#aether fanfic

They were the person to find him just days after he had awoken, had asked him if he was okay and whether he had eaten. Aether supposed he'd looked haggard, his memory working against him with his powers little in comparison to what they were before - had always been.

Even when his mouth opened, his tongue not moving in a way they understood, they had taken him in. 'You can't speak Teyvat's language?' He had shaken his head, wishing he could express that he understood every honeyed word but instead having to settle for a nod. 'Okay. That makes things a little difficult but I'm sure we can manage.'

And manage they did.

Home cooked meals weren't a thing to him but they had become a part of his daily routine. He would help around their home and bring them fish he had caught, and in return he would be fed warm delicious food that always surprised him.

Even now, under the night sky where the only thing he could taste on his tongue was the slight tang of blood and sweat, he thought about their meals and how his cooking would never compare.

It could have been obligation that brought him back to their doorstep time and time again. The feeling of needing to be grateful for keeping him alive and sane in moments of his life where he felt anything but. However, this was marginal and he knew it to be true that it wasn't solely gratitude that kept him rooted to their home.

The fact of the matter was that he had feelings for them. They had become a part of him, binding him to Teyvat in a way that was primal, almost counterintuitive to his free being.

Aether did not love without passion and intensity. His interests tended to consume him, the desire to be the best possible at whatever he did drove him through the seven nations and against foes that would have killed him otherwise. The thought of them ate him alive: their bright smile, their soft hands, their eyes that were as endless as the abyss. Every small detail had been memorised, reiterated and held close to his heart.

"Paimon," he whispered, the night breeze cool against his skin. "Are you awake?"

"Can't you sleep?" She replied, words slightly slurred but coherent.

The words came out breathless, almost catching in the back of his throat. "Do you think they like me?" And when questioned on who, he murmured their name as though it were a secret that only he was allowed to know - to covet.

"Of course they do!" She laughed, loud and childish. "You guys are friends."

What if he didn't want to be? What if he wanted something more than this? Aether wished to be the one that they depended on emotionally, to be the crutch that they had been for him at his most vulnerable. His fingers ached to be laced with theirs, to feel their warmth bleed into him in nights such as this.

He was not of this world, this much was known between the two of them even if implicit. There was an understanding between them that transcended the laws of this realm yet Aether failed on understanding one crucial aspect.

Did they like him back?

There was laughter when he returned to them, whispered 'thank you's' with every new treat from a foreign land and wide eyes when he told them stories of his adventures. Aether could have spoken until his throat was raw if it meant that he would hear their giggles that rang in his head for days on end.

There were things they did that confused him. How could they welcome him into their home whilst knowing he was a wanted criminal? Why had they not said a negative word when he collapsed into their arms after his return from Inazuma?

How could someone give to him when all he was used to now was being taken from?

"Paimon," he said again and she harrumphed at the second interruption to her sleep.

"Paimon needs to sleep, you know."

"I know." The syllables melted into the air and he inhaled, the coolness hitting the back of his throat. "I want to visit them tomorrow. I have something I want to tell them."

She only hummed, nestling back into her makeshift bed with her eyes closing moments later.

Aether wondered whether it was worth it to burst this bubble of tranquility, normalcy that he had carefully crafted for himself. He liked having a 'home' to return to when he craved understanding beyond well wishes and sympathy for his endless search. Could he truly risk it all by admitting that these feelings he had let take root within him?

It must have been because he was a celestial being, he thought, that his emotions were beyond measure and worldly bounds. When he felt, he felt with an intensity undiscovered before then. When he thought of them, he felt the cosmic tails of long gone stars spark a light within his chest.

I have to do it, he thought to himself, I have to let them know.

Perhaps he had already been letting them know. There wasn't any competition for who he spent the most mora on. Each gift he'd given was with their likes in mind, whether it be desserts with not too much sugar or pieces of artifacts from the Sumeru desert.

Thank archons no one had commented on this. He didn't think he would be able to live down the embarrassment of having his heart constantly on his sleeve.

Turning to his side, he pulled his blanket up until his shoulders. A small smile graced his lips.

( This didn't turn out like planned! But I decided to still post it. I hope you enjoy~ )

~💛~❤~💛~❤~💛~❤~💛~❤~💛~❤~💛~

Just another normal day. A day like any other, beeing on a commision with aether and helping him find clues for his missing sister. You and aether met a long while ago, as he first came to mondstadt and since then you two basically were always together. Paimon and you had also a great friendship going on. So it was only normal to go on commision's with your best friend, aether. Even tho for you aether was way more than 'just a friend'. You, for sure, could say that he was the most important person in your live. Your sunshine in this cloudy, dark world. You truly admired him. You truly loved- But.. let's not talk about it. Aether is busy enough and has so much worrys already, you didn't want to add to his troubles. Besides.. once he found his sister he would leave anyway! So you just kept quiet about your true feelings, thinking it would be for the best.

"Why is it so cold in here?? Paimon has a really bad feeling about this place aether..", paimon looked around while hiding behind the traveler. The whole domain was frozen and everything was covered in white ice. Which made sense why the temperature has dropped so much. To be honest you were also freezing, but were to busy following aether through the domain to care about yourself. Nothing should happen to him. Nothing can happen to him as long as you take care of him. As long as your eyes don't lose sight of him. That's what you quietly promised yourself. Always putting others first. You were very good at this.

All of sudden aether stopped and turned around to look at you. "W-What?", you asked confused, looking into his golden eyes. His stare made you feel intimidated so you had to look away. "I was just thinking we should take a break and cook some soup! You're cold to right?", aether gently smiled while walking towards a cooking pot. "Me? N-No i'm fin-", you started but got cut off. "You're shaking y/n! I can see it~", aether pouted cutely while starting to cook, "Now come here okay? Let's warm all up together!~", aether said while waving his hand at you to join him and paimon.

You sighed and walked towards your friends. He noticed! Of course he did, aether wasn't dumb after all. He always cares so much about others and is able to pay attention to the smallest details about people's feelings. There was no way you poor acting skills could've fooled him. Or so at least you thought. What you didn't know was that actually aether's eyes were always on you. Always looking after you, following you, making sure you stayed safe. He saw something special in you and for damn sure he wouldn't lose you too. That's how the blond traveler noticed right away, by your shaking hands and your lip bite that you were cold. After a long time studying your moves and gestures he was positiv to know every single thing about you. And that was important to aether. After all you mean so much to him..

After warming up and talking for a while you continued your way through the domain. "We need to get up there! But how?", asked aether, looking around for an solution. You smiled as you saw a circle on the wall, "Oh! I know!! Leave this to me!!", you said while you teleported up towards the wall before using the power of your vision to hit the circle. Jumping down next to the blonde traveler you realized that nothing happened.

"Use your elementare sight!", said paimon. Aether nodded, "There are invisible stairs they'll bring us up for sure! Good idea Y/N!!", he grinned at you, a soft blush covering his cheeks. This gesture made your heart jump and beat faster. "Heyy!! Paimon is the one who said to use your elementare sight! Why paimon doesn't get any praise??", your other friend pouted while glaring at aether. "Ehe?~", the blonde traveler lifted his shoulders and smiled. "Oh no.. don't tell paimon this tone-deaf bard shared his stupidity with you..", paimon gulped while hiding behind your back, "Y/N do something! Aether has lost his mind. Paimon feels scared!". You laughed while gently patting paimons head, "There, there", you giggeled.

This scene alone made aethers heart melt. Making him chuckle too. After a long time he finally felt home again. But every beautiful moment had to end sometime. "Let's go, take my hand so you won't fall!", he said, holding his hand towards you. This simple sentence stopped your brain from functioning probably. 'Gosh.. what a prince aether is. Someone come and bring him a white horse. With a rose like romeo-', not wanting to think about it anymore you just grabbed his hand, walking closely behind him.

You both started to walk up the stairs. All of sudden you heard a weird sound. 'I have a bad feeling-', you thought and looked around. "Watch out!! The stairs are disappearing! Quick- Run!!", paimon yelled, flying upwards. 'If only I could fly too', you  thought in panic. Aether started to run and so did you. Almost at the top of the stairs. Almost there. In the next moment as you wanted to take another step, you felt yourself stepping into nothing, you just lost all ground under your feed. A scream, you fell, still holding on to the travelers hand.

You crashed against the cold, freezing wall. The ice was sharper than it looked like since your arm started to bleed, beeing cut open by the crash. Blood running down your arm, your feed hanging into the air and nothing under you. Nothing than a black hole that didn't seem to end. Within this second everything started to slow down. It was like you saw your live flashing by your eyes. You could hear aether calling your name but it sounded dull, far away from you. But yet he was right here, infront of you. There was pure fear in his eyes.. you never saw him like this. Usually he was always calm, collected. Yes, he was angry before. But this was a side of the traveler you hadn't seen until now. You felt how his his hand trembled, his breath was fast and shaky. Also are there tears in his eyes??

Aether ran up the stairs. Almost there. He already had an idea what he was about to say once they reached the top. Wanting to impress you, proving he can keep your safe. Even this proff was more for himself then towards you. One last step. Aether smiled at paimon, who already waited for the both of you. Paimon smiled back and cheered already. Then everything happened so fast. A whoosh was heard, he felt a tug on his hand and it forced him backwards. Quickly turning around he saw something that made his heart shatter. Memorys of the scary, lonely past flashed by his eyes. You, who were so important to him, were about to fall. Fall and disappear. Disappear, like his sister had. Clinging to the wall, clinging to his hand while letting out a paniced scream. Aether kneed down, focusing all his strengh into his arm, into his hand. A loud crash was heard. The moment the traveler saw blood running down your arm, something in him snapped. He wouldn't let you go. Not now, not ever.

Protecting you was his second goal after finding his sister and he wouldn't give up on either of those! "Y/N hold on!! Don't let go!!", said aether, using his geo powers to creat something to stand on for you. Giving you the strength to stand up straight but with your shaky legs this wasn't so easy. You tried your best to climb up the wall. You really tried. Tears started to form in your eyes.

As you looked up your eyes widened. Aether jumped down, just to stand on his geo plattform he created. Taking you into his arms and lifting you up, helping you. As soon as you were up, laying on the cold floor you paniced. Jumping up, grabbing both of aehers hands and gave everything you got. You put every last strengh you had left into your arms to pull the traveler up. Finally the both of you were safe. Heavy breathing, sitting on the floor. Just looking at each other, no one said anything. You really thought this was the end but once again aether proved you wrong. With one swift pull, the traveler had you in his arms.

Holding you close to his chest, his grip tight, he whispered in your ear, "I got you!! I won't let anything happen to you! I-I.. won't lose you too!!". You swear you could hear his voice break slightly at the end. You heart broke  at the sound of his voice. Gently laying your still a bit shaky hand on his cheek you looked at him and smiled, "Thank you aether! I'm okay now~". The blonde boy blushed but smiled gently back. Kissing the back of your hand while looking into your eyes. 'Yup, a prince. That was prince aether. He just needs a crown-'

"Are you done flirting yet? Paimon wants to get away from here you know?", you heard a familiar voice speaking. You blushed and hid your face in the traveler's chest while he just sighed and helped you stand up. "Are you jelaous paimon?~", aether smirked and chuckled a bit while still holding you close, needing to feel your warmth to calm himself down. "Are you okay Y/N? Did you hurt yourself?", he looked at you, worry in his eyes. You nodded, "I'm okay! Just some scratches. It'll be fine, don't worry", looking into aethers eyes. Turning around, letting go of aether to look ahead of you, your eyes widened. The snow was gone, no more ice and the temperature felt warmer. Before you was a room but it was completly empty. "I feel like we went the wrong way aether..", you said while pointing towards the empty room.

"Use your elementare sight again!!", said paimon while floating towards the room. "Wait paimon!! We don't know what is in there! It could be a trap!", you said stopping your friend. "Ohh you're right-", "Nothing! There is nothing to be found.. We really went the wrong way..", aether sighed and looked from paimon to you. You turned around and looked down, a gasp left your mouth. Your heart almost had a solo flight towards the heavens. "G-Gone. The floor we just walked on his gone!!", you screamed hiding behind the blonde boy. "So this is the right way after all..", aether said while looking back towards the empty room.

