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kitsuneoftheorganization · 1 year

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Vrains: Valentines Day

A/N: this is a week late shhhh... (pretend it was posted right on time) i just wanted to edit a few things and somehow added several paragraphs, and it's now nearing 4am... aha ;-;

(also forgive me for characters not being on here, i haven't gotten through the entire show yet and wanna do them justice :] )

characters: Ai, Playmaker, Skye, Varis

warnings: none!

• you best prepare for every cheesy pun he can possibly think of involving his name

• clingy clingy clingy (i mean, think back to his joke in duel links "love me touch me feed me hot dog sandwiches!") he's gonna be wrapping around you like a backpack so get used to not getting any alone time the entirety of the day, or not going out without an eldritch monster clung to your shoulders like a witch and their familiar

• when you finally convince him to stay in his smaller form to be less conspicuous, he'd substitute holding your hand by holding your fingers since he's stuck in the duel disk, and constantly asking you to log into vrains so he can "properly hold your hands".

• there's something comedic about a tiny ignis with his hands on his hips and an exasperated look pouting about holding your hands... you keep saying you're busy to tease him and this frustrates him greatly, but it's so cute you can't help it

• anytime you bring your wrist with the duel disk attached near your face, or check it for some reason, he'll reach over and (comically because he's so tiny) try to kiss you

• but even though his puns, cheesy jokes, and constant talking can get a bit annoying, how can you stay mad when he's giving you the sweetest looks ever and smiling like the adorable lil creacher he is? he'll look away whenever you catch him though, and insist he was looking at something else... very unconvincingly

• he also wants to make up for all the things he didn't get to express to you beforehand, what with everything that went down and being tracked by the hanoi, and today's holiday is a good ice breaker for that topic

• before he confessed to you, he'd look extremely squirmy and anxious all the beginning of the day especially when you ask Yusaku why he seems so awkward and tense

• you had been friends and allies for a long time, fighting alongside Yusaku and the others to protect his fellow ignis as best as you both could, so there was no reason you could think of for him to be nervous around you

• Yusaku would just sigh exasperatedly and give a glance to Ai, who would immediately try (and fail) to look natural, leaving you very confused

• little did you know, he'd been talking with Yusaku for weeks about how he'd go about telling you while simultaneously roasting him for being no help and having no experience... leaving Yusaku to question him why he was asking in the first place. if only you could overhear their banter...

• he'll hack into your duel disk later on to talk to you, and look as though he'd be sweating bullets if he could

• just... stares at you silently for a solid minute leaving you like ???

• finally after a second he sighs and unloads all of it on you at the speed of a commercial actor reading fine print

• once he slows down though, he gains his confidence and is actually very eloquent explaining his feelings. you can hear the sincerity in his voice and tell he's being completely serious

• when you told him you returned his feelings, the tone switches in an instant and oh boy his old self is back in a flash

• "hah, i knew you could never resist this hot bod!" and now he's posing dramatically on your duel disk... and you immediately wish you had the power to mute him

• afterwards, he'll try to catch you off guard by kissing your cheek every time your face is near the duel disk, or making heart eyes to fluster you

• it would be endearing and fluffy having this little creacher so head over heels for you but it's incredibly flustering when you remember he's also a six foot tall, incredibly attractive, peircing eyed, fancy-vampire-extravagently-dressed tumblr sexyman that towers over you and is very intimidating

• even though he jokes a lot, he's incredibly smart and does care deeply, so i can imagine him setting something up somehow, whether it's ordering something to your door, hacking some big screen in the city for a message that would confuse other citizens but that you'd recognize, or leading you to cyberse cards he created to put in your deck because to him it's both a gift and a way to always be present with you and remember him by, and shows you're his using his cards

• if he has access to a soltis body, he'll want to do things he didn't get to do much before, to just go out for a walk and see the city with you without the whole pretend-i'm-a-villain-to-save-the-future thing going on

• will grab your hand and kiss the back of it because he saw it in a drama and wanted to try it

• you end up seeing a video later from someone in the area that had seen you both holding hands...

• "who's vampire lookin ass boyfriend is this lmaooo"

• it's all you can do to stop him from angrily replying with 10 different accounts he made...

• after all that though, I think he'd want to make cookies together at your home, or just something fun and domestic, since originally when he was left at Yusaku's apartment he was always bound to the duel disk. will probably throw a little bit of dough at you when you aren't looking though (he'll swear it wasn't him despite you being the only two there)

• probably tries all the things he's seen in dramas that he watched with roboppi in Yusaku's apartment, and it's very obvious (let him have his male lead moment okay)

• at the end of the day, he actually becomes somewhat uncharacteristically shy for once when he asks if you'll watch tv and play games with him

• if he's in his soltis, he'll put you on his lap and wrap you both up in a blanket, his arms around you, with his head just in place to whisper in your ear...

• he leans in close, lips right next to your ear, his hair brushing against you, sharp amber eyed gaze firmly on you, breath on your skin and...

• "do you and Yusaku actually think hot dogs are sandwiches"

• you cut him the most deadpan look ever, even putting Yusaku to shame while he laughs in complete satisfaction, locking his arms around you when you tried to get up

• even if he isn't in a soltis, he'd be in his monster form with his arms completely engulfing you, and head laying on your chest as you both watch dramas he insisted on

• will pout unless you let him kiss you, even though that form has a mouth full of sharp jagged teeth

• he's actually really warm, and his closeness is comforting, the only issue is that he's so tangled around you getting up would be a monumental task

• eventually if you fell asleep, he'd stay with you the rest of the night, as close as he can possibly be while going into whatever sleep state it is that ignis are capable of

• he'd let you use one of his arms as a pillow, and if you tried to move or get out of bed to get water or anything, he'd tighten his grip and dramatically whine about you "leaving your poor ignis"

• tells you he loves you after he thinks you've fallen asleep :>

Skye/Aoi

• considering her brother has sheltered her to an extent all her life, I think she'd want to do fun things with you!

