I... I love you. Please don't say such words to yourself."

Zhongli blink, then he look down. On the table was now his cold tea. He was just taking a break from cleaning up the flower field when he found himself lost in old memories. With a small smile on his face, he shake his head and picks up the cold tea before drinking it and was about to get back into gardening when a familiar presence arrived.

"Xiao. What takes you here?" "Why didn’t you stop them?" "Hmm?" Zhongli looked at him like he doesn't know what he was talking about, but he know. He knew very well. "Why didn't you stop them from leaving?" Xiao was never the one to confront his decision, well with the exception when it comes to you and his mentor.

"I just don't understand. It's just an accident. Does it really have to come to this?" Xiao asked him he remained silent like always. "We.. we have a different way of grieving." Zhongli manage to reply after a long silence. "So you're just letting them leave like that?" Xiao questioned him. "I thought you love them. I guess I was wrong, Morax." For the first time in his life, Xiao seems to be disappointed on him. And as he left, there was bitter smile on Zhongli's face that was never seen by Xiao.

"You- you don't have to come here every day, you know." You see, after that little drunken session, things have been very awkward between the two of you with you almost hiding from him everytime he pays visit to you. And Morax found it cute and amusing. Knowing you just feels the same way ay him. "Hmm? Really? But I really want to see you." He chuckle.

Just like that, you blush. Turning your back at him. "So I'm thinking about us (First name)." "Us?! What are you are talking about?" Flustered, you didn't dare turn around to face him. "Right. I love you, you love me. We feel the same way towards each other. Don't you think it was time for us to be together?" "You-! Stop deciding things on your own!" "But you kissed me back and cried that you love me too." "When did I do that?!"

It was fun to tease you, and it was fun to love you. In a world where gods were at odds with each other. You were his peace. Without you, it was lonely. Without you, he found himself lost. Be it way of living or loving. It was much better to have you by his side. After all, it was thanks to you that he found the other sides of himself as well as he was even able to make friends with the other gods, something he wouldn't dare do in the part. It was fun, and he was genuinely happy with you.

Strange how little things often remind him of you. Maybe because you were the one to show him the world. Walking back to the harbon on his day off after cleaning up the flower field. Zhongli finds his way home lonely. But it was something he was used to nowadays.

From afar was the city he was fond of. It was the last day of the lantern festival, a festival you came up all those years ago. Something that strongly reminds him of you.

"Mor- Zhongli!" What greeted him was the drunk bard that never failed to make him want to turn around and walk away, pretending not to hear anything. But now what the bard was right in front of him, an osmanthus wine in hand. Who was he to refuse?

It took Morax years to convince you to go out of your lair but what convince you was the fact that he wanted to introduce you to his friends and was thinking of building a nation with you and his friends. Curious on what it was all about as well as the nation he wanted to build, but reluctantly agreed to go out. Thankfully, as he introduced you to his friends, you managed to fit him really well.

"If you keep on staring at them, they might turn into a stone." It was Guizhong, a good friend of his mumble underneath her breath but was enough for him to hear, as if it was on purpose to let him hear causing him to raise a brow, still didn't take his eyes off you who was currently having a conversation with Cloud Retainer not to far from them. It was nice to see you having fun. "If you want to talk to them you know you can just approached them, you know." "(First name) is having fun, leave them be."

Everything was going fine, you were just getting along with his friends, the nation you've built along side them was slowly growing in prosperity. Everything was doing well. Until that happened one afternoon.

By the time they arrived in there, everything was almost destroyed, but what stood out the most was Guizhong fallen figure and your bloody ones. You stood in the middle of that chaos, with your body slowly turning to look at them. You had a horrified look on your as they stood there in shock. They body was under control and by the looks of it. You have just killed Guizhong with your own hands. "Mo-Morax." You cried out. "Somebody.. stop me."

"Mo-Zhongli, was it?" As it was once again his day off, he went back to the place where he find most peace at. Glancing at Cloud Retainer by the corner of the field. He let out a humm, continuing to trim the bush in the flower field. "I heard the news." For a moment, Zhongli halted then he started trimming once again. "I heard they left."

Once again, as if minding his own business, he just hummed in agreement. It's true that you left. Left Liyue for good. "You know." There was a hint of hesitation within her voice. "You can always come after them." "The contract says I can't, so I won't." Spoken by Zhongli as he stood up, dusting off the sleaves off his clothes.

"Morax.." "I go by Zhongli nowadays." "Yes. That was the name they chose for you, rigth?" "That's right." He sigh. There was a moment of silence after that. Then the Cloud Retainer sigh in resignation. If Morax doesn't want to talk about it, then none shall talk about it, though, she new the reason herself. "If don't mind. Can I offer some help?" Although he knew that the offer was tempting, Zhongli shake his head. "(First name).." for a moment there was a longing smile on his face. "They don't like it when someone else handles their flower." He chuckle.

You're slowly loosing your mind and self. Unable to bare the guilt and consequences of killing a dear friend of yours as well as the look of blame and distrust of your remaining friends were slowly eating you out. Although you knew it wasn't your fault, although you knew you where under the influence of body control. It doesn't change the fact that you're mind is clear and conscious as somebody else controls over you. And despite the comfort and reassuring words of your lover. None of it was working.

This time, just like the good old days, you lock yourself inside your lair, call it runnig away or something. The guilt and pain was unbearable, the look of Guizhong as you killed her was hunting you. Although she says it's alright. You knew it wasn't. You. You just want to end it all.

There, as Morax tried his best to break the strong barrier that prevented him from coming inside your lair. There, he found you in a bloody mess. For the first time in his long years of living does Morax felt fear, fear of losing you. And as he held you in his arms, trying his best to patch you up. "Morax?" You barely manage to spoke his name. "It's.. you.." Then you smile. Smile like you're leaving him. "Hey, hey. It's okay. It's okay. I'm here." He spokez holding back his tears. Just a little more and you're fine. "Morax... I'm tired... I don't think... I can... can continue anymore."

"How are they?" "Asleep." Just like that, the Cloud Retainer let out a sigh of relief. It wasn't just her but all the remaining adeptus. "I.." all eyes turn to Morax. "I'm planning on sealing their memories." By the time you wake up again, Morax can imagine how everything would turn out the same way it was before, and worst, you might even doing worst on yourself. "I disagree." It was Streetward Rambler. As Morax turned to meet her glaze, there was nothing but silence, but then she spoke once again. "Doing that is nothing but turning their back on the consequences they have to face."

"I don't plan on sealing everything that happened that day, just the fact that they were being controlled and killed Guizhong would be enough." "That's the same thing!" Streetward Rambler replied, eyes glaring at those amber ones. "My lover is slowly loosing themselves because of what happened! On the first place everything was just an accident!" "Accident?! You heard it! Because they're envious this happened! They wouldn't be controlled in the first place if they aren't feeling that way!"

Then there was a moment of silence, none dared to speak. "Nevermind. Do it." Once again it was Streetward Rambler. Morax eyes widen. "In one condition. Let's make a contract." For a moment, Morax eyes turned cold. "What's the conditions?" He spoke, summoning a scroll. "In exchange of sealing (First name) memories of their involvement in killing Guizhong. You have to stay away from them." "Streetward!" This time it was Cloud Retainer and the other Adeptus that step in. "That's too much!" "Just like how I- we, lost Guizhong. It's only natural that (First name) to lose the only person they love the most, it just happened to be you, Morax." Morax, who has his eyes widen open grit his teeth, "I refuse to fall in such disadvantageous contract!" Morax walked away that day with you on his arms.

That goes on for a while, until you woke up one again and fell hysterical. Hurting yourself in the process, Morax watched you with pain in his eyes. Just like that, he made up his mind. Putting you to sleep, he kissed your forehead. "I'll be back soon, My love."

That day, he signed the contract with the same condition. "Wait." It was Streetward Rambler. "What?" Morax looked at her coldly. It's not like he didn't know where she was coming from, it was his lover that killed Guizhong, a friend of thiers after all. But still. At this very moment as they talked about the contenrs of the contract, Morax couldn't help but to loathe them. "Let me add one more." "What more do you want? Just how much do you want my lover to suffer?" Morax spoke painfully. "I-.. I want to add that if (First name) manage to bring back their memories. The contract would fall invalid." "Wha-?" "What I mean is that if (First name) recalled things on their own. You're free." There was a sad smile on Streetward Rambler face as she said that.

Like he promised, Morax came back to you that night. To you who was peacefully sleeping in the middle of the flower field. Morax carefully approached you, making sure not to wake you up as he was about to do something. "My love." He stroked your cheeks gently. "Everything going to be okay." You look so peaceful right now. "I.. It's okay if you hate me, resent me after this." There was a small smile on his face. "It's okay as long as you're alive and well. I don't care about anything else." He rest his forehead against yours. "You probably won't remember but.." he chuckled and with a quick kiss on the lips. "I love you, forever and endlessly. Only you."

That night, you wake up with a headache. Mind going back into the resent events. Sure you made a fuss, but not as hysterical as you were in the past, probably because most of it was now sealed. That night you waited for your lover to come, but he never did.

"At this point, they'll end up falling for him." The Anemo Archon, Venti nowadays spoke, looking at his friend with a concerning gaze. And his friend, the Geo Archon, just kept looking at you in the distance. You who seems to bright and happy even from afar. It was such a lovely scene to him, even when it wasn't him by your side. "Is that really okay for you? Morax?"

For a moment, he looked away from your figure to give his old friend a glance, only to see that friend shrug and look away from him. For a moment, he asked the same question himself. Is he really okay with this? Without you by his side? But now that he think about it. It's always been like this. "This is enough." "Looking at them from afar like a stalker?" With a glare, the anemo archon mumble an oops and look away.

With a bit of little argument with the Anemo archon, Zhongli finally succeeded on shutting him up by brute force as Venti sulk away in the corner. He looked at you once again. And as he did, your question suddenly came into mind.

Morax, did you ever love me?

With a genuine smile on his face, he answered as he look at you from afar like he always does. "I love you, forever and endlessly." As soon as he said that, he felt a gentle pat in the back, never once looking away from you. "Let's go back." "Already? I thought you'll admire them for at least days" "...." Then he clear his throat. "I just came to see if they're doing fine."

As the two walk away from afar, the (hair color) haired figure turn around, looking at the spot where the two archon just disappeared from. "???"

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 16: Love You In The Dark (Kamisato Ayato)

「Love You In The Dark」 Kamisato Ayato

↳ In which the more you continue to love him in the dark the more you felt like not only were you breaking your heart, but also his.

---

It was a wonderful night. It was also a night before a wonderful celebration. And yet here you are due to some reasons resting at the back of the estate now that all tasks are done. Just a few moments ago, you were also doing packing your things. Looking at the stars, a smokin pipe in hand, you're leaning peaceful on the walls of the estate. But then that peaceful night was interrupted with a sound of light footsteps coming.

Alerted, you turn to look at the person only to relax. "My Lord." "I told you to call me Ayato when it's just the two of us- you're smoking." "Do you want some?" You offered in which he shakes his head. You just nod and continue to smoke for the last time as he slowly approaches you. "All the preparations were done for tomorrow's ceremony." "I've heard." "Then you should be asleep right now." "If I do, then I'll be regretting this in the morning." "I doubt that." You chuckle, putting out the flame and placing your smoking pipe down. There was a moment of silence after that.

"I would drop everything if you want me to." "I know. That's why I'm not asking for anything." Looking away from the stars, you look at him only to find him looking at you. So you look away, a small yet genuine smile on your face. "Do you hate me?" "I wish I could." You chuckle, "But what can we do ?" You look at him once again. "It's not like I'm the one who's hurting." You reach out to brush off the silent tear on his cheek. "Don't cry, Ayato." "But you're leaving." "You're getting married." You caress his cheek affectionately. "I'm not asking for anything else, am I?" "I'd rather ask you to give up that damn marriage." "Hmmm, I wish I could."

"(First name)?" It was a familiar yet unfamiliar voice. You are pretty sure you have heard it somewhere. No, you were pretty sure you knew who was calling you, yet you didn't dare turn around. "(First name)." This time, you felt a gentle hold on your arm, causing you to shut your eye for a moment before turning around to face him.

As soon as you turn around, just like what you have expected, there he was, and for some odd reasons, seems flustered as he hold you by your arm, slightly panting as he look at you wide eyes as if he could not believe you are actually in front of him right now. "It's really you." "Mr. Kamisato, it's been a while." You smile gently at him, taking a step back, causing him to loosen his hold into you.

The was he reach out, nevertheless retracted his hand as he stared at it for a while before clenching and unclenching it then bringing it to his side before putting his attention into you. "Right, it's been a while. I've been looking for you." "All the way to Liyue?" You spoke before shutting up. That was wrong. In the first place, you should have just ignored him and went as fast as you can. "Mr. Kamisato, what are you even doing here? Never mind that I should get going now, Mr. Kamisato."

As you turn around and was about to leave, you feel a thug on your clothes. "Wait." Don't, leave him be. So you took a step forward, but he didn't let go. "Please wait-" "Let go while I'm asking nicely, Mr. Kamisato" You spoke with a sigh, heart painful throbbing on your chest. You should leave, leave, and never look back. You've done it once. You can do it again.

As you took a step forward, the moment you took a forceful step forward, you heard a sniff. Don't turn around. Another step followed by another sniff that you can feel your heart breaking a bit by bit. Here you thought it already shattered enough that day. "(First name), please. I- I was wrong." Don't turn around. "Please, hear me out." Don't turn around. Archons, don't. "Darling, please." Fuck! Don't turn around. You've done it once, why can't you do it again this time?

"Fuck!" You curse under your breath and turn around. "Why are you looking so pathetic crying in the middle of the street? Where is your dignity?!" You spoke as you grab him by his arm and started heading towards the direction of your house. "Those who knows you would be laughing, crying to see you in such pathetic state, you, the one and only Lord of the Kamisato clan!" You can not help your temper. He looks like he has not gone to sleep for years.

As soon as the two of you entered the house, you urged him for a bath. The thing is, you end up giving him a bath just like the good old days you never thought you would do again. "Don't cry." As he sits on the tub, he weakly reaches out to wipe away the tears rolling down your cheeks. "I hate seeing you cry." "Fuck you." You sniff and glare at him. "You- you should be in there living a happy- if not happy at least a contented and peaceful life. What in the fuck are you doing in here." You cried as you gently rinse off the shampoo in his hair.

"I let you go already, why are you here- fuck. What the fuck are you doing in here?" "I- I came to get you back." "I'm not going." "I didn't marry her." You almost splash him with a water in the face. "What do you mean?" "I called of the arrange marriage." He had a small smile on his face after that.

"I was wrong. If I truly love you, I should have never allow you to make such choice- there should have never been a choice to begin him." He look so tired when he said that, brushing back his wet strand of hair away from his face. "My lover is selfless" He added. "You told me to live a happy, if not a contented and peaceful life." When he looks at you, you look away but then a hand gently had you face him. "Darling. I can only achieve that life when you're by my side. I was wrong to realize it too late." Then you let out a sob. "I'm sorry. I really am. But please, please I'm begging you (First name). Come back to me."

The way you sob, it hurts. At the same time, was it relief that you are feeling right now? But then there comes the guilt. "I- we- let's get you dried up, Mr. Kamisato." "(First name)-" "Not now, let's get you dried up and clothed first." You spoke as calmly as possible as you stood up and wipe away your own tears. "Darling- please- I know you can't-" "Ayato." You look at him, "Dry up and dress up, I'm going to introduce you to someone."

The way he cautiously and nervously looks at you, who is currently helping him put on a new set of clothes. It seems like it was the clothes the locals here wear. But the thing is, why do you have spare clothes of man on your house? "One of the locals gave it to me." You suddenly explained, "They assumed I have a husband, so they just gave me this. I never thought it could be put to use until now." Suddenly, relief came into him, releasing the breath he's been holding on unconsciously.

"Come here." He had no choice but to follow you as you gently hold him by the hand, it was warm. "Who I'm about to introduce you, I'm sorry." "What-?"

The way his eyes widen as soon as his eyes set on the sleeping figure on the room just right next to you. He took a step back, his heart beating wildly on his chest, he looks like he was about to snap his neck the way he turn his head into you. "Is he?" His light purple iris were trembling as they looked into your (eye color) ones. You did not dare look away from him, not like you can as those teary eyes look into you with hope.

You wonder what he could be feeling right now. Pain? Happiness? Betrayal? Sadness? Before you could even think further, you watch in shock as he kneels in front of you, hands shaking as they hold into your clothes. "Please. I'm begging you. He's mine, right?" The way those bloodshot light purple iris looks at you. Those eyes were telling you, were begging you, even if it's a lie to tell him that the child peacefully sleeping on the bed was his.

"He's mine right? Please tell me he's mine." He looked desperate, he was desperate. He was begging on his knees. "Please say something." He begged, clenching on your clothes he was holding on. Then tears started falling, you don't know if it was his or yours. But then you nod, not trusting your voice. "I- I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hide- hide it from you. I was just-" "I shouldn't have let you leave." In a split of seconds, you were in his arms.

"I'm sorry." He apologized. "I'm sorry." He repeatedly apologized as he held you tightly yet gently in his arms. "I'm sorry you had to leave and continue to love me in the dark." "And thank you." You felt him shake. "Thank you, fuck. Thank you." You just stood there, in your own tears as he held you in his arms. But then you slowly lifted your arms, and then you placed it on his back. "It's alright." As you gently tap his back in comfort, the more his shoulder quiver, the more you felt him hold you tighter, but, "It's alright."

It was an eventful night full of tears and revelation, almost like that night all those years ago, and yet for some odd reasons, it felt so different. For some reason, you no longer felt like it would be like the old times where the two of you have to love each other in the dark.

"Will it be alright for me to come back?" By your question, it made him scoff, gently shifting the child in his arms as the two of you look at the horizon as the two, three of you headed back in the nation the two of you belonged. "It's always been your home. Isn't it natural to come back where you belong?" "Still, the two of us-" "They know." "Huh?" "Would you believe me if I told you we were never in the dark?" For a moment, your (eye color) iris tremble.

"As funny as it may sound, everybody knows, can see how we felt for each other. That's why by the time I back down at the arranged marriage, they didn't find it strange." There was a small smile on his lips. "Would you believe me if I said Ayaka almost beaten me to death upon hearing your departure?" There was sad smile on his lips, but then he look down on his and your child in his arms.

"I'm sorry" "I told you it's alright-" "But it's not." He looks at you gently. "No matter what you say, time wasted is time wasted. I'm going to win you back no matter what you said." You blink at him. "What's the point of winning me again over when I was never over you?" This time, he blinks at you. "Is that so?" "Hmm." You hummed before the two of you let out a burst of laughter.

Suddenly, a harsh cold breeze passed by sending a shiver down your spine, as well as the child in Ayato's arms. "Let's head inside?" He asked, holding you close with his free hand before giving you a peck on your forehead. "Let's head inside." You replied as you started to make your way inside when you felt a thug on your clothes. It strangely felt deja vu.

It was strange at the same time it made you realize that, in fact, this was no longer a situation where you have to carry on things even though you are not fine. Nor were the two of you in a situation where you have to keep your love in the dark. This was no longer a situation where even without a fight, the two of you were placed in a situation where the two of you had to be defeated.

"What's wrong?" "I love you." It was strange but warm. "I don't think I ever said it openly and this loud before." The way he stood there with your and his child in his arms, the way he was rubbing his neck in flustered. You chuckle, "I love you too."

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 17: Morax is the type of being, lover

Imagine it suddenly came into mind that Morax is the type of being, lover, that would not hesitate to sacrifice you for the sake of the world .

"You know I love you, right?" He spoke softly as if he wasn't looking down at you with an emotionless expression on your face.

"But not enough to choose me over the world?" You chuckle, "I mean, I do know I'm not special, but.." As your voice cracked, you unconsciously reach out and clench the fatal would on the side of your stomach caused by your lover's pole arm. "To have that slapped right in the face.." You smile as small and big cracks spread all over you as blood dripped down your mouth. "Unexpectedly hurts."

Imagine as he stood there across you, as you slowly start to form cracks all over your body. As you slowly start to disintegrate right across him with a bright yet sad smile on your face. You saw the way his amber iris were shaken. How tightly he was holding his pole arm and how blood dripped down all the way from his lips down to his chin as he bit down his lips. All to prevent himself from going after you.

Imagine, during your final moments, you took a step forward towards him. Feeling light as you tried to smile still, but as you do, take a step forward. Everything went back. At the same time, Morax unconsciously took a step forward upon seeing you went towards him, but as soon as you do. You're gone along the wind.

"If I do not kill you, I betray my nation. My nation is very dear to me."

"Dearer than I?"

"Yes love, dearer than you."

Imagine the way he dropped his weapon, hand unconsciously reaching out in the air, trying to grab at least a particle of yours, but it just slipped past his finger like a fine sand.

"Ah." He let out a sound as he took up. The sky looked dark and heavy, as if ready to cry any moment.

"I'm tired." Just like that, one drop of rain fell from the sky into the ground followed by another, and then another.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 18: Scaramouche is the type of being, lover

Imagine after thinking about it for the past few days. Scaramouche is the type of being, lover that would sacrifice the world for you .

"It's okay."

"What's okay?" He frowns, looking at your unbothered face as you continue to admire the scenery right across you.

"It's okay to give up on me."

Imagine as you smile gently at him, he scoffs. Crossing his arms as you look away from you to look at the stars but not even a moment later, he looks back at you. He was never the one to look at such things after all, nor was he the type to appreciate the little things in life. But ever since meeting you, he finds himself learning to slowly appreciate every little thing.

"Stupid." "Oww!" You groan, holding up a hand on your forehead as he flicked you real hard.

"You know I can't do that."

"I don't want to see you get hurt."

"And I don't want to loose you. We've talked about this already, (First name). Even if I have to ki- wipe out every single person in Teyvat I would do it just to keep you safe and sound by my side."