"Let's go Y/N! There has to be some way out of here!", he said and took your hand again, smiling at you. The smile that helped you a lot. It gave you confindence, it gave you hope and it calmed you down. You took aether's hand once again and smiled back. With him by your side everything would go well. You believed in this fact. The two of you walked into the room, looking around. But it was really nothing to be seen. "Maybe we should just use our power and see what happens?", paimon sighed also confused.

"Power? Wait!- I swear I saw something earlier!", you looked towards the door you just came from, "Look! Outside this room is a cube. I'm sure we need to light it up!", you said pointing at it.

Paimon already floated towards it, trying to understand it. Aether just stepped infront of you and leaned a bit closer, "Sometimes I really wonder about you..", he whispered with a special look in his eyes, a soft smile placed on his lips as he continued to speak, "How are you this amazing? Without you I'd have been lost so many times. You are a genius Y/N! I really do lo-", but before aether could finish his sentence a loud sound rolled through the room.

Turning around, looking for an enemy but nothing. The room was still empty. "Guys are you okay in there?? Paimon didn't touch anything but.. the door closed on it's own!", paimon yelled, voice sounding far away. 'How thicc is this door??', you wondered. The blonde boy let go of your hand and ran towards the door, hammering against it but it didn't even move. "We are fine! We'll get out of here somehow! Go and get help paimon!! Call our team together!", aether yelled back while leaning against the door. "Paimon understands!! Just hold on!! Paimon will be back with much help!!", your friend yelled as her voice than disappeared.

"Looks like we're stuck here for a while..", the traveler sighed while walking back towards you. Walking around, taking a look on the ground. Observing everything carefully. "What are you doing?", aethers voice asked standing infront of you again. You were to busy concetrating on the floor that you didn't even looked up at him. A hand grabbed your chin and moved it upwards so that your eyes met golden, confused ones, "Hey? Y/N what's wrong?", the blonde boy asked. 'Gosh.. how is aether this intimidating sometimes and then this sweet other times??', your heart jumped at the eye-contact.

"I-I was just checking the floor if there are any hints of footprints or maybe a fake floor", you explained still looking into his beautiful eyes. "Oh- That is very smart! I'll help you!", with that aether let go of your chin and walked towards the other side of the room. Which idea, in the beginning sounded so clever, turned out to be a complete disaster in the end. Yet none of you both noticed the hidden, dark golden eyes glaring in your direction.

~💛~❤~ A few minutes later ~❤~💛~

"Have you found something?", you asked, after not hearing anything from aether. It had been quiet some minutes you were searching every inch of the room. Why didn't aether say something? Confused you turned around to look at your best friend. Your eyes scanning the whole room and the traveler was.. gone??

"Aether??", you called for him again. No responds. Silence. That's when the panic overcame you. Turning around and running towards the spot aether was just standing, you tried to search for a trap, a hole or anything looking suspicous on the floor. Yet you didn't see anything. Tears slowly started to fill your eyes. 'Hopefully paimon will be there again soon!', you thought while sitting on the ground. There was nothing you could do. This room didn't have any way out and you slowly lost hope. Not that you were the much optimistic type to begin with. You never were. But for some reason this room took away all your energy, motivation and stamina. The air felt so heavy. It was so difficult to breath. And everything seemed so dark, almost black. This whole situation made your head hurt. Wait.. Quickly standing up, looking around and it clicked. The whole room is covered in purple dust. No way. That wasn't there before.. 'Is someone trying to knock me out?? Is that what happened to aether?? But how didn't I realise it earlier??', millions of question's went through your head. Leaning against the nearest wall, holding your breath as long as possible. Your head started to pound with pain and your vision slowly blurred. Still you tried to stay focused. Slowly breathing in & out, making sure to keep your eyes open. It was hard to make out but you were sure you heard a familiar voice speaking,

"You're really stubborn huh? Ahh, my precious princess~ I didn't expect anything less from you! After all, you are THE ONE that I choose to rule with me. Soon you'll be mine~".

~💛~❤~ Later ~❤~💛~

"Y/N?? Can you hear me?? Y/N!! Please say something!!", someone screamed, the voice sounded familiar but somehow much more broken. At beginning it felt like you were far away but the voice got louder with each second. A sob. Then another sob. You felt something wet on your cheek.

Ahh.. now you remember! Aether! The small sobs, the sad whines, the way he breathed that all reminded you on aether. He often cried because of his missing sister. Never infront of you, but in the middle of the night you would wake up just to hear a crying aether. You would walk over to his room and cuddle him back to sleep. He always apologized in the morning for you not geting enough sleep. To be honest you could care less about your sleep! The happiness of the blonde boy meant much more to you. Slowly lifting an hand, eyes still closed, still feeling tired, "Don't cry aether! We will find your sister!", you whispered while caressing weakly his cheek. His cheek were more than a bit wet. How long did he cry already? You tried to open your eyes, blinking at the sudden brightness.

Acting? Yes, he should be acting. But no, no! This wasn't acting! Aether was truly worried about you. The tears running down his face were real. The sudden sadness he felt was also real. Did he drug you to hard? Was it to much for you to handle? He can't lose you! Not yet! Not ever! Aether had waited for 2 hours, yet you still were asleep. Not moving but still breathing. Slowly he started to worry, 'What if he went to far?? What if he killed his most beloved??'. The blonde prince wouldn't be able to live with himself. After all you were the reason he did all of this. The prince of the abyss saw something so special and outstanding in you, that he would sacrifice the entire teyvat for you. So usually confindent of himself sitting on his throne, now he kneed on the ground next to his knocked out love of his live. The moment your hand moved his breath stopped. Then for the very first time, he heard your angelic voice speaking. Well it wasn't his first time, but the first time you adressed him personally. Actually he liked this a lot more then the many times he heard you moaning his name while you pumped your cute fingers into you. Quickly shaking his head, now was not the time to think about such lewd, sinfull memorys!

"Y/N-? Are you okay?? Are you hurt??", aether asked, calming down a bit. You finally managed to look at him. Holding on to his hand and sitting slowly up. "Yes- I'm okay. I think? Just a bit dizzy.", you said, smiling at him. Aether smiled back, "I'm glad! You got me really worried there!". Looking away from aether you realised the place you were in. The room was different. So someone really knocked you out! The room you were in was darker, filled with purple light. No doors were to be seen. Just a long  wide, open corridor going over into another room. Infront of you were a few stairs. On top of them stood a throne, with a crown on it. Very intimidating but interesting! Looking back to aether who was just starring at you, not saying anything. Weird.. usually aether would talk some more to easy up the mood.

"Where are we?? Did you also breath in that weird purple stuff?", you slowly stood up. Deciding to look around some more you took a step forward, torwards the throne. Maybe you'll find some clues to get out of here?

"I wish I could tell you that Y/N.. I think, I did?!As I woke up, I found myself here.. like you!", the boy looked at you from behind, saying these words with the most innocence in his voice. Yet he had a huge smirk on his face as you walked towards the throne. His throne. It would be lovely to see you sit on it with that fuckable ass of yours. Maybe you could ride him on it one day-

'Enough!! Be patiened! Now is not the right time!', the blonde prince bit his lip and reminded himself on his goal.

Aether loved when everything went like planned. And so far it did. A few more steps and you were right infront of the scary looking throne. Right there where he wanted you. Gosh he could just stare at your behind forever, you looked perfect. The need of grabbing you, bending you over, just feeling your insides around him got bigger. The abyss prince got hard over your hips swaying side to side. He wants to fuck you so bad. And he will.. later..

One step. Two steps. You were right infront of the throne. For some reason you couldn't take your eyes of the black crown infront of you. The feeling of having it seen somewhere before, the need to pick it up and put it on your head. What is this feeling?? With all your self control you managed to turn away. It wasn't your throne, not your crown so you shouldn't touch it! Instead you walked back down to aether. Looking at him you thought he behaved rather weird, because you both breathed in that purple stuff. The boy didn't move an inch. He just looked at you with the most innocent puppy eyes you had ever seen.

"We should look around! We have to find a way out! We don't know who did this to us but they clearly want us alive. Soo I guess they won't hurt us?", you said, trying to calm aether down. He must be scared, that was why he isn't moving. You thought he probably had flashbacks to his missing sister. "Aether, don't worry~ Everything is going to be fine. We will get out of here safe and sound!", smiling at him as you stood infront of him.

That was what you hoped at least. To be honest you were shit-scared! Who did this? And what do they want from you both?? The fatui, the abyss? According to your surroundings, you would say the abyss. Some strange feeling about this room, about the crown, the thrown told you. 'Wait! If this is the 'abyss-doing'.. Now way!!!', you thought to yourself, 'Are we even still in teyvat??'. This place looked like nothing you had seen before! The walls looked way more like some of the ruins you had found in all three of the nations you had travelled through!  'No way! Maybe I'm just shocked! Yes.. I'm just making up things', you tried to calm yourself down. After all this was still a very scary situation!The best you could was trying to make sure not to lose hope!

Feeling a hand on your cheek, you looked up starring into aethers eyes. His beautiful golden eyes. But.. something felt off. Something was missing. Was this really your aether? Now looking at him closer, your eyes wandering down his body you realised also a huge difference. Did he grow taller? No.. it's just that he has more muscles right?? For some reason the boy infront of you seemed stronger, more mature. You didn't know how to explain it but.. Aether had changed! 'Okay, now I'm just going crazy! Did this purple stuff mess with my mind that much??', you bit your lip. How could you ever not trust aether! He would never hurt you! He always helped you and saved you! Now look at you, questioning his appearance..

"You're right y/n! We will be safe! Let's go and take a look into the other room over there, maybe we can find a way out", the blonde boy spoke while taking your hand, "Let's go~", with that aether started walking into the small corridor. Caught of guard, blushing at the gesture you followed him. On the walls of the small corridor, a few pictures were placed on the walls. They all seemed familiar. Yet you don't know them. Still pretty confused and tired you decided to concetrate on the room before you. Walking in, it wasn't anything special. A bed, a closet, carpet, chairs and a couch, a table, some candles but no door or window. Really strange. The whole room was also, besides the candles, colored into a purple light. As you looked closer, you saw on the bed were even rose pattles. 'Oh no- we surely ran into some perverts-', you thought, blushing. Making sure to look everywhere but aether's eyes. This was hella embarrassing. Shit.. why do you had such lewd ideas now?? You couldn't help but to imagine how it would be to be deflowered by aether on the bed infront of you. How it would be to make out on the couch. How it would feel like having aether's shaft inside you. How big is he? How would his muscles feel? Would he cum-

"Y/N??", the voice next to you made you snap out of your thoughts. "YES??", you yelled, voice breaking slightly. Embarrassed you coughed, looking up to aether. Wait.. up?? Just yet you realised you were laying on the bed with aether sitting next to you. He looked scared. "W-What happened? Didn't we just stand at the door?", you asked confused, wanting to sit up. "Don't!!", a growling voice said, while aether's hands pushed you down on the bed again. Kneeling half way over your body, both of his hands on your shoulders while starring into your eyes. "I-I mean don't get up. You just fell over! I carried you to the bed.. My guess is that you still weak from the purple stuff you breathed in earlier..", the blonde said,  his grip disappearing.

' What was that??', you were sure you both just stood at the door. How did you not realise you fell over?? This gave you chills. Yet the whole situation made your heart jump. He never was this close to you. Also you never heard him growl like that. The sound of his voice effected you more than ever. You totally forgot about what just happened. Not questioning it anymore. "A-Ah- okay..", you just nodded, laying back down again, looking at aether. He seemed completly alright, somehow? Like he wasn't even a little bit affected by the purple stuff. Well but then again.. the traveller was always stronger than others. Nothing very special there..

