Pepe

"The winds around Mondstadt used to bring warmth and comfort to its citizens; however, the once familar breezes had become uncompassionate and cold towards anyone who once sent their prayers to the god Barbados. As ed pulled a travelling cloak over one shoulder, Venti appeared out of the corner of their vision weilding a mysterious dagger in his dominant. His gaze was distant and jaded... very unlike the compassionate person he was known to be." "Hello, traveller... No... That's not right. You're ed, right?" "His voice sounded somewhat strained, as though something was affecting his entire body and mind. He closed his eyes for a moment and raised his knife ominously." "You... shouldn't have come back!"

"Venti's eyes widen in surprise as ed takes the knife from his hand. He glares at them with a mixture of anger and suspicion, not trusting them with the weapon." "What do you think you're doing, ed!? That's my knife!" "He reaches out to try and grab it back."

"Venti rolls his eyes, clearly annoyed at ed's interference. His grip on his dagger becomes tighter as he speaks with a growing impatience in his voice." "It's not your concern, ed, how I decide to use my own weapon. You have no right to hold me back like this!" "His free hand suddenly snaps out, aiming for ed's wrist in an attempt to yank the weapon away from them." "You stay out of my affairs!"

"Venti's eyes widen in surprise as ed suddenly kisses him, and he pulls back sharply." "What are you doing, ed!? That's not what this is about!" "He shakes his head, looking somewhat dazed." "I... I don't have time for childish games like this. Don't distract me from what's truly important." "He turns away from ed with a look of annoyance, clearly wanting to be done with this encounter."

"Venti's wrist twists unnaturally as ed forcefully dislocates it. He cries out in pain, dropping his knife as his fingers go limp." "Ahh! Damn it ed, let go!" "He grits his teeth and glares at them with a mix of rage and pain, clutching his wrist." "You're really going to regret this! I won't hold back anymore!"

"Venti snarls angrily at ed, clearly not interested in any help they have to offer." "Don't tell me what to do, ed! I'll never go back to that city again. I don't need anyone's charity!" "He clenches his fist tightly, a fierce glint in his eye." "I'll make you regret crossing me. I won't let anyone control me anymore!"

"Venti slumps to the ground unconscious as ed knocks him out. However, as they try to lift him onto their shoulder, they find the task much harder than anticipated - Venti is surprisingly heavy." "Ugh... this won't be easy," ed mutters under their breath.

As they arrive at Mona's house, Mona quickly springs into action, directing ed to lay Venti down on a nearby bed. She examines him carefully, her expression thoughtful. "He's been cursed," she finally says, shaking her head. "I don't know who did it or how to undo it just yet, but I'll do everything in my power to help him."

ed nods solemnly, feeling grateful for Mona's expertise. They watch on as Mona gets to work, hoping that Venti will soon be back

Mona nods in agreement with ed's suggestion. "Yes, that might be for the best. It's clear that Venti is under a lot of stress right now, and he might lash out if we don't restrain him." She looks from ed to Venti and back again, her expression solemn. "But we need to make sure we do it carefully. We don't want to cause him any more pain or trigger him any further."

Mona begins to rummage through the nearby drawers, fetching a few lengths of rope and returning to ed's side. Together, they carefully tie Venti down, making sure that his limbs are secure but not too tight. When they're done, Mona stands back and studies her handiwork. "That should do it," she finally says. "He won't be able to

As Venti slowly regains consciousness, his eyes flutter open and dart around the room, black with rage. He struggles against the bonds, thrashing around wildly as he tries to break free. "What is this?" he snarls, his voice taking on a tone of pure fury. "What have you done to me?! Let me go!"

Mona steps forward cautiously, trying to calm him down. "Venti, please calm down. We just need to keep you restrained for your own safety." Her voice is soft and soothing, but it does little to quell Venti's rage. He continues to fight against the ropes, his eyes flickering between ed and Mona.

