When you were launched into space inside a train, you didn’t take into account that you would be knocked out and have the man you were pining for so long do CPR on you. And your best friend let him. You’re definitely making her your bridesmaid.
dan heng x gn!reader
mara’s words: that clip where danheng deadass was gonna do cpr despite not knowing made my heart flutter like goddamn--haven’t felt this in a whole while
tw: ooc... well, everything (i have not played the second beta so i dont know much about march 7th or dan heng), potentially wrong lore but its my yearning post at 2 am i do what i want, swearing, this is all crack but i dont regret it lol
This was supposed to be an easy express trip towards space. How did it ever come to this?
The Astral Express had roughly skidded to a stop, the wheels scratching against the metal would’ve grated your ears had it not been the cotton stuffed inside. You could barely feel the pain at the back of your head and how there was a certain weight on your chest that it was hard to breathe. You tried to heave but the result lead to a panicked feeling that there was minimal air going inside you.
Ah... you were probably traumatized by trains now.
Despite the muddied fog clouding your senses, you could vaguely feel someone clutching and shaking your shoulders like it was the end of the world. Which, to be honest, might as well be true as you truly felt no impact when that person slapped your cheek.
You could only think of one person who slaps a person’s cheek to wake them up as if it was normal.
As March 7th slapped your other cheek, eyes widened with panic that you still didn’t wake up, she raked her fingers through her hair. She was close to clawing some strands out until a hand was placed on her shoulder.
“Please don’t slap them again.” Dan Heng, another Trailblazer like her, admonished. “I don’t think they want to be woken up with swollen cheeks.
“Swollen cheeks would be the least of their concern if they don’t even open their eyes!” She screeched, going back to shaking your shoulders as her lower lip wobbled. Just how would she live on without you? First amnesia, her name being a goddamn date, and now her first best friend potentially being in a coma—just how much more suffering does she have to go through?
March 7th let out a sound between a groan and a wail as she buried her face at the crook of your neck. “I don’t want them to die soon! They haven’t even gotten a lover yet and went to first base!”
Dan Heng gave her a pointed look. “That’s what your concerned about?”
“You don’t get it!” She exclaimed, whipping her head to look at Dan Heng, not realizing her hair had whipped themselves into your mouth. “This was supposed to be a trip among the stars! Memories worth capturing and saving and looking back to! How else can they look back when there’s nothing to look back at?!”
The male sighed as he scratched the back of his neck. “Well, if none of what you’re doing is working... maybe we should try CPR?”
She blinked. “C-CPR? But... I don’t know how to—”
From behind, the light bulb of a nearby lamppost flared to life.
“Why don’t you do it?!” She exclaimed, a smile so wide it borderlined into manic. Dan Heng even had to step back in fear of the excitement of the amnesiac.
His eyes flit from her to your unconscious body. “M-Me? Why?”
“Because! I already inflicted my fill of physical harm against my bestie, it wouldn’t do good if I also crushed their ribs, right?” March 7th explained, quickly scooting out of the way and presenting your limp body as if Dan Heng won a prize showcase. “So get to it! They won’t be getting any older anytime soon!”
With a heavy sigh, Dan Heng complied, leaning down closer to your body. Despite the swollen cheeks from March 7th’s slaps and the scratches you got from the train crash, you still looked like you. Something Dan Heng can’t help but admire as he pries your mouth open.
“Forgive me,” He whispered your name before placing his mouth on top of yours, quickly blowing in air into your lungs.
... Your lips were comforting against his.
So unlike him, he was so into the “CPR” that he didn’t hear March 7th rapidly pumping the air with her fists with a smug look on her face.
And it was also so unlike him that he didn’t feel a hand card through his hair as he felt a force kiss his lips back. It took a swipe of a tongue against his that he opened his eyes and saw your own eyes staring back at his. Blood immediately rushed to his face, ears and neck, Dan Heng turning into a cute shade of red as he backed off from you, hand covering his mouth as if he’d done a great sin.
Despite the residual fog in your head, you sat up straight, also covering your mouth and stared wide-eyed at your crush until you turned towards March 7th’s victorious humming.
She was still kneeling on the ground but had her fists on her hips while she stared at the both of you with a triumphant smirk on her face. “No need to thank me. Now you can die in peace now that you’ve reached second base!”
Inside the train station, two resounding slaps echoed alongside pained yelps.
extra:
While March 7th’s reddened and swollen cheeks were a surprise to anyone passing by as she sipped her milk tea, it was all worth it when she spotted you and Dan Heng stepped closer to one another in front of a food stall. Sneakily, your hand wrapped around his and, even from this distance, the girl could see Dan Heng’s reddened ears as he intertwines his fingers between yours.
“So worth it.” She said to herself before using her own ice element to cool the swelling of her cheeks.
Waking up to see your kidnappers shake you down over stolen tech wasn't on your itinerary. Not even being paid in money was enough to make you enjoy this.
You heard something, a rhythmic bump-bump-bump before you opened your eyes.
The first thing you saw were a set of brown eyes staring back at you. You couldn't even let out a scream when he pulled himself back, him doing the screaming for you. As you took a closer look, you noted the messy mop of brown hair, red scarf, yellow jacket, and tacky shirt. When all of these registered, you realized he was the same person who bumped into you after your shift and the one who ruined your concert. With a glare, you tried to lunge at him, only to find out that you were tied securely on a chair. With rope. Real rope.
'Is this a shakedown or something?' You thought to yourself.
"Well, glad to see you're awake." An unfamiliar voice rang out, light blue covering the darkness. The more you've awoken your senses, you realize that you were in a completely pitch black room. The only source of light was a spotlight shining directly on you. From the darkness, a hot pink cybernetic leg stepped out. It belonged to a young woman with dark skin, platinum blonde hair with an undercut and the tips dyed blue, the same blue for her jacket and shorts, all the while carrying a menacing looking gun.
'Yep, this is definitely a shakedown.' You thought grimly.
The woman's green eyes narrowed at your state, probably misunderstanding your defeated expression as a sign of smugness. "You've got this coming, you know? Pretty bold of you to strut out in the open with stolen tech."
You raised a brow, sitting yourself up properly.
She continued. "Your cello has tech that Vandelay keeps a secret. Only way you could have gotten it is if you were under Vandelay's Armstrong Project."
"And from our records, your name isn't registered." A different voice rang out, a fiery orange coming from your right. You turned your head, seeing another woman pop out from the darkness. Her striking red hair and blue eyes made you uneasy. If you thought that the first woman was menacing, this one would fold you should you say something undesired.
Her hand clutched your shoulder and you winced when she grabbed it in a vice. "Now, how do you explain a barista having classified Vandelay tech?"
As if he realized he was there, the man spoke up, giving a glare that was a smidgen of threatening compared to the two women. A bright yellow showed itself when he spoke. "And how do you explain talking to me through your cello?"
Only for the glare to melt away as a fanboy-ish smile covered his face. "Cuz that was the coolest thing ever!"
You looked between the three of them, bewildered beyond belief. You couldn't even formulate any kind of response and it wasn't because you were gagged (you weren't).
When you thought you couldn't be surprised anymore, a robotic voice rang out from the darkness. "I believe our perpetrator in question cannot speak."
Like a record scratch, all of the lights turned back on. Your eyes squinted at the sudden brightness but it seemed your three captors were more focused on the last two words. The woman in blue whipped her head back towards a desk filled with high tech stuff as a droid stood with… a marker in their hands?
"What do you mean CNMN?" She asked them.
The droid pointed his finger upwards. "According to their files, due to an incident, their vocal chords have been completely destroyed. Therefore, they are unable to speak."
A pin drop can be heard from somewhere. Like a flip has switched, the woman in red untied your hands but not long, she had her vice grip on your shoulders again. "I'm only untying your hands so you can sign to us. Don't do anything funny."
With a gulp, you heeded her words, hands shakily raising up before you signed, I honestly have no idea what you guys are talking about. I never stole anything from Vandelay.
The blue woman scoffed, gun now pointing at you as you raised your hands in surrender. "And we're supposed to believe that? Your cello has an unmistakable frame that could've only been made under the Armstrong Project. A project you never applied to."
You squirmed under your half-restraints, signing once more. Honestly, I don't know what you're talking about! I got that cello as a gift after my incident!
She raised a brow but her gun didn't budge. "And who gave you the cello?"
You glared. Like I'm telling you.
She shrugged and before you knew it, she pulled the trigger. You couldn't even let out a scream when the bullet shot past your side, only grazing the ropes that were binding you.
"Better think of another good answer before I won't miss my next shot." She threatened, gun now clearly pointed at your head.
You couldn't even properly sign when your hands were shaking from the missed shot. Before you could sign your prayers, an unlikely savior came and pushed aside the gun.
You never realized you loved the color yellow up until the brunette came to your rescue. "Whoa whoa whoa! Take it easy, Peppermint! I can't even understand half of the conversation but that doesn't mean you can shoot them already!"
For a moment, you felt the grip on your shoulders lax. "Can't understand-didn't you learn sign language back in grade school like the rest of us?"
He waved off her question with a nervous smile. "Ehh, that's not important. What's more important is how this guy was able to talk through their cello!"
The woman in blue rolled her eyes, propping her gun on her shoulder. "Chai, we talked about this. What you could've heard was probably just some text-to-speech they modded onto the cello."
He shook his head. "No, you don't get it! When I first heard them play for the first time ever it's like… like…"
He trailed off, turning his head to look at you and there was a certain beat in the air that your own heart suddenly synced with.
