❝ 血で血を洗う ❞
washing blood with blood
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THE SUMMER HEAT is sweltering even with the most recent Cryo technology you had recently installed in your estate. The breeze offered to you by the opened windows only blew a warm ocean wind, the heavy scent of sea salt attacking your senses. You felt like you were drowning in your sweat sitting in your office chair; the judgment of the summer sun just beyond the floor-to-ceiling glass windows was utterly ruthless. Just what the hell is the point of buying such expensive machinery when they don't even work? You started to question your sanity a bit, unsure whether that was being dictated by the incoming heatstroke or your general pent-up frustration.
"Gods..." You swore under your breath, glancing up at the 'air-conditioning' unit you had recently installed - squinting hard at the machinery before turning your attention to the remote set beside your fountain pens. Seized by a sudden desire to smash something, you grabbed the remote and threw it at the machine - hitting it hard enough for the wind pressure to increase. The wonders of elemental energy, your ass. You made a mental note to fire whoever it was that had recommended such a horrid machine to you... Not that it made a dent in your account anyway.
The work was seemingly endless. When you finally find yourself completing one task, you're bombarded with another three. Most were mundane approvals; such as specific shipping orders overseas and imports - work that should be delegated to your management team, couldn't they decide on their own? Were they so incompetent that they needed your approval for everything?
"Can't anyone in my team do their job right...?" You mumbled, shaking your head as you set your pen down. You glanced at the piles of paperwork that had grown to a mountain stack on your desk. What a nuisance.
You pinched the bridge of your nose, breathing in slowly as your eyes flickered between the parchment and the sun beyond the glass of your office. By your estimation, it was nearly midday. A break would be nice.
"Wenling? Are you there–? Oh right..." You had forgotten that she had asked to take the day off - presumably to spend time with Saito seeing as how he had yet to return the reports you had asked to see before the next procurement period for the company. Although you would like her help taking care of this sore sight, you also understood that she deserved a break. Especially with the influx of a greater volume of work as of late, she deserved it more than ever.
With the wedding happening in a matter of weeks; you, Scaramouche, and the entirety of both organizations of which you both held authority, had been busy preparing for the grand event. Not to mention just a month ago, you decided to fire your entire board of directors as you believed it was necessary to restart your company from the ground up so that there wouldn't be any more traitors lurking in your ranks. Now, more than ever, you need allies.
And my fiancé leaves me to take care of things in Snezhnaya again... You sighed, bringing a hand to your temple, gently massaging it to ease yourself of an oncoming headache. As much as you hate to admit it out loud... Perhaps you have become too dependent on others to help you make certain decisions for you. Although you were the least experienced out of the three, you were still expected to fulfill your role as the Director of your company: both a family name to uphold, and a company to run.
This means this leaves you alone at your discretion. And so of course instead of doing your work and finishing your paperwork and setting an exemplary example of leadership for your employees, you decided to go out and explore Liyue Harbor during your lunch break.
Summertime in Liyue is certainly festive. You have heard that the summer festivities in Inazuma were a sight to behold, but Liyue Harbor gave them a run for their money. You ought to thank Ningguang for implementing such a celebration all season long. It brightened up the entire Harbor with the cheers of children as they chased one another through the brick streets, the shared drinks by the sailors and merchants, and the common folk strolling under paper lanterns that glowed orange.
You found yourself musing at the sights; the festive lights, the busy stalls, and the people who greeted you with smiles. Despite your fiancé being away, you certainly felt loved by the people of your nation.
"Hello, Director! How's your day?"
You turned your head to see one of the toy stall's bosses calling for you, waving with a smile on his face as you made your way over to him. Your eyes glossed over the selection of paper ornaments and wooden figurines, delighting in the sight of the homemade goods.
"My... Business must be going well if so many are sold out already." You laughed, happy to see a small business be so beloved by the people and thrive. "Am I too late to buy one?"
The boss returned your laughter, sharing your sentiment as he gestured to the table full of wooden merchandise. "Would you like one, Director? Pick any of your choosing."