"Are you feeling alright? You worried me.. just falling over like that! Or.. could it be..", aether's voice spoke up, bringing your attention back to him, "that my presence actually got your knees weak? Tell me my dear y/n, did you perhaps fall for me?", he whispered in your ear, slightly leaning over you , a smug smirk covered his face, teasing you like always. But his stare.. said otherwise. It was like fire. Like he knew your deepest, darkest secrets. 'He can't, can he?? Of course not!! I mean how would he??' Aether is way to oblivious to such things. He couldn't know your true feelings for him. "As if!! Don't get cocky just because you're on top of me!!", you giggeled, gently grabbing his arms and pulling him down to you. Laughing at his suprised gasp, you didn't even realise the sinfull position you both were in. Aether was now kneeling completly over you, one of his legs between yours, your arms trapped under his chest. Also you didn't realise aether's big, devilish smirk on his face.

Having all of this planned out. Having waited for you for years. Waiting for the moment to make you his princess. Waiting for the moment this cursed, lost, very dark world of his, would finally see the bright shining sun again! You would make this place shine again. You would bring khaenri'ah back to the top. Because you were his god! It was your destiny! And the prince had you exactly where he wanted you to be. In his bed, under him, clearly in love with him.

~❤~💛~❤~💛~❤~💛~❤~💛~❤~💛~❤~

“Be honest.” Aether turns to you in time with the closing of the elevator. “What do you think of the whole internship program?”

“Huh? Right now?”

“Yeah. I’m aware that we’re in a time crunch, but this building has, like, a million floors. It’ll take more than a minute for the elevator to get us there.” You lean against the wall with your arms crossed, sighing. “Might as well use this time wisely to go unfiltered and get to know one another, I suppose.”

Aether looks up to the ceiling to gather his thoughts. “About the internship program? Not as bad as I thought it would be? Not quite exact; I don’t know. Mister Zhongli has a tendency to make things sound harder than it seems, so…”

“He may appear to be a nonchalant asshole at times, but he sure knows what he’s doing.” Aether shoots an incredulous look at your description of your boss. “What? I said to use this time wisely to go unfiltered and I did just that.”

“Jokes aside, I have high respect for that man,” you confess. Aether can spot admiration for Zhongli sparkling in your eyes. “Rough around the edges, but has a heart of gold. He didn’t spend more than a decade just to not let this organization thrive.”

Checking the current floor on your side, a topic in relation to him pops into your head. It’s the perfect opportunity to poke fun out of him. “How’s it going with you and Keqing?”

There it is. The boy is hoping that the question about his painful crush on the girl would not be brought up, but now he has to deal with this torture just a bit longer. “Our friendship is… going. Wow. Sorry, that sounded so depressing.”

“Can’t blame a cute girl for dating another cute girl like Ganyu,” you say in a tone that would lighten up the mood. “Speaking of cute girls, what do you think about Xiangling?”

Both of his eyebrows crease slightly at the name. “We barely talk, but she’s nice. Why?”

“Because she’s the only cute female intern besides Keqing that I tolerate.” The other female interns have no tact when it comes to Zhongli. How revolting. “Hm… Oh! What about those Xingqiu and Chongyun?”

Aether thinks for a moment before giving you a shrug. “I really don’t have strong opinions about them—”

“Alrighty then. Everything’s settled,” you declare. “We’re going to have a bonding night. Give me your number so all of us can set the date together.”

The elevator dings, and here comes Xiao who has been waiting behind the metallic door with pure intimidation. One of Zhongli’s entrusted associates, no one even dares to cross him. The both of you are sweating bullets. Although your chronic tardiness is promised not to happen anymore, he knows it won’t be kept that easily.

Aether frantically presses the door close button, and Xiao’s piercing gaze vanishes from the metallic walls. You two are saved from his wrath. 

A distant voice starts to sing.

Six dear companions all still alive,

One lost his throne and then there were five.

 ---

 You inhale deeply as you tuck the three bottles against your chest with one arm. With the other, you bring your hand to make an emphatic fist. “Today has been. Rough. This had better be a fever dream.”

Childe whistles low, eyes scouring your frame that is now free from dirt, but still littered with scrapes from the Ruin Hunter. “Rough, huh? Did you remember to give a safe word?”

(Aether shushes Paimon’s quiet question of what’s a safe word?)

You unfurl your fist to pinch two fingers together. “I am this close.”

He squints and leans forward, narrowing his eyes. “But your fingers are touching.”

Childe barely manages to dodge the rock you hurl at him.

 ---

 “So, on a scale of one to ten, how mad are you at me?”

You hum. “About an eight.”

Childe scoffs. “I can do better than that.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Aether grits, “But I believe we owe Paimon an apology.” His hands finish wrapping bandages around your forearm and you wince, noticing the gremlin still pouting with her back turned to you all.

After Childe side-stepped your stone and stood up in an attempt to placate you, you immediately took a swing at him. Of course, characteristic of your exhaustion and Childe’s nature, he side-stepped again and stuck out a foot. Which you tripped over. Which he laughed at. Which neither Zhongli nor Xiao stopped, assuming you could break the fall.

Of course.

This led you to tumbling and knocking over the remaining plates that had food on them, to Paimon’s shrieking horror. She held a dumpling to her chest and solemnly followed Zhongli’s gentle advice on a proper, er, funeral speech with a chorus of voices yelling behind her (in irritation from you, in please stop embarrassing me from Aether, in mockery from the king of clowns himself).

Xiao’s hand awkwardly pets her head as she refuses to look at you two.

“I paid for it,” you grumble and Childe snickers.

“Now you know how I feel.” You glare at him and elbow him before sighing, looking at Paimon.

“I’m… Sorry? Ow – “ Aether pinches your side and crosses his arms. Try again. “I’m very… Sorry. I’ll, uh… Your next meal is on me?”

She harrumphs.

“How about your next meals are on me? Breakfast included,” Childe says with a jovial tune, placing a hand on your shoulder. You shrug it off and ignore the feigned hurt look on his face as you cross your own arms. He chuckles quietly when you hold up eight fingers to him. “Uh, all your future meals are included?”

Paimon suddenly pirouettes and floats happily. “Okay! No backing out now with Zhongli here,” she chirps, and Childe manages to barely suppress the irritated twitch of his eyebrow.

“Damn leeches, the lot of you,” he murmurs. Sitting squarely between Aether and Childe, you notice how Paimon takes the liberty to sit on Xiao’s outstretched leg. Poor thing is unfortunately hoisted and promptly placed on Zhongli’s knee instead as he sits cross-legged. Without missing a beat, Zhongli begins petting her as well while the six of you sit in silence for a moment.

“Okay, so did I miss anything important?” you suddenly say, turning to Childe on your left. He raises an eyebrow at you in stage confusion and smirks.

“Like missing the mark on hitting me?”

“What are you doing here, Childe?”

Even your own soft tone catches you off-guard and Childe’s eyes widen for a brief second before he schools a look of casual neutrality. Another voice cuts through the air.

“You’re here to observe, are you not?” Xiao interjects. Childe groans and rolls his head to the side, blinking his eyelashes up innocently towards the adeptus with a plastic laugh.

“Aw, am I that obvious? If even spear-up-his-ass can read me, then I really must be losing my touch.”

Aether smiles and reaches behind you to lightly punch Childe’s arms, but you saw how Aether’s own lips pulled slightly too tight. Even he’s on guard. Centuries together allow you to catch these little ticks that others thankfully miss. “It’s gotta be that, with the way we’ve been tearing through Fatui strongholds.”

Childe smirks back at Aether with a dangerous glint in his eye. “Yeah, you’re lucky they sent me and not somebody much worse. I actually like you all.”

Whether or not Aether also heard the sincerity in his voice, he spares Childe the momentary embarrassment and continues with a jab without missing a beat. “Sucks that you’re sent back here, I know how much you like to travel.”

Childe sighs and casually sits back, leaning on both of his hands. The night has long fallen, but the blanket of stars and warm glow from Liyue Harbor nearby is enough to illuminate his boyish face with practiced tranquility.

“The Tsaritsa is pissed. Normally she wouldn’t care since she has her Gnosis, but… She wants to keep tabs on your movements. You’ve already stirred up trouble in Mondstadt and Liyue, can’t have it spreading elsewhere. So, I got placed on janitor duty after failing to obtain the Geo Gnosis.”

“I know.”

All eyes turn on you as you flick your own to the thick journal hanging on your belt buckle.

You miss Childe’s eyes narrowing at the book.

(You miss how Childe’s mouth parts at the starconch dangling along its pages.)

“I read those reports in the camps, but… I didn’t think it was worth mentioning to the others. The Fatui are trying to juggle too many priorities so they’re always a step behind us. If we appear in Dragonspine, they write it down after we show up in Springvale. According to some letters, the official solution was to send a Harbinger to try and boost morale, but that seemed too far-fetched at the time. The Eleven aren’t glorified bureaucrats meant to watch over a region.”

Too simple. Too easy. If they wanted to kill you, they would not have sent just one. Something’s not right.

“Pretty bird, you asked me why I’m here while already knowing the answer? I’m proud. You’d make a fine Fatui spy,” he grins as your eyes roll to the back of your head. Childe hums and continues with an innocuous question. “Kind of interesting how quickly you travel, huh? My men just can’t seem to figure it out.”

It’s a trap, yet with the way Aether’s breath hitches lightly, only you and he caught it. All parties present are among the few who know of your abilities to manipulate the mysterious waypoints.

The thing is, there isn’t actually some… Grand secret. You just simply could. The Tsaritsa didn’t need to know your own lack of competence – and you sincerely doubt she would believe you two anyway.

You sense Aether’s attention shift to your presence rather than see it. Both of you must give credit where credit’s due to Childe: play the fool when you are the one fooling everyone else. As you must fulfill your duties, Childe must fulfill his.

Unfortunately for him, the two of you have been a part of this dance for centuries with countless companions asking similar questions. Always fishing for information, always trying to step over those careful lines that Lumine was the first to draw for safety.

“Yeah! Paimon’s seen the way they interact with the old technology here. It’s super confusing!”

“Oh?” comes the amused reply as Childe leans forward. There, there it is again. Those lifeless eyes. “And how do you suppose you all manage that?”

Aether is the first to interrupt. “We don’t know. Paimon is in as much of the dark as we are.”

You slowly move your hand to nudge Aether’s in a moment of gratitude to speak in your stead. He doesn’t look your way, but you feel a soft touch back.

This time, Childe meets your eyes, though something unnerves you in the scrutiny you’re placed under. “Is that so…” he murmurs before throwing his head back in a loud laugh. He places both hands behind his head. “Ah well! Mysteries galore, never a dull moment with you all. Not too upset about being back if my nights are gonna be fun like this.”

“Childe,” Zhongli says for the first time, smiling as his voice pitches deeper like he’s taking part in some conspiracy. “Are you implying… You enjoy Liyue?”

“What can I say,” he grins, “I enjoy the people.”

Xiao grunts. “Give it time.”

“But why did they send you? You’re not the spying type, you’re…” One of your hands gesticulates wildly to Childe’s form. “You’re a fighter.”

“Because I’m already close to you all,” comes the shockingly quick reply. You blink. Childe blinks.

You both blink.

“Signora would set off more alarm bells, wouldn’t it?” he teases, immediately breaking the tension.

“This settles it, then,” Zhongli says, crossing his arms and closing his eyes in contemplation. “I see a wonderful opportunity to appease all parties involved in their respective endeavors.”

You frown as you notice the knowing glance passed between Childe and Zhongli but opt to ignore it.

“I propose,” he continues, looking between you, Aether, and Childe, “that since Xiao and I have no dealings with mortal quarrels, we will officially remain out of your affairs. However, Childe is here to alert the Cryo Archon of your dealings to stifle any further disruptions. You will feed him information about your travels where relevant – and, of course, I will help in an unofficial capacity where possible. In return, you stop rampaging Fatui encampments and endangering the tentative peace found within Liyue after Osial. Relations between the Fatui and the Qixing are stressed as is.”

Aether clicks his tongue as he frowns. “This feels like a very easy solution, and nothing is ever easy. What’s the catch here?”

Childe shrugs as he smiles back to Aether. “Don’t be surprised if I’m ordered to do something very messy?”

