Honkai Star: Rail x Reader Oneshots

Betting on Beauty | Aventurine x Reader

Summary: In a city that thrives on wealth and certainty, you face rejection at every turn, your work deemed too niche for a society that undervalues beauty. Enter Aventurine, a charming IPC strategist who views life as a gamble and sees potential in your raw, unpolished talent.

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Struggling Artist!Reader, Slow Burn, Emotional Support, Fluff and Angst, Found Family Dynamics, Gambling Metaphors, Wholesome Moments, Rich x Poor Dynamics, Self-Discovery, Emotional Healing, Happy Ending.

Warnings: Brief mentions of financial struggles and rejection, Subtle hints at Aventurine’s emotional scars and past trauma, Themes of societal indifference to art and creativity.

You sat hunched over your easel, fingers smudged with charcoal and hope dwindling like the light of the evening sun. The gallery that had promised to showcase your work had politely declined, claiming your pieces were "too niche for the market." You stared at your half-finished canvas, the jagged lines reflecting not only the city skyline but the weight of rejection you felt.

“Another round lost...” you muttered to yourself.

A sudden voice startled you. “You’ve got quite the hand there.”

You turned, startled, to find a man leaning casually against the frame of the alley where you’d set up shop. He was dazzling, with hair catching the last rays of sunlight and eyes so striking they seemed almost unreal— calculating slits. His attire was immaculate, almost theatrical, with gold-accented details and an enigmatic aura that made you feel both intrigued and wary.

“Do you often talk to strangers in alleys?” you asked, attempting to mask your nerves.

“Only the ones who intrigue me,” he replied smoothly, stepping closer. “And you, my dear, are a walking contradiction. A struggling artist in a city that doesn’t deserve art. A dreamer surrounded by gamblers who only wager on certainties.”

You blinked at him, unsure whether to laugh or roll your eyes. “Let me guess, you’re one of those gamblers.”

He chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “In some ways, yes. But I also appreciate a good gamble on the underdog.” He gestured to your canvas. “What’s the story here?”

You hesitated, unsure whether to share your frustration or simply dismiss him. But something in his gaze—sharp, yet oddly understanding—compelled you to answer. “It’s... the city. The way it crushes beauty underfoot and turns everything into transactions. It’s not finished, though.”

“Ah, but unfinished art often holds the most promise,” he said, tilting his head to examine the piece. “It’s raw. Honest. And honesty, my friend, is a rarity worth investing in.”

You scoffed. “Investing? Is that your way of saying you’ll buy it out of pity?”

“Pity?” He placed a hand over his heart, feigning offense. “I don’t pity anyone. I simply recognize potential when I see it.”

His words left you both flattered and suspicious. “And what’s in it for you?”

“Let’s just say I enjoy watching gambles pay off.” He extended a hand. “Aventurine, Senior Manager of the IPC Strategic Investment Department, at your humble service.”

You hesitated before shaking his hand. “I’m... just [Name].”

“Well, just [Name],” he said with a grin, “how about I commission a piece? Something that captures your spirit—your resilience.”

You stared at him, searching for a catch. “You’d actually pay for my work?”

“Of course. But I’ll add a twist—call it a friendly wager. I’ll display it in one of my circles, and if it garners attention, I’ll double your fee.”

Your skepticism wavered under his confidence. “And if it doesn’t?”

“Then I’ll have an exquisite piece of art for my personal collection. Either way, I win.”

Over the following weeks, Aventurine became a constant presence in your life. He would visit your makeshift studio, offering sharp critiques and surprising insights about color theory and composition. You soon discovered that beneath his flamboyant exterior was a man who understood nuance and appreciated beauty in all its forms.

One evening, as you worked on his commission—a vibrant, surreal piece inspired by your feelings of being overlooked—he sat nearby, watching with an intensity that unnerved you.

“Why do you care so much?” you asked, pausing mid-stroke. “You’re not exactly the type to struggle for recognition.”

He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Let’s just say I know what it’s like to play in a rigged game. To have something to prove, even when the odds are stacked against you.”

His words struck a chord, and for the first time, you saw a crack in his carefully constructed facade.

The night of the unveiling arrived. Aventurine had arranged for your piece to be displayed at an exclusive event attended by some of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the city. You felt out of place among the opulence, but Aventurine’s steady presence at your side was oddly reassuring.

When the curtain dropped, revealing your work, a hush fell over the room. The vivid colors and raw emotion seemed to captivate the crowd. Whispers turned into applause, and before you knew it, people were approaching with offers to buy the piece—or commission new ones.

Aventurine leaned down to whisper in your ear, “Looks like our gamble paid off.”

You turned to him, tears brimming in your eyes. “Thank you. For believing in me.”

He smiled, this time genuine and warm. “Always bet on beauty, my dear. It’s the only thing that truly lasts.”

As the evening wore on, you realized that Aventurine wasn’t just a patron or a gambler. He was someone who saw value where others didn’t—someone who, like you, understood the fragility and power of a dream.

And in that moment, you knew you’d found not just a supporter, but a kindred spirit.