"Oh no, no... I can't take things for free. Let me pay in full." You countered, before noticing how he was already preparing the gift wrapping for whatever figurines you chose. "It would be a crime for me to not pay for such beautiful carvings. Please, allow me to pay for them."
You ended up paying for a small wooden figurine of a heron, leaving the boss with a handsome tip before bidding farewell.
Fidgeting with the carved toy in your hands, you stared at it for quite some time in admiration for the craftsmanship. Each meticulous stroke of the blade made a pronounced impression against the wood - the expertise was nothing to scoff at. You made a quiet note to sponsor the owners at your next meeting as you turned towards the open wharf where ocean breezes greeted you - a beautiful sight indeed.
What wasn't all that beautiful, however, was the disgusting humidity in the evening time. When twilight began to greet the setting sun, the veil of stars began to filter through the dimming navy-washed sky, it was most disappointing to you that the heat from earlier in the day had not gone away. To say that you were not used to such heat would be an understatement, especially seeing as how you spent most of your time in a nation that did not have summers as intense as this.
"I wonder if he would like Fontaine..." You hummed quietly to yourself, peering at the sunset-lit harbor with a small smile. You could visit with Scaramouche following the wedding, a honeymoon of sorts... Though that was probably too optimistic. After all, both of you were two busy individuals. Knowing your work, you will probably be dragged to the meeting rooms to discuss commerce right after the ceremony.
But the thought was nice; the white-sand beaches just beyond your grand villa amid this summer heat. It would be a fine escape; from your work in Liyue and Scaramouche to finally see some sun after being in Snezhnaya for so long. A quick vacation would do you both some good... And better yet, time spent alone in respite with him.
Because despite everything that has happened, you could not deny the slightest ounces of doubt that forced itself into your chest whenever you were around Scaramouche.
You found love all too confusing to bring permanence by restating the affirmations of your affections for him. Of course, you love him. But for some reason, your mind loved twisting that affection for an underlying anxiety; making you question whether or not you love him out of convenience or because you truly were in that blissed state of innocent romance. Or the nights where you slept alone in your wide bed, the sheets rustling with only the warmth of your body to spare – your cruel mind pondered the poisoned scenarios where Scaramouche did not share that love for some reason.
It was foolish, you knew that. You did not know why you doubted yourself so deeply, nor did you find an explanation for why you would ever think of such things. It was unfair to Scaramouche, who had declared his love for you with all the softness he could muster. All the jagged pieces were rounded against your skin as he held you; the broken pieces of a god's rejected creation would remedy your sorrows with sweet words.
Just a week ago you recalled the spent evenings lazing in the garden just behind your manor. The sun fell over the horizon as you lay on his lap, quietly observing the fall of stars across the veil of blue.
...
"If you're tired, rest," Scaramouche said to you, the sharpness of his tone had mellowed over time. His hand rested on your forehead, brushing aside the stray hairs that fell over your face. His touch was gentle, and the subtle warmth of his body was oddly comforting for you.
"I'm not tired." You replied stubbornly. Your eyes remained closed, though you sneaked a quick look to see Scaramouche's expression - concern etched across his features as the flat of his thumb brushed against the underside of your eyes.
"Your dark circles are visible, don't be ridiculous." He scolded, but there was none of the stinging insults you had once endured before. You opened your eyes, mouth agape with a sort of shock at his brutal honesty.
"People generally don't appreciate their partner calling them out like this." You remarked, feeling his hand gently cup the side of your face as Scaramouche turned your head towards him. His eyes met yours before he scoffed incredulously. "I could care less of what other people think."
"Hm, good thing you're not engaged to those 'other people' then..." The corner of your lips quirked up at his words, laughing ever so softly when you noticed his ears turning pink. "Oh, are you embarrassed to be engaged to me all of a sudden?"
"..." Scaramouche let out a noise of frustration, letting go of the side of your face as he turned to his side - looking away from you. Amused by his reaction, you sat up from his lap to observe your finacé's expression - drinking in his embarrassment. It was too good to ignore.
