@B.C.

3 months ago

[Sorry if I made any mistakes. English isn't my native language. Also, GN!Reader. ^^ It continues on, it just wouldn't fit in one comment.] It was night time. You, as the traveler's friend, also had to get in trouble when both Aether and Paimon does. That's what happens when you accompany them, just because you're friends. You three just so happen to get ambushed while sleeping. You wanted the three of you to have a picnic together and it got dark real fast. So Aether decided to sleep outside like before. The camping equipments that you brought just in case one of you three accidentally destroy the serenitea pot no matter how strong it is, you all always manages to find a way came quite in handy. But as said before, you three got ambushed while sleeping. Though, all of you decided to check every area and get rid of hilichurls. Yet why. Why were you three attacked? Aether suffered an injury on his legs, Paimon was passed out due to exhaustion, and you were left unscathed physically, but mentally, you were pretty angry at yourself for letting one or more hilichurls slip away from your sight. The Bubu Pharmacy is just right at the corner and luckily, it was open, so you decided to carry both Aether after a few struggles and Paimon on your shoulders and walk over there. And that's how you ended up in the Bubu pharmacy, tapping your foot against the floor anxiously as you bite your lower lip, and your eyes dart everywhere. Aether is getting treated and Paimon was still passed out. You decided to lay Paimon down on a seat as you pace around the room when you get anxious. A flamboyant voice spoke up from behind you, immediately catching your attention. But you couldn't move. No. You practically jumped from where you were standing, you couldn't even turn to look at the person behind you, like a deer caught in headlights. "Oh my, it seems that I surprised you. Apologies, dear traveler." You recognize that voice now. It was Baizhu, confirming it as you turn your body slightly to look at who owned the voice. And there he was. With Changseng wrapped around his neck and looking at you with her tongue darted out. His voice was a contrast to his looks. His voice being loud and fruity, while he looks like a total softie. Relief immediately flooded you as you realized it was just Baizhu. But, how was Aether? You were anxious. You don't want anything happening to traveler. You promised to protect him and yet- You couldn't. You clear your throat before speaking. "It was my bad. I was way too anxious. How is... Aether?" You ask as you fully turn to face Baizhu. Your face was full of worry as your nails dig on the sleeve of your shirt. Baizhu noticed this, saying; "How about taking a seat in my office and drinking some tea? There is no need to be on your guard. You are safe here, dear traveler." He turns and walks towards the direction of his office, you following behind him. You were still anxious, but more disappointed on yourself for letting a hilichurl slip away. If only you were more attentive. This wouldn't have happened. If only- You were snapped away from your thoughts as Baizhu asks; "Which flavor of tea do you prefer?" A delicate smile forms on his face, his gentle eyes fully focused on you. You felt that your throat was dry as you mutter out; "Oh, sorry. But I don't drink tea." It was the truth. It just wasn't your cup of tea. Ironic. But due to your, 'somewhat' strict parents, they only allowed you to drink water. Baizhu's smile fell as his face was glazed with surprise. "Pff- Really? I should've asked what you wanted to drink first then." He was chuckling at himself, flustered. He felt embarrassed for not asking your opinion on what you drink. His cheeks were tainted pink and his nails gently scratches his jaw in sheepishness. He cleared his throat, his eyes darting to your as he asked; "What would you like to drink?" You were bothered. Not because of him, but because he was standing up while you were sitting. It felt wrong, in a way. "I would like it more if you were sitting than having you worry about my preferences." You bluntly uttered out your thoughts, catching yourself when you finish your sentence. You jumped up and took a step away from your sit and offered it to Baizhu. Yes, this is his office. Yes, you were sitting in front of his desk, which had Baizhu's chair. But, you wanted to ease the situation. "I- I meant that I heard you don't have a great physical condition so I wanted you to be the one sitting except me, who isn't even- Ugh... I'm making this worse, am I..?" You gave up on fixing the