Archive of Our Own

The clinking of dishes downstairs was what Kazuha met as he made his descent down the stairs of his mothers' small house in Liyue. It was around three in the morning when he appeared in front of his mother, Beidou downstairs, who looked up at him and smiled.

"Hey, kid! You're up late. Or, early, I guess." She laughed and Kazuha gave a small, tired smile.

"I guess." He sat down at the glass kitchen table, leaning over it and studying the way his breaths fogged up the glass, then dissipated when he breathed in again. Beidou looked over at him, concern evident on her face.

"Is everything alright?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah." Kazuha responded.

"Hm.. Okay, well, you just seemed upset is all. Did something happen? Oh.. Is this about Heizou? Shit, I'm sorry, bud.. I know you were excited to see him.." Kazuha laughed softly.

"No, no, it's not about that. Seriously, I told you to stop apologizing for that. It's not your fault... I know what his work is like." Beidou smiled and sighed.

"Well, we could always go out together instead. I know it's not the same as, yknow, going out on a date with your boyfriend, but we don't get to spend a lot of time together anymore, yknow? It's not every day I even get to see your face." Kazuha was caught off guard by Beidou's hand lifting his face suddenly. He hadn't realized she'd been next to him at all.

"O-oh.. Well... Sure. I'd like that." He smiled, but Beidou could see it now that she was closer, the dark circles under his eyes, the way he always seemed so tense, now. She knew he took good care of his appearance, but she was starting to notice his hair seemed less soft, his pores seemed more noticable, it was kind of freaking her out. She gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.

"You should get to bed, kiddo, you look tired." She suggested, smiling. Kazuha looked off to the side, avoiding her eye contact.

"A-actually--"

"Don't worry," Beidou interrupted, making Kazuha look back at her. "We can talk about plans for going out tomorrow when you're less tired and can actually remember them." Kazuha blinked before nodding.

"Okay. Goodnight." He said, standing up and returning to the stairs.

"Night, Kazu!! Sleep well!!" Kazuha smiled back at his mother, who energetically waved him off to sleep.

Kazuha's room was dark besides the bright light of his phone that illuminated his face. He scrolled through Instagram until a notification popped up.

'Did you talk to her?'

Kazuha's eyes hurt from how long he stared at the text. He stared so long the Japanese on the screen started to look like the Chinese he was used to seeing, now. He shook himself out of his trance and responded.

'no not yet'

"??!?! WHY?? you said you would :('

'im sorry. i didnt get a chance to.'

'Okaaay... Well pls do tomorrow!! It's important yknow.'

'i know, sorry'

'Don't be, just do it pretty please ♡'
'I have to get back to work tho so please get some sleep♡♡ I love you (´▽｀)'

'ok. love you too ♡'

Kazuha had half a mind to throw his phone across his room. He shut it off and set it on the floor next to him, then stared at the black void he was pretty sure was his ceiling until he somehow fell asleep.

***

The next morning was the same as any other. Kazuha woke up around 12 PM, went downstairs, looked for food, decided he wasn't hungry, then got stopped by Beidou, who insisted on hugging him goodmorning every morning.

"Morning Kazu!!" She smiled brightly, squishing Kazuha's small body in her big arms. "Did you sleep well?"

"Where's mom?" Kazuha asked, avoiding Beidou's quesrion immediately. Beidou frowned.

"She's at work." She said, pouring herself a bowl of cereal.

"Per usual." Kazuha sighed, opening the fridge just to close it again. There was an awkward silence before Beidou decided to speak up.

"Hey, Kazu. How's about you and me go out for br...unch.. It's lunch time.. Wanna go get brunch?!" She beamed, laughing at herself a little.

Kazuha didn't want to tell her no. Beidou was always doing the most out of his mothers. He'd feel bad telling her no.

"Sure." He agreed, nodding.