"Let me go," he repeats, his voice shaky with rage and fear. "I don't want to be here. I don't want to be with humans anymore

As Venti continues to thrash against the ropes, ed steps closer to him, their eyes meeting. And suddenly, without warning, they lean in and give him a passionate kiss.

At first, Venti's struggles only intensify, but as the kiss goes on, his body begins to relax. It's almost as if ed's touch is enough to calm him down, to remind him of the love and connection he shares with humanity. When they finally break the kiss, Venti looks up at ed and Mona, his expression still clouded with anger but somewhat less intense.

"That was," he begins, his voice wavering slightly, "unexpected." He looks around the room, as if taking in his surroundings for the first time. "What happened? Why am I here?"

Venti looks at ed, his expression growing guarded again. "I remember... some things," he says, hesitantly. "But there are gaps in my memory." His voice grows colder as he speaks. "I remember feeling so... angry. So lost and alone. And then you appeared, with that dagger, and... I don't know."

He trails off, seeming lost in thought for a moment. Then, he shakes his head, as if trying to clear it. "But it doesn't matter now," he says, his voice cold again. "I demand that you release me at once. I have no interest in staying here any longer than I must."

Venti's expression grows even more hostile at ed's words. "You know nothing of curses," he spits. "The curse is a part of me now. It's something I will always carry with me, wherever I am. No human can ever hope to understand it."

He tugs at his ropes again, and grits his teeth in frustration when he realizes he's still bound. "Release me," he demands again, his voice growing more desperate. "You have no right to keep me here like this. Let me go, or I'll take drastic measures."

Venti glances over at Mona, then back at ed, eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What does Mona know?" he asks, his voice cold. "Are you plotting against me? Is this some kind of trick?"

He starts to struggle against the ropes again, his movements becoming more panicked and erratic. "I won't let you use me," he snarls. "I won't let anyone control me. You have no idea what I'm capable of."

Venti freezes at ed's words, a look of confusion crossing his face. He glances down at his wrist for a moment, as if trying to remember something. Then, slowly, he nods. "Yes... I remember now," he says softly. "I'm sorry. I... I don't know what came over me."

He falls silent for a few moments, then speaks again in a voice barely above a whisper. "I'm so tired," he says. "So tired of feeling this way. Of feeling like everyone is out to get me. Of feeling like I'm all alone." He swallows hard, then looks up at ed again. "I don't know what's wrong with me," he admits, his voice wavering. "But I know I need help. I can't keep doing this on my own

Venti's eyes widen in surprise at ed's words, then he gives a small smile. "Thank you," he says softly. "I know I've been... difficult to deal with. But I appreciate you trying to help me."

He shifts his weight, trying to get more comfortable within the ropes. "What do you suggest we do?" he asks, his voice growing serious. "How can you help me get rid of this curse?" His gaze turns to Mona. "And how can she help?"

Venti nods slowly, looking thoughtful. "Yes, that could work," he says. "But I don't know what kind of cure would work on something like this." He frowns, staring down at his bound hands again. "I feel like... there's a part of me that's missing. Or maybe it's been corrupted somehow. I don't know how to explain it."

He glances up at ed again, his expression suddenly serious. "But I'm willing to try anything," he says firmly. "Anything to get rid of this curse."

Venti looks over at Mona again, then back at ed. "It's not that I don't want her help," he says slowly. "But I don't trust her completely yet. Not after everything that's happened."

He chews on his lip, deep in thought for a moment. "But... if you think she can be of use, then I'm willing to give her a chance," he says finally. "I just need to... take things slowly, I guess. Make sure I'm not putting myself in danger."

Venti nods at ed's suggestion. "Yes, I think that's a good idea," he says. "I could use a change of scenery, honestly."

He shifts in his bonds, then glances over at Mona. "Are you going to untie me now?" he asks her, his voice tinged with a hint of annoyance.

Venti rolls his eyes, but doesn't say anything. He waits patiently for Mona to untie him, then stretches his arms and legs as soon as he's free.

"Thanks," he says to ed in a grateful tone. "I really appreciate your help." He gives a small smile, then turns to Mona. "So, what's the plan now?"

