#aether imagine

Your brain was turned into a puddle of jello, their constant talking doing nothing to relax your already throbbing head. Not even rubbing your temples worked, something that eased your school stress which often made your poor nape throb.

And the only way to just ease your poor abused mind, was to come to the Windrise where it was most peaceful with the almost-there hum of the nature and the huge tree

"Don't you think Lisa and Amber are like sisters?" you casually tell to Aether while extending a hand to touch the branch above your head as the shorter male looks up at you from the food he was eating, a kind of sandwich from your world that he was sure he would beg you to prepare more often.

It was one of the best snacks he ever had, and even tasted...familiar.

"Why do you say so?" He raised his brows with a questioning look, already preparing to hear yet another bizarre thing out of your mouth like you usually did whenever you were too bored, while wiping the leftovers on his lips with a napkin you offered so that he didn't use his dirty hands like an uncultured boy.

Nah uh, not on your watch.

" Amber does all of Lisa's footwork. Elder sisters also ask, rather demand, their little sibling to do something for them to laze around." You hummed all-too-knowingly with a shrug, slapping the branch softly with a smile.

He only hummed for a few seconds, pondering for an answer while looking through his previous memories with his sister. Although he forgot most of his memories, he was still able to remember Lumine and all the bickering they did.

And that alone put a smile on his face.

"Hmm... Since me and my sister are the same age, we always used to decide with playing rock, paper and scissors. How about you Y/N?"

"Oh... Uh, It's actually... Something I really don't want to talk about." you trailed off, clear discomfort written on your face as you and Aether sat side by side with Paimon laying on the green field like a starfish, looking up at the Tree of Vanessa and watching the slimes slowly go away to their path, totally unaware of the awkwardness that hung on the air.

But you also knew, from the almost teary eyes Aether had that he missed Lumine and needed to just vent... Even if you didn't wish to speak of your life back on Earth.

"How about Lumine? How is she like?" you asked him with a sigh, tightening your hold on your folded legs and resting your head on your knees as you turned your head to look at him with a soft smile. From what you vaguely knew, while Aether was a sunshine and more approachable due to his cute and round face, Lumine seemed more calm and collected and more likely to beat someone up and not be sorry.

Though she also had her soft and loving moments occasionally. As a matter of fact, you saw yourself in her even when you hadn't actually met her yet... A girl, looking so tough and strong, also sarcastic and funny in her own way, but is actually very vulnerable and in dire need of someone understanding her struggles and pain, and still loving and being there for her.

You could have become such good friends with her...

But you just... couldn't help wondering what happened to them. Why were they there? What did they see or experience enough to leave this world in a hurry? Why the Gods of this world didn't leave them be? What was beyond what others saw in them?

What did the Celestia plan for them this time?

You widened your eyes as your heart started beating erratically, all the while trying not to alert Aether, who was looking at the horizon, from your sudden fear, your mind was suddenly blank at what just crossed your mind. What was even this Celestia you just said? And what did it mean "this time"? You were so sure that you didn't know this world, you couldn't possibly know anything since you just started playing the game and getting into the lore, watching theory edits and such.

And you definitely hadn't read any books about the history of this world either. Then what was that sudden thought thar crossed your mind? Why did it sound like you knew this would happen and this Celestia?

The only thing you had gotten close to knowing about this world was that time when you first met Storm Terror and... a strange bard who talked to that dragon...

Who stared at you with a shocked face, eyes wide with terror and sadness as he looked at you tearfully, as if he had seen his lost lover after years of death taking his love away.

As if a war had wracked both him and whatever he held dear to himself forever to not give what he once blissfully had but never realized it. As if he had seen the ghost of a friend, or a lover right before him when he thought he would never.

Why am I thinking about such things? I mean sure, he was pretty cute with his big green and turquoise eyes and I literally felt my heart broke for him after he made such a kicked puppy face but... I don't even know him! Who is he anyways, and why do I feel like I know both him and that dragon? Why did such a terrifying creature literally whined at the first sight of me?

And your eyes just drifted up, where a land was floating slowly above, close to Mondstadt as if flauntly, as if to showcase its own power, to tell the humans below that they were the ones in power and that they could end them with just one single blow...

Arrogant jackasses... Those fucking, good for nothing Gods, thinking so highly of themselves yet still hiding...

Something inside of you told you that for whatever reason, you would see both that bard and dragon once again and then, you could demand some answers from him. Maybe it was a bit harsher than usual saying in such situation where you didn't even know that bard and therefore couldn't have any problem to begin with but, could anyone blame you for your fear, nerves and behaviour when you didn't know anything and anyone, not even about your travelling partners?

So, as weird as this whole situation was and you were getting the creeps because of it as if you were being watched, you were still happy to be here with Aether and hopefully learn more about him and his sister.

Maybe I could become friends with her too when all this ends and we find her? I wonder what she likes though, I hope she doesn't beat me up because I would be really sad but happy to be beaten by a strong, pretty-

At his silence that made the little balloon in your mind pop, which was enough to tell you that he wasn't ready to talk about her yet, you pondered for another way for him to open up without causing discomfort to him.

"What... exactly happened when you wanted to get out, Aether? And above all, why did you want to get out in a hurry?" you asked softly, not wanting to startle and trigger him since his eyes seemed lost as he concentrated on somewhere far away and also, not to dive deep in your own thoughts of being beaten by strong and pretty women.

He turned to you when he heard your voice after minutes of silence, focusing on your eyes as he shrugged his shoulders. He trully didn't remember much, he even barely remembered telling you that he and his sister was leaving in a hurry.... Perhaps, it was another play of that Unknown God to make him weaker, to enslave him forever.

