𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐨 (𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞

Jian Yi + He Tian = chaotic siblings energy

Oh you give author comment?? You give author little kudos on their fic?? LOVE FOR READER!! LOVE FOR READER FOR ONE MILLION YEARS!!

CHAPTER THREE // GOLD RUSH

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

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

CHARACTERS. kamisato ayato, (later) diluc ragnvindr

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

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

WORD COUNT. 5.1K words

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

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

EVERMORE MASTERLIST \ MAIN MASTERLIST

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You felt sick to your stomach. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If only you knew how you were wrong.

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

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

You huffed before pulling out your phone to contact them. 

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

The stranger turns out to be Ayato. 

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

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

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

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

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

Everything went downhill ever since you broke up with Ayato. 

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

It was obvious he was avoiding you.

And it hurts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You were envious of how Ayato moved on.

He continued to avoid you since then.

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

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

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

The two of you then fell silent afterwards. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Since when did Ayato stop avoiding you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Wh-What?! No way!” He stumbled. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ah, how you despise love lives so much.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your eyebrows furrowed. “You were there?” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ah shi–

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

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

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

“...Nothing?”

“Really?” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your friend laughs. “And facial skin care.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAN'S NOTES !

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

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

Istg im seriously trying to finish this childe fic

Red Carnations

Pairing: Childe x GN! Reader

Warnings: it’s just angst

A/N: i’m exhausted but i really wanted to write this. slightly based off Olivia Rodrigo’s song Driver’s License

Word Count: 3,127

Another letter, another batch of lies. The crisp pale paper sat on the table, delicate letters that spelled your name staring up at you. The red wax stamped with his insignia burned into your mind, filling every thought in your head, despite trying to go on with your day. Was it really worth it to open the parchment? Every letter that arrived on the doorstep, with the same handwriting scribbled onto it felt like another push out of his life. Paragraphs describing the beautiful blonde outlander traveller that had caught his heart made your chest hurt with every word that he wrote. How long had it been since you had last seen the young ginger Harbinger whose lopsided smile made your heart skip a beat. Though he had been sent away on a mission to Liyue, you stayed behind to manage your parent’s business in Snezhnaya. Everything could only go downhill from there. You took the seat in the back as you watched letters arrive at your doorstep with pages of Childe’s handwriting describing the new nation he was exploring and the people who he met. But in every letter, he never failed to mention the golden eyed beauty who was Lumine. In the darkest parts of your heart, you wished that Childe would stop sending you letters, that he would just forget about the best friend who remained smitten by him. Rapid knocks on your door interrupted you from your thoughts. A chorus of giggles erupted from behind your door and you bit back a sigh, knowing exactly who was standing out in the cold.

“Did big brother send you a letter too?!” Teucer greeted you the moment your door cracked open, his bright blue eyes looking up at you with excitement and curiosity swimming inside of them. Tonia apologized for the lack of courtesy from her brother, but you could tell that she too, wanted to know if you received anything. A part of you wanted to lie to the two young children, and tell them that Childe didn’t send you anything. But there was no way to deny the two pairs of ocean eyes that twinkled with curiosity. You could tell Tonia was hiding something behind her back yet you didn’t pry, instead, forcing a smile to your face and admitting that their elder brother had sent you a letter.

“Have you read it yet?” Tonia giggled and pulled out the object behind her back. It was another letter, but addressed to her instead. You opened your mouth to reply, but the young ginger haired girl was already speaking rapidly, explaining all that her brother had written in his latest letter. You watched in silence as Teucer stood up on his tiptoes to peak over at the words his sister was reading off and your breath caught in your throat. Teucer was almost exactly like Childe, in his actions and looks.

Keep reading

I swear if this story does not end in diluc x (name)/thoma x (name)

CHAPTER TEN || COWBOY LIKE ME

SYPNOSIS (of chapter). in which today is a day for a beautiful wedding, with secrets and fears hidden underneath the naked eye.

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

CHARACTERS. kamisato ayato and diluc ragnvindr (w/ gn!reader)

CONTENT. angst/fluff/comfort(?), modern au, slight physical violence (slap), mentions of family problems, hints of murder, and lots of crying and anxiousness

PENPALS. @scaraslover @saving-for-xiao @dawgimsohot @kazu-topia @chiruru @aqualesha @renamichii @mrkamisato @shenhesl0ver @serami00 @serenareiss @hiqhkey @emperatris-rinaka @bystander36 @irisxiel @ladycoleigh @034ven @dear-dairiess @owozi8 @hadesaedes @chiro-chiro-kun @hersscherofyatta @mariusvonhangme @yuzuricebun @hoshikistarlette @solaaresque @crowbird @lordbugs @flowersforayato @headintheclouddd @estelwrld @giyusimpsassemble @irethepotatosblog @moonlightaangel @alice0blog @shotosbrainrot @sniffoat @chihawari @mxsomn @kuni-kuzushii @jiminscarmex @mitsukii14 @nejibot @ylimeprive @sachispet @loreleis-world @sn-owo @starforecasts @someonetookmynamelmao @ceylestia @koshiisu @ymikkos @reallysporadicarcade @elychee @rion-s @denkineptune @franini @sophisticatedleslie @thedivinepriestress @smashsubs @httpmitsuya @bl6o6dy @cottonkendi (please visit this post if you'd like to be tagged!)

WORD COUNT. 6.2k words

LINKS. EVERMORE MASTERLIST \ MAIN MASTERLIST \ EVERMORE SURVEY (come visit if you’d like to ask questions that i’ll answer by the time this series ends !)

POST-SCRIPT. 6 more chapters before evermore reaches its end !! i'm very excited to work on the next chapters as they're the ones i'm excited to write <33 id also like to shoutout to that one anon whose birthday is today, this is my gift to you, anon <33 !!

