#I can and WILL be annoying about this for the next month or so for sure | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

selfloverrrrrr · 3 days ago

Note

AMAZING!! hey lil ma😍😍I have a REQUEST..SMT LIKE yn has been working as a manager/secretary to her childhood bully gojo while he desperately tries get her attention for months and finally losses it one night when yn was working overtime in his office/place noncon ofcourse THATS ALL I'm really curious how you'll do it❤️��️nd I really love the way to write I read all your oneshots😭😭🙏🙏OMG SO GOOD ND HAVE A NICE DAYY

I'm sorry if I'm too late 😭

Overtime~

Warnings : smut , heavy smut, unprotected sex, Noncon, Kidnapping, physically and emotional abuse, biting, torture, size difference....

( All characters are aged up/18+)

Minors Do Not Interact

Read the warnings carefully....if you don't like my stories block me not report

Y/n's POV

"this is the company? This office is really so huge" I asked. "Yes.... and best of luck" Shoko said. "You think they'll take me for the job? I'm so nervous" I replied. "Chill, girl.... don't be so nervous! I know you're capable of this. Thik about the money they'll pay then you won't be dealing with any problem" she replied placing a hand on my shoulder.

She's right. I really need money that's why I'm searching for a job. I've paid for my rent for almost three months. Shoko is making me food every day so I can save some money. But how many days can I go like this? Shoko is the one who told me about this company who is currently taking interviews for the secretary position. If I pass this my all problems will be solved.

I looked at her and smiled. "Okay...see you after the interview" I said and went out of the car. "Ok bye... I'll be waiting in the parking lot" she said and turned the. I took a deep breath and went inside the building. Some people were coming out of that building. "Gosh that CEO is so rude. Why is he so rude?!" They were talking with each other. What does they mean rude??? I'm sure I won't get this job.After waiting for almost 30 minutes they called me inside. I went inside the room. That room was as luxurious as the whole office.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN YOU STILL COULDN'T FIND HER???? IT'S LITERALLY 3 FUCKING YEARS YOU ALL ARE WORKING TO FIND HER.... AND YOU STILL COULDN'T?! YOU ALL ARE GETTING ON MY NERVES!!!! MEET ME TODAY" I saw a tall guy yelling at his phone. He seems like the CEO. There were few workers in that room but I can tell by his dressing that he's the CEO. I couldn't see his face since he's facing the window. And why is he yelling at someone like that. Gosh I'm dead...he is literally so rude. He ended the call. "Who's next?" He asked annoyingly and then turned around. And we both froze.

Gojo's POV

Those damn dumbs.... can't even stalk properly?! Can't find a girl in the whole japan?! Y/n was in my college. She left the city just because I bullied her? How dare she? After graduation I haven't seen her. I tried to ignore the feelings I felt but I couldn't. I controlled myself for 2 years. But after that I hired some people to find where she lives and those idiots still couldn't find?! And on the other hand the annoying interview is going on. I ended the call then turned around.

And my eyes widened and I almost froze there. Is that y/n? Am I seeing right? She came to give interview?! Fuck.... I'm not dreaming right??? So it was in both of our fates? So I wasn't doing anything wrong? If our fate made this that really means she is mine...or maybe I've to make her mine? firstly I've been sure that she's y/n and not her lookalike. From her expressions I'm 99% sure she's y/n.

I sat on my chair. "So what's your name?" I asked. I can tell she's nervous. "I'm.... I'm y/n....y/n l/n" she replied. I couldn't hold back my smirk. After all those years I finally found her? And like this? Never imagined. And..... she's feeling uncomfortable. "So why do you want this job?" I asked. "I really need money.... I can't pay for my rent for months" she replied.

"okay give me your qualifications" I said. She handed me a file. My eyes scanned over the documents. "Hmm... okay. Gotta boyfriend?" I asked. "Huh?" She was shocked. "I mean I don't want destruction for my secretary" I said. "Oh...no. I don't have a boyfriend" she replied. RELIEF. "Okay... join from tomorrow and yuta? Tell the other interviews to go back" I said.

Y/n's POV

I left the room. My heart felt like it's gonna burst. Wtf did just happened?! The CEO is Gojo?! The guy who made me cry my whole childhood till the college? And now he just hired me as his secretary?! Fuckkkkkkk too much happened today. I don't have any other choice I have to do this job. I really need money. I sighed loudly and went to the parking lot.

"what happened?" Shoko asked as I entered the car. "I'm selected" I replied with a smile. My head was hurting so much so I thought not to tell her everything now. "That's great!!! I'm so happy! Today we're gonna order so many foods" she said and started the car. "Yes yes sure" I replied and we both went to her house.

After a month

After joining the company nothing really happened. Which I thought was surely gonna happen but it didn't. And I'm glad that it didn't happen. Work was going well. Gojo didn't spoke about any of those old days. It's almost one month passed. I was checking the files in Gojo's office when my phone rang. I checked my phone it was Shoko.

I picked up the call and put it on speaker while checking the files. "Hello?" I said. "What are you doing madam?" She asked. "What else other than doing these boring shits?" I said and we both laughed. "But I'm happy that you got this job....or else I was almost ready to find a sugar daddy" she said. "Yes a hot sugar daddy" I said and we both laughed.

I suddenly heard a scoff. I turned around and saw Gojo standing there. "Shoko I'll call you later" I said and hung up the call. "When did you come back, sir?" I asked. "When you said to your friend that you're doing some shitty work here" he replied. I cursed myself under my breath. I should look at my surroundings before saying things. "I.... It wasn't like that... I wasn't talking about your works-" before I could complete my sentence he cut off my sentence.

"yeah I know what you meant" he said and smirked. Fuck! I think my work is gone now. "Anyways I was saying we have a meeting tomorrow with the other company ceos you remember that?" He asked. Oh he's not throwing me out? Thank God! "Yes... yes sir I do remember" I replied. "Okay so make sure the files are ready and you have to do overtime after the meeting tomorrow okay?" He asked. "Yeah it's fine" I replied.

Gojo's POV

The next day

The CEO of other companies arrived. The meeting was about to start. We sat on our seats. I noticed that Sukuna was looking at y/n. I rolled my eyes. The meeting started. And he's still staring at her?! Tf does he want?! He has a secretary as well...why is he looking at mine?! WAIT! DID HE JUST LOOKED AT HER THIGHS?! those are mine to stare at. I can't blame that short skirt will make anyone stare but he shouldn't!!!

The meeting ended. Suguru Geto aka my best friend and CEO of another company came to me. We shook hands and we were talking. I looked away for a bit and I saw Sukuna approaching y/n. He went to her and called her. She turned around and gave him a smile. he offered a hand to shake. She took his hand. And suddenly HE HUGGED HER?! She doesn't look like she was expecting that. I went to them and called Sukuna.

"yo... Sukuna" I said. He looked at me and let go of her. "Yeah" he replied and came towards me. I offered a hand and he took it. I pressed his hand tightly. "Don't even look at her" I said with grinded teeth then let go of his hand. He looked at his now red hand then at me. Then smirked. "Well that's was a new way to say hello but okay.... gonna see you later and her as well" he said and they all went out. I clenched my jaw.

In the evening

We both reached my house. She has overtime today. My private office is just beside my bedroom. I told her to go there and I went to the bathroom to wash my face. My mind was replying Sukuna hugging y/n. I just can't stand it... she's fucking mine can't he just understand?!. I went out and went to the office and sat on the couch. She was standing beside the table and was checking some files on the table. And I was behind her.

She slightly bend over to see the files. Fuck....bend a little more lemme see what is mine. "Three products came for collaboration. One of them is beer. So I already declined that. You said you don't want to collaborate with any alcoholic product that's why" she said. "Hmmm..." I replied and my concentration was still on her ass.

"and then a Condom company. They said they made stretchable condoms which will fit everyone. And then a perfume company claiming that their perfume lasts more than 14 hours" she said. "Hmm" I replied. "If you agree I'll send it to the test then we can collaborate with them" she said. I stood up and walked towards her whose back was still facing me.

Y/n's POV

I was putting down the file from my hand when I almost tripped over the table from a force from my back. I turned around my head and saw Gojo standing there. His front pressed against my back. "What were you talking with Sukuna?" He asked. "What?" I asked. "I SAID WHAT WERE YOU TAKING WITH SUKUNA?!" He screamed. I got nervous. "N-Nothing.... h-he was saying h-he liked my outfit then hugged me all of a sudden " I replied.

"you're not lying?" Gojo asked. "N-No sir...i-I'm not" I replied. My heart pumping loudly. He smirked and made me turn around. "You know y/n... I miss those days..." He said and pressed his crotch against my thigh. "I really really reallyyyyyy miss your screams" he said. Then I felt his hand reaching underside of my breast. I stopped his. "G-gojo P-Please" I said. I felt like I'm going to cry.

"one touch and sir became Gojo?" He asked with a smirk. "G-gojo P-Please don't" I said. "You know what...." He said and picked up the sample condom from the table "why should I send it on test when I can test it myself" he said and chuckled. "No no no please" I cried out. He picked me up on his shoulder and took me to his bedroom. Then threw me on the bed.

He started undoing his shirt flexing his toned body. "Gojo please.... you're out of your mind" I said. He crawled towards me then pinned me underneath him. "Now you gonna tell me what to do?" He asked grabbing my chin roughly. His nails digging into my skin. I started crying. "ANSWER ME!" He ordered. I shook my head left and right. "N-No" I replied. "Then you should shut the fuck up" he said and I sobbed.

He pressed his lips on mine. Kissed me roughly. Forcing me to open my mouth and then pushing his tongue inside. Exploring my mouth. He bit on my lower lip. The giving open mouthed kisses from jaw to collarbone. Leaving hickeys all over. And the thing haunting me was his laugh. The evil laugh he's laughing. He sat up then grabbed his shirt and tore it off.

"g-gojo P-Please please don't" I cried and Tried to cover me. But he grabbed my hands and pushed them apart. "Do you remember the day you came for the interview and I was screaming on my phone? That I hired some people to find someone but they couldn't?" He asked. "I was talking about you....I hired them to find you and you know why?" He asked and brought his face close to mine.

"because I'm soooo fucking obsessed with you" he said then smirked again. I was scared instead of shocked because I know that's gonna make my life a nightmare.He took off my bra. I tried to protest but nothing happened. He looked at my boobs with lust in his eyes and didn't waste any time, crashed his mouth on my breast licking, sucking and teasing the nipple and squeezing the other one with his hand. I moaned in the sensation.

Then he took off my pantie."you look better without it" he whispered and then looked at my pussy. He rubbed his finger on my clit and whispered " so wet. You naughty little slut, I'm sure you were imagining your boss doing dirty things with you ~". Then he licked my pussy. I couldn't help but moan loudly. He smirked at my reaction and undo his pants.

His dick sprang out. It was too big and too thick. Fear grabbed me by my neck. " G-gojo no no no... P-please no... s-stop" I begged but didn't even listen to me and slammed his whole dick inside me in one slide. I screamed. Why was this happening with me?! I shouldn't have accepted to work in his office in the first place! He didn't even give me time to adjust his size and started thrusting in and out roughly. I was through my legs with pain and begging him to stop. And he liked it so much. His thrust became harder and harder. I clenched around him tightly and he moaned loudly " ughhhhhh....ahhh s-so...ahhhh....so f-fucking tight " he started rubbing my clit with his thumb and I bite his shoulder scratched his back to control myself.

With a few more thrusts I came. He looked at me and smirked. "You liked it huh?" He asked and laughed. He was still thrusting roughly. "Gojo please" I sobbed. I was through my legs trying to stop him. But he seemed like he was liking it so much. His thrust became harder and harder. I clenched around him tightly and "look you saying you don't want this and already going to cum again before me"he whispered. He started rubbing my clit with his thumb again and my fell back moaning loudly his name. And that's what he was waiting for.