"Cool!! There's this new place that just opened up by the mall, which is good, cuz I need to hit the store, anyway." Beidou said, already grabbing her keys. Kazuha decided he wouldn't bother getting dressed. He was just going out for brunch with Beidou, and possibly a short trip inside the mall for one or two things. The pair of shorts and Heizou's hoodie he was wearing would suffice.

The drive to the restaurant was slightly more awkward than usual. Beidou tried to strike up conversation but Kazuha wouldn't give full responses. Even in the restaurant he was more focused on his food than he was Beidou.

"Hey, Kazu. What's up with you, bud?" Kazuha looked up at Beidou, surprise and sleepiness written all over his face. "You're not talking to me. Not only that, you're clearly not sleeping, barely eating, you're not really doing, well, anything." Kazuha's leg shook under the table.

"W-well um... There actually is something I've been wanting to kind of talk about..."

"If it's about your job, don't worry about it." Beidou said, frowning. "Your mother and I don't have a problem with letting you live with us, Kazu. We're here for you until you get back on your feet, you know that." Kazuha managed a smile, but shook his head.

"No, it's not really about that." He admitted, poking at his congee nervously. "I-I'm a little upset with mom right now." Beidou's eyes widened.

"What? I haven't heard anything about this!" Beidou frowned, looking at Kazuha with confusion.

"I-I know, and I'm sorry. I know she works hard and whatnot but... Don't you think she's working a little... too hard..?" Beidou cocked her head.

"What do you mean? Kazu, I'm confused-"

"She doesn't care about us..!!" He suddenly blurted. "I-It feels like.. She doesn't care..." His voice suddenly went quiet again. He could barely look at Beidou. Kazuha knew his mom didn't cry often, and seeing her look like she might be about to hurt him bad.

"Kazuha, your mother works very hard, yes, but she's under a lot of stress yknow? Being a business owner isn't easy, so please try to have some--"

"I know. But she's not treating us well. You'd have no clue how much pressure she's putting on me, and I'm watching how she's treating you, and I've been trying to give her the benefit of the doubt but-"

"Kazu... Can we eat, please..?" Kazuha almost started crying. Beidou sounded distraught. But she was smiling. "Can we maybe save this conversation for when your mother comes home? It feels wrong to talk about her when she's not even here." Kazuha nodded. This was reasonable. He'd let himself slip before he could stop himself.

"Yeah... Sorry."

"Don't apologize, buddy. I get it, you're under a lot of stress, too, and that's okay. Eat your food before it gets too cold." Kazuha smiled softly.

"..Right."

***

The drive to the mall was a little better. Kazuha and Beidou were talking like normal, but Kazuha still seemed a little distant.

"Come on, it'll be quick, I promise. I just have to stop by the shop to get my phone back from the shop. I'll let you pick out a few snacks if you want since the gassless gas station* is right next to the phone repair." Kazuha laughed softly.

"Thanks, but you're not 'letting' me do anything." He reminded her, pulling out his own wallet. Beidou sighed.

"Right... I forget you're 21 and not 6 years old anymore... Man, you were a cute kid, though. Always getting up to bullshit." Kazuha giggled, tucking his hands in the pocket of his boyfriend's hoodie as they walked through the mall.

"I don't think you guys were ready to be parents back then." Kazuha commented, but there was no poison behind his words. "It almost feels like you saw a little kid and begged Nin-- mom to take me in just because you wanted a new friend. Like a little kid begging for a puppy." Beidou laughed.

"At the time, it was exactly that. I was in over my head a little back then, but I think we made the right choice." She smirked down at Kazuha, who smiled in return.

"Okay, I'll be back in... However long this takes. If I'm not out by the time you're done in there, just sit outside and wait for me. Or.. You can come in but I guess that'd be boring..." Beidou said, shooing him off into the store next to the phone repair.

Kazuha laughed as he walked into the small store. He grabbed a drink and a bag of chips before walking to the counter. He studied the cigarettes and e-cigarettes behind the cashier's head before a slightly angry voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Is that going to be all?" Kazuha looked at the cashier.

"Oh, uhhh.." He looked back behind him. He probably shouldn't. Not while he was with Beidou. "Yes, sorry." The cashier rolled his eyes.

