#checkpointae

SYNOPSIS: As a known helper all around teyvat and someone who’d been titled ‘hero’ countless of times, Aether has never had a shortage of women and men alike falling at his feet. Not that he liked the attention, truly. But when his dream woman starts appearing in his sleep, he discovers her past comes with a unique and troublesome baggage; a league of evil exes determined to put a stop to their budding romance.

STARRING:

— main love int.:

𖤓 AETHER

— 7 ‘evil’ exes:

LUMINE , XIAO , ALBEDO , HEIZOU, KAZUHA , VENTI, KUNIKUZUSHI

STATUS: COMING SOON

GENRE: somewhat modern AU!, SCOTT PILGRIM AU!, possibly slight innacurate depictions of the characters, (and more idk i'm tired of formatting this bs)

WARNINGS: lame ass fighting

STARTED ON: 01/09/2025

TAGLIST: what haha

NOTE: This is my first au and I got bored so I made this for shits and giggles. None of this is to be taken seriously as some characters may or may not be OOC on purpose. Originally supposed to be an xmale reader, then gn reader, before eventually landing on female reader bcs it makes it easier for me. Keep in mind, English is not my first language so I apologize for any grammatical errors ahead. If you see any odd posts before being deleted, that’s just me learning how the fuck people format in this site (3-4 hours now and counting) thx and have fun

𖤓𖤓𖤓

PROLOGUE

LEVEL 0:

NEW GAME

LEVEL 1:

STAGE 01

STAGE 02

BOSS BATTLE 03

“Yeah. Friends.” She spat out in near contempt at the word. “So, what made you come back? Looking for more men to turn into exes?”

“Exes?” Aether raised a brow.

“Let’s maybe not talk about this now…” Wrapping her fingers on the strap of her bag, (name) bore an unsettled expression. “Aether, I didn’t know you knew Lumine.”

“Well, yeah. We’re twins.” With one brow raised, Aether said it as though it was obvious. Which it probably was, to be fair. (name) paused at the information, eyes switching between the two before laying her palm on her forehead in utter defeat. “…Oh, archons. I’m dead.” 

She shook her head. “… No, this isn’t working out. I need to go.”

“What? No, hold on.” Aether took on a more stiff stance, arm slightly outstretched yet not quite touching the girl. “What does that mean? I didn’t—“

“Just drop it, Aether. You’re much better off without her.” Lumine narrowed her eyes with a frown. “Right, dearest?”

“…” (name) clutched her bag and sighed at the shade, nodding. “Sorry, Aether.”

“Having both of you here, knowing you both know each other but aren’t telling me anything isn’t helping.” Aether was starting to get a bit irritated and desperate for context.

“I told you before, I was from here before I moved. No wonder you looked so familiar, you're twins.”

“And I just coincidentally never met you?” 

“I deliberately kept her from you for a reason.” Lumine cut in, “Never mind that, just— I don’t want you pursuing (name).”

“Why?!” 

“Because we used to date, Aether!” Lumine couldn’t help but yell out in utter frustration. “And I’ll be damned if I let you turn into another evil ex of her’s!”

“Evil wha— And you used to date her?!” Aether turned to (name) in incredulity, as if waiting for a denial. The (h/c)-haired female only averted her gaze with a shrug. “I mean, technically I guess? But—”

“Technically?!” The twins repeated in chorus. 

“You abandoned me and now you’re denying me?” Lumine’s fists clenched. “Oh, you’re so… so…!”

“I’m going to wipe the floor with you, you little ████ !”

| Menu Opened! Please Select Gamemode! | « - - - »

Ayaka, Aether, and (name) tensed at the high-pitched voice announcing the action. A hologram of a white-haired pixie child floated around, waiting for the next command from Lumine who initiated the menu interface.

Lumine pressed on a few buttons in front, an 8-bit noise made every press.

| Menu Opened! Please Select Gamemode! | «  PVP! »

Before it could confirm, Aether quickly tackled his twin, resulting in the two wrestling on the grass.

“Get the ████ off me, Aether!”

“I’m not letting you fight (name), you moron!”

“What do you know?! Mind your business!”

