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painted-bees · 3 months ago

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“It isn't for you, it's because of you.

Because of you, I can finally do this for myself.

Because I want to.

Because I trust you with it.

It's all because of you,

and I'm so fucking thankful.”

-- [Jan 28th, 2014] The weather had conspired against him.

Or perhaps it was trying to protect him. Either way, the cold snap that washed over Vancouver on this sunny January afternoon was perfectly timed to ruin the months of careful planning, frivolous spending, and emotional safeguarding Raf had done in preparation for the performance today. It was as though the sky had opened up to release every breath of warm air that the previous weeks of relentless overcast had, until now, valiantly sealed in.

To make matters worse, Raf couldn’t turn to Margie for consolation about it. She didn’t know anything about a performance happening today, and it needed to stay that way until at least 6 pm. Her distractible nature had been a huge blessing for him during the past long months of preparation and rehearsals, and this was the last day he'd have to work behind her back. He was thankful for that. Tess had whisked her out into town this morning under the pretence of finding a suitable birthday present to ‘surprise’ him with. It was an effective ruse to keep Margie busy and secreted away from him while he fulfilled the final preparations for the day’s event.

He was half expecting to arrive at Jack Poole Plaza only to be met by an unfortunate orchestra representative tasked with dispensing the bad news of postponement due to the unusual cold. Instead, the venue was abuzz with activity, warmed by the familiar din of pre-performance energy. Or rather–it was the arrangement of outdoor heaters that kept the temperature surprisingly manageable in key locations across the venue. That was one of the expenditures Raf had considered “a frivolous necessity” when he committed to it, and it was certainly paying dividends today.

“Raf!” The sound of Nels’ voice as he approached was every bit as warm as the heaters. “Boy, you sure picked a day, didn’t you?” As the older man closed the distance, one of his large hands clapped down on Raf’s shoulder with an amicable jostle.

“Well," Raf said, "no one called to postpone.” Genuine disbelief coloured his tone in a manner that wholly undermined his attempt at a half-joke.

Nels barked a laugh, “Bah! Over a little cold? No chance. But snow?” He held up a finger, “One snowflake hits that pavement and the whole city' in shut down” He looked up at the sky, wincing against the sunlight. “Thankfully not a problem today!”

Raf offered a small smirk that bordered on a grimace. “It’s not great for the instruments, though.”

“Cold feet?”

“Cold everything.”

Nels held him with a gentle but uncompromising gaze. “Train’s already moving, kiddo. Can’t stop now.”

Turning his eyes towards the stage with a relenting sigh, Raf began making strides across the vast concrete venue towards it. “Outdoor concert in the middle of winter was a terrible idea. Why didn’t anyone stop me?”

“I recall there was an attempt,” Nels said, “But, ah…You had a clear vision, a convincing argument, and a lot of money.”

“Yeah, I’m also insane. Nels, I hate crowds, I hate public events. Why am I hosting one?”

“You love the audience and,” Nels’ hand found Raf’s shoulder again, halting him before the stairs leading up to the left side of the temporary stage set-up. “You love Margie. That’s the kind of insanity that drove all this. She adores this sort of thing. She’s gonna be beside herself. Inconsolable, even. And you know that. That’s why you’re doing this.”

“Mmh.” That was a swing and a miss, but Raf had no desire to engage in the pedantry dissecting his own mercurial motivations, and so, he was content to leave it there.

Recognizing the full stop in Raf’s voice, Nels clapped his hands together and led the way onto the stage. “Well-! Things here are looking and sounding well on our end. Security’s all set. It’s not going to be a flood of people all at once but, as you can see,” he gestured out towards the plaza, “We’ve already got a population of curious loiterers. We’re wrapping up the last of the sound tests. Speaking of–!”

Nels turned his attention to the microphone set up at the front, centre of the stage. Raf intended to follow, but paused at the sight of Naomi making her way over from the other side. She made he way in brisk strides, holding out her open palms in a gesture both of greeting and surprise.

“Ooh, you showed up!”

Raf regarded her with a lopsided smirk and a curt, upward nod of his chin. “Was I not supposed to?”

She rubbed her hands together and squeezed the fingertips of one hand in the palm of her other. “Dunno, Ephrem. How you feelin' about it?”

“Trying not to,” Raf admitted. “But it’s mostly fine. I’ve got Kill Bill sirens going off in my head a bit. First time I’ve ever managed something like this myself, but I am managing, so–” With a Super Mario-pitched voice, and a weak upward pump of his fist, he concluded, “Wahoo.” An aptly appropriated Margie-ism.

“Man, shut the fuck up. You ain’t managing nothin’ yourself this time, either.” She scoffed loudly. “C’mon I ain’t out here at bitch o’clock in balls degree weather doin’ this shit just so you can tell me you ain’t got no help. Be for real.”

“That’s not what I–”

“I know,” she gave him a playful scowl before throwing her hands up in an exaggerated gesture of arrest, “I’m playin’! Jeez, Eph, control your temper, chill. Damn, why you always gotta be yellin’?”

“Boy, I’m going tah rip your face off.” His stiff posture, quirked eyebrow, and uncharacteristic transatlantic accent delivered his threat with all the seriousness he intended.

“And ruin your manicure? Girl, you’ll cry.”

Their short drama play ended with a defusing snort of laughter shared between the two of them.