"Fifteen yuan." Kazuha handed the man his card. The man looked up at him while waiting for the transaction to go through. "...Kazuha." Kazuha jumped.

"H-Huh?? Y-yeah?" The man raised his eyebrow.

"Jeez, I know it's been a while but the fact that you don't even remember me. Ouch." Kazuha had to study the man before it clicked.

"Xiao!! Oh, Archons, I'm sorry it's been a crazy week, crazy morning, crazy life, haha..." Xiao stared at him, unamused. Kazuha gave another awkward laugh before composing himself. "It's... Been a while, Xiao. How are you holding up?" Xiao blinked.

"I work in a mall gas station." Kazuha smiled nervously.

"I-I see that..! And you're doing.. such a great job...?" Xiao rolled his eyes and handed Kazuha's card back.

"I'm doing fine. Venti's at home with Zhenyu so I'm not too worried... Well, I am, but that's besides the point." Kazuha blinked.

"Z-Zhenyu..?" He cocked his head.

"Venti and I had asn..." Kazuha blinked.

"Could you repeat that?"

"Venti and I had a son.." Xiao said, his eye twitched. Kazuha blinked for the third time.

"Oh.. Great!! Happy for you!! Um... How?"

"None of your business."

"Right!! My bad. Well, um.. My mom is probably waiting for me, so I'm gonna go--"

"Wait. Here, on me cuz you're like, here, or whatever." Xiao said, holding out his hand. "We just stocked on the CBD shit you fuck with for some reason." Kazuha gave a sideways smile.

"Oh, thanks." Xiao nodded.

"Don't do anything stupid. I know you're thinking about it. I can see it. I know I can't make you do anything, but try to listen to me for once, if you're physically able." Kazuha stared back at Xiao for a moment before nodding and turning to walk out of the store.

Beidou still wasn't done so he sat on one of the benches outside where Beidou had told him to and cracked open his drink. He sat on the bench for a while, scrolling on his phone until he noticed the lights get... Dimmer? He looked up to see what was blocking his light source.

"Is that my hoodie?" Kazuha gasped. Those forest green eyes and playful smirk was impossible to mistake.

"H-Heizou!!?" Kazuha immediately jumped up and threw his arms around Heizou, almost knocking his drink over.

"Woaah there, Zuzu, careful. You're gonna knock me and your drink over--" He was about to laugh and make fun of him but Kazuha quickly silenced him with a kiss. Heizou's hands immediately found Kazuha's waist.

"Wh-what are you doing here?!" Kazuha asked once they parted. Heizou smirked.

"Missed you!!"

"Not an excuse?!" Kazuha yelled, confused. "You're supposed to be at work!! ...Eight hours away!!" Heizou laughed.

"What? I can't come visit my boyfriend on my week off?" Kazuha gasped.

"Week off?! You never get time off!! Why do you have time off?? Fuck, Heizou did Kujou--"

"Relax, Zuzu. Nothing bad happened. You need to stop jumping to the worst possible scenario all the time." Heizou scolded, resting his forehead against Kazuha's. Kazuha pouted softly but wrapped his arms around Heizou nonetheless.

"I-I guess so.." Heizou smiled, pulling away from Kazuha again.

"Hey, soo... Are you here by yourself?"

"No, Beidou's with me." Kazuha corrected, and as if on cue, Beidou appeared from the phone repair store, and caught Heizou with Kazuha.

"Woah!! Heizou!!" She beamed.

"Mama Beidou!!" Kazuha greeted, immediately switching from Japanese to Chinese and pushing away from Kazuha, bracing himself for Beidou's hug, which was always really more of a tackle.

"You've gained muscle lately!! Arm wrestle me right now."

"Haha, no." Heizou waved her off. "How have you been? Well, I hope?" Beidou nodded.

"We've been getting along. I was under the impression you wouldn't be coming to visit, though? After I heard about the incident at the Kamisato Estate I thought for sure you'd have your hands full." Heizou shook his head.