"Like they were made to be on stage."
He turned back towards her, cybernetic arm in front of you as if a garbage disposal arm can help you from a gun. "And I can't let a fellow performer get shot by my best friend. And that's that!"
Her expression looked as though the man had lost his mind. You wondered if his heart-warming speech was all for nothing until the woman let out a sharp sigh and pocketed her gun. She placed her fists on her hips, looking at you then back at the man. "I trust you on this one, Chai."
You didn't realize how much weight was hiding in your chest until you let out a shaky exhale. Not only that, the weight on your shoulders disappeared as the ropes tying your lower half loosened. You looked behind the woman in red, her face impassive but she ushered you up from your seat.
"You may have gotten Chai's trust but that doesn't mean you're off the hook." She warned. You nodded frightfully, taking a few extra steps away from her and finding yourself closer to your yellow-colored savior. Now that you’ve taken a closer look at him, you realized that a cat was on his shoulder. No, not a cat, a robotic cat. Its blue optics looked at you curiously, tail swishing lazily behind it.
Regardless, you mouthed to him. Thank you.
He gave a thumbs up, showing a goofy smile. "Don't mention it! Gotta look out for our fellow performers!"
"In any case," the woman in blue interjected, "since you're already too deep with us, might as well get acquainted."
She raised her hand for an amicable handshake. "I'm Peppermint. The woman who handled you is Korsica.”
You slowly took her hand, greeting both her and Korsica. The latter gave a small salute before walking elsewhere.
"And this loser is Chai." She raised her elbow to rest on Chai's shoulder. "He's the guy that beat you up and, well, I guess saved you from me."
He buckled slightly from the added weight but he still gave a lighthearted smile. One wouldn't have guessed that he was the one who was able to go toe-to-toe with your musical creations but here he was, smiling as if he didn't get beat up by a cello.
You signed. I remember you. We bumped into each other when I went out to the club.
Before he could ask, Peppermint translated for him. "They said you bumped into each other before."
He let out an exaggerated ‘ohh!’ before raising his finger. “Right! That was when you wanted me to tail them because of their tech—”
Before he could finish that sentence, Peppermint squished his cheeks with her hand. “We don’t have to divulge too much information to our new companion here, do we, Chai?”
And it was quite a sight to see the shorter woman drag this lanky man back towards the computer table, the cat trying its hardest to hold on. The droid whom you now recall as CNMN made space for Peppermint to sit down as she typed quickly on the keyboard. "Oversharing might be a deterrent when forming relationships."
"Lovely input, CNMN." Peppermint said as she maximized a window to cover the entire screen. "I went ahead and scanned your cello top to bottom. It might just be an ordinary electric cello but here's where we started to suspect you."
The window was your electric cello, only it was a schematic diagram of it, complete with the material it was made out of, the mods that you've added yourself and basically any other information that was found all the way from the scroll to the endpin. You couldn't tell to either be flattered or weirded out that someone finally paid attention to the design of your cello, no matter how rapt that attention was.
Peppermint pointed towards the behind of the cello where the active control system is. She then released an array of different modules. "See these things? Some of these aren't modules that any normal person can get."
She isolated the mods and zoomed in. You blanched at the sight of the Vandelay logo on the mods. How did these stay out of your sight?
"A lot of these mods aren't available to the public." She continued to explain. "They all have varying degrees of effects but the most prominent one is this one here."
She pointed to one that was in the middle. "This module has nearly the exact same components as Chai's power core. Well, besides the MP3 player but you get the gist of it."
She gestured to Chai, him lifting his shirt to reveal a metal cavity on his chest. The aforementioned MP3 player was inside it, bumping rhythmically almost as if it were powering Chai and his robotic arm. Without thinking, you leaned in closer, tapping the metal frame with your finger. He let you ogle it, almost as if he was glowing from the praise.
"I know. One of a kind, am I right?" He said smugly. You rolled your eyes, lightly pushing his chest so he loses his balance.
While he stabilizes himself, Peppermint continues. "This type of mod was only available when the Armstrong Project was underway. You only got your replacements by a rival company and a pretty well-respected hospital."
Your hand flitted over to your neck as you shifted your cybernetic legs. What she said was true. Just how far did she dig into your past?
"And so, we're back to the million-dollar question of where did you get these components." She finished, turning around her chair to look at you. "We're past the vehement threats of violence but I'm pretty sure blackmail isn't off the table."
You rubbed your arms for comfort. If you tried to deny any question further, there was no doubt Peppermint would have gained access to your private info without any delay. Yet speaking the truth would only worsen your relationship with him. Whether he abandoned you or not, you still owe it to him for complying with your selfish request and pulling so many strings for your sake. Would he be able to take you back despite going behind his back? Would you still step on a stage like you did before?
You looked behind her, saw the stolen mod, and sighed. My manager.
Peppermint sat up straight. "What?"
My manager manages my performances. You continued to sign. Not only that, he was the one that gifted me my cello.
"Well, looks like we have our guy." She said in satisfaction, turning back around to find more information about him. "He got a name?"
You presented your phone to her, showing your manager's (or probably ex-manager at this point) business profile. She honed in on his picture and his name, typing swiftly before she let out a hum.
"Sazerac… age 51, biologically male, used to work at… Vandelay Technologies as part of the HR department before being laid off?"
"Oooh, extra suspicious." Chai said in an accusing tone, looking at the man's photo. Meanwhile you were silently praying that he wouldn't hate you when you'll face him.
Peppermint continued to type some more. "His last known location according to street cameras is Vandelay Lodgings.”
“Wait, Vandelay has hotels?” Chai asked.
She shrugged. “Eh, it was for dorms but I’m pretty sure Mimosa hated mingling with losers so she was the one who upgraded the hotels.”
“We have a location,” Korsica intervened, “so let’s get him.”
“Not so fast.” Peppermint stopped her, displaying an overview of the hotel’s address. “The hotel has crazy security. Rising stars, influencers, even political figures stay in that hotel so not anyone can just go in. For people like us, we need clearance from a lot of key figures in the hotel staff.”
“Why do I get the feeling of deja vu?” Chai mumbled to himself.
“I’ve already got 3 of the hotel staff. Head of security Maja, a woman who takes her job seriously just like someone else we know.”
She gave a knowing look to Korsica who rolled her eyes. The screen soon showed a woman with white hair, high cheekbones, and yellow eyes that could cut.
Peppermint continued. “Kitchen head Cardamom, a man whose words cut sharper than his knives.”
The next was a chef with an incredibly large build with dark green hair and form-fitting chef uniform. But what was surprising was the absolute jovial smile on his face, showing his pearly whites to the world.
“He doesn’t look so bad.” Chai said, looking at the man further. “Looks like I could just ask him for the clearance!.”
“He got his salary cut from inflicting bodily harm on several customers because they wanted ketchup on their caprese salad.”
Both you and Chai blinked. Both of you seemed to share the same idea. Never disrespect someone in the kitchen.
“And finally, the architectural head-slash-interior designer, Chamomile.”
The screen soon showed a man with long blonde hair tied into a half-bun as the rest of his hair went down to his knees. Daisy-like flowers decorated his hair and bangs as his kind face caught your eye. He didn’t look so menacing, with his baby blue eyes smiling with his wide grin as he wore a white chiffon shirt and brown dress pants. He looked the least threatening compared to the first two. Though, knowing the streak that Peppermint is going…
What’s his beef? You signed to Peppermint.
“Purposefully had the Modern Institute of Laudatory Fabrics have large windows for wind to blow into so the fabrics keep flying everywhere. Reason why he did it is because the person who hired him to make the building emailed him at 11 PM.”
You sucked in air through your teeth. Petty. Yikes.
“And that’s all of them.” Peppermint, finalized, putting the big three on the screen. “These three are the key in getting us inside the hotel and getting to Sazerac. And fortunately for us, they’re all outside the hotel’s facility.”
Korsica stepped forward, looking at you and Chai before clearing her throat. “Mission Report. We need to get into the hotel to get to Sazerac. In order to do that, we need clearances from the big three.”
Peppermint stepped in. “Frankly, the easiest one to get it is Maja. Her office is in a building a ways from the hotel.”
“Wait, I thought she was head of security?” Chai asked. “Why’s her office so far away?”
“Because a lot of the rich folk don’t want so called ‘cheap labor’ to be seen near them. That’s why Maja’s got an entire security system connected from her building to the hotel. Her building is basically a giant security office that has all the cameras in the hotel hooked to it.”
“This is where you come in, Chai.” She said to him. “You need to sneak into the security building via sewers, infiltrate her office where she’s always in, and get her clearance.”
He smirked. “Easy enough! I’ll get to her no problem!”
“Chai,” Korsica warned, “remember the last time you sneaked into a security office?”
He nervously giggled. “Water under the bridge?”
“There is no saving Korsica’s humiliation ever since that event!” CMNM inputted.
“Thanks CNMN.” Korsica gritted out.
You raised your hand, Peppermint nodding at you. I want to help. This is just as much as my fault for not realizing I was using stolen tech.
She smiled gratefully. “Figured you would say that. That’s why I implanted the transportation device on your legs so Chai can call you in whenever.”
Your mouth hung open. So that was the reason how people just flew in and out of existence when you fought Chai. This technology is incredible!
Still, that wasn’t what you meant. I meant that I want to fight alongside Chai. I owe it that much to him after he came to my defense.