situation, simply crouching down on the ground and burying your head on your knees. You hear soft footsteps come towards you then a rustle followed right after. You heard humming as a hand made it's way to your head, stroking it. "Apologies if I'm getting ahead of myself, but you look... hm..." Baizhu trails off, your head emerging from your knees as you stare at his tinted face. "Pitiful? Poor? Distressed? The last bit is true." Baizhu frowns at your comment about yourself, Changseng slithers down his arms to wrap around you. Possibly to comfort you. "You twist my words, traveler. I meant to say that you looked quite adorable, though I did not want you to feel uncomfortable with how I am being." You slightly nod your head and decided to stand up. You grab Baizhu's hand and placed it on his own lap. "You speak as if you and I weren't acquainted before." You commented, a sly smile forming on your face as you did so. "We exchanged greetings and talked a lot. Mostly about Changseng though. But I'm sure I made it known that I feel comfortable around you." Baizhu sighs, though his smile doesn't fade. "As adaptable as ever, dear. You never change, do you?" His tone was sly, matching your smile. You shake your head and said; "I do. You just don't know what," before becoming serious once again. "But, how is Aether?" Back to your reason for coming here. Baizhu hums, his eyes flickering up to meet your gaze. "He is fine. He won't be receiving scars after he heals up." You let out a sigh of relief. At least Aether won't be scarred, physically. "Thank you, Dr. Baizhu." You lean your elbow on Baizhu's desk and look at the door that leads outside the office. Baizhu followed your gaze and immediately know what you were planning. His eyes narrows as he said; "You know, the traveler is also a friend of mine and I do not wish to see him injured." His eyes glances at your face before he continues, "Your concern is common. But I seem to notice that you hold our traveler important." You look at him, away from the door and stares at his eyes. You knew what he was getting at. "I didn't think a doctor would be concerned about one of his patient's relationships." Your tone was calm, but you were beginning to feel accused. Baizhu smiles at you, muttering; "I just wish to know what your relationship with him. Maybe if you two are best friends, I could share more information regarding his condition. Or maybe, lovers even. I could share much more information, heavily detailing it." He sounded so sly. A mystery. That's what he has always been. But you know that he is a stubborn guy. He'll get what he wants, one way or another. But immortality is another question, that you know the key to. "Compared to other doctors, you sure know how to gatekeep information to the one bringing you a patient. Now tell me, Dr. Baizhu. How much for Aether's treatment?" You weren't having it. Aether is just a close friend to you. Nothing more. Baizhu laughs out loud, saying; "I wish to know your relationship with him." He really won't let this go. Why is he being so stubborn. He wasn't like this with other patients. "Five. Five million mora. Is that what you want?" You knew. You knew his ridiculous habits to those who can afford his ridiculous prices. Baizhu looks flabbergasted at your suggestion. He stood up from his seat and pins you at his desk. "No. I want you." Silence. You were waiting for him to keep talking. To continue his sentence. But nothing. An uncomfortable silence befell you both. You were processing what he said. Until it clicked. "Wait, you want me? In 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 way??" You didn't know what to say. Changseng hissed and slithers out off the room, noticing the growing tension. You shift your position under Baizhu's gaze, trying to feel comfortable as you take in the information. Baizhu smiles at you, you finally getting what he meant. "Do you get what I'm saying now? I want you. And I know, that you know, that I get what I want. One way or another. So I hope... Our dear traveler, Aether, isn't going to be an obstacle in my way." He grabbed your chin, lifting your head up to meet his gaze. "Is he an obstacle I must destroy to get to your heart?" His tone was low, his previous loud, fruity voice now sounding calm. You would've believed he was had you not see his eyes, clouded with jealousy. You stare back at him, your eyes hardening as you spoke. "I'm sure you know of how much I value Aether. Hurt him and I hurt you." If Aether wasn't a friend of yours, he'd be your brother.

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