Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

RING. RING. RING.

silence.

RING. RING. RING.

another pause,

RING. RING-

“kunikuzushi I swear to god if you don’t wake up and turn your damn alarm off i’ll gut you alive little boy!”

A wonderful start to the morning.

Kunikuzushi slithered out of the warmth of his blankets, basically collapsing onto the floor sprawling his arm out to hit the alarm clock aggressively. It fell to the floor with a thud, the batteries rolling out against hardwood and under his dresser, probably never to be seen again. i’ll just steal batteries from mom tonight.

He sat on the floor for a minute, contemplating if he wanted to go back to bed and go back to his lovely dream about throwing his friends off a bridge, but those thoughts were interrupted with his door slamming open.

“Up. Now. Your mother got called into the office early and i’m going to be late getting there if you don’t get ready for school young man.” Yae snarled, strutting over to his black curtains and drawing them back, the sunlight hitting Kunikuzushi hard in the face.

“Fuck Yae! Give a warning next time.” he barked.

Yae turned to him in all her pink and bitchy glory, dressed in her work outfit, a simple skin tight black suit and black heels that clicked against the floor with a satisfying sound. “It’s your first day back to school, and your mother will blame me if you’re late. Get dressed.” She walked out, her hips swaying and her hair bouncing almost gracefully, sly as a fox.

God he hated that woman with every part of his being.

He unwilling stood up, stumbling into his bathroom and taking off his pjs, starting the shower and jumping in. His last year of high school started today. This was going to be his year, he would make up for all the things that happened last year with this one, he was leaving that horrible school with a bang.

“Get in the car brat, or you can catch the subway.” Yae Miko hissed, she sat in her stupidly bright pink car, her seat leaned back and her arm resting on the steering wheel in anticipation. Kunikuzushi very unwillingly climbed into the passengers seat, he made sure to aggressively slam the door shut as a show of rebellion, but Yae really could care less.

Before starting the car, she looked him up and down. “Ditched all the makeup?” Kunikuzushi scowled and turned his body away from hers, facing the window.

“That was a last year thing.”

“Hm.”

And then they were moving. The car sped through traffic, the bustling city around them with plenty to look at out the window. Kunikuzushi wondered if he should have worn makeup. Last year he wore a shit ton of eyeliner and black lipstick, it was his true goth era, chains and crop tops. Fishnets. The whole deal. Yet he felt more comfortable with how he looked. A simple necklace from his aunt, one dangling earring of a simple star he got for his birthday from Mona, and his large sweatshirt with baggy pants. It was comfortable and still his style, but drastically different from his look previously in a way. But now, he felt more comfortable like this. He felt like he was himself. That phase of his life was gone now, the partying, the boyfriend, the self hatred. He was going back to his loser self and that’s all he wanted, although he’d never admit it to his friends.

The car ride seemed painfully fast, it was like in an instant they had pulled up to the school he had loathed with his entire being, it was packed with people laughing, eating and just lazing about outside. As he went to step out of the car, Yae grabbed his arm gently, unlike her.

“Kunikuzushi, this year will be better. We know why you were like.. that last year and we know you’re better than that, so don’t stress. You’ll be okay. It’s nice to see that same grump back again.” She spoke with sincerity, but it just made Kunikuzushis skin crawl and cause conflicted feelings.

Once again, she was trying to become a replacement for the parent he did not have. “Thanks.” He said blandly, and tore his arm away.

He quickly escaped Yae Mikos car and walked into the school gates with a sigh. He turned and watched her pull away swiftly, eyes following her stupid car until it was out of sight.

“Kuniku!!” A shrill voice screeched, suddenly there was someone on him, and he was falling to the concrete ground.

“Fuck!” Him and the other person fell with a thud, a few people passing by glancing over.

“Shit, sorry!” The other person rolled off him, rising to their feet and dragging him up back up with them. “Nice to see you.” Mona spoke with a giggle in her voice.

She ruffled his hair, which made him scowl and swat her hand away. “You can’t keep jumping on me every time we fucking see each other, that shit hurts.” He growled.

His taller friend pouted in response. “Oh hush you. I haven’t seen you all summer and I missed youuu.” She whined as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight squeeze. His whole body tensed in response.

“That’s your own fault, you signed up for that stupid astrology camp knowing you’d be gone the entire summer.”  Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes and dramatically shoved her off him.

She wasn’t offended by this, she thought it was endearing. “Well stillllll! Sure it was a great time, but I missed our little group. Seeing fischls millions of posts on instagram of you guys made me jealous.” Kunikuzushi crossed his arms with a blank expression.

“Calm your shit, we’ll do plenty of things this upcoming summer together and during the school year.” He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “Speaking of, have you seen Fischl?”

Mona sighed, throwing her hand into her forehead as if she were about to faint. “She’s hanging out with her grade ten friends, we grade twelves aren’t good enough for her anymore.” It was understandable in a way. Fischl was a grade eleven, a year behind Mona and Kunikuzushi.

Before they had become friends in his grade ten year and her grade nine year, she still had some friends from middle school she was close to. Bennett and Razor, so when they eventually came to high school she would rotate in between friend groups, but seeing as the rest of their shared group would be graduating this year, it was logical she try to stick close to her other friends so she at least had another group of friends next year. “Fair enough. And the rest of the losers?”

Mona grinned.

“Waiting. You have art first, right? Well it looks like everyone managed to get their schedules to line up for at least that class.”

Kunikuzushi couldn’t help but show a small smile at the idea of sharing class with his friends. “Yeah, I do. Guess they wanted to be early birds, huh?”

“Well you know Cyno, he dragged Kazuha along with the intentions of being the first people there.”

Kunikuzushi sighed, pushing past Mona and walking towards the school doors. “Well let’s not keep them waiting, cmon.” Mona quickly stumbled after him, complaining about his fast pace.

Kunikuzushi would admit his friend group was a little odd.

Mona was an introvert with a bold personality, it was an odd combination considering at times she could be painfully awkward and shy. In fact they grew up hating each other over something silly in kindergarten, but growing up they grew closer as Kunikuzushi became less of a bitch and Mona became less whiny.

Cyno was definitely an unexpected part of the group, he was awkward with an awful sense of humour and occasionally blunt. He just appeared one day, after being introduced to Mona through Albedo, who hungout with Cynos bitchy boyfriend Tighnari.

Kazuha was dragged in the group by Mona as well. She had some sort of crush on him and brought him in with intentions to date, but realized she would rather be his friend. He was soft and probably the most extroverted out of the rest of them even though he kept to himself majority of the time. He was annoyingly poetic and even majestic.

Oh and Fischl, although not present she was a weird one, Kunikuzushi wouldn’t say it out loud he was oddly fond of her and her weirdness, in fact everyone was.

Kunikuzushi loved his friends, he wouldn’t ever be caught dead admitting it to any of them, he knew they cared about him and he felt loved as well. His friends were truly the best.

Lost in his thoughts he didn’t even register walking into the art room, it was probably the most “loud” room in the school. The walls were covered in murals and art work, shapes and colours mixed into it that bursted with just plain beauty. In the mess of all these colours, there was a large table in the corner of the room where Cyno and Kazuha sat, engaged in a deep conversation; although Kunikuzushi suspected Cyno was over explaining a joke and Kazuha was feeding into it.

Mona grabbed Kunikuzushi by the wrist, and basically dragged him over to the back table and shoved him into a seat in between her and Kazuha, the conversation was halted.

“Hello Kunikuzushi. Hello Mona.” Cyno spoke in his usual monotone tone. Many people might consider it mean or rude, but Kunikuzushi was aware that’s simply how he was.

Kazhua turned away from Cyno, a warm smile plastered on his face that turned his eyes into crescents, as if he was smiling with his eyes as well. He had one of those smiles that just was bright and loving. Kunikuzushi could see why Mona had been gushing over him in grade nine like she was. “Hello friends, nice to see you both.”

His focus suddenly was on Kunikuzushi. “How are you Kuniku?”

Kunikuzushi scowled at the nickname as if he detested it, but he secretly liked it. Once again, he would never tell his friends this information either.

“Peachy. Yae woke me up very rudely this morning.”

Cyno couldn’t help but pipe in, “Did she wake you up rudely or were you simply refusing to wake up?”

This made Mona snort and slap her knee like it was the funniest thing in the world. “We all know Kunikuzushi likes to sleep in, i’m sure he was just being bitchy.”

“Hey!” He shouted. “Don’t defend that pink demon spawn, she sucks balls.”

Cyno leaned in. “Well technically considering she is a romantic relationship with your mother, she couldn’t ‘suck balls’ in fact, she could only suck-“

Kunikuzushi slapped his hand over Cynos mouth. “Don’t you even talk about her like that, i don’t want that imagine of her and my mother in my head you vermin.”

The rest of them fell into laughter.

Yeah.

Kunikuzushi loved these dorks with every bit of himself. That was something he could not deny.

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi was sure his first day was going to be just fine with how it was starting off. Of course, being awoken by Yae of all people was disheartening and soured his mood ever so slightly, but seeing majority of his friends laugh and have fun brought peace to him. He felt good.

Of course, the peace would end right before the bell rang. 

His friends were bickering over something; honestly Kunikuzushi wasn’t really paying attention to them, he assumed it had something to do with Cyno and his stupid jokes but all he knew was the fact they were loud was what brought on the chaos.

Or maybe it was just him. The boy with amber eyes that pierced his soul when the fell upon him, when he walked into the art room his presence was heavy and consuming, it was like a feeling of intensity Kunikuzushi was familiar with. 

Anger.

He was nice to look at though, like Kunikuzushi, this boy had an odd hair cut. shorter in the back with wispy strands in the front cascading down his shoulders, his hair different hues of blue and near black. His face seemed to have a resting bitch face though, because the anger just radiated off him in waves so intense that Kuni was feeling it second hand. 
He basically stormed over to their table, one hand in his pocket and the other holding onto his bag tossed over his shoulder with a tight grip, he worn a large black hoodies and baggy black pants. Seemed somewhat just thrown together.
“Can you please quiet down.” The boy seethed. Although he had said please, Kunikuzushi could feel the venom in his voice. Obviously his friends could too, and they went quiet. Kazuha immediately glanced towards Kunikuzushi with a warning written over his expression. He didn’t have to use words for Kunikuzushi to recognize what he meant.

Don’t engage.

Kunikuzushi never liked to go down without fight though, so he stood from his seat and slammed his hands down on the table, leaning toward slightly towards this rude stranger.

“Maybe if you ask more nicely.” He smiled. Of course, his smile held nothing but malice. He could feel his friends inwardly groan at his aggression, but he also knew they wouldn’t stop him. Once he starts he will not stop until he wants to. 

The guys face twitched and his grip on his bag tightened, his irritation was obviously growing and Kunikuzushi wondered if he’d lean forward and punch him with the amount of anger coming off him.

“I shouldn’t have to ask, you and your friends have no respect for the people around them and need to fucking pipe down.” 

Kunikuzushi laughed at this, as if this punk had said the funniest thing in the world. 

“You’re the only person around us, and we were here first. First period will start in a few minutes, so we’ll pipe down then.”
He leaned closer, his nose nearly touching the strangers with the proximity they were at.

“So suck it the fuck up, twat.” 

When he spat out his insult, suddenly hands were on the collar of his sweatshirt, the boys bag fell onto the ground and suddenly Kunikuzushis friends jumped to their feet.

“Calm down, please!” Mona yelled, she went to grab the mysterious boys arm, but he swatted her away. Every bit of his attention was on Kunikuzushi.

Kazhua was busy holding Cyno back, while Mona and Kazhua were more peaceful in their conflicts, Cyno was almost on Kunikuzushi’s level, so him getting involved would simply make things worse for everyone.

“You better shut up before I make you shut up.” He growled.  Kunikuzushi could only grin even more. 

“Try me.”

“Xiao, stop!” A feminine voice screeched. Suddenly, a tall girl burst into the classroom, she threw aside her bag and ran to the scene, approaching the boy. She also had an odd haircut, and like his her hair was blue, but much brighter. Soft like the sky. She seemed much more gentle than this, ‘Xiao.’ 
Kunikuzushi was suddenly let go at the sound of her voice, Xiao snapping his head toward her suddenly. 
“Ah. Ganyu.” 

Ganyu grabbed him on the arm and tugged him slightly back. “Xiao, you know you can’t get into anymore fights! Apologize!”

Xiao scowled, shoving her away from him and sending a glare towards Kunikuzushi, the fire in his eyes burning. “No, this asshole should apologize.”

Another voice came in. “Or perhaps both of you should apologize and receive equal punishment.”  This is where Kunikuzushi knew he was absolutely screwed. Had the bell rung already? Had they really been so absorbed in their petty little fight they didn’t even notice other students peering in, and the teacher strolling up behind them?

Their teacher stood tall behind them, sighing and tapping her foot. Xiao and Kunikuzushi immediately went back to neutral faces. 
Oh god, Kunikuzushi couldn’t afford to get into trouble on his first day. His mother would absolutely kill him, and Yae would torture him until the end of his days. Not only that, what if his friends got in trouble too? He didn’t want them to be put to blame as well.
Before the teacher could even ask for an explanation, Kunikuzushi piped in.

“It was my fault Ma’am, I was being rude and started a fight. I’m very sorry.” Although he felt shame bubbling in his chest, he held his head high to avoid the angry and confused looks from his friends. Xiao glanced at him from over his shoulder, his face softening. 

“I was to blame as well. I’m sorry Ma’am.”

The teacher crossed her arms, scanning the two over as if she could read their minds, gaze into their very souls even. She turned on her heel and walked to the front of the classroom.

“My classroom is a safe place, I wish for there to be no conflict. But this could be an issue if I have two students who can’t get along.” She sat down at her desk as she spoke, other students slowly and quietly finding their seats, trying not to interrupt the heated moment.

“You two, stay after class. Now sit, and do not cause any more interruption.” 

Kunikuzushi almost sighed in relief, almost. He would have to wait and see what his punishment was after. He watched Xiao get pulled away by this Ganyu chick, she was semi loud and a bit whiny but seemed to have good intentions. He made eye contact with Xiao once more, before he tore his eyes away and sat back down.

“Did you seriously just take the blame for all of us?” Mona whisper yelled, she slapped Kunikuzushi on the arm but it was not enough to actually hurt the raven hair boy.

“So what? I started the argument, it would be pointless if you all got in trouble for just being a little loud.”

Cyno rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

Kazuha piped in, “What he means to say is thank you, but you really didn’t have to.”

Kunikuzushi huffed, stretching his arms back and then fixing his sweater where he had been grabbed. “Whatever, you guys owe me lunch.”

They all giggled at his request, and then went quiet as class started. The class was mainly just introducing the course and the expectations of it, the teacher introducing herself and explaining the art and murals painted all over the room, although Kunikuzushi noticed she had not commented on the corner opposite to him near the front of the room, across from the door. It was white, and had no decorations whatsoever. 
He also couldn’t help but glance towards the front at Xiao, who sat at a table with Ganyu and some girl with white hair. They all seemed really quiet, but he still couldn’t tear himself away from staring at him. There was something infuriatingly intriguing about the boy with blue hair and sharp amber eyes, and he hated it.

Class sped by with no actual work done, although it was to be expected considering all they did was talk about the classroom’s decorations. Suddenly he was waving to his friends and agreeing to meet up at lunch after next period, and walking up to the desk where the teacher sat, and where Xiao stood.

The teacher sat there in silence for a minute, the two boys awkwardly waiting for anything to be said. Finally, she spoke. 
“I’m sure you both don’t wish to receive detention on the first day of school.”
They both hesitantly nodded.

The teacher gave them a scheming smile, a smile Kunikuzushi didn’t like one bit. 

“Well, I could give you a pass from that. Well, not quite a pass. It wouldn’t be official detention, it’s actually a project.” She stood from her seat as she spoke, walking towards the blank corner.
“Either receive official detention, or, you could work on actually getting alone by doing a joint mural. But, no one else. Just you two.” She clapped her hands together in joy at the thought.
“So, what will it be?” 

Kunikuzushi watched Xiao scowl in defeats and suddenly he wasn’t feeling all too chipper either. Obviously, the teacher was taking advantage of the situation to get that corner painted and done, he assumed no one else had wanted to do it for her to go to such extreme lengths to suggest this little ‘bonding activity.’

But Kunikuzushi would rather deal with this prick than deal with his mothers wrath and Yaes torture. So he spoke first. “Fine.” 

Xiao snapped his head towards Kunikuzushi in surprise, but his face returned to his usual scowl in an instant, it’s like the brat didn’t want to show emotion.
“I can agree to it as well.”

She squealed in joy at the response. “Great! You two will be staying after school to discuss it. Meet me back here at the end of the day and i’ll let you in, but if you try backing out for a second I will assure you it will not be good for either of you. If you need an excuse to tell your guardians, just say you were selected to do a mural. And be enthusiastic.” She paused to stand and wave to the door.
“Dismissed!”

Kunikuzushi wanted to actually fucking die. He never had wanted to leave faster in his life, he didn’t even realize how fast he could pack his bag and run out that door, he was going to head to his next period class before he felt a strong grip on his arm.

He cocked his head back with a stormy glare, indigo eyes meeting amber ones. 

“I don’t like you.” Xiao spat. 

“The feeling is mutual, Xiao.” He seethed.

“Despite our mutual dislike though, we have to get along obviously. Just stay out of my way.” Xiao released his arm, almost shoving Kunikuzushi back with the force.

Kunikuzushi wasn’t going to leave it at that though, stepping up into the other males face. “Perhaps you should be staying out of mine.”

Xiao’s eyebrows furrowed in anger. “Don’t try to play this game with me, pretty boy.” 

Although his words were said with such spite and hatred that Kunikuzushi couldn’t deny, being called a pretty boy made his face flush and his heart race. He couldn’t even spit out an insult, leaving Xiao to smirk in pride as he walked away. He had won the battle.

Kunikuzushi had picked a fight with a really hot guy, and he lost.

How utterly embarrassing.

Chapter Text

“PFFFT!!!” 

“Oh shut up! It’s not that funny!” Kunikuzushi snapped. 

“Oh, but it sooo is.” Mona snorted, slurping on her can of pepsi and slamming it back down on the cafeteria table. 

Kazuha who was sitting across from the raven hair boy put down his chopsticks after stuffing his face with rice, despite that, he still spoke eloquently.  “It is admittedly funny.” 

Sitting next to Kunikuzushi, a blonde girl snivelled and slammed her head on the table so hard it shook, she was wailing dramatically . “Oh, I can’t believe I missed this! Damn you all for being in a grade twelve class!” Fischl stomped her feet like a child who didn’t get her way.

Cyno leaned forward from his position across the table. “Pretty boy.” It was absolutely disgusting on how much emphasis he put on the two words. Kunikuzushi flushed with anger which just triggered the table to erupt with laughter.

“This is literally like an enemies to lovers arc, next thing you know they’ll be one of those disgusting couples like Cyno and Tighnari!” Fischl giggled. Cyno snapped his head towards the blonde and grumbled.

“Don’t bring my relationship into this.” 

Kazuha leaned against Cyno, a teasing smirk on his face. “Tighnari literally calls you his Cecilia, it doesn’t get anymore embarrassing than that.” Cyno immediately let out a soft squeak and covered his face in shame, suddenly the teasing was deflected towards the boy with white hair and Kunikuzushi couldn’t be more grateful.

Really, he had no shame. Only an hour after a heated argument, he was blushing over this aloof Xiao guy who just called him a pretty boy with the simple reason of pissing him off. He knew it had no meaning, just words spat out to try and piss him off. Yet why was it doing the opposite? 
He tried to focus on anything else, the bustling cafeteria and the people surrounding him, he watched some guy with blue hair thrown back into a low ponytail fling food at a boy with hot red hair, in response he flung some back and then they tried strangling each other. Weirdos. His eyes scanned the room for something to distract him from the pure embarrassment of gushing over the guy he called a twat. Suddenly he found it, a distraction. But it wasn’t a good one.

Rosalyne, the tall girl who walked with authority, one of the most intimating people he had yet to meet was walking through the aisles of cafeteria tables with her head held high. Kunikuzushi could feel his blood run cold and his head go empty.
“Kuniku? Do you wanna get out of here?” Mona whispered, her hand was on his back and she patted him gently, she was oddly warm. The other three were still bickering and it seems she was the only one to take notice of the situation. 

But as soon as Rosalyne was there, she was gone in an instant. Kunikuzushi sighed in relief. “Nah it’s fine, that blonde cunt better stay away.” 

Mona still looked concerned, but removed her hand from his back. “Yeah, i’m sure you have nothing to worry about. But y’know if you do worry, i’m here.” 

Kunikuzushi scoffed dramatically and waved his hand, as if he was dismissing her. “Oh whatever, you big sap.” 

Mona smiled, pleased with his response. “Now eat your food or i’ll eat it for you!” She shrieked, trying to grab at his lunch. 

“Bug off!” 

“Never!”

Besides his bickering with his friends, the day seemed to fly by as quickly as it started. Third period he had a free class, as did Fischl, so they walked to the nearby park and goofed off. Of course this was an exception only for Fischl, he wouldn’t do this with any other of his friends. Although, they all had things he’d only do for that one person exclusively, like he’d sometimes get high with Kazuha, or perhaps play some silly card games with Cyno. He wouldn’t admit this, but he would also do horoscopes with Mona. All because he loved the damn fools.

Last period he had chemistry, this class he had with a friend, Albedo. Albedo use to play a more active role in their friend group, but they eventually had grown apart as Albedo met Tighnari and began dating Sucrose. Kunikuzushi even suspected they added a third person into the relationship, but he just didn’t want to outright ask someone he wasn’t as close with anymore.

And finally, at the end of the day while others were walking out of the school he was walking to that stupid art room, phone in hand up against his ear as he called his mother’s assistant, Sara. Sara normally picked Kunikuzushi up and drove him to school, occasionally Yae would take over but it was never his mother.
“Yeah yeah, i’ll be a few hours late. Just dongetting me, i’ll get the subway. Tell my mother I got selected for some art thing, okay?” He paused, his face contorting into one of anger. “No! Why would I lie to you. Fuck off Sara.” And with that he hung up. 

“If you walk in cursing, you’ll just anger that heathen even more.”

Ah, that irritating voice. A voice he had grown to loathe in simply a few hours.

Xiao stood behind him, his sweater had been ditched and wrapped around his waist. He had a simple white tee on with a smiley face on it. Now that his arms were visible, Kunikuzushi realized he was quite built, not only that. He had tattoos.
Kunikuzushi was simply going to die.

To distract from the fact his new enemy was extremely attractive, he sped up his walking and stumbled into the art classroom. But, there was no sign of their teacher. Only something written on the board in her place.

“I ended up needing to run some errands. Be good and start planning out your mural! Make me a list of supplies before you leave here today, and if you try to leave early, i’ll know! - Alice.” 

Crazy bitch. 

Xiao and Kunikuzushi stood side by side, staring at the board. The two of them both considered leaving at the moment seeing as the atmosphere was somewhat tense. 
But no. This bitch really was crazy, Kunikuzushi didn’t want to test his art teacher on the first day of school, or get his mother on his case and have to run off to his aunts house again like last time. 

Suddenly he was being pulled by the back of his shirt and falling into a chair, obviously by the amber eyed freak Xiao who sat face forward in his chair, leaning on it with his arms crossed. He had that same annoying neutral yet somewhat bitchy expression he had earlier, and that just fueled Kunikuzushi’s annoyance towards the infuriatingly hot male in front of him. 
“Lets pick some bullshit theme, select what supplies we need and leave. I’m sure you don’t want to be stuck here any longer than I do.” 

Kunikuzushi wanted to pick a fight so unbelievably bad. Literally he was on the edge of his seat thinking about it. “What if I want to waste your time, you wasted mine this morning with your pointless arguing.” He paused and grinned.
“Just because someone pissed in your lucky charms and you’re some weird loner, doesn’t mean you have to yell at a group of friends having fun.” 

He was hoping to stir another satisfying reaction from Xiao, but the boy remained neutral. “Friendship is meaningless, I do not care for it.” He slightly leaned back, Kunikuzushi wondered how he wasn’t falling on his ass. 

“I do not care if you perceive me as a loner, Raiden Kunikuzushi. Your opinion is just as meaningless as friendship.” 

Kunikuzushi nearly leaped back. How the hell did he know his name? 

“How?-“

“I remember you from last year, second semester film class. You were too wrapped up in that stupidly annoying boyfriend of yours to notice anything else.” 

“Don’t bring that up.” Kunikuzushi hissed, knocking his chair back and rising to his feet. “I don’t care who the fuck you are, you keep your damn mouth shut, got it?” 

Xiao raised an eyebrow. “You are simply making things worse. I stated the facts from what I could observe. Don’t get bitchy.” 

Kunikuzushi didn’t know what to say, he did jump in anger at the slightest mention of him. He sat back down. 

“The moon.”

Xiao crossed his arms.

“Pardon?”

“We can paint a moon. Basic as fuck, easy  in basic form just the details we have to focus on. For a personal touch, yknow, ‘leaving our mark’ we can paint some faint clouds in the night sky, same colour as your tattoos there.” He lifted a hand to point to Xiao’s arm, which  drew the amber eyes to look down at his arm. 

“Yeah okay.” 

For a few minutes of peace, they discussed shades of colours they could use for the small mural, supplies they might need like types of brushes, and they mutually decided to inspect the supplies their teacher already had. 
It’s not like they were getting along, although the words they spoke weren’t aggressive, the venom in Kunikuzushi’s tone and the glare on Xiao’s face was all but telling of how they felt about each other -
minus the fact Kunikuzushi was ready to melt over how hot Xiao was. 

“We just need a few different cans of grey paint. She has everything else we need. If we get started fast enough we can finish in only a few days. A moon isn’t that difficult.” Xiao mumbled, deep in thought as he planned out every detail. 
Kunikuzushi glanced at him, watching him go through the cupboards in the back of the room, inspecting it all throughly. Before he could even say anything in response, his phone started going off. Looking at the screen quickly realized Yae was calling. He could dismiss Sara, but if he dismissed Yae that would get his mother involved, because if he disrespected her precious girl toy it would be the end of the world. 

He answered it, and brought the phone up to his ear with caution half expecting to go deaf with the amount of screeching he was prepared to hear. 

“I’m outside the school. Hurry up.” And with that she hung up.

Looking at the time, it was only 5:12, and he was well aware on mondays (along with wednesdays and thursdays) she got off around 8-11pm. It was out of character for her to get off early, this had him troubled, fearful even. Had he gotten into trouble for this? He’d blame it all on that stupid teacher and this stupid boy. 
He shot another glance at Xiao, who was already staring at him with curiosity. 