Thumbing her nose with a sniff, Naomi attempted some honest reassurance. “I think you did a pretty good job, all things considered. Hired the right folks for certain.” She grinned at the compliment as she paid it to herself.

From their place in the corner of the stage, they both looked out over the set-up and across the venue. The stage itself was populated mostly with venue staff and Hi-Note technicians working in collaboration with each other to make sure things sounded great, looked great, and that no one would kill themselves on any of the countless cables that snaked across the floor.

Beyond the stage, the last of the temporary barriers and crowd management measures were being organised and installed. Raf himself didn’t know what to expect in that regard, and had no option but to trust that the venue staff knew what they were doing. At the very least, a free admission orchestral event wasn’t new to them. One such concert had been hosted here in the summer, and just like that one, this event was advertised months in advance to draw out as large a crowd as possible. But he hadn’t been the one to advertise it. In fact, he had explicitly forbidden any mention of him or of a vocal performance at all. No, this was advertised in a manner similar to the summer’s concert. And indeed, the programme would be much the same–but it would end with his performance.

Even as the staff set about their tasks, a budding population of curious doddlers seemed content to wander and wait around for something exciting to begin. It was a lot to hold in his head, and there were countless variables he had no control over–many of which relied on the cooperation of other people. Complete strangers. An overwhelming number of things could and likely would go wrong, and anything that went right would only do so thanks to luck. At least–that’s what his gut told him.

It would be the first concert he’d perform, without Margie, in almost a decade. It would be the first performance without her that centred him since…

Since Ephrem Records. A chill unrelated to the cold forced him to shudder visibly, and he steadied himself with an automatic, curtly huffed sigh. This was not that. He had stared that beast directly in the eyes, he had walked into its horrifying, revenous maw and–

He came back home. Safe. Sound. Completely unscathed.

It–that–Ephrem Records and the nightmares within it had no control over him anymore. Though it had tried, it couldn’t keep him. That cage door had fallen off its hinges and would no longer close on him. It was a freedom he had had never in his life known before.

Beside him, Naomi had turned her gaze to watch him. “Remember after Lacey ditched? How you said you weren’t never gonna get on stage for anyone anymore?”

“Mmhm.”

“You been cancellin’ shit all the time because you just ain’t gonna perform if you don’t wanna.”

“Mmhm.”

“But you’re here. Today. Like--your birthday’s tomorrow. You didn't wanna take it easy for that?”

Raf turned his head to cast a very slight, wry smile down towards her. “Mmh, nah.”

Her eyes lit up under the validating glow of his expression. “Nooo, see! I was gonna ask who you doin’ this for, really? But that shit eating grin–” a cackle punctuated her sentence. “This ain't for Margie. Is it?”

Naomi’s laugh infected him well enough to let out a small snort of laughter all his own. “She'd hate it if it was. No, I just--wanted to see for myself if...Uh. This wouldn't kill me."

"I've been sayin', too, Margie ain't about seeing you freak out for her!" Naomi clasped her hands together and dipped forward in an elated gesture. "Well, you don't look like you're dying."

"Yeah--I don' think I will. "

–

“Raf’s impossible to shop for. I don’t know what we were expecting to find.” Margie's conclusion arrived at the end of a long day spent following Tess around the whole, wide city in search of a gift for a man who placed very little value on material wealth. “There’s nothing we could buy that he couldn't afford himself. And it’s hard to put proper thought into it when it’s so last minute.” There was tired frustration in her voice.

Savouring a strawberry frappe through a bent straw, Cortes remained wholly unbothered by the state of affairs. With a shrug, her free hand gestured to sign a sloppily composed, “Raf’s birthday gift can be all the friends we met along the way.”

Margie let out one of her conversationally reflexive little giggles. “Yeah, yeah! All none of them.”

The sun had already begun to sink beneath the city skyline, and in its wake the clear sky was turning a shade of deep indigo. An already frigid day was turning into an even colder night. Too cold to be out walking along the seawall. Tess’s choice of a blended iced beverage was nothing short of absurd but, just like the failure of their gift-hunting quest, the freezing cold seemed to have no ill effect on Cortes whatsoever. While Margie’s breath hung like a ghost in the air and caused an uncomfortable moisture to collect on the fraying filaments of her scarf, Tess suffered no such inconvenience. Margie was bundled for warmth, but Tess wore her winter layers only for the aesthetic of it.

Without looking at her, Tess signed with languid gestures, “We should probably head home, now. I’m getting bored.”

Margie might have agreed, but something else tugged her attention. She grabbed Tess's arm to halt her. “Hang on, shh!”

A pause.

A swell of string and brass carried itself on the chill ocean breeze. It wasn’t uncommon to hear music playing from the various shops and storefronts that lined the city streets, especially during the holiday months. But…

“Does that sound live to you?”

Tess appeared to listen for a moment longer before shrugging.

“It’s coming from the plaza.”

Another shrug from Tess preceded an inquiring forefinger flopped with mild indifference towards the stairs leading out of the park, up towards the convention centre.

Margie nodded and shook Tess’s arm in her grip. “Yeah, I just wanna looksee!”

With one last resigned shrug, Cortes allowed Margie to lead the way forward.

As they crested the wide staircase, the plaza greeted them with an array of bright, warm lights and a buzz of activity. Margie immediately b-lined to read one of the standing signs that named the event to her.

