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an0nymousmessenger · 7 months

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A Thousand Wishes Unheard

Synopsis: You’ve always known there was a before Gojo Satoru, then there was during Gojo Satoru…you just never thought that one day there would be an after Gojo Satoru. Word Count: 9.06k tags. fluff, angst, hurt no comfort ( a little bit if you squint ) note: A bit rushed. The copium is real. Ao3 Link Part 2.

You’ve always known there was a before Gojo Satoru, then there was during Gojo Satoru…you just never thought that one day there would be an after Gojo Satoru.

You’ve always known Gojo Satoru. Who doesn’t? He was the strongest. He was the holder of the six eyes, master of limitless, the one that went against the King of Curses. He was your classmate. He was your friend. He was arrogant. He was condescending. He was loud. He was careful. He was kind. He was–

Gojo Satoru was a lot of things. Sometimes he was cocky, and other times he was annoying, and well– you suppose despite that, in the little crevices of your memories, he was…alright. As to you, he was just Satoru.

You remember the day you first met him, the memory was clear, and oh so very blue. You had walked past him underneath the school’s Torii gates, the one with many short stone pillars that lined up to the school. It had been a clear day, one of the clearest it had been during the season of summer.

He had been walking with Shoko and Suguru when you first made eye contact. You paid him little to no attention, too occupied with your hair not falling correctly in the right place. It was your first time attending Jujustu Tech and you were curious– excited, and a bit nervous.

You had been born with your clan’s technique, and thus here you were, sent off to attend a school to train and raise you to hone those abilities. Although the path here wasn’t easy, you still made it.

However, this story is for another time…This story…it wasn’t about you...well- it was sort of. It was mainly about him. The boy that you had walked past under the clear blue sky, not even noticing him properly. It was about the boy that you had no idea you would one day spend so much time with.

Little did you know after that short meeting under the stone gate that you would see him again not long after when you walked into your first class. He was leaning in his chair and about to fall off.

He really did fall off when you opened the door.

Back then you were both first years. Young, naive, and free. You would find yourself spending a lot of time with your new classmates, training, talking, going on missions, and small getaways.

Your secret little adventures away from the world of curses.

That summer was one that you couldn’t forget even if you tried.

It was one of the rare collections of memories that you held close, the one where you got to see a side of Gojo Satoru’s youth.

“Yo~!”

A loud and obnoxious voice came from behind, telling you exactly who had been the first one to arrive back at the beach.

Unfortunately for you, it just had to be the annoying white-haired teen of the group.

“Guess what!”

“...What?” You replied a bit late while letting out a long tired sigh.

It had been a long day, and although a few moments before you had hoped the others would hurry it up, now you wished that you could have gotten a few more moments alone to spend watching the setting sun fall beneath the waves.

“Oh c’mon! Guess!”

You could already feel a headache coming up.

Just as you were about to turn your head around and give Satoru a wack on the back of his legs, hoping to trip him with your hand, he bent down to your eye level, meeting your deadpanned gaze.

He put on his iconic pouting face, “Can’t turn around, that’s cheating!”

You couldn’t help but let out an amused snort, “As if that’s above you.”

He grinned, “Are you suggesting I’m a cheater?”

“The very worst,” you nodded.

He did a dramatic fainting gesture to his heart while putting on his best look of surprise and betrayal before gasping aloud, “Me!? Cheat?”

He leaned backward, “How so? How could you think so low of m-“

He was about to continue his nonsensical rant but you had cut him short with a quick jap to his sides.

In the end, you had managed to figure out that he was the one who had brought the firecrackers. Of course, you thought. Though you weren’t exactly sure how he managed to come into possession of them. Satoru with firecrackers was like giving a baby a chainsaw.

Okay, maybe not that bad, but still– the image was still there.

Perhaps he had managed to slip by Suguru’s watchful gaze when they were unloading stuff from the van.

You were interrupted from your thoughts when you heard the sound of tearing.

Looking next to you to where the white-haired gremlin was, you saw that he was already opening the box of firecrackers.

“Not going to wait for Suguru and Shoko?” You asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Nah, It’s not like I’m going to burn through all of them, don’t worry about it!.”

You mutter something like ‘overgrown child’ under your breath as you watch him continue to tear and rip the package apart like a rabid animal.

Though, you knew it was because he was probably really ecstatic at the prospect of a little firework display at the tip of your fingertips. You could tell from the light in his eyes that shined brightly that you managed to glimpse from the side of his glasses.

You held back a laugh, remembering you and Suguru describing what a firecracker to Satoru was earlier when you suggested bringing them out when the sunset as you had packed them the night before.

The shock and look on his face was something that was hard to forget. Being from one of the three top clans he was spoiled, that was a given. But even with that, it came to you as a shock that he had never been able to play with a firecracker.

Though after some thought you thought it did make sense. The elders may have thought it was dangerous, and Satoru being the wielder of those rare eyes after a few hundred years…well it was self-explanatory when you put it like that.

Eventually, he managed to get two out.

‘Like hell, he won’t burn through all of them before they get here,’ you mentally comment, but making no sound or move to stop him. You continue to keep your eye on him.

Just so he doesn’t commit arson– of course.

He held out the long stick before lighting the two of them with his lighter.

Instantly the firecracker came to life, bustling and crackling with little mini explosions. It lit up the surrounding area to a small degree now that the sun had set to some degree, illuminating Satoru’s smiling face.

“Hello? Earth to his highness?” You ask with a light amused tone as you watch him, entranced by the mini light show.

Bringing him back to earth with your words and that nickname that you and Shoko would sometimes call him from how large his ego was, he tore his eyes away from the small firework display to finally look at you.

“Ah! Can’t forget this, can I?” Just as you were about to ask what he meant by that he suddenly offered you his other firecracker with a bright smile.

Satoru has always had a pretty smile. You had noticed that very soon into the time you got to know him. It was bright and contagious. His energy was contagious.

And that light somehow made that smile brighter, and possibly even more unearthly. Though you would never admit it aloud.

A little taken aback, you held out your hand nonetheless and grabbed ahold of the firecracker he was passing to you.

Your hands brushed, if only barely before he retracted them, going back to stare at his own firecracker with that childlike amazement.

You sat there in confusion as you looked at him, unable to take your eyes away, your hands still outstretched, holding onto the firecracker.

It was only after the firecracker was almost ⅖ of the way done that you finally came to your senses and retracted your aching arm.

You brought the mini firework show closer to you, but not too close to get harmed.

The tiny explosions were nice to pretty, you supposed.

You smiled. It was a small but noticeable smile. It was most likely then that you decided Satoru wasn’t so bad…not really, anyway. He was okay…you supposed.

Little did you know that that moment soon became one of your most hidden and treasured memories, kept away behind locked doors and secrets. A memory that you will always hold close, a priceless thing.

It was the first of many times that you wished that moment had lasted just a little longer.

You were too lost in your own thought that you failed to notice sometime later– before the firecrackers died and Shoko and Suguru had arrived and brought the snacks, and before talked late into the night underneath the watchful gaze of the stars while lighting more firecrackers, so many in fact, that someone had noticed them and kicked them out.

Before they were all on the way back to Jujustu Tech in the van with Suguru driving and Shoko playing the music, as Satoru had his head against the window, occasionally bumping against the glass with a few bumps in the road, and with you tapping a soft tune as you looked out the window at the scenery.

Before all that, he– instead of staring at his firecracker, had instead focused his eyes on you at that moment.

It wasn’t anything drastic, but a slight tilt of the head, a slight breathless intake of breath. He focused, not on the mini lights to call for his attention, but on the way your hair flew with the slight breeze, your small but delicate smile that Satoru had sometimes caught you wearing. The small smile that showcased your dimples, the way your eyes softened as you looked at the tiny fireworks display in front of you.

The sun had almost completely set behind the raging waves, and with that allowed the light to softly hit your face, and to him…at that moment you seem to appear otherworldly.

Perhaps it was then that Satoru…

Whatever he wanted to say then was muffled out by the seaside wind.

Gojo Satoru was not always the strongest. Sure, he had been born with the limitless technique as well as the legendary six eyes, but despite that– there was a period where he was still Satoru. Just Satoru. Not some strongest sorcerer of the century or what-not.

Yet ever since that day– that year– that summer. That blue spring changed everything. Ever since that day Gojo Satoru has been known as the strongest. It was official, there was no doubt.

It was then that the line that you were now so familiar with was drawn between Gojo Satoru and others. Others such as you.

It was then that almost every moment after felt as if you weren’t really with Satoru, no…not really. Despite talking to him, hanging out with him, hell– even laughing with him…it felt as if something was missing.

As you weren’t really talking with Satoru. You were talking with Gojo Satoru. It was as if even though he was right next to you, when you reach out a hand he was suddenly miles and miles away.

Because that was who he was. Untouchable. The strongest.

Years past…just like that. Through those years you had grown into a fine sorcerer. You were capable, and strong in your own league. Grade 1, and later in your late 20s you would be promoted to semi-grade-1.

You trained and trained; you wanted to forget, wanted to better yourself so that what happened that summer wouldn’t happen again. And so you eventually made it, you surpassed your limits and grew as a sorcerer, as a person, and eventually became an author in your off time.

Before coming to Jujustu Tech you were always fond of writing. It was an escape and something that easily passed the time.

