Winter Solstice | Fatui One-Shots (Genshin Impact)

Secret Admirer | Pantalone

Pantalone
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You'd been dealing with a particularly persistent problem for a few weeks now. Your escapades into town were interrupted by intruding eyes and a lurking shadow. He wasn't nearly as surreptitious as he thought himself to be; you'd even managed to identify him. He was a plain looking fellow—perhaps his only trait working to his advantage—and he worked as a merchant, a bit ironic.

Every time you tried to confront him about his unscrupulous behavior, he darted like a mouse who'd just caught wind of a cat. Sure, you could have chased after him, and his constant gaze did cause you quite the amount of discomfort, but you weren't sure if the effort was worth it. He'd quit on his own eventually, right?

So there you were, choosing between handmade rings and other trinkets, fully aware he was staring at you from behind his newspaper as he sat on the edge of the water fountain. Actually, that was a rather bold place to stalk someone, but with everyone else running to and fro he must have thought himself disguised.

"Are you aware that there's a man who's been intently staring at you for the entire time you've been at this stall?" Ah, your other persistent problem.

"And you're not referring to yourself," you said, turning around. "Master Pantalone."

"Do you liken me to some kind of pest? How cruel, my dear."

You ignored him and turned back to the vendor. "I'll take this one."

"That'll be—"

Pantalone interjected, "Put that on the Northland Bank's tab."

"You didn't need to do that," you said.

"Oh, but it was my pleasure." Then he leaned down to whisper in your ear. "Now what do you plan to do about your actual pest?"

You continued your conversation as you walked through the crowded streets. "I take it you've known about him for a while now."

"Could you even call me a husband if I didn't keep proper tabs on my wife?"

"You're more of a stalker than the one currently following us."

"You wound me."

"Don't act so innocent. You let this carry on without a word."

He placed his hand on the small of your back. "Do you need me to take care of him for you?"

"Your help always comes at a cost."

"You wouldn't expect me to work for free, would you?"

"I'll just deal with him myself."

"Just as you have over the last few weeks?"

You shot him a glare, "Your commentary is unnecessary."

"You're the only one who would say such things to me."

"Your fault for surrounding yourself with people who're only interested in what you can give them."

He stopped walking all of a sudden and for a second you were almost concerned you said something he may have taken offense to. Then, he laughed. "Indeed you're right. I have placed myself in my own predicament. Though, you could stand to rely on me a little more."

"I don't need help from someone who's only interested in protecting his pride."

"Is that what you think of me?" He didn't sound hurt, but his eyes were definitely flickering with something other than complete confidence.

You cupped his cheek, "My dear, I'm not interested in your power or money. Watch what I can do on my own." You turned quick on your heel and scanned the crowd. Sure enough, your stalker was there, hidden behind a potted tree. Well, might as do what you've been meaning to for a while.

As you walked towards him, he peeked his head out, his eyes widening as he realized you were heading directly for him. He stepped away to run, but you were quicker, and you wrapped your hand around his wrist.

"You," you said.

Despite having him in your grasp, he swiveled his head back and forth, perhaps desperate to find another person you could potentially be talking to. He gulped, as there was no one else.

"Why have you been following me?"

"Wh-What do you mean?"

"Don't play stupid. You've been doing this weeks. Tell me now or I'm going to start breaking fingers."

"Wait! Okay, okay, I have been f-following you, but it's only because I wanted to know how you do it!"

"Do what?"

"Seduce an outstandingly attractive and rich man like Mr. Pantalone over there."

"Hold on," you sighed. "You've been following me because you're in love with my husband?"

"Yes! N-No, I—oh whatever."

"Let me give you a word of advice. Stalking gets you nowhere, self-reliance gives you power." You released his wrist with one final warning, "Now if I catch you watching me again—which I will if you try—I'll demonstrate what power can do."

He nodded quickly and you left without another word, returning to Pantalone who'd been watching the whole exchange. His uncanny smile was back on his face.

"I must say I'm fascinated. What did you tell him for him to start shaking like that?"

"Just the usual threats they swear by in the Fatui."

"Is that so?"

Your own smile crawled onto your face, "As I said, I am more than capable of helping myself."