“Wait, no! What? This was today?” She turned a baleful gaze up at Tess. “We missed the summer one, so I was gonna tell Raf about this one. But I thought it was like–next month!” She gestured with both arms towards the banner sign. “Free concert! VMO! Tess! I’m so upset!” Dropping her arms to her side, Margie slouched under the weight of her disappointment. “This woulda been a perfect birthday gift for him. Why did I think it was in February?”

Tess’s hand came down gently upon the top of Margie’s head in a placating pat-pat. At the same time, an unfamiliar man’s voice addressed them from the side.

“Excuse me, Ma’am?”

Glancing up, Margie watched the man approach, well dressed for the weather with a bright yellow and black jacket. “Genesis Security” was emblazoned in bold, white letters across the breast and shoulder. He wasn’t addressing her. The man’s gaze was locked firmly onto Tess.

“Ma’am,” he repeated, “I've been instructed to show you to your seat, if you’ll please follow me.”

“Woah...” Margie watched the guy's back as he began to lead the way forward through the plaza. "How does this keep happening to you?" It seemed that no matter where Tess went, there was always something special waiting for her. People treated her like a rock star, honored by her mere presence. Apparently, this was just another such instance.

Shrug. Tess tapped on the shoulder of the security guard and locked eyes with him before pointing to Margie, then to herself, and then back to Margie again.

With a nod, the guard responded, “I don't see why not. But let's hurry. Show's half done by now.”

The guard made haste, Tess kept in stride, and Margie was forced to shuffle quite swiftly in order to keep up. As she did so, her hands fumbled around in her pockets until they found her phone.

“I should call Raf, maybe he can make it in time if he’s still at Hi-Note!” Neither Tess nor the guard in front of her said anything to discourage the thought, and so Margie hit his name in on quick-dial and waited for him to pick up.

Instead, she was immediately met with the robotic voice of his service provider.

With a small groan of disappointment, Margie lowered her phone to send a text message, muttering under her breath, “Why is your phone turned off, you wiener?”

The two of them were led through the well populated venue towards the very frontmost row of seating, where Tess was presented with two vacant seats.

“Oh,” Margie took her seat next to Tess, “Raf wouldn’t have been able to sit with us, anyways.”

Perhaps sensing the tinge of melancholy in her voice, Tess reached over to wrap an arm around Margie’s shoulders and pulled her in close. With a sigh, Margie nestled herself cozily against Tess and made the conscious effort to shift her attitude and appreciate the free show with her ever patient girlfriend. It was thanks to Tess that she got to see this performance at all–and with that thought, Margie was able to replace her disappointment for failing their day’s objective with thankfulness towards the present moment.

The orchestra played an enjoyable, eclectic selection of compositions, most of which Margie couldn’t name. Perhaps the only one she properly recognized was the Star Wars theme, which stood out somewhat comedically against the others–all of which she had assumed to be classical pieces.

The final piece–or rather, what was presented as the final piece–was no doubt Tchaikovsky. She knew Tchaikovsky. Just…not well enough to name his compositions. But this was definitely him! To her ears, everything sounded beautiful. Had Raf been there, he might have identified nuances in the performance, both good and bad, highlighting them to her so that she might be able to notice them, too. There was a shared enjoyment between them for that kind of thing. In contrast, Tess was a remarkably stoic and quiet person to sit with when it came to anything involving live music. Her enormous, dark eyes stared unblinking as she listened; transfixed by the intricate braiding of sounds. Her long, lithe fingers twirled themselves repeatedly into the stray curls of Margie’s hair. It was a tiny, thoughtless, but comfortingly intimate gesture. Despite the best efforts of the late January weather, Magritte felt remarkably warmed.

Tchaikovsky came to an end, and both she and Tess contributed to the roar of applause that persisted even as the musicians stood to leave, abandoning their instruments on the stage.

Keeping with the applause, Margie leaned towards Tess’s ear. “Sit tight, there’s prolly gonna be a–oop, yep!”

Her statement was confirmed before she even had time to finish saying it, as the musicians quickly emerged to retake their seats on the stage. As they did, Margie stopped clapping, waiting to hear if their encore was a song she could identify. As the rest of the applause died down, two additional figures took position onto the stage; a trio of previously absent musicians took positions on the stage. Or, at least–if they had been present previously, they were on entirely different instruments, now. Three electric guitars, one of which was a bass.

Margie squinted at the rightmost guitarist and her bumblebee-yellow Kramer. “Oh, woah–is that Naomi? Tess, you see her!?” She couldn’t help but pick up an applause with an exhilarated whoop at seeing a friendly face among the cast of talented strangers.

It worked to catch Naomi’s attention, and Margie was rewarded with an acknowledging little wave, bright smile, and a thumbs up.

Clasping her hands together, Margie leaned back in her seat with a delighted giggle. “That’s so cool, this is gonna be so good!”

A blanket of quiet settled upon the venue, and after a moment's pause, the orchestra’s instruments sprang to life once more. The number opened with a swelling whirl of notes that immediately swept Margie’s imagination into the realm of Broadway romance. And then–

She heard his voice.

A pleasing falsetto that wove itself beautifully into the airy strings, Margie knew who she was hearing before he had even walked onto the stage. One note was all it took.