Imagine as you watch him from afar, a tear roll down to your cheeks. What a fool, you thought. You always thought it was alright to have the freedom you never expected to have. But upon seeing your lover, all bruised up and bloody right in front of you, fighting for the sake of your living. Maybe you had all wrong from the very beginning.

"The world want me dead, I guess that's just how it is. It's just me against the world."

"Wrong." "Huh?"

"It's you and me against the world. Don't forget that."

Imagine, you see. Scaramouche was indeed the one who had the right mindset enough to give up the world for the sake of you. But you see, in the process of saving you, you'll lose him. You see, he was strong. It's not a lie that he was strong and capable. But not enough for him alone to face the world.

"Please... That's enough. He did nothing wrong. It was all on me."

"Please have mercy. Let him go, take me. Take me instead." You cried as you shield him away from the world .

"What... What are you saying? Get out of here and hide." He gripped into your clothes that was slowly soaking with his blood.

"No, it's alright." You smile at him with tears rolling down your tears.

"No-!"

"My Scara."

"No wai-!"

"Forget about me, okay?"

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 19: Morax is the type of being, lover (after)

Imagine this event was what took him to retire as Morax, as Rex Lapis. And now that he now lives as simply Zhongli in the nation that he once vow to protect, he saw you with the same face, same voice. It was you. And yet, no matter how much and how hard he tries to approach you, perhaps expecting something, some kind of familiarity. And yet every one step he takes towards you, you took two steps back. And now, seeing you away from him, smiling and laughing at the person across you. His heart aches in jealously.

Imagine as he reaches out towards your direction, a glimpse of what happened suddenly appears on his mind. And as he looked at his hand reaching out to you, his eyes widened as it was covered in blood. But then he blinked, he clenched and unclenching his gloved hand, and there were no more traces of blood. As his shaken amber iris looks back at you from afar. His hand went down.

Imagine, it all makes sense to him that you wouldn't bother looking at him at all. After all, this same hand that was trying to hold on and reach out into you were the same hands that once killed you.

"I..."

"I don't regret the choices I made."

"But perhaps.." His eyes widen in realization as a chuckle left his lips.

"You're much dearer to me."

Imagine as you bid farewell to your friend that came in visit to Liyue. A gentle smile made its way on your lips, and yet as the familiar stare from behind no longer linger. You turn around, and as you did, a gentle breeze brushes your cheeks as your (hair color) locks sway at the direction of the wind. There you spotted from afar was a familiar man, the same man that has been bothering you for a while now.

Imagine, you found that man strange and oddly familiar. The feeling of wanting to approach him yet you felt fear and betrayal? Whenever he was near. He was strange, looking at you as if he had known you for a very long time. It was strange, really. And now, looking at his from afar with his back turned into you. Your heart ached.

Imagine ignoring your aching heart. You turn around, and once again, you feel a familiar gaze on your back. This time, you no longer look back.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 20: without me unofficial part 3

Imagine laying on the soaked muddy road was your bloody figure. The harsh rain pouring all over your body, yet you find it calming. Strange as it may sound, you feel nothing but your heart aching in pain, and your mind has never been clear for the past few centuries that have gone by. Despite all the wounds all over your body, the countless scratches as well as a missing arm and an open wound to your stomach. All you could do was lay in there and wait for your doom.

Imagine, the feeling honestly wasn't that bad. It was pretty bad and numb. The feeling of confusion, self pity, self hatred, frustration, guilt comes crushing into you the moment all memories came back.

"You.. You're the same being all those years ago." "It's a pleasure to be remembered by the all mighty being like you. It's such a shame Morax won't be around as you meet your doom." "Hah! Just because the era of war is over doesn't mean I grew weaker as centuries passed by." "I suppose that's true. But you know, for someone who killed their own friend with their own hands, you got quite the mentality." "What?" Your (eye color) iris were shaken looking at the being right in front of you. In the first place, how come this being is still alive? Didn't you kill him? You did. Right?

"What." "I don't know what you're talking about." "Huh? But I do know what I was talking about. After all, it was all fun making you act like a puppet on a string as I made you kill your own friend- oh wait HAHAHAHAHA oh celestia. I was wondering what happened but it looks like somebody sealed your memories, darling." "Don't call me that! And I have no idea what you're talking about." "But darling, you do." As his eyes stare at you with malice, it send shiver down your spine. "Here I was wondering why you're acting all tough in front of me. Turns out Morax could never leave you alone huh?" "Leave Morax out of thi-" As you burst out in anger, he dash towards you and grabbed you by the face. "Let's bring back your memories darling. But oh, let's be careful not to alarm the dragon away, okay?"

Imagine looking back on how pathetic you are, letting your guard down as your true, the rest of your memories started coming back. But perhaps you deserve this. Dying alone, in the rain.

"I was wondering how you manage to live on knowing you killed your own friends once again. And yet it turns out Morax protected you until the very end. I was just wondering how could he leave his one and only alone but it seems like there was a contract in return. Was it to leave you alone? It's such a mistake, but what can I say? It's very favorable for me." You didn't look at him, nor were you listening to him as tears started rolling down your cheeks as memories come back and started eating you up. "Darling." With a troubled mind, he grabbed you by your chin. "If you just accept by hand way before none of this would have happened, you know?"

Imagine as it gets harder to breathe. The only being on your mind was Morax. He had done so much for you and yet you used to think he doesn't love you anymore. It was so pathetic of you to doubt him. Maybe you do deserve this. Die out in the cold in the most painful way. The worst part is that you couldn't even kill the one who did this to you. Maybe they were right when they say it should have been you who died. Of course Morax would be sad, but only for a couple of years and maybe decated but he would soon be able to forget about you.

Imagine as you lay there on the muddy ground with rain drops falling all over your body, it is so hard to breath. Even your mind was going blank. Still right now, you want to see him at the same you don't. You don't have the guts and the face to see him. Not in this state, not in the state he hated the most. Still you want to see him. You missed him so much. You want to say sorry and maybe with a little bit shameless tell him you love him still. But you knew yourself you're running out of time.

"(Fi-First name)?" Fuck. If you could run, you would right now, or if possible, you wish you could disintegrate right here and now. Speaking of which, that fucking bastard who did this to you made it slow and painful as possible. "Yak- Xiao, was it?" You heard rapid footsteps in the rain. "I- I need to call Mo-" He was panicking. "It's alright." You tried yourself to smile despite the pain all over your body. "Ho-hold on, I'm bringing you to Morax right no-" "Don't." "Bu-" "It's useless Xiao. I'm already dying, I can feel it." You knew yourself the best.

"Still! We'll never know-!" "I killed your Master with my own hands and yet you still wish to save me?" You spoke with a chuckle that was cut off with a fits of bloody coughing followed by hard gasp for breath. "It was an accident." "It doesn't change the fact that it was I who killed her." You smile painfully, you don't know if it was because of the memories or because of the pain on your body. "I know how much you treasure her as a friend. It's okay to forgive yourself (First name). It was an accident, no one expected and want that to happened." He looked like he was about to cry as he utter those words that made your eyes wide.

Imagine he said those words, though suddenly came into mind. Forgive yourself? How? The truth is that, it was just an accident. He was right, none want that to happened, so why can't you forgive yourself?

"Xiao." By the sound of his name being called. Xiao looked at your face only for his eyes to go wide as he seen you started to disintegrate. "I'm sorry, but can you please keep this a secret to Morax? Oh wait, it's Zhongli right now, right?" The name you've made for him. That small memory made you smile. "I can't! I won't!" "I knew this would happened." You said with a small smile remaining on your face.

Imagine, with everything bit of power and strength left, you lift a hand to pat him by the shoulder. "Leave me here and forget everything you saw today." You spoke with a majestic voice fitted for a God and soon as you does. He stood up and left, leaving you off on your own once again. "Now then, this is nice." As you lay down looking at the now clearing up sky.

Imagine not too long after that, you disappeared with a contented, maybe a little bit of regret with only one thought in mind. You'll do just fine without me, My love.

Imagine, at the same time. Zhongli dropped his tea cup and hurriedly look out the window with a feeling of animosity on his chest. It felt like he just lost something. Something really precious to him. Looking at the dark clouds above the harbor, it felt like a storm was coming.

"(First name)?"

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 21: another without me prompt

Imagine how had Mor- Zhongli tried to get close to you, you who obviously was rather uncomfortable with his presence. And the only key to it was the traveller, the same old traveller that had help Liyue and Monstand and is now away on their venture in Inazuma. That being said, nowadays he had been keeping you company.

"You've been off since the departure of the Traveller." Zhongli spoke as he stand right beside you in the harbor.

"Really? I didn't notice." You have him a small smile.

"But I guess you're right, I've been missing the traveller so bad nowadays." You chuckle.

Imagine, at that very moment, Zhongli hoped he didn't not see you. Not when you're looking like that. Not when you're looking so soft, so lovely, obviously longing for someone, someone who definitely wasn't him.

Imagine the way his heart dropped to his stomach. The way his hand clenched around nothing before realising it. And after a few moments of silence.

"Do you.. Perhaps have feelings for the traveller?"

Imagine the way his voice shaken, obviously did go unnoticed by you. The way his amber iris were shaking, hoping and trying to deny reality as best as he can. He had hope for a chance. He knew this time, nothing can go wrong with the two of you. So he approached you, he tried to get close to you, he really did. But perhaps it was already too late, or was it? Did he even had a chance in this new persona he now possess?

"Honestly, I'm not sure myself." You chuckle.

"Or so I thought before the traveller left. Did you know? The traveller confessed to me, but Traveller also told me that they had so many things going on at the moment so.." As you look beyond the sea, you smile genuinely.

"I was wondering that in the world was the Traveller even thinking confessing and leaving me just like that, but now that I think about it. Its wasn't so bad."

Imagine the way you smile, the way your brush back your hair, trying to fix it upon the harsh breeze that have been messing with your hair earlier.

"If the world wants me dead, if the world see me as a threat, what would you do?"

"Huh?"

"What was the question that suddenly came into mind as soon as te Traveller confessed."

"What was the Traveller reply?"

Imagine the way you laugh, the way you smile genuinely as you recall the answer of that silly, adventurous, kind Traveller reply.

Imagine the way Zhongli kept staring at you, you who looked all refesh and happy, bright as you were before. Oh how much it hurts him he was no longer the reason why.

"How about a new world?"

"What?"

"I'll just have to take you to a new world. As you are already aware I wasn't from this world. All we have to do is to escape and find a new world where no one can take you away from me. Although my twin always somes first, I cannot afford to loose you, you know?"

"..." "(First name)? Are you o-?" "Pfff.."

"Did I say something funny?" "No.. hehe, I'm just.. I don't know." Was it relief that you felt?

Imagine the way you let out a sigh. Thinking about the Traveller only makes you miss them more. Perhaps you should have given the Traveller a reply back then but both of you agreed to put more thought into it and give them a reply upon coming back.

"Escape." It was just one word.

"I see." Zhongli replied, this time he looked away from you.

"If you don't mind me asking." "What is it?"

"If it's for the sake of the world, would you be willing to kill them?"

Imagine the way you once again let out a sigh, as you went quite only for a few moments, you face him and tug his sleeve.

"If that person meant the world for you, isn't that enough reason to be selfish?" You chuckle.

"Isn't a world without your beloved would only felt like a living hell?" You added as you never once look away from him.

"It goes on without saying that it's them over the world. That's how much they matter to me, that's how much I love them."

Imagine the way Zhongli chuckle and the way his lips form a bitter smile afterwards nevertheless, he agreed to you and eventually excuse himself. Leaving you all alone in the harbor, all waiting for the Traveller and not him. But it's alright, one way or another, he deserves this.

Imagine as Zhongli walks away from you, you stare at him and as you do so. He looks so lonely. But then you blink as a harsh breeze passes by, turning your look into the horizon, the sun was peacefully setting. How beautiful yet it left a bitter taste in your mouth in which you soon ignore.

"Escape huh."

Imagine, it's not like he did not think about it. But back then, the best choice was to kill you. But after hearing what you said, he starts to doubt if he did perhaps made a mistake, leaving regrets behind. After all, you were right. A world were he couldn't embrace you when you were right in front of him was like a living hell.

Imagine the way it was making him wonder if he was only a little bit selfish, if only he did not listen to the pleads of his people, his friends. If only he tried to find another way. If only he choses the other way. Would the two of you be happy and still together like you were back then?

He doesn't know, after all, those were the choices he didn't take. And this was the consequence he had to face.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 22: without me unofficial part 4

"Oh Morax, I've heard you've retired. What business do I owe you to come into me like this?" Tightening his hold upon the guy.. a fellow being's neck, Zhongli- Morax hold his polearm an inch away from his face. "Where are they?" "Who? Ahhh wait pffff HAHAHAHA urgh-!" Without any tind of hesitation, Morax trusted the blade of his polearm on his stomach. "I asked you." "Where. Are. They." This time, his amber iris glowed much like of a dragon, sending fear down the mans spine and yet having no regrets upon realizing he had accomplished his goals already. "Haven't you heard the news Morax? They're dead. I killed them with my own hands while you were away-"

Imagine the way earthquake were once again frequent in the land of Liyue to the point were it reaches the Harbor. It wouldn't be that much of a big deal at first if it was just once in a while, but nowadays, it goes three times a day, sending fears in the heart of the citizens that lived in it.

Imagine at the same time, deep within the hidden caves in one of the oldest standing mountains of Liyue was their former Archon. Slowly, but surely little by little succumb to erosion as he suffered grieving for his beloved. Questioning every decisions he have made so far and regretting most of it. He should have been there for you, he shouldn't have leave you alone. He shouldn't have let you go, he shouldn't have made that deal that made the two of you further away from each other.

Imagine the pain of loosing you. You who he cherished the most now gone just like that, while he wasn't looking. Imagine the pain, the way a terror roars of a dragon who have lost his mate echos and crumbles the cave. The way the ground shake as he released the feeling of grieving, frustration, anger and self hatred. The way he started lossing himself and the only thing that manages to keep him calm was the flower field that was slowly turning into a wreck upon his own doing.

Imagine the way upon having another harsh session of destroying everything in sight which was nothing but rocks and flowers. He would calm down and cry, asking himself why and why and why. A never ending why. Why does it has to be you. He was fine to admire you from afar, he was fine if you were happy with someone else, he was fine as long as you are happy and not suffering. As long as you're alive and well, he doesn't mind. He was able to bare it for hundreds of thousands of years upon the contract. But now that you were gone. What more does he have?

Imagine if it aren't for you, he wouldn't have change. He wouldn't have much interest to other being, he would still be that same old aggressive God ready to make chaos along the way. He was never interest in making friends, he was never interested in being nice, nor taking people and protecting them. It was all on you, it was you who taught him to be nice, not to take everything for granted. It may not be thay obvious, but looking back. You were the only reason why he decided to keep going. He who aren't that much interest in anything, manage to find every little things matter, all because of you.

Imagine the way Zhongli... the way Morax started loosing himself. The moment he heard.. he moment he felt that you're gone. He just lost it. The way he started looking for the one who did this to you, the one he sealed all those years ago. He was careless, he should have killed him long ago. It was all his fault. Why you were hurting, why you were gone. It was all on him.

"I'm sorry." Kneeling in front of the messed flower field, he grip on one of the flowers. "I'm sorry." He repeated. "My love. Forgive me." He cried and then snap out of the dazed form he was in. Wondering for a moment what he was doing before looking down on his hands only to find a crushed flower in hand, he then flinch. Gently laying down the dead crushed flower in hand, looking at the messed up field, his amber iris where shaken, then he let out a shaky sigh. "What a mess. Let's get it fixed up. They're going to get mad seeing this mess on their lair."

"We need to end things as soon as possible." It was Cloud Retainer that spoke up. "We.. We can't face him alone." "But we need to try. Rex Lapis condition is getting worst. The more time we let by, the more he wouldn't be able to rest in peace peacefully." "What are your thoughts about this, Conqueror of demons?" All eyes turned upon the said Adeptus who have been silently listening on the meeting. "I.. I won't do it." "Alatus." "I'm not participating." He firmly said. "But-" "None of this would have happened if you just let them be in the beginning." "You-" "You can do whatever you want, but I'm out of this." He look at the fellow Adeptus coldly.

Imagine the silence after that. Then one Adeptus spoke up. "I don't get it." It was Streetward Rambler. "It was you who lost your master, who can you cling close to the one who killed her?" "Were you the only one who lost someone?" Xiao asked back. "You lost my master, I lost my master. We all lost her who was very dear to us." "Then why.." Why do you keep defending them just like Rex Lapis? "Why? Because you aren't the only one who lost someone! Just like you, (First name) lost someone very dear to them. They were my master friends too! If only, if only you let them repent the proper way. No one wanted this to happen! Do you think my master would be all happy knowing what you did? No! She wouldn't be! You said you were doing this make them know what they felt when you lost my master?"

"The moment they lost my master within their own hands, the pain was greater and never the same with us! And what? What did you do after that? Force Rex Lapis to stay out of them? For what? For greater pain you might never experience? Because of what? Because you thought that that would make them repent on their actions? They never wanted this to happen! And now what? Rex Lapis has to see them only from afar! Rex Lapis only get to admire them from afar! Do you think my Master would be happy to see this? All happening because of her death? No. I don't think she would be happy, never. If she have known that her death would result like this, she must be disappointed."

Imagine the way Xiao left after that, leaving the rest of the Adeptus on nothing but silence. The Streetward Rambler left with nothing but bundles of regret, little by little realizing her mistakes. Although it wasn't wrong, none can say it was right too. After all, everyone has different way of grieving, in this case, in her case. Maybe she went too far. Hurting and affecting so many lives and love in the process.

"And who you may be? As far as I can remember, My Lover is yet to return, let alone does they have any friends at the moment." "Rex Lapis." "Rex Lapis?" "They're gone." Although they were aware that the being right in front of them were faking kindness right in front of them, just like the first time they've met. As soon as those words left on their side, those amber iris went half lidded with silent rage of a dragon that was ready to blast at them at any moment. "Apologies but I just happened to fixed everything in here. My lover wouldn't appreciate coming back home with their lair all messed up so I would like to ask you to le-" "They're gone, Morax."

Imagine the way those amber iris widen, the sudden ache on his head and the never ending pain on his chest return, at the same time. A glimpse of what happened not too long ago came into mind. They're dead said the laughing bastard, I killed them with my own hands. Have you seen the way they look Morax? Ahhh just thinking about it gives me shivers HAHAHA. Stop. You're not dead, you just went away for a moment like you always did in the past. You just said goodbye to him not to long ago for a short venture. You asked him to look after your lair after giving him a quick peck on the lips. They're dead Morax, I made it sure if I can't have them. Then no one else can. I gave them a choice long ago, but they kept rejecting me, and then you came and they seems to have forgotten about me. "No, they're not dead." "Morax-" "Utter a single word about my beloved and I swear you're goin to meet your demise!"

Imagine the more they try to reason it out, the painful his headache is. The more they kept telling him you're gone, that you're dead. The more he felt rage. Because why do they kept telling him you're dead? Aren't you by his side not to long ago? Who are these beings even? How do they get in here? Where are these memories coming from? Who was the voice inside his head? You'll do just fine without me, My love. Are you really dead? He couldn't believe it, he couldn't accept it. No, fuck. No.

Imagine, the more he thinks about it. The more he looses it, black embers starts to swirl around him, his horns and dragonic teeth showing, his amber iris glowing. Morax, did you ever love me? Just like that, something inside him snap and went out of control. They're dead. They're gone. In a blink of eye, the moment he took his eyes off them, they're gone. Suddenly everything went quiet, just like a calm before the storm. Except this was nothing like a storm, it was a disaster. As the ground starts to shake, the Adeptus were on their guard. But the moment Zhongli.. Morax turn around, the moment they saw those clouded amber iris, they could only think of something. They couldn't win. Because those, those were the eyes of someone who have lost everything, they held no fear, just vengeance. It was destructive, so destructive.

Imagine, despite the fact that even though he was no longer in his prime, despite the effects of erosion, he was still powerful and all mighty. Even with the adeptus trying to snap him out of it, they knew it was too late. And the only way to stop Morax, Rex Lapis was to kill him as fast as possible. That way they would be able to at least end his sufferings quickly as possible. And yet here they are barely hanging on in front of him, their friend. The same friend that they didn't notice was suffering in silence all this time, all because they took you away from him. Making them wonder what kind of friend they were in the first place as they remembered Xiao's word.

Imagine not to far away from the scene was Xiao, watching his Lord, Rex Lapis, someone he had admire for a very long time fall into pits of despair thus is now suffering from erosion and must be put to rest as soon as possible before he was corrupted. Thus imagine the pain for as soon as he steps in the field, those amber iris met his yellow ones. "Zhongli sama." "I don't know what you're talking about, Alatus." Replied Morax as soon as Xiao spoke.

"Zhongli sama, this is enough." "Stop calling me that- I have no memories of taking that persona." "(First nam-)" "Don't. Don't you dare utter the name of my beloved." "(First name) wouldn't want to see you like this, Zhongli sama." "I said stop calling me that name!" "It's okay to cry, Zhongli sama." There was silence after that, only the two of then staring at each other. While he, Morax have obvious wounds and bruises all over his body, Xiao who just came in the scene was all well.

Imagine the way Xiao look a step forward, he wasn't afraid at all. All because he knew deep down, the god, the Archon he respected and was loyal to was deep within the being right in front of him still. "Zhongli sama. It's okay to take a rest now." With every step he take, Morax just stayed still, those clouded amber iris were obviously shaken. "Zhongli sama..-" "Zhongli.. Is the name they've given me." "You remembered." Little by little, light returns to those amber iris. "Yes. Of course it's the game they've given me." Little by little, he started to be calm.