Lumine shoved his face away and pressed confirm. 

| Menu Opened! Please Select Gamemode! | «  r a n d o m »

The mode switched rapidly, mock lottery noises as it did. As it slowed down, Paimon did a little twirl before announcing,

| Gamemode Selected: | «  Windtrace!  »

“What?!”

Aether let himself get pushed off as Lumine stood up and dusted herself. “Now look at what you’ve done!”

“What I’ve done?!”

Ayaka stepped back, just in time as the three shortly got transported to the preparation area.

>>> Map: Winery Confrontation

(Dawn Winery, Mondstadt)

1P | Lumine | Hunter

2P | (Name) |  Rebel

3P | Aether | Rebel

“Hah, shit.”

“What the hell is with you two?!”

“Kind of a long story?”

Aether and (Name) spawn in front of the manor, a large blue dome containing the hunter behind them. She tapped the small device on her wrist, flashing a countdown with an hourglass above.

Preparation Phase 00:32

“Get in.” (Name) opened her small bag to the widest it could be. Aether’s brows knitted. “In your bag?”

“Go on, we don’t have much time. It’ll make it easier to hide when we’re one person in space.” She stretched her bag wider. The blond peeked inside to see nothing but black. Hearing the clock ticking however, Aether decided to try with a sigh. Much to his surprise, the small bag stretched on from the inside, as if accommodating him and more until he was completely in.

“So you two dated? That’s what’s going on, right?” Aether peeked his head out, to which (Name) gently pushed it back in. “I’m not sure, actually.”

“Not sure?!”

“Hush.” (Name) went to the supporting post to reach the balcony, sitting down behind the barrel and mini crate. She set down a concealing beacon behind the crate that made any nearby rebel invisible. She checked her wrist, the mini countdown reduced to a mere ten seconds.

“Okay, so long story short, your sister and I met in middle school. Kind of hit it off and stuff. We were best friends that maybe kissed a few times? Then um, I moved away after a few years or so mid-high school, then we slowly stopped talking.”

“That’s too short—“

“And now we stop talking.”

The blue column containing the hunter disappears as the timer reaches zero, another one popping up flashing ‘3:29’ and counting down again. Lumine was quick to circle around the mansion and the area behind it to which (Name) sighed in relief and slumped.

“We’re lucky it landed on Windtrace of all game modes…” She leaned back on the barrel. “I am not fighting Lumine.”

Aether opened his mouth to retort, only for (name) to interrupt. “Neither am I letting you fight your own sister.”

Aether’s head and hands were out of the bag, fingers fidgeting with the zipper. “Still, if that’s all that happened between you two, Lumine wouldn’t immediately fly off the handle trying to fight you. There must be something more to it.”

“Not sure about that. Let’s rotate?”

“Sure. We can climb on a tree in an area she’s searched before and place another beacon there. Then when the favor descends, one of us can go for it.”

“You don’t want to let her get it and just run for it?”

“No. Lumine can chase down practically anyone, especially now that she’s pretty pissed. And if she has the other skill, we’ll just be stuck in place.” Seeing (name) look at him in curiosity, he smiled sheepishly. “Lumine and I liked to play this game when we were younger.”

“Win often?” 

“When I hide and favor is turned off? 100%. Out in the open? Not a chance.”

While Lumine searched the back of the building, (Name) slid off balcony and ran to one of the trees to the left of the mansion. Before climbing however, she looked to the side and made direct eye contact with the hunter herself. 

“Ha!” Lumine spared no time sprinting their way.

Breaking out in a sprint, (Name) went for the grapevines so it would be harder to chase around. 

“Yikes, can’t you use your rollerblades?!” Aether stuck his head out to look back at Lumine and shouted in a panic. (Name) continued to run.

“One, pretty sure it would be unfair and would pose a violation. Two, I had the day off from delivering. And three, I thought it would be stupid to wear rollerblade sneakers on a date!”

Taking out a concealing beacon, (Name) threw it down. As soon as Lumine captured whilst in pursuit, the lantern exploded into a bit of mud that slowed her down.

Aether tugged on the bag, sending a look to (Name). Yanking the bag to open it wider, the blond hurriedly leapt out. The duo split up in opposite directions, Aether activating his skill to turn invisible. Lumine paused for a split second before chasing (Name).