"I did, but for some reason, sir Kamisato advised to take me off the case.."

"Y-You didn't get fired, did you?!" Heizou pushed Kazuha back by putting his hand on his boyfriend's face and pushing him back.

"What did he say..?" Beidou asked.

"Nothing. They took me off the case for the week and when I asked why, lady Kujou said, begrudgingly, that I needed to take time off because they legally couldn't keep letting me work overtime, apparently." Beidou hummed in thought.

"So, you came to visit?" Heizou nodded.

"I figured he could use a little bit of a pleasant surprise, no? Plus, I missed him while I was away." Kazuha pouted, his arms wrapped around Heizou's waist, now. Beidou laughed.

"Well, good. This house could use a little Heizou in it. You're more than welcome to stay with us throughout the week so you don't have to pay for a hotel." Heizou smiled.

"Thanks. I might just take you up on that offer."

***

As the three of them walked out of the mall, Kazuha seemed to be more talkative than he was before. It made Beidou seem a little more at ease. Heizou smirked, but kept quiet as his boyfriend rambled.

"Zuzu. Wanna drive me home?" Heizou asked, pulling his keys out of his pocket. Kazuha frowned.

"I-I still don't--"

"That's fine. I trust you." Heizou said, shrugging. Beidou had already walked off, under the immediate impression that Kazuha would want to drive with Heizou. Kazuha sighed.

"But what if we get in trouble?" Heizou laughed.

"You live in the middle of nowhere, Zuzu. I doubt anyone will even be on the road with us for more than ten minutes."

"Those are ten minutes that we could get caught..!!"

"What happened to you?" Heizou suddenly asked, frowning. Kazuha let out a surprised 'huh' and looked at Heizou wide-eyed. "I mean, you used to be all for breaking the rules, yknow? High school, I'd be pulling strings to get you out of trouble with student council let alone the very principal, and even after highschool you didn't really care about the rules..." Kazuha frowned.

"I-I'm sorry. I just... I'm so tired lately--"

"You keep saying that, but I think there's more to it." Kazuha's fists clenched under his hoodie sleeves. "Now come on. Drive me home. That's an order on behalf of the law." Heizou threw his keys at Kazuha so fast that he had no other option but to catch them.

"H-Hey!! You can't just..!!" Kazuha blushed. "W-wait.. Don't say that kind of thing!!"

***

The sun was starting to set already. Had Kazuha already been out that long? He moaned softly, his hands grabbing at Heizou's hair as he kissed his lips eagerly. Kazuha would be lying if he said he didn't expect to end up in this position not too long after he first made contact with Heizou that day.

Long distance relationships were difficult. Kazuha decided he hated it, but he put up wirh it for times like these. Heizou had Kazuha pull over on a road that no one really drove down and had him pinned in the passenger seat of his car. Heizou was buried deep inside Kazuha, his hands pinning him easily to the seat by his hips. They didn't have much room, but in Kazuha's mind, it made it better. Having Heizou so close to him was, in his mind, the closest thing to heaven that he would ever experience.

Plus, he fit against him so perfectly, Kazuha was convinced Heizou was made just for him by the Gods themselves. Heizou moved to kiss Kazuha's neck. It was hot and messy and disgusting and honestly Kazuha adored it. This might've been the best Kazuha had felt in weeks.

"Nn.. H-Hei.. H-Harder, please..." Heizou smirked against Kazuha's neck.

"Y-you're not giving me much to work with here, my love..." He admitted, his dick twitching against Kazuha's fluttering walls. Kazuha moaned softly, shaking his head.

"Hmm.. Can't you try..?" He begged, looking into Heizou's eyes now that he sat up. Green met red, and Heizou sighed.

"Fuuuuuck. I can't say no to you..." Kazuha giggled, his hands moving from Heizou's hair to his neck. Heizou pressed his lips against Kazuha's again, pushing his tongue into his mouth desperately, a deep moan escaping his lips into Kazuha's mouth, making the latter tighten around him. Heizou smirked against Kazuha's mouth as he fucked himself into him.