Imagine as Zhongli calms down, that didn't take away the headache he was having, although this time, everything was far clearer. But perhaps with the erosion effect, he left himself getting weaker as moments passed by. Still realizing his outburst and the beins he have end up hurting due to his unstable state. "I-" "It's alright, Rex Lapis." It was the Cloud Retainer. "Despite being blinded by rage, you were unconsciously holding back aren't you?" She chuckle, looking at the direction of the unconscious fellow adeptus. "I know it's too late, far too late but. She- we went too far, didn't we." "No yo-" "You've done enough for this world, don't you think, Zhongli. No, Morax?" There another uninvited yet familiar face came in the scene, Venti or should we say, Barbatos.

Imagine the silence once again, but this time, Morax was rather surprised but eventually let out a sigh before falling back on the ground if it wasn't for Xiao who manage to prevent him from galling back into the ground. He was feeling rather weak but then strange enough, it was welcoming. "What are you doing here?" "I came to say goodbye to an old friend." That made Morax chuckle, it was slow, but visible cracks were now appearing all over his body. "How did you know?" "Whispers in the wind." Venti then kneel right beside Morax who being supported by Xiao as he sat on the ground.

Imagine as moment passed by, Zhongli was rather calm as if he didn't went on a rampage for the last few months after your death. He was calm as if he waiting, maybe he was waiting. Morax. "Zhongli sama." In reply, Zhongli could only humm. "You've done enough, you can rest peacefully now." He didn't failed to notice the way the little hand that was supporting his back was trembling. Morax. "Have I?" He asked and Xiao nodded causing a genuine smile makes it way on Zhongli's lips.

"Yes, you can rest easily now." Xiao reply to the one he respthe most. "Don't make them wait any longer." He added causing Zhongli's eyes to go widen before letting out a heart felt laugh. "Alright." The cracks then starts to spread faster. "Though if you all don't mind." With every bit of strength left as he, Morax started to disintegrate. "Would you mind looking after this place? It's very dear to me, to us."

Imagine as for a moment, everything went black for Morax as he closes his eyes, only for him soon be to blinded by light, causing his brows to frown and hands went to shield his eyes away from the blinding light. And upon adjusting his vision, he soon realised where he was. In the same flower field, except it was endless, and compared to the cave ceiling on your lair, it was rather bright out the sun in here. Not that he minded tho, not when he could hear familiar foot steps approach. And as he did, he turn around. There you were eyes wide as if you did not expect him to sense you approaching him.

Imagine, all across the field, with a good distance between the two of you, your eyes met. And as soon as it does. You let out a laugh and open your arms, and that's all it took him to run after you. Forgetting everything, he ran after you. And as soon as you were within his reach, he pull you into a tight embrace. Burying his face on your neck, breathing your scent, feeling your pulse, your warmth. And you pat him in the back as you embrace him back, closely listening to his rapid heartbeat. "Don't ever asume I could and would bare to live without you ever again." By his words, you laugh continuously patting him at the back. "I'm never living a life without you, keep that in mind." He added.

"Was it that hard without me?" The way he nuzzled close to you was enough to figure out as an answer. "Alright, that was my bad." You smile. "(First name)." "What it is?" Gently withdrawing himself away from you, "I love you." He spoke while looking at you directly in the eyes. "If you ask me again if I ever loved you. The answer is I did, I never stopped, I don't think I could never stop loving you." Brushing away the tears that roll down his cheeks, you kissed him gently. "I love you too. Thank you for making it back to me, my love, my Morax."

Imagine, back in the land of Teyvat where the Adeptus and an old friend was left alone. As Xiao stare at the spot, his arms were Rex Lapis just disappeared from. He felt a hand on his shoulder. "They'll be fine." It was Barbatos, Venti. "What you did was the right thing to do." Although he did say that, there was a bitter smile on Venti's face before he shake his head and only then was a genuine smile on his face. "I guess this makes be the last man standing, Morax." He whispered to himself before turning his attention back to Xiao who was staring at him. "If you don't mind, would you like to listen to my melody tonight?"

A life without you is no life at all.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 23: a modern day au in which Al Haitham

Imagine a modern day au in which Al Haitham kept bumping into his favorite author while he was on a trip.

Imagine the strange coincidence, having your first interaction/meeting the day-dawn at the airport. He, who believe it or not was heart broken upon having his five year relationship with Kaveh, broke up just the day before their anniversary all because things aren't working out anymore. And he who happened to booked a long trip for them overseas now was waiting for the flight alone.

Imagine you on the other hand was the opposite. Although Al Haitham was pretty much well prepared for the trip, his heart was not ready for it. You on the other hand, despite a simple hand bag which contains pretty much your laptop, notebook, favorite pen and pencil, eye mask and important papers. Leaving all keys and phone behind. You're ready.

Imagine the sudden ring of phone that echoed over the silent waiting area. Waking you up from your little nap a little pissed because damn, it's probably three in the morning. Don't they know how to put their phone on a vibrate or silent mode? It goes on for a good five minutes of none stop ringing, almost making ou think it was an alarm but you knew pretty well that was a ringtone.

"Excuse me Sir. Would you mind taking the call if you don't mind? You're waking up the other people as you see?" You sweat dropped as you asked upon seeing his glare at you.

"Mind your own business." Then proceed to hold his phone up, decline the call then shut his phone down. Then ignore you.

"Wow, what a nasty attitude." You whispered to yourself.

Imagine that dawn as the boarding flight was announced, both of you stood up. That dawn, one left with a bit of regret and heavy heart, while the other left everything behind, without an inch of regret.

"Excuse me. Would you mind switching seats with me?"

"Where is your seat?"

"Just right beside yours."

"Sure."

Imagine it does not look like he remember you. Seeing how exhausted his face close up, you could tell he was still pretty handsome despite such appearance. Still remembering his nasty attitude earlier. You decided to shrug it off and continue your nap.

Imagine in the middle of the flight, you woke up with the sound of someone silently crying. Taking off your eye mask, your eyes look around for the source of the sound only for your eyes to land on your seat mate.

Imagine there he was holding a book in one hand while his other was busy brushing off the silent tear that roll down his cheeks. Honestly it was such a sight to see, a man crying because he was reading a book. At least that should have been your thought if you didn't over hear him over the phone earlier.

"Oh?" Your eyes widen as well as him upon your sudden gasp.

"It's been a while since I saw a copy of that." You chuckle, eyes fixed on the book on his hand.

Imagine the way he looks at you, slight dumbfounded beforebe blinks. Looking back and forth to his book and you. He shut it, wiping of the tear on his cheeks, he face you to your surprise.

"You know this?" Referring to the book he was holding.

"Yes? That's one of the first limited edition version of..."

Imagine as you kept going, the more you saw light in those turquoise colored iris. It almost had you chuckle how obvious he is that he was a fanatic of that book he was holding.

Imagine the whole flight you talked about the series of that book as well as the other works of the author in which you found out was his favorite causing you to chuckle over some time. But then fun times were cut off upon the arrival of the plane that both of you did not notice.

"Hey. I'm going ahead now, Mr?"

"Al Haitham." He said offering a hand.

"It's been a while since I saw someone as interested in these books. It was a good time." He admitted like an honest guy causing you to laugh.

"Well Mr. Al Haitham, have you book been signed?"

"Why all of a sudden?? But no. I was busy back in the days, why do you ask?"

"Give it to me."

Imagine the horror on his face as he watched you pull out a pen inhand while his book was on the other hand. Watching you signed the back of the book. You left a little note before handing it back to him who had one of the most interesting dumbfounded look on their face you have ever seen.

"It's been a while since I met a fan of mine. Take care, Al Haitham." You wave him a goodbye as you made your way out the plane.

Imagine the way he stood there for a couple of moments, taking his time to process it all. Things have been going slow for him since yesterday after all, and now this.

Imagine the way he run off the plane despite the warnings he got from the flight attendants. Looking for you as soon as he got out but you were out of his sight. So fast! He thought.

Imagine the on his way to the hotel he was supposed to stay, he opened the book in hand. Looking at the page where you signed, his heart skipped in delight of a fanboy. But then he almost dropped his book in hand as he saw a little note on the corner.

I had a good time.

See you when I see you, Al Haitham.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 24: never in a thousand years of being with the Conqueror of Demons, Yaksha or Xiao

Imagine never in a thousand years of being with the Conqueror of Demons, Yaksha or Xiao as he is now called did you think the time would come where he would have to choose between you and one another.

"Xiao."

"No shut up, don't talk to me."

"Xiao." This time you called him softly.

"Not now (First name) I'm trying to consen-"

"It's okay Xiao, let me go."

Imagine you never imagined this day would come. With the three of you, the traveller and him all bruised up and exhausted. The three of you might have defeated the enemy, but here you are in such situation.

Imagine your arms feels slightly numb upon hanging on for as long as you can remember from the cliff and yet the lingering warm touch of your lover was still felt, the same with his trembling touch. You know he was exhausted, and to make matters worst.

Imagine panting, glancing at your side. There was the unconscious traveller being held by Xiao preventing her from falling.

"What are you saying-"

"You knew very well in times like this decision.. decision must be made. Xiao." You smiled at him as you look at those trembling yellow iris of his.

"The others won't arrive until a while. By the time they arrive it would be too late for the two us." You added, swallowing a mouthful of blood.

"It's on you Xiao."

Imagine the way his eyes continued to tremble upon your words, glancing back and forth between you and Lumine. Strange, why is he looking at you like that. Have he made up his mind?

Imagine, it's not like you would mind if he chose her. But still, feeling a light pang on your chest. You want to cry, the sudden urge to cry was there and yet you continued to hold back your tears with a smile.

"Xiao?" Looking at your lover in daze, you chuckle. But soon stopped upon following his gaze, there was a woman.

"Xiao?" Unconsciously, you hold on into his arm, only then did he snapped at it.

"I'm sorry, what were you talking about again?"

Imagine you knew it from the way he looks at her from afar, you knew there was something. So why is he looking at you like that? Why does he kept looking at you like he was ready to let go of the traveller when she was the first for him to reach out a hand as you barely hang in there.

"Xiao. It's okay." You chuckle, a tear rolling down your cheek.

"It's okay, let me go."

"What are you saying- ugh ."

Imagine, in the split second. The hand that was holding you loosen. Everything felt slow after that, the way his yellow iris widen, the way his jaw dropped. The way you look at your hand before taking it close to your chest, holding the place where his lingering touch was still felt. You smile, it was warm.

Imagine as you look up, strangely warm breeze blowing on your back. You saw Xiao frantically screaming in which seems at you, the way you saw tears running down those eyes makes you wonder why does he have to make it seems like he accidentally let go of you? Why does he have to make it seems like he was still in love with you. Why does it looks like he would jump off that cliff just to chase after you?

Imagine with every but of strength left. You smile at him.

"Don't come."

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 25: modern day! au Kaeya Alberich in college years

Imagine a modern day! au Kaeya Alberich in college years.

Imagine it just hit me that a modern day Kaeya Alberich in collee would be the type of guy who would be coming to school on his big bike, in black jeans and leather jacket. He be looking all cool and bad boy as he takes off his helmet, brushing back this hair off of sweat from the heat.

Imagine despite his looks, the man definitely had straight A's on his report card and barely misses his class despite his hangover most of the time. Every one of his classmates, you included, that he was a troublesome guy only to be proven wrong, he was really a slyly smart guy.

Imagine meeting him in one of Venti's year end party. It maybe not be the first time you saw him, but that was definitely the first time he had ever notices you. You who stand out in the middle of the party, looking slightly out of place but looking absolutely stunning.

"Are you flirting with me?" Modern day Kaeya who gets all flustered once you have caught on with his attempts to make a move on you. The way he stopped talking mid sentence as his cheeks turned red, setting his red cup somewhere.

"Do you mind?" "Actually, no. No I don’t." "Well now that you've known about it. How about we go somewhere nice and quiet?" "Woah, not so fast party boy." "Thats not what I meant!" "I know" giggle, he was cute.

Imagine being in love with a modern day Kaeya Alberich means going on a late night motor rides, dancing in the rain, surprise gifts and food on random days, late night talks with drinks on his balcony as the you try to describe how pretty the night skies were. And he would agree, keeping his eyes at you, never once looking away, he agrees.

"Don't look at me like that." "Look at you like what?" He replied with a chuckle.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 26: falling in the world of Genshin Impact

Imagine falling in the world of Genshin Impact , with your state of body having to become a ghost time in which only the playable characters can see and interact with but only in conversation, never with touch because oh well, they just pass through you.

Imagine forming a bond with different playable characters as you travel with the traveller as they explore the world of Teyvat with you and his companion. Getting to know a different side of characters that was not stated in the game was by far one thing you love the most.

"Why can't I touch you?" A hint of frustration within the voice can be heard.

"I dunno? I fell in here at that state so I have no idea." You shrug, continue to float in the air right beside him.

"I want to touch you."

"I want to feel your warmth"

Imagine the flabbergasted look on your face. You look away. It's not that it hasn't come into mind the possibility of such thing. But to have that words spoken right in front of your face. It's fluttering.

Imagine at the end of the traveller's journey, so was yours too.

Imagine as you stood there in the background, far from what you usually do as most of the time you often join them for fun, you just float in there with a contented smile on your face, and yet eyes wondering were they went.

Imagine knowing your time is up, your adventure is up from this place, you just wished to see them one last time. And yet you can't see them anywhere causing you to let out a sigh as you look down in your almost gone, glitching hand and figure.

Imagine in that short moment, as you kept looking at your almost transparent, missing hand. You look up, and there you found them, all looking at you with horror on their face.

"Hi." You couldn't help but to utter just like first time you said when you fall in this world.

"Wait." There was a sense of urgency in their voice.

"Wait. Fuck, archons. Wait!" You watch them went after you but all you could give them was a genuine smile.

"Goddamn (First name)! I forbid you to leave!"

Imagine in that split moment, they manage to get a hold of you causing yours and their eyes to go wide but the moment you blink you're greeted with the familiar walls of your room.

Imagine as you're finally back in your world, you sat up. You've always thought you'll be so happy going back in here. So why does it feel so empty?

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 27: as Morax stood there in place

Can I tell you a little more in this story?

Imagine as Morax stood there in place as he let the rain slowly and fully soaked him under the rain. The more his bright amber iris slowly dull. Like a fire slowly its frames, extinguished as small breeze passed by.

Imagine it is not even a minute since you are gone. Gone with a smile on your face, a smile that seems to me mocking his entire existence because he could not even protect the only one thing that ever happened to him.

Imagine Morax looking down, next to his feet on the ground was his polearm. Blinking without second thoughts, he grabbed it and snap it to half. Throwing away the useless part without the blade. He grabbed tightly of the remaining pieces with the blade attached to it.

Imagine him holding it up. Holding up the blade a few inches away from his chest. The same blade that pierced you. The same blade of his polearm that he used to take away your life. The same blade that he used to kill the love of his life with his own hand for the sake of his nation.

"I'll be there soon, my love." He said with a rather satisfied dull smile on his face.

Imagine as soon as the blade met with the skin of his chest. It shattered into pieces. Like a sensitive piece of glass it shattered. The same blade that pierced through you shattered like a glass when he used it on himself. What a sudden turn of event was that? It felt like the whole universe was mocking him.

"Hah... Haha... HahahahaHAHAHAHA"

Imagine the way he laugh like a mad man. The way he grab his hair like he was slowly loosing his mind, the other grabbing the pieces of the broken blade on the ground. Kneeling down on the dirty, muddy ground. He picked up the finest pieces of the blade and pierced it through his chest but it just broke once again. The skin was too thick to begin with, a dragon scale.

"Morax, what are you doing to do after I'm gone?"

"Do you really have to ask that?"

"Of course I'll go after you, my love."

Imagine as tears starts to fall down on his cheeks. As his bloody lips barely make a smile. As his hand clench down the blade, it just broke. He just sat there, having his last wish denied upon him.

Imagine, it is not like you were the only one who suffered. You see, Morax loved you very much. He probably, no. He loved you more than everything else. At the same time, the life many over the other would always comes first.

"I'm tired."

Imagine, it is not like Morax never went after you. But it is more like he could not. No matter how hard he tried, a powerful archon like him at that moment could not die no matter how much he tried to kill himself. The thousands of broken polearms and blade were the prof of that. So he could only wait, wait as thousands of years passed by, hoping and waiting for his end. Until the moment he will be by your side again.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 28: Nuevillette significant other

Imagine being Nuevillette significant other.

Imagine always carrying an umbrella with you no matter how sunny and cloudy it is although out the day. It was just a hobby you developed ever since you started dating the Chief Justice of Fontaine. After all, he could be unpredictable sometimes.

Imagine waiting a bit faraway within the city for your lover to get off at work. Currently playing with some otter on the water surface as they reminds you of a certain someone when you felt something on your shoulder only to be dropped by a rain drop on your head followed by another and another until it started getting heavy causing you to let out a sigh and stood up before opening your umbrella.

Imagine humming to yourself as you make your way to the court only to see a familiar figure standing in the middle of the rain as much as to you dismay. Approaching him, you wordlessly place half of the umbrella over his head as he then look down to face you. "It's alright, my love."

Imagine when things are not good for the two of you and were often needed a break for a very heated argument. Not even a day or two but it has been already raining none stop outside your house and just outside your house as if it was not annoying enough at the same time, it was quite funny to see.

Imagine, the thing about being with Nievillette is that whenever he was with you, it never rains. And even if it was raining, it never last for long. Just like now. As you warp one of your arms around his soaked figure as you kept the other firmly holding up the umbrella right above your head. As you kept telling him words of assurance, that it was okay, it was alright. It would be alright.

Imagine as the last rain drop fell from the sky, as you kept tapping him on his back as his face kept burried on your neck. You gently smile to yourself before setting down the umbrella as the rays of sunshine hits the two of you.

"My love." You felt him humm against your skin, refusing to pull away from the comfortable embrace. "My love we should get going, you're soaking wet. You need to get change before you get sick." "I ain't as weak as you think of me, darling." "Yes, yes. But that won't stop me from worrying. Come on, let's go."

Imagine as the two of you walk hand in hand in the streets of Fontaine as the two of you walked and talked on your way home with one of you obviously soaked wet from the rain and the other slightly damped for some obvious reasons. It only gives smile on their street as it was something they already knew about and they have not seen this for a while now.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 29: prequel of the world > you of Morax|Zhongli imagine.

Imagine being in a situation where you have to sacrifice the world for your love one. What would you do? Would you choose to do the greater good for others or for yourself? The answer for you is quite obvious. It would be Morax over the world.

Imagine the Archon War leaving a mental toll on your mental health, constantly seeing your lover fighting, seeing him fight for his and your dear live as well as both of your people. But what leaves you the scar the most is seeing him get hurt, although he was powerful and fearsome, that doesn't mean that he does not escape close call encounter. At times like that, you have nothing to do but to watch there and stood in horror, thinking how much of a baggage were you that you cannot even fight side by side. Because even for a supreme being, you are weak.

Imagine it wasn't just the war that took a toll on you but also the mortals. You have seen people turning their back on their Gods, you have seen people revolts on their Gods, Gods who have done nothing but to protect them and some have lost their lives upon doing so. How fucking cruel and disgusting creatures were they. And how thankful you are that your people were different. That is why this thoughts and memories remained on the back of your mind.

Imagine, or so you thought as you day you have awoken up from a dream, drenched on cold sweat as your heart hammered on your chest. It was a dream- no a nightmare- no... It was a vision. It was a prophecy of your lovers death. Died and assassinated by his-your own people.

"Love?" It was your lover who seems to have been awake.

"Are you alright? You're dren-" You cut him off as you embraced him and he chuckles before turning your embrace, giving you a tap on the back for more comfort.

"Was it a bad dream?" He asked as pull you even more closer to him, taking you in his arms as you could only tighten your hold on him.

"It's alright, Love. I'm here, it's just a dream."

Imagine the truth is that you love your people more than anything, you love them just right after Morax , your lover. That is why you decided not to pay attention to that vision. Because you knew more than anything that your people respect and worship him more than anything.

Imagine Morax should have seen the signs. The way you less and lesser interact with the people. The more you seems cautious of the way they view and talked about him. The way you stay up all night and seems to be lacking of sleep. The way the look of gentleness in your eyes seems to fade the more you look at the people you vow yourself to protect. The way you were slowly falling and experiencing signs of erosion.

"What did you just say, you low life piece of utter shit?" You glare at the man, wanting to snap off his neck if it wasn't for your lover holding you back from doing so.

"I- I was just telling the truth! It's not like Rex Lapis is all that great and might- hick!"

"It's not like I did not heard you the first time. What I'm tying to say it that, do you, know the consequence you have to face for saying such-"

"That's enough, (First name). I would like to apologise on behalf of my lover, they were just.."

Imagine becoming aware that you were losing yourself but it was already too late. All the sleepless nights, the visions that kept showing up and hunting you. The way the people in your vision- your prophecy doesn't even seem to mind that Morax have died. The way the people talks about him these days. The way your memories of the archon war and the people back in those days does not seem to think twice turning their back and raising their weapons on their own beloved Gods.

Imagine one day, you snap. Walking in the city with your fake persona. There comes the man who was just talking shit about Morax on the other day. And the nerve of this man to continue to convince you that he was in fact right, that the world is better off without the Archons, specifically Morax in it, the God of War. The one who seems to have killed the God he was formerly worshipping. The one who according to him should have died instead.

Imagine as his words went one ear to another, you smile at him before talking and convincing him to go on a remote area where no one could see the two of you and of course, bewitched by your beauty, how could he not come with you. Only to get himself killed not even a second the moment the two of you reach your promised location. And during those very moment, the way you look down at your blood stained hand. The way a smile crept up on your lips as a strange sense of satisfaction came into you.

"This is fun." You spoke looking at the bloody scene.

"This is what you get for assume you know better to turn your back against by beloved."