I came again. Shame grabbed me all over. I looked away and couldn't even look at him. "Awww is someone ashamed?" He asked. I felt his cock pulsing inside me. I tried to push him away with all of my strength." Ughh...no no no no...ahhhhhh...no please no....ahhhhhh..... n-not ahhhh.....not inside..." I moaned. He looked down at me. " Call me daddy.... say that it feels so good... and maybe I won't cum inside" He said while thrusting. I sobbed looking at him. He spanked me"come on...you can do better " he said. "I-It feels so good... daddy" I whispered to him. He kissed me and whispered"good girl". But he didn't pull out. His thrust became harder. "W-wait...you said you'll pull out" I said. "I said maybe" he whispered with a smirk. Within a minute he came inside me I could feel his seed inside me. He pulled out.

"huhhhh... fuck I always knew you would feel so good. Those porn videos weren't working. Of course those weren't you.... I don't know how those stupids jerk off using those.... but who cares? I got you permanently " he said with a smirk look at my teary face.

Give me your requests guys...

I love when you give me your requests 💕

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obsessedhoneycomb · 23 hours ago

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Fate

George Russell x fem!reader

Summary: One time - it’s a coincidence. But even that might be a precise work of destiny.

Warnings: none

Word count: 1.6k

A/N: What was meant to be a short blurb ended in something more. Really love when I get the idea of the conversation between characters and I have to write the story around it. Enjoy it!

///

Meeting him at the airport in Atlanta seemed like an accident. That time you only smiled at each other, casually chatting over the traffic at the check in.

Next time it was weird. Busy airport in London, you tired as hell, sitting in the lounge after your flight was delayed for about three hours already.

"Mind if I sit?" the deep voice interrupted your annoyed thougts, ready to snarl something harsh at whoever wanted to disrupt your peace. Only to see him.

Immediately you sit up, brush your messy hair from your face a little, smiling softly. "Oh, of course, just sit."

He sat beside you, sipping his coffee from a Starbucks cup.

"Starbucks, really?"

Looking at the cup, where the name "George" was written, he just smiled softly. "At this early hour, there wasn’t any better coffee shop opened, so this must be enough."

You chuckled at his words, your gaze lingering over the cup. "So... George?"

He looked up to meet your eyes. "What? Yeah, sorry, I'm George."

Offering his hand to you in a handshake, you also said him your name.

"Well, how long are you waiting?" he asked while taking a sip of his coffee.

"An hour already, and another three are just before me. Today is a lucky day."

"Maybe it is and you don't know it yet." his smile was mysterious, like if he was implying something.

You just shook your head with soft smile. "It’s really weird to meet you for the second time in a month."

"I'm just at more places than you can think. I travel a lot, so the possibilities of meeting me are high."

"Mhm.. and where are you heading to?"

"Originally, I was about to catch a flight to Monaco, but my plans changed, so I'm off to Spain."

"Oh, Monaco? So you’re some kind of millionaire?"

"No, I.. I just sort of live there." He chuckled, not really into conversation about his reasons he lived there.

You looked at him suspiciously, but your tired brain brushed it off.

///

Third time was a charm. As you got through the gates at the aiport in Singapore, the humid weather hitting you like a train, when you step outisde to catch a cab. While you were looking through your phone to find a location of your hotel, you bumped into someone. Trying to apologize, you looked up to see, who you bumped into. George.

Your brows shot up in surprise and he seemed surprised too. "Well, hello."

He put his hands over your shoulders, looking a little concerned. "Are you okay? I wasn’t looking and the bump was rather hard."

His worry flattered you, especially when he was soooo good looking as always. But now he had his hair more grown out, styling them in the soft curls.

"No, I'm okay, that's alright."

"Do you want a ride? My driver is here, so I can get you to your hotel if you want. You look a little lost, if I'm being honest."

"That would be nice. It's my first time here, so I'm not used to the weather, which is exhausting and I feel drained already."

"Oh, tell me about it." his smile was smug, as if he was hiding something, but you haven’t noticed.

The ride to the hotel was quiet as you took in the interior of the car. It was black sleek Mercedes, god knows which series or year, you weren’t exactly into cars or that stuff.

Last time in London you chatted through that hours you were waiting for your flight. But you never exchanged numbers. Strange, wasn’t it? However your connection seemed to be genuine and you kind of loved the thing how it was mysterious.

“Miss, we’re here.” The driver interrupted your reel of thoughts as you looked outside of the car, to see your hotel. Turning your gaze at George, for the first time you felt strange for leaving him. What if this is the last time you see him?

“Will I ever see you again?”

George took in her frowning expression, his smile warm. “You never know.”

In the different language it was saying I’m not giving you my number.

You just nod. “Thanks. For a ride. It was nice to see you, again.”

After that, you got off the car along with your suitcase, disappearing into the hotel without ever looking back, because then George would see your sad face. It was stupid. This man, who you met for a three times and you think that you have some claim on him? No. He was just a stranger, who happened to coincidentally meet you.

///

Right after New Years you flew back to London, getting on with your tight schedule of your work. Looking through your iPad, you sat at the small coffee shop, sipping your coffee, not giving attention to your surroundings.

“I guess this coffee is definitely better than that damn Starbucks.” Deep voice speaking at your table got you looking up from your work, only to catch his beautiful smile.

“I might start to think that you stalk me.” Your amused smile making him laugh.

“I’m sorry, it just happens that I’m meant to cross the path with you from time to time. Nothing personal. But I noticed you sitting here, so I thought that saying hi would be nice.”

“Yeah, thanks. Good to see you.”

The awkward silence felt so loud between you two.

“Well, good luck with anything you’re working on now.” His smile was soft, making your stomach feel the butterflies, his lips over the lid of the coffee cup, sipping the coffee.

You gave him a kind smile, your eyes trying not to reflect the disappointment in your heart. “Thank you. You too, mysterious stranger.”

George just chuckled and walked out of the coffee shop.

Sitting there, looking to the void, you thought for a moment to run after him, to jump into his embrace and just like in any cheesy romcom you would kiss like a fated soulmates. But quickly you fell back to the ground, your life far from perfect and this was just another of coincidences.

///

While you were getting to your hotel by the tube at the evening hours, curiosity got the best of you and you tried your best with your stalking skills. Writing into google something like George and 63, because that was a number you saw on his phone case, so it definitely meant something important, you nearly passed out on the floor, your mouth went wide open.

George Russell was a formula one driver. Mercedes. Mesmerising blue eyes and tall toned figure. God’s finest work.

And that was a moment you took your chance to twist those coincidences into your favour. Getting out of the tube at the nearest station, you practically ran through the escalator and now you were standing outside somewhere in London. Looking through some tabloids, you found the location of his hotel he was staying in. It was bold to go there, but it was always him, who happened to meet you and now it was for you to meet him.

He was staying in one of those fancy and expensive hotels he had a sponsorship with. Trying to compose yourself, you managed to get to the reception, getting attention from a guy at the desk.

“Hello, I’m here to meet with Mr. Russell, he told me to come here to his hotel, I’m his personal photographer.” You were pretty confident and impressive, even handing over your photograph licence, which was very good luck you had it on yourself along with your expensive camera.

The guy looked at you with measured gaze, suspicious for a moment, but then he clicked something in the computer and gave you a keycard to the elevator which led to the secluded entrance for the special guests.

“Here it is, Mr. Russell expressed himself that he’s awaiting his photographer, so you’re clear to go.”

The guy smiled politely, you thanked him, while your mind was buzzing with how LUCKY you were. Or was is just another coincidence?

No, it was fate.

Elevator dinged at the level of the special area, you got out of it, walking to the door with, hold on for a moment, a number 63 on it. Shaking your head in amusement taking in a sharp breath, you knocked at the door. What was you even doing? This was crazy. Nonsense. You should go back to your hotel and never come back. You’re embarrassing yourself.

The door opened, revealing George in the comfortable slacks and hoodie. His eyes went wide, when he saw you.

Your breath caught in your chest, your eyes wide the same as his. “Hey.”

“Hey. What are you doing here?” He wasn’t upset, he looked much more… happy?

“Long story short, I found out you’re the formula one driver, then a location of your hotel and I managed to convince the receptionist, that I’m your personal photographer. Crazy, right?”

Talking fast because of your nerves, you chuckled, a little unsure about what you just did. Was it too much?

His hand reached to your cheek, gently tracing his fingers across it. “I guess that fate is trying to set us together. This isn’t a coincidence anymore…”

“Well, it’s funny, but I think so too. You’re constantly on my mind even though I don’t want to admit it. I long for your presence since that chat at the London airport. I wished, that we had more time in Singapore. Can I at least stay a bit longer, right here right now?”

His smile made your heart flutter in your chest, his hands cupping your cheeks now, his tall figure towering over you.

“Stay forever.”

And with that he pulled you into his room, closing the door, not letting you go for another lifetime.

Please don’t use my writings without my permission! Pictures found on Pinterest.

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antinousletmehit · 23 hours ago

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AAAAAAAAAAA

The hurt reader is amazing— I loved it sm

THANK YOUUUUU

now (tw : throwing up)

Since I still love the hurt thing a lot (god knows how much my ocs wanna kill me rn)as well as the the fact I’m a sadist when it comes to these things-

What if -and hear me out- reader managed to steal food lets say a batch of fruit or medical supplies or anything they were low upon in storage successfully! :D

Yay reader learned how to steal without getting caught!

Unless…

She did get caught (kinda) and gotten beaten up- like on her stomach so the bruises won’t show that much and a bit of hits on the face (but her stomach got the bad part of the beating)

but she still managed to get way with the things and she is like so happy and beaming at antinous when she gets back like “look brother! I managed to steal without getting caught!!” And he would be suspicious and would notice a few bruises on her face and the he gets a bit angry “yea? What about these bruises on your face?” While crossing his arms she would come up with something like I tripped and what not. He will let her off the hook this time since he was in a hurry and nothing seems that bad. But then that night he has to leave for the ring and leaves her some food (he might not come back until tomorrow’s noon perhaps he spent the night and day with a night lady he found)

So after the reader eats her food goes to bed she is still in pain then ends up throwing up and then she figures out it’s from the beating she took and can only stomach fluids without puking up

Would antinous notice what’s happening immediately or after a few days or what?

This story is my current hyper fixation I’m sorry if this is annoying-

Also on a different topic, do you have any designs on any of the charcters and how they might look like ?

(I kinda wanna see if I can make fanart of them)

Thank you and have a lovely day!🌹

AHHHHHHHHH I LOVE THJS IDEASAAA, IM GONNA HUG YOU. Fixated with my lil old fanfic STOP I’m blushing.

Antinous is a ASS FACE, he wouldn’t notice until a few days later, especially if the fight ring is busy, and he uses random women he finds as “stress relievers” to go about his day. After a few days he WILL find out, and when he does….its not gonna be pleasant 😭

It could go either two ways: one, he finds out while coming back home, then he sees you actively throw up and demands to know what’s wrong, he forces you to show him and explain to him what happened, after that you get a scolding and aren’t let out the house for a few months (brother of the year)

Or two: he notices late at night when he’s back, and he sees you’re sleeping weirdly and the blankets off, so he tucks you in but uh oh he finds out about the bruises, then wakes you up demands you to answer him and where these came from, you tell him the truth and he grounds you again.

———-

The moment Antinous was gone, she sank onto the floor, clutching her stomach. Her breathing was shallow, and sweat dampened her brow. The men who had caught her stealing hadn’t gone easy on her, their punches and kicks had left her battered and bruised, especially around her abdomen. She thought she could handle it, that the pain would fade with time. But as the hours passed, nausea began to churn in her stomach. She stumbled to the corner and retched, her body convulsing painfully.

The next few days were a blur of fever, pain, and vomiting. She tried to hide her condition, staying curled up in bed and pretending to sleep whenever Antinous came back to rest between fights. But she couldn’t hide the sound of her heaving or the way her face flushed with fever. When Antinous finally returned home after a particularly grueling fight, he found his sister hunched over a bucket, her frail frame shaking as she threw up yet again.

