Chapter Text
———————
It’s no surprise that you were a bit delusional when it came to love.. But hey, you felt special when Albedo let you hang out while he was working. A privilege only Sucrose and you had.
Albedo and you had known each other quite a while. You researched herbs and medicine, and sometimes worked with him during experiments. His smile, his personality, how caring he was. He was a great guy. Unfortunately, you were not that great. Not in his eyes. Not that he didn’t think highly of you, just that people could be so much better. That didn’t bother you too much.
The same couldn’t be said about Wanderer. He was a hopeless case when he had to face his feelings.
In denial or plain rude about it.
Enough is enough!
You think. Today was the day. You will tell him how you feel!
Time to recap on that disaster!
——————————9:20PM: Friday
“Hey, Y/N. I’m going to head out now. Please tell Sucrose to pack up once she’s gonna leave, thanks!”
Albedo says in a casual tone, waving you goodbye while holding the door open to leave.
“Oh, ok! May I walk back with you? I have some things to discuss.” You reply, a big smile on your face.
He hums and nods. “Sure. But please be hasty. I am meeting up with someone soon.”
“Great!”
You followed Albedo out the laboratory, leaving a note to remind Sucrose to pack up after she’s finished. You guys enjoy a nice silence, sometimes breaking with simple chats and small talk. You strolled through flower shops, bakeries, and more before you finally got to wherever he was going.
Albedo had made it to his destination, and you insisted on waiting with him, sort of desperately. You just wanted to take every chance you could to be around him. And he surprisingly agreed!
“Who are you waiting for anyways?” You ask, tilting your head at him.
“Ah!” He said, smiling warmly. You didn’t see him do that often. “Lumine! I’m catching up with her for dinner, since she just returned from Sumeru and Liyue.”
“…”
“That’s great.” You said, plastering a smile on while gritting your teeth.
You couldn’t hate Lumine. She’s number one, your best friend. You were the first person Amber introduced her to after all the knights. You loved her with your whole heart. And, girls got game, and is really easy to like. But you couldn’t help but feel annoyed hearing him talk so fondly about someone. Maybe today isn’t—the day.. You thought. Your train of conflict suddenly stopped when a familiar blonde popped up in your view. “Y/N! Albedo!” She shouts, a big smile on her face as she walks towards you guys.
You stand up and greet her, wrapping her in a big hug. You can always spare time to greet your best friend, even when Albedo is present. “Hey! I haven’t seen you in sooo long!” You say. “I know! I’m surprised you’re here! Albedo didn’t say you would be coming.” She says, placing a hand on her hip. “Yeah, I’m not staying, I just waited...with him.” You say, sighing a little bit. Lumine raises an eyebrow and looks at you, grinning. You look at her sheepishly, and smile a bit, looking at her. Her face screams
“Oh? You got to stay here alone with your crush!!!”
Albedo interjects and greets her. “Hey Lumine! Let’s eat dinner now. I can’t wait to catch up with you.” He says, putting on his best smile. Lumine did not apparently catch the vibe and warmly accepted. How is this girl so charming and oblivious, only time will tell. “Alright! Uh, I’ll get going now. Have fun.” You wave them goodbye with a sort of sour or bittersweet face. It’s not Lumine, it’s Albedo. She knows about this..liking you have for Albedo, but doesn’t see the affection he has for her.
With a heavy heart, you sigh and walk back to your house, giving in and sitting down on your porch.
—————————Scaramouche pov(I think?)
You sigh. After the whole Sumeru drama and fighting, you started to accompany the “Traveler”, or Lumine. It’s been really nice, and you eventually caught some feelings for her. Even after the things you did. She showed you kindness and accepted you, likewise, Nahida did too. When Lumine said she would be returning to Liyue and then Mondstadt, you followed in suit.
She headed out to get dinner with a friend, which definitely intrigued you. “Who’re you meeting?” You ask. “Albedo. You don’t know him though. He’s very trustworthy though! I’ll be fine.” Lumine says, smiling and combing her hair in the mirror.
“Tch. I never said I was worried!”
“Haha! I just know you are.” She smiles, laughing at his denial.
Your face heats up as you turn away with a mean-looking pout. Lumine pats your back and makes her departure, grabbing your hat and placing it on your head. “Go out and make a friend, won’t you? I promised Nahida I’d show you everything here! I’m heading out now.” She waved her hand and closed the door with a “click!”.
————————Reader’s Pov:
You sat on that porch for a while, sitting in silence as your thoughts stirred up. “ What does Lumine have that I don’t?! She’s just any other person but obviously the main character if this was a reverse harem. Lucky much. Her looks aren’t even all that—nevermind.” You say and sigh. You can’t say that about her, it’s not like she’s the problem. Plus she bought you those concert tickets— Maybe you’re just the problem. All the work you’ve done with Albedo and he just seemed friendly at best. Not even interested. You just let it pass by because he was a clone of sorts, or something.
Until you saw him look and act like that whenever Lumi was around. God, thinking about if they got together got you beat down tears. You just cried to yourself while holding your face with your hands.
Wanderer had been strolling about the streets, attempting to get his mind off of Albedo. “Ugh, who does that person think he is? Tch.” He scoffed, kicking stones along the side of the walkway. Hearing the silent sobs of someone near him, he walked ever so closer, spotting someone crying their heart out on a random porch. He sighs and subconsciously walks closer and sits down next to you.
You turned your head to look at the stranger seated next to you. The purple haired guy looked a bit embarrassed, but his hand was held out to you, holding a handkerchief.
You took it with a nod, and wiped away your tears. “Thanks.” You put out. Before immediately bursting into tears again. The guy seemed surprised at your outburst and sighed, patting your back.
“Rough night?”
“…Just a rea—lly crappy week.” You said between sniffles. You wiped your eyes and looked at him. Wow. He's really pretty. You thought.
“I get that.”
“It’s just that I spend so much time with this one guy hoping that he’ll like me as much as I do but once my friend comes back it’s like I barely register as present in his eyes cause he’s too busy stupidly fawning and adoring someone sooo out of his league. Like girl, She can do so much better and-“
You got shushed by him. “Ok, I get it. Please don’t start yapping.”
“Fine. What happened to you?”
“The girl I.. really really like likes someone else. I’m in the same boat as you. Lets just sink and sulk together for a little bit.”
You nod and face forward once again. Letting the silence sink in. “Y/N, you?” You say.
“Wanderer.”
You burst out laughing. “Sounds like a pet nickname from that girl. Down bad much??” You say, laughing and slurring your words.
“OH SHUT UP. This is why THAT GUY DOESN’T LIKE YOU, ANNOYING GIRL”
“I HOPE YOU DIE OF LONELINESS. IT WAS NICE TO MEET YOU, JERK!”
You say, hitting him on the head with your hand. He scoffs and chuckles.
Who knew getting so drunk and annoying a the hell out of a stranger would be this fun?