“Indeed, matters of the battlefield are no easy proceedings,” Zhongli muses. “The machine of war requires all cogs to be functioning and efficient. Make no mistake, the Tsaritsa’s plans are never granular with flaw. This is a skirmish she intends to win, and I doubt she will allow you to meet the Archons before she acquires their Gnoses, if at all. Appease and abate her curiosity for now. It will spare the land from being watered with blood once again.”

Childe raises an eyebrow as he tuts. “Dear Zhongli, for a former God of War, you sure are awfully transparent about tricking the Tsaritsa in front of a Fatui Harbinger. Does my title mean nothing to you?”

“On the contrary,” you counter before Zhongli can respond. “It’s because it’s you that this might work. You can either accept this ultimatum and make it easy, or we drag a lot more unnecessary innocents into this situation with drawn-out fights across two regions. Wouldn’t want the other Harbingers to come and steal the spotlight again, right?”

You meet his ocean blue eyes again, hoping your gamble on his distaste for the other Harbingers pays off. There has to be a reason it was only one Harbinger sent, it was only him and not someone else.

“Because it’s me, huh?” Something… Something suddenly flashes across his face as the corners around his eyes crinkle briefly. Just as quickly, it disappears. Good grief, you think you’re going to get whiplash with the speed of his changing expressions.

Though, to be honest, you’re the one to blame because you’re certain nobody else pays as much attention to his face as you do. Stars know that Aether sure doesn’t.

Childe tosses a smirk to Zhongli. “A really stupid decision. This will make my job easier, though, and for once I get to keep the damn glory. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you if it comes down to it.”

Zhongli smiles back. “I sincerely doubt it will.”

After that, banter flows easy between all of you as you catch up on your days with somewhat strained ease.

(“I’m not reliving my day sober,” you say as you take a long swig from one of the bottles you bought, feeling Zhongli’s heated gaze on the bob of your throat. Another night, you promise yourself.

“Neither am I,” Childe grunts as he swipes a bottle and joins you.)

You never mention the contents of the scroll, and thankfully, neither does Paimon. You’ll have more time for that after you get wasted.

At some point, Paimon dismounts from Zhongli to sit comfortable on the picnic blanket as he switches places with Aether so that the blonde is next to Xiao.

You don’t miss how the two lean close to one another, or how Xiao’s shoulders seem to relax slightly after the change. Zhongli is flanking your right while Childe is on your left and everyone is sharing in the bottles. Despite the growing comfort that blankets everyone as the night marches on, you feel creeping tendrils of doubt weave into your gut.

And promptly short-circuits every time Childe brushes against your thighs lightly. You never meet his eyes each time, though you both know how quickly you straighten your posture in response.

This is… Okay. Tonight, everything is going to be okay. You shove those nasty feelings of suspicion deeper down, refusing them the chance to ruin a good thing.

Childe’s back. Surprising, but it’s… Good. You’re happy (?).

When you feel a slight nudge to your shoulder, you look up to meet the devil’s eyes as he smirks. At this distance, you can smell the faint aroma of alcohol emanating from him. “I know you’re still upset with how we left things off last time, pretty bird. Let’s try to mend this rift, yeah?”

Liquid courage, huh?

You swallow and grin back. “Only if you pay for the meals.”

“Just the meals? Wow, you are an easy date. Then, for the night, mind telling me your safe – “

More shouts erupt as you suddenly jump up, your wrists caught before they can wrap around his throat and Childe is just laughing at your alcohol-fueled attempt to fulfill your promise.

“Am I at a ten now?”

 ---

 Only much later would you and Aether look back on this moment with horror, realizing how dearly you underestimated the ambition of the Cryo Archon in her pursuit for dominion.

 ---

 Five dear companions stand together ashore,

One’s tossed to the depths and then there were four.

 ---

 So, to be fair, the time is now after. You’re wasted.

Okay. Remind sober future you to not… Not tempt the stars. Or fate. You sigh deeply as Paimon goes on a long-winded rant to the buzzed crowd about the scroll’s contents at Zhongli’s behest. Truly, truly you did not want to talk about the scroll, something about Childe’s sudden appearance made you feel… Uneasy.

Or maybe it was the alcohol talking. Time to repress your anxieties again.

You zoned out too much, because all eyes are on you expectantly and you’re at a loss. Thankfully, Aether motions to your journal in a fat hint as to why, so you grab the item to open it to the page you copied the scroll down and hand it to Zhongli.

He leans closer to Xiao so both adepti can peer at the pages. “This is…” Xiao starts, frowning as he continues reading. “I thought this was lost to time.”

“As did I,” Zhongli says. “What you have is a remnant from the God of Duality.”

“Jeez, we know!” Paimon sighs. “That’s what Paimon was talking about earlier!”

Zhongli chuckles softly. “Forgive me, friend, you are correct. What I mean to say, is that you have a map to the God of Duality’s disciples.”

“We know it’s a map! Paimon wants to know if there is treasure involved.”

“What is with you,” you hiss at her.

Xiao raises a lazy eyebrow. “What you have is treasure. Long ago, before the God of Duality gave up their own life willingly in pursuit of the ‘last knowledge’ beyond divine death, they left a series of maps to the mortals as a guide to find the adepti who dedicate their lives to the practice founded by the god. Think of it as like a Sigil of Permission, although should a mortal naturally stumble across their abodes, they are permitted all the same.”

“Indeed. Guizhong once worked with this god, although she was more interested in the… Practical and material application of her knowledge,” Zhongli supplies.

“So, like the ballista?” Childe replies. “But if she involved herself with the material application, then what was the god’s reasons? Spiritual?”

“Of a sort, but I can’t imagine the likes of you being privy to that,” Xiao says, scowling at Childe. Aether sighs and rubs his face.

“And you were doing so well…” he mumbles.

“You are close, but not quite. Think of it as the adepti version of mortal alchemy,” Zhongli continues, ignoring the petulant look Xiao gives him. “We all must deal in transactions and contracts, although for illuminated beasts, the nature of this can be taken a step further. However, even as the God of Contracts, I do not understand the true nature of this god’s power.”

“So,” you say, pursing your lips. “Can this be anything? Items, food, or even knowledge itself?”

“Yes, but you must first offer something worthy of it.” Xiao crosses his arms. “Mortals do not understand this. Most walk away cursing the adepti for tricking them, despite them willfully misinterpreting what exactly is demanded.”

“Indeed. For example, a man on the brink of starvation offering his first kill in a month to the adepti in exchange for knowledge on how to feed his family will be rewarded with the location of the finest hunting grounds, the best traps, and the means to make sure his family never suffers famine again.” Zhongli frowns and looks to Liyue Harbor. “However, if a rich man were to ask the same with the same offering, he will walk away with a plague set upon his crops and his cattle slain.”

“Ouch,” Childe says, inappropriately thrilled at the prospect. “Little harsh, don’t you think?”

“A curse for an insult,” Xiao growls. “The adepti arts are not meant for the quick and foul schemes of you humans.”

“Alright! I get it, you sanctimonious prick. You’re supposed to lick the boot, not deep-throat it,” Childe grumbles back as the alcohol loosens his words. “Something like that though would be useful for the Fatui. A leap of faith for the ol’ Liyue arts.”

“Careful Childe,” Zhongli says. “What you say may be taken literally by the god’s ways. They may indeed ask you to leap from a mountain top to prove your worth. Do you know what will happen then if you fail?”

“I’ll be home in time for breakfast?” Childe lazily responds.

“Your body will never be found.”

Silence descends before Paimon coughs a little too loudly. “Sheesh… So, can only humans ask them for favors?”

“No,” Zhongli says, looking to her. “Everyone may request something, though even gods can hesitate at their payment. I once made such a transaction myself for my weapon, Vortex Vanquisher, to be smithed and imbued with the divine ability to seal Osial.”

“Really?” Stars gather in Paimon’s eyes as she kicks excitedly. “But what did you offer in return, Mr. Zhongli?”

He only smiles, but you see how his gaze fades, looking past Paimon to a time long ago. “Enough.”

Childe frowns and takes the journal from Zhongli’s hands, inspecting it himself. “Huh. I don’t see any markings to the abodes though.”

“That is because you must first have an offering in hand and a will to see it through before the map will reveal itself,” Xiao says, harshly seizing the book before offering it back to you. You laugh and take it, reattaching it to your belt. “Find something to represent your question before you seek these disciples. They may ask more of you regardless.”

“More importantly, I am not sure that most of these locations still have the disciples. As time progressed, most have gone into hiding deeper into the mountains.” Zhongli hums as he puts a tentative hand to his chin, trying to summon memories of his subjects’ whereabouts.

“Yeah, Jueyun Karst, right?” Paimon asks.

“That is where the more formidable adepti reside. The others have retreated to the City of Ichor.”

At Paimon’s quizzical glance, Xiao adds simply, “The capital of adepti abodes.”

Everyone takes a moment to allow the information – surely forbidden to outsiders – to sink in.

You sigh before standing to stretch out. “Well, I don’t know about all of you, but this day’s been a lot for me. On that note, let’s call it a night, yeah? We can deal with this later.”

“We?” Childe laughs, standing up as well. “Are you inviting me along, pretty bird?”

“You are inviting yourself along, you free-loader,” Xiao says as he stands. Aether smiles as he’s offered a hand from the adeptus and is gently tugged up.

Childe closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, clearly mustering what little patience he has left. “For someone who can jump so high, you sure are terrible at catching jokes.”

“Anyway. If you can find something, then sure. All part of your job, right? Just don’t make me regret it,” you chuckle while Paimon floats up next to you, carrying the picnic blanket.

“Remember that I’m the lesser of the evils here, o mighty one,” Childe says as he smiles placidly and waves his hands mockingly to Xiao. Still… Something lurks in his eyes that pierces the warm alcoholic daze in your mind.

Childe feels real, feels present, but he seems too… Lucid, considering how much he drank. Like the scroll woke something up in him.

But of course it would, you reason with yourself, he’s a Harbinger serving Her Majesty. Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity?

“One more warning,” Zhongli calls as he walks past everyone, beginning his own descent back to Liyue Harbor. “What you offer must be honest and from your own heart. You cannot seek someone else’s desires. It is an insult to send someone in your stead to bargain your own contract, so think carefully on what you ask, Childe – and for whom it truly is.”

Childe pauses and stares, a rare sight on his easy-going face, before he shakes his head and laughs. “Of course, of course,” he says, trailing after.

As you walk closer to Liyue, lagging behind the group while they converse amongst themselves, you can’t help the doubts gnawing at you once again at the idea of seeing these adepti.

And with the way Aether turns behind himself to look at you, he can’t either.

 ---

 “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” you say as you take another bite from your salad.  Aether nods while he refills Paimon’s cup with more tea, glancing at the journal on the table.

It’s been a least half a week since your last encounter with everyone, since your last encounter with…

You sigh, willing that thought away. This doesn’t escape Paimon’s notice as she frowns, placing a small hand atop yours.

“What’s wrong?” she asks, concern creasing her features.

“Just thinking you look better without all those worry lines.” You laugh when she smacks your hand.

“You know, the same can be said of you!” Paimon huffs before laughing too. “But… Seriously, what’s going on with you two?”

Aether looks at her before meeting your gaze. He puts down his cup to turn to Paimon again, trying to find the right words.

“Exploring isn’t the only reason why we travel,” Aether starts carefully. “We’re also looking for something. Or, well, I’m just helping her.” He chucks his thumb to you as you snort.

Paimon’s eyes light up as she smiles wide and bright. “Oh! Do you think the adepti can help you? Maybe Paimon can help too, as your official Teyvat tour guide.”

You chuckle slightly as you push the plate of remaining salad towards Paimon as a gift. “I hope so. You can finish this for me, by the way.”

Although Paimon grabs a fork and starts eating, you still catch the quiet complaint of misleading names and there’s nothing satisfying about this salad.

 ---

 “I do not understand.”

Zhongli pauses, placing a hand on his chin. “Xiao, I will not pretend that I know any more than you do. However, walking among Liyue’s people, I have found them to be consistent in their inconsistency. A tree, though verdant and in bloom, will change its colors before shedding its leaves entirely. This does not mean it will never again bear fruit. A bird will always come home when it flies, a flower will still be beautiful though its life is short. We must place our trust in these cycles of life and season.”