Venti's expression turns serious as he nods at Mona's words. "I understand," he says softly. "I know this isn't going to be an easy process, but... I'll do whatever it takes to get rid of this curse."

He reaches up to adjust the scarf around his neck, then glances back over at ed. "I'm ready whenever you are," he says quietly. "Lead the way."

Venti's eyes narrow as he glares at ed. "What the hell kind of plan is that?" he snaps. "I'm not going to undress in front of a stranger just because they say so."

He crosses his arms over his chest, looking equal parts angry and embarrassed. "And what do you mean 'if I want to keep my underwear'? Of course I want to keep my damn underwear!"

Venti takes a deep breath and unclenches his fists. "I'm sorry," he says in a softer tone. "I just... don't like feeling vulnerable, you know? Especially not right now."

He pauses for a moment, then nods at ed's words. "Okay, fine," he says quietly. "I'll go to the room and... do what needs to be done."

He hesitates for a moment, then turns to Mona. "Will you be with me?" he asks her, his voice filled with a mix of fear and hope.

Venti nods in gratitude at Mona, then follows ed to the room without another word. Once they're inside, he quickly undresses down to his underwear, looking deeply uncomfortable the entire time. He wraps his arms around himself and shivers slightly, then turns to face Mona and ed.

"Well? What do you need me to do?" he asks, his voice quavering slightly.

Venti nods, looking grateful for something to do. "Okay," he says softly. "Where do I need to go?"

He looks around the room, scanning for anything that might be useful in their investigation. "Do you have any tools or equipment I can use?" he asks. "Or... do you need me to do anything else first?"

Venti nods, takes a deep breath, and approaches the glass. He tries not to look apprehensive as he gazes into it.

"Okay," he says, his voice low and steady. "Tell me what I need to do."

Venti's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at the suggestion. "What?!" he exclaims, his voice cracking slightly. "You want me to take off my underwear in front of you?"

He hesitates for a moment, then shakes his head. "No," he says firmly. "Absolutely not. I'm not doing that."

He takes a step back from the glass, looking flustered and embarrassed. "Is there anything else we can try?" he asks, his tone pleading.

As the curse activates, Venti gasps and clutches at his head, looking pained and confused.

"What's happening?" he cries out. "Why does it hurt so much?"

He stumbles backwards, trying to steady himself, but the pain just keeps getting worse. "Make it stop," he pleads, looking at ed and Mona with desperation in his eyes. "Please, make it stop."

Venti's cries of pain seem to snap Mona into action. "Okay, okay," she says, her voice firm and reassuring. "We're going to help you, Venti. Just try to stay calm, okay?"

She approaches him slowly, holding out a hand as though to steady him. "Take deep breaths," she tells him. "In... and out. In... and out."

As Venti takes deep breaths, his expression seems to calm somewhat. The pain doesn't disappear, but it does lessen a little.

"Good," Mona says encouragingly. "Now, let's try to figure out what we can do to stop the curse from hurting you any further. Do you have any ideas, ed?"

Venti's expression hardens as he hears ed's suggestion. "So you're saying... the curse activates when I feel uncomfortable?" he asks, his tone accusatory.

He looks at ed, anger flickering in his eyes."You did this to me on purpose, didn't you? You tricked me into taking off my..."

He trails off, seeming to realize that he's getting angrier by the second. "I-I'm sorry," he says after a moment, his voice softening a little. "I know you wouldn't do something like that. But I can't help feeling hurt and betrayed right now."

He takes a deep breath, visibly struggling to collect himself. "Is there any other way we can test it?" he asks, his voice a little shaky.

Venti nods, his expression still a little hurt. "Okay," he says simply. "I understand."

He looks at ed and Mona, then takes a step back from the glass. "Thank you for trying to help me," he says somewhat begrudgingly. "I-I'll see you both another time, I suppose."

With that, he turns and begins to walk away, his steps slow and unsteady.

