summary: You had a date scheduled and ended up sleeping through it. These are the voice messages you wake up to from various genshin characters.
type: headcannons, gn!reader, not proofread
characters: varka, flins, navia, wanderer, and lohen
a/n: back from the dead of college to share this shitty piece of writing
â⏠All at Once by Eli âŹâ
â§ Varka
âHey, Iâve been waiting outside Good Hunter for about an hour now. Are you okay? If you didnât feel like getting out today you couldâve just shot me a text. My pride is only a little wounded from standing outside alone. I only had three people ask me if âthe Grandmasterâ was expecting someone. Not mad at ys, I figure youâll reach me when you hear this. Stay safe pumpkin.â He gives a hearty laughs to himself
âYeah, I know you hated that, Iâm getting a kick out of imagining your face all scrunched up in a cringe.â He laughs a little more, he really does have a tendency to crack himself up.
âAlright, Iâll let ya go-â
âOh hey Nicole!â
âHi Grandmaster Varka! What are you doing here all alone?â Nicoleâs question came through distant over the voicemail
âWell I was supposed to be meeting my better half for dinner.â Varka explained, clearly unaware he had failed to end the voicemail
âOh! Iâm sure they just got distracted. Maybe fell asleep on accident.â Nicoleâs insists, her soft voice coming through faint on the voicemail
âAlways thinking the best of others, thatâs a great knightly quality in you Nicole!â He praised her
âGrandmaster, I think you forgot to end your voicemail.â Nicole informs him kindly
âGah! Technology these days, just so complicated!â Varka complained before ending the message.
â§ Flins
âHello dear, please do not worry about missing our stargazing plans. You seemed quite exhausted this past week, so I hope you were able to get the rest you needed.â His voice was calm and smooth even through the phone
âSend me a message when you get this, would you? I just want to make sure you are well. While I am not upset at you for your absence from our date, I did miss getting to see that enchanting smile of yourâs. I hope to meet with you again, preferably sooner than later.â He said with a light chuckle before ending the message
â§ Navia
âHey partner! I hope you didnât get stuck at work or accidentally double book yourself?â Navia questioned worriedly
âNo matter, just give me a call when you get this! Iâve got macaroons and your favorite pastries waiting! They just got out of the oven too, so theyâre still warm!â She said excitedly
âAlright, Iâll let ya go now, but please do let me know if youâre okay. I would be more than welcome to a surprise visit from ya when you hear this!â Her voice had a hint of longing in it, she clearly wanted to see you, no matter if it was hours later than expected.
â§ wanderer
âHey idiot, Iâve been waiting outside this stupid shop for 30 minutes now, are you coming or what?â Wanderer chided, sounding annoyed as always
âIf I donât see you in the next 15 seconds, Iâm leaving.â He threatened
There was dead silence in the message, then he spoke.
âOkay, Iâm leaving now, call me back when you get this.â He grumbled
âYou better be okay. If you donât text me within the next three hours, Iâm showing up at your door, loser.â Wanderer threatened before ending the message.
â§ Lohen
The message started the sound of a sword slashing and the groan of a ruin guard disabling.
âHey! You said youâd meet me at Thousand Winds temple like an hour ago!â He panted, his tone a bit pouty
âI was ready to have your stupid picnic, no violence and everything. Then this punching badâsorryâruin guard showed up. And well I just had to take care of it!â He explained
âGuess Iâll have to enjoy these delicious pastries and a battle well won on my own.â He said sadly
âHope youâre okay! Call me back when you get this angel.â He bid farewell, the smirk on his face definitely coming through in his statement.
Your literature teacher seems to be tired of your defiance and decline in academic grades. Constant detention has never helped.. so, he came up with another method.
It is late in the afternoon. The setting sun casts a warm color through the blinds in the empty classroom. Well, it would be empty if it weren't for you and Flins' presence.
âAlas, another week, another detention, another boring lecture and extra-learning session. You have grown to be annoyed by this constant cycle. But, you admit, you're a tough nut to crack, even for yourself. So, instead of fixing your inner turmoil, you decide to just stick with the usual flow;
â
âGo to school -> Attend stupid classes (optional.) -> Do assignments (always turning it in late.) -> Gets scolded -> Sent into detention. Repeat. It's a pain in the ass, but it's more worth it than studying and putting in effort. At least, that's what you think.