• especially on a day like valentines, she'll want to do something thrilling

• in real life, she's someone who doesn't always have the confidence to do what she really wants to, to say what she really means

• though you met each other through VRAINS, you had become a huge support to her in real life, and helped her in ways you weren't even aware of. she never told you, but when she'd log out of VRAINS and leave her persona, and the confidence that accompanied it behind, your words and encouragement stayed with her

• did she really deserve it? if you knew the real her, would you still say the same things? she didn't know, but she knew that she could at least log in and have your presence waiting for her each day, something to look forward to

• even though she was the duelist in the public eye, personally, she admired you highly, not only for your dueling skills but for who you were and what you stood for, and what you would say to her

• it may have been in passing for you, but it echoed in her mind for hours

• that she mattered, not only as Blue Angel, but that her life was inherently valuable and meaningful no matter who is behind the mask, that though you'd been through many things, at the end of the day no matter where we find ourselves there is always more than it appears to life, that you can choose your destiny, and that there is always light even if we can't see it at the moment

• sure, anyone could pass them off as cheesy and forget it, but when things got to her and she felt alone, like no one knew her truly, and like she'd be in the cage her brother's concern had made for her forever, on the lonely late nights when no one was home... they comforted her. she desperately wanted to believe she could choose her own destiny, considering her and her brother's lives had so far felt like leaves being blown in every direction by the wind of circumstance

• you were a friend who treated her like a person instead of a celebrity, and didn't try to use her for internet fame, and so she had begun to feel like she truly could trust you

• the free spirit in her envied the fact that you were someone who had no leash unlike her, fighting the hanoi, going wherever you pleased, holding your own against the threats to VRAINS

• the longer you remained friends though, she'd realized that she'd begun to develop feelings for you beyond friendship or idolization

• even when you both had finally met in person, she'd never had the guts to say anything, too afraid she wouldn't measure up or that upon seeing her real self you'd think less of her than as Blue Angel and never think of her in that way

• little did she know you had grown to care for her strongly as well

• when she'd finally gained the courage to confess to you, she'd texted you with a friendly invite to go grab a snack since you were both alone today, and you both occasionally would do things together (Akira felt she was protected with you, thankfully)

• at least that way, she could back out if she got too nervous and let things between you remain the same

• she messaged you to meet with her at a cafe in the city, somewhere she liked, to eat something tasty and unwind after the stress you'd all been through

• you'd thought nothing of it, since you were just friends after all... you supposed you were lucky to spend time with her, even if it wasn't under the circumstances you wished it was

• you had kept your feelings quiet, not wanting to place any more pressure on her, so if friendship was what she needed, so be it

• you'd notice there was something on her mind, but as you're both finishing your food, you'd see some spark of confidence rise in her eyes and she'd grab your hands that were sitting on the table, take a deep breath, and start to explain the real reason why she met with you there (surprise bitch, this is a date!!!!)

• it takes you a moment to take in her words, because THE Blue Angel wants to be with you, THE Skye, the Skye you've been friends with for so long... the fact that she saw you the way you saw her was enough to make your soul jump through the roof

• she's overjoyed when she learns the feeling is mutual, and a streak of excitement and energy comes over her, thinking of all the things she wants to do with you

• this was the real Skye, you felt, someone with energy and spirit and that spark of adventure in her eyes that was shining through in this moment

• you'd agree to go to an amusement park straight afterward, something she'd always wanted to do but had never been able to since her brother was always busy and would've never let her go alone

• somehow, you'd fit almost every ride into the few hours you were there, from rollercoasters to the ferris wheel overlooking the city, and you both tried all the out-of-the-ordinary foods they had at stands

• she holds your hand on every ride, and everywhere you walked through the park as if you'd melt away if she didn't feel you beside her <3

• if you're a bit nervous of rollercoasters, she'd sit beside you and let you hold onto her... definitely doesn't try to get you on one again for that specific reason

• after you rode a bunch of rides, i think she'd like to just walk with you and see the sights of the park, talking about everything that's happened so far, her hopes for the future, and about how she's determined to try and find aqua if there's a chance she may have also been revived, and how cute she thinks you look holding the cotton candy you'd both gotten and the sunset illuminating your features ;>

• later when you got home, she'd invite you to come over, and you'd both log into VRAINS and either sightsee on a board, or speed duel with each other, and then meet up with the others to talk and because she wants to tell everyone about your relationship

• no one is surprised, because you both complimented each other so well even before and they could sense your chemistry

• being basically a celebrity duelist, i think she'd like to announce that you're together by a duel, if she's gonna introduce you it has to be perfect

• everyone else agrees and cheers you both on, wondering who will win

• if you were anxious about all the publicity though, she'd understand and would keep it on the low until/if you want to or are ready :)

• if you do though, at the epic conclusion of your duel, she starts to speak up in front of the reporters who had caught on and started filming, and everyone in the crowd is watching with baited breath to see what she'll say

• she announces that you've not only been her friend and a great support to her, but that meeting and being with you has been a new freedom and adventure she thought she'd never get to have