“Crap— why me?! He hides better!” 

“I’ll deal with him later! Knowing you, I’m surprised you couldn’t hide for longer!”

(Name) frowns at the implication, huffing. “Still pissed about that, I see.”

“WHAT?!” Even more ticked off, Lumine nearly hissed out the word. (Name) went for the mansion, nearly falling off as she climbed the walls from the right side.

| A Favor has descended over some part of the Contested Zone. Pick one up to charge up your Secret Favor… |

Lumine paused at the announcement, eyes flickering from the (Name) and the falling favor on top of the simple work shed up front. With quick contemplation, she went and glided away for the favor instead. Aether appears from the right and grabs the Favor just as Lumine had landed.

“Got i—!”

Aether’s voice was abruptly cut off as a blue light took over, momentarily encasing him in a bubble before he disappeared into ‘Spectator Mode.’ He was still there, though only transparent and intangible.

| | Lumine captured Aether | |

“Great.” (Name) grumbles from the roof of the winery. Switching to a lantern, she slid to the back and placed down a beacon by the edge. She climbed down and hung off the walls to the back of the building.

< ⏱︎ 1:20 >

The sound of a loud splat made (Name) perk up and look above. Lumine looked down at her, just as stunned. 

‘When the hell did she climb—‘

Quickly detaching from the wall, the (h/c)-haired female landed on the wooden back porch. She jumped over the fencing before yelping as she tripped on the chairs and tables.

With a little over a minute left, (Name) laid on the ground. She placed a hand on her backside, groaning over the impact. Lumine gracefully landed right in front of her with ease, looking down coldly.

“Good game, I guess?”

(Name) looked to the side and at the source of the voice, a transparent and spectating Aether deadpanning. She only chuckled, pretty much accepting defeat.

“You’re laughing now.” Lumine sighed, one hand to her hip. “Just what in hell are you still doing back here, anyway?”

“Here as in…”

“Here, as in the city.”

“Oh. I…moved back recently.” (Name) sheepishly brushed away some of the broken legs of the chair sticking to her thighs. “I got tired of Inazuma, I guess.”

“… You seriously don’t have anything to say to me after all these years?” Lumine’s stance grew slightly slumped, lips pressed together into a thin line. “Tsk, you’re impossible to talk to.”

(Name) looks back at her before averting her gaze to the ground. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For… everything.” (Name) looked back up at Lumine. “For leaving without proper goodbye, for suddenly cutting all contact, just… everything. Everything I’ve done to you.”

“…”

“I was just…I don’t know. I wasn’t trying to purposely bury you in the past, I just didn’t know what else to do. Communication was hard and I– who knows when or even if I’d come back here.”

“But—“

“But that’s not reasonable, I know. I was wrong and you have every right to be angry. I was immature and I didn’t even know what we were back then.”

“… We never did say it outright.” Lumine’s eyes narrowed. “Still doesn’t mean it was all nothing.”

“Yeah. And I… I don’t know what else to say but apologies.”

“… You know how concerned I was?” Lumine stepped closer, wood crunching below her shoes. 

“You ghosted me for months. Months, and I was so worried something happened to you. Then, when I actually went to Liyue to surprise you, what did I see?” Her fists clenched. “You were with a guy! I saw you— You were laughing so happily before he kissed you and you kissed back. I didn’t know what to feel!”

“I-I thought… I didn’t…” Lumine swallowed. “… Yes, we never made anything official, but still! That’s— That’s not fair!”

“…” (Name) attempted to sit up, only for a strip of rugged wood to poke into her arm and prevent it further. Wincing, she made a less than intelligent remark at an inappropriate time.

"That explains the immediate PVP initiation, but still—“

“Yeah, because you broke my fucking heart, you piece of shit!”

The Rebels have the victory!

⏱︎ 03:30

A young (name) slid through and off the globe climbers equipment after having hung off it like it was a monkey bar. A blonde by the same age looked up from her spot to look at her friend laying on the ground.

Lumine deadpans and leaves the swings, walking to her companion.

“Well deserved, honestly.”

“For saying I’ll treat you? I’m so wounded.”