Imagine Morax becoming aware of the missing and killing of people within your land. But what raised his concerns the most is that you don't even seem to mind, but at least you were not going feral as you were quite some time now. So he brush it off and went to investigate only to find out that most of the people declared missing and dead were people who were talking bad about him. Most of those people were refugees of the wars and were formerly worshipping other Gods before him. Nevertheless it was still suspicious and wrong. You have always made it clear with him that people, mortals were fragile being, that is why you should protect them.

so Imagine the horror on Morax face once he have seen you, in the midst of the burning remote village, a bloody child in your hand, grabbing it on the neck as you held it up within your level, a smile on your face which become even more bright one you have seen him when it pained him even more than to see you this way. How could he have not notice this? You were always together, how could he have not notice you were slowly losing youself?

"Wha-" His voice cracked as his mind tried to came up hundreds if not thousand of reason why you have come into this conclusion.

"What- why are you doing this?"

"They were planning a rebellion Morax, how could I not let this slide?"

" No ... no no no no no no no. My Love, what happened to you?"

"Huh? You're asking strange things Morax." Your eye twich as you drop the child on the ground without care.

"Let me handle this kind of things. There is no need for you to lift up a finger okay? I'll keep you safe so let's go home, okay? Thought I'll have to come back and clean up for the rest of them so their is nothing to harm you."

Imagine the moment you tried to walk towards him, you stopped at the way his iconic weapon, a pole arm appeared. Then a smile makes it's way on your lips as you clasp your bloody hand together.

"Oh Morax! I appreciate you trying to help but there is in no need of that-?"

Imagine the look of confusion in your face. The way his weapon was pointed at you, you tilt your head to the side, a look of confusion and hurt could be seen in your face. And then there was anger.

"I am doing this for YOU whaT GIVES YOU THE NERVE TO POINT YOUR WEAPON AT ME?" You screamed at him, sending glares on his way as he looks at you emotionless. As if all emotion of him were turned off.

"Doing this for me? Do you think that was enough reason to do this ? To cause this ?"

"They were trying to revolt against you! They were trying to kill you! Do you think I want this?! I kept having visions! I kept hearing voices! And every single damnn time they were trying to kill you! And you died! Living me alone! I could not handle that! So before everything of that come true, I'll kill them. I'll fucking get rid of them. So don't be mad at me okay? I'm doing this for you, for us." You smile sweetly at him.

Imagine Morax having a mental breakdown at those very moment. The way he was tightly holding his pole arm as you approached him with a sweet smile on your face and damn. How lovely you were in the midst of the burning town and the countless lives taken away by your very own hands.

Imagine him, one of the seven archons praying and begging at these very moment. Oh celestia. Not you, god fucking damn. Not you. This was just a dream, none of this was true. But damn, the way he felt someone, another child clinging on his feet, murmuring cries of help. He swallowed back a sob. Oh celestia, what could- what should he do?

Imagine the way his hand shake, the way he took a deep breath before leaving his chaotic mind behind. His hands were still shaking, but he held his firmly up on your direction. The way you start to emits black smoke as well as the cracks on your face says it was already too late to save you. And as much as it pained him, as much as it fucking kills him to kill you. He has to do it.

"So this is it for us?" You spoke across him.

"No one's going to hurt me, Love."

"My vision says different and you know my vision was never wrong." You chuckle as you did not stop coming at him.

"I know what you're thinking. I don't regret it." The more you approach him, the more his heart ached.

"If I am to make choices over and over again, I'll do the same thing. If it means turning thr world outside the down, if it means burning the world for you, I will, Morax."

Imagine the way his amber iris were shaken as you walked right into his weapon that was preventing you from approaching him. The way his weapon easily and smoothly pierced your chest as he held it firmly.

Imagine the way his mouth close and open, looking down to his weapon and onto you. He saw you smiling as you pull away from the blade of the pole arm, stumbling a couple of stepps backwards but still retaining your balance. He knows that smile, fuck. He knows that smile.

"Celestia. Perhaps, I have done things too far." You spoke as you look down at your bloody hand and chest.

Imagine the way Morax hold back a sob, the way his throat burns as he can't seem to find the right words to say to you. And at the very end, he could only lower his weapon as he utter the words he wanted you to know even after all of this.

"You know I love you, right?"

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 30: Yandere Kamisato Ayato

Imagine a Yandere Kamisato Ayato who would do anything to make you his.

Imagine a meticulous Yandere Ayato who would slowly but surely isolate you from the rest of the world, would make sure you have no one to run into but him and only him. He did not even know when it start, was it the first time he have met you? Or was it during the times in his lowest and you were there to comfort him? He don't know, but if there was something he knew other than to make his clan prosperous again, that is to make you his and only his.

Imagine it started with rumors. It started with nonsense rumors into harmful rumors that surely affect you. The way people looks at you, the way you knew they were talking about you. You did not even do anything wrong and yet they kept talking about you. "What's wrong hmmm? Can you tell me what's wrong (First name)?" "... My lord..." He will make sure he would be the only person you could open up to. He thought as he felt a shiver down his spine as you pull him into an embrace, sniffing and holding on into him as you cried. Just like who you were there at his lowest, he would make sure he was there too, even if he was the cause of that downfall that you would never knew.

Imagine Yandere Ayato who would do anything to have you as his spouse despite the disapproval of his retainers. Be it means blackmailing or wiping them clean with all sorts of reasons of corruption. Yandere Ayato whom when he finally have you in the palm of his hands, would make sure to never let step outside the estate. Saying the world is to dangerous for you to venture. That as long as you stay by his side, you'll be safe and sound, away from the danger and humors going and might come into you. The truth is you've always been so kind, not only to him but also to others, and afraid that that kindness would be taken away from him. He would keep you by his only and only by his side.

Imagine knowing very well of what he was doing. Knowing he was the root of all the rumors that causes your reputation downfall in the lands of Inazuma. "Darling, what do you think of a simple marriage? Just the two of us uhm ugh, and maybe a few guests, my sister- thoma-" "Anything is fine, Ayato." You smile sweetly at him before taking his hand that was place on top of yours and pulling it close on your mouth before giving he back of his hand a kiss. "I'll be here by your side and only by your side, so do whatever you pleased."

Imagine a shiver down his spine, a crazy flustered look on his face, the way his eyes twitch in a bliss of happiness. "Ohhhh how I love you very much, darling." He laughs as he pull you into his arms. "I know Ayato, and I love you too, very , very much." You chuckle and embrace him back, a smirk making it's way on your lips.

Imagine, the thing about a crazy, love sick, manipulative, Yandere Ayato is that you don't mind. Because you were just as crazy and love sick when it comes to him. And knowing your love, loves you as much and as crazy as you were with him. It was trully a great pleasure. "I'm yours, but that means you're mine, okay ?"

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 31: you and Jing Yuan stood across each other

Imagine as you and Jing Yuan stood across each other, weapon in hand. Despite the blood both on your body and faces there was some sort of smiles on your faces. One was a smile of agony and the other was a genuine smile. At that very moment, it felt like anything, anyone besides the two of you have disappeared. Like it was just the two of you in this chaotic field.

"Seriously... how did we come into this?" "Heh, that's a very nice question you have in there." You chuckle, hands playing with your weapon before dropping it. "You-..." "How about we dance?" "Are you crazy-" "Come on now, Love." He hates it when you call them like that, he hates the way it still gives him a lingering feeling on their stomach. "For old times sake?"

Imagine how much he hates this very fucking moment and yet dropping his weapon, he look a deep breath before replying. "For old times sake." It was stranger, how such words could hold so many unsaid feelings, so many memories, so much love .

"You've gotten good at dancing." "I can't have you always taking the lead, can I?" He replied. "Really? Not because you have practice with someone else?" "I only dance with you." "Pfff you're still cute as ever, Love." "Don't call me that." "But you like it when you call me that. See? Your ears are red." "No, it isn't." "Come on don't be silly, it's obviously red!" He hates it, he hates it how you turn your back at them, at him and now act like nothing happens. He hates how much he missed you in his arms.

"This is the last spin." "Such pity how all of this would come to an end." You chuckle as you let him spin only to felt his hold on your hand tighten and the way he somehow felt stiff looking down at his other hand. "You're... bleeding." "Yes, quite for some time now." You chuckle and only then did he notice how much your lips were trembling and how pale looking you were right now. "Then-!" "Come to think of it... how was snowmoon?" Who? Oh right.

"Why aren't you answering? I left my cub with you. But now that I think of it, you've been away for too long. We've been away for too long." "You need to get fix-" "The blade that struck me was lased with poison. Let me lean on you for a moment. I'm quite tired now." "Have you forgotten we're currently enemies-?!" He stopped. He stopped talking as he felt you slowly cooling down in his arms. The way you cling into him. He stopped.

"Jing Yuan... Yuan... My love, my light" Unconsciously, he hold into you. He hold on you tight and he hates it. He hates the way he cling into you, silently wishing and hoping this isn't it. "For old times sake... Can I hear you say it again?" He hates it. He hates it how you could easily take advantage of him by simply uttering those words. "I hate that I love you even after all the shit that you put me-us through. Do you know that?" Then he heard you chuckle. "I'm... sorry." He can feel your hold slowly loosening. "That was the only way... I could... Think off..."

Imagine the way he hates it. He have already seen you turning your back at him and this time, you've leaving him again somewhere far away. "Hey.." "Hmm?" "You're leaving me again." "Hehe... Jing... Yuan..." "... what?" "Thank.. you.."

For old times sake? For old times sake. For the love that once was there, and is still there but we could mo longer hold on into. So just this once, I'll do it for you. Just this once, for the love that was there and would soon be forgotten.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 32: 300 years prior to the current happenings in Fontaine

Imagine 300 years prior to the current happenings in Fontaine. The rain has been pouring non stop for days. Even in the deepest and coldest cell in the land of Fontaine, you can hear the wain pouring hard alongside a few thunderstorms here and there making almost all flinch and yet you remained calm and continue to humm an unfamiliar tune.

Imagine as you look outside the cell, the guard almost flinching, unable to look at your face. Nevertheless you smile, smile to yourself as you could hear a familiar footsteps coming from the distance. And there soon enough, a familiar face came from the distance causing you to stand up from your bed, a bed quite luxurious for a prisoner like you.

"The time has come? I suppose?" You asked, holding up your hand that was chained up, shackles connected to a mass of concrete to weight you down. Rather than answering you, you only heard the cell gate opening. So it did seems like the time has come. "It's quite pouring outside, hmm?" You spoke, never once did a smile left your face.

Imagine, as you step out of the cell. Your (eye color) iris finally met a pair of blue ones. And then he looked away. "I'll be taking this prison from here." "Yes Monsieur Neuvillette." The prison guard salute. And so the silent walk into the court has began. Just the two of you walking side by side, hands resting on front as you drag the heavyweight concrete connected to your shackle.

Imagine only the sound of the pouring rain could be heard as the silence seems to have somehow comforted the two of you. "Is it heavy?" He asked referring to shackles placed upon you. But perhaps he was talking about something else "No, not at all." And that goes for you too. "Can we... Can we-" "We have arrived." You spoke as you arrived at the door that leads to the end of the trial that has been going on for months now.

"As the chief justice, I shall now render (First name)(Last name)'s crime of murder of hundreds of Fontaine citizens that have been gone missing for the past few years, abuse of authority as the head of the Dutchy causing corruption and disorganisation on it. As a human to cause such disruption and harm within not only in the community but also within the country. You are... Guilty ."

Imagine as his cane makes a loud banging noice on the floor, everyone flinched. Yet the calm smile never left you face as if you have seen it all coming, rather, your eyes were focused of the rather havier rain than you could imagine pouring outside the court, drowning the cheer of people inside. As the final verdict was passed on into the machine, Oratrice Mecanique, you just continue to stare outside, the rain seem no sign of stopping by as time passes.

"According to the judgment of Oratrice Mecanique D'analyse Cardinate, (First name)(Lastname) is... guilty, to be punished... via death sentence." Looking away from the scenery outside, you look up only to see him looking at you this time, never once looking away. Eyes seems to be saying something. How do you do this to me is what it seems to you. How could you made me to this to you?

As you stand in place where the punishment shall take place, it front of the crowd and in front of him as well as the Hydro Archon looking at you with an emotionless expression as you gave her a slight nod. Soon your part in the play would be over. "Any last words?" He asked. That made your smile twitch and your eyes once again look at the pouring rain ourside.

"I... I wish it would stop raining... It's quite a gloomy day for my execution, I wish it could be more of a bit sunny today but... It's okay... It's okay, the rain will stop somehow, right?" As soon as you said that, the sound of the rain stopped and everything went black as the look of pain and suffering was reflected in the eyes of your lover. Hydro Dragon, don't cry.

Imagine it was the one of the first unfair trials in the court with after almost a decaded later it was known that it was in fact not the work of the former leader of the Duchy that causes people to went missing as well as the corruption but other people. But the damage was already too late as the blood has been shed and the wrong person have died already.

Imagine little to they know, little does he know, it was part of the plan. And even if it means being one of the sacrifices to return the power that he once have. For his sake, for his sake then you shall do it. Even if it causes your life, it's worth it. Only for him and only him.

Imagine, even if years have gone by. He's still standing on that cliff, hoping and waiting one day. He'll see you again, this time. This time, he will never let you do such a thing. He will keep you safe and sound even if that means defying every since law in this land. So there he is, still standing on that clif, wishing one day, you'll be here again.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 33: Imagine being Genshin Men's the one that got away part 2 featuring Kaeya, Pantalone and Thoma

Imagine being Genshin Men's the one that got away part 2 featuring Kaeya, Pantalone and Thoma.

Kaeya Alberich

Cause now I pay the price.

Imagine being used to be very close to Kaeya and Diluc, with your parents being close to their father, Crepus Ragnvindr. You have always been Diluc's friend every since the two of you were a baby. So the arrival of someone new, someone as pretty and cute and Kaeya was something that both of you were happy and excited of, a new member into te family, a new friend to get along to.

Imagine you were their friend, always hangout out with the set of brothers playing around and causing troubles here and there. The three of you were just unseperatable, and you were also slowly being aware of the feelings you were developing for him.

Imagine Diluc has always been a brother, annoying little brother you never had. And Kaeya, kaeya was different. Maybe it was the fact that you knew he wasn't biological a Ragnvindr and he looked a lot different than Diluc whom you had enough seeing his face of already, but he was different. His smiles lit up your mood, your heart races when he laughs, when he messes with your hair. It was different, you never want to see him as a brother or anything close to it.

Imagine things started to took a turn when Diluc joined the knights and you didn't, Kaeya did follow his steps a little later though. You watch side by side how Diluc becomes the youngest ever appointed Captain to be within the ranks of the Knights of Favonious. "He's awesome, isn't he." "Hmmm." This is enough, just being there by his side.

Imagine pursuing to become a merchant. The three of you going on a different paths with the two closely related to. Diluc was already busy enough tk begin with causing you and Kaeya to be hanging out by yourselves. And those nights, those nights were memorable, it was wonderful. The way he laugh, the way he looks at you, the way the two of you were looking at each other. You can feel it. You might be young, people might say both of you were young, but you knew, damn it, you knew what this is.

Imagine it was raining, it was raining when Crepus died and it was raining when two brothers parted ways with each other with you standing in the middle of it. "Stop it! You're both going to end up hurting each other!" "Did you heard what he said?! Are you deaf?! Crazy?! You heard what he said and you're still sticking on his side?!" "I am not picking anyone's side in here! What I'm trying to say it that you calm the fuck down-! Dilu-! Kaeya!" As you tried to interfere midway, you were pull by the back of your neck backwards as a bird like flame of fires came into yours and Kaeya's direction.

Imagine that night, you gain a pretty deep scar on your side, cause by the burn of your best friend as well as the intense icy frost that comes after it. Not only that, not only did you lost your childhood friend, but you also lost him, Kaeya. "I'm sorry." It was pouring hard as he kneel by your side. "I'm sorry." He spoke once again, his fingers slowly slipping away from yours. "Kaey-" "I'm sorry." Then he left.

Imagine , one of the hardest thing Kaeya ever did was to walk away from you that night, knowing what he- what the two of you coulf have been has now down the drain, and will forever remain their frozen in time.

Imagine that same night the two brothers fell out, so does everything connected to them, you. Dilic left without a word. And Kaeya started ignoring you. Maybe it was because out of guilt, maybe it's because of the things he said that night. But if there was one thing for sure is that he won't see you, he won't talk to you. No matter now much you begged, he never did. He was all that you have now, and you're pretty sure that goes the same way for him, so why is he okay? How could he be okay? Fuck it.

"They left." "I know." "I heard they might not come back." "... I know." "You're not going to see them? They're still waiting for you outside." "... No." And so you left.

Imagine , Kaeya has always been aware that there was something going on with the two of you. You were quite different after all, different when it comes to him and Diluc. And it was quite obvious to be honest. So when he started ignoring you after that night, it was strange and funny. How his heart would often ache just by you calling his name.

Imagine when you left, a part of him left with you too. You were... everything after all. It may not be obvious, but you and Diluc were his everything back then. So as years have gone by, things like his were on the back of his mind, long to be forgotten. Just like what he was always hoping to. Or so he thought.

"One glass of wine please!" He utter with a smile, one way of teasing Diluc as the red hair started serving behind the counter when the familiar bell rings indicating an incoming customer "And one beer for me." And there comes the ache again. As the two head turn, one red and one blue. "It's been awhile." They smiled, the same damn smile they always gave them.

Imagine after a long moment of silence, he manage to hold up a smile. "Back in town?" "Oh you bet! It's been so long!" "You should have given us a heads up before you came back." "Oh please, I don't want to hear that coming from you, who left without a word, Diluc." You joked, even giving Kaeya a side eye as you made fun of the other guy, just like the old times but there was something obviously different. The way you look at him...

Imagine it was a joyful yet silent night for the three of you, with Kaeya just smiling, butting in for a few times but just there by the side, it was quite uncharacteristic of him, just casually playing with the wine on his hand before it was time to go. "Well, I got to get going." "Already?" You pout, Diluc scoffing at your reaction but somehow giving Kaeya a look of concern. "Duty calls." He laughs before giving you and Diluc a playful smirk then walking out of the pub.

Imagine as soon as he did, he let out a deep sigh before walking towards the direction of the headquarters. And just like all those years back, his heart ached every steps he take. Then he stops, look back, then look up then down to his feet as he hold a hand on his mouth. The way you look at him right now. "Oh Barbatos." He suddenly laughs. "I'm late, am I?" He added.

"Kaeya!" Unlike before where no matter how much you called after him, he did not turn around. This time, he turn around to face you. "Miss me already?" "Yeah!" You laughs, and oh celestia. How wonderful that laugh sounds. "Let's grab a drink in sometime okay? When you're not so busy!" "Alright, but your treat, okay?" "Aww! Come on now!"

You were a wonderful experience even if you're never mine.

Pantalone

Can all this mora buy me a time machine, no.

Imagine growing up with Regrator on a very poor neighbourhood, basically in the streets. It was pretty much forgotten how the two of you first met but what was important is that the two of you have manage to stick together in tough times. Being young, broke, and basically has no one to take care of the two of you. The two of you only have each other to hold on and lean on into. That was the childhood of the Regrator.

Imagine , now that he is practically the richest man in Teyvat, there was no other things he couldn't buy at the same time. There was nothing that picks his interest. "What do you think, (Your name). It's such a shame that the gift I was planning to give Tsaritsa was stolen within the warehouse, though. I'm quite thankful the things I've bought for you was safe." "..."

Imagine they said that the Regrator was a man of desire, a man greedy for money for some reasons for they do not know where he have come from nor his goals. He was also quite close to the Doctor, someone almost everyone was too scared to talk into. There were a lot of things that came into mind when asked about the Regrator but if there was something obvious that no one talks about was the torn, ragged and almost faded picture on his office table not fiting for its picture frame that probably causes hundreds, no millions if not much higher cause of mora. And no one was allowed to talk about it.

Imagine , life was tough for you and the Regrator. But you manage to make it side by side. You manage to survive though that poor environment. Then he started making money, he starts finding a way to get you out of then damn place. You were there when he started a new goal. When he started pursuing his goal. Life was tough, it was but at least you have each other by your side.

Imagine, Pantalone was wise. He was greedy, but he was wise. You knew that, you knew him more than anyone else. So imagine one day as the two of you gets back to the old worn house, if you could call it a house. You felt a sharp pain on your chest. Causing you to frown and reach out a hand to massage it. "Are you okay?" "Yeah, just a little tired."

"I kept getting flashbacks nowadays." "..." "It was good- good old days, I suppose." He chuckle in contrast to the fake smiles and laughs he was giving other poeple specially in business. "I don't think I will be back anytime now, (Your name). You'll still be here when I came back, no?" "..." "I'll see you later, my treasure."

"Please... please please I'm begging you. Please treat her I- I'll make sure to pay la-" "Get out! I have no plans to treat beggars like you!" "No ple-" "Get lost!" As the door closes for the fifteenth time that night, and by the harsh impact, he ended up taking a step back that ended up with him falling backwards with you in his arms, keeping his arms around you to protect you from the fall as he could feel you burning up in his arms, quite trembling.

"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck... Just a little bit (Your name)... Just a little bit." Why does it has to be this way? Eveything was doing fine. The two of you have finally manage to save up some money to start up a business and it was doing fine. In fact you would be having your profit in days to come even though you two were quite broke right now. Why do you have to be sick right now? No wait no no, he's not blaming you. Just. Fuck. If only he has a vision, if only those so called Gods could help right now, create some miracle. FUCK!

Imagine , as a new recruit fatui member carelessly and mindlessly barge in into the office room of the Regrator. Even foolishly touching things here and there in the room, as soon as he took a lift up a book within the shelf, the shelf moved causing the newbie to gasp nevertheless as curiosity got the best of the her, she followed down the road where it leads into a small cozy room but there was something which causes her jaw to drop.

Imagine , in the corner of the room was a glass like container, which contains a doll, no. It was too realistic to be a doll. It was a person. A person who seems to be sleeping but the newbie knew really well that that was a corpse. Talking a few steps to get a closer look. She noticed that the corpse was well dressed, be it on the silk that made up the clothes, the jewellery that compliments the overall looks of it to the shoes and even the (hair color) hair that seems to the styled by the best hair artist in teyvat. It looks like tons of mora was wasted on such corpse.