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I got inspired to post cringe, I hope you like it lmaooo About a year prior to these events, Margie and Tess had accompanied Raf to a very emotionally turbulent trip to Monaco. It wasn't a vacation, and it wasn't what any of them would describe as particularly enjoyable...Perhaps some day, we'll learn more about what happened there and why he went. One thing that did happen, on a very desperate whim, is that Raf had asked Margie to marry him. No real proposal--something asserted on the spot, motivated more by fear than anything else. Margie said yes, of course--but only on the condition that he ask her again once they were settled back home in Vancouver. She said--promised--she wasn't going to bring it up again unless he brought it up first; that there was no pressure for him to repeat the question once he was feeling comfortable and secure again. It's just--he seemed too emotionally compromised for Margie to really accept the proposal as one that was offered to her with soundness of mind. And so--to ensure that it was something he actually meant--she would forget it was asked at all, until he brought it up again on his own accord upon their return to Canada. No need to any special occasion, now jewelry, none of that--just ask the same way he did in Monaco...but without the undercurrent of panic coloring his judgement. They returned from Monaco safe and sound, and neither Margie nor Raf breathed a word about the Monaco proposal. Margie assumed Raf forgot--or perhaps he had come to his better senses and no longer felt like his well being and safety relied on lawfully locking down their relationship together. As she had expected would be the case. On the other hand, Raf had waited two months to see if Margie would bring it up at all, or if she'd stick to her promise and release him from the obligation of following through. To him, it seemed like she had completely forgotten; ss though he had never asked her to marry him at all. Unbeknownst to her, he hadn't changed his mind. The fact that she wouldn't so much as even allude to it for his sake only imbued further confidence in his decision. She had been with him through hell and high water, she was there in all the ways she promised to be, she gave him the space and the grace he needed, carried him through some of his lowest days, and kept him safe when he was certain no one in the world ever could. She loved him during his worst days, and shouldered his worst behaviors only because she loved being with him. She never asked him for anything spectacular. She never wished to see him spend the limit of his resources on her. She only ever wished to enjoy things with him--and his enjoyment was a critical part of that desire. Over the several years they had been together, one thing became abundantly clear; Margie deserved every good thing he could grant her. Margie could be trusted to receive his best efforts and his greatest gifts without ruin. And for the first time in his life, he wanted to give those to someone--to her. Because it felt right. Because he'd love doing so. Because she fucking deserved it. Performances had become pretty comfortable for Raf by this point. He, Margie, and Tess had been doing them on the semi-regular before certain events dragged him back to Monaco. Even his post performance PTSD episodes--while still present--were far more manageable than they had ever been. He no longer plagued with week-long emotional lows that greatly overshadowed the euphoria of a great performance. Things just felt...more balanced.

Enough so that Raf decided his proposal to Magritte would, itself, be a performance. Planned and organized by him, with the help of Hi-Note. If he could organize an perform a concert as a gift for someone he loved--without succumbing to abject terror and paranoia at any point during the months of preparation--well... That kind of freedom over himself would be the best gift he's ever received. And so--he planned the performance/proposal for his birthday. Margie watched the last half of the orchestra concert with Tess, having no idea that Raf would be the encore act. Tess, of course, had been in on it as a collaborator. She knew the guard would address her for the seating--they had met prior as part of the preparations. She and Raf both knew that Margie wouldn't find anything suspect in the fact that Tess would be spontaneously offered some kind of V.I.P seating. Tess's ridiculous, ambiguous "celebrity status" had basically become a meme between them at this point. It wasn't unusual... It was all planned. And everything played out pretty well according to that plan. Once Raf too the stage, Tess pulled Margie out of her seat and led her to the stage (exchanging a thumbs-up with Nels along the way). Margie followed along in good fun. By this point, she knew shenanigans were afoot--and slipped into her role very agreeably once Nels confirmed that, yes, she's expected on the stage. She was happy to play along.

The dance she and Raf "perform" wasn't any choreographed thing. Rather, it's the same kind of lackadaisical dancing they'd often do in their livingroom at home haha. And then...there was no more performance...just overwhelm and joy and a lot of love...and Kirby rings lmaooo which made her even MORE overwhelmed. And then the rest of the night was just one big overjoyed, emotional blur. Okay, I've typed too much...this is all very silly, but I made it so you can have the whole bunch of it! Bonus: The next morning, they woke up with a terrible cold...and spent the entire day recovering in bed lmao

(happy birthday, Raf lmao).

#Hi-Note #Rafael #Magritte #Tess #I'M CRINGE BUT I AM SO FREEEE #Youtube

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arisewanekosuki · 24 days ago

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Traveler's little helper: Inazuma

Ayato, Gorou, Itto, Kazuha, Heizou, Thoma x Fem! Reader Teyvat , Mondstadt , Liyue , Sumeru, Fontaine --------------------