“I gotta go. My moms… friend is here.” 

Xiao looked almost annoyed, as if Kunikuzushi had any say in the matter. “Hmph. Next time, stay longer so we can get this shit done. Tell your moms ‘friend’ or whoever the hell picks you up that i’ll drive you back.” He took his keys out of his pocket and waved them around. They were attached to a way too cute and pink lanyard that almost made Kunikuzushi laugh, although he didn’t want to pick another fight. 

He left without speaking anymore words to little mr amber eyes, only shooting him an annoyed look. He had to maintain his anger towards the boy with blue hair even if he was extremely attractive. The looks were nothing if he had such an attitude, and he had a lot of it.

Kunikuzushi just hoped he could get on with this mural and finally start his epic senior year.

Chapter Text

Xiao had an extremely painful first day of his senior year. 

He truly didn’t want to purposefully cause trouble this year. In fact, he had intended to avoid it at all costs to cause less stress on Ganyu before she exploded with her already busy schedule and stressful life concerning her out of school commitments and her new ones in school that were going to begin, including student council.

It also wouldn’t look good for her if her little brother was causing trouble, considering she was apart of the student council. He was ready to put aside the anger issues and such for her, she had done so much for him and it was only fair.

Of course, the lack of sleep is what led to his bitchy attitude, and that is what led to getting into it with a snotty bitch on the first day of school.

Raiden Kunikuzushi. Xiao had remembered the boy from his film class last year, he was snarky and loud. Although now he had seemed different in a way, previously his style was just as loud as he was, as with a face plastered with makeup (which Xiao never thought was a bad thing, considering he wears his own makeup, but it was simply an observation.) and always clung to that idiot with the blue hair; although from further observations it seemed quite the opposite. Not only that, but his father was business partners with his mother, Raiden Ei. 

This year, he was still quite loud, but it seemed only when engaged in an argument he let it show. His eyes had this certain look whenever he glared, like little storms begging to be unleashed along with his wrath. His fashion has changed dramatically, and a key observation was that he was no longer around that gross freak he considered a boyfriend.

Besides that, Xiao considered him a venomous bitch. Although, he seemed more interesting this year than the last, like he suddenly gained more personality, or perhaps, gained back the personality he had lost or hid.

Pushing the thoughts of Kunikuzushi aside, Xiao knew he was going to feel bad the rest of the day because he was sure Ganyu probably faced some shit for his dumbass and his anger issues. He couldn’t help but cringe at the idea of her being upset with him again, or even worse, his father being disappointed. 

Currently, he was in his car, gripping the steering wheel so tightly you’d think he was preparing for it to grow two legs and run away, but he was simply tense. When he pulled into the driveway of his nice little suburban house, peace graced him for a simple moment. The home he had loved, the people he loved, this house held many memories to Xiao in ways he could not describe. 

BANG.

Xiao nearly fumbled out of the drivers seat when a hand suddenly came into contact with   the window of his car. A snarky laugh followed. 
“ohoho, the great Alatus cowering in fear!” A girl with long brown hair that faded into a crimson at the tips that was tied into two ponytails swayed around his car, the knee length red skirt she wore bounced along with it.  Hu Tao, the bane of Xiaos existence. 

Hu Tao was a senior at school as well, and had affiliations with Xiao’s father. Although she was still young, she would come in her grandfathers place as his fathers business partner. Although she was turned away the first few times, she begged him to at least become close enough for when the time comes for her the graduate and take over her grandfather’s business, they would be able to work comfortably together. Unlike Xiao and Ganyu, Hu Tao would be graduating early due to working hard to get extra credits last year so she can graduate after first semester and jump into the business. His father would often invite her (and her grandfather) over to tea, but most times it would just be her since he was sick most of the time.
Xiao knew his father pitied her in a way, how she only really had her grandfather who wasn’t around majority of the time since he was sick in the hospital. That’s why these visits of hers were frequent. 

But god, sometimes he wish his father would take a break from inviting her for dinner or tea, even recently during the summer she started coming over for breakfast. It was annoying. (Although Xiao knew during the summer it was because her grandfather was in the worst condition he was in yet.) 

Xiao slammed the car door open, stepping and reaching to tug on her hair, but she swayed in the opposite direction with a mischievous grin. “You’ve already caused enough trouble today Alatus, you gonna try to cause more?” 

Xiao grimaced. “Stop calling me that.” He walked towards the door and pulled his keys out of his pocket to unlock the door. Hu Tao hovered over him which pissed him off to no end. 

“Mr. Zhongli is making Bamboo Shoot Soup today, my mouth is watering at the thought!”

Xiao opened the door and it slammed against the wall with a thud, he glared back at the odd girl. “Freeloader.”

He ignored her crying and whining over his nickname as he took off his shoes and placed them on the shoe rack, he then cursed her out when she tried walking in with her shoes on. 

“Can you two please stop arguing?” Ganyu sauntered into the entrance way, she was wearing an apron so Xiao assumed she was helping their father. 

Hu Tao twirled her way into Ganyu, wrapping her arms around her and bringing her into a hug rather dramatically. “Oh Ganyuuuu, I missed you!”

Ganyu sighed. “I saw you earlier at school.” 

Hu Tao let her go. “Oh yeah, when you told me Alatus got into trouble with that jellyfish haircut guy!” 

Xiao groaned, of course she told Hu Tao, if she told her she also probably told her their dad. He would have to deal with the long speech that would develop into a rant and would end on a completely different conversation and would simply be a waste of his time. He loved his dad, but that man knew how to ramble. 

“Alatus, Ganyu, Hu Tao. Food is ready.” A deep voice called from within the house. 

Before Xiao even had time to react, he was pulled away by Hu Tao, who was excited for food.

Xiao didn’t care about the food though, all he thought about was sleep. And perhaps a pair of stormy eyes lingered on his mind as well.

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi was used to eating alone. In his large empty household that echoed when he spoke, there was almost nobody there half of the time. He wouldn’t say he was lonely, but he felt a lack of something in his chest when he came home, if he could consider it one.

When Yae had picked him up earlier, she didn’t talk much at all. In fact she never asked for explanation, she took him home and left back to work, saying she’d be home late. Kunikuzushi thought it was pathetic she’d call this shell of a house a home, in fact she had her own apartment, she didn’t even officially live here. He felt like his mother’s relationship with her was always on edge, like it was ready to snap at any given moment because of how controlling Yae could be and how demanding his mother was. They weren’t a good fit, although it was better than his fathers relationship with the damn woman before he had passed.

Kunikuzushi supposes the best time of his life was when they divorced and he lived with his dad. The house was warm and lively, and his father gave him all the love he ever truly needed. When he got sick and passed, Kunikuzushi suffered greatly, and when it was time to live with his mother, it almost seemed the light was sucked out of his world and he was thrown into a darkness that swallowed him whole. 
He had never seen a good relationship in his life, so perhaps that’s why he ended up the way he was last year. Suffocating in what he thought was love. But he never liked to think back on those memories.

He sat alone at the kitchen table, eating some cheap takeout he ordered on his mothers card. (which he didn’t feel bad about it, and she wouldn’t say anything anyways.) 

His phone was blowing up with messages from his friends, they talked about stupid things that really had no meaning and no use to him, but he was glad they wished to reach out.

Kazoo3000: guys, what does one do when someone is constantly complaining about failing classes but is putting in zero effort.

Cyno: call them pathetic 

mona>~<: tell them they need to put in the effort! offer them aid!

Cyno: or that.

The conversations always seemed pointless to  Kunikuzushi. After watching them text nonsense, he shut off his phone and finished up his food (he enjoyed every last bite.) and took his dishes into the kitchen. Before he went to bed, he cleaned up his mess and made sure the kitchen looked as plain as it did when he came in the barren house. 
He walked up the stairs and wandered into his room. His room, unlike the rest of the house, was loud. Band posters scattered across the room, a large tapestry of a skeleton above his bed and plushies from a variety of shows in a net hung from the corner of the well. He had a large book case covered with a variety of books big and small, detailed and plain, and a messy desk sat in front of the window where the curtains were still drawn from this morning. The connected door in his room led to his private bathroom, which was slightly cluttered with a few clothes and makeup and skincare. He glanced towards the clothing rack and dresser that were on the left side of his bed, and grabbed a pair of pyjamas before stripping down and getting in the shower. 

He didn’t even really register much until he was suddenly hitting the bed at only 7pm. 
wouldn’t hurt if I took a small nap I guess.

And with that, he shut his eyes and let the darkness swallow him whole.

Dinner was absolutely hell. 

Hu Taos whining has not stopped since she had walked in the door, and increased tenfold at the table. Ganyu was basically cowering in the corner, stress overtaking her (Which Xiao hated seeing.) and his father? He was doing exactly as predicted, attempting to lecture him and doing it extremely poorly. He didn’t know how he ended up discussing the history of egypt, but that’s what his father was speaking of currently.

He could really go for some tofu right now. His soup had been completely devoured, but he was still left hungry.

“He’s in one of my classes yknow!” Hu Tao piped in suddenly. Xiao glanced at her in confusion.

“Who?”

“Jellyfish! He’s in my chemistry class, he sits with Albedo. They’re an odd looking pair that’s for sure!”

Xiao grumbled. His father started rambling at Ganyu while the other two spoke. “Who cares?” 

Hu Tao clapped her hands together. “He’s such a pretty boy! If he swung my way and I swung his, i’d totally shoot my shot!”

Xiao crossed his arms with a displeased expression on his face, he leaned back in his chair as if to get away from Hu Tao who sat across from him but his curiosity was peaked. “How do you even know his sexuality?”

Hu Tao rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows. If you didn’t live under a rock you know how popular he was last year, specifically second semester. He dated Dottore. Yknow the freaky one who graduated?”

Xiao scoffed. “Yeah, I already knew that. “

“Well I heard the breakup was messy! Everyone knows how controlling Dottore is, so it’s no shocker.” 

He didn’t know why Hu Tao was disclosing this information to him at all really. It was pointless. All he knew and he needed to know was Kunikuzushi was a bitch with a capital b.  She rambled on some more about pointless gossip she heard about the boy with raven hair, and Xiao blocked it all out. Or he tried to until a phone was shoved into his face, although it was just a blurry mess. In the background his dad and Ganyu exited the room talking to each other.

“Fuck off Hu Tao!” 

“Oh right, sorry my near sighted friend!” 

She pulled the phone back and from observation Xiao knew it was an instagram profile. Kunikuzushi’s instagram profile. He seemed to have a lot of posts, and in different variety. 

“He’s a private account, but he accepted my request because we have a lot of mutual friends! You should follow him!”

Xiao acted offended at the suggestion. “As if.”

Before he could even process, his phone was jerked out of pocket and a hand was shoved in his face, pushing him back as Hu Tao crouched on her chair giggling like a maniac. Xiao swore his chair was about to tip over, and Ganyu and his father seemed to have disappeared into the kitchen to clean up, he was completely left alone to Hu Taos torture. 
“Give me my phone back or I swear to god!” 

Hu Tao tsked. “No can do!”

Xiao grabbed her wrist that was shoved in his face and yanked her forward, she lost balance and slammed into the floor with a large bang, it was sure to leave a bruise but he could care less honestly, it was deserved. She was still lifting his phone above her, as not to break it. 

“Too late! I requested! And sure, you can remove your request but it would never be known if he saw it or not! You’d be left wondering, embarrassed even! So don’t bother removing it!” 

Xiao groaned and slapped his hand against his forehead. He swiped the phone out of her hand and stared intensely at the screen, squinting ever so slightly. Kunikuzushi’s account seemed bare at the moment, but only because it was private. He took note of his profile picture, which was a blurry photo of him standing to the side, head pointed upwards and his hair all in his face. He had his pronouns in his bio, along with a silly song quote that made Xiao outwardly cringe. 
He decided to leave the request. He may need to message him about the mural at some point, and he didn’t want his number at all. He stood up from where he was seated, dragging Hu Tao up back onto her chair and headed out of the room. “I’m going to bed.” 

“It’s only like, 8! Cmon, don’t be such an early bird.” 

Xiao looked back. “I have to get sleep while I can, or I won’t get any at all.” 

And with that, he left the room. Hu Tao sighed in relief and went back to her unattended food.

The second day of school was bound to be better, Kunikuzushi convinced himself. Or well, tried to convince himself. This morning was worst than the last. No one came home, although that was common, normally at least Sara would be knocking at his door and demanding he get in the car. But no, she wasn’t there either. Perhaps a form of punishment because he dismissed her yesterday? Or perhaps his mother didn’t care. But with no driver he ended up on the subway to school, which he always hated with a passion. Last year he went on it constantly, but never willingly. Dottore said it was so they can see each other right in the morning, but Kunikuzushi thinks it was his way of seeing if he could establish some form of control over him. It worked. 
It was busy, and there was so seats so he stood jammed in between an older woman and some smelly business man who reeked of axe cologne. It was always busy in the mornings. 

He thought back on yesterday, on his eventual day and tried to remember some of the boring details. Chemistry class was nothing of note, he and Albedo chatted a little but that was it. Third period was fun and admittedly he blanked out on second period. That was when he had his global history class, and none of his friends were in that class. He’d try to convince one of them to transfer into his class before the deadline came up eventually. 
And then, a memory from last night came into mind. Ah yeah.

Kunikuzushi tossed and turned, going to bed early was never a good idea but he still did it anyways to spite the world. But when drew him out of his endless cycle of trying to sleep was a notification from his phone. Perhaps his mother, or a friend? But what appeared shocked him. A follow request from his new rival, his hot rival. 

Adeptus_A has requested to follow you. 

He stared at his screen dumbfounded. Why exactly would he request to follow him? What were the motives? 
He clicked on his account out of curiosity, shocked it was actually a public account. And oh god he nearly lost it at the only post out of four that showed Xiao’s face. It was a picture of him with a hair tie hanging out of his mouth as he drew his hair into a ponytail. Kunikuzushi buried his face into his pillow to hide the blush dancing across his face. It was going to fine. So what? His new rival was hot, but he had the worst personality ever. 
Kunikuzushi accepted the request and followed him back, tossing his phone to the side and hiding under his blanket, face burning hot. 

Thinking back on it, he felt his face warm up, he buried his head into his hands to hide the flush that danced around his face, painfully embarrassed. He simply would ignore it, ignore him, and get through the day. 
The day would be great! Nothing would ruin it.

Ten minutes before the bell and his day was already spoiled. He sat in the dreaded art room consoling a sobbing Mona, her head buried in her hands. Kazuha sat on her left and Fischl sat on her right, Fischl had her arms wrapped around Mona securely while Kazuha rubbed her head and soothed her. Meanwhile Kunikuzushi felt like an utter buffoon standing there because he lacked the mental capacities to actually comfort his sobbing friends. He cursed out Cyno in his head, because Cyno would be standing there just like him confused as fuck and he wouldn’t be the only asshole there; unfortunately Cyno was busy playing kissy face with Tighnari to see the sight of a distraught Mona. 
Kunikuzushi was going to jump off a bridge at this point.

“I can’t believe it! I thought he was the one, how could he dump me?!” Mona wailed. Kunikuzushi tried not to laugh watching the snot run down her face as she cried off her makeup. 

Kunikuzushi completely forgot Mona actually had a boyfriend, probably because they never saw each other. And probably because he only registered him as the closet gay boy Mona was dating. 

“Ayato has his reasoning Mona, perhaps if you had stayed to listen to what he had to say-“ 
Mona glared at Kazuha. “No! He’s awful.”

Kunikuzushi crossed his arms. “He probably was just gonna come out to you- I don’t know how you didn’t notice your boyfriend is ga-“

He stopped himself as he noticed Kazuha staring him down, burning holes through his head. His friend could be scary upon occasion, and this was one of them. 

“I mean, yeah, he could have some sort of , um, reasoning or whatever. If you cared about him you should go track him down and hear him out.” He spit out.

Mona sniffled and wiped her tears. “Yeah yeah you’re right, it’s not fair for me to run away like that. I’ll go find him.” Fischl and Kazuha shuffled away from her as she stood with determination, strutting out of the classroom with a face full of smeared makeup. 

There was a moment of silence before Kunikuzushi glanced back at his other two friends.

“He’s totally gay.” 

Fischl and Kazuha didn’t even wait a second to respond.

“Oh yeah totally.” 

“There’s no way he isn’t.” 

Kunikuzushi sighed dramatically and sat in his chair. “She sure knows how to pick them.” 

Fischl rolled her eyes with her own flare. “I’m waiting until she comes out! I bet five bucks she’s a lesbian with a need for male validation.” 

Kazuha was about to chime in, most likely to scold Fischl for her bluntness but Kunikuzushi jumped in first. 
“I’ll bet you ten she’s a raging bisexual.” 

“Oh it’s on!” 

“I’ll bet on her being a lesbian as well.” Kazuha spoke up, which surprised Kunikuzushi to a degree because he thought he friend would whack them over the heads and tell them off. Kunikuzushi simply grinned mischievously. 

“My gaydar is never wrong, you picked the wrong guy to bet against!” Kuniku giggled manically. But his laughter paused when he saw a painfully familiar face walk into the classroom. The other two continued to agree that Mona was secretly a lesbian or something along those lines but Kunikuzushi was distracted. 

Xiao threw his bag against the floor and pulled off his baggy black sweater. Kunikuzushi felt his face go hot in a mere second when he saw the skin tight white shirt, it showed off his arm tattoo perfectly and he could swear the material was thin enough he caught a glimpse of what appeared to be more tattoos on his chest. And god, he was built. For a guy who wasn’t very tall at all, he carried himself like he was and it was hard for Kunikuzushi to try not and drool over him. 

Once again, he was fucking screwed.

EXTRA

Xiao stood facing his closet in confusion. It was like all his clothes had disappeared in an instant, growing two legs and running off, because it seemed all of his clean clothes disappeared. 

Ganyu peaked into his room, she seemed to be getting ready as well, putting a few clips in her hair. “Oh, while you were in the shower Hu Tao tried to bring you some more  leftover soup from last night and tripped into your closet. I put your clothes in the wash, but don’t worry! She found another outfit for you to wear today.” Ganyu smiled warmly at Xiaos irritated expression. 

“And where is she now?”

Ganyu giggled. “She had to go early, something about a club or whatever! The clothes are on your bed, sorry for the inconvenience!” And with that she left.

Xiao turned around and looked at his bed. There sat his work out clothes, and a sticky note with a winky face on the top of them. He felt his eye twitch in anger. 

Meanwhile Hu Tao was trying to make it as far away from the Adeptus household as she could. She giggled at her own scheming as a faint scream of her name echoed the streets.

Chapter Text

He was drooling, definitely drooling. He doesn’t know exactly what activated in him and when it did to get him to be such a dazed fool at the asshole, but he really had it coming. 

Kazuha’s voice suddenly brought him back to earth. “Close your mouth, your jaw is on the floor Kuniku.” 

Kunikuzushi turned suddenly, face flush and eyes furrowed, he attempted a glare but was too all over the place to even try. Fischl made a strange laugh, kinda sounded like a whale dying or something along those lines. 

“I’m not!- Shut up!” He snarled. He felt two holes being dug into the back of his head and he knew it was Xiao. The guy seemed to have a thing against people being loud, but he’d simply have to get use to it. Kunikuzushi turned around and shot him a look of disgust, he ignored the choked laughter of his friends while doing so.

“Stop being bitchy and loud.” Xiao cursed. Kunikuzushi debated on starting another argument with him, it was ever so tempting in all honesty. Perhaps seeing that awful personality at its fullest would give Kunikuzushi a wake up call. He stood up, ready to get passive aggressive and he saw Xiao shift from his seat, preparing himself as well with a glare of steel; yet they were interrupted by the art teacher dancing into the classroom minutes before the bell. 

“Oh nice to see you two get along! Perhaps it’s a good idea to have you two sit at a table to yourselves, I will give you class time to discuss and plan your small mural, it’ll count towards your grade!” She clapped in glee, but  Kunikuzushi could only curse her out in his head, stupid Alice.

So that’s how he ended up here, sitting at a table with only Xiao while he watched his friends paint and have fun. He could be doing that right now but no. He had to try and pick a fight. Since Kunikuzushi was now assigned to Xiao’s table for their private project, Ganyu was moved over to where he sat, and it pissed him off to see her getting along so well with the others. That other girl was no where to be seen today. 

The classroom was bustling with excitement, although he hated the teacher she really did know how to create an atmosphere that was comfortable. Although, the atmosphere at his table was anything but comfortable. They both had their arms crossed and faced away from each other, it was painfully awkward but neither wanted to even associate. Kunikuzushi hated the silence though, so he spoke up first. 

“So are we actually gonna do any work, stalker?” 

Xiao whipped his head around, his eyebrows furrowing and Kunikuzushi could swear he saw a few veins bulging from his forehead in anger.
“Excuse me?” 

Kunikuzushi grinned. “You’re excused.”

Xiao scoffed, he reached forward and grabbed Kunikuzushi’s wrist, slightly yanking him forward with a tight grip.  “What have I done to illicit the nickname ‘stalker’ from your venomous tongue?” He practically snarled. It was supposed to intimate Kuniku, yet all he could do was turn red in the face. He didn’t let himself waver however. 

“You literally requested to follow me last night, we have like no mutuals which means you went looking for my account. Stalker much?” 

Xiao paused and sighed in defeat, on the inside he was cursing out that stupid Hu Tao. “Yeah Yeah, sure, believe what you want. I just thought it would be good to be able to contact you about this stupid project.” He let go of Kunikuzushi’s wrist and leaned back, grabbing an item out of his backpack. A sketchbook. 

He flipped through several pages until he got to which page he desired. It was a sketch of the moon, simple but detailed. The clouds around it were also quite simple but with a tiny flare. 
“This is what I was thinking we could do. We can get our hands on a projector and project this onto the wall and trace it over. It’s a simple design so it would only really take probably half an hour of our time, the painting might take longer though. If we power through, we can get this done in a week.” His full attention was on this project, and Kunikuzushi was slightly glad. After this he wouldn’t have to deal with Xiao anymore, which is probably what the other was thinking as well. 

They didn’t even notice the teacher strolling up to their table, until she let out a shriek of glee, which caught their attention immediately. “Oh look at you two! Getting along just like good pals! This project will do wonders for you both!” And she left to wander to another table. 

Kunikuzushi scoffed. “As if.” He was in his own little world and didn’t acknowledge Xiao rolling his eyes at him. 

“Stop being so dramatic.” 

“Never.”

Xiao really wanted to throw this guy out a fucking window. 

They sat in another awkward silence, at some point Kunikuzushi left the table to give Alice the list of supplies they needed, and she  showed him some of the things she kept behind her desk. She had some of the items needed, or at least enough so they can start it as she collected the supplies they needed. The class seemed to whisk away after that, and suddenly Kunikuzushi was packing up his items to get out of there as soon as possible. 

“Kuniku, wait up!” Kazuha called, he ran a little to catch up to the other boy who was strolling out the door. 

“You have global next, right? My Liyue history class is in the same area, let’s spend break together and walk up!” 

Kunikuzushi groaned. “What about taking care of Mona?” 

“She’s with Fischl right now, she has a free this period and so does Ayato so they’ll discuss the breakup a bit more. But it seems since they talked this morning she’s doing better, I think your assumptions of him were right.”

Kunikuzushi snorted, squeezing past a few people in the hallways as he headed towards a set of stairs. Kazuha followed behind him. “I’m always right! You see how close he is with some of his guy friends? He’s like that stereotypical gay guy in the films, popular and deep in denial!” In regards to his comment, Kazuha shoved him in his side, eliciting a growl from the other.

“Not everyone can be out of the closet like you Kuniku.” 

Kunikuzushi furrowed his eyebrows. “I’m painfully aware, I was just saying.”

They walked in silence up the stairs and down narrow hallways, the history class area was all the way across the school from his first class, and it was painfully annoying. 

“So, who’s in your history class?” Kunikuzushi finally asked. 

Kazuha pondered for a moment as they neared their classrooms. “Well I sit with a group of other people. Cyno is one of them, there is also Thoma who I am familiar with and rather close to, and a girl named Yunjin. They are all quite nice. What about your class?” 

Kunikuzushi groaned. “Lucky bastard, we sit in groups of two and the guy who sits next to me is always moody. All I can remember is that his name sounds like dick.”

“Ah, you mean Diluc.” 

Kunikuzushi giggled. “The fact you figured that out immediately is hilarious. 

The were suddenly in the history pod, and Kazuha walked towards his classroom door, the bell blaring and echoing through the halls. “See ya at lunch Kuniku.” 

“Yeah, see ya.”

Kunikuzushi sauntered off to his classroom with anguish, he hated the class, he hated who he sat next to and he hated the annoying teacher. When he walked into the classroom, almost everyone was at their seats either conversing or pulling out supplies, his desk was at the back of the room next to a window, and the desk beside him was noticeably empty. Had dick transferred? Sick perhaps? 

He didn’t dwell on it, he simply pushed past a few of his classmates and slumped into his chair. Suddenly in an instant, he was alert and sitting straight when he walked in. 

That stupid Xiao. He didn’t even notice him, instead walked up to the teacher who was rummaging in his desk. They exchanged a few words that Kunikuzushi couldn’t catch from the noise of his other classmates, but he clearly watched the teacher scan the room and point to the empty desk beside him. That’s when they made eye contact. 

Don’t tell me this buffoon transferred into my class.

Kunikuzushi was praying he’d turn around and walk out of the classroom, or maybe he just needed to discuss the project or, or-

“Looks like i’m stuck with you again, unfortunately.”

Kunikuzushi shouldn’t have complained about that grumpy redhead, he’d rather him right about now compared to this punk. 

“Did you really have to transfer classes?” 

Xiao sat down beside him, grabbing a binder out of his bag and practically slamming it on the table. “Yes, I needed the credit.” 

Kunikuzushi groaned and slumped back. “Just don’t talk to me and we’ll have no issues dickwad.”

Xiao raised an eyebrow. “Your plain and typical insults never fail to amuse me.” Although his monotone voice contradicted his words.

Kunikuzushi wanted to rip him apart, limb by limb, to hell the fact he had such pretty eyes, he’d cook them and feed them to him while he was still alive. He could list several torture methods he’d love to use on the worm, and a full 24 hours wouldn’t be enough time to list it all. Xiao was a nuisance to his very core, and he knew it too which made him all the more infuriating. He couldn’t even anger him anymore it seems, he knew that he could illicit a bigger reaction he just didn’t know how. And there was big chance he would never know how to make this punk blow up and get the sweet taste of victory, instead all he got to taste was failure because as much as he didn’t want to admit it, he had yet to win an argument. 
But he wouldn’t go down without a fight. He was a proud sore loser and he’d be one till the day he died, it was simply a fact.