"I would have understand if they were alive, in fact it would have been worth the mora if they were only alive. Is it the hobby of the Regrator to dress up such thing? Such a weird hobby." "Are you done?" "Ah sir!" As the newbie was about to turn around, she couldn't, already missing her head. "Ah ah, look at the mess you made, Dottore." "You'll make a bigger mess if you took care of it. See the blood already staining the glass of your beloved?"

Imagine Pantalone rolling his eyes at Dottore who just smirk before leaving the room. He already had enough of the thing that was about to happen, besides he just happened to have a new lab rat he just killed because a certain someone wouldn't leave him alone to make something .

"Pantalone." He felt your hand clenching around his. It was warm. "You're warm" You smile. "I wish we could stay like this forever." "The Doctor is coming... Hold on a little more, okay?" Despite the intense pain you are feeling right now was you tried to hold on into every little bit of consciousness you have left. "Pantalone..." "They're coming okay? Just a wai-" "I'm tired." You snuggle even closer to him. "I want to sleep... Can I sleep?" "No... no no no no no no." "Aww. Why?" You tried to open your eyes. Wanting to see him again for the last time. "I lived a good life." "No, I haven't given you that good life yet. Not yet, please. Please please in a moment the doct-" "Pantalone... I'm going to sleep now. Okay?" As you shut your eyes forever, never once did the doctor came.

"I'm sorry, look at how messy the room has become." He apologizes as he approaches and hold on into the glass were you were being contained and preserved. "Since no one is allowed to enter this room other than Dottore, I would have him clean up the room." He sigh before pressing his forehead on the glass. "He said it woulk take time and money to find a cure for you but don't worry. I would be willing to spend all the money in the world as long as you wake up again, okay?" "..." "I cannot wait for that day to come so for now I apologize but you have no choice but to stay asleep."

I'm sorry for leaving so early, for leaving you all on your own to face the world, I love you.

Thoma

In another life, I would make you stay.

Imagine you were his childhood friend, his best friend, his partner in crime and the list could go on for so long as the two of you basically grew up together. His father being on of the servants within your household and him being allowed to stay whenever he would come to Inazuma after the vacation of his father back in Mondstand. To Thoma, you were someone whom he knows very well. After all, you were his first master to serve before the Lord of the Kamisato in present times.

Imagine you were the heir to one of the prestigious clan within Inazuma. And as the heir comes with responsibility, the training was very harsh and strict, you could never let your guard down even for a child who should only be enjoying wonderful things in life. But you are different, those (hair color) hair and (eye color) iris that your clan seems to worship, the true appearance and characteristics of a heir they say that would only come once per generation. It was nothing but a curse to you.

Imagine growing up in a strict environment. With your younger siblings basically neglected from the parental things that one child needed, you were the one to fill in the role for them. Giving them all your free time, making sure not to let them experience the same treatment that was given to you. Basically the puppet of the elders within the clan. To be honest it was exhausting. You knew your parents loves you at the same time the way they are treating you, saying it was for the greater good was something you hate then for. And to add the neglectful treatment of your siblings, you basically becoming the parental figure to them when you yourself is lacking one. And you hate them, you hate the freedom they have that you have and probably would never got.

Imagine that is where Thoma came into. The shy but kind boy from Mondstand who came with his father one day and started interactin with you. Following you anywhere, watching you do what you're supposed to do such as train and studies. It was strange to be honest, but the more he get to know you and the more you get to know him, the more he influences you. You started smiling, laughing. Started enjoying the little things in life you never really looked into before.

"Will you be back?" You cling into the hem of his shirt as he gives you a toothy grin. "I will, little lord-" "(First name). Call me (First name)." As soon as you said that, his eyes widen, then he giggle. "Alright, (First name)." With your little hands letting go of his shirt, "Wait." "Hmm? What is it?" "What's your name." "..." "I've been playing with you for a month and you don't even know my name?" "..." "It's Thoma." "... Thoma, huh." "Yes! Don't forget that!" Although that did earn him a roll of eyes as you turn your back at him. You never forgot his name.

Imagine the more you two grew close, the more you felt freedom within him. Maybe it's because of the land where he came from, Mondstant was it? The city of Freedom as they called it. At the same time, behind the laughs and smiles you express as he comes by. Was the more hasher and strict the rules for you had become. The more you were focused to the goal of becoming the perfect heir for them, as you should have become. It was slowly ruining you, it was slowly killing you from the inside despite the smiles and freedom you have whenever you are with your sisters, but more specially with Thoma.

Imagine , on your becoming of age. Despite the celebration of the whole village, the whole manor. You're not happy. You're not happy at all. All the unwanted responsibilities, the expectations. The lack of freedom, love. Your sisters and Thoma was all you have. They were all you have left and the music that Thoma have taught you. The music that seems to have set you free. But in order to pursue that dream, you must leave. But how could you leave?

"Are you alright?" He spoke as he stand next to you who was in the middle of the hall. "Why won't I be?" "You really look like you want to leave right now." "... Want to dance?" "Right now?" "Right now. Let's go." You urge him, standing up from your seat as you hold up a hand for him to take. And he did, with a smile on his and your face, you let him guide you in the middle of the hall, causing people to move away as you move, probably confused at the same time because this is far from the custom this country has. And this, a dance was something common to his culture.

"(First name)!" It was only after the dance that you part ways with Thoma and meet up with your sister when the youngest came into you with... a lovestruck look on her face? "Who was that guy?" "Huh?" What is this sudden feeling of uneasy? You have never felt like this before. "The one you danced with! Who is he?!" She asked enthusiastically. "I have never seen him before! Who is he?" "Huh?" This time, your lips unconsciously curl up, the feeling of wanting to laugh and throw up was building up all at the same time. "(First name). Introduced me to him, please?" Huh? "Sure."

Imagine things happened fast. One moment your sister came up to you and the next moment you were introducing her to Thoma who seems to took a liking on her. Making you realise that this was in fact the first time they have meet, your sister has always been in one of the spare houses within the village and not in the main manor. On the heirs stats in their and so does Thoma, who happened to be your best friend and one of your close aide when he was on vacation to Inazuma.

"Your sister is very kind. I think... I think I may have liked her." He laughs and so did you. At the same time something inside you broke. Was it your heart? Maybe? But for the first time in your life, the urge to get away finally kicked in as if you have lost all means of any reason to stay. So that night. That night you left, you left as you have no other reason to stay with so many things waiting for you, your freedom.

Imagine how hurt, confused, and lost they all are when you left without a word. Not even a letter. But then again, everyone in your family, sisters aside seems to have moved on easily. But eventually he does too, leaving your family clan into the Kamisato, someone your other sister was once in a relationship with too and work there while being in a relationship with your youngest sister.

Imagine years after you were gone. Came back. As the main family gathered in the estate. With him standing next to your sister, all these years staying strong and engaged. His Lord, Kamisato standing rigt across him with your other sister by his side yet knowing the cold look on his face, he knew his Lord wasn't happy. Your parents currently out the room, greeting you probably who came back after long years of disappearance.

"It's... been so long... everyone." It was a voice he haven't heard for so long. A voice he have long forgotten but knows who it was if he had heard it in the middle of the crowd. And the very moment you emerge into the room. Everything seems to stop, your smile. It was brighter than ever, than those nights the two of you would sneak out to have some fun. This time, he knew you were happy. "Thoma! It's been so long! How are you."

Imagine he don't know how to reply, his heart beating wildly on his chest upon seeing you again. He without thinking, he pull you into a hug, breathing your scent he have missed for so long. Oh Archons, how much he missed you. "Hahahahahaha missed me that much Thoma?" "Oh you little- of course I do! How have you been?! Are you coming back for goo-" Mid sentence were you pulled away from him, a pair of strong arms warped around your waist pulling you away from Thoma. "Too close." Your fiance pout on your shoulder. Huh?

"Darling, behave. Don't embarrass me in front of an old friend." You giggle but doesn't break away from your lover's arms. Huh? "Oh right, Darling. This is Thoma, the one I often told you about in my childhood, the one who taught me how to play instruments? And Thoma, this is my fiance..." he couldn't hear it. But he could hear the a cracking noise from somewhere. Was it his own heart breaking? Why was it breaking? He was in love with your sister. Why is he feeling this way? Should he be feeling this way? Wh- huh?

"What are you doing here?" You spoke as you emerged from behind. It was midnight, and it was right after the banquet that everyone was supposed to sleep when you two happened to see each other from the old stop where the two of you often meet in the past to sneak out. "Can't fall asleep?" You asked and he shook his head. "Don't worry, I'm the same. Probably home sick, I'm glad that my lover was able to fall asleep easily though, probably quite nervous into meeting my family, specially upon confrontation with my parents." You chuckle and sat beside him.

Imagine the comfortable silence, or at least for you as he was drown in thoughts. Thoughts he shouldn't be having but right now, he does. "(First name)." "Yeah?" "Would you leave if I told you to stay?" "Back then? I would probably have." "I see." "But I don't think we would work out." "... What makes you think so?" "My sister was inlove with you, and you were in the process of falling for her. You know back then I would do anything for my sisters" You chuckle, looking from to the sky then on him. "Right?" And then he look away.

"I should get going." "Already?" "Yeah, my lover would be anxious not to see me by their side when they wake up." "You love them alot." "I do." You chuckle. "I do love them alot. I wouldn't come back here if I don't." You shook your head before standing up. "Don't stay up later for so long, you may catch a cold." You spoke then messes with his hair then started to walk outside. "And Thoma?" "... Yeah?" "Thank you for staying by my sister side. It's really good to see you again."

I loved you too early, and you love me too late.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 34: twin traveller older siblings featuring honkai characters

Imagine being the twin traveller older siblings featuring honkai characters.

Imagine being in one of the planets that the trio, Dan Heng, March 7th and the trailblazer just happened to dropped by upon having some errands to un when they happened to come across you, You who was going planet to planet hopin to find your younger siblings, a twin that have been gone missing for some time now.

Imagine upon interaction, they find you quite intimidating. Your first meeting was after all, not very pleasant but thanks to you managing to put them out of troubles they would have been facing just like their other ventures. This might be the first time they manage to get out of trouble so quickly because of you. That might also be the reason why they somehow come to pursue you into tagging along with them, hoping to help you find the world your younger siblings where.

"You know, I'm starting to keep like I only came here to be the babysitter of this group. I should have taken upon Welt's offer to stay with him back in the express." "Hey! We're not kids!" "Yes, yes. Just a bunch of troublemaking idiots." You laugh as if the four of you aren't basically surrounded and accused of some shit. Then a figure on the corner of your eyes caught your attention but before you could even say a thing, a ball was thrown and a cloud of smoke soon appeared. Oh here goes another fucking trouble.

Imagine being put in a troublesome situation was nothing knew to you. With your younger siblings constantly causing troubles here and there whenever they were to venture another world, you were used to cleaning up their mess, just like who you decided to watch out for these dumbass trio. Looking at near distance as the trio converse happily with each other, talkig about the missions and experiences they have experienced in the other planet you've been through. You cannot help but to stare longingly.

"I hope they aren't too much to handle." It was Welt. "Oh them? Not really." You chuckle, looking to your side to find the man in there. "My siblings were far more troublesome than they are." "Sounds like they messed up alot." "They do... In fact there was this one time were they..."

"Oh fuck." You quickly look down and took a quick step behind Dan Heng. "???" "What's wrong?" The trio looked back worried at you when you urge them to look forward. "I just remember I've been here before." "Is there something that matter about that?" "Yes!" You shouted but quick cover your mouth. You shouldn't have accompanied them in this place. "You see that man in there? That's one of my ex." "Ex???" "Your ex is the Dozing General?!" "Yes! Now hush before he remember me!"

"The kids are rather worried." "Were they? Sweet." You reply with a chuckle. "Are you okay?" "I... I am okay." You sigh before looking away from the endless stars outside the express. "Are you sure?" Welt asked, eyes meeting yours that seems to bring comfort into you. "I... I'm just worried about my siblings. I had this feeling... I kept feeling off nowadays... I'm worried that something bad happened to them..." You said with a rather defeated sigh before once again looking back to the stars. "It makes me wonder if things would have been different if I came with them when they asked me too. They're not kids anymore, but still, having me with them might bring some difference, you know? If only I wasn't stubborn maybe I would know where they have gone to. If only..." "Hey, I'm sure they're alright. Okay? They're safe. We'll find them soom enough, okay?"

Imagine it was finally the time to say goodbye. With the trio and Welt sending you off, you smile at them before chuckling. "It was nice meeting you all." "Do you really have to go?" "Really March? Of course they have to go." "But do they really need to go?" Trailblazer pout causing you to laugh. "Yes kiddo, unfortunately I need to go, alone this time." Turning away from the trio. "I'll get going now. Please do send her my regards and apologies for parting without her on sight." "Alright. May you have a great journey ahead of you."

Imagine feeling your siblings closed by, although there was no visible planet on sight. You knew where they are. You've been there before after all, so who would have ever thought that that is where they have gone by. Why Teyvat of all world to choose from? That world is quite, complicated. Bounded by some unwanted rules and principles. And by the looks of it, given their scattered energy, your gut feeling was right to feel like something was off from the moment you lost contact with them.

Imagine with a little bit of regret but endless of good memories you have. You smile at them and bid your goodbye for the last time saying, "If chances permits I'd be happy to come aboard again." And then you disappeared. Only to appear as another falling star on the land of teyvat.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 35: Ayato

Imagine sitting next to each other a meter away from each other as the two of you surrounded with nothing but silence as you two watch as dawn came upon he horizon.

"Have you ever wonder?"

"Wonder about what?"

"What we could have been if you aren't the Head of the Kamisato Clan."

Imagine the return of silence. Only the sound of the breeze came upon that makes you look away from the horizon into the guy right beside you. He was always like that. So close yet so far away. Someone within reach but you do not dare reach out.

Imagine the way you turn to look at the horizon, the sun was starting to emerge, painting the endless sea into warm colors as the day starts.

"I used to think about it alot. But I don't do that nowadays. There is no used thinking about the what ifs. "

"I see." You chuckle.

"The sun is rising. I need to get going now, My lord"

Imagine as you were about to stand up, a hand grab your wirst. It was Kamisato Ayato looking at you, holding you tightly yet gently. As if if you were to brush his hands off away from yours, he would not hesitate to let go. Letting you know how easily he could and have already let you go.

"Anything else, My lord?"

"Can you stay...? Until the sun rises... Just until the sun rises..."

"... You're cruel until the very end... aren't you?" You spoke, not missing the pained look in his eyes that disappeared in a blink on an eye.

"Fine, just until the sun rises."

Imagine, they say that sun rises was a sign of new beginning, a new day. Perhaps it was right, painfully right as the two of you has now gone through different ways.

Imagine, looking at the sun that has rise from the horizon, a small, beautiful yet painful smile makes it's way on your lips as you stood up. Brushing off the invisible dirty on your clothes, you smoothen it out before turning your back on the man you loved, still love.

"(First name). Write me a letter once you arrived... okay ?" Why does it sound like he was about to cry?

"...I.." With a deep breath and a clear of throat as you tried to hold on into every bit of your emotions.

"It's quite early, but congratulations on your marriage soon to happened, My lord."

Imagine, if only you looked back. If only you had the courage to look back. You would have seen how lonely he have become upon your departure. You would have seen how he was begging of you to stay as selfish as it may have seen. Because let's face it. You are whom he loves, but not the one he needed for the sake of his Clan.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2023°

Chapter 36: Al Haitham wraps his arm around you

"Darling?" "Just a minute, I'll be there soon Haitham." You replied, back turn into him as you focuses on finishing the last portion of your paper in the midst of the night. There was no words spoken after that, making you think that your lover had once again fallen back to his slumber, causing your lips to curl up for a moment before going back into a thin line.

"Darling." Or so you thought. "In a minute Haitham, I'll-" "-Be here soon. That's what you said before I closed my eyes. What... what time is it now?" Never once did you look back now look away from the papers you were reviewing before signing. Still what seemed to make you frown is that it seemed endless, you've been doing this earlier this day. Why does not it feels like it was becoming less at all?

You can feel a heartache that has been forming sine earlier finally coming into you. Nevertheless you only focused on your papers, unable to detect the presence of your lover slowly approaching you from behind. It was not until you felt his touch on your shoulder that you flinch. "That's enough." "But-" "No buts darling. You can finish that the other day." "But-!" You were cut off with a peck on your lips. "Let's go to sleep."

"Comfortable?" "Hmmm." You nod, comfortable underneath the sheets as he tuck you in before laying down right beside you. "Was I too loud?" You asked in the midst of silence, feeling quite sleepy as soon as you laid down in the bed. "No." "Then what waked you up?" You yawn, snuggling close to him. "You aren't right beside me." "What was that?" "Nothing."

Imagine the way Al Haitham wraps his arm around you, pulling you close to him before pressing a kiss on your forehead. "Goodnight." "Goodnight, I love you." "I love you too."

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 37: tell me a lie, zhongli

"So it's true! You and her- Guizhong were a thing. Then what the hell does that make me Morax?!" "Can you just drop it of? We're in a hurry." He was tired. And their friend was in danger. "No! Knowing you'll be out there to save your other lover, tell me the truth Morax! Is it true?!" It was the same topic of argument for some time now. He had been denying it over and over again, he just cannot seem to understand why you kept insisting even after hearing him say that was not the case. And he was getting tired of it.

Guizhong was just a friend and that very same friend is now in danger if they do not arrive at rhe right time and here he is getting hold up because of your questions. And knowing you would not let him go even if he were to deny it because that was the truth. Maybe he should give in for now to avoid further more questioning and leave as fast as he can so he could come back to you in now time, knowing that he could easily resolve the misunderstanding and his lies. "You know what. It's true. Now if you just get out of the way, I need to save her." "Wha-what? Wa-wait! Morax-!"

He did not mean to be harsh than he already is. He was just mad, mad because he saw no reason why you should get jealous of a friend, a common friend of yours. Mad because he was running late and a little more than to it could possibly result the death of a dear friend. At the same time, he was mad at himself for leaving that way. But he knew he could always explain when he came back into you. The two of you could always sort it out after the battle like you two always does.

So why? So why in the world- celestia were everything was on fire. And you were in the middle of it, leaning on your weapon for support, blood running down all the way from your temple into your chin. It was not just that. You are bleeding, bleeding all over. Why. Why why why why why? Just what the hell happened in here?

"Don't come." You utter, despite the fact that you could barely stand, you painfully look forward to your lover... heh, can he still be called a lover when he already admitted that he betrayed you? "Some..." you pant. "Some beings came into the city while you were away... hahh , I manage to defend the city until all the people manage to flee but- cough! Hahh , the god manage to escape."

"No. No no no no no." It was getting hard to breathe, nevertheless you should see Morax from afar, running towards you. "Bastard- I told you not to come he-!" You stagger forward, for a moment losing consciousness, still, you embrace yourself with the thought of you hitting the ground. But you never did.

"Let go." "It was a lie. There was no one else." "Morax- I said-" "I was in a hurry, I did not mean to say those words. Guizhong was only a friend. Believe me. God - Celestia. There is no one else. I'm sorry. I'm sorry . Please don't leave me ." He was hugging, cradling you in his arms. His tears rolling down his cheeks, into your own but you were feeling quite numb to notice that.

"It's..." You tried to hold up a hand but you could only feel the pain and the more it drains you. In the end you could only hold on into his arm. "It's okay... you don't have to lie to make me... feel better." You tried to smile to make him feel better, so why does it look like he was about to lose his whole world? "No. No please. It's nothing like that. I was a fool, I am a fool. Please believe me there is no one else but you. (First name). Please ."

You knew he was talking, you can see him talking despite how things were slowly starting to go blurr, you can hear a few words but cannot seemed to focus on it when there is a high pitched ring that makes you unable to focus on what he was saying. Also, "It's cold." You mumble, fighting everything you can to stay conscious.

"Fuck!" Morax can feel your body slowly but surely cooling down. Suddenly his heart dropped as he panicked, he was getting anxious. He felt fear for the first time in his life. "Hold on, please hold on." He tried, he tried his best to fix you with his powers but it was no avail. You have so many wounds, you have already lost a lot of blood. You were dying all ago. "Fuck." He cursed once again. "Fuck, fuck! I told you to hold on (First name)!" He was getting mad again.

Morax felt like he was going mad, he felt like he was about to get crazy. Specially when he saw you starting to close your eyes. He felt a shiver down his spine. "Don't you dare close your eyes (First name)!" Not like this, not when you seemed to sure that he never loved- love you. "Fuck!" His amber iris were glowing with that presence of a dragon. "Don't you dare fell asleep (First name). I'm begging you please-?" He felt a light squeeze on his arm.

"Its.. okay." Taking your last breath, Morax felt the heavy weight of your now dead body in his arms. Your hand falling to your side as your head rest in his chest. At that very moment a rain drop fell from the sky, Morax arms were trembling yet still manage to pull you closer to him as if trying to find a little warmth. "Hah, hahaha. HAHAHAHAHAHA."

That day, the dragon lost his mate. His one and only mate as his anguish cries were heard all throughout their land.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 38: hot season diluc

"Why are you avoiding me?" It was those words that made you look up from the book novel that you are reading. There was your lover hovering over you, causing you to frown and slightly move away. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Don't lie, even now you're avoiding me." This time, he looked so frustrated, he look like he was about to cry if you do actually admit you are avioding him in which you are not. "Look, Luc. I'm not ignoring you, okay?" You spoke, brushing him off as you stood up and went towards where the open window is.

He went towards you to follow you when you hold up a hand to make some distance between the two of you. For the first time these days were you have been avoiding him, there was a pained look on his face that made your eyes go wide. Quickly setting your book down as you hurriedly chase after him who was now walking out of the room. "Wait! I'm not ignoring you, I swear to Lord Barbatos! I just need some distance between us okay?!" You explain in panicked.