Peppermint and Korsica’s eyebrows raised, clearly surprised by your decision. They both looked at each other, giving wary glances. Feeling left out, Chai stepped between you three, looking at the two women with furrowed brows.
“Hey,” he drawled out, “just what were you two talking about?”
Peppermint paused, wondering how to phrase what you’ve said, until she decided. “Chai, how would you feel if they were with you for the whole mission?”
He blinked. Once, twice. The cat blinking in sync. It took a second before he responded with a garbled gasp. “Wait, them-with me?”
She nodded and you tapped Chai’s shoulder to get his attention. He turned to you just as soon as you’re done typing on your phone. I want to help you. As thanks.
He floundered for a bit. It was clear that he definitely wasn’t used to someone fighting alongside him permanently until he showed a grin. “Sure, why not? I don’t hog the stage!”
“I guess that settles it then.” Korsica said. “You two are to get the clearance as soon as possible. We don’t know how long Sazerac is staying here on the island and we can’t intercept him in the port.”
Before you could sign something, someone behind you cleared their throat. Turning around, you saw a large man approach your group and in his hands was your precious cello. You immediately ran to him, hands already reaching for the instrument until he raised it against your reach.
“Hey, not yet.” He chided. Minty green and baby blues coloring your vision. “I’m Macaron, a Vandelay worker. I took the liberty of analyzing your cello and, as far as I know, there’s nothing that seemed too dangerous.”
He smiled wider, his kind face almost seeming joyful. “I must admit, you've done a lot of impressive modding on this thing. I would love to get to know more about how you're able to play with it."
Your smile widened. Finally, someone who can understand your craft! If this is what shakedowns result in, you should have been kidnapped all the time!
He eventually handed you back your cello. Your hands immediately smoothed out the metal frame as your fingers strummed across its neck. Its bow was still functional, twirling it with your other hand as you played a few notes.
You hadn't really paid much thought on what notes you were playing. It was obvious to one, though, of your true feelings. Chai let out a victorious little giggle. "See? They just said how happy they were that they got their cello back!"
You flinched, eyes widening at his words before you slowly turned around to see him. Out of curiosity, you played more notes, this time in a short staff.
He glared at you. "Hey, I swear I didn't mean to hit you that hard!"
You scurried back out of weirdness. You've heard of people understanding the nuances of music but this… this was unheard of.
And it was obvious that the rest of the crew were weirded out by this revelation as well. It was Peppermint who decided to break the silence. "Wait, Chai. You were serious about what you said earlier?"
He turned to her. “Duh! I wouldn’t lie about a thing like this! This is like… A scientific revolution!”
“It definitely may be scientific but I wouldn’t call it revolutionary.” Korsica said. “I don’t think the STEM students would be thrilled to communicate with musical notes.”
He rolled his eyes. “You’re just jealous that me and them got a super secret language that only we could understand.”
He pointed a finger gun at you. “Right, buddy?!”
You played a note. “Sure.”
Korsica and Peppermint rolled their eyes. The blonde woman stood up, patting the cat that was on Chai’s shoulder. “Anyway, I’m pretty sure you and Chai can hold yourselves out there. We’ll tak to you via 808 when you guys enter the sewers.”
Chai fistbumped Peppermint before turning to the rest of the team, which now includes you. “Alright team! Let’s head out!”
The island gave you plenty of opportunities to pick yourself back up: a paying job, a decent apartment, nice landlord, and not to mention how many people are looking towards making music ever since the new ambassador of Vandelay Industries was a rockstar.
That is, if you were still allowed to perform.
And so, you were left trying to light that spark in you again by performing in clubs. Not the best place to start but hey, at least they let you be on the stage.
You were happy to play in front of a crowd that barely appreciates you, so why does this brunette with a running mouth is trying to pry into your life?
Chai (Hi-Fi RUSH) X GN!Reader
A/N: IM BACK WITH MY NEW HYPERFIXATION SKSSKKSKS this game has truly been in my brain ever since it got secretly launched and I've wanted to take a jab and write for this since Chai has checked all of my criteria for my old childhood crush tropes (brunette, dork, and a loser: is2g this is like my addiction towards hiccup back when httyd released askdjakdjas)
anywayyy, hope you guys enjoy this hastily written fic! i wont drop it like how i dropped start of a new fool swear skkssdklfdsjk
The coffee machine's beat was always colored brown.
Not the ugly type of brown, it's the brown that you would see when peering over a mug of steaming hot espresso. Or it could be the gradient of a cafe americano with the ice clinking gently against the cup. Or it could be the famous chocolate almond donut that the cafe sells that the people who love to be active on their social media take pictures of.
To you, though, it was just the machine's way of saying that it was just another day.
Presenting a baggie of cookies, you gave them to the next techie that needed her sugar high. With a polite smile, you waved her goodbye as she left the cafe, humming the same song the radio was playing.
Her voice was spicy even though she was humming, with ranges of orange and red. Hard to believe someone with colors like that would love sugary treats.
A call of your name shook you out of your little reverie. A droid coworker waved behind the counter. "Is number 34 ready yet?"
You nodded, getting the packaged cake and wrapping it in its delivery box before giving it to J4R-D1. Raising your hands, you presented the instructions to him as the drone groaned.
"Seriously, why am I stuck with delivering and managing Madeleine's crummy party for the fifth time this week?"
You shrugged, giving him a hapless smile as you patted his shoulder.
He rolled his optics, getting the box and left but not before stopping at the door. "Oh yeah, your friend down south wants you to be there earlier than usual. Something about meeting important clientele or something."
You nodded waving him goodbye and a safe trip (and good luck) before setting aside your apron and timing out your shift. With your work "uniform" gone, you grabbed your case from underneath the counter and jumped across it.
"That time already?" Your boss called out from the kitchen. You nodded at him before waving goodbye with a hopeful smile.
"Knock 'em dead, kid! They won't know what hit 'em!" With his praise, you ventured outside jumping up in the air with glee as you hurried to your other job.
That is, until the tempo was stopped drastically by someone.
Seething from your tumble, you gasped when you crashed against an actual human being who is currently groaning on the floor. Panicking, you hurriedly stood up and helped them back onto their feet. With an apologetic smile, you quickly showed your apologies by rubbing your fist over your heart and dusting off any dust on his clothes. You took notice of the brightly colored fit he has; red scarf, yellow jacket, and an obnoxious shirt before running off. You hoped he would come back soon so you can give him an apology donut but that doesn't matter right now.
Your fingers were twitching to play the strings once more. And with a jump (with no random passersby), your mechanical feet turned into roller skates as you skated down the road. The tempo came back with full force.
Having already known the route, you breeze past the people on the already busy street. Skillfully weaving across throngs of human and metal bodies, you skated across the road before hopping onto the sidewalk when the traffic light turned green. Reaffirming your grip on your case, you picked up speed, tactfully dodging the strangers going about their day as the bright sun shines down upon you. You got the occasional 'Watch it!' or 'Hey!" from the people who were too close for comfort but that didn't stop your flow.
Jumping into the air, you landed on a railing, skidding across the metal as sparks flew from your skates. You made sure that no one was close to the railing before jumping off and skidding to a stop in front of an unassuming building.
This was your other job.
(Well, more like a passion since you aren't getting any pay out of this.)
Returning your feet to normal, you stepped inside the building and the tone drastically changed. When the rhythm outside was upbeat and sunny, the inside was a slow but reverberating rhythm with cool notes and generally something you wouldn't associate yourself with. After all, an afternoon nightclub wasn't a place anyone can truly shine.
Alas, this was where you get to perform once more.
Before you could slink past the crowd, you were stopped by a cold voice accompanied by an equally icy color. "You're late."
Sucking in a breath through your teeth, you slowly turned around to see a tall man tower over you. His red, pomade-covered hair slightly covered his face with one strand of hair dyed in bright orange as it twirled in front of his forehead. His ice blue eyes bore into your own as a disappointed frown was etched on his face.
"You know how important this is." He stated, his crimson coat billowing behind him as he grabbed a lint roller from his inside pocket. With a roll of your eyes, you let him pick up any stray lint, crumb, or coffee ground as he continued to lecture you about your tardiness.
The man named Sazerac was someone who put up a cold front but he was the only one who truly believed in you.
"Don't give me that look." He chastised you, bringing your chin to meet his face. "You're lucky that they're willing to stay on the island for a few more days. You should be grateful that I pulled enough strings to keep 'em here."
You sighed through your nose, wanting his fussing to be over with. With a content huff, Sazerac backed off from your space, giving one last fix on your clothes. He gave you a heated glare on your attitude.
"I brought you here on this stage to perform again," he started, eyeing you dangerously, "and I can easily take it back."
Biting your lip, you fixed your posture; back ramrod straight, shoulders pulled back, and chin held high. He gave a content hum as he lifted his hand to tap the metal protruding from your neck, making you flinch.
"Don't disappoint."
Nodding, you slipped towards the backstage, flashing your ID card to the bouncer droid as he nodded at you. Passing by random staff and performers, you went towards center stage, behind the curtains that were waiting to rise. The base of the club calmed down, leaving you to open your case to reveal your most prized possession.
The beat came back once more. It's tempo both calming you down and pumping up your heart at the same time. As you adjusted the strings, you held its neck as your faithful bow was twirled across your hand. As your foot tapped with the rhythm, you took in a deep breath before shakily exhaling out.
As the announcer stated your name, you placed your bow on the neck. 'It's time once more for me to shine.'
