The Arcana One Shots( Request are: OPEN)

Wine Buddies (Valerius xreader)

Part four

Y/n's pov

People twirl before me following the music.  The laughter echos off the walls.  I watch them as I walk over to a crowd of people. That's got to be where Lucio is. As I become closer to the group, I see Lucio already with women next to him and most likely a little drunk. "Y/n!" He waved to me. I smile back. "Come and join us! " He slurs. I wave as to tell him I decline his offer and begin to walk away. Lucio continues talking to the people as I go to the tables of food. I see cheeses, breads, meat, and even more food I don't recognize. I walk down the tables and decide to just grab a roll. The bread was fluffy and had a small hint of ginger and nutmeg. I explore the room as I try to avoid the people dancing. After about an hour, I finish exploring the room as boredom begins creeping in. I find a small room in the back where the courtiers are. Volta has plates piled with food in front of her, Vlastomil has a small work he's smiling at, and Valdemar holds a skull, chipping away small pieces. I wave to them as I walk in. "May I stay in here with you?" I ask. "Of course!" Volta says, between bites. I nod and sit down on one of the parlor's couches. The worm inches up and down Vlastomil's arm. He laughs at the worm as Valdemar sets his skull down. "Is that real or fake?" I ask. "Real. " Valdemar answers. I nod and go back to look around the room from my seat. The velvet couch cradles me as my social anxiety begins kicking in. My hands start fiddling with the fabric of my outfit.  "Thank you for letting me hang out in here." I thank them as I leave. I sigh and walk down the hall. The dancing people smile and small talk as they walk on and off the floor. I walk over to the beverages and see a table filled with glasses of wine. I smile as I approach them. I put up a glass and turn to see a man with a long braid next to me. "Hello." I say, taking a sip of the wine. "Hello. Nice choice." He says,doing the same. I raise an eyebrow as he gestures to my cup. I nod as I understand. " I'm Valerius." He says. "Y/n." You reply. "Do I know you?" Valerius turns to face me. "I don't think so. But you do sound familiar." I say, twisting to look at him. " Well of course, I'm familiar. I'm one of the courtiers." Valerius says. I snap my fingers as I realize. " Lucio has told me about you! You must be the one who was off on the trip before this." I say. "How do you know Lucio?" He asks. " We've been friends since forever." I explain. " So you're that Y/n." He says as I nod, " He's told me a lot about you. " . I smile. " I know almost nothing of you." I admit. Valerius shrugs. " I would love to get to know you." I say. " I would love to talk but do you want to go somewhere better? With some better wine?" He asks as he offers me his arm.  I smile and loop my arm through his.

Timeskip brought to you by Valerius picking out MC's clothes.

I laugh as Valerius pours us a cup of fantastic pomegranate wine each. "I saw you, in the masquerade today. You didn't look happy at all." He admits, sitting down. " Big parties aren't really my style. I just came here to see Lucio. " I shrug. " You look snazzy tonight, though." He says. ( Ok before y'all think that's something he wouldn't say, I agree. But that's the best gender neutral compliment I could think of. And hopefully it made y'all smile so love ya! ) I giggle at the word. "I wish I could've gotten a dance with you." He says. I blush at that. " We could always still dance. But only if you want." I say, feeling myself blush even more. A small tint of red appears on his face as I finish my drink. "I would love to. " He says, doing the same. I stand up. He leads us back to the party and offers me his hand. " May I have this dance?" He asks. "You may." I say, grinning. He takes my hand and we twirl to the middle of the crowd. The music guides our movements. Valerius leans towards me. "I really like you. And would really like to get to know you. When I say you by the wine, I was stunned. " He whispers in my ear. My whole face feels warm. "I would love too." I whisper back in his ear. He finally smiles for the first time this night. The song ends and I realize how close we are. Blushing, I walk back towards the wine table as Valerius follows me. "I see you've met Valerius. " Lucio says. "Yes." I say, still a bit red. " You two disappeared for a while. What were you doing?" Lucio asks with a grin. I glare at him. " Trying wine. " Valerius cuts in. " Refer to it as you wish. " Lucio says, still smirking. I playfully punch him in the arm.  "Either way, I must admit I've enjoyed this night. How long are you here? " Valerius answers, blushing a bit. " For about a month. " I say. Valerius nods and tries to hide a smile. "Then I would love to see you again. Let's think about Tuesday? At around noon?" Valerius asks. " I would love to. " I say, blushing. " I'll see you then. " Valerius says walking away. " Just trying wine? " Lucio asks. " Shut up! And yes! It was trying wine! The pomegranate is devine! " I says, defensively.