He was going to have his revenge oh so badly, he swore it.

"I don't remember... All I remember is that feeling of panic and fear before the Unknown God came and another shooting star protected us before everything went black and I woke up near that shore."

You nodded your head absentmindedly, plucking a Windwheel Aster to play with as your mind played the familiar screen play where you needed to choose one twin over the other to save.

Which was just a while ago before you suddenly woke up here.

However, it was strange enough that there was a shooting star which protected them from the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, Asmoday, though he was yet to know her true name. From someone way too powerful than anyone on Teyvat, even the Archons.

But yet again, it was only normal. Archons were once normal Gods who lived in Celestia, before whatever it was that resulted in the ruined buildings, abandoned castles and desolate lands all across this vast world.

Yet...

Since the world was changing with your presence here, obviously since you were not from the game and lore... Would you dare to change the destiny of this world? Of all the people you will meet, of Aether and Lumine? Of Paimon on who you had no idea over as to what or who she is?

Do you dare to go against Celestia, as a human who didn't have a chance against Them even when a God had a slim one at deceiving and fighting that power?

These were definitely not in the game... Just what else is different than the game version?

Apart from the uncertainty this new reveal brought to you, which was initially another side that excited you, life in Mondstadt was... Peaceful for the most part.

It seems their Archon did a good job with maintaining what they were created for: Freedom.

Even imagining what future days may hold for you in this city, the secrets those ruins held, the kind of history they hid and what you could discover there filled you with a buzzing feeling that almost made you shake with excitement. After all, playing through a screen and actually witnessing them were way different.

Spoiler alert: You didn't like those Ruin Guards.

But even amidst your happiness, the one feature you had thanks to your more shy and reserved self back in your world since no one really paid attention to you started working: Picking on the mood of people close to you.

And in this case, it was Aether who was your stark contrast, sitting with a face close to breaking apart.

At first glance, Aether almost seemed like he didn't care about what happened to him. His eyes were hard most of the times, even when he didn't talk about his sister, and since he was kind of selectively mute because he didn't understand Teyvat language and you and Paimon were the ones who talked to him and communicated with others in his stead, that's why people often thought of him to be too harsh and hard to get close to.

If only they knew how wrong they were, if only they knew he had such a golden heart as you stared at his teary golden orbs as the boy slowly broke apart after months of being alone.

"And just like that... I lost both my sister and powers as some kind of seal was casted upon me and now, we are trapped here." Aether spoke out in a whisper, too low for you to hear had you been a few meters away from him as he clenched his hands angrily, veins popping up by the sheer force he applied at remembering the smug face of that Unknown God that trapped him here.

You always knew how lonely and hard it must be for Aether, with no one else to talk to like you did and no one to spend time casually with. Humans, whether on Earth or some other universe, always needed to be social whether they liked it or not. The humankind had always been that way, always seeking out closure and companionship and never wanting to be alone. If asked "What do you fear the most?", most people here would answer with "Archons." probably with "being alone" being the second most given answer.

But Aether had been alone for the longest time and possibly fought with many Gods in other worlds and this one, just to get out of here with his sister.

He experienced all the fears of ordinary people.

Paimon could always fly to wherever she wanted and eat without a problem, and even go for her own journey if she wanted. You could always ask for help from people and even hang out with them freely without worrying about anything and there wouldn't be a huge language barrier between you and them as well, unlike a certain short blondie.

Paimon could find another travelling buddy, you could settle down here and even build a new life for yourself.

Aether had no one and no way to do such things.

How could I be so stupid to not see this before?! He must have felt too bad as I hung out with Kaeya! Like a lonely kitten only wanting its owner..!

"You know... You are not alone here." you tentatively spoke, after internally scolding yourself for being carried away from the excitement of being in Mondstadt, carefully weighing your words as you slowly touched his hand, to which he lifted his head slowly in shock and stared at your star-shaped eyes that seemed to captivate him even more with each day.

"What do you mean? Have I suddenly started to understand their language or something?" he sarcastically asked with a slight hint of amusement, which he only did with you and not Paimon because your reactions were better, making you sigh out and pinch his cheeks harshly with a giggle as you cooed at his flustered state.

"Getting sarcastic now, are we? Oh my, I didn't know you had that side of you!" he rolled his eyes sarcastically at your dramatic gesture, swatting your hand away. But as the noisy little shit you were, you kept pestering him and nudge him with a wide smile that Aether couldn't dare to erase.

Enjoyment, nowadays, was hard to find for him after all.

He continued to look at you and listen to you excitedly talk, even though he knew it was because of your nerves by how hard you were chewing on your lips and fiddling with your fingers. Unaware, you kept on talking while putting stray hairs behind your ear to push them aside, all futile attempts too mask your nervousness from what you were about to stay...

And whether they would come off as offensive.

"I mean, obviously, me and Paimon can't be like your sister and we absolutely have no intention to do so but we are your friends. If you have something troubling you, you come to us. If you want to talk about anything, absolutely anything, you come to me. Because let's be real, Paimon would probably pull it towards foods and I'm rambling but you got the idea-

"Thank you... Y/N..."

"And I mean, I know I could be very-wait, what?"

You stammered nervously in shock at what left Aether's mouth so softly with a deep emotion, not expecting the chuckle that left his lips breathlessly next at your shock. His giggle was really cute, something that eased your worried heart and almost made you think everything was back to normal and that you two were just simple people hanging out together and not trying to roam this world for a way to get out.

But he was trully grateful, grateful for your attempts of making him feel better, always looking out for ways to look after him, being his friend...

Everything.

