PROMISE • VENTI X READER

〘 約束 〙one

(Y/n) smiled, "I see, I see.. I too have a valuable item that I wish to protect. Well it's not really an item but more of a place. And you're the only person I'm showing it to!"

They enthusiastically linked their hands with Barbatos and then started sprinting onward. Barbatos was rather weirded out at how (Y/n) is treating him since they only first met but he decided to zip his lips and not question it. He won't complain though, he somewhat likes (Y/n) as a friend as they reminded him of his friends back in the city.

Barbatos had to move out from their former cottage in the city to move in with his father in the manor. He was rather sad to say goodbye to his friends and scared of what to expect in the manor, but so far it was going great. He could always send letters to his friends whenever he missed them.

"We have reached the end of the hallway!" (Y/n) grins before grabbing the metal handle of the wooden door. Upon turning the knob and pushing the exit, the smell of sweet flowers wafted around the surroundings. The sun's rays cut through the darkness of the hallway, making sure every inch of the dimly lit passage was touched by the warm sun. "Welcome to the garden. Here we grow our flowers and herbs!"

The two children stepped outside of the passage and began basking under the warm sunlight. Barbatos gave off a sigh filled with wonder as he glanced over the numerous flower patches stretching across the horizon. From Mint plants to Sunsettia trees, they have them all.

So this is how rich the (L/n) family is. Barbatos thinks to himself as he gets overwhelmed by the sight garden.

"Barbatos! Here!" (Y/n) waved their hands as they were by a tall hedge. There is a place on the hedge where a blue colored ribbon was tied on the branches. When (Y/n) pushed the part where the ribbon is tied on, the hedge opened like a door. "Come, we're almost at our destination!"

(Y/n) excitedly walked through the open space. Barbatos scanned the other side of the door and it was just the foot of the cliff which made him look at (Y/n) skeptically. He however, followed the other towards a tree where the same blue ribbon he saw was tied on a small branch. (Y/n) kept on leading him on towards the plants with the blue tied ribbon on it's branches.

Eventually the two reached a steep clearing that leads towards the top of the cliff.

Barbatos walked behind (Y/n), still cautious of his surroundings. He was wary because the two had sneaked out of the manor without anyone knowing and who knows what kind of trouble they'd end up to. But hopefully, his father wouldn't go too hard on him.

With fingers interlocked, the two both climbed the steep slope with both of their hair being pulled back by the harsh winds. Barbatos pulled a handful of Cecilia flowers as it is a rare type of flower that only grows in these kinds of environments so the young boy didn't let the opportunity slip by and seized the lilies. Who knows when they'll come back to this place.

Barbatos and (Y/n) both stood on the top of the cliff while breathing heavily. The harsh winds didn't help in catching their breaths at all but after a few moments, the two sat down on a spot where the grass doesn't grow and admired the beautiful scenery on top of the cliff. They both feel that they were on top of the world. With the feeling of ecstasy kicking in, (Y/n) stood up and looked afar across the horizon. Barbatos' heart leaped out of his chest since he felt that (Y/n) is going to plunge in any moment due to the wind and that their location is by the edge of the cliff.

"Sit down!" he yelled in surprise. "It's dangerous!"

(Y/n) hummed as they looked at Barbatos with a skeptical look. A laugh erupted from their throats before taking a seat next to Barbatos. "You should unwind for a moment Barbatos!"

That isn't rest assuring at all! Barbatos thought to himself before sighing and taking his instrument. His fingers gently strummed on the aquamarine strings of the lyre while humming through the tune of it. He slowly closed his eyes and let the wind guide him on playing the tune on his instrument.

(Y/n) watched intently as they felt that the only thing left in the world was them and Barbatos. With every strum, (Y/n) could feel that the notes from the instrument are going straight to their heart. They saw how heartfelt Barbatos looked as he continued playing the last sentiment that his mother had left and wondered how magical it was to have someone with you when you're on top of the world. A smile has found itself on (Y/n)'s lips as they curled into a ball, their eyes slowly closing as they could feel the wind drifting them away from where they were.

Like all good things, the song has ended and (Y/n) felt shuffling beside them. When they looked up, it was Barbatos standing up and reaching his hand for them to grab on. "Let's go back?"

To be honest, (Y/n) doesn't ever want to go back to their manor as they feel that they are rotting beneath their parents' grasp. But who are they to complain? They are merely a child who cannot fend for themselves in the world. (Y/n) forced a thin smile and gently grabbed Barbatos' hand. A sigh escaped their lips as they got pulled up to stand on their feet. "Let's go back sometimes. This is the only place where I get to experience the feeling of freedom"

(Y/n) shook their head and started walking ahead of Barbatos.

On the other hand, Barbatos tucked their lyre behind him and noticed that (Y/n)'s expression had dropped. He thought that he did something wrong but before he could even question it, (Y/n) started speaking once more. "I always go to this secret place when I feel rather stuffy in the manor. All I get to do is study because my parents wanted me to pursue the family business. Although some people may think that being the child of one of the richest families in Mondstadt is a luxury, I beg to differ"

As the two climbed down the slope, Barbatos looked at the handful of Cecilia flowers on his hands.

"I often doze off with the feeling of the wind carrying me from where I am." (Y/n) sighs, "I always dream of what my life will come when I'm in a different family.. I envy the other children who gets to play to their hearts' content, I envy those children who spends time with their parents all the time even though they are surrounded with grime and dust, at least they could be a happy family"

(Y/n) pushed the hedge and as soon as they stepped within the manor's territory, Barbatos abruptly held on (Y/n)'s wrist making them look at him in surprise. They were about to question his behavior when Barbatos let the handful of Cecilia drop on the ground, leaving a single flower on his hand. He gently tucked the flower behind (Y/n)'s ear and smiled warmly.

"You have me as a friend.." Barbatos mumbled, "Cheer up (Y/n), I'll always be here if you ever feel lonely. Even if we're worlds apart, I'll still be rushing over your side if you need me the most"

Because that's what a butler's duty is.