“And your ugly expressions make me choke up with laughter.” He sneered. Xiao remained unfazed. 

“You don’t believe that i’m actually ugly, do you?” 

Kunikuzushi felt the wind knocked out of him, he was too obvious with his drooling all over the place. Xiao was too observant for his liking. 
No.
He could use this, he couldn’t back down now.

“It’s true you have a pretty face,” He paused and leaned slightly forward.
“It’s simply a shame that it belongs to you, with your vile and putrid personality. You’d be much more attractive if you could simply shut up.”

Xiao cocked an eyebrow. Kunikuzushi knew that this route also wouldn’t work either. 

“It sounds like you’re simply describing yourself. All I can think when I look at you is that you’re a waste of good looks, nobody wants a person with such a horrid personality like you, unless of course they have one just like yours. Ugly and disgusting on the inside.”

Kunikuzushi didn’t even process his fist flying into Xiao’s face, or him lunging out of his own chair and shoving the other boy onto the ground. The crowd that gathered meant nothing to him, he just hit, and hit, and hit. Xiao didn’t even do anything, in fact he even had a little grin on his face. He won. 
Again. 

He only really processed it when his very own mother stepped into the office he was sitting in. He felt small in her presence, she felt dangerous in a way, her aura like no other. She instilled fear in the others around her with every step and her presence was consuming. He knew he had fucked up enough to get her here. But when Xiao’s father walked in, he felt so painfully envious. His father was kind, he did not refuse to acknowledge Xiao, he stood next to him and even pet the top of his head, although Xiao swatted him away he simply let out a chuckle. He seemed like a kind man, and it reminded Kunikuzushi of his own father. It created a pain in his chest like no other.

The principal seemed frightened at the sight of both of them, and he could see why. They both seemed scary in their own ways.

“So, um, well- you see.. um-“ The principal tried to get ahold of himself. 

“Your sons got caught in a fight, Kunikuzushi swung at Alatus first, but, other students claimed to have seen Alatus provoking Kunikuzushi with some harsh words.”

Kunikuzushi felt the fear melt away for a mere second, instead he let confusion set in. Alatus? He turned to Xiao who was sitting beside him, but he was looking towards the floor with a glare on his face. Perhaps Xiao wasn’t his name at all? 

“Both of your sons also engaged in an fight yesterday i’m afraid, it wasn’t reported because the teacher claimed it was minor and she was trying to get the two to bond, although it obviously isn’t working well.”

The principal paused and inhaled. “They could be suspended for this, and it’s only the second day of school. I will let them off with a warning but-“

“I want this child transferred out of every class Kunikuzushi has at once.” His mother demanded. Her voice basically boomed and echoed with authority. But Xiao’s father, Zhongli reached out a hand. 

“My dearest friend Ei, this is simply not the way to conduct business. We have made many contracts together, we’ve been working as partners for years and we both know each others burdens as parents.” He pondered for a moment and then proceeded.

“Our children as simply troubled, I am sure that with a bit of effort put in, the nonsensical fighting will be put to an end. If we go with your method, it might not end well if they meet in hallways or outside of school.”

He sighed. “Both of our children have tempers, but with enough care we can fix it. We should do our best to help them bond, and then there will simply be no issue anymore.” 

A silence filled the room for a few minutes and Kunikuzushi tensed. His mother normally went her way with things and never backed down without a fight, but when she looked back towards him all he saw was her look of pure pity.

The principal decided to speak up. “If you can both agree to put in an effort to get your children to get along, then I will let them off with a warning, but this is only because you are both graduates of this school and I know you both. Do you both agree to this condition?”

Silence again,
Until,

“I agree.” His mother spoke, and it almost scared him. The fact she was so willing was frightening to his very core.

“Now, please take your children home and discuss how you plan to make them get along. It won’t be hard to get in touch as I know you are both business partners. Thank you for your time.”

His mother glanced back at him, and he didn’t even have to think twice before rising from his seat and following after her, back straight and head held low.

Xiao watched the other boy leave the office and suddenly his father was looming over where he sat. “I don’t need another lecture dad, I just-“

“You should pity that boy.” 

Xiao’s head shot up in confusion, his father turned away and watched Ei and Kunikuzushi leave the building through the glass doors. 

“He is much like you, Alatus. I have known Ei for many years, and by knowing her I know of her life beyond work.” He crossed his arms.

“He lost his father, much like you lost your mother. But he was not as fortunate, his mother and him were estranged and she has failed to repair the relationship. The road that those two are heading down are a road where they will never be considered a happy family again.” He turned back to Xiao.

“She did not wish to assert anymore control over him as she did when he was a young child, but in doing so created fear and neglect. I have taught you time and time again that you must always remember a persons anger has a source. And now you know his. Does it not sound familiar to your own inner turmoil, son?”

Xiao was at a lose for words. His father was never this way with his lectures, this was not his usual rambling on. His words were firm and his face was one of stone. He wanted Xiao to remember this. 

“I have done my best to get you out of this predicament, and by doing so have put you in a situation where you can only have a good relationship with this boy or face consequences. I apologize, but you cannot hold destain for him forever.” He walked towards the door and waved his hand, notating Xiao to follow. Xiao did as instructed, feeling almost slightly defeated. 

“Knowing Ei, she will want to get this done and over with immediately, so prepare yourself to see Kunikuzushi again soon.” 

Xiao was definitely thrilled. 
(Not.)

Chapter Text

Xiao quickly realized his fathers statement about Ei wanting to get things done was true. For the past few days it went without anything of note happening, the only reason being that Kunikuzushi didn’t show up the rest of the school week. Although considering the first day of school this year started on a tuesday so he only missed two days. 

Despite this, Xiao started the mural, to at least the best Alice would let him. She insisted it was to be done by him and Kunikuzushi, and Xiao only was able to do the base by convincing her that he was doing a favour for Kunikuzushi because he was sick.

During that, he spent his time pondering what his father had told him about Kunikuzushi, how they were similar. How they experienced loss. 

He wanted to keep cursing out the boy with raven hair and eyes filled with storms. But he realized he didn’t even look past what caused those storms in this first place, because they weren’t there simply to spite Xiao. It had meant much more and he was too enraged to look past it. Of course, this knowledge didn’t diminish the fact he still loathed Kunikuzushi. He had a bad temper and a sour mood, he was like a stray alley cat ready to bite. Xiao was firm in his belief that there was no reason to take out your anger of being hurt by someone on other people, and he’d stand by it.
Even if it was hypocritical of him to preach.

He thought the weekend would be peaceful compared to the chaos of his first week of school, but upon his father calling him into his office, he knew it was spoiled the minute he opened his mouth. 

“Ei has proposed an idea.”

Xiao clenched his fists in anticipation. 

“Kunikuzushi will be coming to dinner tonight, alone. Tomorrow, you will go to his place, alone. It’s not only good for you to get along, but for us adults to watch and prevent any further fighting from happening. Also it’s good to grow accustomed to each others families.” 

Xiao groaned and dragged his hand over his face. “Seriously? It’s chaotic enough in here with Hu Tao on the weekends, it’ll just make shit worse!”

Zhongli sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “At least you will be free of Hu Tao tomorrow. It is just Kunikuzushi and his mothers so it won’t be chaotic.” 

Xiao cocked an eyebrow at the statement. “Mothers? I guess that’s what he meant when he referred to his mothers so called friend.” He mumbled to himself.

“Ei has warned me he’s even more, ‘bratty’ than usual. He gave up his monthly visit to his aunt for this, so don’t engage. If he can put in the effort, so can you.” Zhongli stood from his desk and pushed back his chair slightly, looming over Xiao and grasping onto the doorframe. “Please behave, for me. And for your sisters feeble heart, i’m afraid she can’t take much more nonsense.” He chuckled. 

And his father left the room, leaving Xiao absolutely fuming. Not only did he have to deal with Hu Tao tonight, he had that brat as well. Those two would be absolute chaotic together, and he was sure they wouldn’t get along either. He even feared it would be worse than his rivalry with the boy. 

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of poofy blue hair out of the corner of his eye, and he turned to face Ganyu, who was carrying a basket of laundry into the laundry room. “Oh Xiao! Did you hear about our guest? I’ve decided to make your favourite to share with him.” She looked her brother up and down with a face of disapproval.

“Considering we have a guest and dinner time is nearing, perhaps you should dress a little more appropriately.” And she waltzed off. Xiao looked down at himself, and the sweatpants and ripped tee spoke for itself. Although they never dressed up once for Hu Tao, so he didn’t see the point in dressing up for this brat.

In the end, he changed anyways. He didn’t want Ganyu nagging him about being disrespectful or what not, so he decided at least simple and casual was better than looking homeless. He went with a pair of skinny jeans with rips in the knees and a baggy sweatshirt with a vest over top, he also decided to tie his hair back. It was good enough to his standards and Ganyu settled on it, so he assumed it wasn’t that far off from what she wanted. 

And true to her word, she made his favourite. Almond Tofu. He tried not to drool at the thought of it.

While setting the table, a sudden knock took him out of his own head filled with almond tofu. 

“Oh wow, right on time just like dad said. 5:30 on the dot! Xiao, can you grab that? I’ll finish for you.” Ganyu came out of the kitchen while she untied the apron wrapped tight around her body and the nice simple floral dress she wore.

Xiao reluctantly walked towards the door and held the knob for merely a second, contemplating saying no one was there and it was just the wind or something, but he had to try for his father. So with great hesitation he opened the door.

“So this is where you live.” A familiar voice scoffed. Kunikuzushi stood there in all his annoying glory, arms crossed and body weight all on his left side. He looked more put together than usual, an oversized dark blue cardigan hung off his body, which was odd compared to his skin tight black turtleneck that shockingly went well together. His star earring dangling from his ear glistening from the sunset reflecting off it. His lips seemed more red this time, and Xiao could recognize lip tint anywhere considering he would wear it more often than not, although today he had only worn red eyeliner. 

They stared at each other for a minute in complete silence, and for once Xiao could consider this moment between the two peaceful. Until,

“Hyahhhh!” A figure came dashing through the lawn and slammed against Kunikuzushi, slamming him forwards. In an attempt to keep his balance, Kunikuzushi reached toward the only thing he could grasp onto; which was Xiao’s vest. Yet it was to avail, as he came crashing down onto Xiao in the most cliche moment Xiao had ever been caught in. 

“Alatus! What’s wrong, I heard- oh my.” Ganyu’s panic came to a halt upon discovering the scene before her eyes. 

Kunikuzushi hovered over Xiao who laid flat on the floor, hands on the others chest in an attempt to prevent him from falling straight onto him. Hu Tao stood in the door mischievously giggling to herself which was a clear sign it was her doing, and it was done purposefully. 

Kunikuzushi snapped his head back to the giggling girl absolutely fuming. “You cretin! How dare you shove me, apologize at once!”

Xiao pushed his hands forward onto the other. “Kunikuzushi-“ 

“Feisty! I like it!” Hu Tao squealed. 

“Guys…” Ganyu mumbled.

“Why you!” 

“Kunikuzushi!” Xiao shouted, suddenly everyone was looking towards the boy on the floor. “Can you please get off of me.” There was a moment of silence, before Kunikuzushi basically shrieked in absolute horror of his position and shot straight onto his feet, he didn’t bother helping out Xiao, too lost in his own world of pure embarrassment. Xiao lifted himself off the ground awkwardly, and it wasn’t long before Kunikuzushi engaged in bickering with Hu Tao. 

Ganyu leaned towards Xiao suddenly, whispering to him, “Are you sure you two actually hate each other? Or-“

Xiao whipped his head around and gave his sister a glare filled with fury. She made some sort of sound of surprise and backed off. “I um, food! Food! yes, food is set up. Father will be a little late to dinner, so let’s go into the uh, dining room, yeah yeah.” Her voice got smaller and smaller the more she talked, until it wasn’t even audible anymore. Kunikuzushi glanced at her and shut up, and although Hu Tao was still trying to start a fight he suddenly wasn’t interested anymore. 
Xiao was more than just surprised to see the boy with stormy eyes flash a warm smile at his sister. “My apologies, can you show me to the dining room?” 

Ganyu perked up at his attitude change and reached foward towards Kunikuzushi, grasping his hand. Xiao couldn’t help but notice Kunikuzushi cringe at being touched, but watched anyways as Ganyu led him into the house, past the entrance way. He glanced down at the floor and noticed Kunikuzushi’s shoes were already off his feet, and his own pair of slippers had been taken by the annoying brat. 

When did he even get time to do that? 

Suddenly Hu Tao and her snarky tone brought him out of his state of confusion. “How romantic!” Xiao froze up at the word. He turned toward Hu Tao with a menacing glare, face dark. She let out a tiny shriek and ran past him as fast as she could. “Sorry! Sorry!!”

He sighed and ruffled his hair, the chaos was never something he liked, something he didn’t even think to grow to like. So why would he even think of romance and Kunikuzushi to be even remotely on the same page? That boy was the living embodiment of chaos and he wished he could erase him from his life. 

Walking into the dining room, he was greeted with a happy Ganyu and a seemingly pleasant Kunikuzushi. Xiao never really had paid attention to the boys nicer side, but upon seeing in directly in action he thought back on their first interaction, the brat laughing and smiling with his friends, or other times when they were in completely two different worlds, catching a glimpse of him in the hallways snorting over something that Xiao didn’t find relevant at the time. He had simply come to the realization that Kunikuzushi wasn’t angry all the time, perhaps he was the angry one. 

“Alatus, you can sit next to Kuniku!” Ganyu said with glee. Xiao watched Kunikuzushi scowl at the nickname, but not in actual anger at all, it was just for show and Ganyu knew; leading to her bursting into a fit of giggles. Xiao was somewhat shocked at the scene as he mindlessly sat down. Ganyu was normally painfully shy around people, and with the reputation Kunikuzushi had he was sure that she’d be shaking at the sight of him. But no, he seemed just fine.
He turned to face Kunikuzushi to see that his focus was already on him, staring him dead in the eye with confusion, Xiao clued in it was about the name. 

“Another time.” He whispered under his breath. 

Kunikuzushi simply furrowed his brows but said nothing further, a peaceful understanding between the two boys.

“Ah, nice to meet you officially under better circumstances Kunikuzushi. How is your mother?” His father walked in suddenly, he has been working in his office and his sleeves were rolled up and his glasses slightly on an angle, but to anyone else people would still find him attractive, the curse of good looks.

“Thank you for having me Mr. Zhongli. My mother is doing just fine, hard at work per usual.” Kunikuzushi smiled politely again, and that’s when Xiao realized it was painfully fake. But still, he didn’t know how this brat could even be polite in any shape or form. Was the attitude reserved only to him?

His father chuckled and sat at his chair at the head of the table. “Not shocking.”

Xiao stared down at his plate, no longer could he hold in his craving for food. And so he lost himself in the meal, ignoring the other conversations until his plate was clean.

“Are you sure you don’t need any help cleaning up?” A voice brought him back to reality as he watched his plate swiped away right in front of him. Ganyu smiled.

“No no, it’s all fine Kuniku, you’re our guest after all. Alatus, why don’t you go up to your room and show Kunikuzushi or something? Hangout until his mother comes to get him.” Ganyu didn’t leave him with an option, leaving before he could even complain. Hu Tao peaked out of the kitchen with soapy gloves, and stuck her tongue out before Ganyu dragged her back in.

Xiao looked at Kunikuzushi before making the decision to get up and drag the other boy by his obscenely large cardigan and up the cold hardwood stairs. He heard a faint sound of protest, but for the most part Kunikuzushi remained silent before the reached the door of Xiao’s room.

Xiao slammed the door open and shut within seconds, basically shoving Kunikuzushi into his room before he was basically on him in seconds, grabbing him by the collar and shoving him into the wall, his nearby bookshelf rattling.

“I can’t stand you and that stupid fake smile. You can fool everyone else by pretending you have manners but you simply cannot fool me.”

Kunikuzushi sneered, suddenly the personality Xiao knew all too well was back and was baring it’s fangs at him. “So what if i’m fucking fake, would you rather me come to your house and be disrespectful?” 

Kunikuzushi clutched the wrist that was grasped into his collar, squeezing hard. Almost enough to make Xiao wince, keyword, almost. 

“It’s not like I secretly hate your family or some shit like that. I respect them, but i’m in a sour fucking mood and i’ve always been taught fake it till you make it.”

Suddenly Xiao was being shoved back onto the floor, an ache in his back when he made contact. Kunikuzushi walked up to him, arms crossed as he bent down to face level with Xiao. 

“You think I came here willingly? I was prepared to escape this fucking place for a weekend. Just one weekend, and my mother took that away so we can do this stupid dinner thing!” He practically shrieked and Xiao swore he could see him tear up ever so slightly. 

“So don’t come after me for feigning happiness just so your family doesn’t have to deal with a piece of shit like me, sorry I didn’t tell them to fuck off!”

Kunikuzushi pulled Xiao slightly off the ground by grasping his shirt with both hands, their faces dangerously close. Xiao could get the perfect few of Kunikuzushi’s face now, his red ears, and his pretty purple eyes that shined from the light in his room, a mix of purples and blues that he didn’t even register as colours. He faintly noticed a mole covered by a sort of powder under his left eye. 

“I hate you so much I want to rip your stupidly pretty face off.” Kunikuzushi practically growled as he spoke, hatred dancing in his eyes that nearly pulled Xiao in. He felt so confused, if any other person had their hands on him like this he’d knock them on their ass and be done with it. Perhaps he felt pity? Pity to the boy with a implied painful home life? Pity to the boy who looked like he was ready to crack into porcelain pieces last year every time that boy with the blue hair came near? 

“The feeling is mutual, Kunikuzushi.” He snaked his hand around and yanked back on Kunikuzushi’s stupid hair cut, watching the other hiss in pain as his head was forced back. 

“You insufferable!-“

“Oh!” 

Suddenly Xiao could hear the sound of something dropping onto the floor, looking back towards the door, there stood his father with a surprised expression, he suddenly basically stumbled over himself to pick up what he had dropped and fumbled the door handle. 
“I am um, very sorry to interrupt- I should have knocked- um.”

Xiao then became painfully aware of how this looked to someone who wasn’t apart of the situation. His face went red with heat as he released his grasp on Kunikuzushi’s hair. “Dad, it’s really not what it looks like-“ 

But he couldn’t even explain himself before the door was slammed shut. An awkward silence followed as the two boys processed what had just happened.

And when it hit, the chaos truly had begun. Kunikuzushi immediately started shrieking in utter disbelief as he let go of Xiao and let the others head slam right against the floor, Xiao let out a cry of pain while Kunikuzushi continued his panic? Or cries of embarrassment? Xiao wasn’t sure in all honesty. 

He sat up, rubbing the back of his head with one hand and trying to hide the flush on his face with the other. 

“Shut up!” He shouted. Kunikuzushi went silent and it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. That was until,

“Ha..haha..” Xiao felt laughter start erupting out of him and he simply couldn’t keep it in. Laughter just bubbled out of his throat and past his lips and he could hardly breathe. He gripped tight on his vest and laughed until tears pooled in his eyes. Kunikuzushi stared at him in awe, but quickly joined in; it was simply impossible not to. Xiao’s laughter was painfully contagious.

The two practically rolled around the floor almost near screaming with how they were laughing. 

“Your dad! His face!-“ Kunikuzushi wheezed, slapping the floor. 

Xiao rolled onto his back dry heaving. “He’s never- He’s never gonna be the same!” 

Kunikuzushi roared. “We just traumatized the poor man!”

Xiao let out an even louder laugh at Kunikuzushi’s comment, he was full on crying now, he couldn’t contain it.

Eventually, the laughter died down and they laid on the floor side by side. This was the second rather peaceful silence they enjoyed together, but definitely the first comfortable silence for the two. Xiao glanced at the other boy, eyes widening when he saw the other with the most genuine smile on his face. It was small and barely there, but it was just enough to practically send Xiao into a frenzy of emotions. 
Did he really hate this boy? It had been a while since he had truly had a good friend, sure Hu Tao was great past her annoying personality, but it felt more like she was family at this point. He had no other friends outside of the comfort of his family, no one he’d let in far enough to see him in like this. 
So what exactly did he perceive Kunikuzushi as? It was truly too soon to tell, but Xiao silently hoped they could pass the phase where they wanted to strangle each other to death.

Kunikuzushi suddenly turned to face him as well, their noses practically touching. It was so close, almost intimate and it sent fear through his body. Did this boy with the silly hair cut scare him? That surely had to be it.

“You’re still insufferable.” He grinned.

Xiao rolled his eyes. Kunikuzushi had to go and ruin it by opening his stupid mouth. “Yeah, and you’re a brat.”

Kunikuzushi shoved Xiao back a bit, although it wasn’t aggressively, it was playful. “Hey! Let me finish. You’re just proving my point.”

Xiao huffed, but ultimately decided to remain quiet to allow the boy to speak. 

“But. You’re not completely awful to get along with.” Kunikuzushi turned his head to face the ceiling again. “I’m sure we’ll argue again tomorrow and forget how to be nice to each other. But this calmness we’re sharing, it’s peaceful.” 

He turned back to Xiao with a glimmer in his eye and Xiao couldn’t decipher what the meaning of it was, it made him dizzy with confusion.

“I still want to murder you though.”

Moment officially ruined.

Suddenly there was a timid knock at the door. Kunikuzushi sat up and Xiao did as well, he tried fixing his clothes a bit as Kunikuzushi stood to open the door.

It was Zhongli, who still looked flustered as ever. “Your um, mother is here.” 
Kunikuzushi smiled.

“Okay, thank you for having mr. Zhongli.” He threw his head back to look at Xiao who was still sitting on the floor. “See ya, menace.” And he was gone.

Xiao couldn’t help but think about him that night. And the possibilities of friendship.

EXTRA.

As Kunikuzushi left the house, Xiao and Zhongli stood in the door way. It was painfully quiet, neither dared to say anything or even look each other in the eye. 

“Listen Dad, I swear we weren’t doing what you think-“
“Do we need to have the talk?” 

They both blurted out at the same time. Xiao suddenly went red, practically screeching at the suggestion. Meanwhile his father looked momentarily confused and then painfully embarrassed as the realization came he possibly took the situation out of context. 
Xiao whacked his fathers arm, screaming like a banshee. 

“We were fighting you dimwit!”

“Ow! Ow! I’m sorry! You have to understand…-“

Hu Tao and Ganyu peeked out from the wall, watching the scene unfold in pure confusion.

“What the hell did we miss?” Hu Tao questioned.

Ganyu sighed. “I don’t want to know.” 

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi knew the moment he arrived home he was absolutely, positively, screwed. No doubt in his mind. 

That stupid Xiao, if that even was his actual name. Those stupid eyes and the scary temper just sucked him in really were doing a number on him and his poor mental health. Was it a crush perhaps? He was unsure. He thought at first it was all about outside appearances, considering he found the other boy extremely attractive and his personality the complete opposite. So why did he feel this way? Did he simply have a thing for boys with blue hair? 

He didn’t really know why, especially considering he had blamed Xiao for the fact he didn’t get to go on his monthly weekend visit to his aunt Makoto’s place in the city. 

Kunikuzushi would definitely say he was closer to his aunt. Even when he was living with only his father and hadn’t see his own mother in ages he would visit his mothers sister. She was kind and generous to those around her, if she could give up every last bit of herself to help another person she truly would. So, when Kunikuzushi’s dad died she was originally going to take him in because of the fact he was estranged from his mother, but suddenly his mother pushed for him to live with her. He thinks Yae had something to do with it, because that was the time they had gotten together.
So he despised the woman for it.

Among his family, he stood out like a sore thumb among his mother, aunt and sister who was studying abroad. They all had a freaky resemblance to one another, tall, long flowly hair, simply how they acted and carried themselves was so painfully alike they resembled triplets. Kunikuzushi on the other hand was much shorter and had more personality daresay. He suspected the fact he broke the odd cycle was what made his mother so indifferent towards him, but he could care less.
But thinking about his family and Xiao, he almost felt sick. He had no desire for Xiao to meet his family, to witness his shitty life first hand and demean him for it. He kept his home life out of every other part of his life. Mona was the only friend who knew to some extent of how harsh it was because he had been friends with her for years, yet even she didn’t know the full extent of it. 

He laid in bed pondering over these thoughts. Pondering over the fact his mother was the one who picked him up after dinner at Xiao’s house and how she made an awful attempt at communicating that it was laughable.

“How was dinner?” She asked him almost immediately as he got in the car. It took him a minute to recover from the shock over the fact that one, she was the one who picked him up and two, she was driving in Yae’s stupid pink car.

“Fine.” He said blandly.

She started up the car and started driving. “That’s good.”

It was a painfully awkward between the two, Kunikuzushi couldn’t understand what his mothers goal was here, but he didn’t like it one bit.

“The weathers nice.” She spoke again.

“It’s raining.”

“Oh. It is.”

Every single time she tried speaking Kunikuzushi shut her down, and eventually she gave up on him. It bothered him more than it should of, he was confused and angry. Why was she even bothering putting in an effort after years of not even bothering with him and doting on his sister? Was it because his sister was abroad and she perhaps was feeling lonely? Perhaps using Kunikuzushi as a temporary replacement?

Or, even worse, was she trying to reconcile? He shuddered at the mere thought. As soon as he got home, he made sure to avoid his mother because of the disgust boiling in his chest, and opted to hide up in his room.

Even thinking back on it made him furious and near blind with rage. He assumed it all went back to that evil woman Yae. Yae was a toxic manipulator down to her very core, but even she had morals. If she had thought the relationship between him and his mother was unsatisfactory to her liking, she would have spoke up about it to Ei, and this could very well be the reasoning behind his mothers behaviour. After all, how can you have a perfect family when the son loathes his mother and the mother sees him as a failure? 

He threw his blanket over his head and grumbled with frustration. Tomorrow Xiao would be here. He would play along with his mother tomorrow no matter how much he hated the thought of it, he would not let anyone see inside of his life, or inside of his head. 

Xiao didn’t really know what to expect going to dinner at Kunikuzushi’s house. he already knew his mother was a bad parent and from his first impression of the woman he wasn’t so fond of her. 

So as his father pulled up to a gated house he really didn’t know what to think. He knew his family was decently well off, they lived a simple life in a decent house that he couldn’t be more grateful for, but this? This was a bit much. The house was practically a mansion, and the fact they had a guard on standby at the gates left him flabbergasted. He felt awful that his first thought was,
Why would someone who lives in a place like this have a bad home life?