"Isn't that the same thing?" There was a small sad smile on his lips, "Are you tired of me- of us -?!" "No! That's not what I meant! It's just you're hot!" .... "Huh?" He was dumbfounded. What did you just say? "I'm hot ?" "No! Not the hot you're talking about but you're hot, it's hot!"

Then it sink in, these nights were you refused to be held, the lack of skin ship the two of you had except for a kiss here and there. You putting up a good distance between the two of you. It is summer, and it is hot as fuck. And he is a pryo user and they sometimes emits heat unknowingly, it can be because of the cold, or maybe because of the heat that it affects them unknowingly.

"Ah." "I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away, I thought you were doing in on purpose knowing how Kaeya and I have been messing with you before. I didn't mean to ignore you. It was just... it's so hot." You look down, of course it was fun to tease him, but now knowing he has been turning all along unknowingly to you, you felt sorry for your behaviour. "Forgive me?"

"Only if you let me cuddle with you at night." He smirks, holding your free hand that was not holding the book. This causes you to groan and pout. "But it's hot..." "Well make it work somehow." He laughs. What more can you do when you are blinded by his bright laughter? " Fine! Just make the room cool somehow before we settle down" "Of course, my love." He spoke, putting your hand close to his lips before giving it a kiss.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

 

Chapter 39: hydro dragon, don't cry

Humans can be cruel ang cunning creatures. If not then crimes and wars would have never happened. They are beings who are capable of hurting each other for the sake of their own gain. They would not hesitate to use each other and kill each other.

That is the human on Neuvillette, the new iudex of Fontaine. He does not even know why he accepted such invitation. In the first place, his hesrt was distant from the people. His imagine of them was quite... bad. Maybe that was just his discrimination, but the more he get to stand on trial, then more distorted his imagine of mortals become.

And then he met you. You who was a human, but different from the humans that the knew. You were just... different. You do not look at him with fear nor do you look at him with indifference. The way you act around him, you just act like yourself.

He met you in a rainy day, a rainy day after a trial. He was walking unbothered under the rain, when a figure with umbrella started walking towards him. "Ah- Ah! Mister-!" At first, he ignore it despite the softness of the voice whom was talking to him . "Wait-!" He was avoiding people as good as he can. He saw no good in interacting with them.

"Hey!" He was getting pissed to be honest, the rain was getting heavier and once in a while a thunder could be heard. He was ready to brush the person off when suddenly, the rain stopped. There was an umbrella over his head. "Are you crazy! At this rate you're going to get sick!" What? Neuvillette was stunned, letting himself get dragged by this mortal who does not seem to recognise him or did they? "Iudex or not, what are you thinking walking under the pouring rain? Here! Take this umbrella!" After going under some shade, he watch you left him out much thought, he was holding your umbrella as you only have your hands protecting you from the rain.

You are weird. Weird in a good way that does not make sense. Maybe it was a coincidence, but after thatm he kept bumping into you. In his walk in his way into the court and when he was coming back from the court. In the path he talk, you were always there talking to him even though he does not reply. Still, it was strange how with you, he felt comfort.

"It's raining again, and here you are walking under the rain. Seriously, what's with you?" ... "Rather than that, what's with you?" "Me? What's wrong with me?" "You're different from other." "What makes me different from them?" He did not answer after that, for he too does not know what to say. How weird.

You were pretty close to him. He does not know how, but many all those walk together with you was working. In the end, he found himself completely relax and comfortable around you. "Now that I think about it. I'm your only friend, no?" ... "gasp! For real?" "Humans... I found them rather hard to communicate with." After all those trials, he does not know what to think about humans anymore. That is why he found you weird. "Why? Why is that?!" You pout. "Well..." He stopped walking and ponder for a while. "Maybe it's because I have seen mostly the dark side of humans that I cannot seem to know what to think and say to them." He replied after a little while. "Hey! That's totally unfair! If you try hard enough to know more about us there is more than the dark side there is to see!" "Hmmm. I doubt..." "No! Seriously, you jut have to open up your heart to the people and you will see the goodness in their heart." You laugh. To be honest, he does know that. After all, there was no other ways he could describe you but a good person and perhaps, maybe even more than that. But to open his heart to the people other than you... "Right... I'll think about it."

Neuvillette always find it difficult to interact with people. Most of the time he had this instinct to stay away from them. Maybe it has something to do with their origins, he was a high being after all and humans. Humans are just... humans. Nevertheless from the moment he have met you, he knew he was doomed. Doomed to understand humans. From the moment he get to know more of you, the more he mindset starts to change. Maybe... maybe humans are not as bad a he thought them to be.

"Are you okay?" The cafe was not crowded. It was almost midnight when the two of you decided to go into one. "Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" You asked with a smile on your face. Nevertheless Neuvillette did not fail to notice the way your eyes quickly scan the surroundings, the way you seemed to be anxiously playing with your fingers. But then, you are looking at him dead in the eyes telling him you are fine. Maybe it was nothing. "It's getting dark, shall we go?"

That night, Neuvillette decided to give it a try. Maybe just as you said, humans are not bad as he thought they would be. Maybe just like you said, all he need to do is to open his heart to the people and see things in a different perspective. Thinking about it makes his lips curl up, thinking how joyful you would be if he were to tell you that in person. But.

Humans can be cruel ang cunning creatures. If not then crimes and wars would have never happened. They are beings who are capable of hurting each other for the sake of their own gain. They would not hesitate to use each other and kill each other.

"What is this?" His hands were shaking. "Earlier a citizen named (First name) (Lastname) was found mur-?! Monsieur?! Where-" He rush out the room. He run and run and run until he was under the heavy rain. Hands still clenching the piece of goddamn paper with such gruesome, unbelievable concent. No, he would not believe it. He could not believe it. You were just walking with him earlier this day, your smile as too real for it to be unreal. He had just seen you earlier so why? Why are you there sitting in your own pool of blood soaked under the rain?

He could not even approach you, he just watch there along with the other people watching the crime scene get cleaned up like it was nothing. People were looking at you with interest like yu were some kind of entertainment after all. It was the very first case of murder in Fontaine.

Neuvillette could hear nothing under the rain, he just stood there under the same spot even after tour body was taken away. Countless thoughts running in his head. Why? Why does it have to be you? Why do humans never change? Why does t has to be you? Why? Just fucking why you? You asked Neuvillette to give humans a chance. But how could he do that now that he knew humans were the very same being that took you away from him?

Neuvillette did not cry but he just stand there, eyes bloodshot as his lips leak blood from bitting so hard, hands curl into a fist. He was mad, so mad that he wanted to end things right now. He was starting to blame everyone, the world for taking away the only good thing that ever happened to him. In his eyes were those full of hatred and is ready to explode. He would never forgive-

Neuvillette felt a weak thug on his pants, for a moment, he looked down. The first thing he noticed was the blood stained water right in front of him before the child that was holding on into him. "Ha-hydro dragon. Do-don't cry." The child sniff, tears rolling down his cheeks upon saying so.

Neuvillette does not like humans. They are a cruel and cunning being who took away the love of his life before he could even realise it was love. At the same time, these humans were the being that his love one loves very much. "Don't worry." He slowly reach out and pat the little boy's head and magically, he was suddenly dried despite the pouring rain. "The hydro dragon doesn't cry." Just like that, the rain that seemed to be drowning in sadness stopped.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 40: hot season kaeya

Kaeya found it hard to believe how clingy you are nowadays. It is not like you were never clingy to him but then again, nowadays you are being clingy. Extra clingy to be exact.

"... Seriously?" "Leave 'em be Diluc." Kaeya sigh "No I would have understand if it was just the two of you alone, but... right here? Seriously?" "What's wrong being in the arms of my love?" You pout as you butt in, one hand reaching out for your drink that was on the barstool, the other kept warped around your lover's neck as you sat there comfortably on his lap, his cool hands resting on your side.

In the end, Diluc could only sigh before keeping himself busy behind the bar. There was almost midnight and unlike any other day, there was barely a crowd, one because it is still the busiest time of the week and second, because it is scorching hot people seemed to prefer cooling down on their own house. And you? Oh. You prefer to cool down in your lover's arms.

Kaeya truly ind it hard to believe how clingy you have become because of the heat almost remembering the times where he could not hold you during the winter season due to him being 'cold'. But he does not mind it though. In fact, he was enjoying it more than he should. That he could still remember that day.

"Can I hold you?" You asked one day as soon as he stepped inside your home. "Huh?" He was busy taking off his coat when he heard that and almost drop it on the spot. After all, you were never the one to imitate physical affection and of course, Kaeya being a gentleman he is, take consideration of it. "Can I hold you?" He blink, looking at your blushing cheeks as your eyes refused to meet his. "You know what... nevermi-" "Come here." Removing his coat and shoes in a blink of an eyes, he was already by your side.

"This is nice." You giggle, kicking your feet in the air as he gives you a piggyback ride. "Because it's cool?" He asked, a smile making its way on his lips as he tighten his hold on your tights. "No." He then felt you place your chin in his should and hug him closer, "because it's you." You laugh "oh and maybe because it's cool." "You're so silly." He chuckles.

"Hey Kaeya." He could feel you slowly dozing off his back causing him to humm in reply, causing you to feel the vibration on his back. You only snuggle closer to him, arms warped around his chest and shoulder. "I love you." With a smile on his lips, with the starts their to witness your love. "I love you too." He replied.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 41: hot season ayato

"I can't do it." There was nothing but silence after that, he was even avoiding looking at you as you stare at him with a glare. "Why?" "You know why I can't." He reply with a sigh, eyes never once looking away from the paperworks right in front of him. "But you can." You rebuttal, rolling your eyes with a pout. "Please... husband?" and not gonna lie, he almost gave in.

"I can but I won't." He sigh once again, this time perfectly stacking his papers to the side. And then he looks at you, you who was sprawled on the wooden floor in his room as he finished his leftover task for the day. He huff to cover up the fact that he almost laugh at such a scene. You were on your thin layer of kimono. "My dearest... get up, why are you on the floor?" He chuckle.

You did not move, you just continue to lay there comfortably on the floor. It is much cooler this way. "Dearest..." There he was right above you, looking at you with a silly smile on his lips. But then upon recalling how he turn down your request, you roll on your side with a pout. This time you heard him laugh. "Come on now, my dear. Are you sulking?" You did not move and even close your eyes.

And then you felt a presence behind you causing you to turn around. There was your lover on the floor just like you, turn to his side, facing you. "What are you doing? Get up! You'll hurt your back!" "That's what I'm saying, my dearest. So how about we lay down on a much comfort spot?" "Now thank you, it's much cooler this way." You spoke, once again turning your back at him with you gasp as he warp an arm around you and then pulling you close to him. "Don't be mad, you know I cannot use the Kamisato art for it to cause a rain just because it's scorching hot." "..."

With a chuckle, you felt him nuzzled close to you and as much as you found your lover annoying right now. You felt very comfortable and cool right beside him. His touch and presence feels like water that has a cooling effect. Seeing how comfortable you are in his arms without a word, a smile makes it way on his lips. "Actually, I reserved a cold spring just for the two of us-" "Why didn't you say earlier?! Let's go!" In a blink of an eye, you were already standing up leaving him on the floor all alone. "What waiting for? Let's go!" You smile sheepishly before pulling him up.

"You're lucky I love you." Kamisato Ayato said with a contented sigh. "I know." You giggle, leading the way. "I love you too."

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 42: Hanahaki Disease AU (zhongli)

Glaze Lily (Zhongli)

ᴴᵃⁿᵃʰᵃᵏⁱ ᴰⁱˢᵉᵃˢᵉ ᴬᵁ

---

I have been in love with you as far as I can remember.

"If you were to watch the love of your life slowly fall in love with someone else, what would you do?" Asked the figure with a violet eyes and black hair. Its deep yet misty eyes stare at the two figure from afar then back at the woman in across it.

There the said woman followed were the figure with violet eyes were looking at. Looking at the scene, he was holding her close. He was holding her close that it was almost suffocating. Like something was stuck on her throat that she felt like throwing up.

"Are you okay?" It was the same figure with violet eyes that has been bothering her for a while now who snappened her out of her daze. "Love can be a dangerous game darling." Her eyes were glowing as if to warn her something. "Stop loving while its early." The hooded figure laughs, standing up from their seat as she continue to glare at the figure before it disappear from her sight.

She was left there in place, hands clench in a fist as she bit her lips. It was suffocating, her throat was itching. Something was happening. Something is starting. But what is it?

"Are you alright?" Rex Lapis asked as he gently and carefully approach her, but as soon as she look up to him, she could see her following closely behind. "Yeah. I'm alright."

I was here first. I met you first. I was there first. I was with you first. This means nothing to you, right?

Loving can be kind, but one must remember that love- loving can be dangerous. So dangerous.

She was so kind, so smart, so caring and lovely. Of course the adeptus were all over her for a reason, even him was no exception. "I honestly prefer your work over mind, what was Morax thinking when he chose mine?" She pout, sitting on the near vacant seat. Looking at her, a fake smile makes its way on her lips, "Is that so? Tell me about- cough !" "Oh my-! That sounded so painful, are you alright?!" "I'm alright.. If you'll exc- cough! cough! " She quickly stood up, hands covering her mouth. "Are you sure-!" "Move." "What was that-" Before Morax, Rex Lapis could even finish his sentence, she already run off.

Looking down at her hands in horror, there was blood. Then there was a single blue bloody petal. "What is thi-!" "I warned you didn't I?" She almost flinch but the perhaps, she had seen this coming. "What is happening to me?" She gasp, it was suffocating. For a while now, that suffocating feeling never went away.

"Pfffff haha" The hooded figure sigh like it cannot help it. "Asking something you already know?" She could not help but to glare at the fugure, hand curling into a fist, crushing the bloody petal. "It's the sickness of unrequited love. Hanahaki disease." Then the figure laugh, its violet eyes glowing. "I warned you, didn't I? Even the all mighty ones has their own demise."

Love is dangerous. It will bring you happiness until everything falls apart, tearing you into tiny little pieces.

I was there in your deepest darkest hours. I was there when no one was by your side. I was the one who pulled you away from darkness. I have always been by your side.

Series of claps can be heard as well as cheers as the two figure finally announced their relationship to the majority of the adeptus. And as much as she wants to do the same. She felt her throat itching like hell. Her sigh was getting deeper and deeper as time passed by, it was only a matter of time before she burst into fit of coughing. But she was all pretending everything was fine with a smile.

She held it in for a very long time until it was time for them to leave, she did not say a single thing. She just stood there in place, a smile on her lips. As soon as she was far away from hearing and sight. She crouch over to the ground as she burst out into a fit of coughing. Endless coughing.

She felt like she was dying, maybe she was. She cannot breathe, she felt like her lungs were being ripped apart. It hurts like hell that its killing her inside out. Tears rolling down her cheeks as she cough out bloody and fucking bloody white and blue petals. "Ah seriously-! cough- ugh!"

Is this the price to pay for loving-

"Tsk tsk. Look at you." Someone crouch down along side her. "Funny how humans and those immortal ones have something in common." Those belittling violet eyes, she wants to pull them out. "They all become a fool in love." "Regretting it now?" "Hahhhh... get out of my face."

Love is dangerous. But you know that didn't you? This is your choice.

"What should I do with you?" She was barely hanging on into consciousness. "This is such a foolish move." The figure tsked as it watches her die slowly. But it the major wounds on her body or suffocation. She had already accepted it. "Those wounds is fixable. It is the disease that is slowly killing you." The figure explain. "I can fix it but there is a consequence." That made her look at the hooded figure. "You'll have your emotions gone-" "They..." "???" "Are they okay?"

The figure halt. Then it laughed. "How crazy." "They're the reason why you're like this but even after all that you're still looking after them?" The hooded figure laugh for a long time then it looked back before disappearing without a trace, and not too long after that. Morax came on sight. His arms were trembling as he picked her up. She hated it, she hated the suffocating feeling in her chest that never went away even in these times. It was killing her. Like someone was tearing her lungs apart. Like somone planted a seed in there having its roots warped all around her lungs.

"Morax... Rex Lapis." She gasp, she was holding on into him for dear life. "Hush, come on. They'll be here in no time to heal you-" "My love.." She felt Morax stiffen. "My dear." She could barely breathe. "My lovely (First name)." "Guizhong-" "Morax... take care of her.. please?" She gripped on his arm. "I..." her eyes were teary. "I love her."

Just as Guizhong said that, the hands that was holding into him loosen. Slowly, Guizhong body starts to form a crack before it disintegrate into thin air. In her place leaving behind a bloody flower that was later known as Glaze Lily.

Love won't die, but it can kill you. You know?

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 43: zhongli nsfw

Ah yeah... if you and Zhongli were to be locked in the room it would not be you who would be begging for him to stop. It would be him begging and pleading for you to stop, tears of pleasure- so much pleasure rolling down his cheeks as drool roll down his chin.

He would be the one crawling his way out of the bed only to be pulled back and meet your thrust. Causing moans of pleasure out of his mouth, half lidded eyes glowing in pleasure. A shiver running down his spine as he gripped into the soaked sheets, the feeling of your sweat dripping down into your chin all the way into his back.

He way he would be the one to stare at you fucked dumb, almost- or perhaps seeing heart in those amber iris of his. He would be the one who will be asking you for more, hands reaching out to touch your that kept him in place. The way he looks at you with such lust, excitement and anticipation makes you let out a soft sigh, does not mean you now plan on going easy on him though. Rather, the though of reducing him, your god, your lovely god into nothing but fucked dumb individual who craves no one but you send a shiver down your spine.

He would be the one who have his hands pinned above his head, teary eyes wide open as you grind into him slowly, both of your eyes in one place, the place were the two of you were connected. The two of you barely manage to catch your breath when a thought suddenly came into mind. With your free hand roming around this beautiful body, it eventually handed on his abdomen and every touch to him felt like wave of heat, it leaves a lingering feeling that causes every part that you touch quiver.

"I wonder..." you were awfully focused, whether it was your words or the way you look at his abdomen where you kept your hand still. And then your eyes met with a pair of amber ones. There was a devilish smirk on your lips and fuck, that was so fucking sexy. "I wonder if a god can get pregnant- ngh! " You gasp in pain and pleasure as his walls tighten around you. Eye twitching, sweat rolling down your chin into him, never once have you take your eyes off him. With a breathy sigh, you withdraw your hand on his abdomen as you ran your hand through your hair, pushing it back before placing it back on his hips with the intention of moving inside him. "Let's find out, shall we?"

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 44: We found love (Kamisato Ayato)

「We found love」 Kamisato Ayato

↳ In which as fate lead the two of you together, an unfamiliar yet strangely warm feelings starts to grew on both of you leading you two to find something that you had never felt before. But then again, what could fate possibly lead you two when you are leagues apart.

---

Ayato was bored, annoyed and is quietly disgusted. The smell of body odors and the strong smell of flowery fragrance that tried to hide it was unpleasant to his nose. The constant shattering around him that makes the corner of his lips thug down if it was not for his good sense of control in his facial expression. He constantly, though not in anyones watch, shift on his seat. He does not like anything here at all, if it was not such profitable deal he would not have come here at all. And now that the deal have finally been sealed, there was nothing left but to enjoy the presence of the courtesan that entered the room as soon as the deal was done.

Ayato never liked it on brothels. In the first place, he rarely went into one, and even if he did, that was because of his retainers choosing it as a meetin place, in which never happened again by the way. And some for importsnt meetings like this that he cannot refuse. Ayato never saw nor think of any reasons to go to one. Recalling the constant reminder of his late father not to be involved in such things. There is nothing good that would come into him if he were to get involved and get into brothels. A place where nothing but temporary temptation and pleasure there is to come that might drove someone into their own demise once out of control.

Ayato was just about to leave, seemed to be done for today as he stood up when he was grabbed by the wirst of his hand by his business partner. It took him all of his facial muscles to keep the smile on his face as we asked, "What's the matter?" The man just smiled at him, his free hand warping around the oiran, considered to be a high rank courtesan, and bringing her close to him. "Don't leave yet, Mr. Kamisato. The main show is just about to start." Just as Ayato was about to refuse politely, the door opened gently, and the first thing that Ayato noticed was the smell of spring filling the room. It was not that strong smell of flowers that he had smelled earlier but the smell of spring, the smell of blossoms, the sweet and air smell of perfume fills the air.

The second thing he noticed was the sparkly ornaments all over the hair and elegant kimono that they were wearing. And then the kitsune mask that they were wearing, hiding away their face from anyones sight. "Ren Sakura?!" The man beside him utter in disbelief as the figure elegantly walks in, in their hand was a string instrument. She walks in a stead phases of that of a noble, no, perhaps she walks even more of a noble than by far all the nobles Ayato have seen. Ayato watches with curiosity, eyes never once looking away now that you have caught his interest, watching you sit down gracefully and set up your instrument to your liking. "Apologies our dear guest, Hanahime, my beloved oiran could not make it tonight. In return, I hope you would not mind me filling in on her behalf."

In that split secons, Ayato felt like the two of you looked at each other. "Of-of course! Who would dare rejects to be in the presence of you, a tayu, Ren Sakura?!" A tayu? As far as Ayato could remember, oiran was considered a high courtesan, and right above that was a tayu, the highest class courtesan known to entertain only the nobility and emperial court, in short, the almighty shogun. "I'm glad that is the case." The masked tayu giggles, "Then, I shall play a familiar piece befitting for tonights gathering." Once again, Ayato felt like his eyes met those that were behind the mask.

Ayato thought it was a bad idea, after all. He does not like brothels. The place, the smell, the people in general. It would be the last place you would ever expect him to be found. And yet there he is, asking for a familiar name that seemed to be coming out of everyone's mouth but only a few get to really see. Ren Sakura, Ayato knew it was not their real name. Most of the courtesan in here has a name that they use and not their real name. And for someone who rarely went and vowed not to long ago that he would never set foot in here again, he was quite knowledgeable. Even he does not fully know why he was here, whether it was the smell, the mask, the way they played the instrument or even the way they giggle, Ayato does not know which one to choose.