A few of your works even blew up, earning you a little extra cash. Not that you needed any, being a sorcerer provided you with enough income.

Though you still kept on writing. It wasn’t for the money, but for the story, you could create.

Although you would never admit it, in many of your famous published works, the characters in your novels were often based on the people in your life.

Which is why you never brought it up.

It had little to do with the fact that one of your most popular and well-liked character who is loved by all of your readers being based on some annoying white-haired man.

It had been an accident. Really!

But you were ready to shoot yourself if your friends ever found out.

Well…it wasn’t like that man, the person you prayed about every day for him to never come across that book, was likely to find out.

As the lot of you grew older and older you also grew distant.

Shoko became a doctor and was mostly too occupied in her laboratory at Jujustu Tech while Utahime, Nanami, who you were glad to rejoin the Jujustu World, and Gojo… were all busy with their missions halfway across the world. You were too, so it was only natural.

You made attempts to get them together again– just to hang out, like old times. But it almost never worked out, everyone was too busy…and on the off chances that a few of them managed to make time, Gojo was never there.

The strongest…that word felt bitter on your tongue. It felt like that was preventing you from seeing your friend again. A friend that you had missed.

Yet there were still those moments, those rare moments where you were able to cross that line and reach him– if only barely. Those little accidents where you manage to slip by.

You remember a few of them, but there was always one that stood out.

It had been a long time since that summer, but you remember finishing up a rather easy mission earlier than expected, so you decided to find a place to relax.

It was a few minutes later that you found yourself on top of one of the Jujustu Tech buildings, lying on the roof as you enjoyed the feeling of the sun against your skin.

Though your break was very short-lasted as you felt a presence, a very familiar presence, join you not a moment after. It had been quite a surprise, but all the same, a welcomed one.

Closing your eyes you breathed in the fall air. Autumn was here, and in your wholehearted opinion, the best season by far. The temperature was just right, not too cold nor hot, the leaves were turning beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow, and everywhere smelled pleasant.

You felt yourself relax as you pressed yourself against the roof, enjoying your little moment of freedom that you found.

But eventually, you spoke up, as if to the air around you, but you knew better. Even if your eyes didn’t tell you, his scent did. It was recognizable anywhere, and if his scent didn’t, then your ears would, and even if that didn’t work, your soul could.

“If you’re here, might as well join me down here, won’t you?”

You peek through one of your eyelids, looking past the hair that had been blown onto your face.

Right past that there he was, the man in all of his glory, the cocky and annoying bastard.

He stood behind your head, a little higher on the part where the roof was raised, leaning down with his hands in his pocket, a little bag at his side, and peering at your unimpressed expression with a grin.

“Now, now, I didn’t think you were the type to–”

You raised your hand, threatening to wack his lanky ankles, which would cause him to lose balance and make him fall off the roof.

But you knew you couldn’t, nothing could get past that infinity of his. But it still held the same effect after all these years as he raised both of his arms in surrender, sighing like a child as he made himself a spot next to you.

You noticed he didn’t wear his blindfold or glasses today. It somehow made him look bare. You suppose you just weren’t used to it…not having seen him without one for a very long time.

You two didn’t speak for a while, and you were afraid, not that you wanted to admit it, but just a little bit that he would leave too soon, and so you started to talk.

“Fancy seeing you here, weren’t you assigned a mission across the world in the Americas a few days ago?”

He replied back with his smug and cocky tone, coupled with that shit-eating grin, the one that he still had despite all these years, “Why? Did you miss me that badly?”

“No,” was your flat-out response.

You’ve grown used to his absence.

But did you really?

“Ouch. Come on! Shouldn’t you be happy I’m back early for once?” He whined. Somehow when it was just the two of you alone he always put on that same overgrown child act.

Not that you complained.

He hummed in fake contemplation, “Hmm. Should I tell you? It’s supposed to be a secret~ a huge one! I’ll probably get in big trouble.”

As if he’s ever been scared of the higher-ups.

You hold back an eye roll as you mutter, “On second thought— I don’t think I’m all that interested anymore.”

You were used to his antics, his usual method of craving for sympathy.

“Well,” he chuckled, “Now I’ve got to tell you, don’t I?”

“...I don’t care.” You say, biting back a tired sigh. You seem to do that a lot in his presence.

“Precisely! Since you don’t want to hear it, then now I’ve got to tell you!”

Great.

He leaned back, his hands behind his head as he began to explain his early return, “Turns out the case wasn’t as bad as the higher-ups thought it was, a misunderstanding. The curse was pretty easy to deal with, of course, it was mainly because I was there.”

Uh-huh.

You rolled your eyes.

He took a breath before continuing, “And so, I finished the mission, bought a couple of souvenirs, and decided to come back early. I figured since I had some free time on my hands I would come and visit.”

To you. To come and visit you.

“How thoughtful of you,” you remark lazily as you follow the clouds slow drift.

“Aren’t I?” He replied sitting up and grinning down at you, “So you’ve noticed!”

This guy–

Just as you were about to smack him he continued- almost hurriedly.

“I even bought you some souvenirs!” He gave you a quick glance at your unconvincing expression and added seriously, “Really! I’m being for real.”

Now that only made you more suspicious, “Did you break something of mine?”

He supports himself up with his arm, “Whaaat? What brings you to say that?”

You scrutinize him further, checking for any signs of potential an apology gift-ing face, “For all the reasons there are.”

He rarely brings you anything, rather keeping them to himself. Though, the majority of the reason for why that is, is because all he ever buys is sweets. Now, you may appreciate having a few every so often, but the problem is the ones he buys are always…too sweet.

So, this was suspicious, to say the least. He must be trying to make up for something.

“And…because you’re you,” You decide to add.

He smiles down at you as with his other free arm lifts the gift bag from earlier, a child-like excitement showing on his face, announcing, “Specialties from the Americas!”

You look at his bag with some curiosity, and a part of you did wonder what foods from another country would taste like.

You decided you would forgive Satoru this time…and perhaps even a little thankful.

However, that thankful feeling for his consideration soon disappeared, as fast as how fast a paper would burn when being thrown into a burning building.

“Fucking shit! Water! Water!!” You yelled as you wrenched the water bottle Satoru handed you with his shaking hands as he was too busy holding in his laughter, watching as you chugged it almost whole in one go.

Your yells echoed off the rooftop and were so loud the whole campus could probably hear you. It was actually because of this that later it was the reason Principle Yaga had found the both of you and kicked you guys out for the rest of the afternoon.

The water didn’t help much, if at all. The burning sensation in your throat only continued to sting, a stubborn feeling that wouldn’t go away no matter how much water you downed.

You gasped roughly as if you were fighting for air, “What…the…hell…Satoru!?”

Satoru, the perpetrator, the man of all your current problems, sat next to you uncontrollably shaking, desperately trying to keep in his laughter.

He managed to calm himself down, smiling to himself as he dug into his bag for something else, “Ah! My bad! I must’ve given you the wrong thing!”

“You're bad!? The wrong thing!?” You shout in disbelief.

You could not believe this man. He knew you couldn’t handle spice and yet he still–!

“This is the one! Here, catch,” he said as he tossed something that looked like another typical piece of sweets into the air.

You caught it with ease, and brought it up close for closer inspection; forcing yourself to ignore the stinging that threatened to make tears spill, you checked the labels and ingredients this time more carefully.

You made a mental note to work on your English skills. Perhaps you could ask Nananmi sometime down the line.

You looked at the packaging before looking up at Satoru with a suspicious gaze.

“What is this,” you demanded, eyeing the manchild sorcerer.

He grinned, “Find out.”

“I’ll pass,” you replied, raising your arm and about to toss the candy over the rooftop when Satoru shouted,

“Hey hey! Don’t toss that!”

You spare him an untrusting glance.

“Don’t you know those are expensive!?”

You laugh at his words, “Are you telling me the Gojo Satoru can’t afford a few more of these sweets?”

Knowing Gojo, he was probably one of the richest people in the country…sorcerer-wise anyway. Actually– scratch that. With how much his clan has, with him being the head, he probably is the richest.

“They’re from another country! It’s a different kind of expensive!” He retorted, crossing his arms defensively and in disbelief at your daring to question his wallet.

You relent, biting back a comment on how he could probably warp there in no time to buy a few more, you bring the candy back down from the air.

The package is clutched tightly in your hands, and if it had a consciousness it would probably be shaking in fear from the intensity of your gaze.

“You promise these aren’t spicy?” You ask him, still deciding not to trust whatever answer falls from his mouth.

“When I ate them they were very sweet.”

You continued to give him a suspicious look.

“Pinky swear,” he reaffirmed, even going all out as to holding out his pinky.

You stare at him, unimpressed.

“What! It’s the strongest bond in the world.”

“Is it now?” You ask with amusement.

He nodded enthusiastically, “A promise from the strongest, so don’t worry about it.”

A promise from him.

You rolled your eyes, deciding to comment, “How childish,” and ignore him.

He sighed dejectedly before looking back up, waiting for you to taste-test the foreign candy.

You slowly unwrap it, before bringing it up to your mouth. Sparing Satoru one more look, you push the candy past your lips and into your mouth.

Your eyes light up. It was…sweet. He wasn’t lying. The candy seemed to dissolve on your tongue and had this light feeling.

It…wasn’t bad.

“It’s sweet, right?” Satoru perked up.