• and then she kisses you, above the city lights of VRAINS, riding on the wind, with the cheers of everyone surrounding you

• after all that, when it's really late, you'd both have a bunch of late night snacks and make cookies together, occasionally checking people's posted reactions to you being together, or if you didn't anounce it, see people's speculations on the hot mystery person she dueled with ;] and then play video games until you both got sleepy

• overall, i feel like her love language would be experiencing freedom and fun with someone she loves, letting loose with no restrictions

• you'd both end up asleep on the couch leaning against each other, game controllers still beside you both

Playmaker/Yusaku

• yusaku is a man of very few words, but he's someone who you know means every word he says, and you'd always admired that about him

• he also is someone who expresses things through actions moreso than words

• i think Ai would push him to confess to you on a day like valentines, something Yusaku would never do by himself, but Ai would annoy him to no end about not acting on his feelings until somehow he finally got him to do it

• I think Yusaku is someone who on the inside would want to be physically close, but the walls he's put up keep him from giving in, and his focus has been on a singular goal for a very long time, so a lot of what he does is based on protecting himself

• you had piqued his interest initially due to you seeming to also posess something akin to link sense, always sensing situations that he could feel too, which was what led to you two crossing paths often

• since you respected his privacy and didn't try to fight his battles for him, he came to respect you

• you'd eventually offered to aid him, and despite your skills and similarities, he was firm in going about his business alone. as time went on though, all your small acts of kindness and silent way of being there for him in the background without prying or invading his boundaries started to chip away at those walls a bit

• he'd catch himself with a strange feeling of curiosity when you'd leave after mopping the floor with the hanoi, watching as your figure would dissappear, finding himself deep in thought.

• Ai had of course taken notice of this and teased him relentlessly for it, and though he denied it repeatedly at first, maybe there was some truth to his teasing...

• once he wasn't so single minded in his goals, and had more time to think about things, it really hit him just how much he did appreciate your company, and he found himself forming something of a friendship and bonds with you and the others

• outside of VRAINS, he'd catch himself absentmindedly wishing he would run into you, or wondering if he'd see you in person somewhere, hoping to find you somehow, but telling himself it was strictly because he wanted to know your motives and connection to the situation at hand. yes, you were friends now, but you both didn't fully know each other's motives, much less what your appearances were in real life

• when Ai couldn't take it anymore and knew he wouldn't make the first move himself, he came up with a plan, which Yusaku only begrudgingly agreed to after a long back-and-forth

• you'd received a message to meet Playmaker in a certain spot outside VRAINS, which came as a shock, but you were also excited to meet him in real life, if it was indeed not a trap set by the hanoi

• you'd showed up, cautious at first, but immediately recognized the hot dog stand you were familiar with, having visited it once, and though you didn't know it was him at that moment, Yusaku was sitting by the food truck, outwardly calm, but you could see he was a bit stiff, as though internally nervous. He was talking to the man grilling the hot dogs, and as you got closer you noticed just how handsome he was... that he had familiar green eyes, and finally the unmistakable aspect you could always identify him by: the yellow eye of the ignis on his duel disk.

• It was a bit awkward at first, but after you had approached the seats and spoken up, he introduced you to Kolter and himself formally now that you were all in person

• you both talked for a while, speaking about your goals, your hopes, and how you both had a shared interest in protecting Ai and the ignis from the hanoi

• eventually, Kolter had given him a knowing glance and made an excuse to go "run and grab something he needed from the shop close over"

• Yusaku seemed to mentally facepalm at the obviousness of his actions, but had nevertheless turned to face you after he left

• "There's something i've been wanting to, uh... ask you about." he'd said awkwardly, and it was almost strange to see someone so usually stoic and confident be as unsure as he was now

• He'd stated how he was wary of you in the beginning, but that he was glad the two of you were friends despite his initial coldness, that he trusted you now and could tell you had a good heart.

• by now your cross between flattery and confusion was growing, and as he continued to speak, jt seemed as though he was dancing around what he actually wanted to say

• after a shared look between himself and the ignis who was now standing on his duel disk and glancing between you both (in... anticipation? entertainment? you weren't sure) he sighed and looked you in the eye.

• "I... wanted to ask if you would... stay with me," he paused momentarily between words, seemingly flustered as he spoke. "And there are three reasons why".

"One, you're a good hearted and skilled duelist who adapts well, and have a connection to the network that proves a valuable aid. You're a very strong ally in this regard. "

"Two, you've been incredibly kind and respected me despite my being wholly dedicated to revenge and not exactly being friendly in return. You're understanding, and you've been there for me on multiple occasions, putting yourself in danger even when I assured you it wasn't necessary. I thank you for this."

"Three, because after some time, I can't help but find myself deep in thought every time we encounter each other. I can't help but catch myself wanting to stop you every time you leave, but never knowing exactly what I wanted to say, and I've found I... enjoy your company. So, I-"

• He was cut off by Ai, who by now had his arms crossed and an exasperated look on his face

• "what shakespeare here's trying to say is that he's got feelings for you and he appreciates that you put up with him and care about him, but he's too cool and grumpy to say that outright. Also, he thinks your dueling skills are hot, and he's been like a puppy secretly hoping to run into you everywhere we go. And he should be thanking me as his brilliant, intelligent wing man who helped him with getting this far because he was never gonna pull you by just staring at you all mysteriously and brooding all the time and never saying anythi-"

• Yusaku shot him a glare that could've fried the rest of the hot dogs in the stand were it pointed that way, and Ai dramatically fell over and ceased talking, though he had a satisfied, smug look across his face

• taking a sigh, he spoke up again. "I'm saying I want you to be with me." he was now directly looking into your eyes, piercing green filled with hope, and behind that it seemed, anxiousness

• when you replied that you felt the same way about him, he'd done something he's rarely ever done with anyone: hugged you. it was slow and sheepish (you knew he wasn't one much for talking, much less any physical contact, so you were flattered by the gesture), and you could feel a thousand emotions through it: relief, shyness, and his muscles relaxing against you after a moment, like it was something he'd long needed

• the whole time, Ai was cheering as though he was watching the moment in a drama

• the rest of the day, Yusaku wouldn't initiate much physical contact, but he would often have his eyes on you.