“Y/N!” he barked, rushing to her side.

She flinched at the sound of his voice, turning to look at him with tear streaked cheeks and a pale, sweat drenched face. “I’m fine,” she croaked, her voice barely audible. “You’re not fine,” he snapped, kneeling beside her. “What’s wrong with you?” When she didn’t answer, he reached out and gently pushed her hands away from her stomach. His heart stopped when he saw the bruises, dark, angry splotches that marked her skin. His expression darkened, and his jaw tightened as fury bubbled up inside him. “You lied to me,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. She shook her head weakly, tears spilling from her eyes. “I didn’t want you to be mad…”

“Mad?” he repeated, his voice rising. “Y/N, you could’ve died! Do you have any idea how stupid that was?”

“I just wanted to help,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

“Help?” Antinous shot to his feet, pacing the small room as his anger boiled over. “You think getting yourself beaten half to death is helping? You think lying to me is helping?” He turned back to her, his eyes blazing. “You’re not leaving this house. Not for months. You’re banned from going anywhere!” Her tears flowed freely now, her sobs wracking her small frame as she stared up at him. “I was just trying to do what you do!” she cried. “What I do?” he snapped, his voice dripping with bitterness. “Y/N, what I do is dangerous, and it’s not for you! You’re not me, and you’re not going to end up like me. Do you understand?” She didn’t respond, her sobs muffled by her trembling hands.

Antinous clenched his fists, his anger simmering as he looked at her small, broken form. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. “You don’t need to do this,” he said, his voice quieter but still firm. “I’ll take care of us. That’s my job, not yours.” She nodded weakly, her tears still streaming down her face. Antinous crouched beside her, his expression softening just slightly. “You scared me,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t do that again.”

She nodded again, her sobs quieting as exhaustion overtook her. Antinous stayed by her side, his anger replaced by guilt as he watched her drift off into a fitful sleep. He swore to himself that he would do better—that he would protect her, no matter what it took. Even if it meant keeping her locked up from the dangers of the world.

——————

I love tragic siblings, but anywyas AHHHHHHHH FANART?? YOU FLATTER ME but anywyas.

For Antinous his design is basically just Duvetboxes design (on YouTube) but he has A LOT of of scars on his body everywhere. ( yes including the blind eye) the only thing distinct is that he has a matching earring with his sister his being a sun on one of his upper ear piercings, and hers being a crescent moon.

For reader you can use any design but I always see them with: tan skin like Antinous’s, dark brown curly hair, scars on her upper torso and legs, and gold earrings that match her brother’s (after her and Telemachus finally started to love each other she matches earrings with him so it’s crescent moon on left, and star on right)

Again, I love duvetboxes designs so it’s here again. Only thing I need to add is the star earrings, light brown hair, and he has a little star brooch that smells like lavender (wink wink)

ORRRR

This scrumptious design of Telemachus by Tenoart, your choice.

And if you want Eurymachus, he’s blonde and green idk

#rei yaps #aphrodites gamble

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callme-naomi · 2 days ago

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Could You Love Me While I Hate Myself?

A Megumi Fushiguro x Reader story.

Summary: You and Megumi Fushiguro have been best friends since high school, and even though his Jujutsu life and your university limited your time together, you both maintained the friendship. Unbeknownst to both of you, you and Megumi held feelings for each other but felt too shy to acknowledge it. Until one night, when you came back with a broken heart from a university party, he had enough of seeing you be unvalued and decided to take this friendship to the next level.

Word count: 4.3K words

naomi's notes: best friends to lovers, reader is not a sorcerer, not based on canon events, the Shibuya incident never happened

When Megumi Fushiguro came to pick you up from your party, he did not expect to see you on the verge of tears.

“Hey, y/n, what’s wrong?” his voice stepped down to a gentle, soft tone, and his heart broke as you clenched your eyes tighter, the night failing to mask a tear that rolled down your face.

“Can we go home, please?” you whispered, voice breaking. “I’ll tell you there.”

“Of course.”

********

You two knew each other since high school, you being a late admission one month in the session. Megumi, ever the introverted and serious kid, thought you were annoying at first, when you were told to be seated next to him. You were the bubbly and sunshine kid, everyone loving your company and smiling nature.

Though you were mediocre in studies, you had a flair for languages, and hearing you speak fluently in several languages, especially Japanese, amazed Megumi. While he tried to avoid you at times, your helpful nature, especially when you would bring him something to eat on days he forgot his lunch, how you sat by him in comfortable silence, somehow sensing his need of someone to be with him, and the fact that while he was someone everyone was frightened of, you always seemed to find the best in him, to understand him, brought him closer to you.

As for you, while you first thought he was a handsome young man, you later fell harder, with his courage to stand up to bullies, the way he was always there for you in your high and lows, even his comfortable silence speaking volumes, him looking after you when you fell ill, and his dry sense of humour, honestly, what wasn’t there to love about him? But what amazed you the most was how much he cared. For all he pretended to be harsh, his actions proved what other people’s words couldn’t.

The three years of high school together cemented a strong friendship between the two of you, until you had to be separated by your differing lives.

You went off to university, and your best friend went off to Jujutsu High, which was, as you understood it, an institute teaching young sorcerers to battle curses.

Before leaving, you two promised to never let your friendship break. Through nightly calls and texts, and weekly meetups, just the two of you, sometimes at his dorm and sometimes at your hostel, you two maintained the bond you deeply cherished.

However, you now developed feelings for Megumi Fushiguro. Every time he smiled his rare smile at you, or quietly told you about his days at Jujutsu High, or gave you all his attention while you ranted about your tough university schedule, and for every little gift he gave you, your stomach would explode with butterflies.

For some hesitation, you wouldn’t admit it to him. Ever since you entered university, you have been more conscious of yourself. Seeing the other girls, you would judge yourself, your body, your face, your laugh, your way of walking and talking, your fashion sense, your career and wealth. The only thing you had more than them was your talking.

So you judged yourself. Megumi, a man with such beautiful graces and face, with a stable career, perfect, deserved someone better than you.

After all, who would want you as theirs?

Unbeknownst to you, Megumi Fushiguro did have a special place in his heart for you. He memorized the feeling of your hand in his, the way your lips curved before your pretty laughter rang out loud

But you were best friends, and nothing more. You two have been together for years, but what if you didn’t reciprocate his feelings? And he didn’t want this one confession to destroy the bond he strived to maintain. You had a right to choose anyone else to love, and knowing your social life, he feared you might have already chosen someone.

After all, who would want Megumi Fushiguro as theirs?

So the both of you accepted to hide your feelings until the other confessed, or until the time is right. You two were best friends. No more, no less.

While in university’s first year, you took other girls’ comments to heart and thought about transforming yourself, joining gyms or centres for this purpose. Upon knowing your intentions, Megumi spared no time in calling you.

“You’re perfect the way you are,” his calm voice had soothed you, “and if anyone fails to see for who you are, they don’t deserve you. Don’t change yourself to please someone else, okay?”

How did you deserve someone like him for a best friend?

In your second year, your classmate Everest Williams, captain of the basketball team took a liking to you. Though not as handsome as your best friend, he was fairly nice-looking, with his green eyes and golden locks and dimples. It surprised you that such a heartthrob should take a liking to you, especially seeing Leah Edwards, the girl he recently broke up with, a blonde haired girl with barbie physique, slim body and blue, crystal eyes. But the way he looked at you, as if you were the Sun, and how you would find handwritten notes in your locker with loving words from him, and his jolly laugh whenever you joked made you forget your ‘inferiority’.

Maybe he wasn’t like the others. Maybe he’d see you for more than your looks.

You told about him to Megumi when he first charmed you, you laughing your head off since you considered it nothing more than a prank. But as his acts and words became more frequent, you still confided everything about him in your best friend, hoping that if he harboured feelings for you, he might spill it.

But you and he, both were too shy to admit it.

But the truth was, you didn’t view Everest as a potential love interest. You just thought he was a nice guy.

And for all Everest did, you never let him limit the time you had with Megumi. That was where you drew the line. Your priorities were clear.

At the end of the year, the graduating seniors decided to throw a party for all batches to attend. It was more like a prom, where you were supposed to end up with a partner. And worse, they restricted it to only students of your university. No outsiders allowed.

So while at first you had decided not to go, the afternoon of the event when Everest asked you, you had a change of heart. You couldn’t say no to save your life, and you said yes.

When you told Megumi about your party in the evening, he stayed silent on the call.

“Megumi? You still there?”

The conflict inside him was visible on his face as in his room, he paced the room, thinking the next best response. This could be your chance to get someone better than him. And you must be happy, so he considered being selfless and prioritizing your joy over his. You are free, of course, to choose what you want to do.

But for once, he decided it’s okay to be selfish.

“Y/N, can I ask you a favour?”

“Why not.”

“Please don’t go.”

You halted, your shoulder and ear balancing the phone and your hands in the process of picking out your dress. “Why?”

“I – I just-” you could hear him rummage his hand through his hair. “Never mind. I just want you to be happy, okay?”

“Megumi, you’re going to make me cry right now,” you joked, your hand reaching for your red dress you adored. “Do you have a mission tonight?”

“Yes. Do you want me to drop you at the venue?”

“No, Everest said he’d pick me.”

“Okay. Gotta go, Gojo-sensei is calling me. Have a good time, Y/N. Call me for anything you want, alright?”

“Alright.” And with that, the call was ended.

You had rarely ever gotten as prepared as you got that evening, planting freshly-plucked roses from the hostel gardens and wearing your favourite, layered red dress, your eyes hooded with a light dash of eye-shadow and your lips shining with lipstick, your hands adorned with jewellery and the red heels in your feet announcing your arrival.

At seven, you were still waiting for him, when you texted him.

Where are you? We’re supposed to be there in thirty minutes.

His reply came instantaneously.

Be there in five.

When Everest called you to come at the gate, you found him sitting in his car, which you didn’t find odd, but you did feel him colder towards you, his eyes glued towards the phone, and only a ‘nice’ towards your dress. Throughout the car drive, it was only you who kept trying to stir up conversations, to which he would give short replies.

Maybe he’s just tired.

But you couldn’t help but wonder that no matter how exhausted he was, Megumi never ignored you.

At the venue, when the two of you walked in the glowing golden lights of the halls, heads turned in your direction, the lucky girl who got Everest as her partner.

When in reality, you wanted Megumi Fushiguro by your side.

At the beginning of the event, he danced with you, his true smile appearing on his face, dissolving all fears from you, an air of familiarity establishing in the way he held you, until there was a break, and he told you to wait on a table while he got some drinks.

As he disappeared into the crowds, you didn’t mind, seeing you needed a break anyway, with the heels proving it was a wrong decision to dance. While you fixed your hair and rubbed your feet, you waited and waited for him.

Ten minutes passed. Fifteen. Twenty.

You have had enough. The drinks table wasn’t that far away?

You went to find him on your own. Seeing your confused face, a friend of yours comes up to you and whispers, “he just went upstairs. I saw him with Leah.”

You thanked her and followed the direction she pointed to, not even considering the fact that your night just took a turn for the worse.

You saw him, in a dimly-lit room, kissing Leah.

You freeze.

Leah saw you, and pointed towards you, and Everest followed her line of sight to find you. He told her to wait as he walked towards you. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask the same of you.”

“Leah wanted to talk. I think I had told you to wait.”

“Yeah, wait to bring me some drinks, not go kiss girls?”

“I never said anything about bringing you anything. And you don’t get to decide what I do and what I don’t.”

You stare at him. “That’s not fair.”

“You don’t get to talk about what’s fair and what’s not.” His voice raised and attracted onlookers from the floor. “You know what else is not fair? It’s that the only replacement I get for Leah is you. All others were taken, and only you were too dumb to fall for love.” He mimicked you in a high-pitched tone, earning snickers from the crowd. “Now that I got her again,” he showered all the love in the world at the blonde-haired girl beside him in one glance, “I can discard you.”