But if there is one thing for sure is that you have caught his interest and nothing could stop himself from finding more about you. Though one of the main reason why he chooses to go back in here was to prove to himself that nothing good would come out of here. It was just a passing interest, it would not last long, right? Once again, the door slide open and the scent of spring enters the room. With no hint of hurry, Ayato raise his head to look at you who was quietly and gently entering the room. Once again, you were wearing a kitsune mask. "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Mister." You bow to him, raising your hands together along the process as you bow your hands. "Is there anything you would like me to do?"

Kamisato Ayato was honestly the last man you would expect to be your client for the night. But then again given his status in life, it would not hurt his pocket to afford you for the night. Still, glancing at him underneath your mask, his beauty was just like what you have heard from your fellow courtesan. He looks a lot like a gentleman, his aura radiating of that of a highest noble but his fake smile tells something else. Just what does this guy want from you? You doubt he was the kind of person who actually comes into a brothel for pleasure, in the first place, you bet many female nobles would actually wanted to be- to die just to be in the arms of his man right in front of you. "Do you know how to play shogi?" He asked and you halted for a moment. " Yes I do, I shall go and set up for us."

"I... lost." Ayato utter in disbelief, back straightening as he looks at the board pieces with wide eyes before looking at you. You who was smiling underneath your mask after managing to finally defeat him after five close matches of shogi between the two of you. "If you have not make a mistake during the first five move then perhaps I wouldn't have beaten you Mister." You chuckle, once again setting uo the pieces back in their starting place, once again serving the commissioner another cup of tea in which he gladly took a sip. "You gave yourself a little credit. Not to brag but no one has ever come close into defeating me and you actually did that five times and really did beat me one match." This time it was his turn to chuckle.

When the Kamisato Ayato left that day, you never thought to see him again. But you did, once in a while, you did. And you are not sure fi you are glad he did. Maybe it was the sense of boredom that you are feeling due to the lack of customers that were actually availing you for their entertainment, then again, you could only have your price to blame for being so expensive that it might even cause them half of their yearly income for you to be on their presence.

Kamisato Ayato , or Ayato like he told you to call him when the two of you were in each other presence was quite an unpredictable young man. There were times were we would came in the brothel only for you to watch him sleep, playing the flute for him as a lullaby. In most of the cases, he would be in here to ppay shogi with you, bringing over some unique beverage and foods that is tasting weird most of time. But there would also be one of those rare days where he would just bring his leftover paperworks to the brothel and do it there, leaving you to fill up the tea cup that he has just consume and sometimes, he would let you handle some of his paperworks, entertaining the basic questions of the papers that he had assigned to you. Nevertheless, for someone whom rarely set foot out the brothel, you only have to thank him for the things that he would often get to you. If there is one thing that remains the same though would be the fact that Ayato has never seen you without your kitsune mask.

"Will there ever be a day where I get to see your face?" Ayato asked out of the blue as he lay his head on your lap as you hummed a lovely tune underneath your mask. And then by his question, you stop. "Did the madam not tell you?" You asked him. "If you're willing to pay the price, that is." You chuckle when you felt his finger traces all the way from the back of your ears down into your chin. You halted for a moment, before you relax. The feeling of your beating heart in yor chest was getting harder and harder to ignore the more time you spent with him. It was actually dangerous.

You always warn yourself not to get too attach with your clients. In the first place there is any room for attachment because you knew they only want something from you. The way they would look at you with such lustful eyes always leave a bittersweet feeling on your tongue, so you only have yourself to thank that you manage to price yourself up as a tayu. Whom unlike oiran is not for the work of pleasure. You are mostly for entertainment. Then again, due to your high price, only those with the highest class individuals get to afford you to be in their presence. And even if they did, you were only to attend gathering to perform. Unlike Ayato who seemingly spent his free time with you and you do not know how to make something out of it. You felt like there is something going on between the two of you but you yourself was quite afraid to accept it. Because somewhere deep in your heart you alreay know that you had fallen for him. But you also know that nothing good will come out of it.

Ayato on the other hand has his mind in the midst of chaos. Ayato was in love with you. That was truth. It's been over a year ever since he irst met you. And he could still remember the day he realised he was in love with you. You see, Ayato was a meticulous, cunning and a mysterious person. A man who would do anything to achieve his goals and eliminate anything that were to stand in the way of his family. The same man who once in a while would felt a huge amount of fatigue. Maybe it was all due to his paperworks or maybe because of during those times the conflict of opinions between his retainers just would not subdued. Or maybe the fact that his parents death anniversary was approaching. He just felt tired and exhausted.

That night, all those months ago. Ayato find himself on his way on the familiar path to the brothel, just like usual, wearing his robe that hide away most of his figures underneath, in the night of his parents date of passing. That night, Kamisayo Ayato find himself seeking to be in your arms. You have quite the wit, and your intelligence was second to none. Ayato have never seen your face, but to be honest that is something he cared about. That night, Ayato just remained in silence as he listen to you playing the string instrument. He just sat there staring at you in silence that is when you sense that something was wrong. "Is there something bothering you?" You asked, setting the instrument down as you stood up and approached him. "It's okay, you don't have to talk about it if you do not want to talk about it." You utter as you sat down beside him.

That night, the two of you just sit there on silence, your hand above his as he lean in head on your shoulder. It was nothing but an act of comfort, yet that simple act seemingly touched the depths of his heart as he cane to realize one thing before he fell asleep in your arms that night. "Take a rest hmmm Ayato." As fatigue slowly takes over him, he felt himself being gently laid in the mattress and in those split moment, his lavender iris met with a pair of (eye color) ones before everything went black. In the following morning, Ayato find himself all alone in the room, feeling new as ever. Still he felt like something was missing, so he woke up and was about to leave when something caught his eyes. It was a letter saying. "I have told the others to prepare you a breakfast before you leave, but feel free to leave if you're in a hurry." Then he laugh, he laughs then fold the paper and kept in the pocket right within this chest, close to his heart. Right, the moment when he felt like you were his one and only solace, he knew he was in love with you. He knew you were the one for him.

And yet he was contemplating which is only natural. He was a man with noble bloodline, he is the current head of the Kamisato clan, and the current commissioner of the Yashiro commission. He was one of the faces of Inuzama. A well known bachelor and is expected to be wed with a fellow noble blood, one of the prettiest and elegant among the rest. What would his retainers- the citizens say if he were to be fall for someone like you. Although you were the highest along the courtesan, in most cases Nobles only see courtesan as their pass time and play thing. Ayato knew you were different, you are not just a courtesan in his eyes, you are more than a play thing to him. Ayato wanted you, he was in love with you after all. But if the price of his love would cause such scandal, such ruin in his- their image. Would his love remains the same?

Ayato find himself visiting the brothel less and less, telling you advance he would be busy and would not be able to visit for a while. You would reply at him with a laugh, joking letting him now you would not be having someone too entertain you for a while. Ayato knew you were rarely seek out due to your high price. Maybe that was the reason why he was so relaxed. He knew that no matter what, you would be in there, waiting. Be waiting for him to come. Even if you do not love him, he might be a friend at least to you, right?

Weekly visits turn into trice a month, then turn into monthly visit. This visit started going less and less until he visits you twice in every three months. Ayato thought that that would lessen the feelngs he felt for you. But no, in fact, it grew stronger. His longing for you intensified and yet you remained the same, giving him the same enthusiasm and welcome wheneverhe come back. He does not know it he should be hurt of revealed.

And then one night, you started being affectionate than you usually do. Dropping hints here and there. Being all over touchy. And man, he was barely hanging on a thread. And so he pulls away, grabbing your hand that was inside his shirt. "Wai-" "Do you not want this?" You asked, masked still in face. "I-" Holding your hand, he realised that you were trembling, your hands were trembling. Suddenly he became aware of one fact, you were holding back too. And is ready to withdraw with one single word from him. With a moment of silence he opened his mouth, "Do you, want this?" He asked, letting go of your hand as both hands fell to his side. And when he say you nod. His hands unconsciously went towards your mask. You did not move, you just let him pull the string that is holding your mask before it falls off the ground.

There his eyes widen as he got to take a look at your face for the first time. Your (eye color) eyes looks more mesmerising than he imagined it to be, those lips, those lips that were curled up into a beautiful smile. Without thinking much about. Ayato grabbed you on the nape of your neck and pull you into a deep and hungry kiss. It was as if he was starving, starving for a very long time in which he did. He might not have admit it but he was waiting, fantasising for this night to come. It was night full of unsaid words and feelings and yet the way the two of you hold each other says it all. "Stay for the night?" "I will."

Ayato was the one who left first when the morning come. To him, that night was not a mistake, at the same time. It was a night that is to be buried on the back of his mind. It was the same night he, the two of you realised that the two of you were leagues apart. A love that could only be kept in the dark, away from the world to see. In a coincidence, Ayato was not able to visit the brothel in the following days and weeks due to the following festival to come at the time. Thus it is only natural that he was unaware of the things that were happening within the brothel.

"Have you heard? A high ranking courtesan has been bought from the Hōkōtei?" Ayato did not mean to eavesdrop, but was not that the name of the brothel you work ay? "Huh?" "Yeah it's true, they have been bought a month ago but the news were just spreading because an official tried to spend a night with them recently but it turns out they were long gone from the list of courtesan from the brothel." "That sounds impossible, just how rarely were they were-" "It's Ren Sakura! Of course only a few coould afford Ren Sakura! Do you know that the cost of spending a match of shogi with themm would cost a yeat of our earnings? What more was a night with them?! Argh! Just how much were they b-" "What did you say?" "Huh- oh! Yashiro Com-" "What did you say?" "Hu-uh?" "Tell me everything. Now."

Ayato never run. He was a man with elegance, you would never see him run in which dishevelled manner. And yet here he was, sweat rolling down his chin, clothes dishevelled, hair in a mess as he pant heavily in front of the familiar brothel, people who seemed to recognise him started whispering with each other and yet he did not give a damn about every single thing instead, stromed inside the brothel, to be specific, into the room of the owner, the madam. "Where were they?" He asked as soon as he saw the familiar madam who was casually smoking with a pipe in hand and then his lavender ones met with a pair of violet ones. "I'm afraid I cannot disclose the location of my client, Yashiro Commissioner." She laughed as if mocking him. "Where-" "They waited for you for years, at being said, I suppose its natural that if you won't make a move, someone else would. Do you think that they would just sit still and wait for you every single time?" His lavander iris tremble upon the madam statement. "In the first place, you were never interest in buying them. Why are you getting so worked up like they were stolen from you?" "You never plan to take responsibility for my child because you two were leagues apart, they were just a courtesan and you're a noble. The two of you were never meant to, isn't that right?" Every words that left her- the madam's mouth felt like a dagger stabbing his heart. Because it was true.

"Get out of my pavilon and never set foot in here every again." "Mada-" "Do I have to drag you out myself? Kamisato Ayato?" Her piercing violey eyes bore before him. "You brought this upon yourself, stop looking like you just lost the love of your life when they surely meant nothing to you and oh- here. Wear this and this." He felt numb, whether it was his heart of his body. He felt numb. So following the madam words, he left upon wearing the robe that was given to him. He felt like his body was moving on its own, his mind was foggy, he wanted to cry at the same time he could not. "My lord- are you alright?" "I'll be in my room, Thoma. Thank you."

Inside his room, Ayato sat in front of his shogi board and started playing alone, moving the pieces by himself doing the moves you would often does. In the end, he find himseld loosing in his own game. And so he laugh, he laughed as tears roll down his cheecks. Teeth grinning as he felt mad, mad to himself for lying, lying to himself. For being selfless, for losing the love of his life so easily. He angrily throw away the shogi board to the side, scattering its pieces all over this room as he stood up. He then proceed to remove his robe that was given by the madam back in the brothel. He was about to trow it too when his hands was pierced by something. On the robes pocket was a hair piece ornaments. But then again, he mad. About to throw the piece of ornaments into the ground with his bloody hand until he realised how familiar looking it was and his eyes widen. It was your hair ornament. The one he have seen you often wear. "This.." Then he found a letter.

It was not that long until silence once again field the room followed by sobs. "I'm sorry." He cried. "I was a fool, I'm sorry." The letter was slowly crumbling on the palm of his hand as he pull it closer to his chet as well as the piece of ornament. As if doing such thing would bring you close to him. "I love you." He utter in helplessness. "I love you..." He cried. But it was already too late, for you have already went away. Far within his sight to see, far within his arms to reach.

My Ayato,

Funny how you're "my" Ayato when you're not.

I thought we found love.

But perhaps that was just me, for the moment when I woke up in the morning, you were no where in sight. It was such a shame. I thought we had something. Turns out I was just being delusional. After all, how could a noble like you fall for a mere courtesan like me.

Still, I am grateful for the times we have spend together. I will treasure those moments deep within my heart.

I am glad that my first time was with you, my one and only love.

Come to think of it, I never told you my name, no? Then again, what would be the use when we sould never see each other again? But still, I still want you to know it.

My name is (First name). I doubt you'll remember it though.

Then, I apologise that I have to leave without saying anything I am afraid even if I did, nothing would change. If it wasn't the case, you have long take me away from this place. But you never did.

Your Lovely courtesan, Ren Sakura.

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 45: being in a relationship with Dottore

Imagine being in a relationship with Dottore but with a twist. He has a fake amnesia.

Imagine months after reuniting with your lover. You started to notice that he was a little different from before. He was your Dottore, at the same time, just like what you have felt before. He was different, there were times where it felt like he was the man you love, but there were also times where you wonder if this man was really the man you love.

"Dar- no, Dottore. Can we talk?" He was busy, you knew that. He was always busy. But at the same time, he always make time for you. He always does, that was something that never changed. "Dottore? Little one, what did I do wrong this time?" Setting down his paper, his masked face came into view. "You always call me Darling but often call me by my name whenever you're upset." He spoke gently, standing up from his seat and started walking towards you who was now looking down at your lap, unable to face him for the words that you are about to say.

Imagine, you love Dottore. Even when he went missing for months. Even when it has to be you to go and went to look for him not the other way around. You did that because you love him. But you do not know what to feel anymore. He feels different. Or maybe you never get to know his true self, maybe what he have shown to you was a mare fragment of himself. You love him still, you do. But sometimes he scares you. It was not just you, you could see the way others look at him, some were admiration, respect and there there was the look of terrified people. There was also that fact that he never once, after meeting you, took of his mask. Did he not trust you anymore?

"Little one." There he was right in front of you. "Couldn't bare to look at me anymore hmm?" There he was sweet talking you, it reminds you of the past where he would often do the same when soothing you. "Look at me little one." You felt him gently place a hand on your chin before gently lifting it up. "Tell me what's wrong, hmm?" You were contemplating, once in a while looking back and front at him and into our side only to let out a sigh. "Dottore, I think we need a break..."

Imagine, Dottore thought you were really interesting. That fact that you, manage to capture the heart of one of his clones, telling you about his real name let alone where to find him. Tells how important you have become to that clone of him. And to be honest for the past months that he has been with you, he did see why. Why his clone had gone through such measure. You were kind and innocent. Very innocent. He could tell you a lie and you would believe it with no questions asked, makes him wonder how could such human being give their trust so easily. It makes him thrilled and it cames him greedy. He wanted to keep you at all cost within his arms, make sure yor world would only revolve around him.

so Imagine the way his eye twitches as soon as you said those words. He have always been patience with you. But at those very moments, he almost grabbed you by the neck, almost asked you why, why would you say such scary thing? Take a break? Why was that needed? He was giving you everything that you want. His time, affection, expensive gift and jewellery, the books that you want. So why was that needed? What was wrong? Why the fuck would you think the two of you needed a break? But then he needs to calm down, he needed to calm down. So with silent rage, he asked. "Why?" Then you answered. "Because sometimes, you felt like a different person, Dottore. You're scaring me sometimes." You answered, eyes tearing up. "I'm sorry." You sniff, looking down once again as he halted.

Imagine the way Dottore halted. A different person? Of course that make sense. He and his clone may be the same but at the same time, they were not. And it was his clone you fell in love with. There might be a resemblance when it comes to him and his clone but the fact that you thought, you felt like they were different, he was different was making sense. But so what? So what if they were different? In the end, he was the one who remained, the was the original. His clone may have found you , but you found him . And that was his win.

Imagine, to your surprise. Dottore suddenly kneel down in front of you. "What are you doi-?!" When you urged when to look at you, his mask was gone, forgotten on the floor. This- this was the face of the man you love. "Little one." You felt your heart ache at his pained smile as you felt him take a hold of your hands that was resting on your lap. "I'm sorry you felt that way." The way his face sadden, his lips curling down, you felt bad to yourself. "Maybe it has something to do with my amnesia." He looked away as you looked at him wide eyes. "What?!" "No- that was a slip of tongue Little one. Do forget what I have just said." Then he stood up and was about to leave. "Perhaps you are right, Little one. Maybe we should take a break.." He sound so heart broken that it immediately snap you out of your flabbergasted state.

Imagine the way you chase after him, grabbing him by the hem of his coat just like the first time the two of you met. "Wa-wait. Dotto- Darling. What do you mean amnesia?" You sound like you were about to cry that it almost made his lips curl up. "Di-did you get hurt while you were away?" This time you thug his coat harder. "Is that why you were not able to come home to me?" You felt so bad. "Is-is that why you were acting to different? Because you lost your memories?" Then you felt his shoulder tremble causing you to panic and hug him from behind. "I'm sorry. I was wrong. Darling, I was wrong. We don't need a break, I was a fool. I'm sorry, please don't mind what I said. I did not know you have gone through such thing. If I have known I would never do such thing. I should have never doubted you, Darling."

Imagine the way he turn around and how his heart broken face. Making you feel even bad, his time hugging him, hiding your face on his chest as you cry silently, telling him sorry for saying such hurtful and stupid things. But when you felt him hug you back, you felt a little relief one to feel bad once again when you could clearly feel his shoulder trembling. Once again you murmur stings of apologies, promising you'll be by his side until the end. But in contrast to your imagination. He was not crying like you has imagined him to me. In fact he was laughing, he was laughing silently that it causes his shoulder to go up and down. A devilish smile on his lips as he pull you even closer to him. "It's alright." In contrast to his grin, his voice sounds hurt no one would ever assume it was coming from him if they were to look at his face right now. "You're forgiven, Little one. Stay by my side like you promised, hmm."

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 46: regression AU with Kamisato Ayato

Imagine a regression AU with Kamisato Ayato in which thy started with a forbidden love. The two of you were trully a match made by celestia but cannot be together. They could only love each other in silence and in their own little way. Ayato was to be wed to another, your younger sister to be more specific. And you, you are just a person doing what you want, someone who had already stray away from the path that your parents wanted you to take. You had disowned your family a long time ago.

Imagine the two of you never meant to fall in love. But in the end, you did. In you he found his solace, the only person he could be his true self, away from the responsibilities and thoughts that would only tire him. To you, he was like your other half, he always understand where you are coming from, understand why you made such decisions that no one else cannot seem to understand. But then again, it was wrong. This love was right, but it was wrong. Because it causes someone else pain. So in the end, it was only meant to be that the two of you were to part ways.

Imagine, but then again. It was never easy yo let go once you met your fated one. So the two of you continue this stupid love affair until one day. You saw your own sister begging for you to let him go, using her own life as a threat if you refuse to do so. And upon realizing the fact of how forbidden- how deadly this love can be not only to you but also to those people around you. You choose to end it all. You knew for a fact that Ayato would not let you go. You could see how much to loves you, love you enough to let everything go. But you do not want that. You do not want him to let go of everything he worked so hard to have and achieve. So you left.

Imagine you left and never look back. Burried all those memories, all those love deep in your heart. Never trying to find a love like that again. And so years have passed, decades have passed and you are now on your deaths door. Thinking all about those memories you thought you have long forgotten only to resurface during such moments. As you close your eyes, you realise how terrifying love can be. And perhaps, if you were given a chance, you would not get yourself involve with him. Be it to protect yourself or to protect him. You do not know.

Imagine opening your eyes again only to realize you have came back. You have come back into the place you have never thought you will never set foot into again. Your goddamn house. The place that you hated the most. And there was also one thing, you're back into your child like state. What the actual fuck?

Imagine going back in your teenage years. Waking up into your 15 years of age was something you have never expected. Then again, maybe this was hell. For this household was like a hellish place for you. Cold and controlling father who wants to hone you into becoming the household leader even if it means all sorts of method. A caring but could not do anything to protect you, mother that upon realizing she cannot help you, to stand agaist her own husband ways of education, turn herself into caring for your siblings instead. And your sisters, those loving little sisters was all in the past, all you can see now was those girls who have taken everything you have every loved from you.

Imagine living the same pattern, letting day and night pass by. Thinking it would be wise to follow your steps the way you do it in the past. Except this time, after running away. You will never get yourself acquaintance with a certain retainer. He was bound to be wed to your sister anyway and around this time, you are also to be wed to someone else.

so Imagine the shock in your face when the person you are supposed to be wed, your childhood friend that was supposed to help you runaway was not the person you are introduce into as your fiance. "(First name) meet your fiance, the young master of the Kamisato clan, Kamisato Ayato." ??? "It's a pleasure to be by your presence, (First name)." In the end, you are left speechless by the revelation. Isn't he supposed to be your sister fiance? What changed? What's happening?

Imagine, what if this life was the life were you can finally achieve the love that was taken away- forbidden- a love that you were left no choice but to let go. But would you be willing to do so? Even if that means letting go of your dream for freedom?

---

[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 47: Al Haitham opening his house

Imagine Al Haitham opening his house only to realize how silent and cold it has become. Looking around, the light into the living room has off, making him wonder if no was around the house which was strange. It should be around the time were you were at home but then again, he himself have nothing to say since he was usually still out during this time. Today just happened to be the day where he found himself under time at work.

