Venti had done a lot of things he wasn't proud of but this, this was a new low. He'd gotten blind drunk more times than he could count, murdered many in the Archon wars, and did things he'd never forgive himself for. But yeah, this was horrible.
Sunlight flickered through the blinds, casting long diagonal shadows across the walls. As the sun rose higher, those lines crept across the floor to the bed where Venti lay. The light fell upon the woman curled resting her head beside his and lit up her hair like gold.
Lumine…last night she was so sad. He offered to keep her company. One thing led to another and then…What had he done?
Venti studied the contours of her thighs beneath the blankets, how they wound up seamlessly to her hips. Lumine slept on her side, facing him. The blanket hung from her waist, so he could perfectly see the swell of her chest. By Celestia, she was beautiful. Venti buried his face in his hands.
This was worse than waking up with a hangover. He'd taken advantage of this sweet traveler's loneliness. More than that, he'd stolen something precious from her, and for what? A little thrill? He felt so ashamed. Lumine deserved a prince or some brave knight, a gentleman like Zhongli or a rich tycoon like Dilluc. Instead, he took her first time. Him, an alcoholic, unemployed, broke bard.
Every part of him wanted to run away. But no, he wouldn't. He owed her an apology the moment she woke up.
Lumine stirred. Her eyelids blinked open a bit. She saw him.
Here it was, he thought. She'd remember last night and realize what he'd done. Then she'd hate him. Venti swallowed, bracing himself for the worst.
"Hey," he began. "I'm sorry. What I did, it was selfish, cruel, and…"
She wasn't listening. Lazily, slowly, Lumine wrapped her arms around his neck. Venti stiffened as Lumine pulled her body into his. The traveler planted a kiss on Venti's cheek.
Lumine giggled—actually giggled! Her palm traced down his shoulder, across his pectorals, coming to rest on his hip. With a smile, she closed her eyes and kissed him again. Her hand went further down, cupping his balls.
"Venti," she cooed, never ceasing her loving ministrations. "Last night was incredible. Thank you."
Thank you?! Venti's breath caught in his throat. This was not the reaction he'd been expecting.
"Ven? What's wrong? Did you…not enjoy it?"
"No, of course I did but," his voice pitched. "I shouldn't have been the one who took your first time."
"Why not?"
"'Why not?' Because I'm a lazy alcoholic fool."
"No," she replied. "You're Barbatos, god of freedom, the greatest bard in all the world, and my dearest companion."
"But I took advantage of you," he murmured.
"No, you didn't. I chose this," she said. "I wanted you. You always go out of your way to cheer me up. Your ballads are so beautiful and I enjoy every second we spend together. It doesn't hurt that you're a handsome man. That's why I chose you, because I love you, Venti."
Venti was speechless. Love?! She couldn't mean that, could she? The more he looked into her twinkling amber eyes, the more he understood she did indeed mean it.
"Oh," he said.
Scowling, she gave his balls a somewhat harsh squeeze. "You know, normally a man says more than 'oh' when a maiden lays out her heart to him."
"Of course, forgive me," he managed a smile. "I am simply taken aback knowing the maiden before me holds me in such high regard. Afterall, the maiden is a true hero and I am but a lowly, foolish bard unworthy of her affections."
"Ah, but the maiden sees not a foolish bard," Lumine replied. "She gazes into the eyes of her love, she sees all she ever needed, all she ever wanted."
Oh wow. She was good. Venti had to admit he'd never seen anything more beautiful in all his years. He caressed her cheek, admiring the smooth feel of her skin.
"Well then," he said, "It should go without saying. I love you as well, Lumine."
"Good," she said. "Now, let's have some fun."
Lumine continued fondling him, peppering his cheek and lips with kisses. She alternated between toying with his balls and massaging his shaft. "Venti," she whispered. "Venti, you feel so good. So big and hard~"
Slowly, he allowed himself to grin. Not one to be outdone, Venti ran his thumbs across her nipples, flicking the tips. Lumine's moans were simply the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard. And he loved the sound of his name on her lips, Venti, like a joyful sigh.
Lumine rolled up, straddling his waist. Hands splayed across his chest, she stared down at him like he was the most delicious drink in the world, slowly running her tongue across her upper lip.
"I hope you're ready," she said. "~For our love song is a long one, my dear loved one/ And the conclude of our prelude hath not yet begun ~"