"I know you don't trust us yet, but I can assure you that as long as I am alive, I'll make sure you see your sister again and travel worlds again." you finalized what you had to say with a firm yet soft pat on Aether's back, promising him just like the time you had to choose one of them with a heavy heart and let the other be taken.

Like the first time you felt like a true villain.

Aether only gave you a wide yet tearful smile as he nodded his head, the light of the Sun of Teyvat hitting on both of your skins and making them appear to be so soft that you almost thought it was coming behind a silk cloth.

After all, he wasn't going to be alone anymore... After fighting his demons in the dead of the night for so long, without anyone really understanding his struggles...

He now had another friend, another one who understood him and how traumatic it was to be trapped in a completely foreign world.

Seeing you finally broke every kind of ice between you two, and since you didn't want to be sad all day when the weather was so nice, you hugged him tightly from his shoulders with a wide smile, opening your palm to show the vast greenery before you which was a blessing of Mondstadt and their Archon... well, whoever that fucker was now.

"Besides! You can't really get rid of me that easily! I have this bad habit of never separating from those I deem very close," you whispered the last part almost threateningly, leaning closer to his ear with a hand covering your mouth and his ear as if there was someone that could hear you, unaware of the heavy blush covering his whole face while he avoided looking down at your lips unconsciously...

A sudden, soft murmur broke you two apart harshly.... And saved Aether from the embarrassment by giving him enough time to dip his whole face to the cold water at the Windrise.

" So, does this make you and Aether my siblings, Y/N?" you flinched when you heard the childish yet sleepy voice of Paimon suddenly, who grew on you even if she sometimes got on your nerves. She was stretching as much as her tiny body would allow, slapping her lips loudly as she yawned and looked around with wide and curious eyes as if she wasn't here hours before she slipped into a deep slumber

Nonetheless, you couldn't help but coo at her cute question with a hand over your chest as Aether chuckled next to you while looking at Paimon who was sitting in front of you both before patting her head and confirming her...

Well, that was before she decided to become a little menace to you once again.

"Wait, wha- Aww you are so cute for-"

"Since you do all the footwork and I float-"

A cheeky grin from her as you groaned.

"Are you fucking serious right now?" An irritated scowl was plastered on your face with brows raised in question at the floating emergency food, the latter wheezing at the expression of your face while Aether tried to cover his giggles to be spared from your wrath ( which only earned him a slap to the back of his head because how dare he get satisfaction from such thing!).

But as much as betrayed you were from Paimon fooling you, it was also... kind of funny, what she said. She was really like a kid who didn't have a filter on her mouth and mind, never knowing when and what was the appropriate time to say something... That was perhaps what made her endearing in your eyes.

"Come on, Y/N, I can see your smile! I know you found it funny!"

"...Maybe, yes, it was funny." you grumbled to which they let out a loud yay! and you smiled at their enthusiasm with tired yet content eyes as silence settled once again. Paimon eyed you and Aether for a few seconds, admiring how pretty and strong you looked as you allowed Aether to lean his whole weight onto you and laid his head comfortably on your shoulder while she wasn't in any different position as she laid across your lap, with your hand slowly caressing her hair and pat her head.

For some reasons, you always gave off of a comforting vibe ever since they saw you or well, you saw them, timidly getting close to them to ask if you could sit with them near the fire they had built, promising that you wouldn't hurt them. They were suspicious at first just as any normal person would be, but Aether couldn't find it in his heart to decline you when you looked so helpless, just like he first woke up in Mondstadt apparently and didn't know anything, desperately in need of help.

You reminded him of himself, helpless and unaware of the dangers that laid ahead.

What sealed the deal for you and them, since they had eyed you all throughout the night for any suspicious move, and since Aether was laying down from the deep cut he got from his abdomen and bleeding, but was only met with a happy tune you muttered under your breath while getting warm with a contented smile, was how easily you got up and drew your dual blades- which they soon learnt them to be actually a spear that could be connected to each other- to protect them from a horde of hilichurls and even two Abyss Mages, with burning red and blue flames engulfing your blades and later the enemy.

The only thing you gave to them that night was a serene smile as you pointed to his wound with a worried expression, which made them both wince with guilt from how badly they thought of you when you only cared to protect them.

"Your wound looks bad... I have some ointments I made myself and I know how to sew a wound, letting it stay open like that would surely make it get infected. If you allow me, may I help you, young travellers who helped me?" and then a gorgeous smile that captured them.

And as you prepared everything while making small talk with Aether to draw his attention elsewhere from the numbing pain of his wound, initially learning you both were not from this world, that was when your fates aligned together which would change the fate of all of the Teyvat.

Suddenly, you three had become each other's companions and the others' everything.

And as she laid on your lap comfortably Paimon felt... bad and even saddened for you, feeling like crying suddenly as she stared at your protective hold on both of them even while you rested, being completely exposed to any kind of danger, although they knew there were no hilichurls or Abyss Mages close by.

You have always been there for both of them, protected them even when you barely knew them, patched them up, cooked them food and even gave some of yours to Paimon because she loved that particular dish so much or to Aether both because he was hurt and he was usually the one who did most of the work and needed energy more than you...

You have always been sacrificing something for them and what had they ever done to repay beck for all the kindness and love you gave them?

So far, nothing... They didn't exactly have a lot of Mora , even with new commissions they were taking and besides, you always refused to have a share of it since you three needed to either buy food or medicinal items and strictly prohibited them from buying anything for you like a mother scolding her children from spending too much for them.

"I don't need anything to know that you care for me and love me, sillies! Just be happy, healthy and make sure to not hurt yourselves too much and we're fine! Seriously, you are giving me grey hairs..."