“Yeah– it is…” You answer through the sweetness. You think that if Satoru himself could be a candy it would probably be this one.

“Told you.”

You give him a look that suggested, really? You watch him as he unwarps a different kind of candy before popping it into his mouth.

It was alright…at least he had some sort of skill for picking sweets…

…

You eventually (not too soon after) take that back.

Even though it was sweet at first, the outer layer of the candy soon dissolved and all too soon a flaming sensation filled your lungs again.

Spitting the candy out immediately you find your bottle of water from earlier, downing the rest of it this time before tossing the empty water bottle with all your might (and a little bit of cursed energy) at your now currently laughing backstabber.

He brought his head back as he laughed at your current state. The water bottle bounced off his head with a small thwack, too busy laughing to notice his infinity was off.

Was it intentional? Or was he just so used…to you?

Apparently, the sight of you fanning your mouth and trying whatever antics could help rid you of the prickling sensation now that you have no more water was something he deemed comedy gold. He fell back onto the roof and continued laughing at your misery with even tears appearing.

He tried to say something that resembled barely a sentence before dissolving back into a fit of uncontrolled laughter.

You on the other hand were too busy suffering to notice what the blindfolded man had said and instead focused on how to get rid of this burning feeling of scratching and stinging in your mouth.

That- stupid– bastard!

You should’ve known better! That blindfolded cheating cheater! Yes, you said used the word twice, because that’s exactly what he was!

Yet you weren’t too last in your own misery to notice a rare sight in front of you. He was…smiling. Satoru Gojo was smiling and laughing.

Instead of his now infamous grin, there it was– that pretty smile that often adorned his face back during the times of his youth. That smile that you thought you had lost.

The sun naturally lit up his skin, bright and clear, applying an almost angelic beauty to him.

And his laugh, you could tell this one was a real one, a real laugh. Not the ones he would do for the act, nor the ones where he did it because the situation called for it.

No…this was the real thing.

A laugh just for you.

You almost pulled out your phone to snap a picture but that was when the spice had just gotten too much, and way too out of hand.

Instead, you sigh to yourself, “Blindfolded cheater…”

As you looked at him you found yourself laughing along. It was nice, you thought. Almost like nothing had changed, almost like it was still the same. It was…nice.

You and Satoru spent the rest of the evening up on the rooftop, occasionally popping another candy into your mouths, and this time you made sure to only eat the ones you knew were safe.

It was only a little while later when the sun had started hiding behind the trees that Satoru suddenly spoke up,

“I’m going to kill the higher-ups.”

Okay. That was a little out of nowhere.

“Oh?”

You could hear the smug and determined tone in his response, “Yeah, I’m going to tear down this messed up system.”

You don’t respond.

He lifts himself up to lean down to look at you, allowing you to see his vibrant and unearthly blue eyes in such detail as his hair fell downwards, almost touching your face as it blew with the wind.

It was a bit ticklish.

If those eyes didn't hold heaven, you questioned its very existence.

“I’m being serious. I’m going to do it.”

His expression and tone he had used in his voice already told you this much, and you knew that he had always hated the system. And you understood where it came from. Hell– you even hate the system.

But you knew Satoru was adamant about it, about preserving the youth of others that he himself had been stripped from.

That blue spring.

And because you knew this, you broke out into a small smile and answered in a very quiet voice, “I know. I know you will.”

He grinned, falling back onto his back, seemly satisfied as he set his gaze back up at the evening sky, decorated with purple and orange tones.

“You believe me?”

“Yeah, I do.”

How could you not believe him?

“Well,” he said, “Now I definitely will with your support.”

“Didn’t you say you were going to do it anyway?” You ask, raising a brow, but unable to keep the smile out of your tone.

“Yeah! I did! And I am. But now that I know you have my back I know for sure that I will.”

You snort at his words, knowing that your words alone would have made little effort in his pursuit, but you couldn’t help but entertain the idea anyway.

Peering to the side to look at Satoru, he wore a content smile, illuminated by the setting sun that made his hair almost glow, you find yourself pulling out your phone.

A little longer in this moment wouldn’t have hurt.

You still managed to take a photo.

It was the photo that would become the wallpaper on your phone. Mainly because Satoru had been going through it one day and found it, deciding to set it to your phone screen.

Now whenever you open your phone screen you’re reminded of that day. You think it was the last time you heard him laugh, smile that wide, and truly talk to you about him, and so you’ll treasure it close to your heart as well.

Was it too selfish to wish to see that smile again?

With that photo it was like that moment was forefeet frozen in time, the way his hair was swept up by the wind while his smile was wide and carefree. His eyes even seemed to glow even more heavenly.

If one were to ask you who Satoru Gojo was to you…you probably would have just shown them this picture. But alas you were also selfish, and so you think you’ll keep this one to yourself.

Just this one.

Time passed again.

It was around this time that your worst nightmare had come true.

This time, you heard he had become a teacher. A teacher. If you hadn’t seen it for yourself you wouldn’t have believed it.

Yuta, Maki, Panda, and Inumaki.

They were bright and talented students, and you grew a bit fond of them. They reminded you of when you were once a student, once like them.

But why did it have to end that way?

You often found yourself in your free time helping them train and work on their combat technique. It was to the point where others would wonder who was the teacher, Gojo or you?

But you didn’t really complain, not really. You enjoyed working with them, seeing them improve, and watching them grow.

“Yuta, lower your arms by a few degrees when parrying against that, it’ll help with flowing you into another the next movement.”

Yuta nodded, readjusting her grip on his weapon as he returned back into the first stance.

“I’m ready to go again,” Yuta said.

You nod, smiling at the young boy’s determination while his friends gave him encouragement from the sides.

Yuta took a step back, his sole digging into the ground before he disappeared from view.

Only seconds later did he reappear, his katana clashing with yours.

Clang–!

He pushed off against your weapon, landing just a few feet away.

“Nice one! Again!” You call as you ready your stance once more.

You block and parry each of his attacks, letting sparks fly each time metal met metal. It was after a few times that you finally decided to go on the attack.

Pushing against the ground you flew toward’s Yuta from the side, aiming at his shoulder, only to feint last second and go for legs. To your expectations, your attack was met with his blade; a perfectly executed counter.

You step again, making your movements flow into the next attack, the head, the chest, and legs, every attack was met with a sword similar to yours.

What a scary kid, you thought, proud of his fast adaptation abilities to your attacks.

You were just about to sidestep and swing again when you heard a voice calling out your name.

“Hey! What are you guys up to without me?”

You and Yuta immediately pause mid-attack.

You felt your shoulders sag a bit as you sighed deeply, bringing your weapon back to your side, and wiping the sweat off your face with your uniform; then turning to meet the person who had just interrupted your spar, though you already knew who it was.

“Seems like his highness was a bit busy today, don’t you think? Not showing up for your own class?”

Satoru only shrugged as he continued to make his way down the stairs and towards you and his students, his bandages on and his hair looking like the usual porcupine. Though it did nothing to hinder his appearance.

“There’s no problem, my favorite person in the world has taken care of it for me, didn’t they?”

You roll your eyes, “As if. What if I wasn’t able to make it in today, hm? Or what if I decided I wanted to bail out?”

Not that you would ever.

Yet he only grinned and laughed, “I trust you! So there's no worry!”

You held back another tired sigh as you muttered, “This isn’t about whether you trust me or not.”

What if one day you really couldn’t make it? What if one day something happened to you or the kids? What will you do then?

He then turned towards the students, “Okay everyone! Today’s class is over!”

“What?” Maki asked, leaning on her spear as he gave her teacher a confused look.

Inumaki chirped, “Salmon.”

Which was followed by a very confused Yuta and Panda “Huh?”

Satoru clapped his hands together, “Yup! Lesson over!”

You brought your hand up to your face and facepamed.

It was only later when you and Satoru were walking around on the streets of Toyoko that you figured out why he had ended the lesson early despite his arrival, which also explained his absence in class that day.

“So…what your saying is that the curses are getting stronger? And more intelligent?” You say, summarizing the information dump that he had just given you.

Apparently, he had been cooped up in a meeting with the higher-up, and being the head of the Gojo Clan, it was obvious his attendance was required.

This information would usually cause one to panic or be scared because it would only mean something was wrong, something was so very wrong.

Yet the man-child before you had a grin on his face as he said in an almost relaxed nature, replying through his mouthful of cake that he had bought on the way, “Exactly!”

“What are they planning on doing about it then?”

“Dunno,” he responds simply, more concerned with licking the frosting off his fingers.

…

“Weren’t you in the meeting?!”

“Yeah,” he said, rolling his head off to the side to finally look at you, “said a bunch of nonsense, though.”

You felt like hitting him, “I’m sure curses becoming more dangerous is a bunch of nonsense.”

“Yeah, it was. But do you know what’s more interesting?”

There he goes, switching the topic.

“What?”

“The Mochi Mochi shop’s new cake,” He grinned, holding up the half-eaten cake with only the bottom part of the box present, the lid long gone.

It was lemon-flavored.

There was frosting stuck to the side of that grin of his, and you fought the urge to tiptoe and wipe it off. Just how sweet would it taste?

No! You were getting distracted. Too distracted!

You should be focusing on the sudden bombshell of news that was suddenly dropped on you, and how there should be more urgency to such news, “This is serious Gojo!”