“For calling me ‘Minnie’ and ‘baby’!” The blonde’s cheeks were slightly darkened in embarrassment as she grabbed the girl’s arm and pulled her up to stand.

“And don’t blame me for being a little angry, I’m so tired of being approached by guys. You or me.”

“Just means you’re pretty, Min.” (Name) grabbed onto one of the bars by her head and pulled, climbing and sitting on it. “I mean, I think you’re pretty. Really really pretty in fact.”

“…” Lumine looked up at the girl, still under the globe climber’s bars.

“I think you’re really pretty too.”

ੈ✩‧₊˚

“You’re lucky you got off the hook so easily.”

Lumine pressed on the sticky adhesive of the band-aid, securing it on (name)’s knuckles.

“Seriously, what were you thinking? Punching someone out of the blue so randomly.”

“Randomly? Min, he was harassing you.” The (h/c)-haired girl scoffed, eyes locking with Lumine’s intensely. “Plus, you had that look in your eyes that you wanted to punch him too and was probably about to, so don’t be a hypocrite.”

“Yeah I was, but still. If you hadn’t, you wouldn’t have been sent to guidance again.”

“Happy to take the fall if it means you get to keep your pristine image, my beloved.” (Name) grinned at Lumine, pressing her lips lightly to the band-aid with Lumine still holding her hand.

“If you ever have to get your hands dirty, call on me. I don’t mind being called a delinquent for you.”

ੈ✩‧₊˚

“Fries again.”

Lumine and (name) were currently walking along the side path to exit the campus, seeing as it was both their dismissal time. The blonde’s lips were pressed into a thin line, clearly unimpressed by the food choice.

“Hell yeah, we’re getting a nice creamy cheese—“

“Excuse me…!”

The two paused to look behind them, a boy from their grade stood there almost too straight that it looked uncomfortable.

“What, need to tell Min something?” (Name)’s eyes grew half-lidded, crossing her arms. The boy shook his head. “I… I wanted to pull you aside and tell you something, (Name).”

“Oh, you know me.” The (h/c)-haired girl raised a brow. “‘kay, spit it out then.”

“Er…Privately.”

“Whatever you need to say to me, the missus can hear too. So go and spit it out.”

Lumine stilled at the mention, looking at (name) incredulously. The gaze went ignored as the (h/c)-hared girl stared at the boy in an almost uninterested manner. The guy felt immensely uncomfortable.

“It’s just… never mind, here.” The boy nearly shoved a poorly designed envelope into (name)’s hands before running away.

The two stood there in silence for a few moments before (name) turned to Lumine.

“Shall I open it, missus?”

“Isn’t Missus like a term for a wife?”

“Again, shall I open it, missus?”

“You act like such a weirdo sometimes.” Lumine laid a hand on the smirking face and shoved it away. She began to stomp her way forwards, feigning annoyance to leave her friend behind as her face flushed light pink.

“You know how many people think we’re a thing because of you?”

(Name) hurriedly followed after, catching up and matching her pace with a grin. A crumpled and balled up letter was promptly thrown in the trash as they passed by one.

“Good. Hope it scares men far far away.”

Aether’s eyes opened to an unfamiliar room, body buried under a thick and comfy blanket. He shifted for a few moments, closing his eyes and grumbling. Oddly enough, he could still picture and remember it as though it was a vivid memory.

‘That dream was odd… that was definitely (name) and Lumine, right? But…’

“Meow.”

Aether blinked twice to see a black cat with one eye sitting on his chest, tail swishing behind it as it stared deeply into him.

“Hi, kitty.” He lightly pet the cat, eliciting a short purr from it before it leapt away and ran out of the room.

Aether sat up, running his fingers through his scalp. Yawning, he looked to the side and was momentarily terrified to see no one there. Before he could panic however, the whistling of a kettle was heard from the other room. He sighs in relief as (name) enters the room with her jacket worn last night hung on her arm.

“Oh, you’re up. Nice.” Hanging it on the backrest of a chair, she motioned for him to follow. “I made us breakfast. Well, sort of. Just some egg and cheese sandwiches and coffee.”

“What time is it?”

“Like a little past nine.”

“Don’t you have work?”

“Weekends. Mualani has the shift today.”