But he shook the thought out of his head. It was rude and inconsiderate of him to even think that way, and he needed to stop being so narrow minded about it. 

“Do you see why I asked you to dress nicely now?” Zhongli chuckled as he parked his car in front of the house. 

“Oh yeah I’m glad I listened.”

His father turned to him and it was like the chuckling man was gone in an instant, a serious expression painted his face as he looked at Xiao sternly, placing a hand on his shoulder. 

“Do not bring up anything I told you, be on your best behaviour but keep in mind what I said. Have fun.” Xiao nodded curtly and left the car, watching his father drive away with a pained expression on his face. 

I don’t want to be here.

“Look what the cat dragged in.” A voice called. He turned to his left where Kunikuzushi walked out from beside the house from what appeared to be a garden- which was ridiculous in itself because what was the point of having a garden. 

Xiao rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “Unfortunately it dragged in me. Unwillingly might I add.” He paused and looked Kunikuzushi up and down. “Didn’t know you ever left the house with how pale you are.”

Kunikuzushi scowled in return. “Oh haha very funny. I tend to the garden every day before dinner actually, when i’m not at my aunts anyways.” His expression saddened at the mention of his aunt, and Xiao suddenly remembered being told he had given up his time with his aunt as a punishment. He was going to give some words of comfort until the doors to the house opened wide.

Xiao’s attention averted to a woman dressed in a suit that was anything less than provocative, a heavy dip in the chest area that was so painfully noticeable he cringed. She had fluffy pink hair that had a lot of volume, and an almost evil looking smirk. Xiao assumed this was Kunikuzushi’s other mother. 

“Oh it’s Kunikuzushi and his guest, come in come!” She rushed Xiao inside with Kunikuzushi following closely behind. Xiao felt slightly overwhelmed with just how big and fancy the place was. 

He watched the woman pull the doors shut and wrap her arms around Kunikuzushi affectionately, but from Kunikuzushi’s expression he could tell the other boy was extremely uncomfortable. 

“If you didn’t know already, I’m kunikuzushi’s other mother Yae Miko. You can call me Yae though!” She smiled but Xiao could easily see past her happy facade. 

She almost immediately released Kunikuzushi and slightly pushed him forwards so he could stand right next to Xiao. 
“Take off your shoes, Kunikuzushi can show you to the dining room while I finish preparing food. Our chef is on maternity leave so dinner won’t be delicious per usual, but it will be made with love!~”

Xiao tried not to scoff in complete annoyance as she sauntered away, the fact she had to rub in his face they had a personal chef made her come off as rude and stuck up. He took off his shoes as instructed and turned to Kunikuzushi, although the sight before him was shocking to say the least. Kunikuzushi was nearly shaking and his face was dancing with anger, it came off him and waves and the look of storms in his eyes was painfully familiar to Xiao. But it was only momentarily, fading in an instant when he turned that fake smile that Xiao witnessed yesterday. Today he decided not to comment. 

“The kitchen is this way.” Kunikuzushi said in a monotone voice, Xiao cringed at the change in attitude, but once again, did not comment. 

He followed Kunikuzushi through the large house, eyes trained on the surroundings, specifically the portraits on the wall. One caught his eye though, as he came to a halt. 

“Oi, what are you?-“

“Isn’t this just the same person?-“

Kunikuzushi paused and threw his head back, a bored look painted his face yet the hint of a smirk did something to Xiao he couldn’t explain, his hair was covering one side of his face yet he still managed to look pretty. 

“Oh, family portrait caught your attention?” He turned around and stood by Xiao’s side.

“The one in the centre is my mother, the one on the left is my aunt, Makato, and then the one on the right is my sister. They aren’t the same person, shockingly. And then there’s me in the middle, can’t slap me on the side since I look so different from the rest of them.” He said with scorn. “Anyways, hurry along.” 

He grabbed onto Xiao’s hand and pulled him along, an iron clad grip that made Xiao slightly concerned. Only slightly. 

When they entered the dining room, Xiao was shocked at how empty it felt. in comparison, his dining room was always lively and full with love. But this place? It felt cold and heartless, he wondered if they ever actually ate in here. 

But the most noticeable thing in the room was Kunikuzushi’s mother sat at the table. She was definitely beautiful and had a shocking youthful appearance considering she had two children who were both nearing their twenties from appearances. He wondered how old she actually was. She looked more awkward compared to his first introduction to her where she was just radiating dominance in every way. She reminded Xiao of a quiet kid at school. 

“Nice to see you, Ms. Raiden.”

“Oh please, call me Ei. Nice to see you as well, Xiao.” 

Xiao nearly let out a sigh of relief while Kunikuzushi guided him to his seat. 

Dad must have told her about the name.

He was especially grateful because he didn’t want Kunikuzushi to start questioning the name thing again. 

Kunikuzushi sat directly beside him, his body was obviously stiff and his expression was full of lies, the smile so fake it made the room seem much colder.

“So I heard you two are painting a mural together?” She piped up. 

Xiao was a bit surprised, but answered swiftly. “Yes, we are. Only a small one, it won’t be hard to finish.” 

She smiled. “That’s nice.” 

Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes, but made no comment. Xiao felt like he was on a different planet. 

Suddenly, Yae walked in the room with some sort of trolley, delicious food decorating it. “Dinner!” 

She was sly and quick, Xiao didn’t even have time to process her swaying by and basically slapping a plate of food down in front of them. It smelled almost sickeningly sweet but it still drew Xiao in. He glanced at Kunikuzushi who glared down at the food with pure disgust.

Yae sat next to Ei across from the two boys and giggled. “Oh Kuni, you have to get over your dislike of sweet things.”

Xiao chuckled quietly. Of course the sour boy couldn’t stand anything sweet. 

“Your sister likes sweet things.” Ei piped in as she began to eat, the statement struck a nerve within Kunikuzushi that was painfully obvious to anyone but his mother, Xiao gritted his teeth. 

Tonight was going to be rough. 

Chapter Text

Xiao hated christmas. He thought it was a cheesy excuse for people to mooch off others and beg to a non existent person who was creepy and old for things they wanted. In fact, he had never believed in Santa no matter how hard his mother and father tried. 
Elf on the shelf? He threw it across the room.
Mall Santa? He ripped off his beard and called him a fraud. 
Leaving cookies out? Screw Santa, he wanted cookies instead.

He felt slightly bad about how he behaved when he was a young child over something so foolish but forcing your children to believe in something you’ll eventually take away from them was hurtful in a way, eventually letting them have their hopes and dreams ripped to shreds. 
And that’s how he felt right at this instant as he watched his boyfriend, Kunikuzushi prance through the mall like a lunatic, an ugly purple christmas sweater and a silly Santa hat equipped. Xiao also wore the exact same thing, expect his sweater was blue to match his own hair.

Xiao would have thought that out of all people, his prickly and edgy boyfriend would despise Christmas. He half expected Kuniku to walk out dressed like the grinch to go steal the presents at his mothers house for his major revenge plan or something along those lines.

He was so wrong.

The first day of December was when hell fell upon Xiao. His boyfriend woke him up in their shared bed practically bouncing off the damn walls, which was definitely a surprise considering how Kunikuzushi was never hyper. Xiao thought he was destined to have a moody boyfriend forever, so the sight was enough to make Xiao fearful of what his beloved had actually done.

“Wake up you buffoon! Come look what i’ve done.” Kunikuzushi grumbled, literally dragging a very unwilling Xiao out of bed. He was half asleep when he laid his eyes on their apartment, and he let out an audible gasp.

It looked like Santa had puked over the apartment. No, it looked like it came out both ends with the extent of the decorations. Lights strung up everywhere, a bright white christmas tree, portraits taken down and replaced with christmas ones, shit dangling from the ceiling. It was so much it burned Xiao’s eyes, but when he turned to question his boyfriend his heart basically burst. 
The grumpy cat Kunikuzushi had a warm and childish expression on his face, of course he couldn’t smile without it looking borderline sinister but Xiao considered it one of his lovers charms, odd as it was. 

And so just like how a parent would lie to a child about a fake man who practically broke into peoples homes and stole their food, he was lying to his boyfriend about actually liking the holidays. 

The worst thing about it was, Kunikuzushi was obsessed with every single minor part of the holidays that it was painful. Anything Christmas related he was raving about, and today, Christmas Eve was no different. He didn’t understand why they were even at the mall considering it closed early and very soon, but he was entertaining his boyfriend despite it. 

“Okay one more store, I need to grab some things.” Kunikuzushi practically squealed which made Xiao slightly melt. He was like a little kid when it came to the holidays. 

Upon the end of their shopping, Xiao was grateful to return to their shared apartment, basically collapsing onto the couch. 

“Don’t be so lazy Xiao. Get up.” 

Xiao turned on his side and threw his arm over his eyes to ignore the angry stare and wrath of the boy who hovered over him. 

“The faster we sleep, the faster Christmas is here.”

And the faster to Christmas, the faster the dreadful holiday would be over quicker, although he didn’t voice that thought out loud. 

“And i’m so tireddd.” Xiao whined, Kunikuzushi drew himself closer, leaning right over the couch to continue to scold Xiao, but this created the perfect opportunity for Xiao to pull on Kunikuzushi towards him and grin him in a iron clad hug, a hug that Kuniku labeled the ‘hug of death.’

“Xiao! Stop! I have things to put away, food to prepare for tomorrow-“

“None of that matters, let’s go to bed, it’s late.” 

Kunikuzushi raised an eyebrow. “It’s only 7:30.”

Xiao groaned and buried his head into Kunikuzushi’s chest. “Please Kuniku. I’m sleepy.” 

Kunikuzushi sighed and ripped his boyfriend’s arms off him. “Okay how about this, you head to bed. I promise i’ll join you in an hour, I just have to take something to my mothers house. Okay?” 

Xiao grumbled, but agreed to the terms. He didn’t even process the fact Kunikuzushi was willingly going to his mothers house with something. He couldn’t care at the moment, only thinking about sleep. 

When he woke up, he could see the sun peaking in through the window, and he could also see the empty spot in the bed next to him, he didn’t mean to sleep in or sleep that long until daybreak. Had Kunikuzushi come back? Xiao would have expected him to wake up to a Santa freak squealing about opening presents or something along those lines, yet it never came. 

Curiosity bit him in the ass, and he very unwilling crawled out of bed and opened his bedroom door. The apartment was painfully quiet, and the presents under the tree remained untouched, almost frozen in time. Yet Xiao caught a figure in the corner of his eye, facing away from him pouring coffee. Kunikuzushi had a really bad case of bed head, and he only had a large oversized tee and boxers on and it made Xiao wonder how he wasn’t freezing. Xiao walked to the curtains and drew them, and he was greeted to a peaceful snow fall. It had been years since Xiao could remember a white christmas. 

“We should go out for a walk later, enjoy the snow.” A voice spoke up, and he felt a hand wrap around his waist and a head rest on his shoulder. He sighed at how warm Kunikuzushi was on his cold skin.

“Yeah, we should.” He glanced down at Kunikuzushi’s other hand, which had a tight grip on his cup of coffee. 

“I thought you would be freaking out, considering it’s the day you’ve been talking about all month.” 

Kunikuzushi laughed. “You dumbass, you really haven’t caught on.” He pulled away from Xiao and placed his cup of coffee on the end table. “In all honesty I do like Christmas, but not for all the stupid gift giving or whatever, the decorations, Santa, it all is meaningless to me.” 

Xiao felt baffled at this sudden confession. “So, why?”

Kunikuzushi grinned devilishly. “Well besides the sentimental values, it’s simply all based on revenge.” He paused for effect. 

“Remember how I mentioned going to my mothers house last night? Well I was actually dropping off a letter, a written invitation to celebrate Christmas with us!”

Xiao raised an eyebrow. “Why would you willingly invite your mother and Yae to celebrate here?”

Kunikuzushi giggled. “Simple!”

“Yae doesn’t celebrate Christmas and in fact hates it.”

“Why?”

“She’s pagan.”

And suddenly everything clicked in Xiao’s head. 

“You petty bitch.” Xiao chuckled. 

Kunikuzushi flipped his hair dramatically for his accomplishment. “I know.” 

He stopped suddenly, and embraced Xiao again. “But I do seriously like Christmas. Not for the presents, but for the time I spend with the people I love.” 

Xiao smiled, and ruffled Kunikuzushi’s hair. “The way you put it doesn’t make Christmas sound so bad after all.”

And Xiao came to a realization, he still hated Christmas, that was true and wouldn’t change, but.

If he could spend Christmas with Kunikuzushi, that’s all the motivation he needed to celebrate the holidays.

Chapter Text

Kunikuzushi was truly at his limit. Sitting here at this table in this way too big room felt suffocating, not only that but his mother, yknow the one who was trying to be nice to him now, was bringing up his sister. 

“Well that’s good for her then.” He said through clenched teeth and a fake smile. Yae stared him down with a glare that very obviously meant,

Keep your mouth shut.

Kunikuzushi assumed Yae didn’t want anyone else knowing the antics that happened in the house to be shown to strangers as well, although her reasoning was different. She wanted a nice little happy family and she was using his mother to get it. Kunikuzushi clenched his fists at thought.
He could feel Xiao staring at him, but he didn’t want to acknowledge it. Xiao probably perceived him as weak now, an easy target and he was sure shit would hit the fan sooner or later. He just needed to eat his disgusting food as fast as possible, and then hide away in his room and never be seen again. 

Yae suddenly spoke. “Xiao, you have siblings, do you not?”

Xiao turned away his eyes from Kunikuzushi, and awkwardly smiled. Kunikuzushi almost laughed upon the realization that Xiao was painfully awkward. 

“Yes. I have one sister.” He answered in a monotone voice. Kunikuzushi nearly spit out his drink mid sip, and Yae raised an eyebrow. 

“Oh, same boat as our Kuniku then. His sister is studying abroad, and has been for several years now. It’s good to have at least one child make a future for themselves.” She glanced at Kunikuzushi with a condescending smile. 

Xiao didn’t say anything in response, and went back to eating, not giving the reaction Yae seemed to want. Meanwhile Kunikuzushi’s mother said nothing to defend him, didn’t tell Yae to stop, nothing of the sorts. Her silence simply encouraged it, she was too engrossed in her food to even pay attention.

Kunikuzushi tried to eat as fast as possible, once he and Xiao finished, he’d take the other boy out of this dining room and somewhere else before Yae could say anything more.

The sound of a phone ringing suddenly brought his attention away from his food, as he glanced up his mother was standing from her seat on the phone, her strictly business mode was activated. She hurriedly walked towards the doorway and turned back.
“Yae. Work emergency, come on.” and Suddenly Yae was on her feet like an obedient dog, rushing Ei out the door. She turned back with a sickeningly sweet smile. “Sorry to rush out Xiao, it was nice meeting a respectful young boy. Maybe you can teach Kunikuzushi a thing or two.” And then they were gone.

Kunikuzushi felt his chest tighten. They just get up leave at the first family dinner in months? Leave him here because work is simply more important than he is?

Wait, no.

Even thinking this way was contradicting what he was thinking mere minutes ago, of how he wanted to get away from those two. But why did them leaving sting so bad? Why was it hard to breathe?

“Are you… crying?” Xiao whispered. 

Kunikuzushi whipped his head away from Xiao’s pitiful face. The tears streaming down his face were hot, and he didn’t even process when he started crying, or why. They didn’t matter to him, so what if they left? It didn’t matter, it was nothing. Simply nothing.

“You’re allowed to cry, don’t hold it in because you don’t want me to perceive as weak.” 

Those words caught his attention, and suddenly he was looking back at Xiao. The pain in his chest remained, but anger brewed as well. He leaped from his seat and slammed his hands on the table in his fury, although Xiao didn’t even flinch or react. He maintained his eye contact with an unreadable expression, that simply made Kunikuzushi even more mad. 

“I don’t need you telling me i’m allowed to do or not to do! I don’t care how you perceive me because at the end of the day i’m better than you!” He screeched. The tears ran down his face rapidly and he was practically choking on a sob begging to be let out from his lips. 

Xiao stood as well, much more calm than Kunikuzushi. “You know I dislike dishonesty. There’s no point in lying.” Kunikuzushi reached his arms forward in an instant, to swat Xiao away but Xiao simply caught both his arms in his hands and halted any movement. “Your mothers suck. It’s the simple truth and anyone walking in could tell. Although that’s what you fear, you fear people seeing the life you live and you try putting on a front so people don’t realize how awful you feel when you come home.” 

He was gentle with Kunikuzushi, although his hands were rough, he held his arms with the faintest touch, Kunikuzushi could easily rip his arms away, but he didn’t want to. 

“What’s even worse is that you didn’t want to show your vulnerability to the guy you can’t get along with, and here I am in your home and now I know the life you live. You’d rather people perceive you as someone who’s spoiled and bratty than a wounded child.” 

Kunikuzushi hung his head in shame, he didn’t want to be looked at. 

“Don’t be ashamed, you can’t blame yourself for your mothers actions. Living a lie simply will hurt you more. You can cry.” 

Hearing Xiao spill nothing but the truth tore a loud sob from Kunikuzushi’s throat, and suddenly his knees felt weak and wobbly. In the most awkward way possible Xiao pulled him in by his arms and hugged him, his touch light as a feather, as if he was scared to hold Kunikuzushi like this, like he was scared of what it meant to hold him like this.

Kunikuzushi ugly cried into Xiao’s shirt, and although it was an emotional moment, for simply a second, just a second, Kunikuzushi felt at peace.

Xiao climbed into the passenger seat of his fathers car, glancing at the sunset in the background, mixtures of yellows and purples blending into a picture work of art. His father smiled at him. “How was dinner Alatus?” 

Xiao turned to his father with an expression that wasn’t mad nor happy, just neutral. “It was a learning experience.” 

He glanced away from his father and looked out the window as the car started, watching the house fade into the background. “I think dinner was a good idea, Kunikuzushi and I will get along in no time.

When Kunikuzushi wasn’t a crying mess, slightly calmed down with the occasional hiccup or two, he led Xiao into his room. Xiao thought his room completely contradicted the rest of the empty house. It was a pretty spacious room, but it was nice, and telling of Kunikuzushi’s personality. 

He led Xiao to the edge of his bed, where they both sat down in silence. 

“Thank you Xiao. Considering you’re such an asshole I didn’t think you knew how to actually comfort a person.”

Xiao chuckled. “Says you. I bet you suck at comforting people.” 

Kunikuzushi thought back onto Mona and her breakup, and realized Xiao did have a point. He like out a light laugh, his throat sore from all the crying. 

“You’re not an awful person though, Kunikuzushi. Sure you’re a brat and deserve a slap on the wrist upon occasion,” He paused when Kunikuzushi sent an icy glare his way. “But. You’re a decent guy deep down.” 

Kunikuzushi threw himself back on the bed and stared at the ceiling. “I’m a decent guy to people who don’t constantly piss me off. You, good sir, piss me off a tremendous amount it makes me want to strangle you.” 

Xiao looked back at the other boy, and realized he oddly looked pretty like this. Laid back and hair a clumsy mess, eyes slightly puffy and face tinted red. The fading sun peaked in from the window and projected onto his face and it made Xiao’s stomach flip in a weird way that he didn’t fully understand. 

“You’re quite pretty, shame you have such a potty mouth.” If Xiao was anyone else, he’d probably be embarrassed by what he said, but he was only slightly surprised that the words escaped his mouth, but it would take more than that to embarrass him. Although, his words made Kunikuzushi turn bright red and cover his face with one arm. 

“Shut up!” He screeched in absolute horror. Xiao could care less though, all he could think about was the fact he thought of this annoying boy with raven hair as attractive, or he even could perceive him as nice at all. He was brought out of his daze as his phone went off, glancing at it, he realized it was his father calling, obviously to let go m know he was here. 

“I have to leave.” Kunikuzushi sat up, obviously attempting to guide him out and send him off but Xiao pushed him back down gently as possible. “No, I can leave by myself, you should head to bed early.” And he basically sprinted out the door before the other boy could protest.

Xiao could faintly make our Kunikuzushi’s figure stumbling out the door. He lifted himself out the window, torso hanging out. He slightly heard a concerned voice from his father but ignored it, attention focused on Kunikuzushi. 

Kunikuzushi waved his arm in a goodbye, shouting, “I’ll see ya tomorrow!” 

Xiao smiled softly and waved his arm in return of the gesture. “See ya, brat!” He was nearly cut off by his father yanking him back into the car so he wouldn’t whack his head off the gate. But he could only smile to himself, thinking of a possible new friendship with the boy with stormy eyes.

Chapter Text

“So when are you two gonna kiss?” 

In an instant, Kunikuzushi was spitting his drink all over the table, drawing attention from other people in the quaint coffee shop. Fischl, who sat across from him was brought to laughter, although she held it in to prevent causing more of a scene.

It was early morning, school had started but the schedule had lined up that Fischl and Kunikuzushi had their frees first, instead of sleeping in, the two decided (practically made a vow) that anytime they had a free in the mornings they would come to this store. 

“Fischl, fuck off! That’s what you took from all that I told you?” He hissed, Fischl leaned back and crossed her arms with a cocky expression. 

“uh, yeah. Imagine if the rest of the group was here, they’d be worse than me!” Kunikuzushi heard the door bell ring in the distance as another customer entered, although his main focus was on Fischl. 

“You guys are bad friends.” 

“Am not!”

“Yes, you are!-“ 

“Fischl! Kunikuzushi!” A voice called, successfully putting an end to the bickering. The two turned their attention to a girl hovering over their table, a long thin ponytail cascading down her back, the top of her hair fluffy and appeared soft, a mix of greens and blues. Her glasses shined in the sunlight. It was Sucrose, although Kunikuzushi first processed her as, ‘Albedo’s Girlfriend’ 

“Oh hello Sucrose, are you on a free as well?” Fischl inquired. Sucrose smiled, it was a nice look on her considering last year so was so painfully timid it physically hurt.

“Yes, I’m on a coffee date this morning, my table is over there but I had to say hi!” She gestured back, and Kunikuzushi couldn’t help but glance backwards in that direction, where he could see Albedo and a boy with dark blue hair and a mischievous smile drinking coffee and laughing. 

“Didn’t know you guys like bringing a third wheel on your dates.” Kunikuzushi piped up. Although it seemed slightly rude, he needed to ask to confirm his suspicions. (He bet on this.) 

Sucrose turned a little red, but maintained her cool. “Oh, you mean Kaeya? He’s not a third wheel, he’s on the date with us.” She said it was like the most casual thing in the world, and it definitely wasn’t, but Kunikuzushi didn’t see an issue in it, nor did Fischl, who was smiling and giggling.

“Oh that’s great Sucrose!” 

Sucrose swayed back a little, and a slight call of her name came from the Kaeya fellow. “Oh, it looks like i’m needed, see you guys later!” And with that she was walking back to her table, giggling about something with her boytoys. As soon as she was out of range, Kunikuzushi let out a quiet cheer. 

“Fuck yeah! Mona owes me twenty bucks now.” 

Fischl snorted. “I can’t believe you guys bet on them having a third person in the relationship.” 

“We literally recently bet on Mona’s sexuality, you’re just as bad as I am.” 

“Oh yeah! Any update on that?”

Kunikuzushi thought for a moment. “Nah, she hasn’t made any moves on any more boys and shows no interest in any of the girls, we’ll have to wait.” 

Fischl groaned. “Ugh, I just want that bet money to go towards my cosplay fund.” 

Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes. “I will literally buy you what you need.” 

Suddenly Fischl was lunging across the table, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Really??” Kunikuzushi pulled himself back and made a face of disgust.

“Yes, now get off me you buffoon. We should get back to school so we aren’t late.” 

Fischl retracted, and gathered some of her things together. “Oh yeah, I have english with Razor. Poor guy is having trouble adapting to the language still, so I don’t want to miss it.” 

Kunikuzushi smiled ever so slightly at how kind Fischl was, but it was gone as soon as it came, he also gathered his things as they walked through the doors, waving to Sucrose and the other two. 

Xiao sat down at his desk in history class, the other seat was notably empty, and it made him ponder if Kunikuzushi wasn’t at school again. He also took note that the teacher was nowhere to be found, and he watched curiously as his classmates gathered their things and snuck out the door. 

He waited for a few minutes impatiently as the classroom started to empty, when Kunikuzushi came tumbling in like the world was on fire. “Fuck! Ow! Shit!” He tripped over himself, until he stumbled into his chair rather pathetically, making a rather loud and unforgettable entrance. “Ugh, I think I hit my head.” 

“Took you long enough, Kunikuzushi.” Xiao spoke, watching the other boy fix his hair in the reflection of his phone. Kunikuzushi gave him a side eye, eyes bright and full of emotion. 

“Listen I lost track of time, but it looks like I won’t be in any trouble considering the class is half empty and I see no teacher.” He scoffed. 

“You do have a point, normally he’s here by now.” 

Kunikuzushi leaned back and rolled his eyes dramatically. “Well obviously everyone else thinks he’s not gonna show up, so-“ 

Suddenly the boy in front of them leaned back, he was extremely tall and his white hair hung everywhere, Xiao was sure his shirt was also too small for him too, but other than the fact he looked like he could beat the shit out of everyone in the room, he had the most cheerful expression on his face.

“You bros didn’t hear? Teach’ had an allergic reaction! Everyone is leaving before they try to get a substitute in!” He laughed, and Xiao was sure the floor shook a little with it. Kunikuzushi looked especially annoyed. 

“Guess that explains it.” Xiao muttered. Suddenly, the boy with white hair had his attention on Kunikuzushi.

“Kuniku, bro. We should totally skip, like we did last year!” He smiled. This immediately caught Xiao’s attention at the face this guy had called Kunikuzushi Kuniku, not only that, they seemed to actually know each other. He watched Kunikuzushi cringe. 

“Itto please, you’re too loud.” 

Itto raised his hand and ruffled Kunikuzushi’s hair. “Sorry little buddy! So, what do you say?” 

Xiao felt confused, and for some unknown reason extremely frustrated. Kunikuzushi wasn’t good friends with this boy like the others, yet they seemed so close it bothered him. Was Itto making Kunikuzushi uncomfortable perhaps? That had to be the reason for the boiling in his chest.

Suddenly he reached forward and grabbed Ittos wrist, and pushing it off. Itto looked dumbfounded by it, and even Kunikuzushi seemed confused. “Kunikuzushi and I were just about to leave actually. We had plans to ditch, so if you’ll excuse us, Itto.” Xiao stood up and grabbed Kunikuzushi by the back of his sweater, pulling him to his feet and stumbling behind him out the door way, a few noises of protest escaping his lips.