â
âYou do wonder though, why is Sir Flins the one in charge lecturing students in detention? Sure, he's scary when he's serious, but, not all people are gonna be affected by that? Like you, for instance. Why can't they send someone else like Miss Linnea or Miss Nefer for a change? Or, maybe they could send you to clean toilets or something. At least something else than this godawful boredom!!! You grumble, your thoughts stealing your attention from the lecture you're "listening" to. Like it always did.
â
âAnd in this quiet and desolate classroom, the click of his tongue seems to echo through the walls. It broke your bubble.
â
â"I unfortunately do not have the time to keep lecturing you over and over again, if all you're going to do is dismiss all the knowledge i gave you." Flins says, his tone poised with false calmness. His yellow eyes stare into your soul, before closing the book in his hand with a snap. The man walks towards your desk, stopping just before you.
â
â"Troublesome and stubborn kids like you are bound to be taught discipline, do you think?" This is stupid. He would always say these kinds of things. Just to get you to finally listen. Just to get you to care. You decide that it's not worth to react to them anymore. But.. certainly, you can't shake off the bad feeling.
â
âPlacing the thick book he was holding on the desk beside you, he suddenly commands; "Stand up."
â
â???
â
â"What're we doing." Your eyes squint, looking up at him with skepticism. You can't help but feel uneasy.
â
â"You've never changed. Not one bit. So, i'm offering you an 'easy way out.' Surely, that's what you want? I'll let you go without any more lectures nor questions, only if those allegedâ "useless" activities are replaced by a different one."
â
âYou gulp.
â
â"Just be a good student for once and let me hit you. That'll save you from another hour of lecture, won't it? Undoubtedly, it'll also save me from wasting precious breaths."
â
âThe atmosphere changed once he spoke. No way that's happening. Is he joking? You tense under his scrutinizing gaze, feeling the weight beneath all that's been said. His tone feels too real. Is this what people mean when they say.. 'everyone has their limits'? You keep your head low, not wanting to see his face at this point.
â
â"You're bluffingâ"
â
â"I don't waste my time on difficult students like you. And no, i am not bluffing."
â
âThen, you feel it. Cold fingers on your chin as he proceeds to lift your head up. Your breath stills, your heart thumping fast like it's about to jump out of your chest.
â
â"I will repeat myself. Stand up, and let me hit you."
â
âFight or flight? That doesn't register in your mind. Fawn, is what you instinctively go for. Besides. He's right. A lowlife like you shouldn't even be given this many chances. This detention-on-every-week has happened for three months now. He's right. You are bound to be taught discipline. But...
â
âIs this even discipline?
â
âWith a slight tremble, you get up from your seat, the chair's legs screeching against the floor. Trying to avert your gaze, you turn your head by just a fraction, and your breath grows short. In the corner of your eye, you can almost feel his tiny, eerie grin.
â
âHe doesn't hesitate.
â
âSMACK!
â
âA slap lands on your cheek.
â
âHard. Stinging.
â
âYou hiss, searching for his eyes. As expected, no light. no remorse, no guilt, no thrill whatsoever. Just... two distant yellow orbs staring into your soul, as if they want you to take in the truth.
â
â"How many times do we have to do this to get you to care?"
â
âYou open your mouth, wanting to form out a response, but before you could,
â
âSMACK!
â
âAnother slap lands on your cheek, the same one, harder than before. The previous sting hasn't subsided, and this only adds on the pain.
â
âYou deserve this.
â
â...
â
âDo you really?
â
âWhat, so are you gonna just let him raise his hand again and land yet another hit on your cheek?
â
âSMACK!
â
âYour other cheek got the same treatment.
â
âHarder than the last, making your ear ring.
â
âYou grip on your forearm, trying to hold back the tears welling up in your eyes.
â
â"Sorry! sorry.. pleaseâ stop slapping me, iâm sorry!" Your voice comes out almost like a sob, arms creating a barrier to hide your cheeks.