Fury flared inside you upon this wound to self-dignity. “Watch your words.”

“How about you watch your face?” As you gasped, he smirked. “What, did you think I had taken you for your looks? Go look at yourself in a mirror, chipmunk. Nobody ain’t gonna love you, with or without makeup. Come talk to me when you’ve had a good look over the mistake that’s you. Lesson over.”

You stand there, in your attire, tears forming in your eyes. “I thought you cared? Was all that for nothing?”

He rubbed the bridge of his nose in annoyance. “What, those words of love, and those flowers, and laughing made you think I loved you? Me and you falling in love, heck, anyone falling in love with you, hell would freeze over before it happens. You have nothing compared to what we can get. Who the heck do you think you are? It’s not my fault you’re delusional. I told you, I was playing with you. You were just a pastime. Now go, find someone. If you can.”

You would have fought more, but the rolling tears and laughs of the crowd forced you to run downstairs, as the girls of your section called after you.

“Told you it was fake.”

“Serves her right.”

“I wondered what he saw in her?”

“Go home crying to your boy! Oh wait, you don’t have one.”

“I don’t know if she looked more hideous in makeup or without it.”

“If you have any honour, go kill yourself.”

A few of your friends ran after you, fighting all hurtful words as you wouldn’t stop sobbing, all your hopes crashing on you to reveal the one nasty truth you always feared.

For all he was, Everest was right. After all, who would want you as theirs?

If you were honest with yourself, you didn’t even love him. You weren’t hurt about him dumping you. What hurt you was the time he chose to humiliate you, and the way he advertised your ‘imperfection’.

Your friends took you to the bathrooms and tried to console you, but you had only one thing in mind.

“Can you please give me my phone?”

While your friends immediately obliged, you rang up your topmost contact, and you hoped he would pick up. He never ignored a call from you, but he was on a mission, so...

Someone breathed life to your soul as Megumi’s voice rang, “Y/N?”

“Can you please come pick me up?”

“Of course. I’m on my way.” The keys jangled in the background and the door slammed shut. “Are you crying, Y/N? Is everything alright?”

“I’ll tell you everything later, okay?”

“Of course.”

So it was natural for Megumi to get worried. Why are you crying, why are you coming home early (not that he hated it, but he didn’t want you to be heartbroken), and is Everest with you?

And of course he was confused, and he felt someone took his heart and smashed it when he saw your tear-struck face.

*******

Upon reaching your hostel, you opened the door, Megumi following, and the moment the door thudded close, with a loud cry, you threw apart your jewellery and jerked your hair open, sobs escaping you as flowers scattered the floor. Megumi strode towards you quick and held your hands gently.

“Why am I even alive?” You screamed like a maniac, fighting in his grasp. “I should die! I am a mistake. I hate myself. I hate myself. I HATE MYSELF!”

“Y/N, look at me.” he softly told you. “Y/N, look at me. Don’t do this to me.”

You finally meet his eyes, red rimmed eyes meeting his worried green ones, your trembling lips trying to make coherent words.

“Here, have some water, and tell me what happened.”

And so you did. His hands holding you as he sat beside you, you leaning into him, with hiccups, and occasional outbursts, you told him. And by the end, his eyes held unbridled rage and his knuckles were white, his teeth and fists clenched. “Why didn’t you tell me there?”

“I didn’t want to trouble you in my mess. And it’s not that I wanted to continue, anyway. It’s just…he insulted me publicly. He lifted me and then threw me ruthlessly to the ground. He showed me I’m worthless.”

“Y/N.,” his face looked hurt, “don’t say that.”

“No, let me speak. He’s right, Megumi. Nobody would ever want me. Look at me.” you laugh hysterically, pointing to your face. “What is it that I have? I don’t have a model-styled body, or picture-perfect face, or a wealthy background or good grades, I have nothing! Compared to others, I really am nothing. What was I thinking? I really should try harder, if I ever intend to find love.” you put your head in hands and weep. “Who would ever want me?” You raise your head to meet his, your raw heart spilling everything out. “Even you deserve someone better. You’re everything one could ever want. Even you must wonder why you are still friends with me.”

Megumi Fushiguro had had enough. Enough of you being undervalued by rubbish people, when you were his entire world. All because you had to go to other boys because he was too chicken to admit his feelings for you?

He had promised himself to be there for you when you needed him, and if he didn’t stand up for you now, then damn all his feelings for you. What kind of a man would he be, if the one he loves suffers right in front of him?

What’s the worst that can happen, honestly? Now that he thought about it, the worst case was you rejecting him. But at least you’ll know that no matter whomever you end up with, someone loved you truly.

“It’s my turn to speak,” he began speaking, slowly, as if considering the best way to navigate his words, “never, in our years of friendship, have I ever had second-guesses about being your best friend. I wonder, what have I done to deserve you, the best thing that could happen to me.”

Your hands drop from your face in disbelief.

“You remember what I had told you in first year? You’re perfect the way you are, and if anyone fails to see you, they don’t deserve you. Don’t compare yourself to any other person. And if given the chance, I’d do it all again for you. I don’t deserve someone better, because you are the best I could have ever asked for. I can’t stand by seeing you be shattered by people who fail to recognize your value. I want you to know your worth. If only you could see yourself the way I see you.”

You finally smile, your love blooming softly in your chest.

“There you go,” he smiled with you, his thumbs gently removing the tears. “See? You’ve got such a beautiful smile. It’s his loss.”

Of which he was secretly glad.

“Thank you, Megumi,” you tell him, “but you don’t need to console me. I just wanted to let it all out. I know you’re saying that because you’re my best friend.”

“Heck yeah I’m saying this because I am your best friend,” his voice held ferocity, “and I care for you. I’ve never wanted anyone else, because I’ve only wanted you. And no matter how much anyone tells me otherwise, you’ll always be perfect for me because I love you. Truly.”

You stare at him, the room falling silent except for the heavy breaths of the two of you, your eyes never leaving his reddening face.

“You mean it?” your voice escaped your lips finally, trembling. “Every word?”

“Every single word.”

You smile, finally, your heart not caring anymore what Leah or Everest or anyone else thought. They could all go to hell for all you cared, because as long as you were loved by Megumi Fushiguro, you didn’t give the world a damn.

“Why did it take you so long?” you whined. “Had you said it earlier, I would have never even gone to the party in the first place!”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” he returned your question at you.

“Because I thought if you wanted someone else. Someone better than me.”

His eyes were gentle pools of warmth as he held your hand to his lips. “No one could fuckin' compare to you, Y/N, because no one can compete to how much you mean to me.”

You blush, finally at peace with yourself. “You didn’t answer my question. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I thought you deserved to love and be loved by someone better, who can give you what you deserve.”

Your smile is full of love as you softly reply, “there is only one person I have loved, and will love, all my life. And he’s sitting right here with me.”

The relief that seeped through him upon knowing you had a place in your heart for only him made him feel he was the luckiest man in the world.

He’d fight the curses, and the entire world for you, as long as you loved him and he loved you.

“Well,” he gave his rare smile, “what do you say about taking this friendship to the next level?”

You look him in the eye, a daring smile dancing on your lips. “What’s stopping you?”

Hi everyone, Naomi here. This is a piece I wrote for @dragonscribble's writing event. I wrote this for the prompt 'No one could fuckin' compare to you'. Thanks for reading this, and do share your opinions! <3

Collage made by me. DO NOT COPY MY WORK!

#Dragon—collab #writers on tumblr #writerscommunity #jjk x reader #Dragonscribble #writing prompts #writing event #naomi_writes #best friends to lovers #fushiguro megumi #megumi fushiguro #megumi x you #jjk megumi #megumi x reader

26 notes · View notes

mikashisus · 3 days ago

Text

THUS ALWAYS TO TYRANTS

02.5. my heart knew the weight

notes. ITS FINALLY HEREEEE!!! the chapter i spent 8 long and grueling months writing, revising, and getting frustrated over is finally here!!! i put my blood, sweat, and tears into this to make it as enjoyable and eerie as possible! if some scenes with barbatos don’t make sense, dw bc the plot will all unfold in the next few chapters! this fic is supposed to be confusing. barbatos and the mc r both unreliable narrators in their own ways - and that means u shouldn’t trust what they say, but the ppl around them (cough rukkhadevata and jean cough). the plot rlly picks up in this chapter so im super excited to see how u guys react hehe

taglist. @wystiix @pneumosia @kazuinvocation @daydreaming-paradies @gl4di0lus @pixelcafe-network

word count. 11.2k

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“So let me get this straight…“ Gwen said, shuffling around on the tabletop, “you and my brother went to the library together?”

She grabbed a piece of cheese from the plate resting by her thigh and popped it into her mouth, a small smirk beginning to form on her lips. “And afterwards, he showed off and offered to teach you how to wield a sword?”

You let out a small huff. “He didn’t ‘show off’, per say…” you trailed off, a smile pulling at your lips, “he was just clearing monsters from our path.”

Gwen rolled her eyes. “Same thing! I know my brother, so he was definitely showing off! After all, he was the best swordsman in Cairnfelle!”

Quirking a brow, you leaned forward, about to ask about this ‘Cairnfelle’ she mentioned, when she suddenly clapped her hands together. “So! What’d you find?” She rested her hands on her knees, dangling her foot off the edge of the table.

“Well, there wasn’t a whole lot. I ended up checking out four books. I already read through three, and so far, nothing.” You explained, thinking back to the journal you found.

There wasn’t a single thing about Barbatos in that journal. Two of the other books were origin stories�� one being how Barbatos taught the birds of the world how to fly. The other book had been a written biography about Barbatos and Queen Catalina’s adventures. Although it was a thrilling read packed to the brim with suspense and laughter that made your stomach ache, it wasn’t enough.

None of the books were giving you what you wanted: information on who Barbatos really was. All the books you checked out had told of his exploits after Decarabian’s fall. There was next to nothing regarding his life before the rebellion; It was as if he hadn’t existed until recently.

And quite frankly, you were beginning to get a little frustrated. The red strings on your mental investigation board were going nowhere, connecting to nothing.

Gwen hummed thoughtfully. “So, you read through the first three. What about the last one? Any luck?”

“I haven’t read it yet.”

“How about you bring it to our home tomorrow? We can read it together!” She smiled, bright and genuine.

The proposition was an intriguing one, though you preferred to handle this crisis on your own. Gwen, as far as you were concerned, was a devout worshipper of Barbatos.

The most you told her about why you had gone to the library was that you were gathering information on a historical figure. You didn’t know the depth of her loyalty to Barbatos, and you weren’t willing to test it by explaining your true motives.

She was a kind soul, that much was true, but she could have been reminiscent of the utterly devoted nuns from the church.

(And when faced with doubtful questions about their god, they were a force to be reckoned with— an annoying pest that wouldn’t go away. A headache inducing interaction.)

Her offer was from the heart, you knew it was. That, paired with her dazzling smile, made a pool of guilt settle in your stomach. You couldn’t possibly say no, especially not to someone so kindhearted as her.

With a silent sigh, you returned her smile and nodded.

She clapped her hands together again and hopped off the table. “Great! Hopefully we luck out this time! Right?” She grabbed her now empty plate and glass and retreated back behind the bar.

The last book was a worn, battered thing that looked much older than the journal you found. An archaic symbol was etched into the front, and the pages were yellowed and ripped in some spots.

A name was inscribed into the back cover in elegant calligraphy, though part of it was smudged by a stain and you could only make out three letters.

You hadn't opened the book yet. You didn't want to— not without Gwen. After all, the whole reason you were here, sitting on a plush couch in a cozy oceanside cabin, was because she had suggested you read through the book together. However, it seemed as though she had forgotten about that proposal, as when you arrived at her home, she was nowhere to be seen.

Arbor had been the one to welcome you in. He was outside at the time, tearing some hay-filled dummies to shreds with a rickety old wooden sword that has seen better days. His skin, a warm tawny, orange-brown, glowed as the sun beat down on his figure. Sweat hung from his brow and slithered down his fully toned chest and abdomen, and you couldn't help the way your eyes trailed him for a moment, entranced.