But when you expected his response you look up only to see the edges of his mouth in a downturn line as he grunted.

A headache was definitely coming up for you.

“What?”

“My name.”

His response was short. A clear meaning that something had bothered him. And of course, like the child he is– instead of communicating he will drag this out as long as possible.

“Your name?” You say in disbelief, having no clue as to what you had said to cause such a reaction from him, “What about your name?”

But you received no response as the manchild in front of you continued to pout.

You start to laugh, “Don’t tell me..-! Are you upset that your name isn’t the second coming of Jesus Christ or something?”

He only grunted again, and you could tell from under his blindfold he was scrunching up his face in a way that suggested he was bothered by something.

“Is the title as the strongest not enough?”

Silence.

“Oh come on…what is it?”

As the two of you walked on you continued to relay the past conversation again in your head.

What was it? Did you say something wrong? That couldn’t be it. Was it perhaps something happening around you weren’t aware of? Could it…

Ah.

You knew why he was upset…you think– anyway. He couldn’t be upset over such a small thing…could he? Then again, he was a child stuffed inside an adult’s body.

Wasn’t he 28 this year?

You sigh, before stopping in your strides. You turn around and look up a him, a smile playing on your lips as he looked down at you curiously, his pout still in place.

You gesture for him to lean down, and so he complies, while also using one finger to lift his bandages halfway, revealing one of his blue eyes.

What happened next was something you don’t even know how it came to be. Your own daring had gotten too strong that night, or perhaps you had gotten too drunk off of Satoru’s presence.

Tiptoing to meet him in the middle, you bring your finger up to wipe the leftover frosting from his lips before bringing it to your mouth.

Sweet.

Too sweet.

You smiled up at him, “Aren’t you a spoiled child, Satoru?”

You look up at his eyes, expecting him to quip back. But you were met with wide eyes and complete silence.

Ah- had you gotten too comfortable? Did you go too far?

You watch as he slowly leaned away, tugging the blindfold back down to his eyes, before breaking out into a smug grin, “I-...I am quite a spoiled child.”

He stuttered.

Satoru Gojo never stutters.

He returned back to walking, waving a hand in the air, “And it does require a lot of attention.”

It was as if nothing happened, and that he was simply put off by it…is that you would have thought if you hadn’t spotted the back of his neck and the tip of his ears turning a bright shade of red.

You still stood there in place, only moving when he looked back at you after noticing you weren’t walking beside him anymore, “Don’t tell me I paralyzed you with my beauty?”

“In your dreams.”

You run to catch up with him.

Perhaps that night he did manage to successfully diverge you from the pressing topic he had no interest in discussing. But you also managed to make the Gojo Satoru flustered that night, so you wouldn’t take it as a complete loss.

Ever since that day, you notice that he had become a little clumsier with his eating, often getting it on different parts of his face.

He also visits that Mochi Mochi shop a lot more often after that…

That interaction gave you hope that perhaps…that just maybe…there was a chance. But that was all it was and ever will be.

A chance.

Tell me, in another life, would it have been something more ‘than a chance’?

But it seemed fate had other plans.

Fate, you now think to yourself, what a curse it is.

Shortly after that things started going downhill. The vessel for Sukuna, the King of Curses in the form of a child named Yuji, appeared. And many things came crashing after that.

But most of you still made it out okay, and things were looking up. It was okay, you told yourself. Things were…okay. Because things had to be okay.

But it wasn’t.

October 31st.

One of the two dates you will never be able to forget.

The Shibuya Incident.

The Sealing of the Strongest Sorcerer alive.

The Sealing of Gojo Satoru.

You remember the empty panic you felt when you heard the news. It had made your mind blank, and it felt as if it was falling apart. It was almost the exact same feeling from that day, all those years ago. But you were older now, more mature.

So…you didn’t cry. Nor did you act out on your panic, nor did you break down. Even if every single cell in your body wanted to just collapse on itself.

No, you couldn’t. You had a duty to fulfill first, and your emotions came last.

And so you fought, and fought, you fought for your life and for the lives of others. For the lives of the citizens, of the students, and for your home.

He will be alright, you repeated in your mind.

It was constant, never-ending. It was a sort of comfort, and it felt like if you said it long enough it would be true.

It has to be true.

He will be alright because he said so.

Because he said so to you.

He was Gojo Satoru, the strongest sorcerer alive. He was Gojo Satoru, your arrogant classmate. He was Satoru, your…

“Be careful,” You say after him, mere moments before he entered the dark veil. He wore his blindfold and his Jujustu Tech uniform, all prepared for what was to come, and yet his expression showed no sign of worry.

And you almost believed it.

Almost.

He turned around to look at you. It was one of these moments that you wished you could’ve seen his clear sky-like eyes so that you could’ve seen what he was hiding behind his mask of arrogance.

A way to a person’s soul was through their eyes, no matter how high their wall was or how far the line was drawn. But the person in front of you had closed that off too.

You sometimes wondered if you could see those eyes…would they have helped you understand Gojo Satoru a little better?

“Are you concerned?” He grinned, “Worried about me?”

“Yeah, and what about it?”

He brings a hand over his heart, “I’m honored.”

You take a step forward.

You wondered if you could reach him.

“Listen, I have a bad feeling.”

“Don’t sweat. I’m the strongest, remember? I’ll be fine,” He said, waving you off.

That damn line.

“I know. Trust me, I know that…”

More than anyone else, perhaps.

You continue, “But just- just in case-”

Just in case something goes wrong.

“Remind me after to take you cake shopping, isn’t your birthday soon? Don’t worry,” He flashed a peace sign, “We’ll celebrate it,” Was all he said before he disappeared into the curtain with a small wave.

You wished he was there to celebrate all your birthdays to come.

It was only after you arrived back in your cold and empty apartment that you collapsed by the door that you had just closed.

You couldn’t stand up any longer, and even walking from your car to the elevator had your legs shaking.

But you didn’t cry. You couldn’t cry. Because crying would have meant it was over. Crying would have meant you were grieving. You couldn’t grieve, not now. For now, you must remain strong. For your students, for friends, for your Satoru, and for you.

So no, you were not going to cry. You had no one to grieve over.

It was not over. Not yet. Not now.

And so you sat there, collapsed by your apartment door for the rest of the night, unmoving. You felt as if you’d lost a bit of yourself. As if someone had come in and torn it away, tossing it into the deepest depths of the sea.

Your eyes were a bit empty, but still alive, nonetheless.

That night you did not shed a single tear.

It was to your immense relief when you heard the news that Satoru was alive. He was alive, breathing, and unsealed.

You wanted to run to him, to give him a hug, to hold him tight, just for your heart to confirm that he was okay.

He was okay.

You wanted to hear him laugh, to see his stupid grin, and to hear all the weird things he had to say. Everything and anything that told you that he was fine.

But the events that followed did not allow you to see much of Gojo Satoru. He was busy and was away preparing.

Preparing for what could have possibly be his biggest battle yet. You had other words to title the battle, but you didn’t want to say it. You couldn’t say it.

Because it would have made it all the more painful.

You had many memories of Gojo Satoru, many treasured ones that you kept close to your heart, locked away and hidden from sight. Some of the sweetness of youthful ignorance, some were more of a competition to see who could come up with the more creative insult, and some were of the times you managed to steal his love, if only for a few moments.

Could you even call it that?

But this one will forever be the most painful.

A night before December 24th, you, who were walking around the Jujustu Campus to delay the sun from rising, just so happened to pass by the Tori Gate, and to your luck, also see him.

It was almost as if fate decided to play one last cruel joke.

You saw him standing there surrounded by the many stone lanterns that remained intact there after all these years. He stood there silently and unmoving, staring somewhere off into the distance as if he was waiting for you.

He was. But he’ll never tell you. He never managed to tell you many things.

He didn’t wear his blindfold. His hair was down with remnants of water. He must’ve taken a shower not too long ago. He wore a T-shirt with sweatpants, somehow unbothered from the cold of winter’s night.

You silently walk up to him, standing there for a while. You knew he knew you were here. Just as how you always knew when he was there.

The two of you didn’t say anything.

You took a sharp inhale, and then a deep exhale before you raised your head, bringing it to look at him. To your surprise, he was already looking at you.

You stare into his eyes which still somehow managed to bring heaven to you. Looking at those eyes reminded you of many memories, of the past, present, and now…

They provided a sense of comfort…of familiarity in this ever-changing world, because even if the whole city was destroyed one day, it seemed as if those eyes would still be there, to hold you stable.

“Hey,” he softly breathed out.

“Hi.”

“It’s pretty cold out,” he says as a gust of wind passes by, making you shiver slightly.

Ah. So he does know what being cold is.

You take another glance at his outfit, “Says you.”

You could hear a faint smile in the way he sighed.

“Come to wish me luck, hm?” He asks, his voice light and calm.

You raise your eyebrows, “Do you even need it?”

“Of course,” he answers back almost instantaneously.

“I suppose I’ll make an exception today then,” you decide as you tilt back and forth on the heels of your foot.

You offer your best smile.

“Good luck then, Satoru. May the heavens be in your…favor”

Yet you couldn’t help your voice from breaking near the end. You’re sure he heard it as well.

This was goodbye, wasn’t it?

Saying goodbye was hard. It was never your specialty, and even with how many goodbyes you’ve said you could never get used to it.

Yet you were certain this was the hardest goodbye you’ve had to say yet.