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make sure to read the full thing before looking at reblogs and replies to prevent yourself from getting spoiled !!

The day of the wedding has finally come.

It’s strange, you admit. After you and Ayato talked it out together properly yesterday, the lingering thoughts about the past was.. Quiet for the first time. It’s a good thing of course, but it’s just so new to you.

Zhongli could tell something good happened to you from just the way you’re acting today.

“Good morning to you, ( Name ).” He greeted you from his seat as he poured hot tea on his cup. “I take it that you slept well?”

You hummed happily in response, sitting down across the man with a cup of your drink. “I did. Remember when I went to visit the couple because of the wedding gift?” 

Zhongli nodded in response, causing you to add, “Ayato and I talked it out. We both settled the situation and decided that it’s fair that we go our separate ways. I’m glad we properly made up, if it weren’t for you persuading me to go up there, I would’ve not been able to talk to Ayato at all for the next few days.” 

“That’s good, I’m happy you finally made up with Mr. Kamisato.” Zhongli comments with a proud smile. It was definitely difficult to convince you to come visit the wedding couple to give them their gifts because of the fact you’re afraid of bothering them and not wanting to see Ayato, so he was glad to hear it went well for you just like he hoped it would be. “Why don’t we go to a place to celebrate before the wedding? I was meaning to visit a place that my friend’s been insisting on visiting and I think it’d be great if I could tag you along with Venti.” 

Seeing how you have nothing else to do for the rest of the day before the wedding, you don’t see why you shouldn’t refuse his offer – and besides, it’s been a few days since you’ve spent time with your dear friend. “I’d love to go!” 

–

You learned that Zhongli’s dear friend certainly knows where alcohol is. 

Unlike before when you three got lost around the city thanks to Venti, your journey to Angel’s Share was nothing but a breeze. The young man was delighted to tell you everything about the place as you’re on your way there. 

“It’s definitely a cool place! Not only do they sell the finest wines Mondstadt has to offer, they also sell lots of delicious foods and nonalcoholic beverages, you’ll love it!” Venit said enthusiastically. “I recommend you trying out Dandelion Wine or their Misty Garden – Zhongli is a fan of that one.” 

You look at Zhongli in surprise. “You went there before?” 

He nodded with a smile. “Yes I have. Though, it was perhaps a few years since I last visited.” He clarified. 

“We’re here!” Venti spoke, causing you to stop your tracks and look at the location that’s on your left, only for your eyes to widen at the sight of the name of the place. Angel’s Share…? Isn’t that where…?

“Come, come! I want to introduce you to someone before we go sit somewhere.” He spoke, dragging you and Zhongli towards the entrance.

As the three of you enter Angel’s Share, Venti takes you both to the bar area nearby, and your eyes widen at the sight of a certain familiar man who’s serving drinks for the servers to snatch away and serve it to the customers. 

It was only when you’re now face to face with him when the bartender realizes your presence.

“...”

“...”

“...Mr. – I mean, Diluc.” You spoke. 

“...( Name )...” Diluc greeted you back, surprised as well. “I didn’t know you’d be visiting here today, I thought the wedding was today?” 

“Ah, the wedding will start in a few hours, so we decided to visit here before getting ready.” You respond. “...Will you be there too?” 

He nodded. “Mr. Kamisato was delighted that everyone was pleased with the drinks I’ve served, so he and his fiancée were happy to invite me to the wedding and reception.” 

Your eyes brighten, now looking forward to the wedding more than ever. “That’s good! I’ll see you there then!” 

“I’ll see you there as well,” Diluc then looks at where Zhongli and Venti are. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Zhongli…. Venti.” 

“Took you long enough to realize we exist!” Venti spoke with a laugh. “We’ll be going to our table now, we better expect to see your finest wine on the table!”

“Only if you pay up.” Diluc narrows his eyes. “Might I remind you about your bill from last night?” 

The younger man pretends to not hear any word the bartender was saying, giggling as he takes your arm and walks to the nearest empty table with Zhongli following.

As the three of you shared a conversation while waiting for your orders to be served, you couldn’t help but steal some glances towards Diluc nearby, who you’d sometimes caught glancing at your direction too before you quickly looked away in embarrassment. 

You’d be lying if you said you’re not looking forward to talking to him during the reception. Could you blame yourself? There was still so much to talk about with the man, who certainly knows more than what meets the eye, but unfortunately your long conversation had to be stopped due to the venue being over already. 

Your small glances towards each other did not go unnoticed by a certain nosy young man. 

“So,” Venti suddenly spoke with a smug look on his face. “Care to tell us the juicy details between you and Mr. Diluc over there?” 

Your mouth opens in surprise, your glances towards the bartender finally stop. “E-Excuse me?” 

“Oh, I meant that I was wondering if you could tell us about you and that guy over there. I honestly didn’t expect you two to become friends because of the shop back then! I can’t help but feel curious since that man rarely makes friends.” Venti clarifies quickly with a giggle. 

You hesitantly look down at the table, fingers tapping in deep thought. “Well… I could say the both of us kept seeing each other by accident a few times after that. We got to know each other during the joint bachelor party so I guess we’re considered friends now.” You explained shyly.

“No way! Diluc tells you about himself?!” Venti exclaims. “What has this world turned into?!”

You couldn’t help but laugh at his exaggeration. “I wouldn’t exactly say that. We don’t tell each other our personal lives, just our preferences and such.” 

“Tell us more! I’m dying to know if it’s actually true that he despises alcohol–”

“Here are your orders!” The waiter interrupted the conversation, serving all of your meals from the tray as you thank the waiter internally for saving yourself from revealing too much. “Enjoy your meals.” 