(A mantra, they both know, heard a thousand times. A poem. A plea of compassion for the mortals from she who rests with dust.

Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.)

Xiao purses his lips, growling to himself. He still does not see the meaning of peace in turbulent and unreliable things. “These humans are fickle. They can raze forests in their greed.”

“Yes, and they can plant new ones all the same.”

“But, my lor – “

“Don’t,” comes the warning noise from Zhongli. “I am that no longer, Xiao. Call me Zhongli. We are equals here, please.”

He maintains steady steps with Zhongli. He’s… Confused. Why did his mast – Zhongli allow Childe back so soon, so easily? “Do you truly trust that man?”

Zhongli nods. The two of them are walking along the shores bordering Liyue Harbor. Although Xiao won’t admit it, he’s been slowly allowing himself to drift closer and closer to the city. He looks to Zhongli when the other sighs, clearly understanding the reluctance swirling in Xiao’s mind. “My friend, you know Childe will not dare defy my contract.”

“But what about the Travelers? What of Aether?” Xiao cries suddenly, opening his arms. They’re getting closer still to the boats, and though Xiao slows his steps – with Zhongli slowing with him – they continue their march regardless. Liyue’s people remain far, though, as the younger adeptus was never fond of crowds. “Do you think Aether trusts him? Do you truly believe that – “

“I cannot and will not speak for Aether,” Zhongli interrupts, pausing in his steps. He holds up a single hand, motioning for Xiao to stop as well. “If you care for his opinions, why not ask yourself?”

“W-what? How can I even ask him when I don’t know where he is?”

Zhongli smiles and stretches his arm behind him. Xiao follows the motion and pauses, widening his eyes when he spots you, Aether, and Paimon conversing with Childe at the edges of the city. However brief the interaction was, as you all part, Aether turns and flashes a two-fingered salute to the Harbinger before walking away.

Xiao scowls and turns around. “I will question him later,” he mutters.

Zhongli simply laughs.

 ---

 (Xiao hates the doubt creeping into his mind. He has devoted time immemorial to his lord, would lay down his life thousands of times over should Zhongli ever ask. Xiao is who he is because of Zhongli, because he saw fit to save the life of one who was damned.

He hates the doubt creeping into his mind.

It is not because of the morality of this man, no, Xiao could care less. He has slain demons worse than the Harbinger. It is not because of the enigma of the travelers, for Xiao understands secrets intimately.

It is because Zhongli has held and kissed and cared about so many humans, yet… Spoke so easily of mortality, of cycles and seasons, of excitement coming from those who break the norm and are worthy to lie with a lithic god.

He hates the doubt whispering to him that Zhongli – glorious, wise, effervescent Zhongli – was wrong. That the all-knowing did not know what Xiao felt whenever he gazed upon Aether.

Guizhong nurtured flowers, but Morax possessed them.)

 ---

 Four dear companions see a mask donned with a growl so beastly,

One left for war and then there were three.

 ---

 “Aether…”

“Yeah?”

“I just realized something.”

“Hm?”

“We’re breaking one of Lumine’s rules. ‘Be mindful of the company you keep, with connections to enemies and friends alike – ‘ ”

“ ‘Don’t get attached and pay a price so steep, we must leave before the night.’ “

“What do we do? We…”

“I know. We’ll figure it out.”

 ---

 Three dear companions saw hands in the art she drew,

One could not escape their grip and then there were two.

 ---

 “Hi, Albedo! Long time no see!” you call to the blonde, waving merrily. The alchemist turns and smiles softly to you as you approach his table at the base of Dragonspine.

“Ah, Traveler, I didn’t expect to see you,” he replies politely, reticent as usual.

More days have passed, and both you and Aether agreed to split up in search of worthy offerings for the adepti. Briefly, you encountered Zhongli and Childe at Liuli Pavilion, though only stuck around long enough to discuss their respective choices in whether or not they decided to join your journey. Of course, they said yes.

Just as quickly, you turned on your heel, refusing to indulge the confused mixture of lust and irritation that quickly pooled at the small interaction. Get it together! Now isn’t the best time for that. Childe’s back, you’re pissed still, you’re mad at him.

You keep chanting these words to yourself in hopes of making it truth.

… He’s not bad looking.

Ugh.

Although you have an idea of what to give, you came to Dragonspine in hopes that the renowned alchemist can offer some insight.

“Yeah, I wanted to ask you a quick question, if you don’t mind?”

“Go on.” He puts down his papers, a clear indication to continue.

“I have something from my travels, and I’m wondering if the material can be transmuted. Err, I mean… Is it conducive to alchemical properties?” You hold out your hand and summon an iridescent mask. Although, you have to admit that calling it a ‘mask’ is loose at best, as there is no holes for eyes, just a cut out for a mouth. The mask shimmers in a cacophony of cosmological colors under the light on one side, resembling the abalone shells found along shorelines. There are almost no other features, making it a twisted mirror to the viewer. On the other, there is a matte blackness that reflects no light.

Albedo frowns and sticks out his hand, tentatively holding the object as you pass it along. As he turns it this way and that, mumbling observations under his breath, you can’t help but shift your weight from foot to foot in anticipation. You notice him pick up a scalpel to collect the smallest sliver of a sample and he places it on the alchemy table.

Stars, how long can he stare at the thing?

Eventually, Albedo turns to you (and ignores your sagging relief) to hand the item back. “I don’t know where you acquired such a fascinating specimen. Pray tell, where did you come across this?”

“Um,” you start, blinking widely. “Nowhere close to Dragonspine?”

He nods. “A shame. Perhaps I can find something similar one day.”

Not a chance, buddy. “So? What do you think?”

“The materials, though nearly as primordial and resilient as Liyue’s crystals, are extraordinarily organic in nature. This should be likewise conducive to any transmutational processes you wish to conduct. However, unlike inorganic objects, you cannot easily predict the outcome. Why do you ask?”

You nod as you hold the eyeless mask, staring into the blackness behind it.

“Just trying to figure something out for a ritual. Tricky thing has a mind of its own sometimes.”

It stares back.

 ---

 (You decide to find a new offering. This will reveal too many things, stir too many questions that you have no answers for.

It’s better that they don’t know. They can’t know.

Aether understands. He still remembers the day he met you.)

 ---

 As Childe walks along a bridge towards Wangshu Inn, he pauses to savor the idyllic landscape. The sun is setting steadily behind the inn, casting deep shadows all around him. “You know, where’s the honor in sneaking up on your opponent, hm?”

In a flash, he whips out his bow and fires a shot towards Xiao’s head. The Yaksha leaps gracefully and flips in the air, twisting his body so that he utilizes his weight in a downward thrust. Childe jumps back to avoid the shattering earth and smirks, rubbing his nose. “Show off.”

Gold eyes meet blue. Shit, Childe can practically see the air around him twist with hostility and Childe’s feeling like a kid in a candy shop. “I warned you that I will not spare you, human.”

“Good. Don’t you dare disappoint me,” he snarls before running towards Xiao. When the other sweeps his spear in an arc, Childe flips over the motion to swipe at his head with his own hydro spear. Xiao grunts and leans back, allowing the blade to graze his cheek as he twirls with the pole to regain balance.

Childe moves back to raise his bow and fire a literal rain of arrows upon the ground, but in the commotion, he nearly can’t keep up with his opponent’s speed as Xiao dances between each arrow fired. Xiao leaps again with fangs bared, aiming for the spot where Childe is perching before his instincts push him to dive out of the way.

Breaking his fall with a roll, Childe turns to see Xiao charging him. No better time to practice the moves he’s seen Zhongli employ in their rare outings to the wilderness.

Right as the adeptus thrusts his spear, Childe summons his blades to parry the movement with an upward cross, trapping the pole between two swords. When Xiao moves back to dodge the rounded kick to his side, Childe switches to a pole once again to thrust into the earth where Xiao’s feet dance out of the way.

Now or never. The Harbinger grunts as he shifts feet to kick the spear.

Neither graceful nor imperial like Zhongli’s, the action gets the job done regardless as it spins dangerously fast towards Xiao, releasing arcs of sharp water-like echoes across the air. Xiao dodges all of them, panting when he notices the water is fierce enough to cleave the stone near him in half. He stands straight, motioning his spear accusingly to Childe. “Where did you learn such a move?”

“Zhongli showed me his spear, of course,” Childe replies sweetly. With a shout for bloody murder, Xiao moves for the kill, but… Childe’s eyes flick to his right and he suddenly wills his blades away to stand straight, placing one hand in his pocket. He relaxes his figure and smiles leisurely.

Come on, take the bait you asshat.

Shy of stabbing Childe’s throat, Xiao’s spear halts as he hears it: children. Very fast, very young, and very loud children skipping closer to their battle. Xiao growls again as he releases his weapon, standing straight and crossing his arms. Neither break eye contact as the kids run past them with giggles when they hit each other with toy swords.

“Why are you here, scum?”

Childe buckles like he’s been shot with an arrow, leaning forward as he places a hand on his chest. “Oh! Oh! So mean, XiaoXiao.”

“Disrespectful little rat.”

“Ha. I’m here for the Travelers. Word has it that they were last seen around here.”

Xiao scoffs and looks away. “You are too late, they left long ago.”

“Oh?” Childe steps closer to the adeptus and slowly leans forward, plucking a single golden strand of hair from Xiao’s shoulder. He stiffens as he glares at the Fatui, who shakes his head like he caught a child with their hand in the cookie jar. “You know, I really hate liars,” Childe sighs.

He side-steps the adeptus to continue his languid walk to Wangshu Inn, humming a traditional Snezhnayan song all the while.

“You sound horrible,” comes the crabby voice behind him.

“Sheesh, so wound up. Do me a favor and either go fuck yourself or go fuck someo - ”

Once again, Childe barely manages to dodge a rock hurled at his head.

 ---

 “Hey! Aether buddy!” Childe cries, opening his arms when he spies the blonde. Aether turns and laughs, waving to the enthusiastic Harbinger.

“What are you doing all the way out here?” he says, smiling as bright as the sun when he spots Xiao behind him. “Xiao! You two didn’t fight each other?”

“Uh – “

“Dear XiaoXiao and I? Now, who do you think we are?” Childe pouts. Paimon squints and flies up to Xiao, giggling as she spies a crimson cut across the other’s cheek that is purposefully hidden behind bangs.

“Paimon thinks that they did,” she says in a sing-song tone. Aether gasps as he runs over, fussing over the deep wound much to adeptus’ chagrin. Still, Childe notices the slight blush creeping up his face. What a bunch of lovesick idiots.

“Good grief,” Childe mutters, rolling his eyes. Paimon looks just as unimpressed as he felt. “Is this a regular thing, stir-fry? I’m about to puke.”

“First of all, Paimon is not stir-fry! And secondly, it kind of is,” she sighs, rubbing her temples. “Paimon doesn’t get how they haven’t figured it out yet, but Paimon doesn’t want to just tell them.”

“Yeah, they’d never believe you, they’re trying too hard.”

“What’re you doing here anyway, Wallet?”

“Oh, I’m looking for – Wait. What d’you mean ‘Wallet’?” Childe scoffs, glaring at Paimon. He groans, pinching the bridge of his nose as he suppresses the very real and very loud urge to commit homicide. It’s illegal here, stop it, too many people, you can kill her later. “If you’re going to embarrass me like that, at least avoid doing it in front of the Fatui underlings. I still have a reputation to maintain.”

Paimon hums and holds out her hand.

Is she serious?

She makes a ‘gimme’ motion.

Is she fucking serious?

“Promises, promises. Remember that night with Mr. Zhongli?”

Childe releases a string of filthy Snezhnayan curses as he grabs a small bag of Mora to hand over from his own knapsack. “I am on a budget, you know. Not that you’d understand, you bottomless pit. Will this be enough to cover your next meals, m’lady?”

“Yep. You may leave, Mr. Wallet,” she say solemnly, raising her head as she motions for him to make his exit before breaking out into a smug fit of laughter.

Oh. That’s it. Legality be damned, he’s going to kill her –

“Xiao told me you were looking for us?” Aether calls. Childe blinks quickly, before nodding and repeats your name, all thoughts of murder pushed to the back of his mind. For now, anyway.