â
âYour apology is met with silence, though. The combination of the ache on your cheeks only heightens the dread you're internally feeling right now. Maybe, you need to actually convey it instead of just spitting out sorrys.
â
â"..Sir Flins, i promiseâ i.. will change, i won't burden you anymore,"
â
âHis lips nearly curved upwards.
â
â"Ah, is my new way of teaching finally getting to you?" His manner switches, carrying a tint of amusement. "Good, then."
â
â"You better hold on to your word. You are not a burden to me solely, but to every teacher that has to deal with your shenanigans."
â
âThe man takes the book that was neglected, and turns on his heel, striding to approach the teacher's desk.
â
â"Very well. You may leave. I was serious when i said that this could cut one hour worth of further mentoring."
â
âWithout a second thought, your body moves on its own, slinging your bag over your shoulder and rushes towards the exit.
â
â"And if you're sent here again next week," His sharp voice cuts your action into a halt.
â
â"I will not hesitate to go harsher."
â
âYou don't care anymore, you don't give him another glance. With one swift motion, you slide the door open, and take your leave.
â
âThat teacher is more scary than he seems, and you just learnt that today.
I'm uploading my ao3 work here, don't mind me! I hope for more people to enjoy this >,<
†Fluff, No warnings
†They/them Yuu (Yes, this fic is for both DeuceYuu & DeucexReader, you pick!)
†I forgot about Heartslabyul's curfew (have they ever mentioned the canonical time?) so i made it up, apologies if i got it wrong
†Total words: 2,7k
Please enjoy (*ÂŽË`*)âĄ
"I'm in love with you, Prefect. ..No."
"Prefect, I like you- will you be my.."
The voice trails off, followed by a sigh, then a faint groan.
"Dude, you're stressin' out too much, y'know? Just say whatever comes to mind," A cocky tone chimes in, in an attempt of (it's not helping) easing the tense atmosphere.
"I can't, Ace... I need to choose out the correct words.. I want them to know i'm genuine." The boy replies.
"Pshh- whaat? Why would they think you're joking, especially when it's a confessing matter? Besides, you're almost like, always serious, I think they can tell you're genuine no matter what words you'll sound out."
"You think so?"
"Absolutely."
The navy-blue haired boy contemplates a bit. Say whatever comes to mind? What if he messes it up? Even if he were to get the words right, what if they get uncomfortable? His thoughts are like haywire, scared of losing one of his bestest friends by being honest about the way he feels. He has never confessed to anyone before, so this is something entirely new to him.
But, maybe Ace's right. He's probably thinking for the worse because he's never done this. Ace on the other hand, well.. let's just say he has confessed AT LEAST once.. (Which is a contradiction, because he has a habit of keeping intimate feelings to himself)
So, the more Deuce thought about it, the more he regains his composure. He can't be seen as nervous or anxious when confessing! That would just make the person you're confessing to AS nervous. For Yuu, he has to stay cool and calm. Not a loser who can't seem to simply state their feelings.
He takes a deep breath before muttering an "Alright" and getting back to his practice, but with more confidence this time.
He then gazes into their eyes (A photo of Yuu he printed and taped onto the mirror.) Then places his palm on his heart.
"Prefect! I'm.. in love with you, do you feel the same way? If you do, then...may i be yours? I-if you don't then it's fine we can just stay as friendsâ"
"Sheeeeshh.. that was damn smooth, Deucey! See? I told ya." The shorter male teases, smirking more as he sees his friend's blush growing redder across his cheeks. He gives his arm a nudge, "Man, if you're already this flustered, can you handle the real thing?!"
"Shut it Ace..."
As embarrassing as his blush is currently telling him, he's actually esctatic. Because finally, Deuce was able to express words from the bottom of his heart. He just... needs to wait for the inevitable heart-pounding confession now.
---------------------------
One of his plans were to invite them to the Rose Maze. Empty handed. Tomorrow is his turn paiting the roses, so he figured that confessing AFTER his chore would be a good idea. Freshly picked and painted red rose... The idea is appealing for sure. He did some research days before and he's aware that most of the time, red roses are given to a love interest to show respect, devotion, admiration, gratitude, or even all of them. It's also said that those symbolize love, passion, and all of the other fancy romantic stuff. And so, he made his mind!