"Did I say something wrong?" You whispered, leaning close with your hand extended towards him in an attempt to touch his face before he caught your wrist suddenly. For a moment, you worried you had gone too far — making him feel any form of discomfort by your words when he spoke up in reply.
"Embarrassing as you are at times, I could never find myself feeling such frustration towards you." He answered, holding your hand tenderly to his face. Softly, he pressed a kiss to your wrist before staring at the creases of your palm. You raised your eyes, slightly surprised by his comment before he corrected himself. "Okay, there's been a few times I have felt frustrated towards you."
A smile crossed your features at his honesty. You brought yourself closer to him, seeing the way his eyes captured the silvery starlight. "That's normal to feel while in a relationship, so I've been told by others."
Scaramouche was quiet for a few seconds before a sigh eluded his lips. He stared back at you, his fingertips tracing over your knuckles as he gently set your hand down on his lap.
"By others, huh..." He repeated softly, before lifting his chin up to stare at the night sky above. All was quiet in the gardens, far from the nosy populace of Liyue Harbor. The hanging grape vines, the blossoming white wisteria that lined and coiled the stone walls, the flicker of fireflies that danced in the dark. It was a quiet sanctuary exclusive for the two of you.
"When will you leave for Snezhnaya?" You asked, laying on his shoulder as you held his hand close, squeezing in occasional pulses to remind him of your physical presence.
Scaramouche let out an exasperated sigh, using his free hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "At dawn, tomorrow. There are matters of work I must attend to before our wedding."
His words sparked a flicker of excitement in you at the mention of your upcoming wedding. A smile crossed your lips as you leaned up against him - inhaling the sweet scent of summer flowers.
"Are you excited?" You asked, feeling a sense of childish giddiness rise in your chest. A small smile tugged at the corners of your lips as you watched the microexpressions of his face in an attempt to read what he had in mind.
Scaramouche looked off to the side dismissively, waving his hand as he sighed softly. "I still don't quite understand the whole of the ceremony but if you're so content with the idea, I suppose I am 'excited' as well."
You moved to grab his hand, squeezing it tight as you sat smiling at him like a gleeful idiot. Scaramouche glanced out of the corner of his eye, noticing your softened reaction to his words before he turned his head aside - hiding the red slowly creeping across his face. "Stop smiling like that. You look ridiculous."
"Mm, but I'm smiling at you. A person should smile at their future spouse, should they not?" Your answer only furthered his embarrassment as he scooted away from you - though not letting go of your hand.
"You look like an idiot grinning so widely." He remarked sharply, his ears growing pink by the second. You couldn't help but laugh at his response - joining his side once more as you leaned your head against his shoulder.
"Perhaps... But it's because a certain someone brings me so much joy. I cannot help myself."
He fell quiet once more, as if carefully thinking over your words. You turned your head ever so slightly to look at him, your free hand reaching to brush your knuckles against his warm cheek. "I wish to be honest with you."
You hoped your words would resonate with him, searching his face for a reaction before Scaramouche dismissively brushed your hand aside though still addressing you by name in a quiet but serious tone. "That is enough for me."
Scaramouche showed his tenderness in small, attentive gestures. At times, you did feel some form of frustration at his veiled honesty as though he often allowed for your signs of affection - he returned them in smaller portions. He never so much as asked for more, least of all verbalize what it was he sought from you - leaving you to guess what it is he wished for but suppose that was part of the learning curve to trust another.
And for him, you would take time to learn.
"I will miss you." You whispered after some time, finally seeing his tense shoulders relax following the exchange. You took the opportunity as a means to allow some of your feelings known. "It's not home without you here."
From your perspective, the smallest crack of a smile graced his features. He whispered in soft reassurance of his swift return. "It won't be long until I'm back."
He turned to you, brushing the hair from your forehead as he leaned in close - his lips touching your hairline as you inhaled softly. You felt him squeeze your hand in return, two pulses that assured you of his promise. You closed your eyes, allowing darkness to fall over your vision as he held you close.
"Then I shall wait for your return."
...
As you turned to return back to your manor, you saw a movement shift in the shadows not far from the high walls leading up to Feiyun Slope. You paused, standing still to observe the surroundings when you heard someone call out to you from behind.
