Sometime in the late hours of the night, where the stars danced above the vastness of the New Mexico desert, Dell had left.
(cw: sleeping pills, depressing thoughts of death)
Most of his belongings still resided at the base, a sign that he would return eventually, but he couldn’t bring himself to stay at the base, his state of mentality eating him alive.
He needed to clear his thoughts.
So he headed to the nearest town around, a town that was once well acquainted with the mercenaries back in the Gravel Wars.
Dell slowly drove by the town’s bar, light shining from within the building as the saloon dwindled with its late night patrons. The old mercenary couldn’t help a small smile that formed on his lips as he remembered the countless times the boys had gotten kicked out for causing a ruckus each time they went.
His smile soon faded as he drove on, heart aching as he gripped the steering wheel. Those days were gone.
Dell pulled up to the town’s cheap motel, parking his truck near the front, it being one of the few cars in the parking lot. With rarely any tourism to bring people to this town, Dell considered it a miracle the motel was still open for business.
Soon enough, Dell let out a weary sigh as he opened the door to his assigned motel room on the second floor, grimacing as the stale smell of the room hit him, but he went in regardless, locking the door behind him. He tossed the dufflebag he had brought with him onto the bed and collapsed next to it, the old springs of the mattress creaking at the weight.
He shucked off his boots and tossed then haphazardly on the floor, not caring where they went as he buried his face into the blankets. The bed was dingy and the covers were scratchy, but it was still better than the recliner.
Like clockwork, Dell felt his heart rate quicken as his thoughts began gnawing at him, right on queue. The man squeezed his eyes shut, trying to shut them out, but it was as useless as covering a water leak in a rowboat with his bare hands.
The most recent events hit him first; Sylvester and that damn robotic bird. He meant no true intent to harm in what he said to the bird, just to get it to shut up, but Dell couldn’t shake the look Sylv had given him, how he had reacted.
He scared Sylvester. Sylvester was scared of him.
Tears sprung to Dell’s eyes, the guilt nearly suffocating him, feeling panic claw at his lungs as his breathing contracted.
He couldn’t have another attack now, he couldn’t-
The man sprung up and snatched his dufflebag, ripping it open and rummaging through it in a desperate manner.
It was in here somewhere, he knew he packed it-
His hand felt the familiar plastic of a bottle and pulled it out, the pills inside jostling noisily as Dell popped open the lid, shoving a tablet into his mouth. He slammed the pill bottle onto the nightstand and snagged a pillow, burrowing his head into it, desperately trying to escape his thoughts as he waited for the Triazolam to take effect.
DDON'T SSAY THHINGS LLIKE THHAT
Ah didn’t mean it-
IIF II MMAKE AANOTHER MMISTAKE, YYOU WWON'T TTAKE MME AAPART, WWILL YYOU?
No, ah would never Sylv, ah wouldn’t-
You’ve done nothing but hurt everyone since you came back. You shouldn’t have come back.
Ah jus’ wanted to set things right, ah jus’ wanted to see them again-
That Respawn would have failed if Ludwig hadn’t stepped in. Don’t you see? You aren’t meant to come back. You aren’t meant to be here.
The black tendrils of sleep started to pull Dell under as the medication took effect, but his mind made sure to punish him until the end.
It should have been you that the Respawn machine failed with instead of Jane all those years ago, Dell.
…Ah know.
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Gosh im so fuckimg nervous this is my first time doing this EVER. Im not even sure if you're accepting reqs rn but I'll risk it. Also im in love with the pAIN. It hurts so good. I keep re reading every angst/fluff u write cuz ik they're all worth it OMIGAD oki,
may i req any angst to fluff with my bby man arataki itto?ㅠㅠ I keep looking for any but to no avail then came across your acc, (been rereading ur works for months i feel like a creep holy shiieet) like idk how u do it because I dont have a specific imagine in my mind OMG TF I talk too much okay I'll go
also ily HEHEH ♡╮ ( ´ ▽ ` ) ╭♡
My Favorite Girl
Arataki Itto x Shrine Maiden!Fem!Reader
Summary: You were definitely an odd couple, but it just worked out. Despite his somewhat idiotic attitude and the fact that he doesn't have a stable income, you loved him with all your heart. Although, you can never tell if he feels the same way about you, he definitely loves you, but... will you ever mean more to him than his gang? Will he ever gleefully talk about you like he talks about his deputy? Will he ever fondly think that you are just so amazing, like how he thinks of Kuki Shinobu?
