Work Text:
Through the back streets of Mondstadt walked a young adventurer, a ripped coat wrapped over his shoulders to hide himself from anyone who might glance his way.
Bennett was tired, and he hurt.
Everything just hurt... so much.
But at the same time, Bennett felt absolutely nothing at all.
He was trying to be happy for his friends having gatherings, trying to be happy for them and their budding relationships, yet the sadness clawed at his throat, followed by bitter guilt. Quietly, he told himself it was okay if he felt down that he was left out of their meetups. That, yes, they could hang out with others without him, and it was okay for him to feel sad about it. Though, Bennett couldn't help but feel that he wasn't welcome. Especially since he had to ask if he wanted to join, and hadn't hung out with them in a while.
Tears pricked his eyes as he told himself, "It's okay if they don't love you anymore."
Everything felt hazy as he got into bed, barely having thrown off his clothes. He couldn't even remember what he'd done that day, or if he'd finished all his commissions.
Had he even eaten? Bennett had no idea.
"I could... maybe go for a walk tomorrow. Just get some fresh air, take time for me." he sniffed, wiping his eyes as he curled into himself.
"Or maybe I could just..." his voice cracked. "Disappear. Stop bothering everyone."
Bennett tried to close his eyes, but the distress and havoc his mind was putting him through kept his heart racing. His body screamed at him to get up, run, punch something, cry, anything to release the pressure that swirled in his chest and throat.
Instead, he stared at the ceiling, tears silently flowing down his face. There wasn't any fight left in him to find a release, so he just stayed put, letting his thoughts eat him alive.