"H-Heizou.. Hnn... Gonna cum.." Kazuha sighed, his eyes fluttering shut. Heizou frowned slightly. Do I really wanna sacrifice my car...? He sighed and decided he might as well. He wanted to let Kazuha feel good again, especially since he hadn't been able to in so long...

"That's fine. Go ahead." Heizou's kisses became slightly messier. Kazuha moaned as Heizou's thrusts became more aggressive.

"H-Hei..!! Fuck!!~" Kazuha tightened around Heizou's dick as he came, earning a smirk from Heizou, who came not long after Kazuha did.

Kazuha laid in the passenger seat without his seatbelt on for the rest of the drive back to his house.

"Heizou?"

"Yes, Zuzu?"

"Sorry about your carseat..." Heizou shrugged.

"Eh, it's cleanable. I don't mind." Kazuha stated longingly at Heizou. It'd been so long since he saw him. Beidou was right, too; Heizou had gained some muscle. More than he already had. Kazuha bit his lip. He thought about how Heizou had just had him pinned to the seat of his car with those arms... Kazuha pressed his legs together.

***

When they had made it to Kazuha's house, Heizou had made some bullshit excuse up as to why they were late that Beidou pretended to believe, and they went up to Kazuha's room pretty much immediately.

They laid in his bed together, Heizou was talking about some random cases, but Kazuha wasn't listening.

"Don't do anything stupid. I know you're thinking about it. I can see it. I know I can't make you do anything, but try to listen to me for once, if you're physically able."

Kazuha kept thinking about what Xiao said for some reason. 'Don't do anything stupid'?! What was he talking about..?

"Zuzu?" Kazuha was pulled out of his thoughts by Heizou's voice. "Are you tired? You stopped responding. We can go to bed if you want." Kazuha nodded.

"Y-Yeah, sure."

Heizou was always comfortable to sleep with. Kazuha's body fit perfectly into Heizou's when they curled up together so that Kazuha's head was tucked neatly under Heizou's chin. Heizou would always slot his leg between Kazuha's to keep him in place as if he was afraid he was going to run away, even though Heizou's arms would always be wrapped so tightly around him, as would Kazuha's, around Heizou.

Kazuha let himself enjoy it. He finally fell asleep, for the first time in weeks. Maybe months. He missed Heizou. He loved Heizou.

But in the morning, Kazuha's door was knocked on, then opened. He awoke expecting Beidou, but it was Ningguang. Heizou was nowhere to be found. Kazuha immediately panicked.

"Goodmorning." Ningguang said. Kazuha was on high alert.

"...Morning."

"Your boyfriend left." Kazuha's heart dropped. "He said he'd be back in a few hours. Had to go run an emergency errand."

"Bullshit. He would've woken me up." Ningguang raised an eyebrow.

"Watch your language towards me, please." She said, turning to walk out the door. "Anyway, I have to go to work. I'll be home late, and your mother is coming with me." Is all she said before leaving. Kazuha bit his lip.

Immediately, he texted Heizou.

'baby where are you'
'ningguang said you left'
'baby???'

He was starting to panic more once two hours had gone by and there'd been no response.

'heizouuu'
'where are you?'
'my love pls respond'

His hands were starting to shake. He eyed the knife on the kitchen counter. He was done for. He grabbed the knife quickly. What had she done to him..?! That bastard would pay. If she was going to take away Kazuha's reason for living, then he would take his own--

The door clicked open. Heizou. Kazuha froze before fumbling to put the knife back.

"Zuzu??" Heizou poked his head into the kitchen to see Kazuha there, looking slightly guilty.

"Wh-where were you...?" Kazuha asked, throwing himself onto Heizou and hugging him tightly. Heizou cocked his head.

"I had to get the car cleaned. I told you this morning. You even told me 'okay, I love you, drive safe.' Are you feeling ok?" Kazuha nuzzled his face into Heizou's neck.