The Struts
"Fallin' With Me"
Fallin' With Me Single
"Whoa," the brunette breathed out, staring in awe at the opulence of the club, "I never knew the island had places like these around!"
"No one really wants to go to these places except for the people who don't work the 9 to 5." Peppermint explained through 808. "Which makes it all the more suspicious for a regular barista to come here."
Chai slinked past some snooty couple, him coughing inside his scarf from their overpowering perfume. Seriously, what was up with rich people and their aerosol perfumes? "Maybe they got a gig here? They were holding a huge case, remember?"
"... Yeah. A gig in an afternoon nightclub." Chai doesn't even need to see Peppermint's infamous dry stare. "Like that's a likely story–"
You be my Alice
And I'll be your Mad Hatter
We can live in a palace
Nothing too amateur
Are you fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa fallin' for me?
Before the both of them could bicker more, the curtains were drawn back. The spotlights centered upon a figure on the stage and what Chai first saw was the beautiful electric cello that seemed to gleam from the attention it was getting. The silver finish of the instrument was something Chai couldn't help but gawk at until 808 nudged his cheek to focus on the person holding it.
"Heh, what do you know!" He said with smug pride. "Our guy's up on that stage!"
In 808, he could barely make out Peppermint's concealed groan. "I'm not gonna bother to try and argue. Just figure out a way to get them off the stage!"
Show me your talents
I'll throw them back at ya
No matter what happens
I'll keep up the temperature
Are you fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa fallin' for me? (Woo!)
Rolling his eyes, Chai grumbled under his breath but he ran towards the stage nonetheless. This part of the nightclub had the seats set in a way that its seats surrounded the stage. A multitude of people filled up the seats; the majority of them were wearing expensive cybernetics and clothing that Chai couldn’t help but remember Mimosa fitting in nicely with them. Although, he doubts she would’ve let the person onstage play their tune.
Speaking of them, Chai couldn’t help but be mesmerized by them from time to time. 808 had to paw him back to reality each time he had to stop and gawk. It wasn’t like him to be starstruck but it was hard to ignore how the guy is absolutely killing the song. He didn’t think that cellos were capable of doing rock but he was proven wrong when they were practically dancing with the cello. Each beat was perfectly enunciated by their shoulders bopping and the near-sensual rhythm was complemented with their perfectly executed dance choreography. If Chai didn’t know any better, they were practically born to perform on stage.
“Sucks to beat this guy up.” He remarks to 808. “Would’ve loved to get to know ‘em more.”
“Hey!” A voice called out and Chai noted to himself that he was spotted later than usual. “Losers aren’t supposed to be here!”
Chai glared at the offender, a waiter droid who held a tray of fancy drinks. “Hey, I may be a loser but I’m the Ambassador of Vandelay Technologies so what does that make you?!”
Before he realized what he just said, his entire team screamed into his ear. “Chai!!!”
Yes or no?
Let's go! (Yeah)
“You?!” The droid exclaimed before throwing the tray away, the drinks spilling on unsuspecting customers as they screamed the prices of their clothes. “Rattle ‘em, boys!”
With a groan, Chai readied his weapon. Heaps of scrap metal clinging together to form his signature guitar as 808 turned into their ball form. More droids started rushing in, some of them toppling over the seats as the customers screamed brands that Chai didn’t care for. Bouncer droids made up most of the enemies as waiter droids made up for their unassuming appearance by smashing expensive bottles into the ground and raising its jagged edges at Chai.
With a smirk, Chai rushed forward, feet stomping in tune with the beat as he felt the rush go through his central power unit. No, more than that. When he smacked a waiter droid away, he looked up on stage to still see the person perform despite the chaos. They were still playing on beat and Chai realized that each blow he dealt, the guy’s bow also played alongside him.
Almost as if they were in sync with one another.
A bouncer droid smacked him away from his internal monologue, his body flying across the club before crashing at the bar. Bottles of expensive alcohol were destroyed as the fluids covered Chai from head to toe. As if that wasn’t the end of it, the shelf holding the bottles tilted down, the bottles sliding down and hitting Chai multiple times, each bonk more painful than the last.
You're coming with me
Let's take a dive
Meet at the rainbow
9:45
Wear something trashy
That's what I like (yeah)
We're on the rooftop
Jumpin' off the sides (jumpin' off the sides)
Are you fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa fallin' (are you?), fallin' with me?
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
With a groan, Chai clambered on the countertop, dizzy from being hit more than he wanted and the reeking stench of alcohol in his clothes. “Our guy is still playing up there!”
“Good. Makes it all the more easy for us.” Peppermint stated.
“Us?!” Chai exclaimed, standing back up to his full height. “You guys aren’t even here!”
“Well, you haven’t called us in now, have you?” Peppermint retorted and Chai can practically hear her smirk.
With one large groan, he relented and called in Macaron to deal with the bouncer droids. “I got this Chai! Go get them!”
Jumping onto Macaron’s hand, the large man threw him back towards the stage, this time Chai stuck the landing. He was on stage this time, with the guy still playing the cello. He can’t help but be impressed by the guy.
He willed his hand to turn off the magnetism, the guitar falling apart as he tucked away the baton. 808 flew to his ear, and from the mint color, he knew that Peppermint was ready to rip him a new one. “Chai, what the hell are you doing?!”
“Relax, Peppermint.” He said, walking up to them in an easygoing way. “I’m gonna go talk to them. From one performer to another. They’ll listen!”
“Mister Chai. It seems you have forgotten the first time you tried to ‘talk’!” CNMN interjected. “It was how we first met, after all!”
“Relax! This is gonna be different!” He eased them, hands raising in a non-threatening way. “I can see it in their movement. They move to the beat just like me!”
Ignoring Macaron’s prayers, he finally stood in front of the guy. Their eyes were closed, entirely focusing on playing the cello as Chai took a moment to watch them perform. They were truly in their element, no movement a waste as their fingers danced across the neck.
“Hi! I’m Chai, Ambassador of Vandelay Technologies but you kinda knew that already.” He said, clasping his hands behind his head. “I gotta say, from one performer to another, you really know how to command the stage!”
He was deftly ignored, the cello’s low notes greeting his ears as he grimaced. “Okay… So, I got a little itty-bitty mission that I gotta do in the name of Vandelay. Nothing against you as a performer! Like, you’re super good with that already! But it’s also super important that you come along with me--”
And he heard it. It wasn’t unlike anything he’s heard of. He couldn’t even call it a voice-it was more like notes coming together to form a cohesive sentence.
‘You want to shut your goddamn mouth?’
The evil is landing through the roof on your tablе top
Let's eat up some damagе (woo!)
There goes my trail of thought
Are you fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa fallin' with me? (Are you fallin' with me, babe?)
He whipped his head around, 808 avoiding his rapid motions. “Wh-Who said that?!”
808 flew to his field of vision. “Chai, what the hell are you doing?”
Behind the cat, the person finally opened his eyes. They were staring at Chai with unabashed shock but they still haven’t ceased their performance. He blinked rapidly, a hand raising to remove some earwax as Chai wiped his fingers.
And he heard it again. ‘What the hell is wrong with this guy?’
There was no denying it this time. “You’re saying those things?!”
The next note was noticeably sharper as they gasped. “What the fu--”
“That’s.” Chai started, pointing his finger at them. “So. Cool! Like, I can hear you talk through your cello! How freaky is that?!”
He danced across the stage as if he won the lottery because of that revelation. The guy was still playing but it was noticeably more slowed down as they stared at Chai. “How-this isn’t even possible. I’m playing the notes to the song--”
“But I can still understand you!” Chai exclaimed, running up to them and appraising them like they were made out of diamonds. “Man, this is so crazy! It’s like we got this special connection that lets us talk to one ano--”
“No, don’t finish that sentence.” They played with fear. “I don’t wanna think about that.”
Their face soon turned into worry, glancing at a space behind Chai as he noticed their hands tensing against their cello. He turned around, spotting a man in striking red surrounded by more rich people. Before he could say something, they adjusted their grip as they strummed their bow against the strings. Before he knew it, a force pushed him back from the stage, Chai crashing down on the seats as he sat up in shock.
They jumped from the stage, landing gracefully in front of Chai as their feet turned into wheels. Energy was pumping through their cello and Chai could feel the vibrations through his chest as he scurried to stand up. They glared at Chai, bow poised at the neck, ready to blast another attack.
“Well, I guess negotiations are off the table.” He noted, getting his guitar back as he readied his stance.
Yes or no?
Let's go! (Yeah)
You're coming with me
Let's take a dive (dive)
Meet at the rainbow
9:45 (five)
Wear something trashy (woo!)
That's what I like (yeah)
We're on the rooftop
Jumpin' off the sides (sides)
Are you fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa fallin' for me?
They skated across the area, confusing Chai as his eyes tried to keep up. Hearing the next beat, he raised his guitar to block a sound wave and parried it back towards them. They staggered back and Chai took the opportunity to grapple towards them and strike them with his guitar. He had a few good hits in before they played their cello and the sound pushed them away.
They twirled around, cello spinning alongside them as they flourished their bow. Playing some complex notes, Chai was completely flabbergasted when moving figures made from sound waves erupted from the ground like… like daisies! And these daisies are aiming at him like he was target practice!
He nabbed 808, the cat not even turning back to normal as he yelled at their ear. "Peppermint, just what the hell is this guy about?!"
"I-I don't know! I haven't breached that far into their files!" She quickly explained. "Just-try not to die out there, okay? Back up's on the way!"