Kunikuzushi was more than slightly confused, he was dumbfounded at the situation he was in. Everything moved like a blur until he was sitting down in a secluded part of the school, a hallway that was shut down for maintenance is where Xiao had dragged him to. There was two classrooms in this hall, and Xiao had picked the bigger one with the better view to hangout in.

He sat at the back of the room next to a cupboard, and watched Xiao open a window to let a breeze in. A few papers flew off the teachers desk while doing so.

Xiao seemed to be in his own world, until Kunikuzushi finally decided to speak up. “Do you not like Itto or something?” Xiao froze up for a second, and glanced at Kunikuzushi.

“What do you mean?”

Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes. “You literally dragged me away from him, it was rude. What if I wanted to hangout with him instead? You shouldn’t just assume people want to be around you Xiao, that’s quite egotistical.”

Xiao scoffed and turned his attention back  to the window. “I thought he was making you uncomfortable, sorry for my concern.” 

Kunikuzushi saw the tips of Xiao’s ears turn red, and he felt something brew in his chest with unexplained emotions. He honestly wondered if Xiao had more intentions than just friends, perhaps?-

No. Don’t convince yourself he likes you. It’ll make everything worse.

He told himself.

Instead, he stood up and sauntered over to Xiao, tugging on his ear which resulted in an odd sound of shock. Before Kunikuzushi could even go to tease the poor boy, suddenly he was being grabbed and flipped, the world turning upside as he leaded right on his head.

Everything was dizzy, and he didn’t even process Xiao leaning in close to his face or leaning in close. He felt something warm run down from his nose, and watched everything around him spin.

“Kunikuzushi? Kunikuzushi!” 

Hearing his name snapped him into focus, and he realized just how close Xiao was to his face, he quickly realize his head was being cradled in Xiao’s arms, and if he didn’t feel like he was going to faint, he’d run for the hills.

“Shit, i’m sorry, I swear it was just a reflex - I didn’t mean to - fuck. “ Xiao kept cursing under his breath and pulled out some sort of handkerchief, Kunikuzushi wanted to tease him for carrying one, but he realized from the colour and pattern it wasn’t his, it was most likely his sisters. He held it over Kunikuzushi’s nose, and that is when the raven hair boy realized his nose was bleeding. 

“How the fuck is flipping someone and slamming them into the floor a reflex?” He scoffed lazily. 

Xiao chuckled a little at the snarky remark. “Years and years of defence training. Although I was hoping that smack to the head would have wired your brain into making you a nicer person.” 

Kunikuzushi knew he was still out of it, and that in itself was dangerous. He didn’t even fully process everything he was doing, or why he was doing it. He must have looked off, because Xiao suddenly leaned in closer, his hair tickling Kunikuzushi’s face. 

“Do you need me to take you to the office?” Xiao asked, concern painting his face. 

Kunikuzushi smiled oddly in return, and his lifted his hand to touch Xiao’s cheek. The other boy flinched in alarm, and Kunikuzushi was nearly convinced his next ‘reflex’ was going to be breaking his arm, but Xiao didn’t move, nor say anything. 

“You’re so pretty.” 

“Okay maybe that did do something to your brain. Let’s get you to the office-“

Kunikuzushi glared with such intensity that Xiao halted his actions. “No, let me just stay like this.” His arm fell from Xiao’s face, and he  basically snuggled into the other boys arms before shutting his eyes, leaving Xiao trapped in his position.

Xiao moved his face away, and scooted backwards gently with a grip on Kunikuzushi until his back hit the wall. He considered for a moment that Kunikuzushi could have a concussion, but after thinking it through he determined that was unlikely, his force was harsh but not that hard. Just enough to spike a nose bleed. 

So for that moment in time, they sat in peace.

Chapter Text

“So like, why is there blood on your shirt- and why do you look like the life has been taken out of you?” Kazuha dared ask after a prolonged silence.

There stood Kunikuzushi in all of his pale glory, although he seemed as white as chalk like he was ready to faint, and his eyes seemed wide and alert. He didn’t quite process how he managed to stumble into the art room right before class started, but here he was.

“Um, I, uh.”

“You missed the entirety of lunch! Like seriously.” Mona complained, throwing her hands in the air. 

“Guys let’s go to that new boba place after school.” Cyno spoke up, he was promptly interrupted by a smack on the back of the head from Kazuha.

“Our friend looks like a hot mess right now and you’re asking about boba? Please get it together Cyno.” 

“Oh, yeah, sorry. Are you okay?”

A voice from behind Kunikuzushi spoke up. “Yeah, he’s fine. Hit his head, still a little dazed but other than that he’s good. Cmon Kuniku.” 

He felt himself pulled away from his friends table, and watched the concerned faces fade as he was yanked towards the corner of the room, eyes landing on the half finished mural. “Um, i’m sorry, i’m really out of it, what’s going on?” 

The figure who dragged him over Kunikuzushi quickly recognized as Xiao, he looked slightly tired and his clothes wrinkled. “You’re still half asleep, just sit down.” 

Kunikuzushi did as he was told.

“I slept?”

He watched Xiao tie his hair back and roll his sleeves, rummaging through a pile of paintbrushes and paint beside it. Kunikuzushi finally processed he was in class, he could hear the talking of his classmates and he saw his teacher Alice instructing Xiao’s sister and the quiet one with white hair on something. He looked at the mural again, and quickly deduced that Xiao had worked on it during his absences last week. 

“Here, let me-“ Kunikuzushi leaned forward to grab a paintbrush, but Xiao was quicker in grabbing his wrist and yanking it away. 

“Just let yourself cool down for a bit, if you’re still like this than Ganyu said she’d take you to the office.” For some reason, Xiao avoided looking him in the eye. “Ms. Alice said it’s fine if you just stick with me while I work on it. If you feel better you can help, but for now just observe.”

Kunikuzushi was slightly startled, but retracted his hand anyways. Had he slept through lunch? His memory was foggy on how he even got here, or what happened when he woke up, but he pushed those thoughts away because it was giving him a headache.

He watched Xiao begin on detailing the moon on the wall, he seemed focused and in his own world. Kunikuzushi let himself relax for now, he hit his head pretty hard that he was still a little out of it, but he highly doubted it was anything serious, he was just a little groggy from both the impact and the nap he had. 

He probably sat there quietly for about ten minutes just watching Xiao basically speed through the mural, sure it wasn’t a big one but the fact Xiao was so talented made Kunikuzushi wonder what the other boy wasn’t good at. 

“Are you feeling better? Do you want me to get Ganyu?” Xiao asked with a hint of concern, Kunikuzushi didn’t even process him bending down in front of him, paintbrush hanging out of his hand. 

“Yeah, just a minor headache and still a little sleepy. I’m fine.” 

Xiao furrowed his eyebrows as if he didn’t even believe him. “Are you sure? I should get her anyways-“ Before he could move, Kunikuzushi snatched the paintbrush out of Xiao’s hand and stuffed it in his face. They both froze at the action, until Kunikuzushi started maniacally giggling, although over the loudness of the classroom it was basically drowned out.

“Pffft! You look so ridiculous.” Kunikuzushi waved the paintbrush around and tried to read the expression on Xiao’s face.

“I guess you’re just fine then. Get to work, slacker.” He scoffed, but Kunikuzushi could decipher a slight smile on his face, that he seemed almost desperate to hide.

Kunikuzushi did indeed get to work, he worked on the background details and Xiao worked on the moon, together the two nearly finished it by the end of class. 

Alice basically bounced over to the two as the bell blared in the background, in the midst of their cleanup.

“Oh it’s looking beautiful, no need for you guys to stay after school or anything, you’ll only need a little bit of time to finish next class. Good work boys!” She winked and walked away to go do who knows what. 

Kunikuzushi turned back to say something to Xiao, until a voice called his name, one he recognized as Mona. 

“Kunikuzushi, come on, we’re making plans for after school.” 

He sighed as if it was a bother, but in truth he didn’t mind the idea. It had definitely been a while since they had all hungout. He glanced at Xiao, who seemed to be in his own world.

“See ya, Xiao.” He waved. Xiao slightly acknowledged with a nod of his head before Mona promptly dragged Kunikuzushi away. He was left in his own head, Xiao seemed ever so slightly off, but Kunikuzushi had no idea why, but he assumed he had finally done something to tick off the unbothered boy.

“I didn’t know you could actually think. You seem like someone who lacks a brain.” Mona spoke, dragging him out of his thoughts.

As she dragged him through the hallways, Kunikuzushi quickly spot his other friends hanging by Cyno’s locker. 

Eventually he stood right next to Fischl, who was loudly exclaiming how excited she was. 

“We’ll have to get the bus after school.” Cyno explained, he appeared to have google maps up on his phone. 

He then looked up at Kunikuzushi. “Are you coming?” 

Kunikuzushi answered with no hesitation. “Yeah, i’ll text Yae during my next class to let her know.”

Cyno smiled faintly, then dropped a major bomb upon the group. “Can I invite Tighnari?”

His question was interrupted with groans from every member of the group in protest. 

“All you guys do is kiss every time we invite him! I turn left, you’re both there, kissing. I turn right, you’re also there, kissing. I simply can’t escape it!” Fischl shouted.

Mona let out an exasperated sigh. “She has a point, I don’t want to see you guys play kissy face all evening.” 

At the teasing, Cyno was beet red out of pure embarrassment. Then, Kazuha spoke. “Well if you were going to bring your boyfriend, then Kunikuzushi should be allowed to bring Xiao.”

Silence fell among the group and they all stared at Kunikuzushi, who’s face was painted in anger and shock at the suggestion. He tried to shout or let out a snarky remark, but no sound came out.

Fischl started laughing, holding her stomach as if it hurt. “Bhahah! His face is priceless! Didn’t expect Kazuha to tease you did ya, right Kunikuzushi?” 

“Shut up! Only the group is coming, that’s final- I gotta get to class. Meet back here after last period.” And with that he stormed off.

He was definitely feeling much better, although slightly abused at the accusation and assumption of his relationship with Xiao. They hadn’t known each other that long, and Kunikuzushi considered it extremely impractical to fall for someone right away like that, it was meaningless and had no real charm. Yet he knew deep down there was something brewing in his chest. His thoughts were interrupted with the ringing of the bell, so he quickened his pace to get to class.

Class was as boring as usual. In fact he wouldn’t consider anything he was being taught as actual learning, he didn’t understand the method of write notes and repeat, sure they had the information but could they actually use it if they weren’t taught properly?Kunikuzushi was sure if he was a teacher he could teach a class better than the one now, and mostly everyone would agree.

“You and Fischl seemed rather heated at the cafe this morning.” Albedo suddenly spoke up. In all honesty Kunikuzushi almost forgot he was sitting next to him with how quiet the blonde typically was, normally going undetected. 

“Oh, she was just saying some stupid stuff per usual.” 

“Sucrose said it sounded like you had a new boyfriend or something.”

Kunikuzushi cursed out Sucrose in his head, not daring to say it aloud to her boyfriend. “Huh, Fischl and I were saying the same thing about you guys.” His attempt to turn away the attention from himself worked, slightly catching Albedo off guard, a hint of pink tint on his ears. 

“Oh, yes. Kaeya. He was originally interested in me and me alone, but after I rejected him several times he went to ‘scope out his competition’ in his words, and fell for Sucrose as well. We are now trying out a polyamorous relationship.” 

The way Albedo explained it in such a robotic way was almost a buzzkill for the new information Kunikuzushi had learnt, but it still interested him to an extent.

“Such an odd combination. The shy one, the blunt one, and the flirty one. Weirdos.” Kunikuzushi poked fun at Albedo, yet he still seemed rather unfazed by the teasing.

“Couldn’t have described our personalities better myself. Now that we’ve efficiently discussed my relationship you can stop trying to deflect from yours. Who is the subject of your interest?” 

Kunikuzushi groaned, he should have known he couldn’t get away from a conversation with Albedo. 

“I’m not dating anyone, and i’m not even into the guy! Everyone just thinks I am! It’s Xiao, Ganyu’s brother.” 

Albedo seemed to think to himself for a moment, and then Kunikuzushi watched the lightbulb go off in his brain in recognition. 

“Ah, the delinquent. You seem to have always drawn in trouble Kunikuzushi, he is no exception.” Albedo said plainly.

“Literally do you not listen to me. He’s an asshole! Just because I get along with him upon occasion doesn’t mean i’m in love with the guy, I would rather die.”

“You weren’t fond of Dottere all that much yet you maintained a relationship for nearly half a year.” 

The two fell into silence at Albedo’s bluntness, Kunikuzushi who was clearly uncomfortable with the statement, shifted away from the other boy.

After a minute, Albedo spoke up, sensing he had said something wrong. “I’m sorry, it was not kind of me to bring him up. I know that relationship was different.” 

“.. It’s alright.” Kunikuzushi whispered. 

The two went back into silence, and while Albedo turned his focus back onto his work, Kunikuzushi dismissed the conversation as if it never even happened, opting to text Yae.

Kunikuzushi: I’m going somewhere after school, don’t bother coming.

EvilPinkBitch: Not even going to ask? You just assume?

Kunikuzushi: I’m sure you don’t mind, so don’t pretend you do.

EvilPinkBitch: Well you got me there brat. Call Sara when you need to be picked up, she’ll come get you.

Kunikuzushi: K.

EvilPinkBitch: I love you 🥰
Read 2:56.

Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes at Yae’s words, but he did think the nickname he had her as was accurate and funny enough he chuckled every time he read it. Although he assumed she had a nickname just as bad for him as well. 

The class besides his conversation with Albedo was so painfully boring he wanted to rip his hair out. School was a bore, plain and simple, most would agree unless you’re a freak like some of his friends who seem to have some strange like of school, but even a quick scan of the room was all he needed to be able to tell 99% of the class didn’t even want to be there. The 1% remaining was Albedo, since he was one of those school loving freaks. Upon doing a scan, Kunikuzushi could recognize some of classmates, he knew some of them to an extent and others just seemed like background characters. The most notable person in the room besides Albedo was Collei, some girl who was super smart and got to go up a grade, Cyno and Tighnari often hungout with her, but he didn’t know much about her besides that. Although he did know she also knew him, and also shared the same dislike and borderline fear with Kunikuzushi, it’s something that always left him wondering.

Another person he recognized was Candace. He would proudly say if he wasn’t gay, he’d definitely date her. She was stunning, although a bit aloof at times she was kind to her core, and although she had a following of admirers she never bothered with any of them. 

It felt odd thinking about how these other people around them saw him as simply a recognizable face. They had their own lifestyles, own relationships, their own drama. It was a basic enough thing to comprehend, yet it still felt odd in a way. 

In his mindless thinking, time passed quicker. It was much easier to distract himself with other people than it was to distract himself with school work. He had decent enough grades so he didn’t need to make a big effort anyways.

Suddenly, his mind brought him back to his long nap that somehow resulted in a tense Xiao. He wasn’t completely sure why he thought of it again, but he was left wondering what happened. Kunikuzushi often had trouble remembering things when he was drowsy, and he can slightly remember falling asleep but nothing after, only up until he found himself in the art room. 

He thought hard about it, what had happened in between that made Xiao like that?

“You’re so warm Xiao.” 

Kunikuzushi drew a blank at the memory of the words flooding into his brain. In fact he slammed his head onto the desk that drew a few odd stares from those surrounding him, including an concerned look from Albedo. 

Was that it? He remembered Xiao holding him, perhaps he just got way too comfortable and made it weird. For that, he felt bad and severely embarrassed. That had to be the reason, definitely.

“Kunikuzushi are you alright? You smacked your entire head into the desk quite hard. The bell is going to ring, you should pack up your things.” Albedo piped up, the voice drew Kunikuzushi out of his embarrassed state when he recalled the fact he had to be ready to go with his friends on the city bus after school. It came almost immediately after the bell, so they’d have to rush if they didn’t want to wait for an hour outside. 

He packed his things swiftly and messily, he would worry about the state of his bag later when he had time, perhaps on the bus. 

When the bell finally rang, Kunikuzushi was the first to sprint out the door, running down a flight of stairs like it was easy. He did nearly run into a few people, but being small had its benefits as he was able to easily get past the crowd of students exiting from their classes. 

In almost no time, Kunikuzushi was at Cynos locker, ready to leave. Shockingly, everyone was there. (Although Fischl did have a class seconds away, the other three on the other hand were quite a ways away.

“You took forever.”  Mona whined.

Kunikuzushi scoffed in disbelief. “No the real question is how did you punks get here so fast?” 

“We made up excuses to get out quicker.” Cyno shrugged.

“Less walking, more running!” Fischl screeched. It seemed her statement lit a fire amongst the group, because suddenly they were flying out the door, stumbling over themselves to get off school grounds.

“How long do we got?” Kunikuzushi panted, preventing himself from nearly face planting.

“Less than five minutes.” Kazuha said calmly, unaffected by the running. Cyno was the same, he was ahead of the group, while Fischl was lagging behind. Although Kunikuzushi knew as long one of them made it to the stop, they could hold for them.

Which is indeed what happened, Cyno made it first, Fischl and Kunikuzushi tied for last.

Mona laughed in accomplishment of being second on the near empty bus. “Losers!” She leaned forward from his seat and into the aisle before she was pulled back into her seat by Fischl.
Cyno sat on their left by himself, he didn’t enjoy sitting next to other people, so he normally opted to sitting alone; although he was not against conversing with the others. He just liked his space. 

Meanwhile, Kazuha and Kunikuzushi sat together. Kazuha was a perfect balance to a Kunikuzushi’s more loud and violent side. He was calm and collected, polar opposites that fit together perfectly. Kunikuzushi considered Kazuha a good friend, who always was on his side even though in most situations he preferred to stay neutral. 

“Mona, you fucking-“

He was promptly hushed by his friend with the white and red hair. “We’re on a public bus, please watch your language.”

Kunikuzushi felt like a puppy who had been told off by their owner. He pouted, but corrected himself anyways, “Mona, you fudging fudge cake im gonna stick a lollipop so far up your butt it’ll come out your throat.”

Kazuha smiled. “Better.” 

Mona could only laugh more in response, at some point leaning back on Fischl who complained loudly. Cyno watched with a faint smile, while Kunikuzushi tried not to leap out of his seat to strangle the girl.

The friend group was messy, but definitely perfect for each other. Kunikuzushi honestly didn’t know what he’d do without them. 

Well, he did know. And he knew that path wasn’t a good one, quite the opposite. But without such caring people to pull him out of that kind of state. 

He smiled to himself.

He loved these fools.

“Never thought I would see the day the mighty Alatus coming to me for advice!” A high pitched voice squealed in delight. “But also I set this up so I could see you cower on your knees before I, the mighty Hu Tao.”

Xiao growled in annoyance, swatting away Hu Tao who was hovering over him and occupying the space in his room. He’d go as far as to say she was tainting his lovely abode of peace and solitude.

“I’m not embarrassed, I just don’t understand how I feel.”

Hu Tao swayed, shifting on her feet with sparkles in her eyes. “Aw! Poor tough Xiao who can’t process anything other than hatred. So cute.”

“Hu Tao.”

She paused. “Okay. Explain what happened again please.”

He groaned, sliding his hand over his face in exasperation. “Do I really have to?”

Hu Tao smirked with a strong hint of mischief, a look that Xiao was all too familiar with; but definitely not fond of. 

“Fine.”

Xiao sat in the empty, nearly abandoned classroom, it was almost painfully silent, but the occasional strong gust of wind and the near silent snores coming from the boy in his arms was enough noise to keep Xiao content. 

Although, he felt slightly uncomfortable with what to do with himself. After all, Kunikuzushi was sound asleep in his arms, and Xiao was still worried at the risk of concussion, although debunking it. He didn’t know why he felt this way about the firecracker with the name Kunikuzushi, wild and admittedly unlikable. Yet, here he was, cradling him in his arms. Xiao convinced himself that they were simply becoming friends, but he could also recognize that he never behaved this way with Hu Tao or his other somewhat friend Yanfei. He wanted to identify the problem and face it head on, as he was not one to run from a problem or hide how he felt about things, he was sure Kunikuzushi had become aware of that.

“You’re so warm Xiao.” The sudden voice indeed surprised Xiao, so much he tended up. But perhaps it wasn’t the initial thoughts, but instead the words that had just escaped his raven hair companions lips. He looked down at the boy, alert as ever, and was greet with a half open pair of eyes staring into his very being. Those same storms he had grown to recognize danced in the others eyes, but it seemed different this time. A calm storm instead of a raging one.

“Are you alright Kunikuzushi?” Xiao questioned. He reached his hand forward to brush the hair out of Kunikuzushi’s face as a nice gesture, but suddenly his friend was leaning into the touch which was even more alarming. 

Xiao ended up coming to the conclusion that Kunikuzushi was indeed unwell.

“Hold up, are you that fucking dense?” Hu Tao shouted, rudely interrupting the retelling of the event. Xiao’s glare was enough to shut her up.

Anyways.

Xiao shifted from where he was sitting, drawing his hand away and trying to lift Kunikuzushi off him. “You must still be sick, let’s go to the office and-“

Suddenly he was being pushed back, and the boy who was facing away from him turned around and shifted his weight onto Xiao. Something from his expression was simply unreadable, but it was enough to keep Xiao quiet from any protest.

“Stay.” Kunikuzushi silently begged, curling up into Xiao as if it were a habit of sorts. As if it was normal.

Xiao didn’t know what to do, but something was telling him no, compelling him to stay. And that is indeed what he did.

“Holy shit- so what happened after?” 

Xiao crossed his arms and shrugged nonchalantly despite his inner panic. “We stayed for a bit until I dragged him to class.”

“You stayed for like nearly an hour, that’s not a bit-“ She protested in response, she put her hands on her hips and paced around, pretending to be a detective of sorts.

“Hu Tao I will kick you out of my room I swear to fucking the archons above.”

She stopped in her tracks, directly in front of where Xiao was sat. “No worries my dear friend, Alatus. I have already come up with the issue you are facing.”

Xiao raised an eyebrow and hesitantly motioned for her to continue speaking.

“You have feelings for him!”

Kunikuzushi swore he saw god for a moment as he choked on his boba, he felt a strong hand slap him on the back to aid him, and he spit out his drink all over the table.

“What the fuck Kuniku?!” Mona sobbed, she desperately tried to clean the mess created at the table, while Fischl laughed.

“My statement was just so shocking to the poor boy that he nearly saw the archons!” She preached. Cyno rolled his eyes in response to it, while Kazuha sipped on his bubble tea in pure bliss and ignorance of the situation at hand. 

“I do not have feelings for him, get that out of your pea sized brain!” He screeched. The person at the next table glared at them for the volume.

“Hey! Don’t say that about my brain!”

“Oh for archons sake she has a point you buffoon.” Cyno grumbled. The boy with white hair was obviously annoyed at the situation, a scowl on his face. “The sooner you admit it the faster I can finish my boba.” 

His friend’s expression scared Kunikuzushi more than he liked to admit, so he opted to remain quiet and contemplate the accusation. 

He found Xiao attractive from the beginning, sure, but actual feelings? 

“I haven’t even known him that long!” He protested, although he made sure to lower his volume.

“So? There’s just those romances that start as soon as some people meet. Like Cyno and Tighnari, they started dating like a week after they met! Sureee- they broke up twice in like three months after but they’ve been going for a year since!” Mona explained, she seemed terribly bored from the topic at hand. Cyno made a small sound of annoyance at what she had said.

“And even if you admit it to him and he accepts or whatever stupid romance stuff, you don’t have to start dating right away. You can just have your feelings out in the open until you’re both ready!” Fischl piped in.

That was an option.

Kunikuzushi thought to himself. He knew they were right, yet he didn’t want to admit it. His last relationship was so terrible and he lost track of who his true friends were and who he was that the idea of getting into another was mortifying, especially considering their track record of not getting along. But then another thought came to his head.

Rejection.

In a way that seemed to scare him more, he could probably trace that back to family issues and the constant rejection he faced all of life, so any type of it was sure to bother him. But especially knowing that it was most likely the thing to happen if he admitted how he felt to his prickly friend. 

Kazuha sensed the atmosphere, and suddenly spoke up, “Let’s leave him be for now, let him sort out his own feelings.” And although Fischl and Mona would normally continue picking at the poor boy, they could both sense the discomfort radiating off of him.

“So.. Albedo and Sucrose have a new boyfriend.”

“What?!”

“What did you just say?” Xiao growled in defence. He watched his friend back up ever so silently at his change in mood.

“Well listen! It’s the most logical answer to the situation! The weird feelings and urges are your inner feelings! You like him and he obviously likes you!” 

Xiao stood up, angered at her words. “Go.”

She didn’t need to be told twice before she was practically sprinting out the door and slamming it shut, leaving Xiao to his thoughts.

But, upon consideration of her words, everything seemed to click into place, like gears that were stuck that finally seemed to click just right and start turning again.

“I like Raiden Kunikuzushi.” He said to no one in particular. Just saying it to fill the silence in his room.

He paused, thinking some more.

“Well, fuck.”

Chapter Text

“You’re so fucking insufferable!” The boy screeched, shoving Xiao back. Xiao had nearly lost his balance in the mud, but caught himself. 

“You made that perfectly clear, Kunikuzushi.” Xiao scowled. The two were at a standstill, unsure of how to proceed. The rain was pouring down intensely, and through Kunikuzushi’s thin clothes as well. He was sure to get a cold.

“Just go home. I’ll call you a cab.” Xiao went to turn and head towards the door of his home, but was halted with a tug on his shirt.

“You’re trying to get rid of me so you can go back to ignoring me, right?” 

Xiao shook Kunikuzushi off.

“Yeah.”

“Kunikuzushi!” 

Kunikuzushi was drawn out of his gaze by his friend Fischl, who sat across from him in the library. 

“You seemed to be thinking hard, what’s wrong?” 

He thought for a second, and then he realized he couldn’t even remember what exactly he was thinking about. “I dunno.”

Fischl looked at him in a mix of annoyance and confusion. “Dudee.”

Kunikuzushi dismissed her with a wave of his hand, and went back to ‘reading’ the book in front of him.

It had been two days since the classroom incident with Xiao. Kunikuzushi still couldn’t completely remember what happened, but knew whatever it was it was embarrassing. And in fact, it was enough that drove Xiao away.

Xiao had been avoiding him for the past two days. Didn’t show up to history, and at some point he finished the mural by himself and ran off somewhere else as if he were avoiding the plague. Kunikuzushi didn’t even see him in the hallways, and that’s what truly hurt.