Perhaps they couldn't show their love however they wanted to, per your orders, but she could definitely tell you how much you and Aether meant for her!

"Besides the footwork joke... Paimon never really had a family, or at least doesn't remember having one. So, Paimon is very happy to have such strong and caring siblings!" she smiled serenely, genuinely as she tilted her head to look up at you both, knowing full well that neither of you were actually sleeping from the small smiles you both supported. She nuzzled closer to your lap happily with a relaxed sigh, not caring whether you heard or not because she was so damn sure you did.

Paimon really could be so damn adorable when she wanted....

She didn't have to know, but both you and Aether were keeping your eyes closed just so that Paimon wouldn't get worried because of the tears that blurred your visions from what she said so earnestly, her touching words reaching the depths of your heart.

"We really are a strange Trio, huh? Two Outlanders, one pixie baby who refuses to be our little emergency food-" you idly sighed out with hands smoothing down their hair gently, making them both sigh and nuzzle closer to you... Though Paimon was just a tiny bit agitated because of what you said about her.

"For God's sake, come on!" you giggled in the most evil way possible at her growing irritation and kicking her legs up in the air angrily but continued anyways with little to no care.

Hah, that's what you get for always teasing me!

"One can easily understand this world's weird language and also the language of his other outlander companion, but doesn't have any other super powers-"

"They are called Visions!"

"And even so, it seems that some people noticed our strange behaviour..." You mumbled to yourself in worry as your hand momentarily stopped in mid-action, head lifting up to look at the city far from you three, standing on the lake and bustling with energy.

Oh yes, Lisa and Jean had their own suspicions about your powers. Both you and Aether seemed like normal people on the outside, but Aether could easily use Anemo vision and not get affected by the venomous tears of the dragon Dvalin.

And you? You used a different, much more powerful kind of fire than anyone else, wielded a long and heavy spear (something less than 3 people or so did in Mondstadt), and somehow... Understood Teyvat language and Aether's mother tongue without any difficulties even when you weren't from either one of the worlds.

"It's still very strange. Even if It's obvious they are exceptional and strong people, neither Y/N nor Aether seems to be affected by Dvalin's tear..." Jean mumbled curiously from her position near the window, staring sternly at you two as you shuffled closer to Aether to shield him and Paimon. That was, until your attention was taken away by Lisa who circled around you like a predator does to its prey, a finger touching your chin and turning your head to her direction flirtitously with a slight pout.

"Besides, StormsTerror seemed much calm and soft when its eyes landed on our cutie Y/N... I wonder why, have you ever interacted with a dragon before perhaps?"

To be honest, you also didn't have the answer for that. While you were floating up in the air with Aether, cross firing at the vicious dragon to stop it from harming the City....

You felt a sudden sting deep in your heart which threatened to tear you apart when its eyes found yours.

And no, it wasn't because of the glider Amber gifted you weighing on your back, making it harder to breathe since you weren't used to... floating.

It was as if you were hurting a very dear old friend, a family that was once your everything and a part of your soul.

Besides that chest piercing pain you still continued to experience even after that dragon flew away, what was that mysterious voice that helped easing your scared heart as the wind gently caressed your whole body and mostly face, as if phantom fingers rubbed your cheeks and head to map your whole face, and helped you with making StormsTerror leave Mondstadt for some time right after helping Aether with some shitty Mages that appeared out of nowhere?

Don't worry Windblume, I won't let you go. Not this time... Now concentrate and feel the wind in your veins just like you did before...

It was so soft, so loving yet... Also so pained, so hollow as if he missed a great part of him, as if he was trying to make up for a mistake he has done as you felt a sudden surge of power in you, a sweet pain on your back and just like that...

Five Mages were down with a flick of your spear.

"I just hope we didn't make their job harder than before with our presence..." You sighed after a long while, those thoughts still lingering at the back of your head and tapped their heads gently to get them to move since the sun was slowly setting and you needed to go back to the city where Jean kindly prepared a room for you three in the headquarter... After she asked what you needed since you three saved the city.

All of you first declined, but after Paimon and Aether left the room completely, you turned to Jean and with a stern face, asked for only a room which Aether would never have even a speck of information about you asked for it.

Fortunately, she understood your reasoning and with a kind smile, and even more respect growing in her for you, she offered whichever room you wished to have alongside new clothes and three courses of meal and told Aether that it was a "special thank you to the Honarary Knights from the Knights of Fovanius" and to have both of you closer in case of emergency.

Thank her and her brains, no wonder she is the Dandelion Knight and the Acting Grand Master...

"But just as Amber said, the number of hilichurls and Abyss Mages decreased significantly! Paimon wonders if it has something to do with Aether or Y/N!" Paimon exclaimed curiously as she watched you pack up and usher them both to go to their merry way as you turned abruptly, pointing to your chest unbelievingly and looking around.

"Me? Why though?"

She kicked her legs up in the air frustratedly, swiping her palm through the air and showing the nature around her as if it was an obvious fact and you were a fool for not seeing it....

And you trully didn't get it.

Seeing your confusion, Aether chuckled as he lead Paimon to float before you two started bickering again as he started to explain as much as he could.

"They always liked hanging out with you and even protected you... An insane part of me even thinks that they know you're in Mondstadt and therefore, don't want to disturb you since they know you are safe and happy."

Life truly didn't turn out the way Aether had wanted, and probably would never. His life had taken a sharp tune as soon as he and Lumine chose this world to travel next and... All of you knew how it ended.

But now, it wasn't so bad like it used to be months ago. Every day, even every hour, he was met with yet another extraordinary person or habit and it intrigued him a lot. Learning all about the people of Teyvat, what they did for living and their history, hanging out with people... He loved doing all those things, it made him feel like he was back to being the previous Aether before all the chaos happened.

