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someone's projecting

Tenna art by @9Aaaalt29 on twt

- Eridian scientists and doctors doing their best to help him when they first get to Erid. A few weeks in, he's in and out of consciousness but doing better, a doctor (in a xenosuit obviously) comes in to check on him, sees he's asleep, so goes to examine him closely, because, you know, alien. Grace, who was only dozing, jerks away so fast it gives poor Dr Limestone a heart attack.

Happy Pride!

Sandrone:You want me to what?

Aether:Join the Teapot Association. You’d have fun.

Sandrone:We both know asking nicely is not how this works. Don’t think being in my friend circle means you won’t have to show some sincerity. I won’t be making it easy for you either.

Aether:I know, and I’ll doubt it will be that difficult. Columbina is a member~

Sandrone:Th-That doesn’t change anything! We aren’t a package deal like you and Paimon

Paimon:Who’s the Columbina between us?

Aether:I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it’s me.

Paimon: So that makes me-

Sandrone:Not in your wildest dreams! Why are you two so- ugh! Why invite me like this if you know it won’t work?

Aether:So your landing won’t be harsh.

Sandrone:So confident for someone holding a modest bag. Don’t blame me if you end up starving.

Aether:And I’m the confident one? Care to make a wager? I’m going to call you without much concern. If I do, you have to be more straightforward with your feelings towards Columbina.

Sandrone:*red* Wh-And how is that remotely your business!?

Aether:Because somehow it always ends up being slightly my business…. I’m not telling you to full blown confess or anything but I’m skipping in between as much as I can!

Sandrone:…And if you lose?

Aether:*shrugs* What could you possibly want from me?

Sandrone:Your negotiation skills are laughable. Since this is wager of recruitment…if you fail, you work me!

Paimon:What!?

Aether:Deal.

Sandrone and Paimon:What!?

Sandrone:You do know that means joining the fatui, right?

Paimon:More importantly, her subordinate!? You’re fifth harbinger rank at the very least. You shouldn’t be her recruit! What if you make her made enough to…I don’t know, cut off your tongue!?

Sandrone:*squints*

Aether:Well will cross that bridge when we get to it. *holds out hand* Shake on it? Even a lady can accept a gentleman’s agreement.

Sandrone:Don’t come crying to me when your uniform is too small. Although you might actually like a shrunken shirt. *shakes hand*

[Teapot]

Aether:*spending wishes*

Paimon:I can’t believe you’d make such a crazy gamble! This is our livelihood!

Aether:You know Paimon, you and Sandrone really are alike.

Paimon:Huh? Why’s that?

Aether:If you get riled up just enough by a friend, you kinda forget the obvious.

CAPTURED RADIANCE!!!

Paimon:Ohhhhh….

Twinkling in the sky, a grumpy woman with arms crossed and stern expression fell in seated position. She only a gaze a single glance towards Aether, causing him to hold out his arms. He was genuinely surprised she wasn’t going to land across the realm and ignore him. Instead, he was allowed to catch her without a fuss.

Sandrone:Didn’t take you for a hustler.

Aether:Not sure why. We hustled Dottore together, and I’ve wrecked the design bureau before. Honest is like…my fifth strongest virtue. I’m not a good as mathematics as you, but I count my loses just fine.

Sandrone:Hmph!

Aether:Would you like me to change our bet?

Sandrone:A lady keeps her word. Do not give me out.

Aether:As you wish.

Sandrone:And put me down already!!!!

Aether:Fine. Walk to your girlfriend.

Sandrone:HEY! You said confessing was optional!

Aether:I know. It’s just that I know you don’t do half measures.

Aether:…..Hmm, I never noticed before but…the markings on her shoulders are actually add a lot when they’re visible. Her pajamas are strapless, but the marks make it look like she’s wearing something underneath.

Citlali:*red* While I appreciate a keen eye, why are they trained exactly on that facet of my body!?

Aether:I don’t criticize your glances at my stomach.

Genshin:Something strange is going on with Qiqi.

Chiori:We need these racks moved.

Aether:I got it!

Chiori:Thank you.