He let go of 808, the cat glaring at him from his manhandling. "You better hope that I won't tattle on your mom because of this!"
You're coming with me
Let's take a dive (dive)
Meet at the rainbow
9:45 (five)
Wear something trashy (woo!)
That's what I like (yeah)
We're on the rooftop
Jumpin' off the sides (sides)
Are you fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa fallin' for me?
He tried to rush the figures but before he could land a hit, one of them exploded, but it brought him closer to you as you slugged him across the room with your cello as if it was a baseball bat. A pained yelp escaped his lips, his body crashing once more against an unsuspecting waiter droid as they poofed from existence, leaving behind their scrap parts. Picking himself back up, Chai flourished his guitar before pinging Peppermint.
The girl dropped down, spinning her guns before shooting at the figures. “You got this, Chai!”
Chai ran ahead, the figures disappearing when they got too close. Jumping up in the air, he raised his guitar before slamming it down on the ground where they were. Not letting them recover, he continued his onslaught, each strike on-point to the beat before returning the same slug that they did to him. Their body flew across this room, hitting the seats close to where he saw the red man.
Speaking of him, he went closer to them, whispering closely to their ear. Their face went from pained, to shock, and then to desperation, and Chai’s interest was piqued. What did he say that made them act up like that?
Before he could lay out a quip, they stood up hastily. They brandished their cello once more, playing another string of complex notes as the figures conglomerated into one figure. A breathless squeak escaped Chai’s throat as he gaped at the gargantuan monster that stood behind them. And oh of course, the monster has fists the size of Macaron, of course!
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh (Tell me, baby)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh (yeah, me through)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh (anyways)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Chai gulped nervously before he raised his guitar. This was just as worse as fighting a giant mechanical werewolf. Before he could move, they charged forward, the monster raising its fist and Chai panicked. He called in Macaron as the large man struggled in blocking the gargantuan fist.
Chai let out a hasty apology before he jumped on the monster’s arm and ran across it. Before he could even move, the guy jumped on the same arm and pointed his bow at Chai. He rolled his eyes before twirling his guitar and did the same pose as them. For a moment, he swore he saw their mouth tug upwards before they surged forward. He blocked the first blow from the cello then rolled away from the swipe of their bow before he called in Peppermint and let her shoot them. As they were blocking the bullets, Chai went past the girl before he swung his guitar from the ground up.
However, he knew it wouldn’t be that easy. A giant fist grabbed Chai, stopping him from doing his attack as he got raised towards the monster’s face. Even though it didn’t have a real ‘face’, Chai can’t help but feel deja vu in this situation. Just what was with him and being grabbed all the damn time?
“Chai, duck!” A familiar voice yelled. Immediately tucking his head down to his chest, he felt the telltale cyclones strike the monster’s face as they let him go. Taking his chance, Chai went back, running towards the stunned cello player when the monster was destroyed as his beaten guitar suddenly transformed into a sparkling new one.
“Sorry,” he started, “it’s curtains for you.”
The guitar made a direct hit towards the guy’s stomach and Chai does not envy the way their breath flew out of their lungs. Their body flew across the room, hitting the stage as it got destroyed. Not only that, the force of the crash made the curtains hanging on fall down, practically closing in on them.
Woo!
Are you coming with me?
Let's take a dive (dive)
Meet at the rainbow
9:45 (not a second later)
Wear something trashy
That's what I like (that's what I like)
We're on the rooftop
Jumpin' off the sides (jumpin' off the sides)
Are you fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa fallin' (woo!), fallin for me?
Fallin' with me
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
And with that, the final note came to an end and Chai couldn’t help but pat himself on the back. “This looks like a job well done!”
Familiar footsteps walked towards him and he didn’t need to turn around to see the familiar strong woman of the group give him a dead stare. “Sure, let’s not talk about how much property damage you’ve done.”
He waved her off. “Eh, just put in on my tab.”
She raised her hand before putting it down. “I-that’s not how that works-you know what, nevermind. Job well done, Chai.”
He let the praise get into his head until Korsica walked past him. He watched as she removed the curtains and picked up the person with ease, throwing them over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. She snapped her fingers and soon two droids marched behind Chai. “Get their weapons. I’m bringing them in for questioning.”
“Ooohh,” Chai drawled out, stepping closer to her, “another Korsica interrogation? Mind if I help?”
She shrugged. “Sure, I can do the talking and you can be intimidating.”
He nodded at her words, a smirk already forming on his lips. “Yeaah, that’s what I wanna hear! I wanna get them to fess up with just one look!”
The ‘look’ that he was going for looked like he was trying to pop a blood vessel. Korsica patted his head. “I’m already quaking in my boots.”
“Good job, guys.” Peppermint’s voice rang through 808. “You can bring them here, Korsica. I got my own beef with them.”
A barely noticeable smile was painted on Korsica’s face when she heard Peppermint’s voice. “Whatever you say.”
She aptly ignored the way Chai was doing smooching faces when she responded. Raising her hand, she squished Chai’s cheeks. “Don’t you have a more pressing matter to attend to?”
He struggled to get out of her grip as he placed his fists on his hips. “This interrogation is a very pressing matter! I don’t wanna miss out on this!”
Korsica fondly rolled her eyes. “Of course you wouldn’t.”
As the spouse of the head of the Yashiro Commission, there was no doubting the slew of enemies who despised the eldest Kamisato and anyone affiliated with him. Despite all reassurances and protection, there can only be so much that Ayato can do until the metaphorical flower will wilt and bleed. He can make camellias all he wants, it would amount to nothing when you’ve wilted.
In other words: Ayato gonna go fuck some bitches up
ayato kamisato x gn!reader
mara’s words: dignified gentleman this, shrewd little rascal that, i want my mans to get his dimitri post-timeskip moment (that trailer did everything to hint that he can go violent if he wanted). also hi im back with a gacha catalyst HAHAHAA
2,301 words
tw: violence (blood tw, body horror, torture tw), swearing, story is told in ayato’s point of view, angst to bittersweet fluff
Ayato always had a fascination towards crafting.
Call it a hobby of his when the stress of being the head of the Yashiro Commission was too high, his adept fingers would always gravitate towards anything that he can mould and shape. From ice carvings to thinly sliced radishes, he can fashion his signature camellias. His sister was honest enough to say that the camellias were completely unnecessary but she wouldn’t understand. After all, you’ve always loved it when Ayato makes camellias fashioned out of sliced fruits and letting you fawn over them before eventually eating them. If he could, he could make a garden of camellias just for you to lay down and cherish you like a beautiful flower.
Yet those camellias would never hold a candle to your beauty.
He would do anything to preserve that beauty.
It was a common occurrence that he would leave you alone for periods of time.
He trusts you and the rest of his retainers well enough that you would be safe from harm. Even in the punishing island of Yashiori, where the sun dared not shine, he remembers you fondly and the increment weather seemed to be nothing but a pathetic breeze. He makes sure everything in his to-do list was done before heading home; the problem with the forge, the unending rain, and the numerous vagabonds littering the islands. At least one of them was doable, the forge and the weather was something the commission couldn't fix. And those were just the permanent problems that he had yet to complete. There were numerous other subcategories in his to-do list that he wonders if grey streaks would appear in his hair soon.
He perishes the thought. He doesn't want to be silver-haired so soon.
As he walks across the sandy coasts of Tsuruji island, ship wreckage loomed around him and his small battalion. This was one of the next few things that he has to do-as much as it pains him to stain his suit white in fear of scaring both you and his sister. He always has his hand flexed and ready, prepared for any sort of sneak attack even though he has well-seasoned guards by his side.
They spot him before he could. Sensing the change in the wind as Ayato stills. With the flurry of starlight, he brandishes his sword before swiping it in the air in a practiced slash. Two thwips against the sand and the guards saw an arrow perfectly cut in half on top of the coast. The head of the battalion surrounded their lord, forming a protective shield as they surveyed the area.
"How uncouth, to commence a sneak attack so openly in the daylight." Ayato says aloud. "Although, it is so befitting of ilk such as yourselves."
Ominous clouds of smoke soon appeared, billowing out against the salty breeze to reveal the vagrants. This was more than usual, around twenty at most, and he wonders if this was planned at the beginning to have different types of wretches like them to gather. There were at least four Nobushis but they were formidable in their own right. Slightly widening his stance, he regards the leaders with a patient smile.
"Gentlemen," he says, smile growing wider when they were clearly infuriated by his smugness, "we can discuss this in a civil manner. After all, aren't we all pressed for time?"
The Kairagis grew more antsy, hands inching towards their weapons as they glared at the eldest Kamisato. One of the Nobushis walked forward, arms crossed and acting like he has already won this battle of wits. "It's more like you would be pressed for time, Kamisato. It's not like you to hurry for time."
He truly wasn't, but he was gone for so long from his home that he can't help but feel antsy.
"Ah, but do forgive me for thinking that our time together is bad." Ayato said. "It is not my intention to belittle our meeting together."
A few Kairagis ran forward, snarling at the smug confidence that he ensued until other Kairagis held them back. The guards were on high-alert, already used to their lord toying with the enemies.
The leader let out a dry laugh, tilting his head back either from his confidence or his subordinates' impatience. "Oh I'm sure. After all, we don't have a sweetheart to come back home to."
Ayato's gloating immediately ceased and the guards can tell already that the vagrant has crossed an imaginary line.