Even though he knew he shouldn't get too attached and form bonds that would be broken in the end inevitably... when he finds his sister and leave the world behind. But maybe... Maybe he could get to bring you and Paimon with himself too? It wasn't like you couldn't, you definitely could land on another world since you were also an Outlander. There was a chance that Paimon couldn't, since he still didn't know of her origins, but he would fight Gods and Archons if he needed, so that he could keep his family together.

His sister, who was the literal half of his soul. Paimon who was always there to help him out and make him enjoy the life Teyvat could offer while guiding him and you... You, who always had tragic yet also comedic stories to tell them from your world whenever they get uncomfortable in some ways. You, who roasted people with your sharp tongue and quick mind, while being a total menace and gremlin, whenever they didn't take no for an answer since Aether didn't want to offend anyone and just did everything they wanted as the "helpful boy" he always was...

or whenever people didn't believe him whenever he said he was probably a lot older than their Archon because of his young, baby face.

Oh yeah... He was very doomed as he already got attached to you and the floating baby you always sweetly called.

"If you can consider being in a city where people worship 'The Champion' that eerily looks like me who fought alongside Barbatos for many times and face a huge statue of the said-champion every day being happy and safe... Then yes, I definitely am!"

Aether snorted at the sarcastic answer he got from you and the dramatic flip of your hair, not being able to help the fake-disappointed shake of his head as he watched you fondly with hands on either sides of his hip.

"What am I going to do with you?"

"Probably bear with me and my awesome self and amazing jokes, and also love me!" You turned around with a gleeful smile, hair floating up and dress swiping through the sudden wind that engulfed you softly and in that moment, he wished that the smile you always had would never disappear.

That you wouldn't loose the happiness and hope blossoming in your eyes with each new day greeting you.

And he thought, whatever strange things revolved around you and the mysteries even you didn't know about yourself...

He would always be there for you, just like you did and will continue to do with him.

You would get to solve all the mysteries and puzzles about just who this "Champion" was and their link to you. Meet and demand answers from that Archon about his sister and the Champion whom he was always depicted together with and maybe... Maybe, at least one of you would be able to get rid of that fog which clouded your memories.

And with that, three of you entered the safety of the walls of the City of Freedom once again... A place where you already started calling "home".

"Oh, Paimon has a good idea!" the floating creature marveled, excitedly dashing off in a particular direction and disappearing from your view for a moment. 

It had been going on like this for quite some time now, with Aether's travel companion darting around you and blurting out ideas ever since you met with the male at the fountain in Mondstadt. What was supposed to be a spontaneous little date didn't look like that in the slightest, but despite your disappointment you really couldn't hate Paimon for it – she was simply the biggest hypeman when it came to what was blooming between you and Aether. 

The traveler, however, was less amused.

A heavy sigh fell off his lips, and he didn't even bother to listen to what his companion had to say anymore. It was the nth idea Paimon had suggested in a really short span of time and you nor Aether were able to keep up. 

The original plan was to spend a nice and relaxed afternoon in the city of Mondstadt, and the whole purpose was to get to know each other a little better. That seemed to be mission impossible, and you had practically given up on enjoying your date with the traveler. 

     "How do you explain to a literally floating airhead that a date usually means two people meeting because they want to spend time together?" Aether asked quietly, grimacing when Paimon drifted towards you again. 

     "Don't know," you admitted. "You'd say you would have an idea since you've been traveling together for so long." 

     "I've never had to ditch her before," he countered, holding up his hands. "Usually I really appreciate her company but now I wish she would leave us alone for a bit."

     "Can't you just ask her?" you questioned, lowering your voice since the floating creature was closing in on you. "Have you tried already?"

     "I told her I had a date today and she insisted on coming with me," Aether told you. "I guess I wasn't clear enough about the you should stay home part." 

     "Aether, Y/N," Paimon called out as soon as she reached you. "Paimon's hungry, can we go and grab something to eat?" 

That's what you had been hearing the entire time. A date was supposed to be about you and Aether, right? Yet, it had been about Paimon the whole afternoon. She bestowed numerous ideas upon you while you did not ask, she demanded food continuously, she meddled with your conversations; she simply interfered with what should have been your alone time with the traveler. 

Aether nearly growled in annoyance, doing a formidable job at hiding it from his travel companion. But you caught it, and if you weren't as frustrated as he was, it would have made you laugh. 

You did feel a bit guilty for being so utterly done with the floating creature, but you knew it couldn't be helped. This was not what you signed up for when you planned your date with the traveler and it made you a little sad. 

     "Alright, let's get something to eat," the male said flatly, and Paimon cheered in the air before darting towards the Good Hunter, which was the place most nearby from where you were. 

     "Albedo once mentioned how he was interested in her for research purposes," he whispered when Paimon was out of earshot, and you gasped, clasping your hand over your mouth in surprise.

     "Aether, no–"

     "Just kidding," he snickered. "I would never want anything to happen to her, I just wish she would leave us alone for a bit."

You pondered for a moment, but couldn't really come up with a plan that actually made sense. How did one get rid of a creature that could float as fast as you could run? 

     "What if we distract her with food?" you asked. "She seems really enthusiastic about that so it might work."

     "And then we ditch her," Aether added, catching on quickly. You nodded, and he seemed to think about it for a moment. 

Honestly, you felt bad for even suggesting something like that, but you were slightly annoyed with the flying creature and just wanted to enjoy some time with the traveler – who went through great efforts of trying to find some free time between all his commissions and adventures. You really didn't want Paimon to spoil what was left of your date as well.