“Thank you, good sir!” Venti cheerfully replied, watching the waiter walk away before looking at you. “Now, what did we talk about again?”

Before you could speak, Zhongli beat you to it. “We were talking about where to go next when we’re able to hang out again next time.” Thank you Zhongli! 

Thankfully, Venti fell for it. “Ah, really…? Oh well, I was thinking about you guys visiting my place next time so I could introduce you to Dvalin – He’s a cute bird of mine, ehe!”

By the time you finished your meal while continuing your conversation with Venti and Zhongli, the three of you agreed to call it a day given that you and Zhongli only have two hours to get ready before the wedding, much to Venti’s disappointment, wanting to talk more with you two. 

“Aww it’s a shame that we have to end this way, we still have so much to talk about!” The young man pouted, watching as the two of you started packing your things once you settled your bill. “I hope we get to meet up again once you two are done with that wedding fiasco.” 

You nodded in agreement. “I hope so too, we’ll see what we can do. See you next time, Venti!” 

As you and Zhongli walk away towards the exit of the establishment, you slowly find yourself gazing towards where Diluc is, who notices you’re leaving. Once your eyes contacted each other, you gave the bartender an acknowledged nod with a smile, causing Diluc to nod back. 

And then you left the establishment, smiling to yourself at the thought of coming back to that pleasant place.

—

“Welcome, welcome! Feel free to explore the venue for a bit while waiting for the wedding ceremony to start.” One of the staff greeted you as you and Zhongli stepped foot into the wedding venue, wearing your finest outfits that won’t outshine the wedding couple as it should be.

People weren’t lying when they said Goth Grand Hotel has the largest venue in all of Mondstadt, and whoever arranged the place did an amazing job making a huge empty room into a place that’s perfect for a wedding, with some intricate designs and fabrics draped on the ceilings as well as music playing in the background that originates from Inazuma, and flower arrangements with some colors around the room that symbolizes Mondstadt. The whole wedding is entirely filled with Inazuma and Mondstadt combined in a good way. 

“I’m impressed with this place.” Zhongli comments with a hum, the two of you walking around the area. “Goth Grand Hotel has outdone themselves with the venue for sure.” 

You smile in amusement at the sight of Zhongli’s way of being in awe. The way his eyes sparkle as he looks around his surroundings with his eyes is enough for you to know just how impressed he is. 

“I agree. It feels like you’re not in a hotel anymore.” You replied, entering the aisle. You find yourself letting out a sad sigh when you haven’t seen a familiar red-haired man around. You were looking forward to having a quick chat with him before the ceremony starts, but talking to your other friends will just have to do. 

Your slumped look didn’t go unnoticed by Zhongli, who can’t help but glance at you in curiosity. 

Are they thinking about that red-haired man perhaps? He thought to himself in amusement. It seems Venti wasn’t the only one who noticed your quick glances and interactions with your new friend.

It took perhaps thirty minutes chatting with your other friends who managed to arrive early before you and Zhongli decided to come to your seats as soon as it was announced the wedding would come shortly. 

A few seconds turned to minutes, you thought there was nothing wrong as far as you know. A few minutes turned to thirty minutes, and you thought there’s just a minor inconvenience as the music begins. Thirty minutes turned into an hour, and you knew something was wrong with Chisato, not when Ayato was already standing in his position waiting for the bride to come. 

The bride never came. 

Today is going to be a lovely day, Chisato thought with a small smile. 

After so many years of anticipation and dread, the day of the wedding has finally arrived. The woman was prepared for this moment ever since her father deemed it so, and she can guarantee that she’ll try her best for the occasion.

The woman starts the day off with breakfast served in her suite by the hotel staff. She can tell her father’s the one who ordered them to serve it given that her breakfast today is her favorite Inazuma dishes, something that she hasn’t eaten for the past week. 

It’s a shame that she can’t spend such breakfast with her soon-to-be-husband, who’s now in another suite in order for the couple to not see each other before the wedding, but nevertheless, it was fine since she’ll see him later on and eat dinner with him at the reception. Now that she thinks about it, it’s quite silent and lonely here..

Perhaps listening to her favorite songs won’t hurt a bit while eating breakfast.

She instantly grabs her phone nearby and plays her playlist before grabbing her schedule as she dines in on her breakfast.

First, she has a lot of free time for the next two hours – which she’ll use to take a stroll through the garden, have some spa, check with her wedding planner and Thoma regarding the preparations of the wedding, then afterwards she can proceed to the bridal room and start getting ready for the wedding at last. 

Simple and lovely, just the way she likes it. She can’t think of anything that can make this day go wrong,

By the time she finishes her breakfast, she washes the dishes off by the kitchen sink and goes to her room to change her attire. 

As the woman strolls around the garden happily, she admires the flowers and plants displayed. The place is truly one of the things she likes about the Grand Goth Hotel, and the pictures certainly didn’t give enough justice for how ethereal the garden looked. 

She leans towards one of Mondstadt’s special flowers – windwheel asters are what they called – and looks at one of them in fascination. They really do spin!

Chisato could recall talking to Thoma about Mondstadt before the trip. The man was surely fond of his hometown from how he has so many things to talk about the lands, and one of those things are particularly windwheel asters. 

Next to the plentiful flowers are cecilias, the one she personally chose for her bouquet besides her favorite ones that have been sent straight from Inazuma, and just as Thoma said, they’re as lovely as “true love”, a quote he recited as a reference of a certain song written by Mondstadt’s most famous idol, Barbara.

Everywhere Chisato goes, her surroundings are filled with various flowers hailed from Mondstadt and even from certain neighboring lands. 