Citlali:Where does he find the energy? He’s been so busy that we’ve barely hung out! Maybe I should- no. That’s needy. Get yourself together!

As she watches him work, the shaman sees the leading actress of the day gently floating downward toward Aether, her arms gently wrapping around his waist from behind. He looks over his right shoulder to see her chin resting on it.

Citlali:!?!?

Aether:Tired?

Columbina:A little. I never had much strength for interviews and long winded ceremonies. I’m having fun though.

Aether:I’m glad. Allow me to help. Hey guys! Let’s talk twenty! Snack a bit.

Furina:I wonderful idea!

Columbina:Thank you. Saved once again.

She releases him after Aether gently rests his head on hers in kind. Citlali is too stunned to speak. Moments later, he’s walking over to Furina, who is checking over a list. Without a single word, Aether takes her by the hand and twirls her around until she’s giggling and leaning against him like a duet partner with the list placed down.

Aether:Lady Furina, your vast knowledge of desserts is needed in this snack run. I trust you know the recent tastes fitting for this crew.

Furina:Hehehe, you trust correctly! If I must lead the way then I shall.

Charlotte:Oh! Let me tag along! It’s been forever since the three of us caught up together! You’ll never believe what I found while you were away! *runs after them*

All three of them leave together awfully close, shoulder to shoulder even!! Their fingers are practically grazing by one another! Might ast well just hold his arm at that point!

Citlali:So he’s just Mr. Popular everywhere!?

???: “Wish that were me.”

Citlali:*turns head*

Paimon:That’s what you’re thinking, right? But it’s not. Still could probably. Look at em go! Paimon raised that boy. *wipes tear*

Citlali:Are you done spouting nonsense!? I’m perfectly fine!

Paimon:If you were the Hydro Dragon, it’d be pouring. What I don’t get is you said no; it was your choice to make.

Citlali:Not everything needs to be rushed or deeper than mutual trust and companionship. You should know that.

Paimon:Sounds like a fear of commitment and loss. He’s so special to you that the distance is the only buffer you have between an uncertain future with a guaranteed final result.

Citlali:I thought you were studying history! What’s with the psychoanalysis!?

Paimon:Hehe, it’s Paimon’s minor~ and it’s going well. It’s also something Paimon can sorta relate to. In a way.

Sandrone:*walks over* Are you still sulking over here, or is this a good place to set up a table?

Citlali:I’m not sulking!!

Sandrone:Forgive me, but you’re very easy to read.

Citlali:Don’t think I didn’t notice you fawning over Columbina when they were all compiling the bloopers!

Sandrone:My eyes were on the screen!

Paimon:Both of you could be sisters. Is being honest with yourself that difficult. Paimon tells people they mean a lot all the time.

Citlali:It’s not the same!

Sandrone:But I will admit it’s an admirable quality you have in spades.

Paimon:If it’s not the same then…use Ineffa as a reference! You both know her!

Sandrone:There’s such a thing as too much honesty. Don’t even get me started with her! I still remember she had me make…let’s call it an “attachment” as a means to connect more with Nefer’s little helper. Ugh, that was such an annoying day! Can’t believe Aether brought such a problem to my lab. We weren’t even friends! They went all the way Natlan and brought back some insane bluepr-

Citlali:*the deepest of red*……..

Sandrone:…..YOU! It was your fault!

Citlali:H-Huh!?

Sandrone:Don’t give me that! They said the blueprint had already existed l? It all makes sense now who would ask for such a commission! Aether was just as embarrassed, apologizing to me off all people instead of his usual antics! I can’t believe I hired the person that made me see something so unsightly!

Citlali:Excuse me!? And just what exactly is so unsightly about it!!!?

Paimon:That’s- This is the angle you’re tackling this problem? Okay. Sure. What about your own defense? Guess there’s no point when you’re caught red handed.

Citlali:Hold on! By “see something unsightly”, did you actually-

Sandrone:Of course not!

Columbina:What’s unsightly?

Paimon:Wow! When did you…

Columbina:It sounded fun over here, and the table is set up. So, what’s so unsightly?