“Where is she? Thought little birdie would be here.”

“Oh, she’s still in Dragonspine, though I think she mentioned staying for the night before leaving. She should be back first thing tomorrow. Come with us to dinner?”

“Aether, no – “

“I would be delighted. Right, XiaoXiao?” Childe grins, opening one arm to allow the blonde to lead the way. “Team building and all of that.”

“Please? At least get along on the upcoming trip?” Aether smiles at Xiao, pleading with his eyes in that certain way that makes Xiao’s heart race again. He grumbles and allows the other to lead them towards the tables.

Xiao turns around and puffs with irritation at Childe’s entertained gaze.

The Fatui makes a heart symbol with his fingers. Asshole.

 ---

 “You know Aether, had Lord Rex – “

“It’s Zhongli now, remember?”

“Yes, you’re right. Had I known he would have found someone so capable, even to the adepti, I would have hoped to see you fight sooner.”

“Aw, now you sound like you’re about to ask me for a favor too, Xiao.”

Xiao’s lips barely turn upward, soft and slow. “You dare assume I need help?”

Aether pouts slightly. “No. Just wanted to offer anyway. And you were being so nice, ha.”

“… Shall I practice my flattery for your next visit, then? With any luck, I will be better.”

Aether laughs and leans a bit closer. Some time passes before he speaks again.

“Xiao, have you ever been beyond the borders of Liyue?”

Xiao raises an eyebrow as he looks to his right and stops, losing his breath. Aether is… Aether is radiant under the moonlight. More than that, truly. The strands of golden hair billow softly in the wind, catching the light from the lanterns all around them. And… He’s smiling so earnestly, so sweetly and golden.

The ginkgo tree behind Aether sways.

“Why do you ask?”

Aether leans back, kicking his legs as they hang over the balcony. “Well, ever since you accepted the contract to defend Liyue, have you ever been given a chance to leave? Will you leave now that ‘Rex Lapis’ is gone? The people here are capable of defending themselves.”

Xiao sighs and looks back to the horizon. “I do not know,” he mutters. “I… I do not remember if I have left Liyue. Before I came to serve under Zhongli, I served another, but my memories during those days slip through my fingers. There are flashes. It…” Hurts.

Aether understands. He scoots closer again, delicately placing a few fingers over Xiao’s. When Xiao flinches slightly, Aether starts to withdraw before his hand is grabbed. He allows himself to be pulled back gently. Though his heart beats against his chest, Aether feels more at ease than he has for a long time.

“I want to take you. We should go someday,” Aether says quietly.

“Where?”

“Somewhere. Anywhere. If I call your name, you’ll come, right?”

“Yes. If you want to see me…” He dares a glance at Aether.

“Xiao.”

They stay like that for a time. Xiao decides that night that honey is better than almond tofu.

Aether decides to make a list of places to go.

 ---

 A young Snezhnayan boy, surrounded by many others of his ilk, recites his oath before the feet of the Tsaritsa with glee. His blood rushes to his ears as he kneels at her feet. Tartaglia is his name now, his duty, his purpose. The ice-tipped sword digging into his shoulder as he echoes and affirms his vows only fuel his determination to serve his beloved goddess.

Yet, when he rises, he is no longer in the throne room. He is standing on a cliffside watching the venerated Tsaritsa dangle a woman over a yawning ravine by her throat with the other Harbingers bearing witness beside him. The woman is struggling, clawing at the goddess’ forearms and whimpers, “Your Majesty! Please! Give me another chance! My love - ”

Once, he stood as the Twelfth Harbinger.

Now, as the Tsaritsa releases her hold, he stands as the Eleventh.

His eyes steadily follow Columbina’s shrieking fall into the Abyss. Traitor.

The Tsaritsa turns her steely gaze to the audience presented, meeting each of their eyes. “Ice, once fractured, requires a sacrifice to seal it once more. We cannot allow weakness in our ranks.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the Harbingers respond in unison. However, when Tartaglia blinks, the scene starts to replay once more.

Except this time, instead of Columbina, the Tsaritsa is holding –

No. No no no no no!

 ---

 Childe sits up, sweat beading along his skin and temptingly close to emptying his stomach. He closes his eyes and flexes his hands, willing water to slowly coalesce in his grip without bothering to look at the other entity in the room.

“If you get off on watching people sleep, you could’ve wined and dined me first,” he grumbles, joke falling flat.

“I thought I already did." Childe looks to see Xiao casually sitting in his windowsill, one leg hanging off the side. However, the adeptus isn’t looking at him but at the moon rising. “Who is Teucer?”

“How,” Childe rasps. He didn’t realize until then how dry his throat is. “How do you know that name?”

“You were screaming it.”

Chidle doesn’t respond but releases his hand, allowing the water to evaporate once more. He groans and leans his head back, hitting the headboard with a dull thunk. Some time passes, though neither seem eager to break the silence.

“Why do you serve her?”

“Excuse me?”

“Why. Do you. Serve her?” Xiao repeats, slow but forceful. “You’ve seen what the Fatui are capable of.”

Childe narrows his eyes at Xiao’s back, irritation slowly growing in him again. “You’re lecturing me? You who fought in the Archon War? Give me a break. I may be just a human to you, but… You know what happened to Khaenri’ah.”

It’s not a secret among the Harbingers and the highest officers where Snezhnaya inherited most of its technology nor what happened to the ancient empire. One of the many missions of the Dottore involved researching the ancient factories producing Ruin Guards, after all.

To the Snezhnayans, though, the Fatui are paragons of virtue for humanity against the Abyss and they remain blissfully ignorant to the true reasons behind Khaenri’ah’s fall.

“The Tsaritsa is leading us to become the strongest nation.”

“That is what she tells them,” Xiao replies. “Why do you serve her?”

“You think I want my motherland wiped off the maps because we are willing to do anything, anything, to survive the cold? To make the lives of our poorest easier? To feed the empty bellies when winter comes? The Tsaritsa is helping all of us in Teyvat, you ungrateful bastard. She’s making sure that we can thrive as people, not as pets to Celestia. Once she frees us, we’ll all be safer in a new era.”

Xiao makes a sound vaguely like a laugh – a pitying laugh, Childe notes – and stands. He never turns around as he sighs. “You believe that the gods aren’t pets too? That she’ll just forget? Remember that it took seven Archons to condemn the fallen nation, not six. Celestia’s seat will not remain uninhabited forever.”

He then leaps and Childe watches Xiao’s departure before huffing to himself. Good riddance. The gall of this adeptus to enter his room and then act like he’s on the moral high ground? What a self-righteous prick.

Sighing, Childe slides back to bed and pulls the covers over himself again. His knuckles go white as he grips his sheets, remembering how easily the Tsaritsa tossed her mortal lover aside.

One day, he will crush the thrones of the gods.

“I know.”

 ---

 Dreams come more frequently for Ajax now. He wonders if he will ever hear those voices from the first night again.

 ---

 Aether and Childe are eating their breakfast together, idly chatting over upcoming plans. When the blonde begins stripping his scarf to avoid stains, Childe whistles long and low.

“Careful comrade, the world will explode on itself if you take any more off. I fear what seeing your collarbone will do to the common folk.”

Aether laughs and rolls his eyes before stabbing at his meal. “So, you got an offering yet?”

“Mm? Oh yeah. Definitely.”

“… No you don’t.”

“No I don’t.”

He sighs and leans forward, staring at Childe intently. “I know that you’re going to ask for more power, but the question is, what’s worth that? You already have the heretical teachings from the Abyss, the Delusion, the Vision…”

Childe pretends to be hurt as he waggles his eyebrows. “Comrade! You can never truly know what I have up my sleeve.”

“Well… What about a toy?”

That sends Childe reeling. “A toy? Why a toy?”

“You said it yourself, you defend childhood dreams, right?” Aether’s voice is soft, but he doesn’t look at Childe in an attempt to allow privacy for the Harbinger. “That’s why you fight. So give them a toy.”

There’s a pregnant pause before Childe laughs again, charming and familiar, but there’s an overtone of sincerity. “Ah, maybe you do know what’s up my sleeve.”

“Careful Childe,” Aether responds, eyes twinkling. “I fear what seeing your arms will do to the common folk.”

“Aw, they would love it!” he grins, flexing both of his arms upwards in a show of mock strength. “Maybe I can just offer those adepti the adoration from my fans.”

Aether snorts. “Call it a hunch, but love and adoration might be two different things.”

“Yeah,” Childe replies, digging back into his food. “Besides, I think my biggest fan’s love is the only one that matters.”

His companion raises an eyebrow, but says nothing when he sees the rare expression of peace on the Harbinger for Teucer.

Aether wishes Lumine could see it too.

 ---

 Two dear companions saw a blonde figure run,

One chased to the end and then there was one.

 ---

 Gods… What did you do to piss off the stars? Truly? There must be some sort of karmic balance in play. Life just saw you having a good morning and decided hey, it’s been too long since she’s had something bad happen!

You’re definitely cursed.

You groan as you roll onto your side, ignoring Childe’s own pained moans. When you were walking up the steps to Wansgshu Inn – true to his damned codename – the immature Harbinger thought it would be hilarious to hug you from behind to surprise you.

Which was a bad idea because you suddenly grabbed him in response. Which had you both losing your balance. Which made you tumble to the bottom of the steps together.

Of fucking course.

“Ha, did you – ugh – fall from Celestia babe? Because coming down those steps, you – “

“Childe, I’m giving you three seconds to shut up.”

“Right.”

When you both sit up, you stare at each other for a long moment before you sigh, fighting back a grin. “Alright, what’re you doing here?”

Childe pouts and stands up, offering you a hand to help you up.

You ignore how familiar it felt, how nice that he dusted the dirt off your back while holding you tight.

“Pretty bird’s been avoiding me. Can you blame me if I go hunting?” he whines.

“I have not! I’ve been looking for something to trade and you should be doing the same.”

“Oh, that? Pfft, I got that covered.”

Raising an eyebrow, you cock a hip out as you stare. He only nods enthusiastically and rolls back and forth on his feet. “Aether told me you might need help completing a commission? There’s one nearby if I recall correctly. We’re all meeting up again later tonight to discuss the next steps anyway, can’t hurt to have your loyal comrade along!”

Shaking your head, you two meet up with the others at the inn to discuss the day’s plans before setting out on your journeys. Shockingly, fewer insults – though no less scathing - pass between Xiao and Childe than you expected while you finish speaking to Aether.

Huh. Last you saw Xiao and Childe, you could’ve sworn they were more… Hostile.

Some time walking along the road passes while you two chatter briefly. It’s all small talk though, and you can feel it again, that chasm between you, that something left unsaid. Maybe a peace offering will do?

You feel Childe’s eyes on you as you summon a bag of spices in your hand and shove it towards him, not bothering to look at his face. “Here. Forgot to give it to you earlier.”

No, you didn’t. You just bought them today.

“Hm? What’s this? …Snezhnayan spices?”

“Yeah, I saw a merchant selling it and thought it’d be interesting to try out for some recipes. You’ll definitely get more use out of it than me.”

Total fucking lie. You bought it entirely to show him, hoping to make things less awkward and… Maybe see his smile, too.

You ignore the flashes of amber eyes and a deep voice running through your mind. It was just a fun night. Nothing more.

“Huh. Thank you.”

Nodding, you both continue along, but the silence between you is comfortable now. It’s nice again, simpler, like Osial never happened. Almost, anyway.

Childe makes sure you aren’t looking as he puts the spices away, smiling to himself.

 ---

 One dear companion left under the sun,

She wandered in search of her friends and then there were none.

 ---

 “Guizhong, what are you singing of now?”

Guizhong turns and giggles at the sight of Morax in his full draconic glory, scales aflame with a  gold shimmer that no treasure can match. “Beloved, you need not appear as a god before me. Come and sit so I may braid your hair.”

When Guizhong looks to the plains, she continues her soft melodies. Morax settles next to her in his mortal form. Without hesitation, he tilts his head when her hands reach his hair, offering her his peace. There is a tacit understanding between them when anxiety tugs at her heart; as an industrial goddess, she turns to her hands to settle her thoughts.