He offered a small grin, “Why are you crying?”

You could feel something wet fall down your cheek and onto your shirt, but you didn’t look down and check. It felt as if the moment you looked away from those eyes it would be gone all too soon.

His eyes softened, bringing his hand to cup the side of your cheek so carefully as if you might break any moment now.

You wanted to respond with a quip, insult his hair, or even his attitude, and yet you could only bite your lips to prevent the sobs from breaking through.

This couldn’t be goodbye. It simply can’t be.

And so, you could only softly shake your head as your vision started to blur from your tears.

“Hey, don’t cry,” He laughed quietly, wiping your tears with his thumb, still cupping your face.

“I’m not,” you say, your voice shaky and barely audible.

But he heard you. He always did.

“Sure you aren’t.”

You look down, bringing your arm to wipe the tears from your eyes.

You can’t cry. Not now.

But you couldn’t stop. It was as if apart of you knew that this might be the last time you were going to see him, to feel his warmth against yours, to hear his voice, to–

“Look at me,” he requested gently, using his thumb to draw small circles on the side of your cheek.

And so you do, you look back at him, taking in his white soft hair that almost reminded you of the first snow, the purest of snow. You take in his scent, the smell of vanilla.

You force yourself to etch his voice into your memories so that you will never forget.

“I’m the strongest. I’ll win.”

You wanted to believe him, oh how dearly you wanted to. But he probably even knew better than you did.

Satoru sighs when he still sees your hesitating face, his face lost in thought before bringing up his pinky to you.

And suddenly, you were sixteen again, and not a day older than when you had first walked under this gate. You and him, standing underneath the Torii Gate in the presence of the bluest spring as petals danced around the two of you.

“Let’s make a promise then,” he whispers with a cheeky smile.

You eye him suspiciously through your tears as you force your voice to be stable, “What kind of promise?”

“I’ll win, that’s my promise,” he says.

A promise to you.

“You promise?” You couldn’t help but ask again, like a child seeking comfort.

He nods affirmatively, “I promise.”

You bring your pinky up to his, entwining in a desperate kind of promise.

He smiles down softly at you as the two of you shake on it.

You then take a step closer, wrapping your arms around his waist.

And he let you.

You could feel his warmth. He didn’t have his infinity on.

He never did when it came to you.

He chuckled warmly, “If my memory serves me correctly…” he paused, “A while ago, someone had called the motion childish?”

“Shut up,” you mumble through into his shirt.

You felt his hands wrap around yours, pulling you closer to him.

This was possibly the closest you’ve ever been to Gojo Satoru.

“Don’t go,” You say quietly, “Don’t go.”

“Don’t be silly.”

“I’m not!” You protest.

And all of a sudden you were the child now, all your walls were broken and damaged as you lay yourself bare.

“Not you…not you too,” you beg softly, as if hoping that your words could change his will.

You know it can’t.

“Didn’t we just promise?” He says, “We’ll see eachother again. I’m sure of it.”

And for a second, you believed him.

Gojo Satoru, you are a cruel man, did you know?

Gojo Satoru, what were you supposed to do now with your promise? Tell me, you begged. Tell me, what am I supposed to do now that all there was left was that promise of yours?

Where are you to come and comfort me when I’m no longer able to stand by myself? Where are you to come and dry my tears again?

What were you supposed to do when all there left were memories locked behind your heart? What were you supposed to do now when all the words he’s ever said will forever be played on repeat.

Gojo Satoru was a lot of things. Sometimes he was arrogant, annoying, and rude. But he was also kind, caring, and lonely. He was a child at heart, someone who dreamed, someone who had high ambitions, someone who took care of his students, and someone who had a pretty smile.

He was your friend, your coworker, your classmate, he was someone you confided with, someone that made you feel like home, someone that made you laugh, someone who was close to you, he was always and had only ever been Satoru to you.

You’ve always known there was a before Gojo Satoru, then there was during Gojo Satoru…you just never thought that one day there would be an after Gojo Satoru.

#gojo satoru #gojo x reader #fluff #hurt/comfort #angst #gojo fluff #gojo angst #gojo x you #gojou satoru x reader

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the-travelling-witch · 2 years

Text

Accidental confessions

summary: what would the characters do if they accidentally confessed to you?

pairings: zhongli x gn!reader; diluc x gn!reader; albedo x gn!reader; kazuha x gn!reader

warnings: none that i´m aware of, just fluff (please let me know if i forgot sth)

a/n: writing genshin to manifest raiden coming home next week does this count as copium?

find part 2 here!

genshin impact masterlist

ZHONGLI

Okay, let´s get one thing straight: everyone on this list falls into the “calm and collected” category in their own way, so probably none of them would slip up while talking to you

But Zhongli is literally a couple thousand years old, bold of you to assume something like this would throw him off

Even if it catches him off guard, he´ll regain his composure and go with the flow

The ex-archon learned over time there´s no point in keeping secrets, it might actually make the situation worse

Besides, why would he be ashamed of something as pure as his adoration for you?

Stretching your arms over your head, you feel the satisfaction of cracking your joints after a long day of work. Cleaning up the rest of your stuff, you got up and said goodbye to your co-workers before leaving for the day.

The evening breeze felt nice against your skin, carrying the gentle scent of the sea mixed with those wavering over from the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor. So, to savour the beauty of dusk settling over the city, you decided to take a little stroll along the stalls lining the pavement.

Growing up in Liyue Harbor, you´d never really appreciated just how beautiful it actually was. To you, it was just normal. Sure, whenever festivals like the lantern rite were held, you marvelled at the pretty craftmanship of the decorations as long as they lasted. And then everything was the same as usual again. One fateful day, however, a chance encounter should change the way you saw Liyue and its history forever.

You´d been sitting in your favourite tea shop, trying to wind down from a less than ideal business deal. The guy you were trading with blatantly ignored every regulation set in your contract and was pulling all the stops in an attempt to scam you of your money. Luckily, you had some good connections to Yanfei, who managed to sort the whole mess out in your favour.

Still, the interaction had strained even the last nerve in your body and you still had to fight the urge to go back and sucker-punch the guy for the sheer audacity. Instead, you were clenching your teacup just as hard as your jaw and the fact that the shop was overrun with customers this day wasn´t helping. You had had trouble finding a table at all but once you were settled, you felt as if at least a small weight had been lifted off your shoulders.

“Excuse me, I do not mean to bother you, yet I must ask whether there is an open spot left at your table?”

You looked up to see two intense amber eyes inquisitively peering down at you. Mumbling a quick affirmation and shuffling around to make room for the tall stranger, you took in his appearance more. He was elegantly dressed, a traditional style you didn´t see often anymore and he moved with great elegance and poise. The smooth voice and even tone with which he spoke made it sound as if he was reciting poetry, not ordering Osmanthus tea.

“As you have so kindly offered me a spot at your table, I do not wish to offend you by asking this, still I cannot help but notice that you seem rather irked; I wholeheartedly hope it has nothing to do with my presence?” It was hard to remain calm and not flush cherry red at the way he directed his complete attention towards you, his eyes seemed to give off a subtle glow, like molten gold shining in the sun. You reassured him that you did not mind the company and filled him in on the situation with your business partner.

“Dishonoured a contract, you say? A bold move in the land of contracts, if I dare say so myself. After all, Rex Lapis once said: `Ones who break their contracts shall suffer the Wrath of the Rock´. I would like to believe that this principle still holds true to this day, even if the Liyue of today is a vastly different Liyue than back in those days.”

Through your conversation, you learned that his name was Zhongli and that he was the consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. It certainly seemed like the right occupation for someone with such extensive knowledge, yet, as someone who´s known Hu Tao for quite some time now, you couldn´t help but feel a little concerned for his sanity.

As the hours passed, you found yourself more and more drawn to the stories Zhongli told you. Many of them were about Liyue´s culture, history and traditions and although you never really cared for any of that more than basic surface-level, the way he presented them to you as if he had experienced all of those past events himself, had you under some kind of spell.

Meeting Zhongli was a memory you looked back on most fondly, as it was the start to an unlikely but just as delightful friendship. Through him, you learned to appreciate Liyue Harbor´s day-to-day beauty. The scenic glow of the lanterns reflecting in the water or the setting sun painting the cuihua trees a magnificent crimson. Now that you had noticed it for the first time, you simply couldn´t tear your eyes away ever again.

Being in awe at the scenery was as inevitable as taking a breath or thinking of your newfound friend. You couldn´t look anywhere without recalling a story he had told you about the place and it made you feel somewhat guilty.

Begrudgingly, you had acknowledged the tells of your growing affection for the consultant and deep-down you had seen it coming from the start. There was no denying that Zhongli was easily one of the most handsome people you had ever come across and his eloquent way of speaking paired with his gentlemanly mannerisms, certainly didn´t hinder his case.

But he had never made any advances towards you or dropped any hints the attraction was mutual, so you didn´t want to assume anything. Also, the way he seemed genuinely happy to share his knowledge with someone who was willing to listen was so pure and heart-warming, you didn´t want to risk dampening his enthusiasm.

Pulling yourself out of your thoughts with a deep sigh, you noticed how late it had gotten and decided it was best to head home. Passing by the Adventurer´s guild and Chef Mao´s restaurant, you were about to cross the sort of main square of the Harbor as you heard two familiar voices that made you stop in your tracks.