“Hey, can this not be a one time thing? Just… you know. I mean—“ As (name) walked around the room and to organize, Aether’s eyes followed. “I’d just…really like… to be friends with you.”

“You’re seriously asking to be friends right after you wake up from spending the night on my bed with me?”

“… You’re teasing me at this point. I know you know what I mean.” Aether narrows his eyes with a light huff.

“Yeah, we’d be really really good friends for sure, I bet.” (Name) snickered at the nervous remark. “Come eat.”

ੈ✩‧₊˚

“Say, since you have the day off today, would you maybe like to hang out with me later?”

“Hm..” (name) hums, pondering. The two were currently sitting by the table and eating. “Yeah, sure. I’d love to go on a date with you.”

“Oh! That’s um, great. T’s… really great.” A rosy hue decorated Aether’s cheek. “Maybe we can meet up again at like… 1 PM?”

“Alright, looking forward to it.”

—

Aether rushed home, highly ecstatic that he may as well be skipping his every step. He was about one bus away from (name)’s apartment, so that was quite convenient. Lumine and Ayaka were sitting on the living room couch when he entered, one greeting him absentmindedly and the other courteously.

“So, where’d you crash last night?” Not sparing him a look, Lumine’s fingers skillfully slid along the buttons of the controller with her eyes on the television.

“At a friend’s.” Aether impatiently took off his shoes and placed them neatly by the door. He rushed to his room, followed by the eyes of both women sitting. Ayaka and Lumine shared a look.

—

After an hour or two, Ayaka and Lumine were left to watch a movie on the living room, heavily immersed until the only man in the house came to check himself out in the full body mirror by the door.

Aether was dressed extra cutesy for today, trying to fix an earring on one ear while the other was secured. Upon accidentally breaking the earring, he curses and pocketed it instead. He stood up straight, tips of his lips rising only to drop as he fell victim to his nerves.

“I’m so dead…”

“Going on a date?” Lumine spoke in a slight mocking manner, chuckling to herself initially. Aether turns to the two on the couch.

“Do I look ugly with my hair up this way?”

Faced with such a serious look, Lumine was caught off guard.

“You always look ugly.“

“Not at all.”

Lumine and Ayaka spoke in unison respectively. The two looked at each other as Aether continued to scuffle around and put on some shoes to match his outfit.

“You actually dressed decently for once. Congrats.” Lumine paused the movie and hung her upper body by the arm rest to look at her anxious twin. “Going somewhere special?”

“None of your business.”

Aether took a black cap hanging by the mirror before leaving the two to hang out. The duo simply stared at the closed door before at each other.

“He’s totally going out on a date.”

“Yes, that’s what I was assuming as well.” Ayaka giggled. Lumine rose from the couch. “Wanna spy on him?”

“Spy? As in, we’d follow him and watch his mystery date?”

“Hell yes. It’d be fun.” Lumine tossed the remote on the couch after turning off the t.v. “Plus, I’m curious about his dream woman. Must be someone foreign or new, right?”

“Dream woman?”

“Some mystery girl Aether keeps finding in his dreams and probably found in real life. I mean, we know most of the people our age living here, so must be someone who just moved in.”

“Are you sure? This is kind of…”

“I’ll treat you to the place they’ll eat at. Knowing Aether, there’d be great desserts there.”

“You say that as though I cannot afford them myself…”

“That’s a yes, right?”

“I suppose. Hurry and get dressed then, if you will.”

ੈ✩‧₊˚

Aether sat down on one of the benches lined up in the park. Checking his watch that flashed 12:30PM back, he looked around and relaxed. The park was bathed in soft light as the sun was covered by some clouds.

Alright, maybe he could treat her to some of the vendors selling ice cream around the park, then head to the arcade, then eat dinner at a nice place. He could probably end the day on a pleasant note by walking (name) home or even taking her out to a place with a nice view and stargaze.

Great.

Still, he felt something settling at the pit of his stomach. A feeling as though something was wrong yet he couldn’t put a finger on it quite yet. His brows furrowed as he closed his eyes to think and drown out the noise from his surroundings.

Everything was going too well. He didn’t get to mull about his dream from earlier either.