The man tightened the grip on his hilt, the action not going unnoticed by the leader as he chuckled. "Now who's the one pressed for time?"
He tried to gain his confidence back but the ripples of rage were beginning to tide. "... Of course. But I trust them to be safe and well."
"Are you? I'm sure they're safe and well inside a damp cell infested with rats.”
The jeering laughter fell deaf towards Ayato’s ears. This was a trick, surely, since these wretches can barely muster up a decent plan much less a proper kidnapping. There was no way that you were in danger when you were within the protection of the Yashiro Commission and Thoma and Ayaka.
But if they speak the truth? A nagging feeling behind his head whispered. You can’t take that chance.
Ayato glared at the leader, his Vision glowing with the tides of rage that won’t ebb soon. “What did you do?”
The leader huffed amusedly. “Wouldn’t you like to know? I’m no longer pressed for time, after all.”
“Milord,” a guard whispered next to him, “I can run back to the estate and see the status of your spouse.”
Ayato gave an imperceptible nod, letting the rest of his men know by stepping his foot forward. Everyone immediately went rigid with anticipation, the stance that Ayato is most known for before deluging the battlefield with his artistry. All it took was one singular petal to caress his cheek before the tides soon capsized the boat.
One thought appeared in his mind as camellias bloomed on the beach. May the Shogun protect you.
He should’ve panicked the moment the messenger came back with an ill-stricken face.
It didn’t hit him sooner when he made it back to the camp near the Kujou encampment that he had every reason to worry. He was gone for longer than usual, having to complete backlogged tasks that he put behind in favor of spending time with his favorite people (read: his family). The camp was tensely quiet, everyone seeming to know what was looming in their lord’s mind. As Ayato wiped his blade clean of blood, it took rapid footfalls against the dirt to break his façade.
"Milord!" He pants out, falling to his knees in such an undignified way but Ayato doesn't pay heed to it. "Th-The estate! I--"
“Calm yourself, man!” One of the guards exclaimed, handing him a gourd of water. As the messenger downed the water in one swig, Ayato can’t help but shake the man from his impatience.
“Tell me,” Ayato pressed harder, “what did you see?”
Swallowing the last dregs of water, he bowed his head towards his lord. “Milord, the estate is in complete disarray! The vagrants took a chance when Lady Ayaka was absent and pillaged the estate!”
His blood ran cold but he doesn’t dare to assume. “And of Thoma?”
He shook his head. “He escorted Lady Ayaka. Milord, I’m sorry but your spouse is--”
The word rang across his mind, echoing inside his head as if it’s the only thought available. He tried to quell it down, maintain the image that he delicately crafted for himself as the head of the Commission. As head of his family. As an older brother and a husband. Keep it in, don’t let them know. No one should dare see him so unhinged--
“Do you know where they kept them?” He asked, ignoring the ringing thought in his head.
He shook his head. “No, but the Shuumatsuban is tailing them as we speak. Sayu should come back with news--”
“Any second wasted is a second with my spouse in their clutches.” Ayato seethed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Do you realize that?”
The impatience was a surprise to the scout but nonetheless, he bowed his head in shame. “M-My apologies, milord!”
Letting out a sharp sigh, he stared ahead. Mt. Yougou stood above all of Inazuma, the glowing lights of the Grand Narukami Shrine shined brighter than the moonlight. All manner of prayers, he sent to the Shogun. Even if the chance of the Raiden Shogun miraculously swooping in and saving you was completely slim, he can’t help but be wishful.
He doesn’t doubt the Shuumatsuban but he wishes they would work faster.
“When did Sayu depart?” He asks, willing himself to relax.
Before his scout could answer, a whirling child did donuts around the scout before ultimately knocking him away. As Sayu righted herself and the scout ultimately out for the count, the tiny ninja bowed in front of Ayato before speaking.
“I found their hiding spot!” She exclaimed, head tilting from side to side.
Then there is no time to waste. “Show me.”
He supposes he can tailor another suit because this one was clearly too far to be cleaned.
When Sayu led him to the vagrants hideout, he was expecting something secure and out of sight that he would have trouble finding a missing person. He knew he shouldn’t have expected more when he sees the damp cave and barely any guards. With a nod to Sayu, they ravaged the place; any vagrants they spotted, they cut down. They were clearly no match for Ayato and Sayu, which begged the question on how did they manage to storm the estate and take you with it.
An unopen door stood in front of them now, none of them out of breath from the fight. There was shuffling behind the door, obviously knowing that they have been ransacked. With a cock to the head, Sayu pushed down the door with her Fuuin Dash. Without delay, Ayato used his Vision, his clone slashing powerful water slices and knocking back the enemies keeping the door down as he entered the room.
His carefully protected façade was quick to shatter.
He spots your legs first, shoeless and toes littered with blisters and tied together with a tightly wound rope. He travels upwards, the yukata he custom-tailored for you was completely tattered and bloodied. He sees your chest and he sees red when the yukata was ripped open to reveal your upper torso with fresh, open slashes and purple bruises. He sees your face and he sent a prayer to the Shogun to grant him patience. Your beautiful face was marred with bruises; your eye completely swollen over and your nose appeared to be crooked. Your bottom lip was split open, showing your bloody mouth as blood continues to trickle down your open mouth.
Ayato disregards the shouting of the Kairagis, he disregards Sayu’s request on his orders, he disregards the thundering palpitations of his heart. He can only focus on your wounded chest and his vision clears when he sees movement.
“Sayu--” He gritted out. “Get them out of here. I’ll deal with them.”
She faltered for a bit before nodding. With her daruma doll appearing, she quickly rolled towards you, carrying you as her doll attacked the enemies. With them gone, he regarded his enemies with a cold glower. Whether it was they were up against one person or they were just stupid, it didn’t matter, when they brandished their weapons with foolish confidence.
With his sword in hand, his animosity showed, persona be damned. “I will kill every last one of you!”
He is a person of finesse, of a dignified gentleman that he presents to the world in order to protect his family.
Now, as he exits the cave with blood red painting his pristine white suit, he is no longer that man.
As he picks up and cradles your frail but still alive body close to his. As both the blood of his enemies and yours stain him, he thinks that his fascination towards crafting extends to something more... extreme.
“Clean the place up.” He says to Sayu. “Feed the limbs to the monsters here. Send them out to sea. They deserve to be slashed into pieces.”
When you wake up from a dreamless slumber, you first spot a head of blue.
Your body already feels so sluggish but you mustered the strength to speak your husband’s name. As if snapping him awake, he lifts his head from his crossed arms, looking at you as if he’s seen Celestia. He still has that dignified, gentleman look but you can see the eyebags and the paleness of his face. You wanted so much to wrap your arms around his neck, to feel his body against your own instead of the cold, wet floor of the cavern you were in, but all you could muster was a squeak.
With a huff of amusement from the noise, Ayato knew what you wanted. He raised up slowly before gently bringing you close to his chest. You smell camellias first (an unhealthy amount of camellias) before you smelled his actual musk; sandalwood imported from Mondstat and a bit of bubble tea. The tears became before you even realized, staining his yukata (and surprisingly not his white suit) with salty tears.
He shushes you. “Hush now, my flower. You’re safe now. No one will come to harm you ever again.”
And you believed him. You believed in his calming persona, in your loving and caring husband who is devoted to you endlessly.
You don’t see the residues of murder left in his eyes when the tears first fell.
genshin boys when they see you point with your lips ft. kazuha, dainsleif, tohma, gorou
*:･ﾟ✧ continuing the prompt with (semi) new characters! also ig to celebrate me getting kazuha kek
gn!reader
tw: character speculation on gorou and tohma
✧ Kaedehara Kazuha
• Like your foreign scent, Kazuha takes notice of your habit the moment he met you. He admires how lively you are when you point at things whenever you tell stories; how you’re so animated when you tell him, how you point your lips at the unending expanse of sea that you think Kazuha would be able to see that far. He thinks he’s never seen anyone so beautiful.
• To be honest, your lives can go on forever without you explaining to Kazuha your habit. He just wouldn’t even question it that it made you surprised that he doesn’t mind it. Of course, if you wanted to bring it up, then Kazuha will wholeheartedly listen.
Would they copy the habit?
• He’s a practiced samu-err-ronin who has been disciplined his whole life to master the art of the blade. A person with such discipline will not make a simple mistake as to point with his lips.
• ... But all you had to do was ask and he’ll do it in a heartbeat. Audience be damned, if you wanted it, he’ll do it.
✧ Dainsleif
• I imagine him like asking you where to go next as part of your commissions and he was expecting you to point so his other eye can see but you didn’t. So he physically had to turn to see your pouty lips at a random direction. I’m sorry but funny missing eye jokes haha.
• He won’t ask but he’ll definitely listen to when you explain it to him. He likes listening to your voice and he likes learning new things, especially as an immortal being. It’s the first he’s heard of such a habit and knowing that you were the one teaching it to him makes his heart warm.
Would they copy the habit?
• Surprise surprise! Dainsleif would copy the habit with no remorse! As long as it’s just you two though. It wouldn’t bode well for him to let other people see his pouting lips as he points somewhere. He would do it when it’s just the two of you, his ears turning red each time you giggle whenever he does it.
✧ Tohma
• Now I imagine that Tohma would be so confused when you point your lips at where Ayaka was meditating. His original thought process went out the window when you did, so you were staring at him confused when he made no move to go over to Ayaka.