💙 It was a long time before the head of Kamisato family, Ayato met you face to face, but he heard everything about your group when you stepped for the first time in Ritou. At first he didn’t think too much about you. The only thing he wished for is that your famous group will help stop Shogun from taking the visions. Aether was more reluctant to help, but you wanted to aid them immediately. Yet Aether was the one who had the final word at what your group will do, to Ayato’s disappointment. When you became close friends with Ayaka, he was delightful. You were so kind to her, you invited her to some ‘girls night’, he still remembers how his beloved young sister came with a big smile on her face. Thanks to you Ayaka could for a moment feel like a normal girl her age and this truly makes Ayato happy. When the Vision hunt was stopped and peace came to Inazuma, it seems like fate brought the two of you together to finally meet. He was grateful that Ayaka was busy with other things that day, and that your group could help him with his plan. And he could see with his own eyes what kind of people you and Aether are. Ayato noticed that Aether may feel something more than friendship towards you and because of that he started to tease Traveller and sometimes you. Yet at some time he started to tease you more. Your bashful face, your pouting one, your smile, he really started to enjoy all of your expressions. And because of that he did start to spend more of his free time with you, learning more about you, about your world. Even if there were some stuff you avoided talking about, he respected that and didn't pry further even if he was very curious about them. When you visited him and he had more free time, you two would go for a walk with some cute little puppy. At some point stopping to buy bubble tea. Both you and Ayato got different flavours and you were curious about his drink. Ayato let you try his drink, smiling to himself that this will be an indirect kiss. Of course he couldn't waste an opportunity and asked if he could try yours and you didn't mind. Later when you invited him to Teapot he would brag how he and you shared a drink to insinuate about indirect kisses. To his amusement, later some of the guys would try to share their drinks with you if they get a chance, but Ayato wouldn’t mind. Even if they were successful, in the end he was the first one. He heard from Ayaka how your group declined her offer to buy inazuma-style clothes for them, even when you seemed to be interested in wearing them. This is why Ayato bought some Kimonos in your favourite colors and patterns, fans and hairpins. You were a bit overwhelmed with his presents but you accepted them. Ayaka and Yoimiya helped you wear kimono and put on some Inazuman style make up. When you came out from the room, a bit bashful, you took his, Aether's and Thoma's breath away. The girls were teasing boys for being silent after seeing you and you were worried if maybe you looked bad. But after a moment there was a wave of compliments towards you.

For Ayato you looked so gorgeous, so cute, at this moment he did wish he could just hide you from other people's eyes. But at the same time he realized something. If other people see you like this, there will be even more people who will fall in love with you too, and this is something he doesn't want to do. After all, he already has many rivals.Ayato is aware of Thoma feelings towards you, but he wants things to be fair, he won't make his servant life harder just because both of them feel the same towards you. And yet, one day he couldn't keep his jealousy in himself. It was the day when you complimented Thoma cooking and said he would be a 'perfect husband'. So later Ayato fonds many tasks for Thoma to handle alone, while he was doing anything that would show you that he too can be a ‘perfect husband’. But to his disappointment he didn’t hear you call him that, but he is not going to give up. Even if he knows being part of the Kamisato family won't bring a wonderful, normal life, he promised himself that if you choose him in the end he will do anything to always protect you and make you happy.

🧡 The general of the Watatsumi Army, Gorou, was grateful to you and your group. You and Aether saved Teppei and wanted to help the Watatsumi Army to stop Raiden Shogun from taking visions. Of course he quickly noticed that you're not a fighter, even if you tried to use a bow it didn't go well. He was wondering why Aether takes you into such dangerous situations and he voiced his worry. You only smiled and said that you are here to make sure nothing bad will happen to Aether and no matter what you can't really die here. After this Gorou wondered if you're some kind of deity or Yōkai.

The Canine Warrior considered you and Aether as friends and that was it, at least till the Vision hunt ended. Even if he was busy at Watatsumi Island he noticed your group running around and helping with whatever you can. Then you would find him at some point in the day just to remind him to take a break from time to time, sometimes bringing some cakes to share with the General as a reward for good work. This really made him happy that you are concerned about his well being.

Kokomi noticed some change in her General, especially when you were around him. She could tell he is yet not aware of his own feelings this is why she decided to help a bit. When your group was helping on Watatsumi she would ask Aether to help her with something and send you with Gorou for some non-dangerous mission. Hoping that spending time with each other will bring both of you closer. But there was another problem Kokomi didn't realize at first. Gorou is not only one fighting for your love and after this one ‘mission’ Traveller wasn't willing to leave your side alone ever again. But fear not Gorou, your Divine Priestess will come with the perfect strategy for you to win (Y/n)’s heart.

One day you and Aether found him when Yae Miko was teasing him. You tried to stop her but with her silver tongue she could tease you and Aether too. Thankfully one worker of Yae publishing came asking Guuji for help with something. After that you all decided to help train Gorou how to deal with this type of person like her. At first Aether pretended to be a merchant and this didn't go well, then you pretended to be pink Kitsune. You talked about his fluffy tail and ears but what you didn't expect was for him to become red like a tomato and begging you to stop. While you were apologizing to him Aether couldn't help but notice Gorou's tail wagging uncontrollably. The blonde Traveler could only sigh at that... knowing where this is already going.

When your group came face to face with Yae Miko you never expected that 'fight' would end in such disaster. Gorou saying that both of them are the same, that they want someone to brush their tails and Miko deleverying that she doesn't have a tail. And to add salt to the wound she said how much he wished for you to be the one taking care of his tail. She didn't leave you and Aether too, starting teasing your group, you all retreated with hot faces.