That was just—

He opened his eyes and they coincidentally landed on a suspicious pair who hastily ducked behind some bushes with a yelp. Earning an irk mark, he made his way to the two who only smiled at him nervously in return.

“Yo—“

“Don’t ‘yo’ me! What the hell are you two doing here?!” He whisper-yelled at the two as to not attract attention from people walking idly around the park. Lumine stood up from the grass and helped Ayaka up. She dusts herself off.

“Just hanging around… with bushes. It’s a hobby. It’s a girls thing so you wouldn’t understand.”

“… You’re spying on me.” Aether looked unimpressed. “Look, leave. She’ll be here any moment!”

“Oh, chill out. We just wanna see this dream woman of yours you keep obsessing over—“

“Hush and hurry to leave. You’ll weird her out!”

“Hey, if she can’t handle me, probably not the right girl for you. Just saying—“ Before Lumine could finish her jest with a snicker, Aether yelps.

“(N-name)! You’re…early.” He subtly moves over to try and block his sister and Ayaka from view.

The said female raised a brow. “Yeah, I thought I was seeing things when I saw you hunched over some bushes.”

“(Name)?”

The (h/c)-haired girl directed her gaze to the blonde somewhat crouching behind Aether and froze.

“Let’s see… Flamecrest Pizza House, located by Children of Echoes, Natlan… that’s over six thousand— ‘delivers anywhere (yes, anywhere, even Snezhnaya)’?” The blond’s brows furrowed in confusion at the information displayed on the ad. “Takes what, days—?”

Aether spotted a glaring, ‘in under an hour!’ on the weirdly glittery online advertisement.

“… No way.”

He looked skeptically at his phone as he clicked a link redirecting him to a website where he could detail his order and whatnot. Deciding on a simple classic meat, he input his address and the likes. Under the payment method, he rolled his eyes and spotted his sister walking into the living room unsuspectingly,

“Lumine, you owe me a couple of mora. Let me use your e-wallet.”

“… I just walked in??” Lumine looked irritated, still taking out her phone.

“Don’t care, let me use it for pizza.”

“Stingy. I want some.”

Lumine showed him a QR code, now less bothered and simply bored. After scanning, Aether smiled and ordered.

“Call me over when it’s here.” Lumine waved off before going to her room. Aether was left with his thoughts, somewhat left in anticipation.

‘Maybe (Name) would be the one to deliver it? After all, she seemed to always be in a rush with the rollerblades…’

Aether rushed to the couch facing the door, lightly fidgeting with his shirt as he waited in sheer anticipation. After about twenty minutes of his eyes flickering to his phone’s weather app and the door, he leaned back to try and relax.

As soon as the first knock came, he was already by the door and opening it. He was instantly met with dark green and amber eyes, stoically looking back.

“… Oh.” Aether bore a poker face.

“Classic meat for… Lumine?” Kinich presented the box to Aether, who accepted it dejectedly.

“You don’t look like a (Name)…” The blond grumbled, mostly to himself. Kinich hums. “You don’t look like a Lumine either.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. I was… kind of expecting someone else to deliver.” Aether scratched his head sheepishly, feeling a bit silly at his previous tone. Kinich shook his head.

“(Name)? Well, yes. She’s in charge of most deliveries. Just specifically not this one.”

“Specifically?”

“Yup. Saw the information provided and asked me to do it instead, in exchange for five deliveries. Weird. Never was that picky with who she’d deliver for.” The male shrugged.

“Saw the info…?” Aether was confused. “Er… did she ever say why?”

“Nope.”

“Would you think it’d be creepy if I asked you for her number or for you to give her my number?”

“Yeah.”

“…” Aether could do nothing but sigh in defeat. “Alright, alright. Thank you for the delivery.”

“You’re welcome… Lumine.”

Kinich quickly took his leave before even seeing the bewildered look on Aether’s face. He closed the door and practically tossed the box on the table, sulking on the couch.

After a few hours, Aether woke up on the couch. Looking to the right, light from the streetlight came in with the pizza box missing from the table. The blond grumbled, messing with his hair a bit to wake himself up.

“… Ugh, I need to go outside.”

Putting on a sweater, he gathered his hair into a high ponytail instead of the usual braid and left. Pressing on his phone as he walked, it was about a quarter before eight pm. Aether just surveyed his surroundings.