It would be lovely if she could have a garden as similar as this for her new home that she and Ayato will stay in after the wedding, then maybe she can have a safe haven to come to whenever she wants to clear her mind. 

If she’s lucky enough, maybe said safe haven would be enough to clear some of her guilt off for not working hard enough to stop her wedding for you and Ayato.

It still hurts, knowing that it took her this long to realize that she was right about this wedding being a mistake from the start. Not only is she getting married to someone who loves someone else and had the audacity to act so loving to him with the person he loves around, but was also totally clueless that her fiance was suffering from something she could’ve tried her best to prevent. 

She knew what it was like to lose someone she loves dearly – though her experience was much different unlike Ayato’s, whereas his someone is still alive – and it made everything worse for her knowing that she’s the reason that he’s going through it. 

That’s why she feels like the best thing she can do for you, Ayato, and herself is to keep everything under wraps. Which leads her to be… more conscious about herself and those around her. 

The feeling as if everyone’s eyes are on Chisato began to dawn on the woman, causing her posture to stiffen. Everyone would be disappointed, especially those who never understood the sacrifices of arranged marriages, they’d call her a snake for stealing someone’s man and feel sad for Ayato’s tragic love life, or call Ayato a shameless man for inviting the person he still loves to the wedding and they’d pity Chisato. 

Either way, the result would be too dire should anyone find out about this. 

It scares her, knowing there’s nothing she could do if this spreads like wildfire. She was just following her father’s orders, he didn’t know any better. She thought Ayato was alright with it too since he accepted it–

With a shaky breath, Chisato decides to go back inside from the garden that she no longer enjoys, her thoughts flooding with what-ifs and overwhelming guilt as she tries to reassure herself that the feeling of being watched by everyone is nothing but in her head. It’s okay, they’re not looking at me. They’re just going about their day, no one knows.

She feels sick when she makes eye-contact with a few passerbys while heading inside, not helping her reassurances at all.

She hopes a long spa session with her friends can make her feel better. 

If it weren’t for her dear friends, she would’ve canceled her spa appointment and stayed in her suite for the next hour until she visits her wedding planner and Thoma. 

“This is truly divine, Chisato.” Hanachirusato, one of the bridesmaids, commented. “Both the Kamisato family and your family are truly generous – not only did you provide free trips to Mondstadt for everyone, you also gave us a free spa treatment!” 

Chisato shyly laughed. “You’re too kind, Hana… It’s the least I can do for you guys since you’ve been here for me since college.” 

“You being our friend is enough. If anything, us treating you out to shopping and eating in Good Hunter yesterday isn’t enough to show us our gratitude.” Sakuya chimes. “By the way, I’ve checked the flowers that you’ll be carrying, and thankfully they’re all well.” 

“That’s good to hear, I was worried about that last night before I went to sleep. But yesterday was enough for me, I’ve had lots of fun thanks to you guys.” The bride replies quietly.

“Are you excited for the wedding later?” Aoi asks curiously.

“Of course, I am.” Chisato responded. “I’m just nervous… But I believe that everything will go well thanks to Ayato’s best man and Asagiri.”

“Aww, you’re too sweet, Chisato! And no worries, the wedding is almost done with the venue, we just need a few more roundchecks with Thoma and check on the guests before the wedding starts – I also made sure your photographer arrived early to take pictures before the reception.” Asagiri said. 

“I already feel relieved from just hearing that, thank you again Asagiri.” 

“By the way, speaking of guests… Consider me curious, but who was that person you were talking to during the bachelor party, Chisato?” Fushizome asks curiously.

Chisato was taken back by surprise. “Which person?”

“You know, the one who you were talking to when you walked back to the party from the bathroom! From what I remember, they have ( Hair Color ) and a cute outfit.” 

The woman’s breath hitches. 

They now know you. 

She couldn’t help but feel scared, what if they realized you’re Ayato’s ex? What would they do if they found out about your situation? Or worse, what if they think Chisato forced Ayato to marry her knowing about you–?!

“Ma’am, try to relax.” Chisato’s thoughts were cut off by the hushed tone of her masseuse, causing the bride to blink a few times and wake up in reality.

“Chisato..? Are you okay?” One of the bridesmaids asked in concern.

“..” Chisato lets out a deep breath before smiling once again. “Ah, I’m alright, sorry. I was dozing off..” 

“Again..? Are you thinking about the wedding?” 

“Yeah,” The bride lets out a fake laugh. “I’m alright, don’t worry about me. I was just recalling everything I needed to do for the wedding.”

The women look at each other with a flash of concern for Chisato before giving in to her reassurance. “..If you insist, Chisato.” 

By then, everything was a blur. 

The discussion between Thoma and the wedding planner in her suite went as smoothly as Chisato hoped, it was only until they left the room when the woman encountered a surprise visitor.

“Father? What brings you here?” The bride exclaims in surprise, not expecting to see her father visiting her. 

“Well I’ve come to visit my sweet little girl before she goes to the wedding! Is it wrong of me to visit you?” 

Chisato shakes her head, opening the door wide for him to enter. “O-Of course not, father. Please come in.” 

As Shinsuke enters the room, the woman instantly rushes over to the kitchen after closing the door shut, preparing her father’s favorite tea. 

He then decides to speak. “I’m quite proud of you, sweetheart. I hope you and Ayato will have a prosperous marriage as I hoped it would be. Carrying both the Hiiragi and Kamisato titles is no easy feat, so I hope you’re ready for it all once the wedding is over.” 

“I’m more than ready, father.” She responded, walking over towards her father with the tea set. It was fortunate the man didn’t notice the way her hands started shaking. “You’ve prepared me for it.” 