• it's something very new for him to have mutual feelings of this sort, as he's always focused on other goals, so it would take a long time for it all to sink in for him, and considering he's always on guard, keeping his eyes on you feels like his way of keeping you safe

• he'd want to do things that were usually soothing for him with you because it would feel as though it's sharing a part of himself with you. having dealt with the trauma of the Lost Incident, he's extremely guarded and private, and so to include you in the things that ease his worries is an incredibly huge gesture

• he doesn't exactly have much money. his apartment isn't the most comfortable, and he isn't always able to eat well either, much less go to restaurants, but the gift he later gives you is something far more meaningful and thoughtful than anything a store could offer on a day like today, something from his own knowledge and skill that he had made himself

• he had coded you a modification that would attach to your duel disk and would cover all your tracks in VRAINS, protect you from viruses, and keep your identity secret, similar to the programs he used with Playmaker, that he had started making a few months back for you and not mentioned

• he'd be extremely shy giving it to you and would deny any thanks or compliments with a blush

• he would want to spend the rest of the day calmly in your company, just able to enjoy the peace for once

Varis/Revolver

• like Yusaku, he's someone who's very guarded and honed in on his goals, and he has the world on his shoulders in his belief that he should also be responsible for the situation his father created

• though you had opposed his views on the ignis, you also understood his motivations, and that he was caught in the trap of his father's shadow, no matter how hard he insisted that it was purely his choices

• the fact that you two had somehow formed a bond despite being enemies was something neither of you could explain, nor something either of you would mention verbally. having investigated as many secrets of the hanoi as you possibly could had helped you gain a better understanding of why he did what he did, though, and discovering he was a pawn in his father's chess game had changed your view of him

• after a handful of encounters, though, you could tell by the way his eyes would soften when they landed on you, the way he almost seemed careful to never place you in danger, and the fact that you had noticed less and less members of the knights of hanoi trying to duel you unprovoked, almost as if they had been ordered to do so, meant something was going on

• while you were concerned that he was dedicating his life to someone else's cause, he was concerned that you were endangering yourself by associating too closely with the ignis

• every situation with him was tense, but not in a negative way. In fact, your run-ins with him whether his trying to get information out of you on Ai's whereabouts, or your challenging him to deter the hanoi, there was something unspoken in the air between you two

• it came to a head at one point during an intense duel, where the building you'd both been standing on in VRAINS had been engulfed by a stronger than usual data storm and crumbled beneath your feet

• you'd both scrambled to catch your boards in an attempt to avoid falling, but yours had slipped from your grasp at the last moment

• and then the next thing you knew you were being suspended in midair by Varis balancing precariously on his board, his arms having curled around you just in time while you were both whisked into the storm

• you'd met his eyes for a moment, and there seemed to be a million thoughts and emotions swirling, before he closed them and sighed as if resigning himself to something he'd been battling internally

• when he'd reopened them, the expression he gave you was uncharacteristically caring and concerned

• it was over as quickly as it happened though, as in the blink of an eye you'd been set down on a building nearby, and he was nowhere to be seen, leaving you to wonder what had just happened

• you'd not seen him for a while after that, leaving you confused and mulling over the situation, thinking you'd just overthought it or misinterpreted his actions

• a couple months later, though, you'd been stopped in your tracks by a knight of hanoi, but to your surprise, it wasn't to challenge you. it was extremely strange: they'd calmly handed you a message and monotonously informed you "this was to be delivered to you", and then disappeared without another word or trace

• you'd worried it may have been a trap, but cautiously opened it: a message straight from Varis himself, reading, "I need to speak with you. you likely know why. Meet me at..." followed by what seemed to be coordinates. he was asking to meet you in person.

• when you had gone to the specified location the next day, having had to find the directions by phone, it'd led you to what appeared to be docks

• there was a young man at the end of one pier, turned toward the ocean, hands in his pockets. he was tall, and the breeze was tousling his white hair gently

• once he heard your footsteps approaching, he'd turned to face you, and you immediately knew it was him, steel blue eyes softening as they fell on you

• you couldn't deny how handsome he was, and seeing the real him, without his avatar's outfit, without the mask, was almost like seeing him without chains: this was him as him, not a pawn of his father, not the leader of the hanoi, but-

• "Roken" he'd broken you out of your thoughts, his voice softer than the usual stern roughness he usually spoke with in VRAINS. his gaze was locked firmly onto you, flustering you slightly, and you'd told him your own name in return

• the conversation that followed was less awkward than you had expected, but you could tell after a few minutes of talking he had decided to face the inevitable and address what you both knew but had thus far left unaddressed

• he was calm and collected, but you couldn't help but feel your heart pounding since you'd both tiptoed around it for so long, being enemies. it was easy that way, always being able to hold that subject second to you and your friends' rivalry with him