     "We can try?" you shrugged. Paimon's perseverance was praiseworthy and you weren't sure if your plan would succeed in the slightest. She would probably find a way to catch up with you in no-time and you'd be as annoyed as you were now. 

But it was worth a shot, right? 

      "Alright, I'll go up and order her favorite food, as soon as she starts devouring her meal, we make a run for it," Aether summarized, lowering his voice since you arrived at the Good Hunter, where Paimon was waiting for you. 

You sat down at a table, taking a position in which you could jump up swiftly as soon as Paimon was enjoying her meal. While Aether was talking to Sara, the girl behind the counter of the restaurant, you waited in silence, almost nervous for what was about to occur. Paimon was floating next to the male excitedly as he walked towards your table after a while, a steaming plate filled with delicious food in his hands. His travel companion was completely oblivious; she didn't notice how you and Aether exchanged a look, how you proceeded to slip out of your seat a little to prepare for the upcoming sprint you had to take. She was simply focused on the food that was solely for her. 

     "Ooh, Paimon can't wait to eat it," the floating creature gushed, kicking her tiny legs in the air. 

     "Here, all for you," Aether told her, setting down the plate onto the smooth surface of the table in front of her. He too pretended to sit down, but he held your gaze and you caught his message. 

You flew up and ran.

The streets of Mondstadt passed by in a blur as you ran through them as fast as you could. Aether was right next to you, and much to your surprise he reached out and grabbed your hand. But you gladly let him lead you towards the city gate. Together you darted through the streets. People gave you weird looks, for it didn't happen every day that the Honorary Knight and his date ran through the city in a mad dash. 

At some point your lungs started burning, as the green wildlands that surrounded the city greeted you. But Aether gently urged you to keep running, and spurred on by his soft grip on your hand you persevered.

To save your date, you told yourself. 

After what felt like ages of running, when Aether finally deemed you far away enough from the city, he slowly brought you to a halt. Completely out of breath, you fell to your knees in the soft grass, and the traveler was quick to flop down next to you. You found him looking at you with a smile, and you took it as an invitation to lie down in the soft grass next to him. 

It felt great, to flop down onto the soft grass without a care in the world, gradually catching your breath now that you could finally relax after an intense sprint like that.

You glanced at the male sideways, grass tickling your cheeks teasingly. When your eyes met Aether's, you couldn't help the giggles that bubbled up your throat, and he too started laughing. Now that you thought about it, today's events were rather funny. Your date got disrupted by the obnoxiously present travel companion of Aether and after coming up with a plan to finally ditch her, you actually went through with it and ran away like a bunch of idiots. 

     "Isn't it peaceful like this?" the traveler asked when the laughter died down, a smile still present on his features. "Quite nice, huh?"

You nodded, but shot the other a troubled look.

     "It is," you agreed. "I feel a bit bad, though." 

     "Oh, she's so caught up in her food, she probably won't even notice that we're gone," Aether joked, but a moment later his smile faltered as well. "But I also feel a little guilty."

     "Should we go back?" you suggested.

     "A few minutes," the male reasoned, and you suddenly noticed how he never let go of your hand after taking it. 

You two were lying in the grass, hands connected and still pretty out of breath. You couldn't help but to glance away as a blush climbed up your cheeks. Yeah, this was what you had been hoping for when Aether had asked you out. He was right; Paimon could wait for a bit. 

It was quiet and peaceful, and you relished in the absence of a certain high-pitched voice that told you what to do the entire time. It had finally started to feel like a date, and you were happy with it.

He understands, he sometimes has a hard time sleeping as well.

He’s usually got some things prepared. He always has melatonin on hand, he’s willing to talk you to sleep, late night walks are always fun, whatever you need.

His favorite thing to do is hold you while you two just talk. 

“Kaeya?” The man looked up at you, a gentle smile spreading across his face.

“Can’t sleep, love?” You shook your head, walking towards him and sitting down on his lap. He was busy working on some paperwork, but it wasn’t due tomorrow and you clearly needed some attention. Kaeya wrapped his arms around you and kissed your head.

“No,” you mumbled, burying your face into his chest, “again.”

“Come on, let’s lay in bed. It’ll be more comfortable there.” You tried to get off, but he’d picked you up first. Kaeya carried you into your bedroom and gently placed you down. He got into bed and pulled you close to him.

His hand raked through your hair as the two of you talked. You always felt like you were bothering him, but you weren’t. Kaeya adored you, all of you.

He’s up at night anyway. He works at the tavern so you can drop by whenever and he’ll keep you company.

Because he’s up too, he’s more than happy to do something with you. Talk, walk around the city, but if you want sleep, he’s got some melatonin for you.

His favorite thing to do actually depends on the location. If he’s at the tavern, he likes the card game. If you’re at home, he likes to watch the stars (there’s a spot by the manor where he’ll lay a blanket down and hold you while you stargaze).

“Welcome to- oh, hello, (f/n).” Diluc said as the tavern door shut behind you. You sat down on one of the bar stools and frowned at him.

“I can’t sleep, again.” You muttered, looking up at him. Diluc gave you a sympathetic smile before reaching out and patting your head.

“It’s alright, look on the bright side, I was getting pretty lonely without you.” He reached under the counter and pulled out a deck of cards. You watched him with a soft smile as he took the cards out of the box and started to shuffle them for you. Your favorite game was (card game) and no matter how many times you’d already played it, Diluc was always willing to play with you again. Even if it meant playing all night. He’d taught you a few games, himself, especially his favorite: Mad Despair. It was a fun game that required both strategy and speed. You were still learning.

“Thanks, Diluc.”