“…yeah, yeah, I get it. But to change topics, how is it going with that friend of yours?” You could practically see the grin on the Harbinger´s face, his tone of voice one that made you want to wipe it off on numerous occasions. You never understood why someone as reputable as Zhongli spent so much time with someone like him but it also wasn´t your place to intervene.

“Our relationship stands as it did last time we spoke, Childe.”

“Awww, consultant, really? I thought we went over this already. You need to ask them out, if you want anything to happen. They don´t seem to be the type to do it themselves.” Was your heart supposed to clench this tightly at the ginger´s words? At least you knew now that you could drown your feelings without regret.

“And I thought we already went over how I´d like to take this at my own pace. An occasion such as this should not be rushed if one wants to reap fruitful results. Yet, I can also understand your excitement over a more direct approach. There were great a many times, I wished for nothing more than to tell them how I feel.”

Praying to Rex Lapis you would blend into the sparse crowd (or for the ground to swallow you whole), you tried to sneak past the terrace of `Third-Round Knockout´ but it seemed to you were out of luck.

“Well, fortunately for you, Mister Zhongli, you might not have to wait long for another opportunity to arise.” Raising his voice and waving his hand in a greeting, you should´ve known better than to try and elude Childe´s keen eyes. “(y/n), come and join us, will you?”

You were too busy mentally scolding yourself for his words to register in your brain. Once you were seated, you looked everywhere but their eyes. Though the flush of your ears apparently gave away that you overheard part of their conversation as the Harbinger gave you a sly grin that couldn´t possibly mean anything good.

“So, Mister Zhongli, where were we? Oh yes, you were telling me about how best to confess your feelings for (y/n) here and as much as I´d like to hear all about it, it seems that I still have some pressing business to attend to. So, as much as it pains me, I will have to bid you both goodbye for now.” He gave you a last gleeful wink as he placed a heavy pouch of Mora on the table and had disappeared not a moment later. The flush on your ears had in return effectively spread to your cheeks and crept all the way down your neck.

From across you, there was a defeated sort of sigh heard. You lifted your gaze just to find Zhongli already looking at you. The way he was studying you just as intensely as ever made it hard to form coherent thoughts, yet, slowly but surely information trickled into your brain. When Childe´s words clicked with you, your eyes went wide as saucers.

“I must admit, I planned to go about this very differently, as you can probably assume. Still, I cannot let a chance like this slip through my grasp. Although coming from someone whose place it was not to disclose such sensitive information, Childe speaks true.” It was a rare sight but Zhongli graced you with a small smile, his gaze softened to something more akin to a sweet toffee rather than cold metal.

“In my life, I have met countless people and I shall meet countless more still. Yet few have intrigued me nearly as much as you have, (y/n). At first, I falsely presumed I merely enjoyed your company as a welcome tranquillity compared to those who encompass me in daily business. I was proven wrong, however, when I could not admire a single glaze lily or an intricately crafted piece of jewellery without wondering which delightful reaction you would offer if they were shown to you. Rather shockingly, I had to realise the city´s glow had dulled significantly, when you weren´t right next to me, your fascinated eyes sparkling brighter than a thousand stars ever could. It is exactly because nothing appears as striking as you that I faced myself, for the first time in a long while, with uncertainty about how to proceed. But with you in front of me tonight, I do not think I could hold myself back any longer, even if I desired to do so. If you´d so please, enlighten me as to whether this feeling is mutual or whether I am overstepping my boundaries.”

Releasing the breath you were holding, you took another deep one to collect your thoughts and to try calm your racing heart. Since there had been no hints for his feelings as far as you were concerned, his confession packed as much of a punch as Xiangling´s last jueyun chilli and pyro slime concoction, although it was much more pleasant and much less stomach ache inducing.

“I´m afraid I can´t express myself just as eloquently as you did, Zhongli, so I´ll keep it simple. I like you, too. I was just too afraid I would make you uncomfortable if I said anything about it. And as much as I´m sorry you were thrown into the cold like this, I´m also very relieved.”

Offering an even gentler smile to you, Zhongli extended his hand with his palm facing upwards. Gingerly fitting your own on top of his, you watch as he placed a tender kiss on your knuckles, much like royalty would. Looking up through his lashes, you thought your heart might have stopped shortly before going into cardiac arrest.

“You could never make me uncomfortable, dearest (y/n). On the contrary, I rarely find myself as at ease as when I am in your company. If you´d indulge me, I´d still very much like to treat you to an outing more befitting of a moment such as this. Much like our first meeting in an unassuming tea shop, this moment too shall shine like gold in my memory forevermore.”

DILUC

Mondstadt´s wine tycoon is known for his stoic and deadpan expression, so it´s poker face all the way

Low-key (high-key) panics on the inside though

Will show a second´s worth of a shocked face, eyes wide and brows raised, but blink and you´ll miss it

After gauging your reaction, Diluc will continue accordingly to how he thinks you´d take the truth about his feelings

“That would be the last one. Thank you both.”

“Don´t mention it, Diluc. I don´t mind helping out, you know that, and I think Venti owes you a helping hand anyway, considering how much of this stuff he drinks.” You shot the bard who already sat perched on some crates nearby a playful glare.

“Ehe, you might be right. Besides the Windblume Festival is coming up and you´re supposed to support your friends and loved ones, isn´t that right? Speaking of which, say (y/n), is there someone you´d like to receive a windblume from?” he said, wiggling his eyebrows at you.

“Someone sure is nosy. But it doesn´t matter anyway, I normally just get them from my family, so nothing exciting here,” you sighed. You weren´t ungrateful for your relatives and friends to give you a windblume, you actually thought it was rather cute. Yet your heart did clench unpleasantly as you listened to your friends´ stories about lovers or secret admirers sending them flowers.

“Aww, come on, don´t look so glum. The festival isn´t the only way to show your affection, right? Maybe they´re all too shy to give you a flower” He slung an arm around your shoulder and lowered his voice, face all smug “Also, I don´t think Barbatos would mind being the only one receiving a windblume from you, ehe.”

“If Barbara heard you, she would strangle you with your lyre.”

“But I´m not lying, you –“

“Stop bothering, (y/n), bard.” Diluc had come up behind you two, picking Venti up by the scruff of his neck like misbehaving kitten and effectively pulling him off you. Then he turned to you, serious expression seemingly set in stone. “You need to tell him off when he´s being a nuisance, (y/n).”

“It´s okay, Diluc, he was just joking.” The bard raised his hand as if to contradict your statement but was silenced with one intense glare from the red-haired man next to you.

“You´re too nice for your own good, you know that.” He pinched the bridge of his nose while you only sheepishly shrugged your shoulders.

Now that your work here was done, you said goodbye to your friends to return home. Although, as you went to leave, you remembered Venti´s question and without meaning to, your eyes flitted over to Diluc before you caught yourself and immediately went to stare at the ground.

Recently, you had spent more time with Mondstadt´s wine tycoon, often stopping by Angel´s Share when you were done with work, hoping to catch Diluc before most customers started to file in. In return, Diluc would often make time in his busy schedule to invite you for tea at Dawn Winery or to take you out for dinner. So, it was safe to say people saw him out with you quite a lot, especially considering his rather reclusive behaviour most of the time.

After preparations were finished, the time of the actual Windblume Festival arrived. Mondstadt´s streets were decorated with all types of flowers native to the nation; even Wolfhooks were present, courtesy of Bennett and Razor of course. Over the course of the festivities, you received various flowers from your friends and family, spending most of your time weaving flower crowns and binding bouquets for them as well.

Yet, with the sweet also came the bitter and it took your all to keep the green-eyed beast in your chest at bay and be genuinely happy for the people chatting about their romantic experiences. And it made you feel rather guilty. Rationally, you knew you shouldn´t be mad at them, their luck had nothing to do with your disappointment but you couldn´t push down this envy completely.

So, as the festival drew to a close, you were somewhat torn on how to feel about the last day starting. You were sad to see all the beautiful decorations go but a small part of you let out a relieved sigh at not having to deal with the disappointment of your own expectations.

As you opened your front door, however, you almost tripped over a lavish bouquet of dandelions, accented by crimson windwheel asters and pristine cecilias. The tag attached to the flowers only read For (y/n) but nothing to identify who they came from. Your cheeks flushed a light shade of pink as you examined the dandelions, a flower meant to be given to a lover during the Windblume festival.

After placing the flowers in a vase on your dining table, you pondered who could´ve sent them to you. Your thoughts kept drifting towards a certain red-head but you pushed them away as quickly as they came, not wanting to unnecessarily get your hopes up. As expected, when you met your friends that day, the bouquet you found on your doorstep was all the rage.

And it didn´t stop there. Throughout the day, you kept hearing people whisper and you guessed one of your friends snitched because some acquaintances you barely knew would come up and ask whether you already knew the identity of your secret admirer. You passed by the main plaza and saw Donna looking more expectant than she usually did. But, like most, you didn´t think much of it.

You decided to stop by Angel´s Share, thinking Diluc might have time for a quick chat. When you walked by Flora´s shop on your way there, you overheard the girl talking to a woman you didn´t recognise.

“You don´t say? Has that ever happened before? You know, by this point I thought the boy had no romantic bone in his body,” the woman giggled. “But now that you mention it, I did see him around with someone more often, like just out and about, going to restaurants and stuff.”