• he'd bluntly asked you if you had feelings for him, and stated coolly that aside from your stances he respected you as a duelist and had come to care for you, that he'd wanted to meet you in the real world, to see the real you outside of the "fake world" of VRAINS

• upon hearing you returned his feelings, he'd stepped forward and wrapped you in a firm embrace. his head came to rest on your shoulder, and you could feel his heartbeat

• "I'm... speaking not as Varis when I say this, but I do want you to stay away from that ignis. I know you have noble intentions, but you're in real danger every moment you accompany it. I know you will not agree with me, but I'm asking you to focus on this... My heartbeat, my arms around you right now, my breath on your shoulder. We are real, this is what's real. This world matters. That world is a world of facades, and those ignis within it will only endanger this world. I'm not asking you to be on my side, but I'm asking you to at least protect yourself. I don't want to see you hurt because you chose to protect those A.I."

• His words had touched you, but you'd replied that not all the ignis were as dangerous as he believed, that their free will meant no simulation could ever predict how things would turn out, that they were not the enemies he perceived them as. You asserted you would not back down from your stance, and that you wished he would not remain a prisoner of his past and his father and open himself up to you and your friends' perspectives

• Though you both disagreed, there was no argument, instead he'd tightened his grip around you, and you both stayed silent for a moment

• "I just want you to be safe."

• for the rest of the day, you'd just be walking with him through the city, places he must frequent when spending the little time he has away from his position as the leader of the hanoi

• there's a mutual acknowledgment between you that you are enemies and the entire situation is complex, but that you do indeed mutually want each other's safety

• he'd not realize what day it was, because despite wanting to deep inside, he's never really paid too much attention to holidays. he feels too much responsibility to his father's wishes to pay too much attention to "frivolous" things like that, but in reality, i think he'd want that normalcy. he's just too caught up in everything that's been dumped onto him to enjoy things as he should be able to

• nonetheless, the rest of the day he would want to spend time with you, walking through the city and stopping to get food, a chance to be Roken, and to talk to you without your opposition in the way, if only for a while

• like Yusaku, I feel he'd be the protective type, one who keeps his eyes on you a lot, but respects your abilities, skill, and personal space at the same time. unlike Yusaku though, I feel he'd be more open to physical contact, and would hold your hand in public

• part of why he admires you, is because he doesn't see himself as a good person. he carries around a lot of guilt, and can be quite ruthless, but he views you as someone who very much is good hearted, just from his view on the wrong side of the ignis situation

• so i feel like he would feel as though he doesn't deserve you deep down, and that's part of why he maintained distance for so long. deep down, he seeks atonement, and doesn't want you swept up in the midst thought you've chosen to be

• even though he is still seemingly cold and gaurded on the exterior in person, it feels as though he lets you in in his own ways. he doesn't talk much, but he can communicate his feelings best through eye contact and the way he holds your hand, and his actions, the way he holds you against him like the words could flow through touch

• you'd part your ways at the end of the day, wondering what your next encounter would be like, the feeling of his hand still lingering in your thoughts

• when you got back home, you'd realize in addition to your keys, there was something else that had been added to your pocket: a small note and a duel monsters card: one from his deck.

• the note read, "This may serve you well should you find yourself in particular trouble... Don't let your guard down with that ignis. I trust you will do the right thing should the situation come. Until our paths cross again, - Roken."

• it was his way of extending an olive branch and simultaneously protecting you - expressing through action what he couldn't through words.

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kitsuneoftheorganization · 2 years

Text

Mondstadt Evenings

Pairing: Venti x Reader

Warnings: alcohol mention, maybe 2 curse words, nothing major!

Genre: pure self indulgent fluff / friends to lovers

Word Count: 3,920

Notes: i am completely whipped for venti, so this is pure self indulgent fluff. can you tell i wanna touch his wings? anyway, this is the first thing i've really written for him, and i've got more ideas as well, since he's such a complex and interesting person. bare with me if you see any formatting issues, i brought this finalized version over from my ao3 and tumblr's drafts are killin' me. enjoy fellow venti lovers <3

Evenings in Mondstadt always had an incredibly soothing atmosphere. The retreating light cast oranges and yellows within the city walls, to fade into a serene blue as the hours progressed. The buildings were cozy, the streets perfect for calm walks and hello's to passing citizens.

Earlier, upon your return through the city gates, the familiar smells of flowers, food on the open stove of Good Hunter, and the chirping of birds perched on houses had greeted you, like a second home waiting to embrace you - the city that began your journey.

You'd registered a few commissions locally for the next couple days with Katherine, and stopped at the aforementioned restaurant with Paimon to savor the local cuisine you'd both come to miss when away. It just so happened that Jean was there at the same time, and had been incredibly happy to see you.

You'd asked how she was - busy as ever, but she'd made herself take breaks here and there - and was feeling much better because of it. "You'd better be, so you don't get sick again!" Paimon exclaimed with a smug grin and crossed arms, in typical Paimon fashion.

Jean softly chuckled in agreeance, and moved on to thank you for everything you'd done for the city once again. Which you were quick to brush off, visibly flustered, earning yourself a light laugh from the Acting Grand Master.

When she'd asked what brought you back, you'd explained the two of you returned just to relax, and that you'd come to miss Mondstadt in your travels.

She happily offered for you to spend your stay at a house that had been vacant for a while, "Free of course, for our honorary knight!", she'd enthusiastically added. While it was heartwarming to know she regarded you this highly, you thanked her and insisted you were fine, explaining the Serenitea Pot you'd received in Liyue.