Prepared, that’s what Shinsuke thought he was. Prepared for anything, prepared for dangers to come, prepared for dealing with someone who threatens his status, prepared for removing evidence, prepared for everything, everywhere.

Prepared for all except having a daughter. 

Even though her father didn’t say anything, Chisato knew he despised the fact that he only has a daughter who will inherit everything in the Hiiragi business instead of a son. She appreciated his efforts in hiding it to not hurt her feelings – a sign that he at least cares about her – but it hurts to see the way his jaws sometimes clench at the sight of her. 

Perhaps one of the reasons why she didn’t exactly protest against the marriage back then was because of the fact it could make her father proud of her for once. 

Even if she won medals in school, knew every single thing she needed to know to handle a business,  became top 1 in her classes, won many achievements, and a truly breadwinner that’s worth being proud of by parents overall, the bride knew it wasn’t enough for her father. Not when he wanted a boy instead of a girl as his child and for his wife to come back from the dead after dying from childbirth. 

It was only when she learned that he has other ways in dealing with people who oppose him that she lost all the admiration she had for her father and didn’t bother to try and get his attention, who’s nothing but a corrupted prick. All that’s left are fear and misery. 

“Of course, I didn’t raise you well for nothing, dear.” Shinsuke responded with a laugh, bringing up the cup to his lips before taking a sip. “That’s why I better expect nothing to go wrong with the wedding and between you and Ayato.” 

Chisato feels her heart sinking, slowly realizing that the elder man has another reason for visiting here. “Nothing’s going on that should concern you, father. So you don’t have to–”

“Don’t bother lying to me, Chisato.” 

…

What?

Chisato felt her heart drop. Does he know about the bachelor party? Did he realize who you are? What will he do to you and Ayato if he does–!

The woman tries to contain her smile, keeping her act together. “Father, what do you mean? I’m telling you the tru–”

“Do you happen to know ( Name ) ( Last Name )?” 

Chisato felt her breath hitch, trying not to look shocked. “..Wh..What about them… Father?” She breathed out, trying not to panic. How did he find out about you? Did he manage to catch you with Ayato? Or was there someone who managed to tell him about your relationship with him–?!

“I’m disappointed in you, Hiiragi Chisato.” She tenses up from the way he brought up her full name. “What did I tell you about not showing vulnerability for this wedding?! What if that vile person makes rumors about how you’re miserable in this marriage?!” 

Oh thank Celestia..

“I.. I’m sorry, father. I just couldn’t help it, I was crying out of excitement that I’m getting married to th-the man I love and I didn’t notice ( Name ) until it was too late – b-but I can reassure you father, they certainly won’t do such a thing! I promise! Please don’t do anything to them!” She begged, hoping her acting was enough to convince her foolish father. 

“I won’t risk it.” Shinsuke hissed. “It’s best if we kick them out now before they try to ruin this damned wedding by spreading rumors!” 

Chisato shook her head in dismay. “Please don’t, father! I know them well enough, they haven’t spoken about this to anyone–”

“HOW DARE YOU QUESTION ME!?” Chisato shrieks when she feels her father slap her face, causing her to instantly back away in fear. “Have you forgotten who raised you? Who fed you? Who gave you all of this,” He gestures around the suite, “and who helped you get to where you are now?! You’re getting married to one of the most powerful and richest men in Inazuma and it's all thanks to me!” 

The woman hyperventilates in panic, shocked from her father’s sudden violence. Never did he lay a hand on her violently for all her life – was it because she kept protesting instead of staying silent and playing along? 

Realizing his actions, Shinsuke lets out a huff. “I will go get ready for the wedding. If I ever hear a word from everyone about you and Ayato negatively, I will do whatever I want with that disgraceful friend of yours.” 

She watched in fear as he walked away towards the exit, her hand still on top of where he slapped her face.

By the time he left, she broke down in tears. 

“I’m sorry ( Name )..” She whispered. “I don’t know if I’ve done enough..” Just like how she doesn’t know if she’s done enough for her and her ex lover, Kamaji. 

– 

Chisato felt suffocated with her wedding dress. 

“You look absolutely gorgeous, Chisato!” Nana cooed as she and the other ladies stared at Chisato’s stunning figure in awe, not noticing the way the woman looked miserable. “If Kamisato didn’t fall in love with you before, he’ll surely fall in love with you now!” 

Just as Chisato wished, she’s wearing a wedding dress that those such as Mondstadt would wear on their weddings instead of a traditional wedding dress that Inazuma women would wear. The wedding dress was slim, enough to hug her figures in a comfortable way, with designs that her stylist made by hand herself that resembles her homeland, Inazuma. There was also a petal train by the end of her dress, with designs of sakura petals instead of the ordinary flower petals. 

She would’ve felt emotional on how gorgeous she truly looked, if it weren’t for the fact that her mind is elsewhere. 

“...Thanks, ladies.” She whispered, a strain smile appeared on her face. “I couldn’t have done this all without you guys, thanks again for being my bridesmaids and maid of honor.” 

“It’s no problem, Chisato. We’re truly happy for you, I wish you a happy marriage with Kamisato Ayato.” Asagiri responds, fixing Chisato’s dress a little bit before gesturing to one of the stylists in the room to put the veil on the bride. 

The bride shuffles a bit, adjusting the dress that’s suffocating her so much– or was it just her imagination? 

Hanachirusato lets out a dreamy sigh. “Ah, I can’t wait for you to come out of the entrance and walk through the aisle, you’d certainly look ethereal, people would admire you, adore you, and even envy you–”

Chisato couldn’t help but deafen Hanachirusato’s words, her palms begin to sweat as she tries not to give in to the urge to get rid of her dress from how suffocating it is. 