“Ready?” He asked, looking at you with a smile. You nodded as you picked up your set of cards.

“Ready to kick your butt.”

Venti didn’t have trouble with sleep. He was saddened to learn that you did and wanted to do everything in his power to help you.

He learned everything he could about it and quickly worked on coming up with some solutions. He worked pretty fast, actually.

His favorite thing to do was tell you a story. He was a bard afterall, therefore, he put his talents to use! He would play his lyre and sing or tell you stories. Fall asleep? Great! It worked! Still up? That’s ok, because he’s got a lot of stories.

“Venti…” You mumbled, poking your boyfriend’s cheek. His eyes opened and he blinked a few times, before he looked at you and smiled.

“Aw, can’t sleep again?” You shook your head as he sat up and pulled you close. He gave you a kiss on the cheek before getting out of bed. “It’s ok! I just remembered another story I wanted to tell you!” He quickly fetched his lyre then got back into bed. You laid back down as he began to tell you the story.

It was hard to pay attention to the story when someone as handsome as he told you a story. You kept getting lost in his eyes.

Aether actually had trouble sleeping himself. Mostly due to nightmares, especially of the night Lumine was taken. He’d still had yet to find that god and it haunted him most nights.

He, just like Venti, didn’t know much about what to do. So, he finally looked into it, mostly for you. He found a few solutions, the main one being melatonin.

Ok, don’t judge. His favorite thing to do with you is wrestling. Well… play wrestling. It’s just fun and tiring, the cuddles after are the best.

“A-Aether!” You laughed as he tackled you down on the bed. You wiggled around, rolling so that he was under you. You straddled his waist and leaned down, pressing a kiss on his lips.

He gave your lips a quick nip, causing you to move back, giving him a small window to flip you over. You laughed as your back landed against the soft mattress. Aether’s golden hair tickled your nose as he leaned in.

“Do you surrender?”

“Never!”

“Oh, a feisty one, eh?” You burst into laughter as his hands attacked your sides. You yelped out, trying to get him to stop, but he was relentless. He didn’t stop, not until your cheeks were bright red and your stomach hurt due to the laughter.

As you turned to your side, still laughing and trying to catch your breath, Aether’s loving eyes followed you, a gentle smile playing on his lips. You looked at him, as your giggles died down.

“What?” You mumbled, making him shake his head a little.

“Just… beautiful.”

Razor didn’t know what the word “insomniac” meant. You had to explain it to him, and even then he had a bit of a hard time understanding the word.

Razor was able to find some natural solutions. He knew of a plant called “Whisper Fern” which was known to be a natural sleep aid. He would gather them for you as much as he could.

For the days you didn’t want that, he had other things. His favorite was taking late night walks through the forest. The way the moon lit up the path was something he loved to experience. It was even better with you.

You frowned, taking a seat on the small rock as you looked ahead into the distance. The full moon shone down on your form as you looked out over the small cliff. You heard rustling behind you and turned to see your boyfriend approaching.

“Oh, hello, Razor.”

“Can’t sleep?” You shook your head with a light smile as he walked towards you. His hand landed on your shoulder, sliding down your arm before he took your arm. “Come.” You didn’t argue, instead you stood up and followed him.

The two of you walked down the path, letting the moon be your guide. These walks were often silent as you listened to nature around you. The wind rustling in the trees, the bugs chirping, and hearing any owls in the distance.

Your hands were intertwined as you hoped over rocks and roots, never breaking apart once. It was rather romantic, something you had come to love more than you thought you would.

aether.

yeah. maybe you shouldn't have tried to summon a guardian angel, but to be fair your friend put you up to this. now this blonde biblically inaccurate angel is bound to you by contract, and you have another headache to worry about alongside your minimum wage job, messy apartment and the neighbour from next door who keeps taking your flour. not to mention his constant rambling about his sister who you've unceremoniously torn him away from, and suddenly you're repeating this entire ritual, because you cannot say no to those eyes (and maybe you did want to impress him, what about it?) it didn't work, but he doesn't seem that peeved, especially when he settles on your bed after you've fallen into deep sleep, pressing a kiss to your forehead and affectionally calling you cute. he is your guardian angel, at the end of the day.

xiao.

you're the famed dragon rider in the skies of liyue. the winner of several races, competitions & illustrated celebrity in the devoted dragon owner scene. afterall, you ride the only remaining off-spring of morax, a gift from the emperor himself. you boast that no one else could tame your dragon except for you, and for a long while, this seems true. it blows curling flames at anyone who dares come close & curls it spiked tail protectively around you to ward off any unsavoury people. that is, until an unknown melody that carries over the wind calls your dragon down from the skies, and suddenly you are hurtling through the skies at insane speeds.

childe.

he came to liyue for one reason only (two, actually, but morax is dead now, so no boxing him), to challenge the great sorcerer branded by the archons. he's heard about their miracles from a young age, the ability to call down thunder from the skies, resurrecting the dead, moving the entire earth with a simple flick. the only obstacle in his way is that this sorcerer is near unidentifiable, with not even a name to put to a face. imagine his shock when the very sorcerer saves him from certain death, and he finds out they're not an old man hobbling around with a cane, but a young person around his age. oops can't fight if you're too distracted by how good your opponent looks. damn they look good kicking my ass i should do this more often.

gorou.

his dog has had enough of his single shit, crying into an empty bowl of icecream after watching the notebook, wailing about how he "wishes that were him". the animal whisperer who likes hanging around the local dog park is very surprised when they hear a yapping dog bark that his owner needs a significant other stat, he's desperate and alone, applications open please help my mess of an owner. but hey, you aren't complaining, he's pretty cute, and you find it cute that he tries to stop his tail from wagging whenever he sees you.