"I-I must've been too tired to remember..." Heizou giggled.

"Clearly. Have you eaten?"

"..No"

"Then what are you doing in the kitchen?"

"Um.. Looking for something to eat..?" Heizou sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"I know that's a lie." Heizou admitted, crossing his arms. "I'm gonna choose to ignore it for now." Kazuha frowned as Heizou took his jacket off, hanging it on the coat rack near the door. Kazuha made his way back to his room, expecting Heizou to follow.

Heizou sat on the edge of Kazuha's bed, staring at the younger man as he curled up, already almost asleep. Worry coursed through Heizou's heart as he looked at his boyfriend. He knew something was up. Something was always up. Kazuha never spoke about it to him anymore like he used to. All he knew is that things weren't as calm with Kazuha anymore. Not like they used to be.

"Zuzu, do you think you'll be busy on the 26th?" Kazuha looked up.

"That's the day after Christmas... So, most likely, yes?" Heizou hummed.

"Doing what?"

"I'm not sure. Probably family reunion stuff, y'know... All Ningguang's business partners, at least." Heizou laughed softly, but it was bitter.

"That woman..." Was all he said. Kazuha knew Heizou didn't like her, but Heizou was smart enough not to bring it up. "Well, okay, then. Plan for the 21st; Have your calender open." Kazuha cocked his head.

"O-oh.. Okay." The 21st... What was special about rhe 21st...? Kazuha couldn't quite remember. "Sure."

"And um, try to dress nice, if you can remember." Kazuha nodded. Heizou finally pulled Kazuha close to him, laying down next to him. Kazuha sighed as Heizou pressed a kiss to the top of his head. He knew Kazuha would talk to him one day. He just had to get there.

The week that Heizou was there seemed to go bye too quickly. Kazuha had hugged Heizou for what felt like forever before Heizou had to tug him off of him so he could get back home.

"Zuzu, I'm coming back in like, two weeks, remember?" Kazuha frowned.

"That's still too long. Why can't you stay?!" Heizou smiled softly down at him.

"I have to work, Zuzu. Otherwise I couldn't even afford to come see you. Wouldn't that suck?" Kazuha pouted, but sighed.

"I guess you're right.. But, call me when you get home, please. I don't want to stay up all night worrying." Heizou's eye twitched. You'd do that, anyway.

"Okay. I will."

***

It was 4:32 AM. Beidou had already gone to bed. Kazuha wondered how Heizou's flight was, when he'd be home. He still hadn't called or even texted Kazuha, and it'd been well over 9 hours. Kazuha's eyes felt heavy.

Ningguang wouldn't be coming home until the end of the week. She had a business trip. Again. Kazuha folded Heizou's hoodie neatly on his bed, staring at it. The house seemed so still. So quiet. So lonely.

Every day was the same. Kazuha walked down the stairs and slipped his shoes on before heading outside into his backyard, a key in his hand.

He'd wake up, go downstairs, be greeted by Beidou, stupidly ask where Ningguang was as if he didn't already know, then trap himself in his room. For hours. Sometimes he'd talk to Heizou. Other times, Heizou was busy with work. That was usually the case. He would ask friends to hang out sometimes, but he gave up on that. All his friends were busy, living their lives.

Xiao and Venti had a son, now. Kazuha laughed to himself, unlocking the door to his shed.

What a weird feeling. Growing up at the same time as everyone else your age, but still feeling so behind. So young. So...

Worthless.

Kazuha stood in the doorway of the shed, where Beidou sometimes worked on random things, building shelves and whatnot. It wasn't a big shed. There was barely anything in it. His parents' kayaks that Beidou had gotten for Ningguang that mothers day, and Ningguang had surprised Beidou with the same thing. Kazuha had gotten to help Beidou choose which Kayak to get for Ningguang. Even back then, he barely cared.

He stood on the stool inside that Beidou would sit on while she worked so he could reach the top shelf of the shed, which had a bunch of random bullshit but he was looking for something specific.