Operation: Planning The Meetup!
Initially, he was gonna ask them via messages. But then he realized, that's lame as hell. Man-ing up, he decides that today, after classes, he's got to ask in person! They ARE in the same class anyway.
"Prefect... Let's meet up in.. in the, Hall of Mirrors at 5! Iâve got something to discuss about with you. Think you can, spare some time and come with me to my dorm?â
Itâs rather an easy agreement. Yuu said okay without no second thoughts. He was, in fact, worrying too much.
---------------------------
The wind is nice today. Two of the freshmen are taking a stroll in the Rose Maze, enjoying the green and exquisite scenery. Red roses are seen everywhere, along with the heart-shaped shrubs and other uniquely-shaped ones. At one specific spot, Deuce stops in his tracks, before turning around.
âYuu.â His tone serious, and he suddenly becomes nervous. âI have a confession to make.â The boy mutters out. Okay, now comes the time. He picks out a rose from the shrub next to him, and extends it to them.
âIâve been holding back on my feelings.. for a while and, i feel itâs reached a point of bursting out.â
âNo more big talks, Prefect, Iâm in love with you. I have been for a long time. A-and of course.. itâs.. understandable if you donât reciprocate my feelings. I just.. needed to let all of this out.â
That went smoother than any of his ârehearsalsâ, and he canât believe he finally did it. He didnât just do it, he nailed it! Words were coming out perfectly, no stutters at all whatsoeverâ well, we donât count one. But now.. comes the agitating one. Their reply.
From afar, The Heartslabyulâs Housewarden is also taking a little stroll in the garden he takes pride in. He loves admiring the environment all over. Accidently though, he sees Deuce and the Ramshackleâs Prefect together in a corner. Well, not that he minds. Deuce had already ask for his permission to bring them over at this hour. So, he wouldnât care that much.
He wouldnât.
That is, until Riddle notices a red rose in Deuceâs hand. Surprised, he has to make sure thatâs not picked! Stomping towards their direction, he sulks.
âW-what?! Housewarden, whatâre you doing here??â Deuce panics, shame washing over him to be interrupted in such a state. Yuu too, are wondering on whatâs going on. They were JUST about to speak their response.. What a bummer.
âGood evening to you both, Deuce and Prefect.â The redheadâs tone is rather.. menacing than welcoming. âI was just taking a stroll, and spotted you in this very corner. Now, i wouldâve simply walked away and minded my own business, but it seems like something has to be inspected.â
âOne question: Was that flower picked?â
âU-uh.. yeah,â Deuce points at the shrub next to him. âI picked it from here, Housewarden. Why? Weâre allowed to pick roses, no?â
Ah, his instinct was right after all.
âExcuse me?!â
Riddle looks unpleased. A scowl easily read, he brings his hand to his chest. âDeuce! Are you aware on what day it is today? And are you aware of what you did? You just violated one of the Queenâs Rules.â
Eh, wait, now that that question popped into his head, the navy-blue haired teen starts thinking. Deuce didn't even notice what day it is today, being too focused on the confessing part. Wednesday, isnât it? What about this day?
âItâs Wednesday?â
âPrecisely.â
âWhat.. rule did i break, Housewarden?â
âQueen of Heartâs Rule #228. Iâm sure you can figure it out, if you remember, that is.â Oh, Riddle is definitely sure he doesnât remember, whatsoever.
"Rule 228?â The younger teen repeats, contemplating hard. âI don't think I remember.." With a troubled smile, Deuce keeps holding the rose like it was nothing, irking his housewarden even more. Wait. Maybe he does remember. It's.. definitely about roses. Is it the way he's supposed to hold it? Or, or perhaps...
"Rule #228 states," The redhead opens his mouth, tone stern with no room for interruptions, "that flowers in gardens must never be picked on Wednesdays!"
The couple blink.
Oof, that would be the last guess on his mind.