She'd had none of it, insisting you should feel welcome and comfortable and that she wanted you to be able to really experience the city.

And so that's how you ended up where you were now, setting your things down, Paimon rolling around on the fresh sheets of the bed.

"Paimon feels like she's on a cloud right now!" She gushed, rolling dramatically like a cat doused in catnip. You couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"Good practice for when I get really hungry and roll you into a burrito next time we set out!"

"Oh come on! You ruined Paimon's moment!"

It was admittedly really nice to be able to open the curtains and see the city below, and just be, like any other citizen or visitor, without an agenda. The Caramel Pinecone you were sipping on was made that much sweeter by the view of the sky, clouds passing like free spirits above.

Paimon, of course, had sucked hers down at lightning speed, barely able to greet Diluc at the tavern earlier for her excited cheers over the beverage.

You both stepped onto the balcony and sighed in content. You still missed and worried about your home of course, but on occasions like this you couldn't help but feel thankful for the peaceful moments, the sights you'd seen, and spending time with your hyper, food vacuuming travel buddy - who was now waving at and talking to the dog trotting along on the street underneath you both.

Midnight was even more peaceful than evening. Stars scattered across the sky, gentle breezes tousled your hair in various directions, and the nocturnal insects kept the air alive with their symphonies. Paimon, having crashed from her sugar high hours ago, lie passed out on the couch in the living room, covered in blankets you'd found in a closet.

As for yourself, you'd washed up and changed to comfier clothes, now settled into the windowside bed. You'd opened the windows earlier, letting the midnight breeze through, which paired exquisitely with the soft sheets that were nice and cold, and you could feel yourself drifting off...

That is, until a knock at your door jerked you out of your descent into slumber.

Somewhat exasperatedly, you threw the covers off and got up, marching half asleep past a non-affected Paimon to the door.

If you were sleepy before, you just got backhanded into wakefulness. There to greet you in all your post-shower hair, pajama clad glory was none other than the last person you'd want to see you in this state- the Anemo Archon himself.

"Ah, traveler! I'd heard around you were back and wanted to come see you... You've gotta tell me about all your adventures and what you've been up to... *yawn*... ya know..." He trailed off. It was clear he'd had a few drinks, his cheeks dusted pink and a wide self satisfied grin plastered across his face. He was obviously tired, evidenced by the yawn breaking up his sentences.

Having jerked you out of your restful state aside, you couldn't help but (begrudgingly) mentally acknowledge just how cute he was. Cyan-tipped dark hair that framed his features just right... Kind but mischievous doe eyes, on the border of green and blue, hands that seemed warm and soft when held, that weaved melodies and guided the winds that shaped this land. A slim, approachable figure, belying the power of a god he held within...

You had to mentally slap yourself out of your reverie before the silence became uncomfortable.

"Hey... uh... it's really nice to see you Venti, but it's like 1 in the morning..." you replied awkwardly, not wanting to come off mean, but still a bit perplexed by his sudden appearance. It didn't help that your face was heating up, and you willed yourself not to stutter.

"Well..." Another yawn escaped before he could finish, and a hand raised to scratch his head in slightly embarrassed realization. "It is about that time, isn't it, aha..."

You just blinked, knowing if Paimon was awake she'd had let a snarky comment out right at this moment.

"I was at the tavern and Diluc mentioned you were back in town... Shortly after, when he refused to give me anymore wine," he stopped to mutter something unintelligible in annoyance, "he changed the subject and said I should visit you tomorrow, being the honorary knight and all.... I uh, was a little too tipsy to realize it was quite this late so I decided to drop by right away instead, ehe. I was too excited to wait until tomorrow.... I hope you're not mad..." He trailed off, voice seeming to grow sleepier every time he spoke.

You probably should have been, but how could you be mad? Maybe it was the fact that you were hopelessly crushing on him, maybe it was your over forgiving nature... Yeah, we'll go with the second option, but you could never get mad at that (annoyingly) cute face.

But excited? He was excited to see you... Ugh. The most logical explanation was that being your friend, and interested in your travels, that's why he was excited. You mentally reminded yourself to not let your hopes get too high and cloud your judgement.

"No, just a bit surprised to see you is all," You muttered, unsuccessfully stifling a yawn yourself, "Excuse the way I look, I didn't really expect to see anyone this late, but no, I was looking forward to seeing you too."

His eyes seemed to light up in relief, and he straightened his posture back out. "Well in that case," another yawn, "Mmm.... is it okay if I come in for a moment? I'll just stay a minute..." Before you could reply, he spoke again. "And don't apologize..." this time, a hiccup interrupted him, "You always look amazing to me..." he finished, eyes halfway closed in a sleepy-tipsy haze. Still wearing that goofy grin.

Oh. If it weren't for your own sleepiness, you would have died on the spot as if struck by Ei's lightning. Calm, calm... You reminded yourself he had had who knows how many bottles of Dandelion Wine, but those words coming from him... were enough to fold someone in half like a sucker punch. That damn tone deaf bard, you thought, thinking Paimon's nickname fitting for the moment.

"Uhh, yeah, sure!" you fumbled, a little too obviously flustered and with maybe a hint of excitedness, backing away from the door to allow him in. "Just be quiet, since Paimon's asleep over here." Why did he want to come in at this hour? You didn't know, but you honestly were too tired to care at this point... and since it was him.

What were you two, though?