He caught sight of you and nodded curtly, gathering up his previously discarded white shirt and wiping the sweat from his face. His auburn hair was messy, sticking up in some places. He opened the gate leading into the garden and led you into the cabin his family called home. Now, you were waiting as he fetched you a lemonade from the kitchen.

The Blair family's house was a humble old home, with paintings lining the walls and fun little knick knacks littered around on tables and shelves. There was a wall listing the entire family's achievements— from joining the royal guard, their contributions in war, rising to the ranks of elite soldiers labeled as "The Archangel Knights," and their feats during the rebellion and rebuilding of Mondstadt. It was clear to you that this family was a family of heroes.

The first floor of the house was composed of three rooms: the kitchen, the common space, and a small storage closet. The kitchen and common space were connected, the walls open and the ceilings somewhat high. A series of plants lined the windowsills and some hung from the ceiling. Flower pots filled with cecilias and windwheel asters occupied the table in front of you.

A set of stairs leading up to the second floor of the house sat to your right, with garland wrapping snugly around the banister. A faded red banner hung from one of the walls, the symbol on it unfamiliar to you. Another sat next to it, this one a newer, bright seafoam blue with a cecilia flower in the middle and gold lining the edges. Gold tassels hung from the ends, and the banner billowed gently as a passive breeze filtered in through a nearby window. All the windows were covered with white, partially see-through curtains that allowed a considerable amount of sunlight to filter through, igniting the whole house with a dazzling warmth and a lively atmosphere.

In the corner of the common space, behind the couch you were sitting on, was a rack filled with six swords, all of them varying in color, size, and shape. All six had a different colored piece of cloth tied around the hilts.

A fluffy quilt laid across the back of the couch, its colors a bright yellow, red, and blue. The pattern on it was foreign, most likely from another nation.

Arbor returned from the kitchen, placing two glasses on the low table in front of you, one yours and one his. A plate of sweet potato fritters with cinnamon sugar was placed in the middle of the table for the both of you to share. He took a seat next to you and popped one of the fritters into his mouth.

"I deeply apologize on behalf of my sister," he began, shaking his head, "honestly. She needs to learn to keep her word."

A breathless chuckle escaped your lips. "It's alright. Where is she, anyway?"

He let out a sigh. "She's on church duty today. Unfortunately, she won't be back until later in the afternoon. If you want to stay here until then, you're more than welcome to—"

You politely turned down his offer. "That's quite alright. If it's no trouble, I can come back another day."

He raised a brow and glanced at the book in your hands. You had told him when you arrived that Gwen offered to read through this final book with you. Though, now that you knew she wasn't here and had forgotten your plans in the midst of her busy schedule, the only thing you could do was return back to the city.

Arbor's eyes trailed elsewhere, calculating. His jaw was clenched and he looked deep in thought. A few moments of awkward silence passed between you before he spoke up. "I could read it with you in her stead."

That certainly wasn't an offer you were expecting, especially from him. Though, you supposed after he volunteered to go to the library with you the other day, it wasn't that surprising.

"Afterwards, we can start your lessons in swordsmanship... if that sounds enticing to you."

It did.

You nodded, a smile on your face as you opened the book and shuffled a bit closer to him. He stayed put, allowing you to enter his space a little as you placed the book between the two of you.

‘In the epic days of yore, a few thousand years ago, the heavens sprang to life and opened. The divine angels sang a magnificent choir, and trumpets announced the birth of a deity from the high heavens. This deity that would later come to be known as an influential figure in the formation of Mondstadt as a nation— the god of memories herself, ELIGOS; or more commonly known by her mortal name, Queen Catalina.

Her fascination with humans led to what many referred to as “the great mindscape,” or rather, a period of time when she had entered the minds of mortals and sifted through their memories to gain a better understanding of humans. Her fascination exceeded humans and even reached other gods…’

With furrowed brows, you stopped reading. It seemed as if this was another book to be discarded. So far, it hadn’t mentioned Barbatos at all. Though, judging by the pointed look on Arbor's face, you decided to keep reading.

It was then that you noticed how close the two of you had gotten.

This close, you could see his features better. Focused, striking gray eyes with lavender bags underneath that you hadn’t noticed before, a hooked nose, smooth pink lips that were pursed together, and a perfectly sculpted jawline. The light filtering in from the window touched his skin, casting an ethereal glow upon him.

He looked like a god.

You had never seen a real god in your entire life up until you arrived in this era. Witnessing what true divinity looked like right before your very eyes had stirred something within you. It was revitalizing in a way you couldn’t fully describe nor understand.

And now, as you looked at Arbor, you could feel your heart beating just a little faster and your breath get caught in your throat. It wasn’t the same feeling you experienced when you saw Barbatos for the first time, but it sure was similar.

Small movement directed your attention away from his face and down to your hands. His fingers were brushing over yours as he brought the book closer. You swallowed the lump that formed in your throat and tried to focus on the words on the page rather than his fingers enveloping yours.

It was a difficult feat, but you recovered.

Maybe the Anemo Archon was mentioned somewhere in this book— perhaps in a later chapter.

The two of you continued to read about the adventures and origins of the previous god that had once ruled over the eastern side of Mondstadt. As it turned out, Catalina had been the first god to ever step foot into Mondstadt, with Andrius following close behind, and Decarabian invading upon their territory some hundreds of years later.

The tale of Catalina's life was filled with wonder and a bit of sorrow. The Ruler of Time had once again been brought up, mentioned briefly in a few paragraphs describing how she was a mentor to Catalina. It made sense to you. After all, Catalina was the god of memories and the Ruler of Time was just that: a god of time. Memories and time were closely intertwined. It was no surprise that two gods who commanded both were also in close association with the other.

Finally, what you had been searching for stared you right in the face. A whole entire chapter on Barbatos. Although this book turned out to be a biography of another god, you were more than happy to get at least a little information on the Anemo Archon, no matter how brief it could be.

You turned the page, and the entire section on his origins was smudged out, worn by time. A curse fell from your lips, and you had the sudden urge to throw the book across the room. Arbor steadied you, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. He took the book from your hands and flipped until he came across a fully legible page. It wasn't about the origins of Barbatos, but it outlined his history with the gods of memories and time.

It was short, but informative.

‘The spirit that calls himself Barbatos and the Queen of the North Wind were two entities closely entwined. After (...), they were considered close allies and even closer friends. The mortals who looked upon their astounding companionship once spoke of how fond the two appeared to be of each other.

Some even questioned the Queen quietly, wondering if such companionship was a step towards something greater. Although the two gods have never spoken forthright about this matter, thus is apparent: they share something that is unequivocally whole, transcending that of mortal comprehension. It is a bond that could never be severed. It is to be admired.’

You've read enough history books in your life to know what those words meant. The meaning was there in bold letters on a neon flashing sign. However, Catalina was long dead. Whatever relationship she harbored with the Anemo Archon died with her, that much you were certain of— even if you never knew of her existence until recently.

Arbor hummed. "This book is right. The Queen and Barbatos were once close… closer than any mortal could ever hope to be with another. It was truly fascinating."

It was, but you had more than a few questions; The first being how this book was outlining such recent events when it looked as if it had been run through the mud ten times over. It looked as if it was from a time in the far past— a past that was way before the Archon War. The events recorded in the first half of its pages could only be known for so long before being forgotten.

Your second question, following up your previous one, was: just who wrote this? Surely whoever wrote it was as old as the book itself. It only made sense. Only someone immortal could remember and record these events with such vivid detail.

Instead of staying afterwards like you originally planned, you quickly left the Blair family’s home, taking a few fritters along with you at the behest of Arbor.

“It’s rare to see you here, Barbatos.”

Rukkhadevata was quick to exit the Sanctuary of Surasthana as soon as the matra had informed her of the Anemo Archon’s abrupt visit. Although unexpected and sudden, she welcomed him with open arms.

Her smile was soft and kind, and her verdant eyes were warm and inviting. She towered over him as she ushered him closer, her arms spread wide. “Welcome, finally, to Sumeru.”

The younger god returned her smile, descending to the stone floor with a final flap of his wings. He brushed off his feathers before his wings folded behind him. “It was about time I paid you a visit, my friend.”

Rukkhadevata’s smile faltered a little, her eyes scanning him with a knowing look. “You are not here for a simple sightseeing trip, are you?”

He hated how well she could see through him. With a sigh, he nodded. Without another word, she motioned towards the Sanctuary. He began to follow her as she hovered a hand over his lower back. Inside the Sanctuary, he could feel the thrum of life spiraling through its walls and floors.

He shivered at the coldness beneath his bare feet. Despite that, a warmth enveloped him from every angle as small, almost imperceivable green particles floated in the air. It was as if the entire building was breathing, providing a comforting, cozy atmosphere for those within.

In the middle of the bridge sat some sort of device he had never seen before. He eyed it curiously, watching silently as the Dendro Archon walked up to it. It slithered and recoiled, like a set of retreating vines, disappearing up into the high ceilings above.

A couch made out of vines was fashioned at the Dendro Archon’s will, and she ushered him forth with a smile. “Come. Sit. Would you like anything to eat or drink?”

He shook his head. Moving forward hesitantly, he sat upon the makeshift couch, crossing his legs together. Rukkhadevata hummed a soft tune, one that matched the eerie choir that resonated through the thrumming of the semi-sentient walls. She sat down, a cup of herbal tea in her hands.

“You are here for a number of reasons, but one of those is more important than the rest. What troubles you, my dear friend?”

As always, she knew. She always did.

He chuckled softly. “You always seem to know what I’m thinking, so… Wanna take a guess?”

She thought long and hard for a moment, her eyes closing. For a minute, it was silent, except for the faint choir resounding all around him.

The longer he stayed in the Sanctuary, the more out of place he felt. It was different— much different than what he was used to. Back in Mondstadt, places belonging to divinity were cold and biting. They didn’t breathe with the life force of nature. They sang like the howling winds. The cold was uninviting and cruel, pushing out anyone who did not belong. It sent intruders packing.

But here, it was the opposite. It was filled with warmth and comfort, drawing him in and enveloping him like a hug. There was no wind that sang, and no cold to whistle through his veins. There was a numbing hotness about the air, filled with the life force of nature.

Yes… it was much different than Mondstadt.

Rukkhadevata’s eyes fluttered open, glowing and full of knowledge. Her lips drew together in a tight frown. “I see. You wish to know if it is possible to alter time, even after recent events.” Her eyes dimmed back to their normal color, the divinity seemingly fading away.

He looked away. “I know it’s strange,” he began, “after all, I’m more than capable of doing it myself… but…”

“Messing with time can cause great catastrophes.” She finished, sighing heavily. “Not only that, but it is extremely difficult to alter Irminsul’s memories. Surely she had told you that.”

With great restraint, he stopped himself from sending her a harsh glare. He gritted his teeth, his tone venomous. “Don’t—” his expression softened as he met her eyes, and he swallowed, “yes. Altering memories— and time, especially in regards to Irminsul, is risky. I know that, but I wanted to at least do something good this time around…”

She studied him for a moment. Standing up, she brought up a holographic screen. “No one in history has ever entered Irminsul. No one in history has altered Irminsul… except for them.”

A white hot rage filled his veins at the mention of the Heavenly Principles. He pushed it aside and focused on Rukkhadevata’s words.

“However, that was until our little time traveler showed up.” She zoomed in on the screen, and he assumed she was looking at Irminsul. “In the course of a week, she altered fate on an unprecedented scale. I felt the shift in Irminsul— the pull of memories shifting around, convulsing, new ones appearing and replacing the old ones.”

She was silent for a moment, her brows drawn together in thought as she stared at what looked like various tree branches and nerves. “No one has ever changed fate like this… except for a god.”

He perked up at that, his surprise evident on his face. He opened his mouth to ask who, when she turned to him, her lips pursed tightly together.

“Barbatos… that god was you.”

His blood ran cold.