Morax, though he never shows on his stoney face, enjoys providing this comfort for her. After so many centuries together, Guizhong long abandoned the endeavor of persuading Morax to express emotions in the human way. She knew that the brute before her will always remain an illuminated beast at heart.

That is why she loves him so.

“Morax, my love, you are purring again,” she teases. He huffs and stops, but at her light tug on his hair, he resumes. “Is our dear dragon turning into a fat house cat?”

“Which am I, Guizhong?” he says. When she leans in to kiss the corner of his mouth, he turns to meet her soft motions with his own. He was never gentle, this god of stone, yet he tries for her. “Am I a god, or am I your pet?”

Her lover’s words are teasing, and she cannot help the bubble of laughter as he tries – and fails – to smile charmingly in a show of fangs.

“You are my love,” she murmurs and kisses him again.

Hers. Of course, he thinks. Hers.

“My heart belongs to you,” he whispers back, though frowns when she notices her crestfallen expression.

“Your heart belongs to you, as my love for you is mine. Do not give it away so easily. Beloved, love is a thing that should free us. I do not wish to bind you, but I want to grow with you. Love is changing, is it not?”

He follows her gaze upwards to the ginkgo tree they sit under before she continues. “Welcome the changes time brings you, Morax. You may find yourself surprised yet. Promise me you’ll try.”

At her contemplative tone, he looks to her again, though she doesn’t meet his gaze. “I will,” he replies. “I promise to try and appreciate these mortal cycles. Though I would not call myself so dramatic as to die for it; so many humans declare this a romantic notion. How strange.”

“It’s a start,” she laughs. “Perhaps start with loving the land and loving your subjects. They have never truly courted death.”

“I do not see why you fret,” he mumbles and moves closer to kiss her jaw. “You will be here with me.”

“Of course,” she says. “Of course.”

She moves her ankle further beneath her dress, hiding from his imperial gaze the black decay that eats at her.

“Another promise. Indulge me, God of Contracts.”

He grunts in acknowledgment, though he continues his ministrations.

“Promise me that you will free me if you love me. Love me enough to live, instead of dying for it then.”

More silence meets her, though from the grip of his hand on her thighs, she knows he acquiesces.

When she met with the God of Duality so long ago, Guizhong knew her days were numbered as she collected artifacts filled with poisonous malice. The day that this blackness takes her is swiftly coming. Her dear friend chose death in their pursuit of knowledge since their true love lay in discovery. She knew this long before she ever met her lover.

Guizhong closes her eyes as she fervently kisses Morax with an apology deep in her heart. She loves her people enough to toil endlessly for them and, eventually, die with them, yet Morax did not choose this path. Guizhong refuses to choose for him, made him promise to continue his own journey.

Someone as strong as the God of War would not understand her desperation. Among the gods of this land, Guizhong is weak enough to be considered a mortal herself – a fact she accepted long ago as she offers her knowledge to her people.

Regardless of this, she wonders briefly if she was selfish in this, in loving him knowing that it would be temporary. But when he moves down her neck and presses his body to hers, she finds her heart soaring with peace. She’s lived a good life, selfish as it was. How ironic that she chided Morax on his possessiveness.

Guizhong knows she will be his first love, but she prays to whoever is listening that she will not be his last.

 ---

 The sky twinkles, too far away to be seen.

-

notes:

gosh I love exploring facets of a character's personality via a different POV

1) The idea of adepti (and by implication other non-humans of Teyvat) dealing in favors and transformations is directly inspired by various mythologies in different cultures of fair trade whenever humans wanted something. City of Ichor is directly inspired by the myths of separate lands (like Tir Na Nog)

2) Among the many symbols attached to the ginkgo tree is longevity, peace, and hope

3) Since the Harbingers' titles are directly referencing the Commedia dell'arte, I decided to pull one of the characters from it as a 'lover' for the Tsaritsa. The Columbina character is the secret lover and assistant to the Harlequin whose own character is known for his trickster qualities, thwarting his master's plans, and pursuing what he loves at all costs. Since the Cryo Archon is the Archon of Love, I mean...

4) Childe's story directly references his desires to "crush the thrones of the gods"

✦ The Strong and Silent Type: Xiao

The Co-Founder of the host club, he handles the costs and merchandise, acting as the ‘reasonable one’ compared to Aether’s bursts of outlandish ideas. He’s been lonesome up until his last year of middle school, where he met Aether and agreed to help him set up the host club—but the only preface was that Aether had to recruit the rest of the members on his own, Xiao’s not one to socialize after all… He knew what he signed up for when he founded the host club, but his stand-offish attitude and desire to protect others are why he's very popular among guests, mysteries are all the more exciting! Hosting is not at all his strong suit, but the softened look in his eyes when Aether decides to butt in is VERY interesting to visitors.

✦ The Cool Type: Kaedehara Kazuha

Originates from an ancient clan that has declined in recent years, but still holds social power and respect in modern-day Japan. His hands wield a blade with swift precision and a pen that writes gentle poetic words on the page. Kazuha doesn't pride himself on his family name but still holds a respect for his ancestors as he has sworn to protect another fellow member of the host club (since their respective clans had been bonded by marriage). He can be pretty aloof when it comes to planning club activities, Kazuha prefers to go with the wind and is willing to hear out Aether on almost all his grand ideas for events. He's very charismatic, charming any lady with a gentle smile and the kiss of a hand.

✦ The Devilish Type: Shikanoin Heizou

He comes from a famous martial arts family and has referred to himself as Ouran's specialized 'detective' since middle school. He has a rather unique personality, which could get on some people's nerves, but Heizou's top priorities are to have fun in the host club and sleuth out any troublemakers lurking in the shadows! Not many people know this, but he was a part of the newspaper club before deciding to join the host club, and after a few less-than-pleasant events he inevitably left. 

He doesn't enjoy discussing it, though, simply shooting his guests a playful smirk and leaving them with a vague response. Heizou's always been like this, and guests wouldn't recognize the other side of himself he's learned to show to his fellow club members. Outside of his host club activities, he annoys Lumine by dragging her into his sudden little pranks, and it doesn't help that they share most of their classes. His reasonings aren't at all profound, there's no problem in having a little fun while also working on a brewing case.

✦ The Cute Type: Venti

A self-proclaimed bard that enjoys serenading fair maidens and indulging himself with a tall glass filled with red wine… which is what he wishes he could say, he can't actually drink alcohol until he's twenty-one, so instead, the club provides him with a variety of fruity beverages as compensation. Anyways! He's awfully lighthearted and carefree, seemingly not worrying about what song he'll sing for his future guests (which Kazuha tends to help him with). Although Venti seems like the youngest out of the group, he's actually a third year in high school! 

Even though Kazuha had traditionally sworn to protect Venti, Kazuha is the younger one. Venti insists that their clan relations shouldn't stiffen their relationship. As far as anyone else knows, they're just two friends who joined the host club for fun! Venti is rather childish at face value, but he's much more perceiving than he likes to lead on, perhaps one of the reasons he joined was just to be pampered in praises and affection by the guests… Venti is always carrying around a large plush toy resembling a tanuki with a peculiar leaf on its head, and it's an unspoken rule to never mess with "Muji".

✦ The Naughty Type: Scaramouche

The son of Japan's prime minister, he carries a cold glare and silver tongue wherever he wanders. He had absolutely zero interest in meddling with a frivolous host club, yet after the breakage of… a few prized glass sculptures from the host club, Scaramouche is in the same predicament Lumine was in. She tries to show him some encouraging comfort, but his response is far more bitter. It's hard to pinpoint on just why Scaramouche decided to stay, he prefers to act high and mighty and refer to his club members as simply 'lesser value', but it's clear there's a more emotional reason to this. (When asked about this, he just said they have high-quality tea leaves.) 

Both Lumine and Heizou subconsciously appointed themselves to teach Scaramouche the ropes of being a good host, and it's almost comical having Scaramouche blatantly insult guests while the pair try to cut him off and lessen the sting of his crude remarks. It's hard to believe why he had to go through this much trouble to pay off a debt he could easily have someone else settle, and the main reason would be the relationship with his mother, but… that's a story for another time.

✦ The Manager: Faruzan

Lastly, we have the Ouran host club's self-appointed manager! She prides herself on her intelligence and higher grade (even though Venti is the same age as her) and enjoys guiding the members on developing their 'characters' to be more appealing to guests. Since she's the only female member outside of Lumine, Faruzan strongly believes she's much more qualified for what girls like. Speaking of the pair, Faruzan often refers to Lumine as the actual 'leader' of the host club, as she has no trouble charming and conversing with guests compared to the other members' over-the-top antics. 

Aether acts a bit hurt over this, but that doesn't diminish the respect the boys have for Madame Faruzan and vise-versa! As to how she was appointed to the manager role, she was acquainted with Lumine beforehand and acted as her study mentor. As such, she discovered Lumine's relations with the host club and was so shocked by the state that she took it upon herself to 'help' them. How is madame Faruzan so well-versed in romance, you may ask? An absurd amount of free time and mentally taxing studies can lead to you picking up rather strange young adult novels, let's say…

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Above the greeny land of mondstadt, there can be spotted a girl with (h/c) hair following a blonde haired male like a little chicks following it's mother chicken. The girl blabbering about everything that some people might think of annoying but for the blondie, it was comfortable serene since he adored her voice after all.

You know, that thing called love were felt in blondie.

It's all fun and warmth like what i described until,  "Hey. Admit it in other words traveler. You're actually a lost boy in another world right?"

Yes, the blondie might fall in love with all of her sides but sometimes not her randomness.

The (h/c)-ed girl cupping the both side of the blondie. "Sigh traveler is too.. for normies so i gotta change your nickname to lost boy!"

Mixed feeling between flustered, embarrass, and angry was what the blondie felt. "(Y/n)!! Don't makes joke for it." He pout.

"I'm notttt jokinggg lost boy-"

Truth to be told, the blond really flustered and even the fact that the (h/c)-ed girl kept closening the gap between their face wasn't helping at all. His attention were mainly focused on your lips that he wanted to kiss anytime but he doesn't want to step out the line of friendship between the both of you, until he doesn't had any option other than softly bonk the (h/c)-ed girl.

The (h/c)-ed girl gasp dramatically, finally put a distance from the now relieved blondie. "Oh my barbatos. You hit me!"

He rolled his golden orbs in sarcasm. "Oh myself, i hit you."

"Grr Aether you'll not get away from these!!"

"Oh right. Where is that flying food emergency mascot?"

"She's paimon."

"Yeah, our future daughter-"

"What?"

"What."

"(Y-y/n)!"

"Hahaha, shy lost boy!"

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A courage to confess is all he thought about the confused feeling of his to her. A feeling when he felt heart thumping quickly, and the feeling of ticklish on his stomach.. he wanted to ask her..

But somehow a side of his said that it's love yet the others deny it.

.

Knocking on the door of (l/n) residence, a sound of allowance immerge.

Now aether and his little adventure company were standing before the (h/c)-ed girl who's dressed in monstadt traditional alchemist clothing and glasses whilst reading a book. The she alchemist rub her chin. "Hm? You wondering if i had something that you can help Aether?"

"Yes. Can i help you with something? You need a hand, i will lend them for you."

"Well let's see.."

She rummaged through her schedule, as well recounting past and future events.. minutes passed and she can said there wasn't anything Aether need to help. "Actually i don't have any schedule for now since i've finish them yesterday, but i do need to go with Klee today."

The confusion were all clear in Aether and Paimon's facial as the both of them tilt their head to the side in sync. "Klee?" They ask.

"Yes. She is like my little sister, you'll be happy when met her! Let's go aether and paimon! Follow me closely alright??"

"Alright (y/n)."

"Let's go!!"

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│in the knight of favonius hq.

"Master jean, i'm here to go with Klee~"

"Nice to meet you (y/n), and Klee already that eager seeing you." Jean said, whilst moving aside to clearing the view of little klee that is hugging on her leg in excitement. Jean smile a little whilst pat the younger blonde locks. "Please take care of Klee."