Well, you were undeniably friends, close even. The first archon you met, one of the first who knew of your predicament. Whenever you'd returned to Mondstadt, you'd run into him so many times, and he'd helped you and the others repeatedly. He'd guided you through the city's festivals, shared stories of it's history, made you feel as though you belonged, never judging you.

You'd hung out together sometimes, too. Paimon napping on your lap as the three of you sat under the tree at Windrise, him playing a tune on his lyre. Nights at the tavern when he'd make sure you were at ease around strangers. Walks at dusk, when his serious face showed the bard Venti give way to Barbatos, when he would spill stories of his own life, memories only he had, history of the land. You'd in turn describe your world in detail, the places you loved, your adventures in Teyvat.

He was one of the few people you really felt comfortable talking to about how you felt, talking about home. He was a bastion of comfort and reassurance, an easygoing and understanding shoulder to lean on like a cool breeze on a hot day. Your fears, your worries, anything - he always knew what to say to melt them all away, and lend a supportive ear.

So it was no wonder you harbored such feelings for him now. But again... to share such intimate details, to share so many moments of almost brushing hands, of if I just scooted closer I could feel his warmth distance.

What did he feel? There were hints, of course, you weren't an idiot. But you couldn't be sure.

Well, you mused, thinking too much about it wouldn't reveal anything, so might as well focus on the present.

You directed him silently past where Paimon was still sleeping soundly, and gestured for him to come into your room, where she wouldn't be disturbed by your voices.

He sighed after the door closed, turning toward the open window and, of course, yawning once more.

"We just got back here today. Both Paimon n' I had really missed Mondstadt, so we decided we'd come back and stay awhile. She kept going on about craving sticky honey roast," you laughed lightly, "but I have no room to talk, I missed it too. Quite frankly, we also missed you. But how did you know we were staying here? Wait, Diluc told you, didn't he?" You said, realization hitting as you spoke.

He chuckled lightly. "Yep. He said you'd both come in earlier, and I asked if he knew where you all were going. He said he'd spoken to Jean earlier, and she told him she'd offered you two this place to stay, even though you initially refused," he laughed in that sweet voice of his, "that's so like you."

A small "Heh" was all you could muster, a bit red faced, fiddling with your hands.

You both stood there for a moment, you searching for something to say to break the quiet, him turning to gaze out the open window the moon was now shining through.

"Honestly," he sighed now, voice shifting almost to a lower, defeated tone, "I came here because I wanted your company. I wasn't gonna... come so late, I didn't realize, so sorry about that..." he trailed off. "I just, the wine wasn't enough tonight, and Diluc wasn't going to let me at anymore bottles anyway, and talking to you always makes me feel better." He wouldn't meet your eyes as he finished speaking, still focused on the view outside.

Ah. So that's what led to this whole predicament. You'd figured out a long time ago he'd occasionally use Angel's Share as his go-to when things bothered him, so that must have been the case tonight.

Even through the wine's cloudiness, you could see that you were dealing with Barbatos now when he turned back toward you - he'd dropped the cheerfulness, and you could see that all-too familiar look in his eyes, the subtle shift in expression.

With as much as he cared for everyone else... you wished he'd never feel sad. Even as show-up-and-disturb-your-sleep-y as he could be.

This time his eyes seemed to will themselves shut when he yawned, and you swore he could fall asleep right where he stood, if it weren't for him speaking again, before you could find the proper words to reply.

"Ah, I should probably go now, it's really late and I've already kept you from resting," he said apologetically, scratching the back of his head once more, "that's no way to greet you when you've come all this way from Inazuma."

You considered your next words. You could be brave, and offer him to stay here, possibly setting one foot out of the realm of just friends - or you could let him leave like he said he would and wonder what might have been.

You chose the first, despite your nerves.

I mean... you could obviously see he wasn't in the highest of spirits, and you didn't know of any place warm and indoors that he could retire to for the night, much less manage the walk there in his current state - nearly falling asleep with each second that passed.

"You can," you can do this, (y/n), dammit! you thought, "you can... stay here, if you want." Your face was blood red at this point, and you hoped the lack of light had your back in hiding it.

"I can tell you're really tired, and again, I don't mind you coming this late," you gained a bit of confidence as you continued, "I don't know where you usually go, but it would probably be nice to have a comfy bed, right?"

His lips eased into a small smile now, and his eyes seemed to regain a bit of light. He appeared to think for a second. "Well, then..."

You didn't even have time to process what was going on before he'd stepped toward you and wrapped his arms around your torso and back, face buried in the crook of your neck. Your arms stayed in the air for a moment out of shock, but you quickly placed them on his back, resting your own head against his green-clad shoulders. His hands were cool where they met the skin of your shoulder, but not cold.

Your heart was racing, and all you could manage was to wordlessly, blissfully savor the moment. He was warm pressed against you, and smelled of breeze-carried flowers underneath Dandelion Wine. His hair brushing your face was soft, tousled gently by the air flowing through the open window. The silence of the moment was peaceful, his feather-light breaths against you barely audible.

His grip tightened a bit before he finally let go, and you wished it could have lasted just a bit longer as you opened your eyes.

His voice was hushed and soft now. "Are you sure it's okay? Are you comfortable with me staying here? I won't be upset if you want me to go."

Summoning your ability to use words back from your prior stupor, you reassured him, voice light now as well.

"I'm sure."

If there was ever any moment - the night sky and city outside the window framing his silhouette, moonlight highlighting his features and setting aglow his dark locks, wind seeming to pick up and snake it's way through the room - it was now, to tell him how you felt.