He had completely forgotten his promise to Heizou, now. There was something special about the 21st, but Kazuha still couldn't put his finger on what. It was bugging him, even now.

He held the rope in his hands, sort of... Studying it for a moment. He wondered what would happen after this. He wondered if Beidou or Ningguang would find him. He knew all that would happen realistically is Ningguang would just complain about how difficult it would be to remove him from the shed and send him off to the crematorium or whatever. Kazuha laughed.

Oh, how easy it was to piss that woman off, he thought, tightening the knot in the rope. His leg shook like it did when he had nervous, awkward conversations with his mothers, or when he would sit alone with Heizou and wonder if Heizou actually loved him, or if he was doing okay.

It was obvious Heizou hated him, right? Kazuha stopped moving for a moment.

What the fuck was so special about the 21st?

Kazuha stared at his hands for a moment, tightened around the rope. He didn't expect this to take so long. He'd planned this months ago. So why was his brain slowing him down now of all times??

It didn't matter. The preparation was done. He didn't see any sense in leaving a note that no one would read or care about. He finally rose to his feet and stepped up onto the stool to tie the rope to the top of the shed.

He wondered if the beam at the top of the shed would even hold his weight. Heizou kept telling him not to worry about that sort of thing, that he was perfect and there wasn't anything wrong with him in that area but Kazuha knew better.

He knew that no matter what he did he'd never be enough. He'd never be perfect enough for Heizou, he'd never be smart or successful enough for Ningguang, he'd never be fun enough for Beidou, he'd never be enough.

"Don't do anything stupid. I know you're thinking about it. I can see it." Kazuha rolled his eyes. He hadn't spoken to or even seen or thought about Xiao in years. What did he know?

Kazuha blinked. Was he... Stalling himself? What on Earth was he doing? He should've been dead 10 minutes ago. His hands, which had frozen, apparently, tightened the knot on the rope around the shed's beam, and he looped the rope around his neck.

Whatever. He thought to himself. It probably wasn't that important, anyway.

***

There was a ringing from the shed that Beidou had picked up while in the kitchen. The sliding glass door to the backyard was open, and when she looked through it, the shed door was cracked open as well.

"Huh, strange." She peaked her head up the stairs to yell for Kazuha. "Hey, Kazu!! Did you leave your phone in the shed last night? It's ringing!!" When there was no response, she went upstairs to check.

"Kazu?" She pushed the door open. He wasn't there. Beidou immediately felt a sense of dread wash over her. "Ookaay... Caaaalm down, Beidou."

She made her way outside to the shed, and pushed the door open.

"Hey, Kazu...Ha." Everything seemed to go silent. Everything except the ringing of the phone on the floor. Beidou stared longer than she should have before finally tearing her eyes away and picking up the phone off the shed floor.

She looked at the caller. The contact on the screen was one she knew was Heizou's, but before she could pick up, the ringing stopped, and the notification for a voicemail popped up. 32 texts, 15 missed calls.

"Hi Zuzu, sorry I didn't call you when I got home. I was incredibly beat. Don't worry about calling me back since it's early, haha, I'm sure you're probably... Still asleep. *Sigh,* Anyway, I'll see you in a couple weeks, okay? I'll probably be over about the 20th, so, don't forget, okay? Okay. Anyway, I'll talk to you later. Try to text me when you wake up? Okay. I love you!! Buh-bye."

Beidou didn't cry often. She was a pretty put together, emotions-in-check kind of woman. But listening to Heizou speak so optimistically when the truth was right in front of her... She felt like throwing up.

Beidou stepped out of the shed and immediately called Ningguang.

"Hey, Ning. I need you to come home. ... No, it.. It truly is an emergency this time. ... Kazuha--" Beidou couldn't keep herself together, and that must have been a sign to Ningguang, who immediately hung up.

Beidou looked at Kazuha's phone again. There were a few calender reminders in his phone that showed up on his lockscreen. He didn't really do much, so most of them were all in late December, or February. The most recent upcoming one was December 21st:

"5-Year anniversary♡"