kazuha kaedehara.

from a young age, he's heard of the immortal witch that hides in their cottage in the thick of the dark forest nears the borders of inazuma. and nothing stops him from pounding on the door of the run down cottage, not even the animate vines that snap at him and trees that uproot themselves to stop him from advancing further. afterall, an immortal being must know the answer to bringing back someone from the dead, right? he near sobs when they tell him that it's impossible, the dead have to stay dead. he doesn't understand at first, but the witch is kinder than he expected, helping him through the memories, painful & happy. but he doesn't miss the flit of pain behind their eyes whenever he talks about losing someone, afterall, time is cruel to all.

thoma.

still, today was a good day and good days were spent remembering memories that seem so distant and impossible now. her dark-stained fingers twitched in nostalgia, her mind picturing days from long ago when her fingers found themselves tangled in his hair, nimbly crossing along his tresses as she tied them into a plait. there was a time he refused to tie his hair, letting it flow in long rivers that she always deemed to be impractical. a sound vaguely similar to a laugh got caught in her throat as she remembered that in one fairly similar good day, she apprehended him and forcibly tied his hair into a braid. since then, he has forced her to wake up twice as early to fix his hair and no matter how much she insisted that he learn it for himself, he never did.

so with a longing melancholy once again resting on her heart, she wondered. who braids her brother's hair now that she has decided to move away from his path, placing a distance in between that could not be measured by a few numbers or so?

the day aether woke up without his dear sister beside him, an emptiness one couldn't describe formed in his chest like a black hole that sucked everything out of him. his hair was a mess after the fight with that woman and when he instinctively called out to his sister only to be greeted by none, he cried. it was the first and only time he allowed himself to feel the wetness against his cheeks and the tremors of his hands as he desperately tried to stop them to no avail. that day was as clear as after rain dew and for a brief moment, he wanted to curse the world for moving on while he mourned for his lost sister.

paimon knew how to braid but aether refused to let her touch his hair saying that only one person could do that for him. with an exasperated sigh, paimon tried her best to demonstrate how instead. for a good chunk of his journey, aether lived with sloppy, loose plaits that always needed redoing in between battles. it's impractical, he could hear lumine's voice chastising him from the cavern of his treasured memories and that brought him a strange feeling of security. as time went by, his braids became taut and strong but his heart weakened in visible distraught brought to him by the longing for his literal other half.

her hands were pressed against her cheeks where a familiar trail of tears took space. how long has it been since she cried for her brother? she closed her eyes in a feeble attempt to compose herself but it did nothing but make her remember a similar time in another fine day long ago in a world far different from this one.

she remembers the day as if it was yesterday. heart racing, eyes tightly closed as if it would help hide her from aether who was hellbent on winning their small game of hide and seek. weak, little mutters escaped her lips, counting along with aether who was just a few meters away from her hiding spot under the gigantic roots of one of the hundreds of trees that made up the old forest.

“one”

"two"

"three"

she should be far away from him if she wanted to stay hidden but there's a thrill in being just a hair length away from losing and a sense of peace in being near his presence.

"four"

"five"

"six"

aether was horrible at hiding. he was too impatient to stay still in just one spot for extended periods and sometimes, he liked to challenge himself a little too much and chose the most conspicuous spots possible that you cannot call it 'hiding' anymore. it was often up to lumine to hide and by the gods, she never figured out how he managed to find her every single time without fail. sure, some days it took longer than most but a victory is still a victory, especially in his books.

she would always frown in distaste as he looked down on her, a smile rivaling the stars spread across his face with one hand held out to help her to her feet. every single time, her disappointment never stayed because aether's loud laughter would boom across the air like a contagious disease that would make her double over in laughter as well.

"seven"

"eight"

"nine"

one time, she almost won. she was so determined too, throwing away her heeled boots to run as silently as she could, feet tingling as the grass clung to her bare skin. the cool breeze blew against her strongly but she kept on running, an innocent smile that was far too giddy for her displaying her determination as clear as day.

"ten"

"eleven"

"twelve"

he was so close. each step of his making the dried leaves crunch under his feet. he always did that. to unnerve you, he said once, when she questioned why he always made loud noises to signify his coming. she almost blew her cover when aether shouted a loud 'aha!' as he turned around the corner, looking for her figure in the dark shadows that didn't contain her.

aether never liked insects very much but she did and much to her amusement, aether left out one yelp after another as he tried to look in each insect-infested cranny he could find. the things he would do for victory, she mused as she hugged her knees closer to her chest, aether's displeasure making a nice background for her amusement.

"thirteen"

"fourteen"

"fifteen"

adrenaline was pumping in her veins and it was exhilarating. it was so much so that it was hard for her to remain in her usual stoic self. as each second passed, the likelihood of her first victory increased. it was such a simple thing but it was one that would give her an edge against her sibling and that made it a big deal to her. she could vividly picture aether's annoyance as she used her victory and her newfound bragging rights. that would be the dream, wouldn't it?

light flickered from the small hole she could peek from. it was a good day. the light refracting against tiny particles that made it look like it was raining glitter. from afar, she could hear the creaking of the antique clock of the belltower. soon... just a little more.

"i found you, sister.”

lumine smiled, eyes trailing to the familiar form of her brother who was scarred and bleeding from uncountable injuries. he was just the same as ever. gold striking gold, the only difference was one's empty and one's filled with determination. it was a good day. the strong, red flames burned around her, ruining the mesmerizing and verdant green of the forest. not only that, it flickered and reflected against aether's sword that was drawn against her. with an almost sinister chuckle, she drew her own.

"hello to you too, brother."