Part 2
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Despite the Arataki Gang's infamous title of being a pretty rowdy and a troublemaking group of idiots, you were quite fond of them, they're a funny group, never failing to make you laugh, they stick by each other, you have to admire that loyalty, and they make your one and oni the person that he is. You have to appreciate that.
No matter the overwhelming differences between you and Itto, it seems that fate has brought the both of you together, it really shocked many of your fellow Shrine Maidens.
You were given the title of "The Arataki Gang's Honorary Maiden", you treasured that title just as much as you did your official title at the Grand Narukami Shrine. Whenever you could, you'd do some ordinary things for the Gang, just like a normal member would, send out flyers for whatever goofy festival or play or event they may be planning on doing, providing them with food and a shelter if they ever get themselves up to some trouble again, which they frequently do, you're the one that Ushi goes to for comfort when he sometimes gets fed up by all the stupidity around him, you're even the person to find if anyone of them manage to find themselves in a cell.
"Y/N!" You hear Itto's energetic voice call for you, though it wasn't only you he managed to get the attention of. As always, he manages to get everyone's attention at the shrine whenever he visits.
As the gang approaches you, all smiles like the usual, (except when their smiles linger with the look of guilt when they need to tell you that they messed something up) you see a familiar girl with green hair walk with them.
"Check it out! An official new member of the Arataki Gang." The way Itto spoke makes it obvious that he's so proud, you understood of course, nobody really wanted to join them before because of their neverending... conflicts.
Their happy expressions were contagious, you also couldn't help but smile. "Oh, I feel like I've seen you from somewhere." You directed your words to the masked girl. She seems to turn flustered scratching the back of her head.
"Yeahhhhh... I was here the other day... with my mother..." When the girl answered, it finally clicked, the other day, a woman and her daughter were arguing there at the shrine, the mother talking about her daughter being a shrine maiden, with a stable income and a good future and all that, whilst the daughter was arguing that the job just wasn't for her.
"Ohh, yeah, I remember now!" You smiled sweetly at the girl, unknowing of the blush that she hid behind her mask when you showed such warmth towards her. "I guess you found your real passion now."
Itto crossed his arms proudly. "That's right! This is Kuki Shinobu! Our new member, just thought I should introduce you two to each other, but now that seems unnecessary." Itto looked at the green haired girl.
"Heh, good thing Shinobu didn't choose to be a boring old Shrine Maiden." Mamoru, one of the members of the gang, stated, instantly getting elbowed by Genta.
"You idiot! Do you know where we are?!"
You took no offense, even laughing at their poor attempt of covering what he said.
"Oh, no offense, Y/N." Mamoru said sheepishly, "We like you! You aren't one of those stick in the mud Shrine Maidens!" Another elbow from Genta stopped him from speaking, as you pretend to be oblivious of the dirty glares they were getting from your co-workers.
"Well, we should definitely be going now!" Itto leaned down a bit, stealing a kiss on your lips as a goodbye. "I'll see you back home." His words were gentler when his forehead is pressed against yours.
"Try not to get arrested again." You whispered back, just as gentle despite the meaning of your words. "Or else I might how to cuddle with Ushi again tonight."
"Not gonna happen." Another kiss and he was off with his gang.
...
...
...
After that... it was like you've been replaced.
Ever so slowly did it show that you were no longer needed in the group. Kuki Shinobu was one amazing addition, so much so that she became a Deputy Leader a week after her arrival.
It seems like you're gently being pushed away, it felt like now that you have a replacement, they don't want you anymore.
You no longer received news about the group, it's like you're not gonna be invited to any more card games and beetle fights and 'festivals'.
At first you understood, you were kinda always busy, you aren't always gonna be there, so it's great that the idiots have someone to have their backs and get them out of trouble when you're not around.
"Where are you going?" You were standing behind Itto, as he was about to leave through the front door. He never mentioned any affairs he had to go to that night.
Itto looked back at you and smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head and said, "I've got some things planned with the gang. Is it okay if I come home late?"
You gulped, looking down a bit. "Y-Yeah, okay, sure." His smile turned bigger, going up to you and giving you a kiss on the cheek.