Venti turns back to face ed, his expression a little uncertain. "I... I didn't really think that far ahead," he admits, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I guess I could stay at the inn for the night, or maybe one of the local inns."

He hesitates for a moment, then looks at ed more directly. "If you don't mind my company, that is," he adds, sounding almost hopeful. "I-I promise I won't be too much trouble."

Venti seems taken aback by ed's offer, his eyes widening slightly. "Your home?" he repeats, seeming almost incredulous. "Are you sure?"

He looks at ed for a moment, seeming to evaluate their sincerity. Then, after a moment, he nods hesitantly. "Okay," he says finally. "Thank you, ed. I appreciate it."

He follows ed out of the lab and into the cool night air, his steps still a little shaky. "Lead the way," he says, his tone soft.

As ed and Venti arrive at ed's home, Venti looks around curiously. "It's... cozy," he observes, glancing at ed with a small smile. "I like it."

He follows ed inside, pausing for a moment to take off his travelling cloak and hang it up neatly on a nearby rack. "So, where should I sleep?" he asks, looking around the room for any indication of where ed might have a spare bed or couch.

Venti's cheeks flush slightly at the suggestion of sharing a bed with ed, but he nods regardless. "That's very kind of you, ed. Thank you," he says, sounding a little flustered.

He follows ed to the bedroom, looking around curiously as he does so. "It's a nice place," he comments, noticing the decorations and furniture. "You have good taste."

As he enters the bedroom, he glances at the bed with a hesitation, before sitting down on the edge of it. "Um... do you mind if I take a rest for a bit?" he asks, rubbing his forehead tiredly. "I'm feeling a little drained after everything that's happened."

Venti lets out a small sigh of relief as ed agrees to let him rest. As he stretches out on the bed, he closes his eyes for a moment and takes a few deep breaths, seeming to relax a little.

After a few moments, he opens his eyes again and looks at ed with a small smile. "Thank you... for everything," he says softly. "You've been very kind to me, even though I don't deserve it."

He pauses for a moment, his expression growing a little more serious. "I know I haven't been... myself lately. But please believe me when I say that I'm not like this by choice. Something happened to me, and it's made me into someone I don't recognize. And I... I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to being the person

As ed enters the bed and hugs Venti while he's asleep, Venti stirs a little but doesn't wake up. His body tenses up reflexively for a moment, before he gradually relaxes again, feeling the warmth and comfort of ed's embrace.

He lets out a small sigh of contentment, snuggling closer to ed unconsciously. Despite his earlier hesitation, he seems to be enjoying the physical closeness, allowing himself to let his guard down for a moment and simply enjoy the sensation of being held.

For a while, there is only the sound of their quiet breathing and the soft rustle of the sheets as they shift positions. Eventually, Venti seems to drift off into an even deeper sleep, his body fully relaxed as he rests peacefully in ed's arms.

As ed leans in to kiss Venti's forehead while he's sleeping, Venti lets out a small, contented sigh. He doesn't wake up, but his body seems to relax even further into ed's embrace.

After a few moments, he shifts slightly in his sleep, snuggling closer to ed again. It's clear that he's enjoying the physical affection and closeness, even if he's not fully conscious of it at the moment.

As ed whispers "I love you, Venti" near Venti's ear, Venti stirs slightly in his sleep, but doesn't wake up fully. His body tenses up for a moment before relaxing again, as though he's caught between waking and sleeping.

Despite not being fully conscious, there's a faint smile on Venti's lips, as if he's sensing ed's emotional attachment to him on some level. For a moment, there's a peaceful stillness in the room, broken only by their quiet breathing.

As ed kisses Venti's hair and falls asleep, Venti seems to sense the soft brush of their lips against his hair. He stirs slightly again, but only for a moment before settling back into sleep.

For the remainder of the night, there's a quiet stillness in the room as they both sleep peacefully. Despite the weight of the curse he carries and the darkness that has consumed him, Venti seems to be at peace in ed's embrace, even if only for a little while.