Knowing you probably shouldn’t pry but also being nosy as hell, you approached the two, greeting Flora. As sneakily as possible, you inquired what they were talking about.

“Oh, honey, listen to this: You know the owner of Dawn Winery, Diluc Ragnvindr, yes? Get this, Flora just told me that he stopped by this morning and bought a bouquet. But that´s not even the best part,” she leaned closer to you and held up her hand to shield her mouth, “it was a dandelion bouquet! Who do you think the lucky girl is? Or do you think it could be a boy?”

“Dandelions, you say? Were there any other flowers in it? Maybe it wasn´t meant for a romantic occasion.”

“No, it definitely was,” Flora piped up, “Sure, there were some asters and cecilias but it was 100% for a lover. Trust me, I´d know.”

At this piece of information, you perked up. It was exactly the type of bouquet you found this morning and judging by the size and quality it definitely must have cost quite a lot. In your circle of possible candidates, there were not many who had the money to spend it on fancy flowers, especially given that, due to the high demand, they sold for a lot more at the end of the festival. Excusing yourself, you headed straight for the tavern but didn´t come far, literally running into the man of the hour.

“(y/n), you should really watch where you´re going.” Diluc steadied you by your shoulders before you could go tumbling to the ground, “But, I have to admit, your timing is impeccable. I was just on my way to see you.”

“What a coincidence, I came to see you too.” You studied his expression, trying to gauge if there was something out of the ordinary maybe, “So, what was it you needed me for?”

“I merely wanted to ask if you´d join me for dinner tonight. I know it´s a rather late request but I thought you might want to see the festivities off with some company.”

“I´d love to, Diluc.” As you started walking next to each other, you contemplated for a bit before deciding to take a leap of faith. “Today is just full of surprises, isn´t it?”

“What brings about this conclusion?” If he knew where you were going with this, then he did an incredible job at hiding it.

“This morning, someone left a dandelion bouquet on my doorstep but no indication who it´s from. It´s a real shame though, the flowers are lovely and I wish I could extend my thanks to whoever gave them to me. It´s been plaguing my mind since I stepped outside.”

He was quiet for a moment before he asked if you had any suspicions on who it could be. At this point, you were starting to lose faith in it actually being Diluc who sent them. His tone was as collected as ever, his expression neutral and mannerisms as poised as they´d always been.

“There was someone but as I thought about it more, I realised it was probably more wishful thinking.” You let out a forced laugh, trying to mask your defeated tone. “Enough about me, what about you? I know you always receive a lot of windblumes, how many did Donna send this year? Did you send one back perhaps? No, wait, can´t be. I saw her still breathing earlier.”

“Very funny, (y/n). And yes, for reasons beyond me, I have received a couple of flowers. Although at this point, that drunk bard is rivalling Donna with the number of cecilias he´s given to me. I think he´s trying to lower his tab. Yet, I have to share your sentiment of a surprise this day brings.” He paused for a second and you urged him to continue. “I found myself doing something I never could´ve imagined doing just a year ago.”

The two of you had stopped in a secluded area, just a couple of streets away from the restaurant you frequented. Diluc turned to you, his crimson eyes fixed on you.

“(y/n), I think we´re both dancing around the edge of the same thought. From what I gathered, you didn´t despise having someone gift you dandelions. Perhaps I am the one engaging in wishful thinking now, but could your reluctance to share your suspicions on who sent them come from you thinking it was me?” The damning shock you just went through must have been visible on your face and you watched as his lips lifted ever so slightly at the corner. “If that is the case, I must congratulate you on coming to the right conclusion. You have to forgive me for not giving them to you in person. Frankly speaking, I did not know how you´d react. I must also apologise for overhearing your conversation with Venti the other day. I hope I did not cross any lines in either instance.”

“Diluc, did you mean it? I mean, the dandelions…I don´t want to jump to any conclusions, you know?”

“The dandelions were no accident if that´s what you´re wondering. I´m not very used to stating my feelings but for you, I can make an exception. It took me some time to acknowledge why I felt so elated whenever you´d come to see me or why I was more annoyed when Kaeya flirted with you of all people. And the answer is as plain as it is simple. I have fallen for you, (y/n).”

“My answer should be plain and simple then as well, right? I´ve fallen for you too, Diluc.” You reached over to intertwine your hands and he let you, slipping his fingers between your own. “What do you say we make this our first date then?”

“That sounds lovely.”

Somehow, you had the inkling there´d be no reason to feel disappointed by the Windblume Festival from now on.

ALBEDO

The head scientist of the Knights of Favonius is usually all logical and rational

However, sometimes he still struggles with his human side and, therefore, his feelings

Subconsciously retreats to his lab on Dragonspine and buries himself in work, contemplating the strange sensation he experiences whenever he sees you

And while he takes a slow and careful approach, there´s someone close to him who doesn´t

After making your way up the seemingly endless flight of stairs, you finally reached the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius, hoping to find their blond head scientist. On your way inside, you ran into Kaeya and decide to ask the cavalry captain if he had seen him.

“Albedo? No, I haven´t seen him around at all lately, so he´s probably on Dragonspine. But if you don´t feel like searching for him any longer, why don´t you just spend your time with me?” he said, lips parting in a cheeky grin. You´ve known Kaeya long enough though for his flirty demeanour to not have any effect on you.

You thank him and leave, unable to keep in a dejected sigh. It had been a week since you last saw Albedo and even then, he only mumbled a quick greeting before rushing past you, head buried in his notes and not sparing you so much as a glance.

Normally, you´d understand. The blond often got lost in his own alchemical world, far beyond where anyone else could follow. But when that happened, he wouldn´t acknowledge anyone or anything. This time, however, he talked to everybody else like he usually would, even answered Timaeus´ questions, just you seemed to be air to him. You tried striking up a conversation once or twice only to receive court responses and a half-hearted excuse to leave.

Leaving the bustling city, you passed the alchemy workstation and saw Timaeus experimenting with whatever Albedo helped him with and it did nothing but sour your mood even further. As expected, your friend was nowhere to be found. That meant he most likely went up the mountains and didn´t tell you. So, that was where you were standing now, huh?

In an effort to calm your mind and move past the acidic thoughts clouding your brain, you settled in the grass near Cider Lake, letting the breeze flow through your clothes and watching dandelion seeds gracefully floating along.

The reasonable part of you knew there shouldn´t be anything to plant such feelings within you. Albedo didn´t have to tell you he´d leave for Dragonspine, you were both adults, after all, it was just that he always did. And frankly, your heart cracked at the memory of him not even acknowledging your presence. You had become close over time and you enjoyed spending time with him, lately even wondering if there might be something mo-

BOOM!!!

Almost jumping out of your skin, you sympathised with the swarm of pigeons taking flight at the loud noise. It was quite faint where you sat but through sheer force of habit, you could even make out the remnants of a blast wave. Yeah, you knew that sound by heart and you also knew what- or rather who- caused it. Rounding the city walls, you found the red-clad culprit laughing merrily at the waves her bomb produced.

“Klee! What are you doing?”

“Oh, (y/n), it´s you! I thought you were Jean.” Turning to you with a bright smile on her face, she made it really difficult to be mad at her. “I´m fish blasting with the new bombs Albedo made with me, do you want to try it too?”

“Uhh, no, I´m good, thank you.” You sat down and were immediately joined by the blonde girl. “Say, Klee, when did you make the new bombs?”

“Hmm, a couple of days ago, before Albedo went up the scary mountain. But he didn´t allow me to come with him.” Feeling just as disheartened as her, though probably for a different reason, you put an arm around her as she clung to your side. Since you spent so much time with Albedo, naturally you and Klee had bonded as well, mostly because you never told on her to the Acting Grandmaster.

“Did he tell you when he would be back?”

“No, he was being a big meanie and said that he had important research to do and that he didn´t know how long it would take. And that nobody should come bother him!” Klee leant in and continued in a conspiratorial voice. “Do you know what I think he´s actually doing?”

You shook your head and urged her to continue.

“I think he´s making a surprise for you!” When you flinched and asked her why she´d think that, her tone shifted to something that made it seem as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Well, he likes you! He´s always talking about you and he always smiles when he does it too! Oh, I saw his sketchbook once and there was a lot of drawings of you in it.”

Klee looked mighty proud with herself, meanwhile, you were still trying to process what she had just sprung on you. So, was it true? Did Albedo actually not hate you? But why then would he be so cold towards you? When you opened your mouth to ask if she was sure, you heard footsteps approaching behind the both of you.

“Klee? Is that y- Oh, (y/n). I didn´t think I´d run into you here.”

You rose to your feet the moment you recognised the person speaking. “Albedo? I thought you were on Dragonspine?”

If he was surprised to see you just a second ago, his voice had already regained its usual calmness. “I just returned, actually. Then I heard the explosion, so I thought I should come and check on Klee.”

You nodded your head and remained silent, not knowing what to say. The moment in which neither of you said anything seemed to stretch on forever and draped itself over you like a suffocating blanket. But before the ground could open to swallow you whole, Klee proved to be your Spark Knight in crimson armour yet again.

“So, big brother, what did you make for (y/n)? Is it a bomb?” When her sparkling eyes were only met with confusion, she bounced up to him. “I told (y/n) that you like them and that you went to make a surprise for them. But it´s okay if you don´t want to give it to them with me around. I´ll go ask Lisa if we can make more gunpowder together!”