"Great! Thanks!" He left eagerly, whilst you sighed and tried to endure a wave of disappointment.
You walked to the kitchen, "He forgot..." You felt a tear run down your cheek, your hand quick to wipe it away as you take the pot of Itto's favorite off the stove and transferring a portion for yourself on a plate, the rest you just plan to give away to the nice seniors living next door.
Maybe it was just you that felt off with the changes, feeling bad that you don't get to spend as much time with your beloved as much as you would want to. But then again, that could just be you being overly attached.
Maybe it was just your own insecurities speaking when you see that Itto holds so much adoration for Shinobu, adoration that he has never showed to anyone before.
Maybe it was just your own jealous thoughts taking over when Itto keeps bailing on you and your plans in favor of going with his gang.
And from feeling like you're no longer a part of the Arataki Gang, it went to feeling like you were no longer an important part of Itto's life.
"Shinobu's basically the best gal there is!" He thinks so highly of her, you can't help but let jealousy cloud your mind. You were at the same restaurant they happen to walk into just now.
You knew it was wrong, but you listen in on the group's conversation, "She just got her school certificate from that big shot school in Liyue! We gotta celebrate!" You thought that eating at the restaurant might give you some time to think and feel relaxed, but it would seem like there was just a constant feeling eating at your skin everytime you think about the ever closing relationship between Itto and Shinobu.
"Hey, how about Tuesday next week, boss? I hear that there's gonna be this massive star shower that night."
"It's called a meteor shower, you idiot!"
"Yeah, yeah, that's pretty cool! Remember that nice spot we set up our Drumalong Festival? Let's celebrate there again. I bet we get a clear shot of the beautiful sky there!" Itto suggested as you feel your heart sink a bit.
"It's not like I have anything planned, we can get started getting the things we need to celebrate now." Tears started to burn your eyes, you couldn't help but just look down at your food, feeling devastated about what you heard.
Next Tuesday is your birthday.
You thought that maybe it would be nice to go on a night picnic with him and watch the nice show in the sky, you aren't much for big celebrations with tons of people, heck, you'd rather have Itto bring his gang along, they always makes things fun and entertaining.
You had it all planned out in your head too, you thought that it would make up for all the time that you lost when he would bail on you. You already asked him to join you a few days ago, it seems that he forgot that he agreed.
But at least now, you're absolutely sure of what you are to Itto now.
...You had your great times with him.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
"You're leaving?" Itto sounded like a kicked puppy, looking at your back as you pack a portion of your clothes into a bag.
You didn't bother looking at him, continuing to pack as you answered, "Y-Yeah, I have to go to Watatsumi Island for work stuff." You noticed that your voice started trembling, so you kept your answer short.
Itto looked over your shoulder, seeing a big pile of items in your bag. "That's a lot of stuff. Are you staying there for like... a week or something?" He chuckled, though it sounded as if it was in uncertainty, he really hopes you're not gonna be gone that long.
You sniff, you feel that your eyes are a bit sore from crying yourself to sleep the past few days. You felt fatigue, hopelessness, heartbreak, all that just in the span of a few days.
"A month, actually?"
The Oni almost couldn't believe his ears. "W-What? That's so long." He tried laughing a bit to ease a bit of the shock he felt, yet his laugh only came out awkward and confused.
"It's not like you'll notice I'm gone." It was what you wanted to say, however you kept it in.
"A-Alright, when will you be leaving? I can help you haul you stuff to the boat." You zipped up your bag before finally looking back at him.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at your face, it's not the first time these past few days that he didn't notice the tired look in your eyes.
You took something out from your pocket, taking out a purple envelope, you brought Itto's attention to the object.
Today is your birthday the festival in Kuki Shinobu's honor. And today is also the day that special meteor shower will be happening.
He still hasn't realized.
"Hey, isn't that the envelope for our festival. We'll go there together tonight, right?" He smiled sweetly at you, you were gonna miss that pure smile of his.
"Actually..." You sighed, handing him the invitation. "I'm l-leaving tonight, so you don't have to come see me off at the docks." You felt your heart ache as you see his face visible fall.
"O-Ohh..." It was a rare sight, Itto was at a lost for words, and despite your frustrations, your annoyance of being pushed away and being forgotten, you stepped closer to him before leaning down and kissing his forehead. "That soon, huh?"