Another one of those stupid rules, but even more stupid. Why is Wednesday an exception? It's that 'No eating hamburg steak on Tuesdays' all over again. The Queen of Hearts sure is weird. Deuce was able to remember that one, a.k.a Rule #189, since Heartslabyul freshmen kept on repeating the same mistake over and over again, and ended up with, the same scoldings. And.. the same magic-blocking metal collars around their necks. And-- the same stupid essays...
Yuu glance at Deuce, brow knitted, itching to step into the conversation to defend him-- albeit also trying to hold a mocking chuckle. "Ri--"
"Apologies for ruining whatever you lovebirds were having but-- I demand a 5000 word essay on why you're sorry for your action, Deuce." Riddle cuts Yuu off before they can make any objections.
And to think that the day was going awfully well for Deuce.. he knew something would get to him, sooner or later... and that is now.
"--Due tomorrow." He adds.
"..Yes, Housewarden.." Deuce can only sigh in defeat, disappointed 'cause he ruined the moment that he was looking forward to the most. In front of the person, too. He feels guilty, as they're probably internally mocking him for being such a loser. How is that not the most humiliating thing?
âYou better do it, or itâll be âOff with your headâ tomorrow!â He warns, giving Deuce one last glare, before turning his backs against them with an annoyed huff.
...
The navy-blue haired freshmen brings his right hand towards his nape, letting his head drop. He swallows. Everything is ruined now. The tension has become too awkward, he canât speak.
Deuceâs mind is a mess by now, and he can't even bring to lift his head and look at his crush in the eyes. Clenching the rather spiky stem harder, the prickles pierce into his skin, stinging his palm.
He needs reassurance. Words. Anything. Anything will do. Or else this silence is gonna swallow him whole.
âHey uh, Deuce?..â
The boy lifts his head.
Yuu.. finally said something. He has to make it upâ
âI-im sorry, Yuu. I ruined the moment.. Please, pretend that this never happened. Pretend I never.. confessed to you. Letâs just stay as friends, yeah?â Those words leave his lips rather hastily. But, despite all of this awkwardness, Yuu step forward.
They grab his right hand, and his other, making the grip on the flower loosening. Clasping their hands together, they look into his eyes, gaze genuine. Blush spreads across Deuceâs cheeks, his brain short-circuiting as a result. In between of their flushed faces, is that same rose, beautifully red painted, covering both of their lips from each otherâs view.
âNo need to apologize, you did no wrong. Thank you for your braveness, Deuce..â
Those words.. they donât feel right. Well, itâs not like Deuceâs still holding any hopes anyway. Heâs already imagining their next words; âBut sorry, I donât feel the same wayâ, or âYouâre right, letâs just stay as friendsââ
âThis whole confessing thing isnât over, though. I too have my own part to confess.â
?
âI actually like you back.â
âHuh? C-come again?!â
The prefect let out a light laugh, making Deuce embarrassed. He was stressing.. so much. Anxious, even. âYou heard me already! I also am in love with you!â
âYouâre serious, Prefect??â He needs to make sure it isnât just his mind playing tricks on him. He isnât dreaming, is he?
âWhat do you think??â They throw the question back at him. That's right, why would they say that if they werenât sincere?
The boy in front of them seems to be super thrilled, his watery eyes reflecting their face. âSorry, Yuu.. Iâm just really happy. I hope you donât mind,â He avows, not holding back his keen grin, his brows lifting unwittingly. The prefectâs first instinct is to cup his cheek, and that makes the boyâs tears overflow. With one blink, the tears flow down his cheeks.
âHappy tears Iâm guessing?â Yuu speak with gentle eyes, brushing off the tears that fall with their thumb.
âYeah.. Very...â
---------------------------
âOuch-â Deuce winces. âBear it for a little longer will you,â Yuuâs voice soft and reassuring, as their hands work on wrapping a gauze around his palm. He didnât even realize heâs clutching onto the stem that hard. Heâs grateful since he didnât get any infection, at the very least. Though, his mind isnât focusing on that. Itâs the fact that his beloved, is currently treating on his wounds. This is the best day of his life. Only if he could relive this moment forever..