“Me?”

“Many millennia ago, at the start of this world— the beginning of Teyvat’s formation, the Ruler of Time created the Thousand Winds.” She expanded the screen, making it impossibly large. With her fingers, she moved some images around on the screen, showing a perfectly normal tree with only a few branches.

“From those Winds, a lone son wandered too far from his mother, and despite her orders, passed through the fractured barrier in spacetime, creating what we now regard as the ‘Barrier of Ikairo.’ It was an event that was never meant to happen. It was a stain on the Heavenly Principles— an act of disobedience.”

The tree shifted along with the events of the story. Its trunk twisted as thousands upon thousands of long, spindly branches appeared.

“As his punishment, Celestia forced him to partake in the Archon War and slay the person he cared for most. With her gone, he was awarded the title of Anemo Archon and appointed to the position of barrier guardian by strict order from the Ruler of Time.”

He sat there, his head down, shame filling his entire being. He hadn’t meant to cross the barrier. He hadn’t meant to put a dent in Irminsul. He hadn’t meant to cause such a disturbance nor change fate. And now, to pay for such unforgivable crimes, he was charged with immortality— a lifetime, chained, bound by duty. Not only as the Anemo Archon with a stolen authority from the ancient sovereigns, but a guardian of the barrier. And already, he had failed in his duty.

“Another… more soul crushing punishment was decreed just this week.”

He was aware. He had heard the trumpets, he had witnessed the trial, he had sat upon the physical manifestation of his throne and accepted the punishment. After all, he had no choice. Whatever the Heavenly Principles decreed was law. It was sacred scripture. It was carved into Irminsul, and there was no way of ever breaking free from these shackles.

He had let out a snort then. How ironic for the god of freedom to be chained. To be bound by duty, never actually— truly free. The shackles were there, invisible but there. He felt their weight in his heart and on his mind.

A hand gently grabbed his chin and lifted his now tear-stained face. Rukkhadevata, in all her tenderness and grace, peered back at him with a sorrowful look in her eyes. She knelt before him, softly rubbing her thumb over his cheek, swiping away his tears. Her other hand came up to rest on the back of his head.

She reminded him so similarly of his mother, but with more love and care wrapped in her heart. Maybe it had been because she was connected to the heart of the world— Irminsul.

With a hesitant motion, she pulled him towards her, enveloping him in a warm hug that he so desperately needed. He wrapped his arms around her, his head falling limp between her neck and collarbone. His body fell forward into her lap, and she cradled him in her arms as if he was a baby bird. His cries resounded through the Sanctuary, his tears staining her yellow-brown skin.

She rested her head upon his, bringing him in tighter, her brows furrowing together. They stayed that way for a while as the walls thrummed sadly, imitating the slow beat of a harrowed heart.

It had been a full two months since your first visit to the Blair family home. Upon realizing she accidentally bailed on you, Gwen invited you over for dinner the day after. That one night turned into two, and two turned into three, and so on and so forth until you were spending every night with them.

They were a jovial family, always playing music and regaling you with tales of adventures and old legends. Gwen would run off and grab an instrument, only to bring it down to the living room. She’d jump onto the coffee table and begin to sing, her voice filling the cabin with an exuberant atmosphere. Klaus and August would join in as Arbor stood from his seat and offered you a hand, bowing as if he was some prince asking a princess to dance.

He’d smile as he pulled you from your chair and wrapped an arm around your waist. You’d return his smile as you placed a hand on his shoulder. “Just follow my lead,” he’d tell you, and you did your best to match his steps as he twirled you around the room. Laughter pierced the air and wafted out through the open windows.

In those moments, you were able to forget everything and truly live in the moment.

Over the course of those two months, you learned how to wield a sword. Arbor was a ruthless teacher. His methods were quite… odd, but they were effective, so you didn’t question him. If it worked, then who were you to judge?

During those training sessions, you learned more about each other. His favorite color was a deep seafoam, akin to the ocean near his home. His favorite meal was schnitzel with warm potato salad. He loved sunsets, music, and to your surprise, graffiti art. He had a special ability to make every cat love him, no matter how feral one could be. He was a real momma’s boy before his mother died— always helping her out when needed and pledging his life to keeping her safe. He never admitted it, but you could see on his face that he blamed himself for his mother’s death.

You confided in him as he did you. You told him of the two men that felt like brothers to you— Diluc and Kaeya. You told him about your childhood, your family and how they’d host Oktoberfest in their house every year and the whole neighborhood would show up. You told him what your favorite meals and pastries were, and eventually, he started making them for you without prior notice.

You choked on air as your back hit the ground. Your sword flew out of your hands, landing elsewhere as you coughed and tried to regain your breathing.

Arbor hadn’t even broken a sweat. He stood above you, his body blocking your view of the sun as you stared up at the sky in defeat. He adjusted his grip on his sword and inhaled. “Get up.” He spat, nudging your thigh with his foot. “We’re not done yet. Not until you disarm me. Let’s go. The sooner you disarm me, the sooner we can go inside and have dinner.”

“Are you cooking tonight?” You questioned, your voice hoarse from your dry throat and the lack of oxygen.

He looked away. Uh oh. “It’s Gwen’s turn.”

You whined. Although the girl was an exceptional baker, she couldn’t cook for her life. If she was stranded on a deserted island by herself, she’d surely die within the first day. She was an incredible fighter— you knew that from the one time Arbor invited her to a training session. She disarmed you and had you on the ground begging for mercy before you could even blink. That had been the first and last time you allowed her to join.

(You even considered her a far more ruthless teacher than her brother.)

Even though all she harbored was kindness and love in her heart and a friendly smile was always present on her lips, she sure didn’t play when it came to combat. Her entire personality shifted, and suddenly you were face to face with a seasoned soldier. It was downright horrifying.

With a small groan, you hauled yourself up off the grass and grabbed your sword. Arbor was already in a fighting stance when you turned around. Not giving you the chance to take a breath, he dashed forward with that same grace and elegance he always possessed. Your reflexes— which had improved over the course of two months —acted quickly, and you raised your sword to block the oncoming attack.

Gritting your teeth at the force, you pushed on your blade, attempting to knock him back. He pulled away and for a moment, you thought he was going on the defensive, when suddenly he adjusted his grip, and you knew what that meant.

Swallowing, you readied yourself, despite the dread creeping up your spine. He leapt forward, his movements fast and precise, aiming for each and every weak spot you had. You blocked attack after attack, ducking just in time as he swung towards your head. You swiped at his feet, and he jumped effortlessly over your blade. You knelt and rolled, avoiding his midair attack.

You were too slow to your feet, unable to deflect the next blow as you turned. You were knocked back, slamming right into a nearby boulder. The force from the blow knocked the air from your lungs. You coughed harshly, a wheeze escaping your lips. Your entire back was aching, though it wasn’t nearly as bad as the beating he put you through the day prior during your hand-to-hand combat training.

As usual, there wasn’t a single drop of sweat coating his body. How the hell? Was he some sort of indestructible immortal being?

He approached you, raising his sword once more as you painfully stood. Your shoulders were heaving, and your entire body was coated in a fine layer of sweat. Your hair stuck to your neck and forehead, and you wiped the sweat from your brow with the collar of your shirt.

“Again. That was pitiful. I’ve taught you better.”

Did he have an off button?

With a huff, you ran at him, and he sighed deeply. “This is your problem.”

“What is?” You scowled, beginning to get tired of his attitude.

He aimed for your chest and you jumped back just in time. His frown deepened. “Find it yourself.” He discarded his blade.

“Wha—” You paused for a moment. Big mistake. He hit your jaw, and you stumbled backwards.

“What have I told you? Don’t halt for a second. The drop of a weapon does not equate to surrender. The moment you hesitate is the moment you die.”

You scoffed. “If I die, it’s because you beat me to death!”

“No, if you die, it’s because of your own stupidity!”

He landed a punch right on your cheek, knocking you back once more. You skidded along the grass, dazed. He stood over you with a disappointed frown. “You’re weak still. You hesitate. You don’t channel anger. You fight with no purpose. That is your problem.”

You stared up at him, returning his glare. You couldn’t deny that his words hurt a little, if not a lot. Couldn’t he see you were trying your best? Couldn’t he see that you were putting your all into this training? You never skipped a lesson, and you always took them seriously. You listened when he corrected you and you were taking all of his advice to heart. Because of him, your reflexes and focus had improved, and you were reading your opponent’s movements at a rapid pace.

“Arbor.” A firm, cold voice called.

Both of you looked up to see Gwen standing in the distance, her brows furrowed and her lips drawn into a tight line. She was livid.

“Enough. She’s not like us. She’s not like Mother.” She remarked. “She wasn’t born from wrath. You can’t expect her to be the same when she’s…” she trailed off, her eyes flickering to you before fixing on her brother again. “Stop expecting so much of her. Results will come with time.”

He kept quiet, knowing better than to argue with her when she was so painfully right. With a huff, he made a beeline in her direction, his fists curled and his shoulders tense. She met his fierce expression with a challenging one of her own.

“She will fail if she continues like this,” he muttered bitterly, “she is nothing but a sorry excuse for a student.”

The look in Gwen’s eyes flashed to one of pure rage. She gritted her teeth. “Just because she’s not advancing at the speed you want does not mean she’s weak. Do you not see her trying her hardest to match you!? She’s learning quick for someone so inexperienced. For a mortal—”

You couldn’t hear what they were saying, but it was clear to you that they were arguing.

“I disarmed Lowen within my tenth training session. It was brief, but I did it. There is no reason she cannot do the same after two months.” He contested. “It doesn’t matter what she is. My teaching has been accelerated this whole time.”

Her eye twitched. “Arbor, you’ll break her if you continue like this—”

“This conversation is over.” He stormed off towards the coastline, ignoring Gwen’s anxious calls of his name.

“Why don’t you come inside?” Gwen questioned after letting out a sigh. “I came out here to let you both know that dinner is ready, anyway.”

You stood from your place on the grass, wincing at the ache that was present in every bone in your body. As you moved, your brows scrunched together, and she smiled apologetically.

“I’m sorry about him… he’s always been like that— hard on people, I mean.” Her gaze was distant as she followed the outline of his form on the coastline. “Our mother was the same way. He picked up more than a few of their habits…”

‘Their’?

Instead of prying, you followed her gaze. “Will he be okay? He seemed pretty angry.”

She scoffed. “He’ll be fine. It’s me that you should worry about,” she told you as she turned to head inside, “as soon as he gets back, I’m giving him a piece of my mind.”

You hesitated for a moment, your eyes lingering on Arbor’s shirtless form in the distance. From what you could see, he was knee deep in the ocean waves, his arms crossed over his chest. From here, you couldn’t make out the expression on his face. His back was somewhat turned to you.

You wondered how he must be feeling. You knew he was impatient and hard on you, but it was only because he wanted you to improve. Did you really meet his standards, though, if you kept failing?

You weren’t a fool. You could tell that his argument with Gwen had been about you and your progress. Although you couldn’t hear what they were saying, it was clear as day because of the way he had spoken to you before she arrived.

With a long sigh, you followed Gwen into the house.

With a swipe of her sleeve over her sweaty forehead, Gwen sighed heavily. That had been the last of the boxes that needed to be moved.

A man clapped his hands together, wiping off the dust and grime. He turned to Gwen with a grateful smile.

“Thank you so much for your help, Lord Guinevere,” the man said, giving a swift bow, “without your help, we wouldn’t have been able to move all this wood by sunset.”

She shook her head, returning his smile. “It was no trouble. And seriously, Arnold, you don’t have to call me that anymore.” She looked down. “Cairnfelle is gone…”

“Nonsense!” Arnold exclaimed. “Cairnfelle hasn’t fallen yet. You and Arbor are still with us, which means you carry its legacy.”

“I appreciate your loyalty, but…” she trailed off, unable to find the right words. She stared at the ground, unsure of what to say.

This was the first time she had been at a loss for words. What does one even respond to that with, anyway? Cairnfelle was gone. It died with its Queen. The winds had changed.