"...Yeah." You shoved all the negative emotions down, hoping that your long trip to Watatsumi will clear your mind and void you of all the bad feelings you've been getting.
Itto's big arms wrapped around your form, he was sat on the bed as you were standing up, he rested his head on your stomach, feeling his disappointment grow by the second.
And he doesn't know why, but... there's been a part of his subconscious eating away at him all day, like... he's missing something important.
You pull away from the embrace much to your lover's dismay. You caress his face, smiling as he leaned in to your touch. This was actually one of the few moments that you get to spend time with him that isn't just you two getting ready for bed and sleeping.
"This is possibly one of the last moments I'll have with you."
You try not to let your tears spill out, you think that when you leave, he'll finally realize that... he doesn't need you...
A litte Shrine Maiden, boring and dull, in contrast with his exciting and kind of stupid way of living. You start looking back at what people have said about you relationship.
It's just a fever dream, it won't last.
He'll probably get tired of her soon enough.
She's just getting herself into more trouble being with an Oni. Especially that idiotic one.
You've never cared for what people have said about you, but they seem to be proving true right now.
You look into his eyes, smiling before leaning down for a kiss.
"One last kiss... Before I let you go..."
The man before you felt a strange feeling as you kissed him, the kiss was so passionate, yet it seemed full of sadness.
He shook off the weird feeling.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
Itto sits at the docks of Ritou, waiting for a boat that would have the love of his life on it. There was a neatly wrapped present beside him, inside contained a beautiful jade necklace he bought with a portion of his saved up mora, along with a letter he poured all his feelings for you onto.
It has been 1 month 2 weeks and 3 days...
You were just a little bit behind on the schedule, he convinced himself. At some point, you'll be waving your hand, greeting him before you even come to the docks. He'll be coming to the docks everyday with the present until the day comes.
He's got a whole apology speech as well! If you got mad at him and chose to take the job at Watatsumi because he forgot your birthday, he has been practicing the words he wants to say to you.
He really misses you.
On your birthday, the meteor shower could apparently be seen from all over Inazuma, so chances are, you probably saw the glimmering stars as well. He just wished that he could have been with you.
Itto has been beating himself up for forgetting about your day ever since you left. He's been going to the Grand Narukami Shrine and have asked your co-workers almost single day about when you will come back and if there's any way you can come back early, they never give a preferable answer.
He understood the tired look you had now, the sadness in your eyes when he would come home late. You probably felt so alone when he's been going out so much, barely ever checking up on you, only ever being in the house to sleep and then leave immediately.
Itto held on to the precious moment you shared before you left, as he selfishly chose to go to the festival instead of bidding you goodbye, the last time he saw you was in your shared house. The sweet kiss you shared lingered in his mind, he clung onto that memory in hopes that you're not too mad at him to just up and leave and never come back.
"Woah... Didn't see you there, Beefcake." Despite trying to put some enthusiasm in his voice, the sadness the Oni felt was to obvious to mask.
Ushi slid by his side, looking at the see that his owner was previously staring at. Itto chuckled at the bull's action. "Yeah, I miss her too." He couldn't help but sigh.
The little animal reached for it's side, and it caught Itto by surprise when Ushi pulled out a single rose, before looking back to the horizon again.
"Hah, well, it looks like my competition for my Y/N's love is back huh?" He smiled. "Have you got a speech of your own ready?"
Ushi looked at his owner unimpressed, nodding before laying the rose on top of Itto's present.
Behind them, Kuki Shinobu was standing, feeling ever so empathetic for the two souls that seem to have lost their light.
The gang has been like her family, including you, even if you weren't around as often as the other members, you were the one that always made her comfortable, you were witty but also a fun person to be around with. If it weren't for you telling her that her path should be hers to choose on the day her mother forced her to go to the Grand Narukami Shrine, she would have never ended up with such amazing people.
She looked behind her, where Akira, Genta, Mamoru stood.
"Looks like we're going to Watatsumi Island."
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
There'll be a part 2, just don't know when ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I wrote this in very small increments over the course of two weeks, and the last part I literally wrote when I'm laying in bed at 3 am with 10% battery.
Anon, I hope you like it. I'm sorry if it's not Angst to Fluff yet like you asked, but it's kinda ling and I'm a bit tired. Still, thanks so much fir the request, I actually quite enjoyed thinking about this and writing this.
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