"I hope you guys will not end up do something bad.... Aether please watch them out for me." The acting grand master said, frowning slightly at the thought of you and klee blowing up mondstadt in one night, it really is a nightmare.

"..i don't promise Jean, but i will try my best."

"Thank you."

.

"Klee!!!" You squeked while opening your arm widely for the little blondie to jump hug at. "Sister (y/n)!!!"

"HUG!"

In the background paimon squel at how cute and heartwarming the scene is, meanwhile aether trying to make jean believe everything gonna be okay-

"Aw aether don't be shy!! Come here let's group hug!"

"I.. don't need, thank you (y/n)." Aether said, whilst stepping further from you slowly. "Geez, Even paimon join the hug!! Aether don't be a shy lost boy!" Paimon said in high pitch tone, asking the traveler to join the hug.

"...Shut up paimon. Not you too."

Quite tired of asking the said blonde male to join the hug, you initiate to hug him first.

Walking closer to Aether, you slowly yet dangerously (in his mind-) closen the gap between the both of yours.

At the sudden contact of skinship, Aether blush shades of red, and the fact that your chest pressed against his was so-

Right now aether help his best to keep thinking straight!

"(Y-y/n)-?" Aether trying to pull himself off from the hug but your grip were too tight. "I'm hugging you Aether."

Aether doesn't know what to do in the moment as he flabbergasted and out of consciousness held you tight as well to his embrace, quite afraid you'll slip of then fall. "Wh-what...?"

The gap between both of your face was very slight as you stared in those enchanting golden eyes and smiles lovingly, the smile that made he fall in love with you everytime. "Group hug!!"

"...o-oh.."

(Ba-thump!)

Little did you know, as the tip of your nose grazing with Aether, his golden orbs lock contact with your lips. A lips that he crave.. to kiss in his male fantasy..

"Hehe! Klee feel like, sister (y/n) is the mother, brother Aether is the father, Jean and paimon are Klee sister!!"

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Rushing above the stone brick bridge you greet timmy as he like usual scold you for scaring the bird away, nonetheless you pat his head and smiles at him. He.. somehow really remind you of something familiar.. that you can't grasp hold onto.. was it your childhood? No.. you're not unsure as well.

At the sight of he gets angry yet happy has lighten up your day as you continued to catch up to traveler and his little companion.

Yes, Aether and Paimon.

"From now on, i will join you on your adventure guys!!"

"But Paimon thought you are a master of the knight of favonius (y/n)?"

"I am, but not anymore~"

You glance at Aether, for some reason the presence of your before him making him frown. You pat his shoulder, and at the gesture you form finally his golden orbs that you adore met yours.

"Hey cheer up Aether, what's wrong?"

"It's just that.. you abandon your country to follow on my behalf.. I.. i'm.. sorry.."

You smile. How can someone be this kind and worried for someone like you?

Patting his blonde locks, you lovingly stare him. "You don't need to apologize, you do nothing wrong Aether. As well.. i actually wanted to search my family.. so let me join your adventure okay, lost boy in another world??"

"May i assume your gesture as yes Aether? Alright."

"So tell me more about your sister Lumine! I don't know anything about her except she's also wear exotic clothes like you and had matching characteristics with you!"

"A-ah.. about lumine..?"

"Yep! Tell me!"

As you focused too much on your excitement for asking about his sister, you didn't even knew you're body has been moving closer to what seemed like his personal area that he made from you.

"D-don't get too close to me (y-y/n)-!!"

"What's wrong with that geez!?"

"E-even though w-we're co-comrades-!!! I-i! I'm still a-a man!!!"

"No one said you're a woman. Wait. Paimon- did you THINK OF AETHER AS A WOMAN!?"

"HA!? PAIMON DID NOT!!"

"See? No one see you as a woman geez."

"S-still- n-no. D-DON'T TOUCH ME!! I- I'M A MAN!"

"...floating pie mascot, let's assault Aether."

"I'm gonna windblade you Paimon-"

"Alright ma'am."

"OI- BOTH OF YOU-!!!"

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"Alright we're arrive in liyueee!!! Woo!"

You cheered in enthusiasm, as you bought your hands upward following by enthusiasm Paimon and neutral Aether.

The sight of Aether not in energy really make you want to cheer him up- until you caught a sight of a certain part of his clothes change colour.

"It seems to me the colour of the gems like thingy in your clothes are changing to yellow...." stepping closer to shy Aether, you held the hen of his clothes and slightly pull it into your close eyesight. "W-what are you do-doing-" Aether who's falls from head to toes for you, blush at the close presence you had with him.

"It's usually emerald green kind of shade and now it's-"

He tried his best to getting away useless thought of romance in his fantasy but the more he sight your lips.. the more he wanted to kiss it. Afraid of kissing you out of blue, he decided to just rush ahead leaving Paimon and you alone behind.

"Did he just run?"

"Anyways Pai. Who do you say this statue is again?"

"Paimon has said to listen to paimon!! Aether and (y/n) really forgot paimon behind!! Geezz!! You better heard me closely this time!! It's the geo archon, with the name of morax yet citizens in liyue refer him as Rex lapis!"

"Hehe~ I see.. he seems familiar."

"That necklace, there is no doubt.. my child, (y/n) (l/n).. at last.. father will reunited with you.."

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The sky in liyue changes onto dark as stars came into your sight. Deciding that it's best to rent some room for the three of you, you secretly thanks barba- now rex lapis that you had bought some mora along with you.

"Hmm.. i got some mora with us. Let's rent a room for one week? I hope the price wasn't too much."

Aether interfere your action, as a man he wants to be the one who renting the room. "Let me pay fo-"

But paimon bought him into reality he was in. "Do YoU hAd MoRa MiStEr TrAvElEr?"

Aether bite his lips, oh how much he wants to fry these little annoying fairy companion he had.. "...No."

You laughed sheepishly, patting his shoulder. "It's okay Aethy i will pay it." You wink some love to him much to his dismay although he denied those love. "...I.. alright."

.

Later that day, you and paimon were already at the room you rent whilst Aether said he want to get some air before come back.

Well paimon tease Aether saying-- 'Aether need time to form some horny grips (n/n).' -to you, and you can see paimon getting windblade though he's now geo then smashed against the new geo element skill he had thus make paimon faint, and Aether rush timidly the time you form eye contact with him.

Finally the time he gets into the room--  (you think he's actually lost again but well hopefully he isn't) --he slowly step closer to you after took his shoes off, and sat beside you.

"Um. (Y/n)? G-give me yo-your hands." Aether ask, too bad you can't see his face the light wasn't that opaque as you give his your hand, but from the way he lightly form contact with yours.. you can say.. he's shy.

"...There. Is.. my.. um my thanks.."

"A flower ring.. Thank you Aether."

/blush! "I-i'm the one who need to said thank you.."

"Geez you two lovebirds. You guys really forgot paimon like that!!"

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As one week passing by, you met with a two man that Aether introduce as Zhongli and Childe.

For some reason you felt strange connection and familiar feelings towards mister Zhongli, Paimon opinion to it : 'maybe you think he's familiar because he also doesn't have mora like Aether??' And you slap her.

One month has passed since the three of you stay in liyue harbor, Aether and Paimon was busy with their adventure task and you stay at home always welcoming and make food the time they back. Paimon once again opinion into it : 'The three of us looks like a little happy family!! With Aether as the father, (y/n) as the mother and Paimon as the daugh-' , Aether interfere 'windblade!'

Until the time, mister Zhongli knock in your shared room with company's door and the time you open the door he immediately engulf you on his warmth, calling you as his daughter.

You're confused. As fuck.

But the tears that unconsciously oozing out from your eyes and your hands that immediately return the hug says the otherwise.

Finally, after some time of his explain. You can say that Zhongli is your father somehow.

And you wanted to recall how funny Aether and Paimon expression is. Oh and let's not forgot about Childe reaction when he found that Zhongli already had daughter, how priceless.

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Today, you actually decide to walk in liyue with Childe and Zhongli but Aether and Paimon force their appearance on your way. Unlike Paimon who had the true intention to follow you (since she immediately hug you the time she met you-), Aether seems had a hidden intention.

Coming into halt, the blonde traveler took a glance at the taller brunette man beside him as the blondie bow slightly. "Sir Zhongli, may i had the chance to talk to you?"

Childe peek from beside Zhongli to confirm the situation. "...You are so strangely mannered boy." He said while excitingly calculates what the traveler gonna do.

Paimon in your arm agreed as well, as she bought both of her hands up. "Walking mora was right!"

"...It's Tartaglia." Childe face palmed at the yapping fairy.

Paimon tilt her head. "Tarta..?" She seems pretty hard to say the words 'tartaglia.' As the words that came out was- "....Gorilla..?"

The fatui facepalm, "Childe."

Paimon lighten up as she think she can say the words- instead she purposefully messed. "Chunk!..?"

There's some silence errupting in the scene..

As childe summon his blade and his facial darkened, and you of course prepared yourself as well whilst defending paimon in your arm but turn out with side glance from Zhongli the both of you pout--

"Hahaha quit it Childe, paimon, and (y/n). And of course you had the chance Aether. Let's get to that side."

"Thank you.."

--because now it's not the time to fight, it's time to eavesdropping! But with the bickering from Paimon assaulting Childe really make you join the assault, and ended up forgot to eavesdrop at the suspicious conversation.

.

Zhongli place his fingers on his chin in questioning action as golden orbs stares into another. "So what do you want to talk with me Aether?"

Aether look to the side, gulping his saliva. "I.. it's about your daughter.."

"What's wrong with her?"

"N-nothing's wrong w-with her!!" Aether said immediately whilst waving his hands together. "B-but there is with me!"

"Let me take a guess.." Zhongli think for some minutes, what matters usually youngsters had.. ah. As soon Zhongli took the thinking, he chuckled. "Are you fall in love with my daughter?"

"...Y-yes i am.."

"I would like to ask your daughter's hand for me mister zhongli, i promise to protect her with my life and will make her happy."

"As heavy as it seems to had one daughter will parted as soon one daughter back.. as a father, i gave you the permission. You better do her favor and do treasure her, Aether."

"The contract has been made, and you must fulfill what you've said in present. Take care of (y/n) in the future of my behalf future son in law."

"Thank you so much. Future f-father in law."

"hahaha, you're welcome Aether."

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As the leaf gently fluttering to fall on your nose, you snort as soon the leaf makes contact and sneeze. It's really not elegance and mature however to a certain ownership of blonde locks, it is very adorable.

The way you scrunch up your nose whilst rubbing it, Aether admires it and loving the fact of how adorable you can be, effortlessly.

But well staring at you and fanboying inside wasn't his intention here, right now he has decided to confess his love for you and wishing to himself that you'll reappocrite his feeling.

"(Y/n).. i want to talk with you, can i?"

Smiling at the appearance of certain blond boy, you took answers of his question ; "Of course Aethy, anytime you can talk with me."

The blond smile, he really is grateful to be encountered with you. "Thank you."

"No problem lost boy!"

"Windblade in 3..."

"Your element is geo now tho-"

"..2..."

"Aw... :v."

.

"So speak up, what do you want to talk about Aether?"

Aether gulp, the scene of sun rays illuminating your (h/c) locks.. making its look like glowing, the way the sun rays irradiating your (e/c) eyes elegantly, the way its making your (s/t) skin reflect the light.. and with the beautiful smile adorning your facial..

Aether really.. he really is grateful to be encountered with you. No matter how much you'll tired hearing it in the future.. he'll definitely thought of that everytime.

Embracing your hands with his carousal one, he smile a pure adoration smile.. with love on his golden orbs, he speak up :

"It is.. sudden.. i know.. and i do not had any experience nor ever do this with anyone but you. E-even so i still hope my action will make you happy anytime you reminiscent it.."

"..I.. Love you (y/n).. from the bottom of my heart.. i really love you.."

"This.. wasn't that much of a price.. b-but.. i hope you're okay with these for some time.."

"Because.. i still not found any ring that suitable for you except these flower rings.. w-well it's for now.. i of course will.. gave you the proper one in the future..!"

"S-So-! W-what is um- give me your answer please (y/n)-!"

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