Gorou often visits your Teapot, it's really nice here and he likes the training ground you prepared there. But after you reached Sumeru and brought a guy with big fox ears and a fluffy tail, he did feel self-conscious about his features. He noticed how you would look at this guy's tail, wanting to touch it. And he couldn't help but be jealous how his tail was in such good condition. He only could dream of his fur being so soft looking and shiny.

One day when he was relaxing in his room, he heard someone knocking. After opening the door he saw you smiling and asking if you could talk with him. After asking how he is you finally gave him something. "What is this?" he asked. You told him that this is oil Tighnari is using for his tail and knowing that Gorou likes to take care of his own too, you asked him for a bottle for Gorou too. The general was moved that you still thought about him, he thanked you and with a bright, red face asked if you wanted to help him apply the oil and brush his tail. This surprised you but you excitedly agreed. Gorou couldn't stop thinking how nice it feels when it's you touching his tail. And this close contact made him realize that your smell is very nice, it had some calming effect on him too. At this moment he again started to wonder if you're some wonderful, kind deity that came to bless him and others.

Gorou is not sure what he feels towards you. You're important to him but he can't tell whether those feelings are platonic or romantic. But when his heart beats so fast when you’re close he thinks that his feelings lean more towards romantic love.

🧡 Arataki "The One and Oni" Itto, likes you very much. After helping him save Takuya he already considered your group as his homies. Itto noticed how you were amazed by him being Oni, of course he had to show off and your comments only give him even more energy. To hear you compliment him even more, he started to look for your group while you were doing commission, so he can tag along and help with whatever he can. Beat some treasure hoarders? Just look how powerful he is! Oh you need to collect some unagis? He is already on the beach with his gang searching for them. He can do whatever you want if at the end of the day he can hear you compliment him. Shinobu sometimes thinks you placed some magic on him, for her boss to behave so well, it's really a miracle.

When you left Inazuma, Itto felt quite depressed. There was a time when he didn't have energy for anything and he didn't understand why. His gang was worried about him, to see their boss in such a gloomy mood was something new. Shinobu already knew that Itto may like you more than a friend without him knowing this himself. So she tried to encourage him to do some fair work. "If you earn mora you can go to another Nation to see her." It worked… for one day, then he had to take a break from working. She sighed after seeing her boss playing TCG and training Onikabutos, well at least he came back to his old self. But to her annoyance he started coming with plans for festivals so he can invite you because he is sure you wouldn’t miss them. The Deputy Leader of the Arataki Gang had to put a stop to that nonsense before they went out of control.

When you came back to Inazuma to invite him to TeaPot he was super happy. He grabbed you and hugged you. Aether and Paimon were panicking that he would break your bones with this hug. It would be a lie if you said you didn't have a problem with breathing for a moment. When Itto let you go, he scratched his head and apologized and promised to be more careful.But it will be hard for him to keep this promise when again he’ll get too excited.

After you showed him his room you told him that from now if he wants he can sometimes join your adventures. Whenever you'll find Itto in TeaPot you can expect him wanting to help with your commissions or just make sure nothing bad will happen to you while adventuring. If there are other guys around he become very competitive, showing off by fighting enemies, being touchy with you. Once while traveling with him and other boys, Itto grabbed you and placed you on his shoulder, giving you a ride. You were embarrassed by this but Oni only gave a hearty laugh, meanwhile other guys were glaring at him.

Many people noticed how Itto unconsciously would do some things that are related in some way to you. Like one time he was talking about painting his horns in rainbow colors so others would notice him immediately and yet... The next day your friends noticed how he painted them in your favorite color. When Shinobu asked why he changed his mind, he proudly said that he thought this color suited him better. When you said you like his new ‘look’ Itto was super giddy for the rest of the day.

Itto often writes to Miss Hina, sometimes sharing his plans about how to make you happy and waiting if Miss Hina considers them good ideas. “My homie came back sad from her last adventure. I tried everything!!!!! Playing TCG I EVEN LET HER BEAT ME AND STILL IT DIDN'T HELP!!!! Idk what to do!!!! Girls like sweets right?!?! Should I get sweets for her?!? PLEASE HELP MISS HINA!!!!”

“Dear BestInInazumaOnikabuto There is a chance your friend encountered some difficulties on her adventure. First you should ask her about it. But don’t force her if she doesn't want to tell you what happend. You have to show her that no matter what you’re here for her and if she ever needs you will always lend her your ear. You can offer her some sweets but please remember, because she is a girl it doesn't mean that she loves them, everyone has their own tastes. So please don’t be discouraged if she declines, you can always cook her favourite dish or invite her to some restaurant. I hope your friend will feel better soon. Miss Hina” After reading reply Itto become serious, he will do anything to bring that smile back to your face.

💚💙 The wandering samurai, Kaedehara Kazuha truly enjoys your presence. The first time he met your group he couldn't help but pay attention to the fragrance of you, Aether and Paimon. Aether’s and Paimon’s essence was like a stars but you, somehow there is nothing that he could compare it to yours. It's not like this fragrance was unpleasant, to his surprise it had a calming effect on him.

When Beidou was smuggling your group to Inazuma, he could spend some days talking with you, before reaching the Island ruled by the Archon of Eternity. He quickly came to like spending time with you, he would tell some stories while he was wandering and you would tell some things about you. At first he thought he was just curious about your presence because you're not from this world, but the more he spent time with you then more he realized that he likes you as a person. He quickly acknowledged that he may have some crush on you, but he didn't do anything about it. He thought it would pass away soon anyway.