• He immediately asks you to do that thing again, only because he finds it so fascinating. At least, that’s what he feels on the inside. On the outside, he has his usual smug smirk as he teases your lips. He even goes so far as to whenever you point your lips, he touches the bottom lip with his finger as he thinks he deserves a kiss from that.
Would they copy the habit?
• To tease you, yes. At least away from the Kamisato household. He has an image to uphold as part of the clan, so he makes sure to keep his teasing away from noble eyes. During your date, he makes it a show to point his lips on stores that you like. If anything, it makes your heart warm that he would copy the habit just for you.
✧ Gorou
• His tail would immediately wag as his head tilts like a regular dog. He would question it first before leaning in closer as if there was a secret. Your face would flush at the closeness before doing your pouting lips again and Gorou would immediately be excited.
• As he hears your explanation, he wants to see if it could be used during reconnaissance missions. It’s lowkey, silent, and no one would immediately put the two pieces together. Though you have to keep your laughter to yourself each time Inazumans do it because they looked so out of place.
Would they copy the habit?
• As stated before, he would definitely use this for the purpose of missions. He even teaches new recruits and old soldiers on the habit and you were torn apart on whether to feel embarrassed or laugh out loud. It’s not a good day for you but Gorou seems to be proud of the resistance gaining new tactics.
It was wrong for him to use you like this. But what you didn't know won't kill you, right?
*:･ﾟ✧ this game is taking over my life and im willing to have vyn take the wheel. Holy shit his fake tears story card is so good and i never felt so horny for something in my entire life.
vyn richter x gn!reader
tw: suggestive content but not too extreme, spoilers for vyn's "fake tears" sr card
Ba-bump ba-bump ba-bump.
That's what Vyn hears at his left ear. A constant rhythm of ba-bumps that his own heart slowly grew accustomed to. The calming rhythm reminded him of the old antique clock he has in his living room. The sound was almost reminiscent of his times of perusing through case files. But this case was different. The beat was essentially the same but this ba-bump made him energized. Despite the monotonous rhythm, never did Vyn felt so alive, so awake-
So hungry.
He knows he shouldn't do this. His heart still felt heavy on what happened to Juno. In his mind, he failed as a psychologist that he didn't step his foot down when Juno persisted. He should've known better.
But if the price to have your warmth wrapped around him is to make a mistake, then maybe Vyn was willing to become human.
This was wrong, he thinks. It's disgusting and wrong to feel good about this. He knows you're hurting too, being hurt from what happened to Juno and what's happening to Vyn. It was rare for him to express emotions so extreme yet he couldn't bring himself to compose himself.
He hides his face on your chest, the constant ba-bump combined with your warmth made his vision hazy (well, hazier without his glasses). The haze was welcoming to him, embracing him like honey as his gaze hooded at the sight above him. He sees your closed eyes and pursed lips and his heart wrenches that he's exploiting your pain for his selfish needs.
And what of it? A selfish part of him thinks. They don't know. And they will never know.
And as much as Vyn wanted to pull away. To keep you at a distance-never has he felt such a strong desire to have you close. The desire to have his arms around your body. The desire to have your heart wrapped around his hand as if he treasures it like it was a priceless gem.
His eyes flit to your naked neck and his golden eyes fogged into a molten glow. What if he... Had the desire to mark you as his and his alone?
At that thought, he immediately blinks back to reality. He slowly pushes you away as he straightens himself. He will suppress that side for now. At least, until he makes sure you felt the same way.
He eyes your skin when you weren't looking. The haze never seemed to went away ever since that incident. For whenever that time comes, he only wants you to sink his teeth into.
adobong pusit (squid adobo) - a dish comprised of squid that is marinated heavily in sauces for a long time. while the ink of the squid is separated from the main body, it is often included in order to give it that inky black color and that nostalgic flavor.
in other words: you were craving for adobong pusit and for some reason, twisted wonderland sold squid ink separately, so you had to go through alternative means.
azul ashengrotto x gn!reader
mara’s words: was craving for adobong pusit and then i read azul’s ceremonial robes vignette and i was like “ok, well it’s fair game if i do it to you, right?”
tw: food tw (squid), usage of twstEN translations, reader is prefect, possible ooc for azul, azul and reader are in an established relationship, this is mostly crack with a squint of angst lol
With your hands on your hips, you assessed them all. Tomatoes, some garlic, onion, soy sauce...
“... sugar, vinegar, and squid?” Grim finished. “What are you gonna make with all of this?”
You grinned at him. “Adobong Pusit, or marinated squid. I’ve been craving for seafood for so long that when Sam mentioned he had seafood in stock, I had to jump in.”
“Eh? If you were craving for seafood, you should’ve just asked from me.”
“You and I both know that’s the biggest lie you’ve said.”
He let out a smug laugh. “Glad you understand!”
“But my problem is...” You trailed off, looking downtrodden. “Sam doesn’t sell whole squid, only prepared squid and no ink. He said that the ink was only used for alchemy reasons and never for cooking reasons so I’m stumped on what to do.”
Grim crossed his arms. “Is the squid ink really necessary? I mean, all of these other stuff can definitely make the squid flavorful.”
You shook your head. “The squid ink is what makes it great. I can’t not just omit the ink.”
“Well, I don’t know how to help you. Why don’t you ask your boyfriend to wish him some ink?”
Grim meant that as a joke but clearly you didn’t match his feelings. With glee, you rubbed Grim’s ears affectionately. “Great idea, Grim! I won’t be gone for long, so you better hold down the fort!”
Before he could say anything, you quickly ran towards the main foyer, bidding Grim a hasty goodbye as he hears your retreating footsteps. Blinking, he let out a tired groan before he placed his paws on his hips. “Geez, and they say I’m the impatient one.”
“Oh yeah, and Grim?” You called out, making him jump slightly. “You better cook some rice in the cooker, okay? I’ll be expecting cooked rice when I get back!”
It was scary how the twins seem to just know when you’re visiting.
Not even a few steps inside the lounge, Floyd quickly went to your side, slapping a hand on your back as you staggered. “Shrimpy! Boss is looking for you!”
You raised a brow. “Did Azul nab a contract for someone’s omniscience?”
“Who knows?” He said dubiously before practically shoving you to the VIP room. “Azul is such a sap for you that it’s cringe as heck. I just want to stop him from being too cheesy before I keel over from it.”
You huffed, giving a nod towards Jade when you passed him by as he gave you a small, but knowing, smirk. “Glad to know.”
When you two stood in front of the door, Floyd “Well, have fun in there, Shrimpy!”
Bidding Floyd goodbye, you opened the door yourself, peeking inside the lavish room. You spotted the towering stack of contracts first before spotting your boyfriend being buried underneath all of those paperwork. A shiver went down your spine; you definitely felt that feeling.
Immediately, Azul’s head snapped upwards, eyes flitting to yours and you could see the fatigue in them disappear into delight. “Ah, there you are. I was wondering when you would drop by.”
Entering the room and closing the door, you went towards him, stood by his chair and slightly leaned on the side. Grasping his hand, your fingers smoothed underneath the glove as you massaged over his pulse point. Azul immediately let out a content hum, leaning back against his chair as he leaned against your side. With that silent consent, you let yourself sit down on the arm of the chair as you leaned against him as well.
“... What do you want, my pearl?” He asked blankly, still snuggling to your side.
With an offended gasp, you looked down at Azul with an astonished look. “Azul, love of my life! How dare you insinuate that I would want anything from you?”
“You don’t saddle up to me like this even though I’m stressed. You would do more than that.” He answered, smirking smugly as he didn’t even look at you underneath his hat. “So out with it.”
Letting out a groan, you kneeled down to his side and placed your hands on the armrest and placing your chin on them, akin to a puppy. “Can I ask for a huge favor, darling?”
Although the pet name made his ears redden, he still looked down on you with nonchalance. “A favor? Of what kind?”
“Is it possible to get squid ink from you?”
It was impossible to freeze the entirety of Octavinelle Dorm, but at this moment, it was possible, as Azul was frozen in his seat. His quill snapping in half and his hat magically sliding off of his head. You still knelt beside him, counting the seconds in your head when you realize you had to do something to wake him up.
“I mean octopus ink might make my dish taste different but I’m sure it would taste the same.”
It was at that moment that he snapped out of his stupor, fully turning his body towards you with his complexion paling steadily. “Y-You-I mean-but out of the-why!?”
“I was craving for something that involves ink but Sam sells squid ink for alchemy purposes.” You explained, ignoring the sweat pouring down Azul’s face. “But then I figured that you could solve my problem without me paying anything!”
“Do you take me for a bumbling fool!?” He near-screeched, hitching his knees up to his chest as he assumed a defensive position. “How dare you insinuate that I could ink whenever I want for your insane whims!”
You stood up, grabbing his hands no matter how tightly he wound themselves around him. “Please, darling? I swear I won’t make fun of you and I’ll even let you sample what I’m making so you won’t feel bad!”
“Are you insinuating that I eat my own ink!?”
You shrugged. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t think that through.”
He let out a strangled whine, ducking his head in his knees. You sat back down on the armrest, wrapping your arms around him as your hands flitted towards the undercut of his hair, making him shiver. “I’m sorry. If it really makes you uncomfortable, I won’t push you.”
You then thought back to the promised dish, eyes softening in nostalgia when you remember your parents always adding more of the sauce on your rice. “It’s just that special dish is part of my childhood. If I could just make it then maybe I wouldn’t feel so... homesick here.”
