Genshin Impact

Bittersweet AxVenti

[Angst, Sad ending, Fluf. Venti sadly lets his heart fall for Aether knowing he too would leave him.]

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he'd treasure him forever.

ever since the events that took place a long, long time ago, nothing ever sparked his interest.

you'd think being a god would be interesting, no? power, among a whole city worshipping you, and thanking you for what you've done, but it's lonely when you must live in secret.

but it wasn't so lonely when he showed up, aether, he enjoyed watching him from afar, witnessing his strength.

he'd thought aether would just be another quick form of entertainment to pause the ever running reel of thoughts that occupied his mind from past events, he thought aether would only be temporary. but he wasn't.

the first time barbatos talked to him he realized there was something there in common, they've both lost someone dear to them. from the long talks they shared and the consistent bugging barbatos enjoyed bestowing upon the blonde, he never left his mind. a new more enjoyable thought.

so he followed aether.

he admired from trees or up upon tall cliffs, watching the way he fought, a small smile forming on his face that didn't feel forced. he found a new interest besides drinking himself to a state of unconsciousness.

one night he invited aether to get drunk with him.

they did, ignoring diluc's exasperated sigh when they both got way to rowdy several drinks in, getting kicked out together they sat under a giant tree cuddled together just sharing stories (mostly barbatos talking and petting a sleepy aethers hair back) , golden puppy eyes that were a little glazed over taking everything in.

he was distressed.

after the events of freeing dvalin, barbatos would admit he was happier knowing his old friend was free of the horrible leash cast upon him by the abyss order, but he was afraid to let someone getting close to him so soon, leave.

the second his gnosis was snatched he knew it was time for goodbyes.

looking down at aether's knocked out form on the pavement, he knew he shouldn't have gotten attached. he quickly fled.

hesitance was all he fault hearing foot steps leading up to the tree, turning meeting those captivating golden eyes that occupied his mind almost always now, he would never admit he fell for the traveler.

with parting words that left a bitter sweet taste in his mouth, the fake smile slowly leaving his face as aether turned with his little floating friend, both of them giggling at each other as they walked down the path.

a pang shot through his body, a memory he buried of a smiling face looking right back at him the same way those two had, he would never admit to the shaking of his hands as he sighed, closing his eyes and turning to slowly slide down and rest against the tree.

barbatos knew he was a fool to let himself grow attached to someone who would soon leave him once more, but, alas here he was heart aching and wishing desperately to feel anything but sorrow.

he'd treasure him forever.