"Director."
You straightened your back, adjusting your posture like it was a Pavlovian reaction to hearing your title. A smile forced its way to your lips as you turned on your heel, glancing to see a young man with dark hair smiling back at you. There was a softness to his features, sunset caught in his amber eyes. Yet there was something uncanny about him, something that your instincts screamed at you to flee from. But you stood there rigidly, knowing that if your instincts had been wrong - it would've been unsightly for you to simply run away.
"How can I help you?" The forced smile kept your friendly tone steady. Your eyes wandered over his features; trying to recall where you had seen him before. The familiarity of his dark clothes made you slightly weary, that nagging sense of caution in your head told you to step back just enough to create distance between the two of you.
The stranger maintained his unnatural grin, he stepped closer to you with his arms extended. "Ah, I merely wish to bask in your lovely presence. 'Teyvat's Beloved'... It does suit you."
Your breathing deepened as you took a small step away from him. A pooling sense of danger made your stomach churn uncomfortably. The familiarity of the salt sea winds felt sticky against your skin as sweat gathered in the palm of your hand - whether that be from the heat or from that growing anxiety in your chest.
"Thank you, kind stranger. I'm afraid this meeting between us will have to be cut short, I have much to attend to." You tried to side-step him, hoping he wouldn't persist however he mimicked your action, following you. The soft rattling of a chain caught your attention as you glanced down to see something hidden underneath his cloak. The weight of his body shifted, and your eyes flickered back up to meet his eyes - sensing that whatever he had hidden - it wasn't for your public viewing.
"Oh, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... To get to speak to you again truly is an honor." He lurched forward, his fingers tightening around the fabric of your sleeve. You faltered in your steps as a growing sense of dread seized your thoughts. The acrid odor of something burning filled your nose as you kept your gaze on the stranger, his grip on your clothes was a warning.
You breathed softly, swallowing the nervousness in your throat as you replied to him. "How may I help you then, stranger?"
He grinned wildly in return, seemingly pleased with your response as he tugged harshly on your burnt sleeve - taking pleasure in your discomfort. "I would like for you to show me your home."
You paused at his request, recognizing the danger behind it. But at the moment, you were entirely alone. Wenling was absent, Scaramouche in Snezhnaya, and your other staff are all too far from the abandoned wharf where twilight began to claim the sky. It wouldn't be long until it was completely dark out. In the cover of night, any crimes would be swallowed in the shadows.
"A bold request from a stranger." You returned his grin with a strained smile of your own. Taking a slow step to the side, he followed you but did not harm you. Effectively, you were powerless. You had no choice but to follow his directives.
"Mm, but you won't say 'no', will you?" The feel of cool metal touched your wrists, a quiet clicking signified your capture. A violent tug pulled you towards him, your breath eluding you as he met your gaze. The terrifying realization froze you. Your body goes rigid as the familiarity of his features finally settles in. Soft winds brushed over his hood, the fabric falling in a quiet rustle - unease settled hard in your stomach.
"You're the one... back in that cell... and Yuehai Pavillion..." A flood of memories filled you with anxiety; the painful burns on your arms, the heavy aching of your bones, the helplessness of your capture as you prayed for safety in the cold, underground room. Far from the world, far from the reaches of the sun - you would've died alone, or tortured until you gave in had it not been Scaramouche found and rescued you.
"Indeed. How astute of you, Director." He laughed mockingly. "Now, shall we return home?"
Home.
The stranger's gaze grew unfocused as he stared at your family estate, a treasure you inherited with the rest of your status. Decorated with memories, the flowing tapestries of woven talent symbolized everything he despised so deeply - of what your adoptive father had done to secure wealth — the abandonment of the women who loved him; your mother and his.
That golden palace high above the rest of the Harbor, overlooking the sea, was no longer the sanctuary it once was. Step by step, you could feel his lingering gaze follow you as you slowly guided him towards the manor. Your home became a prison as you brushed aside your attendants who looked on worriedly when you ordered everyone to clear out before entering. It was far too dangerous to implicate your staff in the threat of death. This was a hostage situation, and you poor unfortunate soul had a savior complex.