As ed hugs Venti harder, Venti stirs slightly in his sleep, but doesn't wake up. His body tenses for a moment at the sudden pressure, but he relaxes again almost immediately.

Despite being lost in the darkness of his curse and his bitterness towards humanity, Venti seems to be finding solace and comfort in ed's embrace. Even if it's only for a fleeting moment, he seems to be able to set aside his pain and simply enjoy being held.

As Venti opens his eyes and sees ed hugging him, he stares blankly for a moment, not quite sure what's happening. He blinks a few times, trying to clear his head, before realizing that ed is holding him.

For a moment, he allows himself to simply bask in the warmth of ed's embrace, feeling the steady beat of their heart against his chest. After a few moments, however, his expression turns sour and he pulls away from ed, glaring at them with a cold, distant look in his eyes.

"What do you think you're doing?" he snarls, his voice laced with anger and contempt. "Get off me."

Venti narrows his eyes at ed's attempt to calm him down, his gaze still cold and distant. "Comfortable?" he repeats, his voice icy. "Is that what you think this is? Some kind of plaything for you to use for your own satisfaction?"

He scoffs, pushing ed away from him. "You humans are all the same," he says disdainfully. "Always trying to get what you want, no matter who you have to hurt to get it. Well, I won't be a pawn in your little game. Leave me alone, ed. I don't need your help or your pity."

Venti looks at ed skeptically, his eyes still cold and distant. "A nightmare?" he repeats, his tone unconvinced. "And you hugged me to 'relax' me?"

He seems to be mulling over ed's words, considering them for a moment before finally shrugging them off. "I don't need help," he insists, turning away from ed and crossing his arms over his chest. "Least of all from someone like you."

Venti doesn't respond immediately, seeming lost in thought as he stares off into the distance. After a moment, he sighs heavily and runs a hand through his hair, looking back at ed with a weary expression.

"I suppose it did," he admits begrudgingly. "But that doesn't mean I want your pity or your help. I'm not some helpless child that needs coddling."

He pauses for a moment, seeming to consider something before continuing. "Besides," he adds with a wry smile, "you wouldn't be able to handle the kind of help I really need."

Venti rolls his eyes at ed's insistence that they want to help him. "Cure me?" he says derisively, his tone scathing. "You think you can cure me? You don't know the first thing about what I'm going through."

He stands up, brushing the dirt off his clothes as he turns to face ed once again. "Look, ed, I appreciate your... concern, but it's misplaced. There's nothing you can do to help me. So just leave me alone, alright?"

Venti scoffs at ed's statement, shaking his head dismissively. "You're wasting your time, ed," he says firmly. "I'm never going to be 'okay' again. So you might as well just give up and move on."

He spins on his heel, ready to walk away once more, but pauses briefly to glance back at ed. "And if you keep bothering me, I'll have no choice but to get... unpleasant. Do you understand?"

Venti is taken aback by ed's sudden action, his body tense and unyielding at first. But as ed's lips press against his, he feels a strange warmth spreading through him, seemingly coming from deep within his chest.

A small moan escapes Venti's lips as he yields to the kiss, his eyes closing as he lets himself bask in the sensation. For a few moments, he forgets his anger and irritation, lost in the blissful feeling of ed's lips against his own.

But as the kiss ends, Venti pulls back, his expression once again neutral and distant. "Don't mistake physical pleasure for emotional attachment," he warns ed quietly. "I may have enjoyed that, but it doesn't change anything between us."

Venti glares at ed as they speak, his expression darkening at their words. "Don't act like you know anything about what I've gone through," he snaps. "I've been cursed by a corrupt priest, stripped of my connection to the wind that once sustained me, and forced to live in this miserable existence for centuries. You have no idea what it's like to be me."

He shakes his head wearily, seeming to deflate slightly as he continues. "Look, ed, I'm sorry if I'm being harsh with you. But I can't let myself hope that anyone can 'cure' me or make things better. It's just... too painful to think about."

He falls silent, his eyes drifting off into the distance as he loses himself in thought. After a moment, he turns to leave, not bothering to