Sandrone:N-Nothing!

Citlali:Hmph, exactly.

Sandrone:Ooooh, you- that’s not all what I meant and you know it.

Columbina looks over a Paimon. Being the gossip girl she is, a float over the argument and a whisper in the ear caught the moon goddess up to speed.

Columbina:Oh, so that it. Personally, I think it looks fine, given who it it belongs to.

Citlali:Exact-

S&C:*slowly look at her*

Columbina:*tilts head* Something wrong?

Paimon:…Oh right! You and Sandrone wouldn’t know. Columbina and Aether…yeah. Not really surprising considering they hung out once a week for months.

Columbina:*smiles*

Citlali:…*drops to knees*

Sandrone:Was I dead?

Columbina:You were.

Sandrone:Well…that’s annoyingly reasonable.

Columbina:I don’t think understand. By all means, nothing has changed. In fact, this is perfect. It’s like Ineffa said, “two hands can naturally hold two hands.”

Sandrone:That maid needs to be stopped.

xxxxxx

Aether:Hmmm…

Furina:What’s with the pensive gaze at pastries? It should be marveled with excitement.

Aether:Ever get the feeling someone is talking about you too much?

Furina:Everyone talks about me.

Charlotte:And I talk about everyone!

Chiori:We need these racks moved.

Aether:I got it!

Chiori:Thank you.

Citlali:Where does he find the energy? He’s been so busy that we’ve barely hung out! Maybe I should- no. That’s needy. Get yourself together!

As she watches him work, the shaman sees the leading actress of the day gently floating downward toward Aether, her arms gently wrapping around his waist from behind. He looks over his right shoulder to see her chin resting on it.

Citlali:!?!?

Aether:Tired?

Columbina:A little. I never had much strength for interviews and long winded ceremonies. I’m having fun though.

Aether:I’m glad. Allow me to help. Hey guys! Let’s talk twenty! Snack a bit.

Furina:I wonderful idea!

Columbina:Thank you. Saved once again.

She releases him after Aether gently rests his head on hers in kind. Citlali is too stunned to speak. Moments later, he’s walking over to Furina, who is checking over a list. Without a single word, Aether takes her by the hand and twirls her around until she’s giggling and leaning against him like a duet partner with the list placed down.

Aether:Lady Furina, your vast knowledge of desserts is needed in this snack run. I trust you know the recent tastes fitting for this crew.

Furina:Hehehe, you trust correctly! If I must lead the way then I shall.

Charlotte:Oh! Let me tag along! It’s been forever since the three of us caught up together! You’ll never believe what I found while you were away! *runs after them*

All three of them leave together awfully close, shoulder to shoulder even!! Their fingers are practically grazing by one another! Might ast well just hold his arm at that point!

Citlali:So he’s just Mr. Popular everywhere!?

???: “Wish that were me.”

Citlali:*turns head*

Paimon:That’s what you’re thinking, right? But it’s not. Still could probably. Look at em go! Paimon raised that boy. *wipes tear*

Citlali:Are you done spouting nonsense!? I’m perfectly fine!

Paimon:If you were the Hydro Dragon, it’d be pouring. What I don’t get is you said no; it was your choice to make.

Citlali:Not everything needs to be rushed or deeper than mutual trust and companionship. You should know that.

Paimon:Sounds like a fear of commitment and loss. He’s so special to you that the distance is the only buffer you have between an uncertain future with a guaranteed final result.

Citlali:I thought you were studying history! What’s with the psychoanalysis!?

Paimon:Hehe, it’s Paimon’s minor~ and it’s going well. It’s also something Paimon can sorta relate to. In a way.

Sandrone:*walks over* Are you still sulking over here, or is this a good place to set up a table?

Citlali:I’m not sulking!!

Sandrone:Forgive me, but you’re very easy to read.

Citlali:Don’t think I didn’t notice you fawning over Columbina when they were all compiling the bloopers!

Sandrone:My eyes were on the screen!

Paimon:Both of you could be sisters. Is being honest with yourself that difficult. Paimon tells people they mean a lot all the time.

Citlali:It’s not the same!