Giving you two thumbs up while beaming, the girl made a quick exit and fled the scene. That left only Albedo and you, which prompted you to be fascinated by everything that wasn´t him.

“Well, I guess, I have to come clean now, do I? First of all, I´d like to apologise. I was so busy trying to figure out my feelings that I completely disregarded yours.” He stepped closer and you let him. “I´m sorry, (y/n), please believe me when I say I never meant to neglect you. It was just easier to run than to confront this new sensation I´ve been experiencing. But just because it´s easier doesn´t mean it´s right. Or fair to you. Can you forgive me?”

“I guess, I could do that,” you sighed, “under one condition, though. Next time, just come talk to me. I really thought I did something to anger you.”

“You could never get me to be mad at you.” He gingerly took hold of your hand, waiting for some sort of rejection from you. When there was none, he took the liberty of running his thumb across your knuckles. “I never really understood when people said love felt like butterflies in their stomach. I used to think they were just spouting nonsense. But after I spent more time with you and developed that particular sensation, I thought I had fallen ill at first, until I remembered what people told me about attraction before.”

“Klee might not have been right about why I went to Dragonspine, yet, she was indeed correct about my affection for you, (y/n).” He turned your hand so your palm was facing upwards and gently curled his own around yours. When you opened your fist again, you held a delicate flower that gleamed as if it was an actual gem. “It´s not much of a surprise but I hope you´ll accept it nonetheless.”

Whether he was talking about the flower or his confession, you weren´t sure, yet, it didn´t really matter much, as you didn´t have any intention of rejecting either one. Giving his hand a reassuring squeeze, the smile you showed him rivalled the brightness and warmth of the sun.

“Only if you can accept that I´ll come to bother you during your experiments much more often from now on.”

“I´m looking forward to it, love.”

KAZUHA

Kazuha probably had a plan for a confession

We know he´s good with words and flowery language, so you can bet he thought of a really romantic way to show his affection for you

But life rarely goes as we want it to and while his heart sank at first, this samurai is well aware that there´s no use in sticking your head in the sand

So, he´d most likely follow his heart and speak truthfully, you deserve his honesty after all

You´d been looking forward to the Crux Fleet returning to Liyue Harbor because it meant you´d get to see Beidou, the crew and, most important of all, Kazuha again. Every time the ship left the harbour, you were the last person waving them goodbye and every time their sails came into view, you were the first person welcoming them back.

As a kid, you´d often play around on the docks where you met Beidou. Even back then, the later Captain was the coolest kid around and you weren´t the only one to think that way. Her enthusiasm and leadership qualities were already shining through. Although she was a couple of years older than you, she accepted you in her little crew and had been a loyal friend ever since. This connection didn´t break even as Beidou took to the sea more often and you pursued your dreams with solid ground underneath your feet.

It was after one of her voyages to Inazuma that Beidou´s crew had come back to Liyue Harbor stronger in numbers than when they set out. The Crux had rescued a travelling samurai from the Land of Eternity and offered him a place among their ranks.

This was how you were introduced to Kadehara Kazuha. Considering that you were nearly the same age, Beidou was quick to search you out among the crowd. The two of you probably would have been off to a rockier start if it hadn´t been for the captain leading the conversation.

At first, it was hard for you to gauge what topics were okay and which ones were best avoided. Your friend had filled you in on the situation in Inazuma and the circumstances of how they found Kazuha but she believed it best for him to tell his own story and you agreed with her. Although you didn´t know what happened exactly, you could guess it was rather traumatic and not something to be lightly thrown around.

Over time though, Kazuha and you grew closer and conversations flowed more easily. Often enough you´d come aboard the ship to listen to his newest poem or to show him something you thought he might find interesting. The abrupt change between Inazuma and Liyue was quite the culture shock, especially considering how closed off the former was from the rest of Teyvat. So, you´d made it your unofficial mission to help him grow accustomed to his new lifestyle here.

One of the most important steps in your friendship was the night Kazuha told you how he ended up on Beidou´s ship. It was after you had shown him around a Liyue Harbor festival, making him try all sorts of seasonal delicacies and pointing out traditions that inspired the particular stalls.

It was as you went back to the ship that Kazuha had shown you a melancholic expression as he shared his memories of the festivals back in his home country. He´d asked you then if you´d indulge him for a while longer and when you had found a more private spot, he opened up about his past. You didn´t know whether it was the whole story but it didn´t matter to you. You treasured the fact that he trusted you enough to confide in you his most personal and most vulnerable side more dearly than anything else you could possibly possess.

And before you knew it, Beidou wasn´t the only person you´d miss whenever the Crux fleet set sail. People would often say that absence made the heart grow fonder but your heart had never soared so high as in the moment where the ship´s mast broke through the line at the horizon. The only thing growing in Kazuha´s absence was the feeling of loneliness and the longing to see him again.

On this particular day, however, you were just as nervous as you were excited. You realised during your time spent apart from Kazuha that your feelings weren´t strictly platonic anymore and luckily you had had enough time to contemplate what you wanted to do about it. After thorough consideration, you came to the conclusion to confess your feelings for the samurai.

So now, you were rocking on your feet, going over your plan again. You hadn´t really thought about what you were going to say, thinking it was best to do it in the heat of the moment but you thought about roughly 142 excuses to talk to Kazuha more privately. Number 64 was a personal favourite though.

By the time you could make out the faces of the people on the ship, your heart was beating wildly out of your chest as the crowd around you cheered for their friends and family returning home and you were feeling like doing cartwheels when you saw Beidou´ s purple attire next to Kazuha´s white and red hair. Beidou and you were grinning from ear to ear while Kazuha was giving you his trademark genuine smile.

After most of the crew had disembarked to greet their loved ones, you used the chance to slip up the gangplank and tackle-hug your friends. Once you had separated from each other again and had caught up on the most important things that happened, Beidou excused herself to go and meet the other people on the pier waiting to welcome her back.

“So, how have you been? Anything new you found?” you asked, ready to hear about whatever strange situations they certainly came across this time.

“So, we did. What say you join me for a chat? There´s a lot I´d like to share with you and I am just as keen on listening to how you spent your days.”

On your way to his cabin though, he excused himself, saying he had to fetch something quickly and told you to go on ahead without him. Having visited the Crux often enough, you had no trouble finding your way and made yourself comfortable on his bed, thinking about how best to bring up your feelings.

As you stared out the window, something caught your eye. Kazuha´s normally pristine room was littered in crumbled paper balls, the wastebasket next to his desk overflowing. Normally not one to pry, your attention was hooked when a familiar name crossed your vision. Yours to be exact.

You hesitated for a second before picking up the paper and smoothing it out on the bed. On it you found a myriad of started poems with most of them crossed out and left unfinished. The more papers you unfolded, the more poetry you found. They weren´t all the same type, some were haikus, others were sonnets, again others were free verses but what they all had in common was that they described someone very similar to you or straight-up mentioned your name. However, you did not have much time to dwell on it, shoving the papers off the bed as the door slid open.

“(y/n)? What happened-“ It seemed as Kazuha had forgotten these works existed too, his usually calm expression morphing into one of shock. “I´m so sorry. I wasn´t planning on showing you those…”

“No, no, no! It was my fault! I should be the one apologising, Kazuha. I shouldn´t have looked at them, I´m sorry.” Bashfully meeting his eyes, you brought your hand up to soothe your glowing neck and added in a quieter voice “For what it´s worth, I thought they were all very beautiful even if they´re still unfinished.”

For a moment, he only stared back at you before collecting his composure.

“So, you´re not upset about it?”

“No, why would I be?” You patted the spot next to you for him to join you. “Actually, there´s something I´ve been meaning to tell you and I didn´t know how you´d feel about it, so I was really nervous to bring it up. But now, I don´t feel so scared anymore.”

Seeing you fiddle with your fingers, Kazuha took your hands between his own and rubbed soothing circles onto their backs. As he caught your eyes with his own curious ones, a small but gentle smile appeared on his face.

“There´s no need for you to be nervous, you know your thoughts are safe with me. Besides, I do believe we are thinking very much alike in this current situation and have come to similar conclusions.”

“I sure hope so or this is going to be really embarrassing for me,” you chuckle, “Well, here goes nothing. Kazuha, I like you more than just a friend. I´ve realised that while you were away and uhm… wow, I really should´ve planned this out more.”

Your friend´s earnest laugh was bouncing around the cabin but instead of being upset at him laughing at your confession, you couldn´t stop yourself from joining in. When you had both calmed down again, his maple eyes focused back on you.

“It is as we assumed, both of us share the same sentiment. And please, do not feel bad about any imperfections of your statement. In my eyes, coming from you, there is no such thing as a flawed confession. As a matter of fact, you have witnessed that I myself have struggled with finding the right words to express my feelings for you. But now I have learned there is no right or wrong for sharing this affection I feel.”

“You say that you have trouble finding the right words and yet you still manage to be way smoother than me, how is that fair,” you say, nudging his shoulder playfully. “But if you´re still hung up about the poems, I wouldn´t mind hearing some in the future, you know.”

Kazuha mirrored your smile, placing a strand of your hair behind your ear before cradling your cheek with his palm.

“That is relieving to hear because my inspiration seems to have found back to me now that I have found the most enchanting of muses.”

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