She took a deep breath and looked up. “A-Anyways— I will always be at your service.” She saluted him. “The Blair family will always be willing to help others, no matter what.”

Arnold nodded curtly, his gaze softening. He ruffled her oak brown hair, causing her to laugh under her breath. “The Blair family has done much for Mondstadt. Our thanks could never equate to the thousands of years of grace you’ve shown us.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Stop getting all formal on me! You know I’ve never done formalities! Also, it’s Gwen. Not Guinevere, and definitely not ‘Lord Guinevere.’”

He laughed, loud and full of mirth. He tipped his hat and nodded. “You got it, Gwen.”

“That’s more like it!” She smiled brightly at him, waving goodbye with a hand raised high above her head. “See ya! Don’t throw your back out while I’m gone!”

The trek back home from Springvale was a lengthy one. The Blair family home was tucked far beneath Starsnatch Cliff, right along the coastline. It was not only a far walk from Springvale, but a far trip from the city as well.

If the land was still intact from before Barbatos’ sudden urge to purge the entire nation of its mountaintops, maybe the original Blair home would still be tucked away in the mountains.

Oftentimes, she found herself missing the comfort and harmony of the mountainous slopes and the chilling, howling winds. They wrapped around the entire kingdom like a safety net, protecting them from the outside world. It was a paradise, a haven for all. A place of peace and prosperity for not only Mondstadtians, but others from around the continent as well.

Instead of going back home like she planned, she took a last minute detour. The sun was fading steadily over the horizon, and making the journey up to the far northern borders would take more than a few days on foot.

This only meant one thing.

She let out a heavy sigh and braced herself for the pain. From her back, hollow bones sprouted, tearing the skin apart. A thin layer of muscle pulled itself over the bone, followed by glistening ivory that danced along the muscle and tapered down, down, down. Brilliant wings stretched high behind her, a burst of feathers filling the air. They fluttered to the ground, only to shoot back up again as she dashed into the sky.

The trip was shorter, thanks to her newfound way of transportation. She stumbled back onto the ground, tripping over her own feet.

It had been such a long time since she had flown like that. It was as if she was a baby bird just learning how to fly.

She caught herself, only to get the wind knocked out of her lungs as a heavy weight collapsed onto her back.

She cried out in pain, her wings still sensitive from just sprouting again after what felt like millennia of being hidden from sight. A groan left her lips as she sat up, gazing behind her only to see a heap of tangled limbs and messy navy hair.

“Lord Barbatos!?”

She didn’t mean for it to come out as a shriek. Quickly pulling him into her arms, she inspected his torn up wings. It was a sorry sight— dried blood coating his feathers and bones sticking out in some places. She winced as she placed him flat on his stomach.

“What happened to you?” She muttered, her brows furrowing as she laid his wings out as far as she could. “This is too much… even for me.”

With this much damage, there was no way she could heal him. It would have to take some sort of miracle. Yet, he was a god. Miracles came naturally to him. With just a snap of his fingers, he could fix this…

Or could he?

What if the damage was irreparable? Would he be cursed to a fate of having clipped wings?

She was already aware of the secrets he harbored and the burdens he carried. First, chained. Then, duty-bound. Now?

…Never to fly again, it seemed.

With a determined huff, she shifted onto her knees and hovered her hands over where feathers met skin. Maybe she couldn’t fix him wholly, but she could very well try her damndest to do something; even if it was as small as clearing the blood and ceasing the pain.

“Hang in there, My Lord.”

An hour passed, and her energy was still intact. She kept up as the sun fully passed over the horizon, replaced with a lone moon shining brightly in the sky.

Another few hours passed. The blood was completely gone now, though she knew that her level of healing could only do so much on a god. It couldn’t heal his broken wings.

At this point, she had no choice but to involve the other divine.

She picked him up, as gently as she could with the little strength she had left after expending her abilities for so long. Carefully, she took him into the abandoned cathedral that still loomed on a cliffside. The ornate roof was long gone, snapped off during the great terraforming process. And yet, that ethereal, sacred feeling of stepping onto holy ground filled her heart and mind.

A familiar power thrummed beneath the marble floors, and a small smile tugged at her lips as it swirled around her, greeting her with a soft breeze.

She carried the broken god up to the altar and laid him down. Pressing a hand over his heart, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her own heart was beating erratically in her chest, threatening to break free from its cage.

With a bowed head, she began the sacred prayer to the North Winds.

“Mögen die Winde deine Erinnerungen streifen und deine Seele durchdringen.

Mögen die Winde dich segnen und dich vom Bösen befreien.

Mögen Wahrheit und Aufrichtigkeit dein Fundament sein. Mögen Vertrauen und Treue dich leiten.

Mögen die Erinnerungen an die Vergangenheit, die Gegenwart und die Zukunft dein Herz sein.

Mögen deine Lippen stets von der Kälte des Nordens berührt werden und deine Zunge von den Feuern der Entschlossenheit entflammt sein.

Mögen die Winde die Seele und ihre Erinnerungen weitertragen, wenn sie gegangen ist, und den Körper von seinem Schmerz und seinem Leid befreien.”

For a moment, nothing happened.

Until…

A burst of blinding aqua light emerged from the altar. A whirlwind followed closely in its stead. The force sent her tumbling back, her back roughly hitting a stone pillar.

She groaned in pain, hearing a small crack erupt from one of her wings. She cursed under her breath and fell forward onto the marble floor. Small stones and tiny pebbles cascaded around her as the ground shook with enough force to topple the entire cathedral.

Then, the light disappeared, and the rumbling stopped. The whipping winds fizzled out into soft, murmuring breezes, and the air went cold with suspense.

A whimper sounded. Her head flew up, and sure enough, Barbatos was waking.

She stumbled to her feet, clutching onto the pillar for support before making a beeline for the altar.

Barbatos sat up, rubbing his temple as his vision slowly cleared. The ringing in his ears ceased, and his breathing evened. He looked up, cerulean eyes gazing up at the endless sea of stars above his head.

Where was he?

He had no time to process as the breath was knocked from his lungs and he was catapulted off the altar and onto the ground below a tall statue just behind it. The two figures tumbled to the ground, their backs hitting the base of the statue and causing it to shake slightly.

He huffed, attempting to catch his breath again. He looked down, only to see the familiar sight of brown and platinum hair. He blinked, his eyes widening in surprise.

How long had it been since he’d last seen her?

She was tightly hugging his middle, her head dug into his chest. It was then he noticed she was holding on for dear life, scared he might disappear from her grasp. Hesitantly, he brought a hand up to rest on her head, and the other to rest around her shoulders.

He laid his head upon hers, smiling as he sighed in content.

“So… You wish to know how to change fate?” Egeria looked down on him in mock disdain. “And why have you come to me for this matter? Why not Buer?”

He chewed his lip.

Egeria, as gentle and adoring as she was at her core, could also be merciless and judgmental like the raging tides of the nation she oversought. Her piercing gaze was enough to send a shiver down his spine.

The reason he hadn’t gone to Rukkhadevata was simply because he wasn’t sure whether she could provide him with an answer. He was positive that none of the Archons would— except for one. One, who’s successor was already thinking of a way to change the fate of all Fontainians.

Maybe, if he could speak with her—

Egeria sighed long and hard, her striking blue eyes boring holes into the pristine blue floor. The air was filled with a tense silence as she pondered over his request.

None have ever changed fate before. The only person who had was a mortal, and even then, they had no knowledge of ever doing so, nor how they did so. Even the gods weren’t aware how someone so insignificant had the power to change their fate around.

She sat up straight, snapping her fingers. One of her oceanid familiars rushed forward, kneeling at the steps leading up to her gold and blue throne. She slammed the end of her trident onto the floor, the sound reverberating off the glass walls.

“Fetch Focalors.”

“Right away, Lady Egeria!”

Egeria leaned forward, beckoning Barbatos closer with a perfectly manicured finger. He slowly walked up the steps until he was face to face with her.

“My Focalors has not changed fate,” she began, “but she has been mulling ideas over on the ocean floor for many years. If anyone could help you, it is her. Or perhaps… you’ve considered someone else?”

She raised a brow, the knowing look in her eyes saying it all. You know someone who deals in fate. Why waste your time here?

He took a deep breath. “Cousin,” he regarded her in confidence, “I seek a trustworthy ally. Someone who will handle this mortal’s fate carefully.”

With an intrigued hum, she stroked her chin. So that’s why he came to her. Not because Rukkhadevata was not in the know, but because the dealer-in-fate he already knew was someone he could not trust as far as he could throw them. Which, as the Anemo Archon, was pretty damn far.

“And you believe my Focalors will be this honest person?”

“Yes.” He uttered without a second thought.

Just then, the oceanid familiar from before came walking in with a stunning figure in tow. Barbatos stared, his eyes wide and his mouth falling open as he met her mismatched eyes. The woman had white hair with blue highlights that reached her calves, and wore a gorgeous mermaid-styled white and navy gown. Gold earrings hung from her ears, and a polite smile tugged at her lips. There was a certain elegance about her that Barbatos had been captivated by. It was an elegance he was all too familiar with.

It was the elegance of an ancient god, though Focalors was anything but an ancient god. She paid him no mind as her careful steps resonated throughout the room. She bowed deeply before Egeria’s throne.

“How may I serve you, Lady Egeria?”

“Rise,” Egeria said gently, motioning for Focalors to come closer.

The oceanid turned human did as she was told and stood next to Barbatos with her hands clasped tightly together in front of her.

"The Anemo Archon seeks an audience with you. Consider yourself lucky to be in the presence of such an esteemed one as himself."

Focalors' eyes widened, and she turned to gaze upon the god standing beside her. Her eyes were calculating as she studied him. It was as if she was trying to ascertain why in the world he had wanted to speak with her, of all people.

He had come just for her? What for?

She had heard of his exploits from Egeria, and he truly was a man worth the devotion and praise. He had done so much for his people, for his friends, and for his nation. Someone like him was comparable to that of a hero; one written about in fables and bards' songs. It was ironic, given the fact that he was the god of music and song.

If the god of freedom, song, wind, and idylls was here for her, she would provide her aid to him in any way she could— but that did not mean she was not without her doubts on his true reasoning for seeking her guidance.

Despite her doubts, she bowed deeply. Above all, he was an Archon— he was above her, just like Lady Egeria. He sputtered, reaching out a hand as if to place it upon her shoulder. He stopped short, his hand lingering in the space between them before it returned to the place at his side.

"Please," he said gently, his voice calm and soothing in her ears, "stand. There is no need for formalities with me."

He smiled softly at her as she met his gaze once more, and she swallowed the lump in her throat. Egeria stood from her throne, her presence demanding all to look at her with reverence and respect. She used her trident to support her weight as she descended the steps. "I shall leave the two of you to your meeting."

She sent them a curt nod. It was Focalors' turn to start sputtering, her jaw falling slack in surprise. She raised her skirts, taking a few steps towards her Archon, when Egeria raised a hand to stop her in her tracks.

"My Lady, you will leave us alone? But that is not—"

With her back turned, Egeria sighed softly. "It is not my business what you speak of in this room. The Anemo Archon is trustworthy. I trust his judgment."

That was that. With a final flick of her wrist, she ushered the other oceanid guards out of the throne room, leaving Focalors and Barbatos alone. It was eerily quiet, save for the sounds of moving water beyond the glass walls. Focalors stared at the heavy prismarine doors her master had left out of, before turning to face the waiting Anemo Archon.

She stepped closer, keeping a reasonable distance between them, and clasped her hands in front of her. She cleared her throat. "H-How may I serve you, Lord Barbatos god of Freedom and esteemed Anemo Archon?"

He let out a chuckle and took a seat on the steps before Egeria's throne. "Come now, no need for all that. I told you before, I'm not one for formalities." Still... she didn't see it right to address him informally considering his standing. "Please, just see me as a friend... Alright?"