And yet even after stopping Vision hunt and later traveling with your group, only made his heart beat faster, especially when you were around. Kazuha wouldn't be shy to tell his feelings towards you, even if you don't repcorate them, but he didn't want his feelings to burden you in any way. This is why he decided to not tell you, but this doesn't mean he won't fight for your affections when he knows that many are already trying to win your heart.

Kazuha loves wandering but after you invited him to the Serenitea, he found himself often sleeping in the room you prepared for him. Here he can talk with his friends and the most important, you. Even if you are in another Nation he can just wait for your group to take a break from adventuring and come back to your house in Realm within. And then he can ask and see how you are faring. His favourite part is when he can sit in your room and listen to what your group has been doing lately. He doesn't mind that most of the time there is someone else too to listen. Just spending time with you is enough for him.

The last member of the Kaedehara clan often trains on the training grounds you prepared in the TeaPot. Sometimes he spars with Aether, both of them always taking this spar session seriously when you watch them from afar. Most of the time it ends in a draw, because both of them don't want to lose in front of you. When you compliment him you could see him show you his beautiful smile. Haiku after haiku would come to his head after he met you, because of that he decided to dedicate a book with poems about you. He hopes that one day he will be able to show it to you and that you will like all the poems written within.

Kazuha will always remember the day when your group was traveling around Inazuma. That day your group made a camp, he was sitting by a campfire, while Aether and Paimon were asleep. Kazuha was changing his bandages, then you came with some lavender melons, noticing his burned hand. The albino boy wanted to hid it, not wanting you to see his ugly scars from that day. But you came closer to him, asking if it's okay for you to touch his hand. He let you grab his right hand, you gently caressed it and asked if it still hurts. He smiled and responded that it stopped hurting some time ago, but then he noticed your face filled with sadness. What he didn't expect was for you to apologize that you can't heal his burns. He hate to see this frown on your face, with his healthy hand he stroked your cheek, telling you that you don't have to apologize. You didn't say anything and you placed a small kiss on his hand. Even to this day, when Kazuha looks at his right hand he remembers the warmth of your lips and this memory always makes his cheeks red.

The wandering samurai will never let anything bad happen to you on his watch. With his wonderful senses he can protect you from any ambush. Even when your other friends become a bit reckless while fighting you can be sure Kazuha will be there shielding you from anything. When he brings you closer to him he can’t help but enjoy your surprise mixed with shyness.

💚💙 The number one Tenryou Commission detective, Shikanoin Heizou, was very excited to meet the renowned Traveler and his two companions. When your group 'saved' him from Nobushi he quickly realized who you all are and he hoped this opportunity would let him learn more about your famous group. Some stories that reached Inazuma would say that you and Aether are lovers but he quickly realized they weren't true, at least to some extent. He saw that you are very dear to the blonde Traveler and he couldn't help but tease you both. At first Heizou was getting closer to you, Aether would try to stand between you both. Then when Heizou knew you already treat him as friend he started to be more touchy, placing his hand on your shoulder, or taking your hand in his to take you somewhere. He didn't only find Aether's pouty expressions amusing but your shy ones very adorable as well.

When Heizou learned you're interested in detective stories he was super happy, he would read you some novels or tell you of his cases. When you invited him to Teapot the two of you would play detectives from time to time or when he had some case he would share details about it with you to hear your opinion. Because of that you became his 'little assistant'.

Heizou heard from Kazuha that you have some special ‘abilities’ like ‘reading stories’ of people you get close with. So he decided to ask you about it, even if you say you’re not sure how this works you told him that the deeper friendship between you two the more you can ‘read’ about your friend. Heizou with curiosity asked what you could read from him. You told him how he joined the Tenryou Commission, about his agency that he shared with Sango in the past, about Uesugi wanting to be his assistant and for now that was it. The detective was amazed by this, he then joked that he wished to have such ‘ability’, maybe then he would be closer to stopping his enemy.

When your group went to Fontaine, Heizou was very busy. He couldn't even visit your TeaPot and this brought him into a gloomy mood. “Ah~ I wonder what she is up to? I hope Paimon won't read to her all those detective novels…” he sighed. Kujo Sara only rolled her eyes, telling him to not slack off and get to work. But then another Doushin came to the room, finding both vision users and showed them a newspaper. “T-The Traveler and his companions were taken to Fortress of Meropide!!” After hearing that, Tengu had to stop Heizou from trying to leave Inazuma and go by ship to Fontaine. She tried to reason with him that you will be fine and that he has his own work to do. When he had some free time he went to your Serenitea, asking anyone that was there about your situation but sadly no one really knew what’s going on. Heizou knows that Aether won’t let anything bad happen to you and yet some fears took root in his heart.

After some time Heizou came again to see if your group came back to our house. Before he opened the door he already heard Paimon’s voice. He sighed with relief and with a smile he welcomed your group, like he wasn’t worried in the first place.

After you told everyone about your adventures in Fontaine you also introduced new friends that came from their new rooms. This wasn't surprising but Heizou really hoped that most of your new friends will be girls and the worst now there is another guy who knows how to charm others with his words. For you it seemed like Heizou and Lyney get along very well and to some extent it was true, when they are relaxing they can talk about many things but there are moments when they talk to each other using sweet words so you don’t even know that their talk is passive-aggressive. Both of them trying to bring your attention to them meanwhile annoying other your friends and Aether. After they got scolded by the Master of the House, they calmed down… at least for some time.