“What would Ayato think when he sees his beautiful bride?” Aoi asks aloud in curiosity. 

The bridesmaid’s question only made her feel even more suffocated. He’ll only wish that ( Name )’s the one who’s marrying him instead of me.. 

She slowly remembers what Shinsuke told her about you. 

The bride lets out a shaky breath. 

“I apologize, I need to go to the bathroom alone.” The bride spoke before walking towards the bathroom without letting anyone talk. 

Seeing how there’s nothing wrong with it, the bridesmaids decided to continue with their finishing touches on their outfits while waiting for Chisato.

It felt a little strange to hear nothing from Chisato in the bathroom. As far as anyone knows, this hotel was loud enough for at least the sounds of the water to be heard, signaling that there’s someone in there, so hearing nothing is strange. But since it was simply none of their concern yet, everyone decided to continue their day. 

It wasn’t until a long time had passed when the bridesmaids realized there was something wrong. 

“Chisato, are you alright?” Fushizome asks as she knocks on the bathroom door. “What happened? Do you need our hel–” 

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I want to continue the wedding.” The bride spoke as she continued to kneel down against the wall in the bathroom, crying softly in fear for her future and in fear for what her father will do to you and Ayato. “This.. All of this is wrong.” 

Everyone’s eyes widened from her sudden decision. “What do you mean? You didn’t do anything wrong, Chisato, you’re just nervous–”

“No, no. You don’t understand!” Chisato spoke hysterically, not caring about the fact that her makeup is now getting ruined from her tears. “Please just.. Just leave me alone!” 

“But Chisato, how can we leave you alone? We’re worried for you!” It’s for your own good, Chisato thought, breath shaking. If my father can go after anyone like ( Name ), my newest friend, then he can go after you guys too. “I can’t… I can’t talk about it…” 

“Please Chisato, let us in!” 

“Just leave me alone!” Just leave me alone, so father won’t hurt anyone I care, so he won’t hurt anyone’s lives like what he did Ayato and ( Name ) and others who were affected by him–

“Chisato?”

Her thoughts stopped when she heard his voice. 

“...” She slowly looks up at the door. “...Ayato?” 

“Yes, it’s me.” Ayato confirms, knocking on the bathroom door softly. “Care to let me in?” 

Chisato hesitates, thinking deeply for a while before standing up from the cold floor and placing her hand on the doorknob. 

With a deep breath, the bride opens the door slightly, enough for Ayato to see her and for the other people in the room to not see her. 

“...Come.” 

As soon as the groom steps foot to the bathroom, Chisato immediately closes the door, her shoulders slumped. 

The two of them stayed silent. It’s a habit between the two of them to stay silent with one another sometimes, especially at parties whereas they’d retreat to a secluded place and enjoy the peacefulness with no words exchanged. 

This time, they retreat to a secluded place for a different reason. 

 “I’m.. sorry.” She apologized softly, interrupting the silence. “I.. I know what happened between you and ( Name ). I feel ashamed that I didn’t even try hard enough–”

“You did more than enough.” Ayato interrupts. “I appreciate all your efforts you’ve done for me.. and I’m guessing for ( Name ) as well since it looks as if you two have met already.” He chuckles softly at the sight of pink in Chisato’s cheeks as confirmation of his assumption. “...If anything, it should be me who should apologize.” 

Chisato’s eyes widened, and before she could protest, Ayato quickly explained. “I apologize for not telling you anything about my situation with ( Name ) back then. I thought it was better to be quiet about it, knowing you couldn’t do anything to stop this marriage since… your father is a man who can’t be convinced.”

The bride looks away from his gaze. Although it’s true that she still couldn’t do anything about the marriage, she feels as if she still had a part in this marriage in the first place and feels guilty about it despite not being the one to suggest it to her father.

“I wanted to tell you before the wedding.” Ayato adds, smiling in sadness. “But I didn’t want to hurt your feelings and.. I was afraid that you would react badly, I don’t want to risk anything.” 

“I understand,” Chisato spoke. “I… I just feel so sorry that you have to break up with your lover for this.” 

“You don’t have to. ( Name ) and I have come to accept our fate.” He then looks at the door behind Chisato. “The one who was behind all of this is your father.” 

“I know,” she whispered. “I… I don’t know what I can do to make him pay for everything. I’m scared that if I stand up against him, he’ll…”

“Hurt everyone you love?” He finishes her sentence. 

“...”

“You’re not the only one who knows his dirty methods.” Ayato says softly, his heart aching at the thought of the Kaedehara family and Kamaji, who have fallen by the hands of the corrupted CEO. “That’s why it’s best that you and I are on the same side in this marriage. We can somehow… Somehow find a way to stop your father and bring him to jail together, even if it’ll take years to get that opportunity.” 

She feels speechless from his bold proposal. “..I’m scared.” She admits, feeling chills down her spine from the memory of Shinsuke slapping her. “I just don’t know what to do if he hurts one of my friends – or even you.” 

“He won’t. We just need to be careful and have each other.” Ayato reassures her. “If you stop this marriage now, he won’t hold back anymore and hurt everyone.”

Chisato clenches her teeth at the thought. As much as she doesn’t want to admit it, the groom is right about what Shinsuke would do. “...Alright…” 

He then places a hand on her shoulder, something that’d make her shudder in fear if this was done by her father. 

But said hand isn’t her father’s, but her soon-to-be-husband’s. 

“I feel sad that I can’t love you as much as you do with me,” Ayato confesses, “I’m still not ready to fall in love, but.. But all of this doesn’t change the fact that I see you as someone I trust.”

She slowly places her hand on his. “I.. I trust you too. I want to be here for you.” 

