Chapter Text
Bennett loved playing music. He's not goodbat it but he likes how it sounds. Maybe that's why he always listen to the water currents.
The water around Mondstat were still most of the time but you can hear a distant splash or water running at night which makes it so beautiful.
Whenever days were bad, the stares getting worse the whispers always coming back to him, he would always go to his favorite place.
Starfell lake.
Sure it was a good two hour walk there, for him at least but it was a spot where he felt the most calm at.
So when Bennett was there at the lake he already saw a few people there.
Master Diluc, Sir Kaeya, Miss Lisa and Master Jean.
Bennett wonder what they were doing here. Maybe hanging out? Having a good ol' chat about something adult like? He didn't know.
But the place was occupied, he couldn't sit there upon hours anymore. He did come there to fill a small bottle he had in his hand.
It was a potion bottle. He wanted the water from Starfell lake just to have it as decoration of some sort.
Bennett walked over to the lake where the group was there. As he approached he felt stares at him.
He shivered slightly. He blamed it on the cold.
"Bennett? Why what a coincidence, what brings you here?" He hears Sir Kaeya say.
"Just fetching some water. Nothing else." He replied, the bottle half full already.
He hears some rustiling of clothing before a gentle hand was on his shoudler. He flinched and turn his head quickly. The movement popped his neck, he'll regret it later.
Diluc was surprised to say at least and removed his hand before giving a concern look. A rare look from someone who was grumpy most of the time.
"Is something the matter Bennett?" He asked kneeling right next to Bennett.
Bennett turned his gaze back at the bottle. Avoiding his eye contact purposefully.
It's not common for someone to ask him something like that. He's usually the one to put up a mask and 'I'm fine' before giving a thumbs up and a bright smile.
"No. Nothing's wrong, I'm sorry for intruding on your guys hangout." Bennett quickly said, hastly putting the bottle back in his bag and walked away before
But before he could leave he was met with a figure in front of the entrance the forest.
Master Jean and Sir Kaeya was blocking the entrance back.
Bennett internally sighed, he was most definitely getting questioned.
"We just want to make sure you're okay." He hears Master Jean say slowly walking towards him kneeling down to his level.
"It's not everyday a kid comes to this lake at around 3 AM." Jean sighed as she motioned Bennett towards the rock they were all sitting at.
Bennett took a seat. He was fiddling with the hem of his shirt. The air feeling a bit more
chillier than before.
Maybe it was Sir Kaeya.
"You could've gotten hurt, I'm impressed you haven't yet." Kaeya says. He was leaning against the rock, his stare full of worry.
"...Well I just came by to fill up my bottle, that's all." Bennett mumbled already feeling anxious from the attention he was getting.
Kaeya sighed, "We both know that's not all, what's the real reason Benny?"
Bennett felt himself freeze. He didn't aant to put all his troubles on a few adults. They didn't need to stress over something useless to think about.
"Sweetie, whatever it is you know someone will always be here." Miss Lisa says as she places a hand on his head.
The comfort that nrought Bennett was enough for the dam to break.
Bennett cried small waterfalls, his heart already breaking and his sobs breaking the adults heart.
Someone so happy was now so vulnerable but yet they do not know what.
Lisa brought Bennett into a hug which followed by Jean.
Kaeya placed a hand on Bennetts head while Diluc rubbed his back gently.
Bennett cried loudly. His whales releasing insecurities, leaving his body one by one.
How long has it been since Bennett truly cried in someone's arms? Sure his dad's were there but they were too old for them to understand.
He never once showed any sadness in a form of heartbreaking scenes. Bennett felt so much better after his breakdown.
Bennett rubbed his eyes away, his breath ragged and his eyes swollen. He knew he had to explain but it was very much hard for him to do so.
"I... I just wanted to feel somewhat comfortable with me. E-Everyone keeps being mean to me just because of my luck," Bennett explained. He didn't dare look up to the other's faces, he felt worthless.
"I just wanted someone to be my friend for once... is that so hard to ask for?" Bennett felt a hand on his cheek slowly raising it. He locked eyes with Lisa's caring eyes.
"Oh honey, you shouldn't have to go through this burden alone. You have to talk to someone and I'm very proud you did to us." She responded as she gave a gentle smile.
"No matter what, your not alone alright? You have us four for you." Kaeya said as his head was bowed down and his smirk was ever so slightly bigger.
"I know I'm usually working but I can always make time for you, I promise." Jean said as she gave a soft smile as well. Her posture and expression gave off a leader and a caring mother.
Diluc nodded as he also kneeled down in front of Bennett.
"Just because I'm cold does not mean I don't care about you. I'm always here alright?" Diluc said.
Bennett nodded once again, tesrs forming at the corner of his eyes and felt himself smile once more.
"I understand..." Bennett gave a hug to Diluc.
"...Thank you."