Heizou always thought that love is not for him, at least till he doesn't become the best detective known in whole Teyvat, that people knowing his name will never choose the path of “Sin”. And yet there he is, even while working his mind wanders to thoughts about you. He wasn't even sure when he started to feel this way about you, was it at the first meeting? Or maybe when you shared your interest in solving cases?

The detective smiled, he solved another case and now as his reward he hopes you will find time to do something together.

❤ The housekeeper of Kamisato Clan, Thoma was really happy that he had chance to become friends with you and Aether. After Beidou left you in Ritou, he was the first to welcome you and help your group a bit around. Telling you more about Inazuma and its current problems. He liked how willing you were to help but sadly when Ayaka told your group about Vision Hunt and wanting to start a rebellion against Shogun, Aether refused to aid them. Thankfully he agreed to fulfill the younger child of the Kamisato family, three wishes. And after that Thoma’s and your paths diverged for a while.

After your group helped people who lost their visions and saved Masakatsu, you joined Thoma and Ayaka in Komore Teahouse for a small celebration and played the Hot Pot game. He hoped that soon you all will be able to play it again.

But to his surprise, the "fixer" was caught by a shogun’s men and brought to the ceremony to be the 100th person whose vision will be taken. He didn’t expect to see your group come and save him. Before Raiden Shogun could take Thoma’s vision, Aether jumped to snatch it and then knocked the men that were holding Thoma. Paimon and you quickly joined them but while Aether tried to untie from the ropes the housekeeper, the Archon stopped him and started to approach your group. While Traveler was ready for a fight, you stood in front of Thoma, he knew you can’t do anything but he was moved that you still wanted to shield him. Then everything went fast, Aether was standing there and then lying on the floor unconscious, you ran toward him with Paimon and tried to wake him up. When the Archon was approaching your group you tried to shield Aether with your body. When the sword was raised preparing to cut you and Aether, Thoma threw a spear giving him a chance to now rescue your group.

After that you had to say goodbyes for now, when Thoma saw your group leaving the garden of Komore Teahouse he could only pray for a safe journey for your group.

When dark clouds left Inazuma and everything came back like before the Vision Hunt, Thoma was relieved. Doing his duties at Kamisato's house like he always does, that day he never expected for you to come alone to find him. With a bright smile you asked him if he wants to join your group for little adventures around Inazuma. The ‘fixer’ really wanted to go with you but he still had things to do, before he could decline Ayaka came and said that he should go and have some fun. He was grateful to his Milady.

Thoma adores your company, he can talk about many things with you, even if there are some subjects you don’t know too much about, you are still willing to listen to him. He would take you in his free time to the outskirts so you can play together with animals and before he realized he started to see you in a different light.

When you invited him to your Teapot Thoma couldn’t help himself and help with cleaning around, not only he but there is another person from his home land. The two of them took care of yours and Aether’s house. When you noticed them cleaning you were angry, you scolded them telling them that they are guests and they don’t have to clean anything, you wanted them to relax. After that, Thoma and Noelle still couldn't help themself and they were cleaning when you weren’t looking or when you were traveling with Aether.

Thoma of course loves cooking, so when he visits your Teapot, he often prepares food for you, Paimon, Aether and your other friends. One time when he prepared the whole dinner alone, he was happy seeing everyone enjoying it. But then. “Thoma! Your cooking is amazing! You would be a perfect husband!” you said savoring the taste of delicious food. He could feel his face getting hot but one look around and he could sense the dangerous atmosphere rising around the table, only you and Paimon were unaware of it. That day when he came back to Kamisato’s household, Ayato was waiting with many tasks for him. The next week Thoma was so busy he couldn’t even visit you for a moment.

The housekeeper wasn’t sure what to do with his feelings. He swore his loyalty to the Kamisato family and he knew the head of said family felt the same about you like he does. And everywhere you go it seems you charm even more people. Thoma felt troubled, not ready to let go of those feelings and yet he couldn’t do anything more with them either.

One night, he decided to sleep in the room you prepared in Teapot. When he was going to his room after a tiring day, he noticed someone lying on the sofa in the living room. When he came closer he smiled. There you were asleep, some artefacts lying around you, you even hugged one of them. Thoma didn’t want to wake you so he took you and carried you to your bedroom. While he was laying you onto your bed, he heard you mumbling “Need…find…better … artifacts for Thoma…” his heart skipped a beat. He tucked you in bed and placed a small kiss on your forehead. Even if his feelings never reach you, just being by your side even as a friend already makes him happy.

----- Like always thank you for reading till the end! (^ v ^)/) And I'm very sorry if there is many mistakes… it's 01.40 am… I wanted to finish it and post it…TvT Haha I managed to finish it before new year!!!--….. Goodnight (＿＿*) Z z z

#Genshin Impact x Reader #Ayato x Reader #Gorou x Reader #Itto x Reader #Kazuha x Reader #Heizou x Reader #Thoma x Reader #Genshin x Reader #Genshin Impact x You #Traveler's little helper #My stuff #I'm freee!!! FreEEE!

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