The two of them stay silent, until Ayato decides it’s time for them to get out of the bathroom for Chisato to get ready once again. “Let’s go back and get you ready for the wedding. We can talk more about this when we’re out of here.” 

The woman nodded with a smile that’s no longer strained, and she no longer finds herself being suffocated by her dress that she loved when she first wore it. 

–

As you await for the wedding couple to come back, you couldn’t help but be curious about what’s going on behind the scenes as everyone continues chatting away. 

You flinched when you felt someone sitting down next to you, causing you to look to your right and see the man you were looking for the entire time. 

“You… You actually came.” You spoke up in pleasant surprise. 

“I’m not late, aren’t I?” Diluc asks. 

You shook your head in response, smiling. “The wedding hasn’t started yet due to some inconveniences, so you’re just right in time.” 

“That’s good.” 

As if on cue, the music started playing once more, causing everyone to instantly look behind to where the wedding couple will walk down the aisle. 

You can’t find yourself paying attention to the scene, not when you find Diluc so attractive with his outfit and hairdo. Instead of having a low ponytail with his usual polo outfit that he wears in the hotel or his usual outfit when serving drinks, he had his hair on a high ponytail instead with a neat tuxedo.

Is it just you or is the room getting hot?

When you realized you’re not hiding the fact that you’re checking the Diluc Ragnvindr out so shamelessly in a wedding ceremony, you quickly looked away and watch the ceremony in embarrassment. 

As soon as Chisato walked out of the doors, everyone stood up, all in awe at the sight of the bride at her most beautiful self. With the lights and colors around the aisle, she truly looked as if she’s glowing like a shining star in an empty night sky. 

You watched in awe as well, watching her walk towards where Ayato is, whose smile is as genuine as his love once was with you. 

You could only hope his future with Chisato is just as genuine.

By the time the bride stands next to the groom, everyone sat back down and watched the couple exchange their vows and promises. 

You never thought you’d feel so happy and relieved on their wedding day instead of dread and sorrow like you always felt about Ayato. But now that you have come to an end with Ayato and Chisato, you can happily say you’re free from the clutches of being stuck in the past after years of longing and wondering. 

“Are you alright?” Diluc suddenly asks softly towards you. 

You look back at the red-haired man in surprise, before relaxing with a smile. 

“I’ve never been better.” 

“You may now kiss the bride.” The priest announces, causing the wedding couple to lean in and kiss to seal their marriage. 

As everyone, including you, clap for the wedding couple, you fail to notice a certain man whose been eyeing your direction menacingly. 

But someone did notice.

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hello ! i hope ur doing good, can i ask for mikey, chifuyu, sanzu and anyone else of ur choice reacting to their s/o never had / celebrate their birthday cuz their parents think its a waste of time and money ? and how toyorv boys will try and plan a birthday party and surprise their s/o?

SURPRISING S/O WHO'S NEVER CELEBRATED THEIR BIRTHDAY

characters — mikey, chifuyu, sanzu

extras — gn!reader

a/n — I actually really liked doing this request and I hope you're doing well also. I didnt make sanzu’s surprise a party per se, it’s more of a one on one kinda thing then a party... hope that’s ok and thx for requesting. hope you like it<3

「 Mikey 」

Mikey’s baffled at the fact that you’ve never celebrated your birthday. 

It’s painful just thinking about no one wishing him happy birthday, seeing as he's an attention whore.

This birthday is going to be the best birthday you ever have, well it’ll be the best with anything he does seeing as you've done absolutely nothing for the past ones.

He came to you the morning of your birthday to tell you happy birthday and you thanked him with a kind smile. It was the first time hearing that for the day and it’s already 11am. 

Your parents left without a word that morning, they seemed in a hurry from the way they passed you on their way out as if you didn't exist.

He was good at distracting you for the day as the others prepared the party for you back at his place.

They also complained, not because they had to prepare the party, but because mikey wasn't doing any hard work. He left them to do everything, offering to distract you.

At exactly 8pm on the dot, mikey offered you to sleep at his place. On your way there, you were both silent, the only sounds being heard were the cars driving by and the slight gust of the wind dancing around you.

From the corner of your eye, you saw mikey’s lips converting to a soft smile. What’s he smiling about?

It didn't take much to see the lights up ahead, they were practically blinding. No doubt they’ll attract moths if they happen to fly by. 

If it weren't for the not so quiet, they’re here, and mikey's displeased sigh, you wouldn't have the slightest clue of what's behind the gate. “Baji’s an idiot.”

Opening the gate, your friends, both the ones apart of toman and the ones you made through them, jumped out from their hiding spots and shouted, happy birthday.

They looked ridiculous due to the tiny party hats on their heads, every one of them, the only exceptions being luna and mana because of their small selves, but nonetheless, you felt a surge of gratitude towards everyone there.

Luna, mana, emma and hina were the firsts to pull you in for a hug, followed by hakkai, mitsuya, and the others. You were overflowing with happiness and they all knew it by your eagerness when taking part in all the activities they planned.

Mikey following right behind you, same eagerness in tow, matching your own, all to see you that smile on your face.

In the comfort of his bed with his right hand holding you to his chest and his left intertwined with your own, you broke the silence by softly saying, “I had a lot of fun today mikey.”

「 Chifuyu 」

When your birthday came around the corner, chifuyu was extremely excited, it being your first birthday as a couple.

He had everything planned for your birthday a week prior, although it wasn’t much he had planned, it was extremely cute.

The first stop was at a bakery then he’s taking you to the carnival that was in town for the day and at the end, at the top of the ferris wheel, he was going to be all sappy and tell you how much he loves you.