Azul lifted his head slightly so he could see your face. He sees the longing in your face and he can’t help but slowly brought his knees down. Thinking back to his days as a chubby octopus, he pinched his nose and sent a quick prayer to the Sea Witch for what he was about to do.
“I’ll do it.”
You blinked. “Huh?”
“Don’t make me repeat myself. It would be remiss of me to leave you unsatisfied while you’re still in the lounge.” He explained but he ducked his head so that you wouldn’t see the blush on his face. “In exchange... I want to sample that dish of yours.”
You gasped before hugging Azul tightly and planting kisses all over his face, ignoring the rapidly heating octomer as you squealed multiple ‘thank you’s’ over and over until—
You felt liquid pour down into your mouth and down to your clothes. With a startled scream, you staggered back and stood up, looking down and gasping out loud at the sight of black ink staining your body. Looking over to Azul, you gasped out even louder when you see the same ink dripping down from Azul’s mouth.
“I uh...”
“D-DON’T LOOK AT MEEEEE!”
Outside the VIP Room, Jade rolled his eyes as he handed Floyd some Thaumarks.
extra:
“Grim? I’m back! And I brought Azul with me!” You yelled across the room, carrying a canister full of ink as Azul stiffly walked alongside you. The Octavinelle dorm uniform suited you well as Azul had to change his own uniform to his school uniform from the, ah, accident.
Hearing his groggy yawn, he stretched himself across the sofa. “Took you long enough. I was starvin’ so much but I didn’t wanna eat my tuna!”
Grim then sat up straight, pointing a paw at you. “You better be thankful, henchman!”
“Oh, I am.” You said dismissively, setting down the canister as Azul sat himself on the sofa. “Anyway, did you cook the rice like I told you to?”
“The what?”
You paused, slowly turning around to Grim and Azul had to bite back a shiver on the murderous aura you were emanating. “I told you to cook rice.”
“Oh, well, it kinda slipped my mind. Besides, I’m sure you can make some no problem!”
Setting down the canister on the countertop, you reached down to your house slipper and spun it around your hand. Immediately Azul sprang up, briskly speed-walking towards an empty room when he realizes your intent.
And as Grim lets out his yowls of pain and whimpers when he was left out to eat your leftovers, Azul had to admit that your nostalgic dish was definitely delicious. He makes a note to ask you the recipe so he could do some revisions to the Mostro Lounge menu...
After all, it’s proper compensation when you thoroughly embarrassed him far enough.
As you were born in Inazuma, you don’t know much about anything beyond the stormy sea. The closest ‘foreigner’ that you’ve met is Thoma and even he seemed to be too Inazuman now, with his mannerisms and connections. Still, his blonde hair, green eyes, subtle accent... it was hard for people not to notice, especially when you see the homesickness in his eyes.
So you took it upon yourself to remedy that.
*:･ﾟ✧ THOMA FROM MONDSTAT TIME TO MAKE HIM HAVE A RATATOUILLE MOMENT
thoma x gn!reader
tw: none
The dough was one cohesive ball and you groaned at another failed attempt.
Chucking the cohesive dough to the growing pile of failed doughs, you slammed your forehead against the floured countertop. The wide array of ingredients and kitchen tools shook for a bit before remaining stationary.
From above, Paimon let out a tired sigh. “Well, Sara did say that making pie dough from scratch is tough.”
Aether, who watched you struggled with the so-called pie dough, rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, when I made the pie dough for the first time, it wasn’t as bad. Maybe you missed an ingredient?”
You snapped your head up at him, flour falling from your forehead as you glared at the Traveler. “It was you who read the entire recipe to me!”
He raised his hands up in surrender. You clicked your tongue as you brought yourself back up. Fingers tapping against the counter you stared at the slowly diminishing pile of ingredients. The recipe for Moon Pie, as Aether called it, was a delicacy heavily sought after back in Mondstat whenever there was a festival happening. A crispy butter pie dough wrapping a pickled meat filling and sweet meringue surrounding the pie-it was no wonder that this was the food that Aether and Paimon suggested to you.
However, the process of making the so-called pie dough was making you want to set fire to the kitchen. No recipe in Inazuma required such a specific recipe for dough and even then, to be unfamiliar with the kneading process made your failed attempts pile higher and higher next to the copious sticks of butter Aether graciously provided.
You sighed out sharply as you took the bowl and emptied the contents in the sink. “Maybe it’s the temperature of the ingredients that were the problem?”
Aether nodded at your insight, quickly preparing the butter as he sliced them into cubes. Paimon, as always, watches as the two of you make another attempt at the dastardly dough. “Paimon doesn’t get it. Why don’t you just ask Aether to make you the Moon Pie?”
You thanked Aether for the cubed butter as you dumped them into the flour mixture. “It’s not right if I just ask Aether to make it. I wanted to make it myself.”
“All of this,” Paimon continued, staring dubiously at the dough, “because of your boyfriend getting homesick?”
“You wouldn’t understand.” You argued, fingers needing the dough. “You haven’t felt love enough for you to go beyond what you know in the kitchen.”
Or at least, you thought to yourself. What you know beyond the reaches of Inazuma.
“Besides, you’re gonna eat this because I don’t wanna feed him anything bad that was made from my hands.” You said as you dumped the dough on the floured countertop as you continued to knead.
Paimon gasped. “You’re making me a poison-tester?!”
“Better than to feed him a shoddy meal.”
Despite his best friend getting teased, Aether failed to stifle a giggle. Paimon turned to glare at him, stomping her foot in the air as she let out her little tantrum.
“Just do what they want, Paimon.” Aether consoled his companion, trying hard to bite back his smirk. “After all, eating is the only thing your good at.”
“Is not!”
After donating the embarrassingly pile of failed dough to bakeries and eateries, the legendary Moon Pie was in your hands at last. Well, on a plate circled with meringue was on your hand. Your first Moon Pie looked almost the same as Aether’s rendition of the dish, if not for the sloppy spread of the meringue or the meat filling slightly peeking out from the crevices of the pie. But other than that...
“It tastes great!” Paimon cheered. “It tastes almost like how Aether makes them! Paimon is impressed!”
You let out a sigh of relief as Aether patted your back. The two Moon Pies, one of them currently being devoured by Paimon, looked misshapen in your eyes but if the taste was fine then you can no longer wish to burn down the kitchen.
“Well,” Aether said, giving you an encouraging smile, “what are you waiting for? Send this to him while it’s hot.”
Sending him a grateful smile, you grabbed the other Moon Pie as you carefully hurried to where your boyfriend was. It wasn’t as hard, considering you knew the ins and outs of the Kamisato residence, so managing to catch Thoma while he was busy with his schedule wasn’t so far off.
And speak of the devil, there he was, speaking to Izana about who knows what. With glee, you called his name out to him. Immediately, he turned his head, eyes shining with delight as Izana rolled her eyes and sighed. Quickly walking out of the upcoming PDA, she turned her back from Thoma running up to you and cupping your face as he planted multiple kisses across your face.
“Thomaaaaa...” You drawled out, smiling at his kisses. He chuckled, letting go of your face as he stepped back slightly.
“Sorry sorry.” He apologizes but the mirth in his eyes betrayed it. “So, what did you wanna talk about?”
You hyped yourself up before presenting your dish to him. He stared quizzically at the pie, eyes showing confusion before recognition began to surface. “I-Is this...?”
You nodded, nervous smile upon your face. “It was uh... a struggle to make the crust from scratch but I swear this tastes just as good as the original!”
He continued to stare at the dish as if it were about to explode at any second. You gulped nervously but you powered through with your smile because if Thoma were to reject your hard work, you have to fake your smile through your tears you swear to the archons--
Thoma blinked twice, raising a tentative finger to point at the dish. “You... made this?”
You nodded stiffly. Thoma took the fork that was paired with the plate as he took a slice. You bit your lip as he took the slice in his mouth. As he chews, his eyes closed and you watched as he savored the flavor of your Moon Pie. With bated breath, you waited for him to finish the dish.
Thankfully, it didn’t take too long. When he opened his eyes, they had a shining sheen to them. Before you could offer to wipe his tears away, he took the dish from your hands before wrapping his arms around you. You could feel his tears wet against your clothes as your arms were still raised in the air as if you were presenting something to the sky.
“Oh honey...” He chokes out. He buries his head further into the crook of your neck, his other hand still held the dish but his other hand grasped onto your clothes. “This... This is the best thing anyone’s ever... I--”
Blinking your stupor away, you wrapped your arms around him, your hands rubbing his back as he continued to cry. From your ear, you hear his choked gratitude. You kissed the side of his neck, feeling the skin warm as he grasped you tighter.
He laughed softly, slowly removing himself from you as he wipes his tears. “Honey, baby... I mean... You made this!”
He showed you the pie excitedly, smile impossibly wide as you giggled. Cupping his face, you kissed his salty cheeks, returning the affection that he gave you before. “I did.”
“You made this!” He repeated, chuckling at your kisses. “For me!”
“I did!”
“YOU MADE THIS FOR THOMA?!”
“... I did?”
Quickly disentangling yourselves from one another, you two looked at the garden formation as a big boulder poorly blocked the Traveler and his companion. Paimon flew, mouth agape at the sight of your PDA as she held Aether’s braid as if she was tugging it out of stress from your interaction. Aether looked like he didn’t even want to be here, eyes averting you as his cheeks burned with red. Even when his hair was used as a stress ball, he looked away.
Well... you figured your relationship wasn’t to be kept for so long.