He chose not to mention this to his friends, he didn’t want them worrying or joining the Xiao hate club. He could deal with this himself, he’d tell the asshole off and give him a punch to the jaw to add salt in the wound. 

Last period free with Fischl. This is where he officially planned to figure out where Xiao was and confront the bastard, he just needed to escape the watchful eye of his friend, knowing she had already grown suspicious. In fact all of them did, but he did a decent job at covering everything up. 

“Oh Fischl, Yae said she just came to pick me up. So I better get going.”

Fischl raised an eyebrow in suspicion. “Really? She doesn’t seem the type to willingly pick you up early.”

Kunikuzushi stood, and gathered his things together. “Well, I bribed her. Can’t share the details.” He threw his bag over his shoulder, clumsily walking away as fast as possible.

“See you!”

“Yeah..”

Kunikuzushi walked out into the hallways and then paused. 

He had no idea where to find Xiao. 

He didn’t know what class he had during the time Kunikuzushi had his free. He had already figured out that when he had Chemistry, Xiao had Music, but he never thought to ask about the other period.

Should he make up a lame excuse and text Xiao, an excuse convincing enough for them to meet up? But, if Xiao was in class it would be very unlikely he’d leave unless it was really important. Then, he’d just be pissed it off Kunikuzushi lied just to ask him why he was being ignored.

He groaned. Maybe if he waited until after school, he could stop by his house and corner him there. 

He was truly at a lose, he felt confused, hurt and angry all in one. He didn’t know where he went wrong, and in fact his abandonment issues really were starting to kick in badly. 

He decided he was willingly to bet that Xiao was home, he hadn’t seen him all day and although he was aware Xiao was great at being sneaky like some spy, he definitely would have caught even a glimpse of him during their shared classes. Something was definitely off, and he wanted, no, needed to find out.

As he left the school and disregarded the fact he should probably message Yae or perhaps Sara, he couldn’t help but worry. A pit deep in his stomach formed with every speedy step he made, trying to remember the directions in his head of where Xiao lived. It wasn’t too far from the school via car, but it was still a lengthy walk.

They had finally gotten along. After all the arguing, the hatred seemed to subside, and for Kunikuzushi it subsided into something more than friendship. Perhaps that was possibly the reason? Had Xiao figured it out, and gotten uncomfortable? Kunikuzushi didn’t even know if Xiao felt attraction to men, or even other people in general for that matter, he just assumed; which was wrong on his part. He could always play it off, he’d be willing to sacrifice his blossoming feels to keep Xiao as a friend.

As rain started to pour, and the sky turned dim with a hint of thunder in the air, Kunikuzushi wrapped his arms around himself as a pathetic attempt at self comfort. He knew he messed up these types of things, he didn’t know how else to do it other than ruin perfectly good things that should have been left untouched.

To a certain degree he blamed his parents. Although he loved his father with every ounce in his body, he wasn’t the best role model when it came to the romantic aspects of life, in fact relationships in general. He and his sister grew up watching the two argue endlessly until the divorce, and when it was made clear Kunikuzushi was unwanted, his father tried his best. But watching his fathers many new girlfriends walk in and out of his life truly had an effect on him.
What Kunikuzushi was feeling scared him to his very core and inner being.

He thought the first time with Dottore he’d be happy. Of course it didn’t happen, so even if by some miracle Xiao wanted him back, would it end the same way? 

The fact he was buried so deep in thought made the half hour walk in the rain seem like nothing, although his body felt ice cold and his nose began to run. He was sure to be sick, but it was worth it when he finally managed to stumble around the block and set his eyes on Xiao’s house. 

One car sat in the driveway, he was well aware both Ganyu and Xiao had cars along with their father, although he could clearly remember what his fathers car looked like. And it wasn’t there, so there was a 50/50 chance that the remaining car was Xiao’s, and he was home. Although he was willing to bet more than that, as the car didn’t seem like Ganyu’s style.

As he began to pick up his pace towards the house, he watched the door open and the very boy he had wanted to see walk out. He was dressed much warmer than Kunikuzushi, but noticeably paler. 

“Xiao!” 

His call interrupted the other who appeared startled, an uncommon expression painting his face. He seemed ready to go somewhere, hand reaching out towards the door handle of his car. His alarm didn’t disappear like any emotion normally did, and he watched with wide eyes as Kunikuzushi ran towards him.

“What the hell are you doing?” He shouted angrily as Kunikuzushi finally stood in front of him, out of breath.

“I wanted to-“

“You’re soaked, did you walk here? In a fucking t-shirt? Do you have that much disregard to your health? Where did you walk from?” Xiao grabbed Kunikuzushi by the shoulders, practically shaking him with every question.

“I walked from the school, but it really doesn’t matter, I came here because-“

Xiao’s fury seemed to grow with every word that escaped Kunikuzushi’s lips. “What the hell, that’s a thirty minute walk! Fuckin’ archons.”

Xiao peeled off the jacket he was wearing and wrapped it around Kunikuzushi, despite the nice gesture, he was still boiling over with rage. 

Although, Kunikuzushi could only think about how the jacket smelled like Xiao in the moment.

“Why did you even come here?” He hissed.

Kunikuzushi slid his arms through the jacket, putting it on properly and shoving his hand forward into Xiao’s chest, which confused the other.

“You think I wouldn’t get annoyed with you ignoring me for two days straight?” He replied with venom in his voice, counteracting the rage in Xiao’s tone. 

Xiao seemed to be teetering on the edge of having a blow up of a massive scale, a vein bulging from his forehead. “So you decided to walk in the fucking rain to ask about it?”

Kunikuzushi felt anger of his own beginning to form. 

“Well-“

“Well nothing. You didn’t even know if I was home, did you? Would you have waited out here like some pathetic dog?” Xiao shoved Kunikuzushi’s hand away. 

“Seriously, what’s your damage? We finally were getting along and you pull your moody emo fucking bullshit!” Kunikuzushi shrieked. Xiao seemed shocked at the volume of the other, although it wouldn’t draw much attention over the rain falling. 

And as the storm rained upon them, lighting danced in Kunikuzushi’s eyes. A storm brewing that had just been awaken. Those eyes Xiao always found intriguing.

“Who said we were getting along?” He replied in an equally loud voice. “I finally got tired of your bitchy stuck up attitude and avoided you. So what?”

Kunikuzushi felt something in his chest tighten, in fact something snapped. It was like any hopes he had of any sort of relationship had just disappeared in an instant.

He let his anger show in retaliation.

“You’re so fucking insufferable!” The boy screeched, shoving Xiao back. Xiao had nearly lost his balance in the mud, but caught himself. 

“You made that perfectly clear, Kunikuzushi.” Xiao scowled. The two were at a standstill, unsure of how to proceed. The rain was pouring down intensely, and through Kunikuzushi’s thin clothes as well. He was sure to get a cold.

“Just go home. I’ll call you a cab.” Xiao went to turn and head towards the door of his home, but was halted with a tug on his shirt.

“You’re trying to get rid of me so you can go back to ignoring me, right?” 

Xiao shook Kunikuzushi off.

“Yeah.”

Kunikuzushi couldn’t help the tears pool in his eyes and the burning feeling in his chest. The rain felt harder on his skin, and the cold bite at him. He watched Xiao turn and walk towards the door once more. Should he even bother trying to stop him? Was there truly any point in it? 

“Please.”

It was barely a whisper, and with the rain being so heavy he didn’t even think Xiao would hear it, but the way he suddenly halted his movement was clear to Kunikuzushi that he in fact did.

There was silence.

Pure silence.

“Why do you even bother after what I just said to you?” Xiao questioned. His back was still facing Kunikuzushi, so he couldn’t accurately see what emotion Xiao was portraying.

He didn’t even know how to answer that himself. Why did he still bother? He could leave it at that, and go home. Pretend Xiao didn’t exist for the rest of the semester. But why was he staying?

“No. A more accurate question would be one to myself. Why don’t I want to leave?” 

Xiao clenched his fist and turned around to face Kunikuzushi. His eyes widened for a moment at the sight of the other. Although the rain streamed down his face, it was red and his eyes even redder. His tears mixed in with the downpour.

“You’re.. crying?”

Kunikuzushi scoffed. “Yeah typically when the guy you like treats you like you’re a piece of dog shit, it hurts your feelings.” 

Xiao’s jaw practically dropped to the mud. The expression was one that made Kunikuzushi choke out a few giggles. Although the butterflies forming in his stomach were not ones from any romantic aspects, they were from pure anxiety.

It felt like forever before Xiao even spoke.

“Get inside, I don’t want to deal with a sick and moody Kunikuzushi.” 

And although he made no comment on the straight up confession, Kunikuzushi didn’t feel upset or hurt by it, quite the opposite. Xiao was obviously bad at expressing himself, he knew that much. But by letting him into his home after those words and the argument, Kunikuzushi thought that was very telling.

He gladly accepted, practically running in. “Fuck fuck fuck, it’s so cold I feel like i’m dying oh my god.” He whined.

Xiao walked in behind him, shutting the door and locking it. “That’s what happens when you walk in the rain for an extended period of time.” 

“Well maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if you didn’t try and turn me away by being a twat.” He commented as he took off his shoes. Xiao did the same, mumbling to himself.

“Don’t give me attitude, you interrupted what I was doing.”

Kunikuzushi peeled off the jacket given to him by Xiao, which was now also soaked. “And what exactly were you doing?”

Xiao stared at him with a blank expression. “I was going to the store to buy some things, obviously I can’t do that now. Come along.” He stepped in front of Kunikuzushi and headed towards the stairs.

Although what he said made it seem like he was annoyed, there was no sign of it in his tone. Kunikuzushi softly smiled and followed.

“You should change, I can give you some clothes. I’ll change in the bathroom, you can have my room to change. I’ll wait outside after I’m done until you’re decent.”

They both entered his room and Kunikuzushi watched Xiao rummage through his closet to find something suitable. He tossed a plain tee and some sweatpants on the bed and grabbed a hoodie and a similar pair of pants as well for himself.

“You can wear those, i’ll be back.”

Kunikuzushi watched the other boy leave, that smile on his face never fading.

Xiao slammed the bathroom door shut and let out a sigh he didn’t even know he was holding.

He didn’t expect Kunikuzushi to suddenly confess, or show up to his door soaked and upset. He didn’t know what to feel, or what he should have said. Although Kunikuzushi willingly came in, he wasn’t sure if his avoidance of the confession might be hurting the other boy. Yet, he willingly walked in and even joked around. What did that mean? 

Xiao was not the type to be flustered. He was blunt, extremely straight forward and had no time for bullshit. Yet, ignoring Kunikuzushi for the past two days bothered him more than it should of.
He would normally get horrible sleep. He was an insomniac, and it wouldn’t magically disappear, yet he also didn’t expect it to magically get worse in those past two days. Had something so silly bothered him this much? Did this confirm Hu Tao’s blubbering about him having feelings for the purple hair lunatic? 

Why hadn’t he rejected him, and why doesn’t he plan on it? He’s rejected a few people in the past, yet why did the idea bother him when it came to Kunikuzushi?

He changed his clothes swiftly, he was lost in his own head as he absentmindedly hurried down the hall. He didn’t even process opening the door and-

“Wow, pervert. What happened to knocking?”

Xiao froze, he wasn’t even thinking. There stood Kunikuzushi in his shirtless glory, of course it shouldn’t feel this weird seeing another guy without a shirt, he obviously had the sweatpants on but still.

Kunikuzushi was very pale, and noticeably had moles all over his chest. In fact, the one Xiao took notice of  on his face that was usually covered by some sort of makeup was visible as well due to the rain washing away his makeup. Although the two red marks contrasting his pale skin under his chest were quite noticeable as well. It was easy to tell they were scars, and Xiao wasn’t stupid to not know what they were from. 
Although he truly didn’t see that as something that changed how he perceived Kunikuzushi, besides, the glimpse of something purple on the back of his neck caught his eye more than anything else.

“You have a tattoo?” Xiao blurted out, no regard to his rudeness.

Kunikuzushi brushed off Xiao’s intrusion, slipping the shirt over his head and fixing his wet hair a bit. “Yeah, not very big though. Goes along with my family’s crest, everyone in my family has it.”

Xiao never really got a glimpse of it before despite it being in such a noticeable spot, although with hair and clothing covering that spot majority of the time. “Everyone? I didn’t think you’d want to match with your mother of all people.”

Kunikuzushi chuckled and made himself comfortable on Xiao’s bed. “Well no, it’s different from my mother and my sisters. It resembles the one my aunt had actually. When my parents divorced and I went to live with my father, I saw my aunt a lot and I looked up to her. So it resembles hers instead of my mothers.”

He laid down, and it took everything in Xiao not to protest about the wet hair on his blankets. 

“Of course I got it after my dad died, too young then. So it was a direct retaliation to my mother that she tried to oppose. Although the scars are from when I did live with him. I was discarded a meaningless child, and came back to her a scornful boy. Quite the shock considering she had no idea of my transition.”

Xiao walked towards his closet where he rummaged for a minute until pulling out a towel and tossing it at Kunikuzushi, who understood the message and sat up, tossing it on his head. 

“Was she accepting?” Xiao dared to ask.

“Well she didn’t oppose it, in fact she hardly acknowledged it after the initial confusion after seeing me after many years. She has always been respectful in that regard.”

Xiao nodded in understanding, as if he were saying it was good she at least accepted him. Although he knew it was the bare minimum. 

Kunikuzushi turned to Xiao in that moment, and his face was so close that those stormy eyes were so much more clear to Xiao.

“Since I just told you about something personal to an extent about myself, you have to tell me something about you.” 

Xiao felt taken aback, but he was no fool. “You wish to know about my name, yes?”

Kunikuzushi nodded, a fierce look in his eyes. He was determined, and after all Xiao had put him through, he didn’t feel bad about sharing this with him.

“My name given to me by birth is Alatus. One may not consider a mere name to be so important, but my mother did. She gifted me it, a treasure bestowed upon me. That is how I saw it, and that is how she described it.” 

Kunikuzushi leaned back slightly, and Xiao felt comfort in how intensely he was listening to every word.

“When she got sick, the name was the only thing left of her. And although I should have cherished it, it remained of a reminder of how painfully she died. My father gave me the name Xiao afterwards, as I had no desire to use my mothers gift.”

“So why do they still call you that name?” 

“Because after a few years I realized it was okay to let those I cared about call me that. It was okay to share my mothers gift, but I do not wish to share it with the world.”

Kunikuzushi seemed to ponder over it for a moment, taking in the others words.

“I understand, it seems to be something very personal. Yknow what I just thought of what we have in common!” 

Xiao raised an eyebrow. “And what is that?” 

“We both have a dead parent!”

Kunikuzushi was promptly met with a slap to the back of the head. He grumbled and whined in return, and Xiao couldn’t help but smile at the other boy.

He knew what this meant, what his reaction meant. He was letting this, whatever this was to grow, and although he did not say anything he didn’t think he had to. He was always better with doing instead of saying, words weren’t his forte, and he knew Kunikuzushi understood that to a degree.

But when he looked at the boy with hair the colour of a dark storm, and eyes that showed stars when they lit up, he felt content. At peace even. He was not accustomed to feelings, sure, he had a crush here in there growing up; but he never really thought much about it. Just like he never quite considered his sexuality, in fact he didn’t quite care about that either. Right now, all he seemed to care about was trying to make the other boy beside him content. Perhaps he felt bad for his actions, but perhaps it was also just a desire to see Kunikuzushi happy.

“It’s getting closer to dinner, shouldn’t you be heading home?” Xiao queried. He tried not to seem like he wanted to dismiss the other, as the point of his question was far from that. Kunikuzushi groaned in response though, obvious discomfort with a hint of annoyance.

“My mother is on one of her business trips, so Yae will probably stay at her place like usual because she won’t want to stay with me. I’ll be all alone.” Although his words seemed slightly saddening to an outsider perspective, he said it as if it was the only normal thing he knew. Quite depressing in Xiao’s opinion. He could not relate to the feeling.
Even if he was alone certain times, he was always in a house filled with warmth.

“My father won’t be back until tomorrow, on business as well so i’m assuming our parents are probably together right now. Ganyu has track practice, and she won’t be back until late, but if you didn’t want to be alone you could always stay the night. We could order pizza.” Xiao said nonchalantly. Asking the other boy to stay the night was bold, in fact he was slightly concerned a different message would come across, but in fact he just didn’t want Kunikuzushi to go home alone when he seemed so discomforted at the idea.

“Are you sure, on a school night?” Kunikuzushi questioned. The way his eyes gleamed nearly drew Xiao to smile again. Nearly.

“Yes I don’t mind. Besides you should focus on getting warm, i’ll go order the pizza.” Xiao stood on his feet and stared at Kunikuzushi intensely, as if he was waiting for something.

“Uh-“

“Did you not hear me you fool? Get warm. Under the blankets, now.” He ordered.

Kunikuzushi complied with his demands, of course not without complaining and muttered unkind words under his breath. When Xiao was finally pleased with the results, he left the room to go order pizza.

Leaving a smiling fool sitting in his bed.

“Are you sure they’re really gonna work out?” The girl with pigtails inquired. She sat in her room, seated at her vanity while she applied blush onto her face. The room was dimly lit, a faint blue light coming from led lights strung up across the room.

Kazuha stood at her window, which was open. The rain was still hitting the ground intensely, and the wind was strong, but that did not stop the boy from lighting a cigarette and taking a puff, exhaling out the window.

“Kuniku seems to enjoy his company enough.” He responded curtly. Mona turned her attention towards him, a frown painting her face.

“He enjoyed that assholes company too.” She countered.

Kazuha sighed, turning ever so slightly to face her. “You can’t be overly protective of him. He’s learnt from it, he wouldn’t put himself in that position again.”

Mona seemed annoyed, crossing her arms. “Why are you just letting this happen?”

Kazuha immediately frowned at the question, facing back towards the ongoing rain, taking another puff from his cigarette and taking a long exhale, smoke dancing around him. “He is not a possession, I will not treat him as such.” 

Mona slammed her fist down in a sudden fit of anger, which caused the boy to jump slightly, eyes wide he turned to his distressed friend.

“You’ve liked him even before I dragged your sorry ass into the group! Look at you, you’re pathetic!” She said in an exasperated voice.

“You might actually have a shot now that’s obviously over Dottore, and you’re letting some delinquent punk take the boy you’ve wanted for so long?” 

Kazuha rolled his eyes. “Always so dramatic Mona.” 

The door suddenly opened, Cyno walking in with a bottle of water and a blank expression. “She has a point.”

“See!” Mona flailed her arms around, as if that made her point stronger. “Even the great Cyno agrees!”

Cyno looked at her annoyed, but sat comfortably on the bed. “Shut up Mona.” 

He glanced at Kazuha. “But I do agree, I don’t understand why you haven’t even tried. If you made the first move you could change everything Kazuha.”

The boy furrowed his brows, purely annoyed. “You’re telling me this after supporting Kunikuzushi’s crush on Xiao?”

Mona shrugged. “Well we weren’t gonna disprove either, if you can’t man up enough to make a move that’s on you. But also nothings set in stone, you still have an opportunity.”

Cyno nodded in agreement, although he was mostly invested in a book he burrowed from Mona on astrology. 

Kazuha finished his cigarette, flicking it out the window with a huff. 

“You have a point my dearest friends.”

Kunikuzushi decided that the pizza was really good. Was he lactose intolerant? Yes. Did he care? No.

He sat on Xiaos bed, eating a slice of pepperoni and cheese pizza. Xiao, like the psychopath he was, was enjoying a slice of pineapple pizza. Kunikuzushi could only look at him in disgust.

Xiao’s laptop sat in front of them, playing some silly movie that Kunikuzushi wasn’t really paying much attention to.

At some point while waiting for the pizza, Ganyu returned home from her track practice. She was slightly alarmed at the sight of Kunikuzushi, but was content nonetheless. She brought home a friend as well, Keqing. Kunikuzushi only was familiar with the grim from a project they did together last year, he had no opinions of her. 

Those two minded their own business, while Xiao and Kunikuzushi went back up into the solitude of Xiao’s room.

“You seem more interested in glaring at my pizza than the movie Kunikuzushi.” Xiao pointed out, his attention now on the other boy. 

“Can you blame me? That’s a disgrace against humanity. You disgust me.”

Xiao let out a sigh, but even with the dim lighting Kunikuzushi could see a faint smile written on his face. 

“Always so dramatic.”

“I have a point.” 

“Shut up.”

Kunikuzushi took that as a challenge, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

“Make me.”

Kunikuzushi would say this was truly the first time he had seen Xiao at a loss for words. Although his face was hilarious earlier when his jaw dropped, this expression was much different. He seemed flustered. 

“Is the great Xiao unable to speak?” He teased.

His teasing was cut off, as Xiao leaped foward, discarding his pizza on his plate (although it nearly hit the floor.)

Kunikuzushi fell back in alarm, and when Xiaos chest collided with his he felt his entire body go warm.

Lips collided with his, and for once, kissing another person felt right to him. Xiao’s lips were dry, but oddly enough they tasted magical and fit perfectly against his. He couldn’t help but lean into Xiao, his hands tangling in his hair with a soft yet firm grip. 

Xiao in return held Kunikuzushi’s face in his hands, his touch was warm compared to the others skin, pale and almost like porcelain. Xiao was clumsy, and it was very noticeable that he was inexperienced, yet this was the best damn kiss Kunikuzushi had ever experienced. 

The two parted, both breathing heavy, a new intensity in the room. Xiao looked at Kunikuzushi with an emotion in his eyes that the other was unfamiliar with. He was rather attractive like this, chest heaving and lips red, hair dangling down. Although most of his hair was pushed back, held in Kunikuzushi’s tight grip.

“Effective enough?” Xiao huffed. He made no effort to move. 

Kunikuzushi smirked. “Nope.”

Xiao rolled his eyes knowingly, but said nothing, instead pressing his lips against the other boys once more.

For once, they both felt content.

Chapter Text

“I didn’t know you owed a hoodie like that.” Was the first comment Mona made when Kunikuzushi strolled up to her friday morning. Kunikuzushi immediately felt alarmed at his friends keen eye, but tried to play it off.

“It’s new.” 

“I saw Xiao wearing that last week.” Cyno piped in, head stuffed in a book. 

Kunikuzushi cursed to himself- he knew the implications would have made his dirty minded friends think something entirely different than what transpired.

Sure, he was wearing one of Xiao’s hoodies, that was undeniable, but he had brought no clothes and Xiao was nice enough to led him one. And last night? Sure, they kissed a couple times before they went to bed, backs against each other. It was nothing extraordinary, well, to other people at least.

Mona’s eyes widened at Cyno’s comment, and suddenly Fischl was hanging off his back. “He’s right, I did see Xiao wearing this! Gonna explain there, buddy?” 

Kunikuzushi groaned and shoved her off. Although out of the corner of his eyes, he spotted Kazuha, who seemed frustrated for unknown reasons. 

“Don’t make it a big deal you assholes! Shut up!” 

“Oh, bad timing? Don’t wanna face the wrath of Kunikuzushi.” Tighnari appeared suddenly, draping an arm Cyno, who smiled back at the other boy. 

Everyone collectively paused and cringed.

After recovering from the severe amount of cringe, Kunikuzushi grumbled. “Shut up furry bitch.” 

Tighnari sent back a glare full of scorn and fire. “Cunt.”

“Twat.” 

“Dipshit.”

“Midget!”

“Oh that is it!-“

Before Kunikuzushi could lunge at the other boy, he was tugged back. “Calm down firecracker.” 

There stood Xiao in all of his glory, he looked less dead today, more colour in his face. His hair was tied back, which always made Kunikuzushi want to drool.

Everyone seemed to quiet down at the presence of Xiao, who seemed different than usual.

“You leave my sight for two seconds and you’re already starting fights with your friends.” 

“It’s deserved! He called me a midget.” Kunikuzushi countered. Xiao merely rolled his eyes.

“Did you.. both come to school together?” Mona asked quietly. Kunikuzushi raised an eyebrow on the way she questioned him, as if something would explode if she spoke any louder.

“Yes.” Xiao answered curtly. Blunt as ever.

It was like something snapped, Kazuha sat up from where he was sitting with an unreadable expression, his items falling onto the still muddy ground. Everyone looked at him in alarm as he gathered his things, eyes dark.

“Kazu, are you okay?-“ Kunikuzushi asked. The other boy avoided eye contact.

“Yes, I just remembered I had to meet with someone in regards to a project. My apologies.” 

He made a swift escape towards the school. Mona, without saying anything ran after him, tripping over herself a few times as she attempted to catch up.

“What was that about?” Fischl asked. Cyno shrugged, and turned back to his book, mumbling something to Tighnari.

Kunikuzushi felt worried for his friend, not once had he seen him react in such a way and he felt some sort of ache in his chest. 

Kunikuzushi glanced back at Xiao, who was staring in the direction that Kazuha ran off in with a scowl on his face, which concerned Kunikuzushi even more. He decided to just dismiss it, Xiao was an opinionated person, he couldn’t help or change that about that. 
Whilst staring at the other boy, his mind wandered. They had never discussed what this meant for them, whatever they were. But Kunikuzushi thought this might be for the best, Xiao seemed to have no experience to relationships, while Kunikuzushi’s experience was less than stellar. This way they could get use to each other without jumping straight in and being crushed under the pressure of the actual title. For now, he was content.

Xiao looked back at him after diverting his attention, he raised an eyebrow as if to say, ‘why are you staring?’

In return, Kunikuzushi stuck his tongue out and made no vocal response. He ignored the fact that Fischl was watching their interaction closely. 

In return, Xiao simply smiled.

“Kazuha, come on! Don’t be like this.” Mona said, exhausted from running to catch up to the boy, who was swift and seemed to disappear around every corner he turned. He didn’t even run, yet she had to chase after him with all her might.

The boy was distraught, an unusual look for him. A frown plastered on his face and his eyebrows furrowed downward.

“My apologies Mona, I don’t know what’s come over me. I normally do not let my emotions overcome my senses, I was simply just..”

Mona crossed her arms. They stood closer to the soccer field at the back of the school, which was covered in mud. A few people were playing on the field before class started, although not a wise decision, seeing as the field was slippery and full of filth, easy for disaster.

Kazuha sat on the bleachers, observing the game, and Mona tried not to cringe at the fact he was sitting on damp wood.

“You’re allowed to upset, but seriously! Get it together!” She screeched. She swore one or two of the people on the field turned in her direction from the sound of it. Kazuha seemed shocked at the outburst, eyes wide and mouth agape. 