But you weren't as ecstatic about it as him which was concerning leading him to ask the question.

“Why aren’t you in the birthday mood? It’s tomorrow y’know?” 

“You see babe, my parents think it’s unnecessary and a waste of money to throw birthday parties or give gifts, so I've never really celebrated my birthday?” Your answer came out more of a question than a solid response.

“Never?” He asked in disbelief and you simply nodded. He thought your parents were odd for not doing that, the bare minimum, it’s not like they were struggling financially or some other thing came up.

“Not even when you were little? Do they even tell you happy birthday?” You laughed at him, his face clearly surprised by the fact. “Never chifuyu and no they don’t tell me happy birthday. None of us do, we just go on with our day whenever someone’s birthday turns up.” 

He doesn't exactly know what to say at the moment other than he’s sorry, but you reassure him that it’s honestly ok, it’s really not his fault and there’s nothing he can do about it. You’re also used to it by now so your birthday is considered to be just another day to everyone around you, nothing special.

Sure, he couldn't do anything about it in the past but he’s your amazing boyfriend who can do something about it now. Yes, he already had the day planned but wouldn’t it be better for you to experience a small get together with all your friends who were in toman to show you even more love?

Truthfully he preferred his original plan. The idea of spending the entire day with you sounded like heaven but baji convinced him to do otherwise, wanting to celebrate your birthday also.

They both planned everything with slight help from their friends, and on the day, chifuyu did in fact take you to the carnival, he even won a giant teddy bear for you, but you didn't stay too long because he had a big surprise.

Covering your eyes, he has the widest smile on his face as he shuts down all your objections of not wanting any more surprises for your birthday.

"No I can't tell you. It's a surprise for a reason."

"I don't want a surprise though."

"I never asked but we're here." Chifuyu could be so rude sometimes, but he brought you to a party, a birthday party, with all your friends present.

"My favourite person!!" You knew all too well who that was.

"Hi baji." You knew he has a soft spot for you, he just doesn't want to admit it.

"Happy birthday [nickname]."

"Thank you baji." He took you in for a bear hug practically crushing you in his arms, only letting go when you gasped out, I can't breathe.

Chifuyu on the other hand was anxiously awaiting your response to his little surprise, but it never came. You were dragged away by emma and a few of the others before you could say anything, but guessing by your smile that never faltered, not even once, he knows he did a good job.

Until later that evening when everyone left, leaving both you and your boyfriend behind.

"Did you–"

"I loved it! I didn't get the chance to tell you earlier but I loved it!" Practically tackling him, you both fell onto the floor with a hard thud. The pain rushing through him was burning, but seeing and hearing your happiness made him forget about that.

「 Sanzu 」

Upon hearing about this, sanzu didn't say anything. He gave you a curt nod and left. It’s convenient that you never expect much from anyone, and it being your birthday and all, his cold response didn’t shift your mood or hurt you in the slightest. 

After all, you weren’t remotely new to this sort of reaction around this time of the year.

Your day went like it usually would, the only difference being, you haven't seen your boyfriend since earlier that day but that wasn't out of the ordinary considering his loyalty towards toman or more specifically a certain leader.

You haven't been dating that long either, you knew each other for a fair amount of time before that though.

To your surprise, before you could get into bed that night, you got a phone call from non-other than your boyfriend informing you to meet him at a location he’s about to send to you. 

Was he calling for another late night conversation? But he would’ve come by here like he usually does. Or is he injured again? 

While on your way, you couldn't help but overthink all the possible things he called you out to this unknown place for, but the figure in a toman uniform up ahead stopped your train of thought.

There he was, standing idly, his back facing you as he looked out into the quiet sea ahead of him.

You couldn't help but notice a small gift box wrapped in your favourite colour behind his back. Despite you both knowing each other for a generous amount of time, you never told him your favourite colour. Coincidence maybe?

“Why did you call me out here?” Facing you, he gave you a closed eye smile, the same one you would often see whenever he saw you first thing in the morning. “Happy birthday y/n.”

Taking the box in hand, you unwrapped it to find a jewellery box. He gifted you a silver necklace with a pendant of your favourite animal. “I thought you didn’t care?”

“Who said that?” He scoffed at you, you really thought he didn't care? Although he hasn’t said it outwardly yet, he loved you too much to not care about your birthday and just let it pass by as if it never existed.

“It just seemed that way by your response.” Taking the necklace from your hand, he turned you around and placed it around your neck. “It’s a locket.”

Sanzu opened the locket from behind you and you came to see a picture of the two of you from your first date. You laughed at the memory, remembering what you had to do to get the picture. Shower him with kisses. That was one of the few times he acted remotely affectionate towards you.

“You said you never celebrated your birthday, so I wanted to give you a gift.” His motive is what made a few tears slip past your eyes and down your face, dropping onto the back of sanzu’s hand.

“Why are you crying?” He giggled, finding you adorable for crying about something so simple as a birthday gift.

“This is my first time– I’ve gotten a birthday gift and it’s so... beautiful.” You were babbling as tears cascaded and made a path down the sides of your face. Taking a look at your horrible state, sanzu pulled you into his chest and stroked the back of your head lovingly. “I hope you take care of it.”

“I will.” Of course you would. After all, it was your first ever gift, to top it off from your boyfriend who you couldn't help but love too much to the point it was sickening at times.

“Come. I hope you didn’t have anything to do tonight, we’re going to your favourite to get food with mucho and a few of the others.”

❥ ⟆ masterlist

PENIS!!!!

WHAT ANW ANSWER MY IG DM YOU ASS

Kaeya: I wish I was a dinosaur.

Diluc: Why? Cause they're big and scary?

Kaeya: Because they're dead.