Imagine Al Haitham who quietly made his way into the the house, was about to open your shared room when he realized it was already open, left unlocked as he went high alert. He stood there for a moment, looking around for any signs of intruder, mind going miles as he suddenly thought of you. Is that why you are not there to welcome him as usual? Because something happened to you- sniff.

Imagine it was soon followed by a fit of sobbing. Unlike before, he turned stiff in place. Suddenly not knowing what to do. Al Haitham have seen you cried before, but it was often due to happiness. And now that he was hearing those seemingly pain sobs that he knew you were trying to hide. He does not know what to do. Should he enter the room and comfort you? Or should he walk away and give you more time for yourself? If he happened to work just in time like usual, would ever knew you were in such state?

Imagine for who know how long, you heard the sound of the door slamming causing you to flinch. You had just finished your breakdown for some time now. Maybe it was the stress or maybe it was something else. But today was just one of those days were everything seemed to be going south and before you knew it, you found yourself locked into your lover's room on tears, losing track of time. Come to think of it, it was about time Al Haitham went back. But then again, you were a mess. You just finished crying a little while ago, you still have not washed your face. In the end, you found yourseld under the covers when there was a knock on your bedroom door.

Imagine the shift of weight of the bed upon feeling his presence. You are tense, not knowing what to do if he were ever to see you in such state. And to your concern, you felt his hand reach out upon feeling his hand right on your head. "Are you awake?" His question made you sniff. He knew. "I bought some stuffs back in the dinning room, care to join me for a meal? It's late." There he was speaking so gently as you felt him caress your head gently through the sheets in unknowingly make you tear up and you sniff once again. You then felt him pat you gently before there was a shift of weight in the bed again. "I'll be waiting, hmm."

Imagine just in time as Al Haitham finished setting up the dishes and plates, you emerged in the room with an exhausted look on your face. Nevertheless there was a small genuine on his face that brings you comfort as he opened his arms to welcome you. "Come here." And you did, no questions and hesitation, you throw yourself at him as he warp you in his arms. Once you do, you found yourself crying once again but, "It must have been hard, hmmm?" You felt him caress your head, running his fingers in your hair. "It's alright." He pat you onnthe back with his free hand. "I'm here now."

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[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024° :(

Chapter 48: Kamisato Ayato who was in a good term with his former/ex significant other

Imagine Kamisato Ayato who was in a good term with his former/ex significant other. Sure you were mad at him at first because why, why couldn't you be enough for him? Why can't he choose you over his family? You used to be so mad at him. Used to.

Imagine accepting the fact that the two of you were not meant to be together. Sure you were each others half, a perfect piece of puzzle that just suit each other but you were not what he needed and probably never. But he does needed you, it was just he was selfless. He needed you but they needed him too, his family needed him too. You were just aren't the best choice for his family. You used to hate him. Used to.

Imagine having to come up with the fact that he still loves you. Even after all the heartbreak and tears, he still care about you. But not as openly as he does anymore.

"You know. You don't have to do this anymore." You hate him. Looking at him kneeling in front of you trying to inspect your perfect fine ankle after accidentally tripping when you saw him in front of you. "I know." He replied, not looking up at you. "Then why-" "It doesn't mean that we're done that I stopped caring. I still does." He cut off before standing up. "I think it's all fine." "I told you it was nothing..." You trail off as he gave you a smile, a small sad smile while his eyes looked at you with love. So muh love that disappear in a blink of an eye like it was never there. "I'll get going now. It was nice seeing you again." You hate that even without asking, you forgive him. "Hey commisioner." He stop mid walk but never turn around. "Feel free to drop by the cafe if you need a break." Before he could turn around, you turn your back at him.

Imagine Kamisato Ayato who was in a good term with his ex. The way the two of you slowly went back to what the two of you were before. Friends. Acting like none of the heartbreak, tears, happiness and love happened. Things were much better of this way. Sure it still hurt when you saw him with his fiance that would surely bring back their clan to their former glory but. It was fine. It felt weird that it was fine. Not too long after he got married, you does too.

Imagine often coming to the estate with your kids. Life is okay. You are happy on how things played out, you are contented with the life you have. But sometimes, you would often catch gaze of Ayato looking fondly of your children. "Strange." You spoke out of the blue that caught his attention. "Now none of your children looks like you." You chuckle. "It would nice." Is that an insul- "A child that looks like you would be nice." "My spouse said that alot, maybe we should have one last try." "You should." Fool . You thought as you look away, stop looking like that while saying that . "But hey! Maybe you and-" "No. Once is enough." "... You have a twin though.."

Imagine once in a while, a small get together would happened between just the two of you in the first place the two of you met. In that old cafe you and your spouse now manage. "Are you happy?" It was a question that came out of the blue with a very serious tone that makes you look into him as you gently set your drink down. Following his gaze, you saw a familiar teenage blue hair guy and one of your children a few years younger than his son. A chuckle left your lips. That made him turn to look at you. "We're not getting any younger aren't we." You smile and continue to look at the teens from afar, fingers playing with your wedding ring. "I've been living the happiest moment of my life ever since, Ayato." "I see." Once again, there was a small sad yet genuine smile on his lips. "Are you, happy?" You asked back. You then watch him look outside, "I'm fine."

Imagine as you bid him goodbye, staring at his back. Its strange how the man who seemed to have everything looked so lonely as he walk away from you. But then once again, you just turn your back at him like he did. Walking inside your home were your family is waiting for you.

There was a saying that if who people remained friends after ending their relationship. There is a possibility that they never loved each other and the other being one of them still hold a lingerie feeling for the other. But who knows. Maybe in another life. He wouldn't have to chose anything else before you.

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[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024° ;)

Chapter 49: Zhongli who was cursed to die by the hands of the one he loved the most

Imagine Zhongli who was cursed to die by the hands of the one he loved the most.

Imagine Zhongli who was bound by the curse for almost hundreds of thousands of years finally came across the hands of his supposed to be beloved. Staring at the small child in front of him as he thrust a dagger in their hand before casually guiding them to thrust it on his chest. "Are you seriously about to traumatised this child? Mor- Zhongli" "I just wanted to get over it. You can always erase their memory afterwards." Without any second thoughts, he held those small hands tighter and trust it into his chest and as he felt his chest burned and ache, he looked down and met with a pair of terrified, shaking and tearful (eye color) iris. He was just so tired.

Imagine Zhongli whom after thousands of years waiting for his demise woke up with a bandage chest throbbing in pain but could not do anything about it. He was pretty sure they were- you were the destined person he was bound to be kill with, so what went wrong? Did he missed something? Nevertheless, after that day, he never saw that little child again nor did he even try to find them ever again, what was the point when it clearly did not work? Maybe it was his curse to actually live for eternity without ever finding some sort of peace and rest for himself.

Imagine time has always been kind to Zhongli . His old but never ending youth makes him wonder if he would ever be like those friends and foe he had once came across with. But was time passed by and anything changed but himself, he gave up on that fact. He had always hated the fact that he had to watch people come and go in his life. It was inevitable, he who seemed to be lucky-cursed of time, never really got the chance to actually grow up.

Imagine, it's not like Zhongli has never loved someone before. Out of all his countless years of life long journey, he had gone through different love, heartbreaks and goodbye. He had experience watching his loved one die, be it war or something else. He have been in a relationship before. He had loved someone already, he had gone through series of hello and goodbye. In some cases, he wondered and curse why should be this one his beloved, the one he was destine to die in their hands with. Why. Why does he have to experience countless heartbreak and misery enough for him to get his long awared peace and rest. There must be something wrong with the curse.

Imagine, years later. Events long forgotten in each other mind. Zhongli have come across an individual. One he was quite annoyed with actually. He knew it was a coincidence. Deep inside he knew it was fate working there way into the two of you. But he was tired. He had already long accepted the fact that he was bound to live on forever. That his curse will infact go on forever and ever. But honestly, that did not stop himself for falling for you.

Imagine, as cliche as it may sound. You were different. You were... you. And with you, he can be himself, the one he was before the curse, before everything. For once, around you it felt like the clock that had long stopped working finally moved its gears again. For once, Zhongli felt like he could finally grow up.

Imagine, the more he spends time with you. The more Zhongli realize that it was you he was bound to be with. The same hair, same eyes, although you go by another name right now. He was pretty sure it was you. And it scares him the more he found himself falling for you.

Imagine Zhongli who was cursed to die by the hands of the one he loved the most.

Imagine Zhongli who was eager to end it all, tired of all the millennia that has passed as well as the past he had left behind. Zhongli who was tired of being the unchanging one, stuck on time and could not move on. He who thought he had given all the love he could give only to realize there was more that he could give. Who admitted to himself that this one, with you was different. Back then maybe he was eager to get rid of it all, calling it love when it was barely that, eager to get rid of the curse.

Imagine Zhongli whom realize as time passed by that afterlife couldn't be the only thing that give him peace and rest. That he could also find it on person, with you. He found the rest and peace he has always been looking for. At the same time, he became aware of what the future holds for both of you.

"I'm sorry." You cried. Hands around his wound but it was not helping, he was not healing and he was already losing a lot of blood. "I'm sorry if only I was a little stronger-" "Hush my dear. It's okay." That only made you cried even more, leaning into his already cooling hands as he reach out to wise away your tears. "My dear, my love. Do me a favor, can you?" "Morax- Zhongli- I can'-" "If I'm going to die-" "no, no! No!-" "I want you to be the one to do it, my dearest."

Imagine the way his hands dropped and place it gently on your hands. Holding into it as he squeeze it gently. His other free hand comes a dagger, a dagger so familiar you felt like you have seen it before. "If I'm going to die, dying by your hand would be the greatest honor."

Imagine as soon as he said that, something clicked as if the last piece of puzzle has been put into place and suddly, everything make sense. It was all on him in the end. He would be the cost and reason for your suffering.

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[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 50: Jing Yuan significant other

Imagine being Jing Yuan significant other.

Imagine stirring awake in your sleep as you slowly register the heat of the morning sun entering the room. Brows frowning, you open your eyes gently, being mindful of the sun, only to be greeted by a hand shielding you away from the sun. "Good morning sleeping head." It was your lover in his deep, husky morning voice. Squinting and staring at him, you move only to get close and snuggle close to him earning a huff and a laugh. "Alright, let's sleep some more."

Imagine slapping him by his arm when he wouldn't stay still as you dress him. "Darling! Stay still!" At this point, you might end up poking him by his accessories. "But dearest, I don't want to go" He whine like a child causing you to slap his arms once again in disapproval, also earning a groan from your lover as well as a pout.

Imagine standing there behind him, hands crossed on your chest as you look down at the car snuggling into your legs. Smiling at the little guy, you turn your attention back on your lover as he water the plants. And suddenly, he was looking at you. "Hello dearest." He smiles gently at you in which you return. "Hello darling. How's your day going?"

Imagine visiting during your free time, taking your sweet time before dropping of into his office. Greetings the people as you went on, you finally arrived at his office. Knocking three times, you open the door only to find your lover silently dozing off. There he was living up to his title as the dozing general. Looking around, you silently made your way beside him before sitting down.

Imagine the way you reach out a hand to brush away his hair away from his face when he lean in into your touch. Upon doing so, you had the urge to pinch his cheeks if it was not for your self control. Sighing to yourself, you gently withdraw away from him and quickly scan the paper works left on his desk when the door opened and "gene!-ral?" The man halted upon setting his eyes upon you. Is it urgent? You signed to the man only for him to shake his head, waving the papers in hand. Come here. You signed.

Imagine Jing Yuan finding himself on a rather comfortable position, his head lay down on a rather comfortable and familiar lap causing him to get up if it was not for you caressing his cheek all the way up into his hair. "Good evening sleepy head. Did you have a nice nap?" "You should have awaken me, dearest." "I figure out that letting you take a nap would be a much better choice darling." You smile down at him.

Imagine being Jing Yuan may not be as adventurous and active as you two were once was. Those were, another stories of your youth that has now passed by and carved into ever lasting memories. What's important is that, the two of you were still here, still by each other side. Still in each other’s arm.

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[ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Chapter 51

「Way Back Into Love」 Kamisato Ayato

↳ In which you found yourself back in your teenage years. Determined to live your life as it was, you went with the flow in order not to disturb anything. So why the hell was your old forbidden love in your first life ended becoming your fiance on present times? Wasn't he supposed to be your sister's fiance? Where did your friend go? Will you be able to attain the freedom you once had and was still longing for? (Warning: Self harm thoughts)

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i. The Night We Met

Staring at the pouring rain outside the window, you cannot help but to look away and clear your messed up mind. It felt like you were about to loose your mind, refusing to acknowledge the predicament you are currently in as you refuse to believe that this is your reality now.

"Young Lord (First name) all preparation were ready for you to meet your fiance." "Alright, I'll be ready in just a minute. I'll be right in there in a minute." "We'll wait here and take you there young lord." Their reply was something you have already heard a long time ago, scared that you'll run away that you could not help but to roll your eyes as your maids continue to fix your outer layer of yukata.

You cannot believe that you are once again eighteen, back in this hellish house, in this trashy and messy situation living your second life. How the hell did you even end up in this situation? Why make you go through the very same situation you'd rather die than to go back into? Nevertheless, it seemed like nothing have changed. Therefore everything would be okay.

In the past, you used to hate this house very much. But looking back not that your here on the very same situation as you were in the past. Maybe it was just an exaggeration. It wasn't the house that you hate, it was the feeling of suffocation that you hate. The fact that you were suppressed by the expectations, the rules, the duties tied to you all because you were the first born. The feeling that upon leaving this household you never thought you would get to feel once again.

And yet here you are. Living your second life the same way as you did in the past. It would have been great if you had come back a few years to come, when you make it out of Inazuma but damn. Here you are still stuck in this household. But that won't be for too long. You are eighteen now, you left not too long after this. All because you got engaged with the right person. Come to think of it, Lance hasn't been repling to your letter and although it was not unusual, he should still reply. Did something happened-? "Young Lord, we have arrived as the recieving area."

It was raining but not as heavy as it was earlier. "Was it raining back then?" "What is it young l-" "Nothing, open the door." Doing as they are told, the serverts went to open the door as you walk in. In the middle of the room was a table with a falling beads curtain in the middle of it, preventing to see who was one the other side. Even the room was in the same set up as it was in the past. Without thinking too much about it, you sat down on the futton elegantly. No matter how close you are with your childhood friend, your father has eyes and ears everywhere.

Without a word, the servants on the side came close into the table and started serving the two of you sake differently which was pretty strange. In the first place, there was in no need of a servant, even in the past there was no one around the two of you. What was different this time? Nevertheless, you took the now filled with sake cup and reach out to the other side of the curtain. Even without a word it felt nice to think that it was your bestfriend, the who look and help you to get away from this place to get married. So when an arm reachout and warp around yours to intertwine, you gulp your sake without second thought.

Just like that the engagement ritual was done like it did in the past. So why the hell won't this guy speak? "Why-?" "I see the two of you were finally done with the ceremony." It was your father followed by someone you have never seen before but looks somehow familiar. It wasn't until he was out of your father's shadow that you manage to recognise who it was. "This is the first time I have seen the young lords face close in person. I hope my son have shown nothing but hospitality." What? Wait a minute, what is he doing in here? Isn't he... wasn't he supposed to be dead? No wait a minute, was he dead around this time? Was it before or what is after? Nevertheless, something is wrong.

"Haha judging by the look on their faces, it seemed like the two have yet to introduce themselves around each other." "That make sense, my son was quite the alo-shy type so he wasn't that much of a talkative person..." You did not hear what they were saying, you were just focused on the man across you as the servants went and remove the curtain that separates you and your now fiance. It took a lot, a lot of will power and consciousness to keep and control your facial expression. What in the shit is happening?

Before you knew it, the two of you were in a banquet, sitting right next to each other as the nobles and upperclass families of Inazuma chatter right in front of the two of you. You were just in daze, confused and to be honest quite scared of the unfolding events. It felt like yoj were about to breakdown. This isn't what was supposed to happened. He- he shouldn't be the one who was supposed to be here. He-

"Are you alright?" No. You never felt so lost and confused your whole life. "Yes." You lied, refusing to look at him and keeping your eyes on the crowd. "What about you? This must be new to you. Aren't you nervous?" "It's not 'you'." "Huh?" That made you look at him and upon doing so, it felt like deja vu. The way everything went slow, the way the world seemed to stop. "It's Ayato. Kamisato Ayato." "(First name)" You replied instinctively. "(First name)(Lastname)." You utter, offering a hand, hoping for a hand shake when he took it and bring it closer and closer to his lips causing you to went stiff as his lips pressed upon it. Goddammit. "It was a pleasure to meet you." You smile before looking away from him. Why does it have to be him out of all people?

You could feel your head throbbing, your heart aching. Whether it was due to long distant memories, the feeling of suffocation didn't lessen, if possible, it felt even worse. Like someone was stabbing you in the chest while choking the shit out of you. It felt weird because you shouldn't have felt this way. The two of you parted ways in a complicated yet peaceful ways. So why does it hurt to see him again? Why does it hurt to see him again? You don't know. In the first place, you shouldn't be feeling this way. After all, if it wasn't for this day, you would have still forgotten about him. All in the back of your mind, long forgotten.

It was raining the first time you have ever seen the one and only Kamisato Ayato on the first week when you first established your pub in Inazuma. The way the crowded pub full of chatter and laughter seems to have suddenly stopped as the ring of the bell have suddenly gain your attend as two gentlemen walks in.

The other one looked familiar, Thoma has been visiting the pub the first few days and have come to become a friend not only to you but also to your fellow bandmates as he have taken most of you and your friends interest upon expressing his interest in music. And the other one seemed mysterious, hood covering most of his face causing you to raise a brow in interest.

But the moment he pulled down his hood and his face and hair came into light, the way your (eye color) iris meet with a pair of lavender ones. Everything seemed to stop, everything seemed to go on a slow motion as the two of you were in your moment of daze. "(Alias name) this is the one I was talking to you about, My -" "Ayato." You blink as he was already right in front of you. "My name is Ayato ." He smiled at you offering a hand in which you took. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Fuck, he was sooooo pretty. But with those eyes looking at you with what it seems like malice you cannot help but to wonder why.

You were about to speak, if he seemed to have a problem with you, why not properly talk about it? But by the time you were about to open your mouth, "(Alias name) it's you time to shine." Forget everything, singing always comes first as the rest of the band come into the small stage inside the pub. Well, such matter could always be address later. After all, by the time you made it back, the light blue hair guy named Ayato was no longer around alongside Thoma.

Everything is a fucking mess. It was a mess. Things aren't supposed to be like this. This isn't how things were supposed to unfold. "Fuck!" You were never the type to vent out your frustration into things, maybe that was the reason why your maids were dumbfounded upon seeing you so angry, you have thrown your ornaments upon entering your room to change outfit . "Call Lance." "But You-" "Did you not hear me?! Go and get someone from the Nohara clan and bring Lance to me!" When you saw them hesitate your anger could not helo but to rise again as you shout "NOW!"

You never felt so lost, so confused in your whole lifetime. You want to cry and break down at the same time you want to laugh. If you have known that that last breath of yours would bring you back into the past, you'll strive on to live longer in your former life. You should have not gone content on what you have. It felt like everything you have ever done has failed you and bring you back into this fucking hellish place, in this mess. Does that meann everything you have ever done and made was a futile? The freedom you longed for and archive was all for naught?

You felt like you were going crazy. Maybe you are crazy and everything was just your imagination. Come to think of it, you went back because you die. Would everything go back to what it was if you die again? What if- suddenly, the sharp end of your ornament caught your attention.

A flick on your forehead landed causing you to groan in pain as you glare at the man across you. "You're thinking of something terrible again. Did you hate losing that much?" Ayato spoke with a chuckle, leaning back into his seat as his eyes sent upon the shogi peaces right in front of the two of you. Rubbing your forehead in ache, you pout and move another piece in the board. "It's not like I hate it, I just don't like loosing." You utter and upon placing the piece only then did you realise "I lost." He declared with a sigh. "Why you-!" Before you could even rebut, he lean in close to you kissed you in the forehead. "Ayato!-" when he laugh and smile like that, how could you even get mad.

"(Nickname)." It was Lance, your childhood friend. "Why are you crying." He smile gently at you and he open his arms. "Lance-" You could not help but to throw yourself into his arms. "I- You- He-" "Hush, I know." You felt him run his fingers thru your hair. "I know (Nickname). I know. Everything will be alright." "Why does it have to be him, of all people. Why him." He could only pat you in the back. Coming into realization that you are not crying because you hate how things were turning out to be. Rather, you are crying because for once, you actually thought of it might not be idea to marry him. Even it that means losing the freedom you have been longing for.

On the other side, a man was humming a song inside a carriage when a man in horse stopped by the window side causing the man to pause his train of thoughts. "Young Master, a report just came in that the young master of the Nohara Clan have arrived and went inside the Young Lord's chamber-" The agent who repported could not help but to stop in his report as a shiver went down his spine upon seeing the face of his master. It felt like if he open his mouth, he will be killed. "Go on, why did you stop. Continue." "Tha- that. That is all the reports content, young master." "I see, then I want to rumors of than to come into surface. If everyone gets a word of it then I suppose you know of what to do no?" Dispose them. That is what he wants them to do. "Yes, young master." "You're dismissed."

Inside the carriage, silence echoed inside the space before the sound of a fan opening could be heard. "How annoying." The man run his hand through his light blue hair as his lavender eyes glare at the direction on your manor. "That fucking bastard just wouldn't leave them be." He grit his teeth. At the same time everything does make sense. He, that man was supposed to be your fiance after all. And he just came out of blue, at least to your point of view and snatch you away from your supposed to be fiance already. It already make sense that the bond between the two of you run deep.

"Patience Ayato. Patience. While it's true that he has them now, you had them too." He took a deep breath to calm himself down. "It's only a matter of time until you have them back in your arms." He told himself as he stare out the window. Right, God had given him a second chance to make the right choice. And this time, he'll have you in his arms.

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[ ⓒdark-night-hero] 2024°

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 5 of Genshin Impact