She couldn't. He was an Archon— a heavenly divine figure. He was revered throughout the lands. He was beautiful in every sense of the word, and his humanity was what made him truly divine. Despite her high praise of him, she attempted to do as he told her, and nodded. If he requested she see him as a friend, she would fulfill his wishes.

"Alright." She nodded. His smile widened. It was warm and welcoming, calming her nerves in an instant. Her shoulders relaxed somewhat, and she sat next to him. "What may I help you with, then?"

"Egeria told me you've been attempting to turn around the fate of the Fontainian people. I wanted to ask how you plan on doing so."

She certainly wasn't expecting that.

"W-Well, I—" she stopped, unsure. "I'm... not entirely sure at the moment. I need more time. After all, changing fate is a difficult task."

He scoffed. "I'm aware... yet it isn't impossible."

Fate was tricky. He was more than familiar with it, as his own had been tampered with long ago. Although it hadn't been anyone else's fault but his own, he still wasn't sure how it exactly happened. But now... he needed to change it again.

He needed to change not only his, but yours. There was no way he was going to allow you to be subjected to such a horrible fate like the one the Heavenly Principles had given you.

Focalors glanced at him, seeing the far off look in his eyes. She sighed. The secret she had been keeping inside for a while now began to creep its way to the surface, lingering on the tip of her tongue as she opened her mouth. Would she regret telling him? She hoped she wouldn't.

There was something... off about him that made her uneasy, yet she couldn't place what it was. Gods had their secrets. She was well aware of that fact, as she could sense that Egeria had her own. But if those secrets would harm the lives of those around them... were they really worth keeping?

Egeria placed her trust and judgment in the Anemo Archon. That was enough to sway Focalors to speak.

"There… is a way you may be able to change your fate..." she muttered, watching as his eyes lit up with hope, "I've thought about it for many years. I'm not even sure if it's entirely possible, but... to change your fate, you need to bypass the Heavenly Principles, right? Well..."

She trailed off, wringing her hands in her lap. "If you want to bypass them, you would have to deceive them."

The words sat heavy in the air as Barbatos hung onto her every word. Deceive the Heavenly Principles!? That was an impossible task. Changing fate and altering time were tricky enough, but they were plausible. But... deceiving the all-powerful absolute authorities of the world? That was downright impossible, even for a god— for an Archon.

He might as well have given up. This endeavor was futile anyway. Why did he ever think he could achieve defying the Heavenly Principles?

Focalors watched the way his expression contorted into one of surprise, then of horror, and finally defeat.

"I wish there was another way..." she muttered, pulling at the sleeves of her dress. "But there isn't. And I'm determined to see my— no, Lady Egeria's plan —through. Because although it may seem impossible, I believe there's a successful way to go about this task."

Her words weren't getting through to him. She could tell. The look of utter defeat upon his face was heartbreaking. With her brows drawn together, she shuffled closer to him. "Lord Barbatos... it is possible. If there's no way, then I will simply make one. I will not give up hope— because the moment I do is the moment I doom the lives of the people of Fontaine."

That sentence struck a chord within him. She watched as a look of something unnamed flashed in his eyes. Letting out a sigh, she stood up and smoothed out her gown.

"I do not know what it is you are dealing with, nor why you are insistent on changing fate. But... I do know one thing," she paused, meeting his eyes, "we are the same, you and I. We have those we want to protect. And that is more important than lingering on the 'what-ifs' or what is or is not possible in this world. Anything in this world is possible if you have enough willpower. If you have enough hope and determination to see it through."

The room went silent, and she bowed her head in respect before exiting, leaving him alone with the weight of her words lingering in his heart and mind.

The air was thick with tension as you continued flipping restlessly through the pages of your notebook, your heart still beating wildly inside your chest from the argument you had moments ago with your mother.

The effects of her words still loitered in your mind, and unspoken insults still lingered on the tip of your tongue.

Your relationship wasn't one you could call stable by any means. Your mother, as far as you were concerned, was a stranger in your home. Your elder brother, a sprightly and burly man who dedicated his life to the protection of Mondstadt, was who you considered to be your true caretaker.

With your father no longer of this world, your mother had sought to continue the life she threw away before she had gotten married. She continued with her studies at the Sumeru Akademiya when you were a small child, and your brother had been left to care for you in her absence.

But you, unfortunately, were your mother's daughter. That same buzz and thirst for knowledge plagued your heart and soul just as it did her when she was a young girl. The similarities had once been something you cherished— something you held dear. You wanted to be like her. You wanted to study at the most prestigious school in all of Teyvat.

But now...

A bitter taste was left on your tongue from the argument you just had. How had things become this bad? How had everything fallen apart after the death of your father?

You let out a heavy sigh and slammed your notebook closed. The air wafting in from your open window was chilly, revealing it to be a cold and crisp winter night. Letting out a huff, you stood from your desk chair and grabbed your satchel, throwing your notebook and a pen inside before making a beeline for the door.

You had enough of sitting inside mulling over the effects of your dwindling relationship with your mother. Your brother glanced at you as you left the house, flinching slightly at the way you slammed the door closed.

He sighed. You were just like your mother.

You knew it too. And you hated it.

The wintry air of Northern Mondstadt greeted you like an old friend, embracing you in its hold as you allowed your feet to drag you out towards the plains that acted as a border between Northern Mondstadt and the icy ocean neighboring Snezhnaya.

No one could find you out here, not even your brother. It was the perfect getaway from that stuffy, warm house that only served as a cage. Out here, where there were no trees and the winds blew harshly, you could relax. The biting chill was a welcome feeling against your skin that still burned with the rage in your veins.

You spotted the familiar hill in the distance, a small smile pulling at your lips as you headed straight for it. The remnants of an ancient temple stood tall in the silence of the night, alight with an ethereal glow of divinity. You bid a small greeting to the old structure, running your fingers over the cold stone pillars.

This place always felt familiar to you in a way. It was as if— before you discovered it —you had been here before. It felt warm amidst the cold breezes. A soft thrum echoed through your feet and circulated throughout your whole body, calming your mind and rapid heartbeat.

It was a familiar feeling— one you felt every time you set foot in this temple. It only made sense for it to be the lingering effects of divinity left over from the death of an ancient god. Judging by the tenderness of what felt like a caress, you could only assume the god had been a kind and gentle one. It could only be someone warm and welcoming.

A bright, blue light wafted from the center of the main room. The fog around the bud curled around the nearby crevices and enveloped your feet as you got closer. You pulled your notebook from your satchel and sat on the marble floor, flipping open to an empty page and beginning to jot down anything you could on the anomaly before you.

Leyline anomalies had interested you ever since you first stumbled upon this temple a few years ago. Leylines were peculiar things— known for inhabiting many areas around Teyvat and containing the memories of the people who live in those areas.

The memories in this one were odd. They made you feel sorrowful and chained down, as if the person who died here had died with many regrets. It was hard to gather more information other than just feelings. You couldn't see past the haze surrounding the bud of memories, and you couldn't uncover the identities of anyone inside the memories.

You felt lost. You wanted to understand the land— the world around you. You wanted to connect with Mondstadt's history and uncover truths hidden inside the very land you called home.

There was a noticeable gap in Mondstadt's history. Ever since the ancient library burned down over a thousand years ago, the nation had lost most of its original texts and documents. The people themselves began to forget their own history, and the founding of Mondstadt got blurrier by the year. Old traditions still celebrated lost their original meanings, and songs were forgotten along the winds.

The nation had slowly and gradually lost most of their history, customs, and memories with the destruction of a single building. It was catastrophic the way it happened. You weren't alive back then, but the sorrow and anguish you felt for the unfortunate event made it seem like you had been.

It affected you on an unprecedented scale— more than it had anyone else in Mondstadt. It was odd how strongly you felt towards an event that you hadn't even been alive to witness.

Maybe the reason you had been so intrigued in Mondstadt's leylines was because of how connected you felt to events that you weren't there to see.

"It's a little odd, I won't lie," Jean said to you once as you both laid sprawled out under the tree in your front yard. "I mean... don't you think it's weird? I mean, yeah, the burning of that library dealt a huge blow to Mondstadt, but no one really cares today."

You sighed heavily, enjoying the brisk breeze of mid-Spring as you sketched out that ominous temple in your notebook. "You don't have to tell me things I already know," you replied coolly, "I get it's weird. But, I really do feel... connected... to things that happened in the past... as if I was there to witness them in a past life or something."

She glanced at you, propping up an elbow on the grass. "Do you think you're a reincarnation of someone?"

You scoffed. "Nah, not at all. I don't believe in that stuff, anyway."

Jean's blue eyes studied you for a moment. She frowned. "Really? But what if you were like, a hero to Mondstadt or something? What if the reason you feel so connected to our nation is because you're a reincarnation of a prominent figure important to our history?"

"Well, if that's true, then do you think you're a reincarnation of someone too?"

She hummed thoughtfully, laying back onto the grass and staring up at the cloudless blue sky. She smiled. "Maybe. If I am, I want to believe my past incarnation was a wonderful soul— someone who helped Mondstadt in its time of need, just like my ancestors."

You stared at her for a moment, admiring her side profile. A warm feeling bloomed inside your chest the longer you stared, and your heart began to thump against your ribcage as she met your gaze. Her soft expression could turn you to mush.

"And," she continued, sitting up on her elbow once more and leaning over your face with a smirk on her lips, "I'd like to believe we were together in our past lives, too. I don't think I could live without you, after all."

A small giggle left her lips, and you felt your face grow hot. She pecked your lips before settling on the grass next to you again, curling into your side as you both laid in comfortable silence.

It was that very same day that led to your downfall. Her words struck something within you, and a newfound determination surged throughout your body. It was that day you decided to pour your entire life into studying leyline anomalies and their effects on not only the world, but the people of Teyvat as well.

Everything else was shoved aside, left to rot in the back of your mind as you pushed yourself to your limit and worked your life away. You didn't expect your obsession to become the very thing that drove your first love away from you.

Just like your mother.

"This is borderline unhealthy!" Jean cried, shaking your notebook in front of your face. "You're obsessed! Can't you see how this is destroying you!?"

You refused to listen to reason. "I'm doing what you told me! Figuring out if memories really do affect us, and if all of us really are reincarnations of past historical figures!"

She looked at you incredulously. "Are you crazy!? This isn't something to waste your life over! I understand you want to make a historical breakthrough, but it's not worth it if you're losing your sanity along the way!"

You knew she was right. You could feel it. But, at that point, you were too far gone.

"But I'm so close to—"

"You're ruining yourself!" She screamed, tossing your notebook to the side. A few drops of water hit your nose, and soon, it began to rain. "Don't you see!? You're becoming your mother! Isn't that what you always sought to avoid?"

A fiery rage swelled within you at the mention of your mother and you gritted your teeth. You balled your hands into fists. Before you could get an insult out, she sniffled.

"I don't deserve to be cast aside, (Name)." Her voice was shaky as she attempted to keep her emotions in check, only to fail.

"You don't understand how important this research is to me," you muttered bitterly, "it means more to me than my own life. I'm nothing without this. I'm not like you. I don't have a huge life ahead of me— I don't have a duty to Mondstadt. Half my family is gone. I don't have a purpose. But this— this is my purpose. This research is what I've been looking for since my dad died."

She stared at you in disbelief. She scoffed. "Did we mean nothing to you?"

You were silent, unable to answer the question as you were hit with a sudden wave of guilt. Your jaw fell slack as your tongue felt heavy in your mouth. You tried to tell her that yes, she meant everything to you, but the words got caught in your throat.

"You're selfish!" She spat, her words piercing like knives in your heart. "All you care about is yourself. And that idiotic research." Without even so much as a "goodbye," she left.

footnotes. please see this post for the full extensive notes of this chapter!!

#venti #genshin impact #genshin #genshin venti #venti genshin impact #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin venti x you #genshin venti x reader #venti x you #venti x reader #genshin x you #genshin impact x you #— thus always to tyrants 🪴#—stellaronhvnters.

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