“You can’t go running off and being sad over it, you don’t get to! You haven’t even tried to pursue Kunikuzushi, so you can’t get all heartbroken that he’s gone and found someone else to be interested.” She paced back and fourth, trying to ignore the mud covering his shoes with every step. 

“Mona..”

“No, shut up. As I said before, if they were officially dating we would have been told. You can still try.”

He sighed in response, putting his head in his hands in his frustration. “I’m not going to interfere with what he currently has going on, that’s not right.”

“You don’t have to interfere, nor do you have to sabotage. You just need to show Kunikuzushi he has options. At least with you, I can guarantee Kunikuzushi wouldn’t get hurt. Xiao is great and all but I don’t know him well and my first impression is him being a jackass to all of us. Just, think about it instead of being all sad.” With that, Mona walked away hurriedly, trying to get away from all the mud, leaving Kazuha to ponder.

For Kunikuzushi, he could tell there was a shift in the area with how his interactions went with Xiao. And he knew it was quite obvious to any bystanders that something had changed between the two of them.

They were both content in not discussing the details of their relationship yet, it was an unspoken rule they both seemed to share and for an unknown reason it made Kunikuzushi content that Xiao didn’t cross that line and they were discovering things first.

Kunikuzushi didn’t know how Xiao worked romantically, although he had his suspicions Xiao had an idea of how he worked romantically after witnessing him with Dottore last year. The thought made him cringe.

He had never truly desired Dottore. He had never honestly told anyone that, because in a way he felt ashamed about it. When they had met last year, Dottore was charming and seemed to have a large interest in Kunikuzushi that he couldn’t quite understand. In return, the young and naive boy with no relationship experience enjoyed the attention. He enjoyed be cared for, and he enjoyed believing he was loved.
Even if everything he claimed to feel was artificial. Even if the relationship was never good, and even if at one point he has no desire to escape when it got bad. 

Another secret he would not tell anyone, something he felt almost dirty for thinking. He had just hoped that Xiao would not turn out the same, that this one could last without any setbacks.

“You’re lost in space.”

A voice brought him out of his daze, as he turned to the source of it, and also the source of his thoughts. Xiao was leaning on his hand, and sat across from him, staring directly at the other boy with an unreadable expression.

They sat in art class, which was bustling with noise as it usually did. His friends sat beside him, while him and Xiao sat at the edge of the table. It had almost seemed as if his friends were giving him some space, although he couldn’t fathom why.

“I was just thinking about some stuff, nothing important.” He stared down at the sketchbook in front of him, a blank page that showed no proof of his work. 

“It seemed pretty important.” 

Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes and let out a groan at the fact that Xiao was too stubborn to let some simple daydreaming go. Although he felt his face warm up from the fact that Xiao cared about him.

“Drop it you fucking loser.” He scoffed. Trying to deflect and move on from the situation, he picked up his pencil and started sketching weird shapes on his page to mimic the others around him that were actually invested in their current assignment.

“You didn’t seem to think I was a loser last night-“ 

The sound of skin on skin contact resonated in the room, the people sitting around them glancing at Xiao and Kunikuzushi.

Kunikuzushi was red in the face, eyes wide and mouth agape as if someone had died. Meanwhile, his hand was raised as if he were to smack Xiao again. Xiao on the other hand was rubbing the top of his head with a groan, the location of his assault. 

Luckily, Alice thought the interaction was hilarious and moved on.

Xiao sent Kunikuzushi a scornful glare. “What was that for?” 

“You can’t say stuff like that, it gives people the wrong idea!” He practically screeched in response.

Xiao only shrugged, “I could care less.”

His response was met with a groan the other boy, who is obviously not content with how Xiao had reacted.

Meanwhile, his friends sitting across from him, looked at the two with confusion, and alarm at what Xiao had suggested in his words. This only embarrassed the boy further, knowing that his friends had gotten the wrong impression about what actually happened last night.

He thought it might be best to explain that that’s not truly what happened, but he didn’t wish to share the details of his emotional night with the other boy to his friends, who would totally judge him and assume what happened then what actually happened. He could only hide his flushed face in embarrassment and try to continue sketching in his sketchbook to avoid the shame he was feeling from Xiao’s foolish words. 
Mona was the first who chose to speak up after the painfully awkward silence filled the table, all the others seemingly not being able to work on their assignments with the new distraction.
“Did I just hear what I think I heard?” she dared to ask the two boys sitting at the end of the table, seemingly in their own world.

Xiao still seemed quite unbothered about the situation shrugging his shoulders once more as he gave her an unbothered look.

“Must I repeat myself?” His tone was one of annoyance. And his face slowly contorted into a scowl.

Kunikuzushi watched in pure horror as he watched Mona’s facedrop, while Cyno seemed like he was having the time of his life, trying to hold back pain for laughter. The implication of what had happened last night was only getting worse. And it would continue to grow worse if Xiao were to have freedom with his words.

in response to the mortified expressions on his friends faces, he scramble together an excuse. “It’s not what you think! Xiao was just being stupid.”

He try to ignore Xiao looking at him distastefully in response to it what he had said, but was glad that the other boy had not made a comment, seemingly after clueing into what his friends had truly thought about what happened. Xiao might be dense, but he was definitely not dumb.

But the expression that shocked Kunikuzushi the most was Kazuhas, if he didn’t know any better he would assume the boywith the white hair was enraged, almost at the suggestion, he had such a tight grip on his pencil that Kunikuzushi almost afraid it would snap. 
he also seem to notice that Xiao was acutely aware of the other boys facial expression, and seemed almost annoyed at it. A fire in his eyes that the raven hair boy was not familiar with.

But nothing compared to the embarrassment that flooded through his body at an insane rate. He was sure that by now his face was red, and he was probably shaking  with just how much humiliation he had felt. This added on with Xiao’s blunt words probably furthered what his friends have truly thought had happened that night. He didn’t know if he wanted to leave the room and never come back again, or bury himself within the walls in shame.

Xiao finally seemed to notice tell the other boy was feeling and quickly corrected himself.

“Do not be so bold to assume we did anything odd, if you do not know what happened than do not assume.”

Cyno finally snapped, letting out his laughter. In between, he asked, “But what are we supposed to assume when you put it like that?” 

“You assume nothing. It is not your business.” Xiao was cold in his response, therefore making the atmosphere at the table much more awkward than it had been before. Laughter from Cyno had died down after he had been practically told to shut up. Mona had a confused yet concerned expression on her face but Kunikuzushi didn’t dare to clarify any further.

The table fell silent once more as they returned to to their work without saying another word, they fell back into their own conversations gradually, and the boy felt relieved that they had decide to move on from the topic. Yet worry grew in his chest that his friends may not like Xiao for how blunt and rude he could be upon occasion.

Xiao rolled his eyes in response to the whole ordeal and Kunikuzushi felt tense from the situation.

“Kuniku.” 

Kazuha’s voice caught his attention, as he turned to the boy who only a minute ago looked like he was ready to murder someone, now with that soft and content aura and expression he always had. Kunikuzushi still felt concern for him bubbling in his chest, but didn’t express it.

“Would you like to join me after school? I planned on going to the music store.” His smile was painfully forced, and his hand was red from the grip he had on the pencil earlier.

Kunikuzushi frowned. “Yeah I don’t mind, but are you okay?” 

Xiao butted in suddenly, alarming Kunikuzushi. “He seems perfectly fine to me.” His voice was cold, and his face contorted into one of anger as he stared directly at Kazuha. 

“I had plans to ask him to hangout with me.” Xiao hissed.

“It’s a shame I asked first.” Kazuha seemed to return that venom back as he glared at Xiao.

Kunikuzushi was confused and painfully  conflicted, he didn’t want his friend and potential boyfriend hating each other.

“Why don’t we all hangout together?” He blurted. Suddenly attention was back on him, and in this moment he felt small with the intimidating stares.

“Sure, why not.” Xiao seethed.

“Sounds lovely.” Kazuha shot back.

Suddenly, Kunikuzushi was regretting all of his life decisions.

Chapter Text

Xiao could be dense, yes. He was painfully unaware that Kunikuzushi harboured feelings for him until it was displayed right in front of his face, but when it came to other people he felt as if he could see right through them. Kunikuzushi appeared to a be a form of anomaly that scared him from time to time, yet other than that his skills were sharp.

He was sharp.

And Kazuha? Well he was an open book. Xiao knew this boy liked Kunikuzushi. He’s known for a while from simple observation, but not that Xiao was openly interested in the raven hair beauty, he didn’t want Kazuha interfering. The other boy was calm, collected and he didn’t expect the sudden determination from him, and in all honesty it scared him.  

Xiao was an asshole, that was a fact. Kazuha from what he could tell, wasn’t. That was scary in itself. Xiao had poor self esteem in this matter, and having to fight off someone from the boy who wasn’t even officially with him was hard enough. It truly was a struggle.

So as he sat here and watched the two giggle over some silly records they had found in the music store that resided in the tacky mall he hated so much, he couldn’t help but feel his stomach drop.

“Welcome to the cathedral music shop, anything I can help you with?” A chipper girl approached him, obviously an employee of sorts. He probably looked confused, standing close to the entrance of the store like an idiot. 

She smiled brightly, with that same happiness most workers had. Upon observation, she appeared younger than him. Xiao could swear he had seen her before.

“No, just here with some friends.” He gestured to Kazuha and Kunikuzushi, who were in their own little world. 

“Oh, well if you need anything please let me or my coworker Rosaria know!” He caught a glance at the other worker, who gave off completely different vibes from this girl. Goth, and horrifyingly tall.

“Barbara. I need you to grab something from the back.” Rosaria grumbled. The blonde girl waved to Xiao, before bouncing off with an odd amount of energy.

He decided to ignore the odd employees, and walk up to the other two with a worn out expression. 

“What’s with the name of this place anyways. The cathedral? Are we in a church or something?” He commented. Kunikuzushi glanced back with a raised eyebrow.

“I dunno, never questioned it. Nothing really religious about the store.”

Kazuha suddenly waved around a wrapped vinyl , drawing attention away from Xiao. “Kuniku, they have the twice celebrate vinyl.” 

Kunikuzushi lit up, something that surprised Xiao. He snatched it out of Kazuha’s hand, and basically jumped up and down. “Fuck yeah! I’ve been looking for this!”

Xiao furrowed his brows. “Kpop?”

Kazuha looked at the boy with a smile on his face. A smile Xiao wanted to punch off. “You didn’t know Kuniku liked kpop? This is his favourite group.”

It was a petty smile. Definitely petty.

“No, I didn’t.” Xiao glared at him, before snatching the vinyl out of Kunikuzushi’s hand. Before the boy had time to protest, he shushed him.

“I’ll get it for you, don’t complain.”

He walked to the counter without another word. 

Kunikuzushi snorted into response, which illicited an odd look from Kazuha. “Don’t give him a hard time over silly things like that. We’re still getting to know each other. He’s trying, as you can see.”

Kazuha looked over at Xiao at the counter, who was red in the face from embarrassment as the judgment goth bagged the vinyl. 

“He’s not a nice person though.”

Kunikuzushi looked at his friend in shock at the unfamiliar bluntness, in return he lightly smacked his arm with a scowl on his face.

“He’s an asshole yes but i’m aware of that, but i’m an asshole too. I don’t see you going around judging me. Seriously, what’s gotten into you?”

Kazuha avoided eye contact and awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Nothing, sorry. I’m just worried about you because-“

“Because of what?” Xiao seethed, bright pink bag in hand and his other hand buried in his pocket. 

The atmosphere grew tense, it was suffocating to the boy with raven hair. He was clueless in this matter between the two, and he just wanted peace. For once.

“Can you guys stop being dickheads? What’s the point of hanging out if you’re just gonna argue? If you keep it up i’m calling Sara to pick me up I swear to the archons above.”

Xiao sighed, and turned away from Kazuha. “Sorry.”

Kazuha didn’t say anything though in regards to an apology. Instead, he deflected the situation.

“Why don’t we go a different store?” 

Kunikuzushi scoffed, but nodded. “Yeah, okay.”

The three walked off, a sharp eye watching as they walked out the store.

“What a bunch of weirdos.” Rosaria scoffed. Barbara sighed in exasperation, and stomped her foot.

“Rosaria you can’t say bad things about the customers!” 

The goth shrugged. “So what? I’ve said shit like that in front of the boss, still not fired.”

Barbara face palmed.

Cyno was content as he stared out the window of his favourite cafe. It was far from a sunny day, the clouds draped the skies and consumed the sun; the wind thrashing against the trees, and a few scattered papers drifted across the paved roads. 

The cafe was quiet, peaceful even. He preferred days like these, because no one wanted to go have coffee when it was cold and damp out.
He sipped on his drink in content, eyes focusing on the papers in front of him with his mountain of school work. Currently, he was focused on his pre-cal.

“You always arrange these stupid study sessions on the worst types of days.” A passive aggressive voice drew him out of his trance, as he glanced up from his work to greet his guest.

“Do you ever not complain Alhaitham?” 

Alhaitham scoffed as he sat down across from Cyno, aggressively slamming his laptop down along with a folder full of messy notes. His scheming eyes seemed painfully annoyed.

“I only complain when it comes to you.” He adjusted his hearing aid and brushed his hair back. 

“Whatever, where’s Kaveh?” 

“How should I know?” He snapped. 

Cyno nodded in understanding and glanced at his watch to check the time.

“Hm, break up again?”

Alhaitham scowled as if offended by the question, but nodded. “I don’t care.”

“You’ll be back together before the end of the session.” Cyno commented as his focus returned to his sheets of paper and began scribbling things down.

“Yeah. I know.”

Cyno chuckled.

“Sorry i’m late!” Tighnari stumbled into the seat beside Cyno, knocking his shoulder affectionately to get his attention. Cyno caught Alhaitham cringing behind his computer screen, but ignored his asshole friend.

“Nice to see you ‘Nari.” 

Tighnari smiled and ruffled his boyfriends hair. “Nice to see you as well.”

Suddenly another person sat next to Alhaitham, pretending to puke and gag over the interaction. Alhaitham shoved them.

“Stop being an asshole Kaveh.” Alhaitham grumbled. Kaveh smirked and leaned against their ex.

“Hmph, I can tell by the look in your eye that you also think watching those two are disgusting, don’t deny it.”

Tighnari opened his satchel and pulled out some of his items, an organized binder and a calculator. “Kaveh you’re just jealous you can’t maintain a relationship with anyone.”

Kaveh started rambling in return to Tighnari’s remark, but he was promptly ignored. Tighnari instead turned his attention to Cyno. “How are you doing?”

“Tired.” Cyno responded curtly. He pushed a cup towards Tighnari, and his boyfriend smiled in return. 

“Thank you.”

“So you can order your boyfriend his drink of choice but not ours? You twat!” Kaveh hissed. They were met with a slap behind the head from Alhaitham as the boy looked severely annoyed.

“Kaveh if you don’t shut the fuck up-“

“You know you wanna kiss me right now.”

“I’d rather eat shit.”

The two began bickering in their usual fashion, like an old married couple. 

“What has you tired, love?” Tighnari queried, still ignoring his friends and their arguing. (The fighting was loud and Cyno never knew how his boyfriend could ignore it.)

“Just school and my friends.”

Tighnari cooed, and ruffled Cyno’s hair a second time. The awkward boy shuffled around in response. “Nari cmon..”

“Ugh I swear to god if we don’t start studying i’m going to kill you all. I didn’t come for a soap opera.” Alhaitham spoke up.

Cyno sighed, and took a long sip from his coffee.

Tighnari moved his attention back to his papers, and to the other two sitting across from him. 

“Yes yes. Studying is now in session.”

The four boys were all in advanced classes. All smart, all cunning, and all extremely competitive. Cyno could admit trying to maintain two different friend groups were difficult. 

He enjoyed the usual playfulness of his other group, yet nowadays the drama was really getting to him. He couldn’t help but blame that Xiao guy for waltzing in and causing a fuss. Although it wasn’t all him, dealing with a lovesick Mona was hard enough as well.

This group was different though. Sure, they were all pretentious geeks that all had the same goal, but they did get exhausting pretty quickly.

“Cyno, can we swap notes to compare? I wanna make sure I do good on the pre-cal quiz.” 

“Yeah, here.” Cyno and Kaveh shuffled around notes, and the table fell into a peaceful harmony of discussion completely school related.

Cyno managed these meetings. He’d plan ahead (aka he would wait for the weather to be shitty.) and had claimed this as their designated meeting spot.

“So what’s happening with friend group number two Cyno?” Tighnari questioned. Cyno knew he was never one to drop the subject completely.

“Just some tension and what not.”

Tighnari rested his face on his hand, attention all on Cyno. “Is it because of Kunikuzushi’s new boytoy?”

Cyno shrugged. “Not completely, but some of it. They all just need to get their shit together.”

“This is why we’re the superior friend group!” Kaveh chipped in, posing oddly with a smug look on their face.

“No.” Cyno said with a blank expression, drawing a chuckle out of Tighnari.

“Ugh cmon!” Kaveh whined. 

Cyno leaned back and shuffled through his notes, avoiding eye contact with his dramatic friend.

“You and Alhaitham have too much drama for me.”

Alhaitham scoffed at the comment and crossed his arms. “Why are you bringing me into this?” 

“You’re the one who keeps dumping Kaveh over stupid things.” Tighnari chimed in.

“What? It’s not stupid. Did you see that painting he hung in my apartment? It was awful.”

Kaveh gasped and slapped their hand against their chest dramatically, as if wounded. “How dare you!”

“You guys are so dysfunctional it’s painful.” Cyno spoke. In return he was met with a glare from Kaveh.

“You literally got dumped twice.”

“I didn’t dump him! Either times! It was a misunderstanding, and that misunderstanding comes from your dumbass boyfriend who breaks up over silly things!”

Cyno and Alhaitham groaned in unison, and Cyno buried himself in his hoodie. 

“Don’t you dare diss my boyfriend!” 

“No, I get to diss him! Those misunderstandings were from him and how he acted when they dated!”

Alhaitham slammed his fist down suddenly. “Don’t you dare mention the d word!”

Kaveh rolled his eyes. “Oh cmon, you can’t pretend you guys never dated.”

Cyno groaned and sank into his seat, burying his hands in his face in embarrassment. Meanwhile in retaliation, Alhaitham took out his hearing aids and crossed his arms. 

Cyno was wondering what his other friends were doing at this point in time, he’s sure he’d rather be with them.

“What’s your damn problem?” Xiao hissed. He had cornered Kazhua, who was much more calm and collected compared to Xiao; who was much more hostile. They were in a secluded part of the mall, alone. Kunikuzushi had stepped outside to answer a call from his step mother, leaving the two boys alone.

“My problem? I have none.” Kazhua was chipper, per usual. He had a warm smile on his face, yet his eyes were telling a different story, full of malice and scorn.

Xiao scoffed in disbelief, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall behind him, eyes focused on the platinum blonde. “Yeah right. You don’t like me around Kunikuzushi.”
Kazhua sighed in response and shook his head in what appeared to be a hidden frustration. “Perhaps you are right. Either way, I am free to have my own opinion.”

His words aggravated Xiao, who slammed his fist against the wall in a swift movement. His face was painted in obvious anger, and his body trembled as he tried to contain his rage towards the other boy, who was eerily calm. Kazuha’s smile only grew, and it truly pissed off Xiao.

“Yeah, you can have your opinion, but at the end of the day it’s Kunikuzushi who wants me around. He chose me. Don’t act like a fucking dick because he doesn’t want you.”

His smile finally dropped.

Xiao only tilted his head, struggling not to smirk in satisfaction. “Cat got your tongue?”

Kazhua scoffed. His malice was on full display now, eyes burning with an unknown emotion. “Don’t think so highly of yourself, with the type of person you are i’m sure you’d end up just like Dottore.”

Xiao rolled his eyes, but a voice interrupted him before he even got to speak.

“What the fuck?” Kunikuzushi stood behind the two, phone in hand laying against his side and his face contorted into an odd expression. 

Kazhua went silent, his face darkened whilst Xiao could only stare.

“I want you to repeat what you just said.” Kunikuzushi pushed past Xiao gently, and stood in front of Kazhua with a stone cold glare.

Kazhua was quiet, and his head hung in shame that was unfamiliar to him. The confidence he had was no more, and now he seemed apologetic.

Kunikuzushi’s eyebrows were down turned  and his mouth formed a straight line as he tried to contain himself and his anger. 

“Why would you even say that?” He frowned in pure disappointment. All Xiao could do was watch, unsure of what to do as he observed. Oddly enough he found himself feeling slightly guilty.

“Kuniku..”

“No,” He snarled. “Don’t call me that.”

“Kunikuzushi. I am sorry- I wasn’t thinking right and-“

“I can’t believe you would say that! To anyone! To Xiao!” Kunikuzushi was getting more emotional by the second, and in a poor attempt to comfort him Xiao placed his hand on his shoulder.

“Kunikuzushi, it’s alright, we were both just arguing over trivial matters. We both said things we didn’t mean, he’s just looking out for you.”

Kunikuzushi scoffed in utter disbelief at the statement. “Looking out for me by comparing the guy I like to my ex? Yeah right.” He seethed.

Kazuha sighed. “I think it’s best if I take my leave. I’m sorry Kunikuzushi.”

Xiao shook his head. “No, I don’t think you should.” His words elicited a glare from the boy with raven hair, but he stood his ground.

“I think you two have a bit to talk about. I’ll be waiting outside.”

And with that, Xiao made his exit. 

Ten minutes had passed after Xiao had left, and he sat waiting outside the bustling mall sitting on a less than comfortable bench, scrolling on his phone.

He was brought out of his slight daze by a slight kick to his shin, gentle enough he could identify it as Kunikuzushi.

“Hey, sorry for taking so long.”

Xiao smiled lightly. “No, it’s alright. Did you guys make up?”

Kunikuzushi flopped down next to him, draping his arm over the back of the bench and practically melting into it. “Yeah. Thanks Xiao.”

“For?”

“Calming me down. I probably would have stayed mad for weeks if you weren’t there.”

Xiao rolled his eyes at Kunikuzushi’s theatrics, and looked into those stormy eyes he was growing to adore.

“It was just a trivial matter, really. I just wanted to help you.” 

Kunikuzushi smiled widely at Xiao’s words, and Xiao felt his heart flutter.

“Oh, and Kunikuzushi?”

“Yeah Xiao?”

“You can call me Alatus. When we’re alone.”

Kunikuzushi’s heart had never skipped a beat over words, yet those single ones truly did wonders.

Another step was taken, and the two boys were both content.

Chapter Text

“What happened Kazhua?” 

A long drawn out sigh came from the boy sitting in the passenger seat of his friends car. He was sat back, playing with a cigarette as if he was considering if he should smoke it or not.

His friends concerned eyes watched him, dancing with concern. 

“Cmon don’t make me guess.”

“I thought you loved guessing Heizou.”
The boy in the drivers seat scoffed. Rolling his eyes impossibly far back into his head with a sense of dramatic flare. 
Heizou was a friend to say the least. Before Kazhua had joined the chaos that was his current friend group, he would hangout with Heizou amongst other people. They were the only ones from their former group who still actively hungout, as everyone had moved on from it.

Heizou had these obnoxious puppy dog eyes he’d use whenever he wanted to compel information out of Kazhua, and it always worked somehow. He didn’t know why Heizou even bothered considering he had probably already figured it out. (He was insanely smart for a dumbass. It scared people, including Kazuha. 

“Okay fine, we talked it out.”

Heizou gestured with his hands for Kazuha to continue in more depth.

“He knew I liked him.”

Heizou hissed as if struck by a wave of pain. “Yikes! I didn’t see that coming.” 

Kazuha sighed softly, and closed his eyes. “Yeah, I didn’t either.”

Kunikuzushi and Kazhua had moved to a more comfortable but equally just as secluded area. Although this time they could sit down at a tacky bench, although not the best option, they needed privacy.

Kazuha fiddled with his fingers, and the urge to pull out a cigarette suddenly grew strong as he grew more anxious and felt more guilt for his words, something that was truly out of character for him.

“I know why you’re giving him a hard time Kazu.” Kunikuzushi spoke, his voice barely a whisper yet loud enough that his words rattled Kazuha, who’s attention all drifted back to the matter at hand.

“You like me. I’ve known for a while and I’m realizing now I shouldn’t have kept quiet- I didn’t think you’d ever try acting on it or anything.”

Kazhua felt his heart shatter into a million pieces, and he couldn’t help but hold his breath from the anxiety alone.

“I’m sorry but I’ve only ever seen you platonically. You’re my best friend, and I don’t want to hurt you like this but it has to be said.”

“I know.” Kazhua muttered in slight disappointment. He knew that Kunikuzushi would never be his, yet hearing it come from the boy himself made his head race.

“Please, accept Xiao. I’m capable of taking care of myself, and I know how to avoid situations like the one with Dottore. I’ve learnt and grown from that, okay?”

Kazuha nodded, and he felt the other boys eyes on him. His throat felt dry and closed off, but he still forced himself to speak.

“I’m sorry Kuniku. I’ll apologize to Xiao as well at a later time. You should go catch up to him.”

Kunikuzushi frowned, but gathered his things and stood up, hovering over his friend. “I’ll see you later, okay? Text me when you get home.”

And like that, he was gone. The raven hair boy he wanted so badly to keep tightly in his grasp was leaving, a bird just out of the nest leaving for bigger things. For better things.
For Xiao.

What hurt worse was like rubbing salt in the wound. He had made his exit, ready to dash to his friends car, but out of the corner of his eye he had caught Xiao and Kunikuzushi laughing with each other as they sat on a bench. Their hands were intertwined. 
Xiao had made eye contact in that moment, acknowledging him only for a second with a blank stare, before glancing back at Kunikuzushi with affection in his eyes.

Kazuha had lost. And for once, he felt like a sore loser.

“Shit, Kazu i’m sorry dude. I know how much you liked Kunikuzushi.”

Kazhua glanced over at his friend to meet the sympathetic gaze looming over him, but turned away when he couldn’t bare the pity. 

“It’s not a big deal. I knew it was coming.”

Heizou scoffed. “Yeah, but it doesn’t make it any less worse. You’re allowed to be upset.”

Heizou shifted in his seat, and glanced out the window. The car wasn’t moving, as Heizou had parked at some abandoned house to investigate why his friend had entered his car seeming so distraught and out of it.
“But, I think this is good for you.”

Kazuha turned to look at his friend again, his face scrunched up in confusion.

Heizou shrugged as he wore his signature goofy smile. His eyes aglow. “Maybe it’s time for you to move on, so you can finally see what’s around you.”