"What a beautiful home you have," he remarked, walking through the emptied foyer. You offered him no further words as you slowly made your way to your office; in the farthest wing of the manor where the stranger quickly locked the door behind himself - turning to you as he gestured freely for you to move.
"Ah, how wonderful it is... The despair on your face..." The stranger laughed, musing at the terror in your expression before his smile grew into a look of disdain. His words turned hateful, a clear loathing in his voice. "The pitiful creature is followed by tragedy, why is it that you deserve affection? Why is it that you deserve the love of the people? What have you done to earn such things?"
Fear subsided as you stared at him with a look of pity in your eyes, recognizing what it was in his voice that made him waver. It came as a rush of clarity as you began to realize what it is he's after, why this stranger treated you with greater contempt. Of his true nature and identity that made his disdain all the more clear.
"You're jealous of me, aren't you?"
And you couldn't help but feel pity for him.
A child unloved by all, you once knew what that felt like.
The stranger looked at you with a look of surprise, followed by his usual disgust. He sneered at you, pointing at you accusingly as he closed the distance; raising his hand before a stinging pain in your cheek silenced your pity. You breathed sharply before his voice boomed as he grabbed your shoulders, glaring daggers at you.
"Jealous? Perhaps. You sicken me with your facade... Why should an orphan like you deserve to be loved over kindred? You have nothing but your name, of which you did not earn and yet you..."
His fingers burned marks into your clothes as the scent of smoldering fabric filled your nose. You tried to force your weight against him, hoping to break from his grasp yet your efforts proved worthless. Blackened marks marred your skin as he burned you. The flash of red in his eyes silenced your dying words when he grabbed you roughly by the arm and tossed you onto the ground. The wooden figurine you had purchased just a few hours ago came tumbling out of your pockets, fallen to the ground and crushed beneath the heel of the stranger.
You hissed in pain as your shoulder hit the side of your office's armchair; a soreness built in your shoulders as you tried to stand. Only to freeze under the threat of a cool metal to your head - you inhaled sharply as you glanced up at him, just enough to see the barrel of a gun pointed at your forehead. Your body went cold at the sight, slowly raising your arms up.
"One false move, and your blood will be split on these grounds."
—
END OF CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
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author's note.
happy third anniversary to this book woohoo!
firstly, i am so sorry this chapter took so long to complete. and for the fact that it is barely 4k words — i had all the intentions to write as much as possible for this chapter but the fact of the matter is, i started this chapter august of last year during midst i was working as an intern overseas
(if things feel a bit awkward and transitions between moments feel odd - it's partly due to the fact that i had revised this chapter nearly five times prior to this final version.)
also, life things got hectic soon afterwards with my third year of uni and me picking up a second major :')
ya girl is learning how to read attic greek now (yay?)
secondly, thank you for the patience. i have already stated before that i had lost interest in genshin as a whole (if you couldn't tell by my lack of new updates) and so i found it difficult to write for - even with a fic like this where there is plenty of original elements contained within. i cannot thank you enough for supporting and reading my work. it means the world to me, truly.
thirdly, i have every intention of finishing this book this year. i have already plotted the last few chapters (at most, three or four more) and if all is well — ttloe will come to an end by this year. i will do my best to write as consistently as possible.
finally — again, happy three years to this book. it's truly insane to think that it has already been three years (and somehow i still haven't finished it—) but really, i could never have invested so much time and love into a story without your support.
as always; im far more active over at twitter (huawyn) where you can follow me and my shenanigans xo & if you're into ship fics + whatever the hell im cooking up — feel free to check my ao3 for updates there too
* for an actual a/n — did you know that the scara & y/n convo was partly inspired by my own one shot of them? if not, i have posted it on ao3 & will import that work and any other ttloe related one shots AFTER i have finished the story here.)
* also also note — if you found any weird typos; i very quickly edited this just prior to posting to ensure that i got this shit out on the anniversary date. you're welcome (and i will fix any typos / errors in the future)
thank you for reading as always friends. i promise not to disappear for a year.