Sandrone:But I will admit it’s an admirable quality you have in spades.

Paimon:If it’s not the same then…use Ineffa as a reference! You both know her!

Sandrone:There’s such a thing as too much honesty. Don’t even get me started with her! I still remember she had me make…let’s call it an “attachment” as a means to connect more with Nefer’s little helper. Ugh, that was such an annoying day! Can’t believe Aether brought such a problem to my lab. We weren’t even friends! They went all the way Natlan and brought back some insane bluepr-

Citlali:*the deepest of red*……..

Sandrone:…..YOU! It was your fault!

Citlali:H-Huh!?

Sandrone:Don’t give me that! They said the blueprint had already existed l? It all makes sense now who would ask for such a commission! Aether was just as embarrassed, apologizing to me off all people instead of his usual antics! I can’t believe I hired the person that made me see something so unsightly!

Citlali:Excuse me!? And just what exactly is so unsightly about it!!!?

Paimon:That’s- This is the angle you’re tackling this problem? Okay. Sure. What about your own defense? Guess there’s no point when you’re caught red handed.

Citlali:Hold on! By “see something unsightly”, did you actually-

Sandrone:Of course not!

Columbina:What’s unsightly?

Paimon:Wow! When did you…

Columbina:It sounded fun over here, and the table is set up. So, what’s so unsightly?

Sandrone:N-Nothing!

Citlali:Hmph, exactly.

Sandrone:Ooooh, you- that’s not all what I meant and you know it.

Columbina looks over a Paimon. Being the gossip girl she is, a float over the argument and a whisper in the ear caught the moon goddess up to speed.

Columbina:Oh, so that it. Personally, I think it looks fine, given who it it belongs to.

Citlali:Exact-

S&C:*slowly look at her*

Columbina:*tilts head* Something wrong?

Paimon:…Oh right! You and Sandrone wouldn’t know. Columbina and Aether…yeah. Not really surprising considering they hung out once a week for months.

Columbina:*smiles*

Citlali:…*drops to knees*

Sandrone:Was I dead?

Columbina:You were.

Sandrone:Well…that’s annoyingly reasonable.

Columbina:I don’t think understand. By all means, nothing has changed. In fact, this is perfect. It’s like Ineffa said, “two hands can naturally hold two hands.”

Sandrone:That maid needs to be stopped.

xxxxxx

Aether:Hmmm…

Furina:What’s with the pensive gaze at pastries? It should be marveled with excitement.

Aether:Ever get the feeling someone is talking about you too much?

Furina:Everyone talks about me.

Charlotte:And I talk about everyone!

Sandrone:Time to visit my old home.

Aether:Oh, alright. I wonder what that looks like? Alain’s old lab might look something like the underwater forge maybe?

xxxxxxx

Sandrone:*walking* We’ve arrived. Heh, this old cottage has held up pretty-

Aether&Paimon:

Paimon:Man! I can’t stand our adventures!

Aether:How could I have forgotten? Of course!

Sandrone:Why are you two crying about my old home!?

Aether:Later, allow us to take you somewhere.

Sandrone:Huh?

xxxxxxxx

Sandrone:*paying respects*

Paimon:….So, his grave is just right above-

Aether:Yep.

………

Paimon:Siiiiiigghhh. This hurts.

Aether:Hey, Sandrone? In the interest of not having to tell you this later, would you like to swim further down after this.

Sandrone:I’m aware the orphanage is there.

Aether:Do you know what’s at the bottom behind a magic door?

Sandrone:….*turns head* Magic door? To what?

xxxxxxx

And somehow, despite it alll, without ever knowing if a tale of hope and tragedy would be kept through the waves of water and time, a memory of it all was always preserved as beautiful the days it was once known as the present. Captivated, Columbina stood in awe, giving her closest companion the grace to look any she wanted without prying eyes. The same was true of her two friends intentionally standing behind Sandrone

Columbina:What a lovely cottage.

Sandrone:….You know what makes Fontaine such an annoying nation? No matter the situation, without a single exception, there’s five words you can apply to the most tragic of situations.

Aether:And what’s that?