Kazuha couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Always correct, my friend.”

When Kunikuzushi had arrived home, he was tired to say the least. Today has been eventful, and he felt a strong guilt for rejecting his best friend, feeling as if he dismissed his friend’s feelings like they were nothing. It weighed heavy on his mind as he tried to study, sat at his desk, the room was dark minus the light from his laptop screen, where he was leaned in close as an attempt to read everything. 

It had been late when he got back, enjoying his time with Xiao.  Yet, his schoolwork had finally started to catch up with him, seeing as he was neglecting it in favour to spend time with his “almost-boyfriend” 

He knew if he had neglected it for too long, his mother would clue in. And if she figured out Xiao was the cause? Kunikuzushi would never be allowed the boy again, and that’s not what he wanted at all.

And that feeling of dread grew when he heard his door crack open, and light peer through. His head snapped back in alarm, and he was met with that ghastly woman he disliked.

“Kunikuzushi, why aren’t you wearing your glasses, it’s got to be hard to do homework and such without them.” She practically purred. Kunikuzushi cringed at that, but shrunk into himself as she came closer, and set down a tray next to him.

Surprise overtook him next as his eyes landed on the tray of snack foods and the scent of peppermint tea. 

“Diligent as ever, working so hard to please your mother. It’s getting late though darling, so don’t stay up too long.” And even more shocking, she smiled at him. A genuine soft smile, as if she was his actual mom.

Now that truly freaked him out.

She left before he could even question it, gone as quick as she came.

He scrambled to grab his phone.

Kunikuzushi:   red alert red alert ‼️

mona>~<: WHAT WHAT WHAT

Kunikuzushi: Yae was just nice to me. LIKE??

Cyno: Okay, who asked?

mona>~<: damn i could feel that pain from here 

Kunikuzushi: stfu twat 

Kunikuzushi felt a tinge of concern at the fact Kazuha had made no comments in their shared group chat, but he hoped that it was simply because his friend was asleep.

He tossed his phone aside, and returned to the computer, reaching for the cup of tea Yae had left him.

As he sipped, he wondered if she had spit in it. 

He was quick to dismiss that thought, as he slowly started drifting off.

A week had passed since the mall, and Kunikuzushi was feeling good. Not that manic type of good he would feel constantly when he was with Dottore, but just straight up good.

Although his homework was something hard to keep up with, he got back into his usual rhythm of staying up to date on his assignment and studying while maintaining a social life. October was coming, and it was personally Kunikuzushi’s favourite month. Not just because of halloween, but he simply loved the fall.

Not only that, it was finally time his mother had approached him to inquire about something he’d been itching to hear about.

“Kunikuzushi, piano lessons are starting again soon. I’ve contacted your instructor, and she should be in town from vacation soon.”

Piano lessons. He loved piano. Of course, the stereotypical rich kid instrument, the tortured soul forced into playing!

Yet it was quite the opposite. He had begun piano when he lived with his father, and safe to say they weren’t as well off as his mother was. He didn’t get piano lessons in those years, he had taught himself how to read sheet music, he taught himself how to memorize the keys, and he taught himself songs to play for his father. At the bench of a piano is where he was most content. A piano is what brought him together with his mother, shocking enough.

Their relationship had never been good, but it was at its worst when he first went to live with her after his father had died. They couldn’t get along at all, and she didn’t understand Kunikuzushi. She knew nothing about him.

When she figured out he loved the piano though, she immediately offered to pay for lessons. It was some lame excuse to get him to mellow out and stop acting like she was a spawn of satan, and it did work. His skills grew and her pockets suffered for it, that was a double win for him. Of course, she had attempted to fuel an interest in other instruments as well for him, such as the violin and the flute; both instruments he also excelled at might he add- it never interested him as much as piano.

Kunikuzushi wasn’t a kid who went out of his way to do sports or clubs or any of the sort. Sure, he dabbled in volleyball for a few years and did decent enough, soccer was his fathers choice but he was awful, and he hated playing in band because of the kids. (He thought he was too good for them.)

Other people thought it was lame, but he enjoyed his piano; it was relaxing and overall an escape for him. It was also one of the only things his mom seemed to understand about him.

“Hey, i’m going out!” He shouted, sat at doorway as he shove his sneakers on. His voice reverberated throughout the house, which caused a curious Ei to appear around the corner.

“Where are you going?” She asked with authority in her voice. A few years ago, that was something that scared Kunikuzushi, but nowadays he saw it as a half baked attempt of assuming authority of him. It no longer frightened him.

“I’m gonna go to my friends house. Group assignment for my history class.”

Ei raised in eyebrow and he could clearly see the doubt in her eyes. She never believed anything he had to say, yet she was too busy in her own world that she could care less. He knew that she’d walk away with no more questions.
“Oh, by the way Kunikuzushi, your aunt is coming tomorrow to pick you up. I’m allowing you to miss school to go into the city with her. Do not get behind on your classes or it won’t happen again.” 

And like that she was gone, and all Kunikuzushi could do was scoff at her ridiculousness. 

Two days ago, she had approached him drunk. This was not an uncommon occurrence for him, she’d be drunk and sad; apologetic for how she’d treat him and offer him something to please him. This time, it was to see his aunt. And although it was simply a drunk promise, she always meant it. She’d wake up hungover but was determined to stand by her word.
She didn’t get drunk often after the first few promises, since it was a pain to keep up with them.

He dismissed it, adjusting his hoodie and untangling his single long earring on his left ear as an attempt to look somewhat presentable as he left the house. The sunlight was dim, as the sun was setting at its peak, and the sky was painted in hues of purple and orange like a water coloured painting. He took a minute to take it in, the fresh scent of the passing summer and the change in the air with the upcoming fall. He basked in it, before jumping onto his bike.

It was pretty lame having to bike around, but Kunikuzushi wouldn’t be allowed to get a car. His mother was probably afraid he’d leave, and he definitely would if given the chance.

The bike ride was quiet, cars zipped past him as he rode down the sidewalks and down hill towards the smaller part of the town, a familiar setting to him.

And when he reached his destination, he gladly hopped off his bike and fixed his hair, which was tied back into a low ponytail. 

He didn’t get a chance to knock on the familiar door before it shot open, a face appeared that couldn’t help but make him smile.

“Why hello Alatus.”

He was met with a familiar smirk, and a roll of the eyes as Xiao leaned against the door crossing his arms. He wore a muscle shirt and his hair was pushed back, and it did wonder for the eyes.

“Decided to bless me with your presence Kuniku?” He mused, a glint in his eyes as he scanned the lanky boy who stood in front him.

“Why yes I did. I was wondering if you’d like to come on a little.. adventure with me.” Kunikuzushi questioned. Although he knew the answer, he could tell as Xiao debated in his head if he truly wanted to leave the house or not.

“I’m assuming you want me to use my car to take us on said adventure?” Xiao chuckled, leaning in the doorway to grab his lanyard that hung off a set of hooks. He already had shoes on, and Kunikuzushi wondered if he planned on leaving the house.

“You’d be right by that. There’s a spot I use to go to when i was bored out of my mind, thought I should share it with you.” He practically skipped his way to the passenger side of the car, watching Xiao keenly while he awaited the car to be unlocked.

Xiao chuckled as he unlocked the car, and Kunikuzushi practically scrambled to get inside. 

He and Xiao were doing good. They spent a lot of time together, helped each other with school work, and in fact Kunikuzushi was finally getting Xiao to warm up to his friend group.

Xiao got along best with Cyno, funnily enough. The two spoke to each other with their eyes, no words were needed to exchange unless it was a group discussion. Fischl and Mona thought it was the funniest thing in the world, which was something Xiao couldn’t fathom.

Kazhua hadn’t been around the group much, which caused high levels of concern until he clarified that he just needed some space and he’d be back. He hungout with a few old friends of his, and suddenly everything just felt weird. But, he tried not to dwell.

He looked at Xiao contently as he sat in the drivers seat, starting the car and putting on his seatbelt. He scolded Kunikuzushi to put his on as well, and it just made the other boy laugh in a peaceful manner.

Giving Xiao the directions, the two boys were off as the darkness started to consume the sunset, the wind began to pick up and the streetlights gleamed in a almost serene way. Kunikuzushi couldn’t help but roll down his window and stick his face out, letting the wind dance in his hair and strike his face. 
Xiao snorted as he glanced at his partner, but kept his eyes on the road as they slowly begun reaching their destination.

It was half an hour out of town, and if Xiao didn’t trust the other boy in the car he’d think that it would be a perfect scene for a murder. He pulled up to an old abandoned bridge, train tracks lining it and worn fencing around parts of the edge. Although the land has been ruined, the grass was over grown and beneath the bridge was a lake and tall grass. Kunikuzushi dragged Xiao across the tracks in excitement before sitting on the very edge, overlooking the lake that held the moons reflection in it.

“Are you going to throw me off?” Xiao teased as he sat down, wiping off his clothes beforehand. Kunikuzushi could only roll his eyes at his “almost-boyfriends” ridiculous accusation. His fingers danced along Xiao’s shoulders and down his arm, until reaching his hand.

“You’ve seen through my master plan Alatus.” The way his true name sounded from the stormy eyed boy had Xiao flustered, wiping his head away to avoid any possible teasing from his embarrassed state. Of course, his pathetic attempt could not stop the evil grin that grew on Kunikuzushi’s face.

“Oh? All embarrassed because I called you by your name?” Kunikuzushi suddenly feigned sadness, lifting his free hand to press against his forehead as if he were faint. “I suppose I shall just call you Xiao instead, since you dislike me calling you that name so much.”

“No!”

Kunikuzushi was inches away from Xiao in only a sudden movement, those striking amber eyes so close to his, dancing in the moons bliss was an emotion he couldn’t fathom. Xiao was red, ears coloured as if they were bit by the winter frost, mouth agape as if there was a word on the tip of his tongue that he couldn’t speak, and body painfully close to Kunikuzushi’s.

“No.. I want you to call me Alatus. Don’t tease me like that.” He corrected himself, eyes darting away as he was drowned in embarrassment for his sudden shout. Kunikuzushi was nearly lost for words, his body heating up at the close proximity. He couldn’t help but glance at Xiao’s lips longingly. They hadn’t kissed since the first time, and it was a feeling Kunikuzushi wanted to relish in once more.

Xiao seemed to be able to comprehend what was on Kunikuzushi’s mind, after all it was written all over his face. Pure want, no, need.

“I’m.. going away for a few days. Won’t be at school.” Kunikuzushi spoke in a whisper, his eyes didn’t meet Xiao’s observant gaze as he spoke, as if he was trying to deflect. It failed miserably.

“Leaving me all alone? How awful.” Xiao said softly, his voice practically dripping with sarcasm; yet it still brought out a breathless laugh out of the boy who was so painfully close yet seemed so distant.

Xiao leaned impossibly close, which alarmed his raven hair companion. But he knew it wasn’t out of fear or perhaps disgust. “Perhaps, you could give me a parting gift?”

Kunikuzushi reminded Xiao of a grumpy cat in this moment, body stiff and painfully on alert.

Only inches between the two, a painful tension that could be cut with a knife. An almost unspoken want that was begging to be addressed.

Slender fingers moved back away from Xiao’s calloused hands, nails gently gliding against the tattoo on his arm and up to his shoulder, resting there with a strong grip.

Kunikuzushi was beautiful like this, eyes gleaming with the moons light soaking into his skin. Face flushed and eyes heavy. Xiao lifted his other hand to rest on his face, using his thumb to wipe away the foundation covering his mole that he wanted to see.

“Cmon.” Xiao smirked, an expression that had Kunikuzushi’s stomach flipping and heart practically stopping. He didn’t know what to do, he didn’t know what to do with himself, with his hands, with his mind.
The wind was cold and nipped at his skin yet the fire that was ignited within him kept his skin hot to the touch, soaring with desire and screaming at him to move, to act. Yet he didn’t know what to do. This was different, different from him and Dottore, different than what he observed with Mona and her millions of boyfriends, it was like a flame that was being fed into that wouldn’t stop growing; screaming just for more.

Xiao knew what he wanted. Why wouldn’t he act on it? Why must it be in Kunikuzushi’s hands? It felt like he couldn’t breathe.

He needed to act. He had to act. His clutch on Xiao’s shoulder tighten as the boy inched closer, lips grazing his ear.

“I want you to give in.” 

His words pushed a light gasp out of Kunikuzushi, the boy who was so severely embarrassed he could die. Xiao had such an effect on him and he didn’t know how to handle himself.

He let his body move on its own, his free hand drifting up Xiao’s back and finding its place in Xiao’s hair, clutching it gently as if he was porcelain. Xiao let out a huff, his eyes focused on the boy in front of him. 

And then, that devilish smirk reappeared. Kunikuzushi had never moved faster in his life, all with the intention to wipe it off Xiao’s snarky face as their lips connected.

Xiao tasted like nicotine and watermelon, and Kunikuzushi wondered if Xiao was the type to smoke.

Meanwhile, Xiao was caught up in the taste of cherries and that familiar cologne filling up his senses as he pulled Kunikuzushi closer into a deadly kiss. There was no class or anything calm about how their lips clashed; only pure hunger. Only for a mere second they parted for air, before they were diving in again. Kunikuzushi dug his nails into Xiao’s shoulder and he hissed into his lips, nipping at Kunikuzushi’s bottom lip in retaliation. 

It was messy, yet full of so much passion Xiao felt like his head was going to burst under the pressure. 

When they finally parted for more than a second, Kunikuzushi let out a sigh he’d been holding in, whilst Xiao whipped away the salvia off his lips. (He wondered if it was his or Kuniku’s.)

“You’re a beast.” Kuniku panted, taking a deep breathe. He hadn’t let go of Xiao yet, instead he now rested both hands on the muscular shoulders he was growing to adore. Xiao only hummed in response.

“You say that like you don’t enjoy it.”

His words illicited a scoff from the boy with a strong grip on him. “You sure that you haven’t dated anyone before?”

Xiao narrowed his eyes. “Yeah, i’m sure. Scared that i’m a better kisser?”

“Oh? You wanna test me Alatus?”

“Fuck yeah I do.”

Safe to say, Kunikuzushi was scolded for getting home late.

Chapter Text

Here are the current character profiles for the characters in this story. 
Disclaimer, not all canon information, as this is fiction. Ex, many of the last names are not canon. I used information and such from their characters to give them last names.

CURRENT MAIN CHARACTERS 

Raiden Kunikuzushi
Age: 17
Pronouns: He/Him
Grade: 12.
Relationship status: ??? 
Gender identity/Sexuality: Trans Male, Gay.
Likes: Twice, tea, his friends (don’t tell them that.)
Dislikes: Dottore, strangers, school.
Known family: Raiden Ei, (Mother) Yae Miko (step mother) Raiden Makato (Aunt) Raiden Hiina (Younger sister.)

Fun facts!
- Kunikuzushi is a kpop super fan. He doesn’t hide it either, he just doesn’t mention it often. His closet holds his collection.
-  Kunikuzushi first had a crush on his childhood friend Ajax. 
- He likes cats more than dogs.

Adeptus Xiao. (Alatus.)
Age: 17
Pronouns: He/him (he doesn’t really care)
Grade: 12
Relationship status: ???
Gender identity/Sexuality: Male, unlabelled 
Likes: Almond tofu, sleeping, alone time 
Dislikes: crowded places, strangers, unclean areas.
Known family: Zhongli (Father) Ganyu (Sister, adopted)

fun facts!
- Xiao and Ganyu were raised like they were twins since they were both the same age. Although they no longer bring the “twin” thing up. It’s embarrassing.
- He likes cute things. Like otters.
- He often confides in his mothers friend, Ms. Ping, he enjoys her company. 

Mona Megistus
Age: 17
Pronouns: She/Her (?)
Grade: 12
Relationship status: single (shockingly)
Gender Identity/Sexuality:Female, Straight. (??)
Likes:  Astrology, the arts, learning 
Dislikes: costly things, her part time job
Known family: Mother.

fun facts!
- Mona has a part time job to supply things for her interests. She hates it, and doesn’t mention it.
- Mona has had 14 boyfriends in total. Her longest relationship lasted 4 months. 
- Mona has a lot of friends besides the main group. Shocking enough, she’s popular.

Kaedehara Kazuha
Age: 16, turning 17
Pronouns: He/Him
Grade: 12
Relationship status:
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Male, Pan, Asexual
Likes: Poetry, his friends, animals 
Dislikes: aggression
Known family: Father, Grandfather 

Fun facts!
- Kazuha is shy, and has trouble with first impressions- no one has noticed though.
- He’s allergic to bunnies, which makes him quite sad.
- He was also interested in Mona at one point, months prior to them meeting. His feelings disappeared quickly though.

Cyno Kasala
Age: 17
Pronouns: He/Him
Grade: 12
Relationship Status: Taken (Tighnari)
Gender Identity/Sexuality: “🤷” His exact response to being asked.
Likes: Tighnari,bad jokes, stormy weather.
Dislikes: Drama, ferrets.
Known family: Mother, Father, Razor (Half brother) 

Fun Facts!
- Cyno and Alhaitham dated in ninth grade. Cyno refuses to acknowledge it.
- Cyno is close with Tighnari’s younger sister Collei, he often buys her food and little trinkets.
- Cyno didn’t realize he and Tighnari were dating until 3 weeks into the relationship. That was when he first got dumped. (but not actually, he’s just a dumb ass.) 

Fischl von Luftschloss Narfidort
Age: 16
Pronouns: Any, doesn’t care.
Grade: 11
Relationship status: Single 
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Genderqueer, Aroace
Likes:  D&D, fantasy novels, MCR
Dislikes:  boring people, her parents (not really, she’s just emo)
Known family: Mother, Father

Fun Facts!
- Fischl likes my little pony. They have no shame.
- Fischl is a stereotypical goth- but like a total poser. Lives at hot topic.
- Shakespeare fan.

SIDE CHARACTERS 

Adeptus Ganyu
Age: 16 turning 17
Pronouns: She/Her
Grade: 12
Relationship status: Taken (Keqing)
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Female, Lesbian
Likes: Her family, track, working
Dislikes: loud people, being excluded 
Known family: Zhongli (Father) Xiao (Brother)

Fun facts!
- Ganyu was adopted as an infant, her father was a family friend and Zhongli has no problem taking her in. 
- Ganyu and Keqing are dating, although they don’t keep it a secret no one seems to realize
- Ganyu is in several clubs and is constantly out of the house.

Tighnari Verdant 
Age: 16 turning 17
Pronouns: He/Him
Grade: 12
Relationship status: Taken. (Cyno)
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Unlabelled
Likes: Pottery, the forest, Cyno
Dislikes: People, Loud sounds 
Known family: Mother, Collei (Adopted younger sister.)

Fun Facts!
- Tighnari unintentionally dumped Cyno twice because of misunderstandings.
- Tighnari is in all advanced classes, and doesn’t have a lot of free time. He normally spends any he gets with Cyno
- Yes, he smokes weed upon occasion- doesn’t make him any less of a diligent or uptight person.

Hu Tao
Age: 17
Pronouns: She/Her
Grade: 12
Relationship status: Single.
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Female, Lesbian
Likes: Annoying Xiao, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, her grandfather, peaches.
Dislikes: No prominent dislikes.
Known family: Her grandfather.

Fun Facts!
- Hu Tao views Zhongli and his family as her own, she’d admit it openly if asked.
- Hu Tao is friends with a few younger students, so she isn’t seen often at school. 
- She may or may not fake hauntings to scare people.

Albedo Kreideprinz
Age: 18
Pronouns: He/Him
Grade: 12
Relationship status: Taken. (Kaeya & Sucrose) 
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Male, Bi
Likes: Science, studying, seclusion
Dislikes: Making friends, parties
Known family: Rhinedottir (Mother) Alice (Step-Mother) Klee (Step-Sister) 

Fun Facts!
- Albedo spends a lot of his time studying, but when he’s not he’s often playing with Klee.
- Albedo finds that Kaeya is easy to confide in, while Sucrose is easy to pick up on what he’s feeling.
- He’s actually popular, somehow. He doesn’t even realize it.

Alhaitham Scarlet
Age: 18
Pronouns: He/Him
Grade: 12
Relationship status: Off & On (Kaveh)
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Male, Bi
Likes: Being alone, studying, libraries 
Dislikes: Kaveh (not really), bad decorations, annoying people
Known family: Father

Fun facts!
- Alhaitham lives alone. Of course, the apartment is his father’s, but his father lives in their family house.
- He and Kaveh have broken up 17 times over 2 years. 
- Alhaitham denies ever dating Cyno, an embarrassing time in his life.

Kaveh Alcazarzaray
Age: 17 turning 18
Pronouns: He/They
Grade: 12
Relationship status: On & Off (Alhaitham)
Gender Identity/Sexuality: non-binary, Pan
Likes: Architecture, parties, Alhaitham
Dislikes: Studying, overworking, Alhaitham.
Known family: Mother, Father, younger Sister

Fun Facts!
- Kaveh and Alhaitham have been dating for two years, he’s dumped Alhaitham 4 times while they’ve been dumped 13 times.
- Kaveh is in all advanced classes, yet despite choosing them all himself he hates it.
- They throw banger parties.

Shikanoin Heizou
Age: 16
Pronouns: He/Him
Grade: 11
Relationship Status: ???
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Male, Gay
Likes: bad detective shows, teasing, friends
dislikes: party poopers, teachers
Known family: Father, Mother.

Fun facts!
- Heizou is extremely smart, yet constantly does stupid things that gets him out of trouble. He’s good at getting out of it though.
- Puts the gaslight in gaslight, gatekeep and girlboss.
- He’s popular with the guys. Quite popular.

Sucrose Ampulla
Age: 17 turning 18
Pronouns: She/They
Grade: 12
Relationship status: Taken (Kaeya & Albedo)
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Unlabelled 
Likes: Studying, school, plants, friends
Dislikes: Social gatherings, first introductions, strangers 
Known family: Father, Grandmother 

Fun Facts!
- Sucrose is considered to be extremely cute by her peers, making them slightly popular. 
- She was scared of Kaeya at first because of how confident he was. 
- Sucrose enjoys being out in the wilderness, and even more than that they enjoy picnics. 

Kaeya Alberich
Age: 17 turning 18
Pronouns: He/Him (doesn’t care all that much though.)
Grade: 12
Relationship status: Taken (Albedo & Sucrose.)
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Male, Bi
Likes: His partners, parties, meeting new people, annoying his brother 
Dislikes: opening up, grape juice
Known family: Crepus (Foster Dad) Diluc (Older brother.)

Fun Facts!
- Kaeya and Diluc often don’t get along, but they both love each other. Kaeya shows it by annoying the shit out of his brother.
- He’s the it boy, popular, and dating the resident hot blonde and cute bookworm. 
- Kaeya is best friends with his ex, Rosaria. The two of them party together.

BONUS

Razor Fang
Age: 15
Pronouns: They/Them
Grade: 10
Relationship status: Taken (Bennett)
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Unlabelled 

Bennett Péch 
Age: 14 turning 15 
Pronouns: He/Him
Grade: 10
Relationship status: Taken (Razor)
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Male, Pan

Barbara Gunnhildr
Age: 15
Pronouns: She/Her
Grade: 10
Relationship status: single
Gender Identity/Sexuality: Female, Straight 

Chapter Text

Guys I don’t know what’s going on but I don’t feel any inspiration for this story. I’m feeling writers block just with this. I have plenty of inspiration for other side projects, but with anything regarding this story I’m just struggling. I’m going to take some time to think about how I can continue this for you guys.
I don’t wanna let the people i’m writing this story for down, but I also don’t want to release anymore content I’m unhappy with and that isn’t on par with everything else.
For people craving Scaraxiao content, I’ll be publishing one shots and possibly stories on my account and hope that might bring inspiration back? I want to finish this story not just for myself but for you guys so I will do my best to formulate fun new ideas, but for now I need a break from it.

I’ve also made a twitter account (wow, shocking) for anyone who might want to keep up with any updates I have about this story and other stories, also also give suggestions make comments or anything else you’d like. I’m not expecting a whole lot of people to coming running to wait on me and this story, but I’d appreciate your amazing support once more. 

@Arandofromao3 is where you can find me on there.

Thank you guys, and thank you for your continued love and support.

Chapter Text

Hello readers! It’s been a hot second.

I am greatly sorry for the long pause in updates and for promises I made that were eventually not met in the end of in regards to this story. 

In truth, I wasn’t happy with what the story was becoming. Im typically not the type to plan out a story, I just go with the flow. It’s really a bad writing habit, especially in regards to the fact I was actively publishing Always For The First Time without a solid plan of what I wanted to do.

In the end it lead to a bad writers block- and life had become so hectic at the time I couldn’t bring myself to write something I wasn’t enjoying. 

Also- I didn’t enjoy the idea of a set date for chapters. I’m not good at deadlines LOL.

So, because of this I have decided to Rewrite and Republish Always For The First Time! 

It will have many changes in terms of stories, personalities and the main relationship between Wanderer and Xiao. Aka, the relationship won’t be as rushed LMAO.

And it will be planned out. (Semi planned out- old habits die hard lolll) 

So please watch my account for the new and improved version of this story! Most likely published under a different name. Tbh, i’m a little excited about it and mayhaps I will release the prologue today or tomorrow. Bit either way, Thank you all for the support you’ve given me and I hope to continue feeding your scaraxiao hearts- This version of the story will remain up for anyone who wants to reread or just likes this version of the story better. 

Thank you all! 

Chapter Text

I’m here to officially announce, (after my last announcement lol) THAT ALWAYS FOR THE FIRST TIME HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN REPUBLISHED.

On my account you can find one out of two Prologue chapters: Thunder, under the name One Last Time! 

This reimagined version of Always For The First Time has many drastic differences, but maintains the same charm and basic plot elements. 

Not only does Scaramouche’s character changes and the people around him, but Xiao is going to be more fleshed out. NOT ONLY that, but it will also focus more on the side characters we see ANDD the side ships. Speaking of those, there will be some familiar ones and some new ones!

And if you weren’t aware, Always For The First Time was published with the same name as a poem written by André Breton. It was truly a beautiful poem I enjoyed.

The newest version of this story however, is named after an Ariana Grande song.

I KNOW

So cringe. But I like the song, and the lyrics and just everything. Also, the similarities in name?!!! chefs kiss.

anywhoodles.

If you chose to read the newly imagined version of this story I hope you know I appreciate you so much! And if you do read it, please await prologue chapter two: wind! 

Thank you all for you continued support, and goodbye to Always For The First.

Love you all!