"Venti, I..." you looked at his eyes, which now had their attention fully turned to you.

"Hmm?" he hummed, tone kind and inquisitive.

"To be honest," you sighed in defeat, ready to let the river flow. "I've had feelings for you for a while. I think about you a lot, everywhere I go. I get so excited to see you again when I come back here. I was so happy to see you at the Irodori Festival," you continued, "and I feel like you're one of the few people I can really feel comfortable with and trust. You're such a caring friend, and I feel myself missing you when you're gone."

"You trust me and really talk to me, even though I'm not from this world, and it really means so much to me. I think I love you, Venti." Your voice was barely a whisper as his name slid off your tongue, shyness overtaking you.

His eyes widened as you spoke, and you swore you could make out his cheeks flushing in the dim light, as slight shock spread across his face. After you'd finished though, he'd closed his eyes and smiled.

"My heart has belonged to you for a lot longer than you know," he began, clarity breaking through the alcohol and claws of sleepiness. "Freedom is important to me, so I didn't want to burden you with my feelings, or make you feel like you had to love me back. I know your journey is the most important thing for you right now, so I never wanted to tie you down, and if friendship was what you needed, it could stay that way. Your happiness is what matters most to me, your freedom as a traveler as well. I never want to hold you back."

"But, hearing you say these words... I'm so happy. I'm so happy I really don't know what to say, I," he laughed that soft laugh again, the wind whipping outside now, "I held myself back from saying or doing anything overt, but the time I've spent with you became one of my favorite things. I feel like I'm being healed when I'm with you, like that time under the Tree..."

He stepped forward to embrace you once again, just a bit tighter than before, and you could feel wetness from his cheeks on your shoulder this time.

"I love you too, (y/n)," he spoke, using your name this time, "I have for a really long time. I would have been content with you never noticing, or just being friends, but you have no idea how happy I am right now. I've lived for thousands of years," he stopped for a second, "and I've never felt like this for someone before. He... was my best friend. Dvalin, too. And I've had friends since, watching over the people of Mondstadt, but ever since you came to this world, it's something I couldn't quite describe."

He let go now, eyes meeting yours, one hand coming to rest on your cheek, the other brushing stray strands of hair out of your face. You were speechless. You couldn't deny you'd imagined scenarios like this before, but for it to be actually happening right now? Words were impossible to form.

He placed a kiss on your forehead before pulling back, chuckling as you squeezed your eyes shut. The way he looked at you... almost brought tears to your eyes.

What seemed like the thousandth yawn once more escaped him, the wind outside seeming to follow his lead as it too calmed down - was it tied to his emotions?

"If it's alright with you, can I... sleep beside you tonight?" He asked, "I've wanted to nap with you for a long time actually... Whenever we spend time together in Windrise, I just want to pull you into my lap and play my lyre... Again, I want you to be comfortable, so it's okay if the answer is no." He stated, voice still soft and sweet.

You could feel the sleepiness tugging at your own consciousness now after the rollercoaster of emotions you'd just experienced, and the thought of his warmth you felt just minutes ago returning was something you didn't want to pass up. "I'd... like that a lot, actually. It's kind of embarrassing, but I've wished I could curl up next to you a lot of times when we've sat under the tree." You added, looking at anything but the object of your flusterment.

He reciprocated your feelings... If you weren't so tired, and standing in front of him, you might be squealing half in euphoria and half in disbelief when the realization hit.

He started fumbling with the ties of his cape, then worked his corset and the belt bearing his false vision off, while you returned under the cozy sheets you'd been taken away from earlier. It was almost strange to see him without his full outfit on, and without the beret atop his head. He was so damn ethereal... it was unfair. How could someone be so beautiful?

You felt the bed dip slightly when he slipped in beside you wordlessly, lifting the sheets to cover himself, and then...

"Lift your head." He whispered, his voice now just inches behind you - sending shivers down your spine. You did so, and his arm slid under your head as a pillow. His other arm came to wrap around you over your side and he pulled you to his chest, warmth surrounding you like a cocoon of safety. The scent of flowers and what you could only describe as the wind itself flooded your senses.

Secure. Secure and loved were the only ways you could think to describe how it felt with his body covering yours from behind, arms around you, legs tangled. You could feel his chin come to rest by the back of your head, and from his sheer closeness you could feel him sigh in content behind you. Was this what bliss was? To be loved and embraced by the god of Anemo, the wind himself... you were so thankful to have met him.

"Mmh?" you mumbled half asleep, when he pulled the blanket down off you both. Cool air hit your skin, and you whined like a cat being separated from a bowl of tuna.

"Shhh". He breathed into your ear.

A moment later, the sound of ruffling and a slight burst of wind caught your attention, and the cold absence of the sheets was soon replaced with something fluffy and warm carefully surrounding you. Feathers...

He'd mentioned something about having wings in his Archon form before, hadn't he? The fact that he trusted you enough to not only reveal a part of that form to you, but to wrap them around you so lovingly - even half asleep, you blushed at the thought.

They were large enough to envelop most of your form, and so fluffy... The moonlight glinted off the golden part of his wing, and the feathers themselves ruffled with the breeze, white as snow. You reached out to run your hands along them, and he hummed with contentment behind you, burying his nose into your hair and squeezing you further to him.

Paired with his slow breathing against your back, the sounds of night outside the window, and the warmth surrounding you, you finally drifted off.

The last thing you heard was a whispered "Goodnight, my Windblume".

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