But no. Heâs aware that this is only the beginning. He canât wait to finally start a new chapter of his life! Days are yet to come, and heâs positive that life would be more fun and endurable with Yuu close in it.
âSay, Letâs do the essay together.â
Oh. The essay. What a mood breaker. Although, he is indeed relieved that the hand thatâs hurt is his left. That means he can still write. Wait, âtogetherâ? Their words kind of caught him off guard a bit.
âBut youâre not assigned to one?..â
âI mean, Iâll accompany you until you finish.â
âNo, you donât need toâ Iâll only trouble you then. Besides, most of the time, Iâd finish really late. And you canât keep staying there. Heartslabyulâs curfew is at 9. Riddle would have our heads if he found out youâre still there,â He tries to explain.
âWell⊠alright, you got a point about the curfew. Though, at least let me stay by until, whenever Iâm.. obligated to leave? I might be able to help you with the words, yâknow, like if youâre stuck?â
How could he turn this down?
âIf you insist then.. okay.â An agreement leaves his lips. âIâll try my best to focus and finish it before you leave, Iâm serious and I wanna make a commitment.â
Yuuâs lips curve upwards, finishing one last roll around his palm. They bring his hand towards their face, kissing the back of it. They secure the gauze afterwards by tying the short and long ends together.
â...â
Both of his ears light up a pink hue almost immediately, and he brings his free hand to cover the blush on his cheeks. He doesnât know what to say.
âYou neednât say anything Deuce, haha. Iâll be doing that a lot from now on.â
---------------------------
âYikes. Iâve never even heard of that rule before.. Thank the sevens he was in a good mood thooough. Or else itâd be, âOff with your heaa~d!â Hahah!â Ace comments from his bed, imitating Riddleâs line mockingly. Heâs currently lying down, scrolling through his phone, all the while listening to Deuceâs explanation on how he got the essay. Heâs the one who asked, after all.
âI know.. Thatâs one relief I guess. A-anyway, I really gotta focus huh, sorry Yuu.â Deuce switches his attention back to the essay.
And now, with the clock striking 7:30, indicates that theyâve been working on for.. 1 and a half hours? And by the looks of it, heâs barely halfway done. This is the worst. Now with Yuu here, he feels some kind of pressure to not make any blunder with the essayâs words. Itâs.. a little uneasy.
Heâs easy to read, though.
âHey Deuce, donât be so tense. You donât gotta be perfect just because Iâm here. Itâs fine, go with a pace youâre comfortable in, and donât be afraid of making mistakes. Youâre awfully acting like Iâm Riddle right now, watching intently on your progress to make sure you do the essay right.. Câmon, I'm Yuu, idiot.â
Thatâs weirdly comforting. I guess.. theyâre right.
âOkay okay.. Thanks, Iâll keep those words in mind, then.â His voice full of earnestness, he wants keep his promises, and he certainly doesnât wanna let them down.
âMaybe I can give you something to keep you energized.â
Deuce turns his head at them. âLike wh-â
The prefect lean in, pressing a soft kiss onto their partnerâs lips. It lasts for some seconds, but it feels like the world has stopped entirely.
Ace clicks his tongue.
Rolling his eyes in annoyance and disgust, the ginger opens his camera.
Click! Click! Click!
Pulling back, the couple turn their heads towards the direction of the sound straight away, both a pure flustered mess.
âWhat? Whyâre yâall looking at me like that?â The messy haired boy sneers. âYou CANâT possibly expect me to do nothing while Iâm just being a whole-ass thirdwheel over here!â
âHehe, these pictures are epic blackmail materials..â Ace adds, smirking even more.
â..Damn you!! Delete those!â Deuce retorts, getting up on his feet and walking towards his friend. Itâs a little funny, heâs so red and worked up. Looks like his delinquent tendencies are coming back again with those finger cracks, though.
âAs if, dudee! GAAH DONâT CHARGE AT MEââ
âA..ahaha.. Wait guys what about the essayâŠâ
âAnd theyâre back at it again.. Hmm.. Wonder if we can finish it in time,â They glance at the papers scattered on Deuceâs table. Yuu is the only sane one right now, it seems.