A cold breeze blew by, causing him to shiver. He looked around and saw a small cafe exuding a comfortable atmosphere. Entering, Aether was pleased by the warm temperature inside. Ordering a latte, Aether looked around for a seat and saw the familiar (h/c)-hair by a booth near the exit. Gathering his bearings, the blond carefully approached the lone (Name).

“… Can I sit with you?”

(Name) looked up from her warm beverage to see a familiar blond, thinly veiled embarrassment present on his expression. She nods, smiling back while gesturing to the seat across.

“Not going to run away on me again at least, right?”

“Ah… of course.” Aether chuckled as he sat down on the plush seat. “Sorry about that. I was just…embarrassed.”

“Don’t be. I thought it was kind of cute. Ask people if they’re real often?”

(Name) looked to be having a well deserved jest from his actions, Aether noted. Kind of deserved, but still. The blond only sighed.

“I wasn’t thinking. Forget about it, please—“

“I understand.” (Name) chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. Aether paused at the reply. “Understand how? You know about it?”

“Yeah. Kind of my fault, sorry man.”

“You fault…that you appear in my dreams a lot?”

“You just have this… really convenient subspace highway running through your head.” (Name) points to the male’s forehead, the other hand on her beverage. Aether blinked twice, subtly tilting his head. “… huh?”

“It’s…” (Name) sighs. “Just… think of it as your dreamscape being a quick, traffic-less road that gives me the ability to travel shorter.”

“What, you just cross other people’s minds without trouble?”

“Mostly yours, but somewhat.”

“You're confusing.” Aether narrowed his eyes. ‘Does that mean she can read minds—‘

“No, I can’t read minds by the way,”

Aether flinched in pure disbelief, backing into the cushioned booth instinctively. (Name) laughs.

“I’m kidding, by the way. Your face just… kinda makes you easy to read.” The (h/c)-haired female took another sip to warm herself up as a waiter came to put Aether’s latte on the table. Aether takes the coffee and holds it between his palms to warm his hands.

“So me asking if you were real was totally justified.”

“Yup.” (Name) hums. “Sorry about that. It just makes it really convenient to travel from Natlan to here. Especially since I work delivering pizzas for people here.”

“No worries.” Aether took the time to look carefully at the female’s features. “I just… thought I was either hallucinating or dreaming when I first saw you outside a dream ‘cause you know. I mostly see you in my dreams rushing somewhere.”

“Yeah.” (Name) looks up and hums, smiling. “Hey, your hair looks better that way.”

Aether smiled back, albeit a tad bashfully. “Thank you. I mostly keep it in a braid.”

“Seems like your go-to. You always have a braid in most of the dreams I see you in.” (Name) placed down the now mostly empty cup, sighing. “Looks like I’m heading home now.”

“Already?” Aether felt his stomach drop. “I um, want to…go out sometime?”

“Like in a date way or what?” (Name) seemed to take delight in the nervous exterior of the male, his cheeks tinted red in a soft flush.

“It doesn’t need to be, just…” Aether pressed his lips together before smiling and tucking loose hair to the side of his face. “I don’t know… I think you’d be fun to hang out with.”

Being met with a lack of reply, the blond lightly fidgeted with his warm take-out cup. “I mean, like, I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before and thought maybe you could use some help navigating the city? It’s um, just you have a nice voice and you—“

“Sounds fun.” (Name) interrupted the start of Aether’s prattling, not seeming to mind. “Wanna go right now?”

Aether looked ecstatic before coughing to make it less obvious on his face. He stood up. “I— yes. C-can I buy you a drink? So we both have something warm to drink while we walk around.”

(Name) nods, standing up as well. “I’d like that.”

“So you’ve lived here before, moved away, then came back? And we even went to the same high school?”

A thin layer of snow crunched between their boots as Aether couldn’t help but regret not putting on a thicker layer of clothing before going on this walk. How the hell would he have known it would snow tonight?

(Name) hums in response to his questions.

“Well, yeah. I mean, we at least must’ve crossed each other’s paths at least once.” (Name) removed her gloves and offered it to Aether. The blond shook his head, to which (Name) snickered at.

“Dude, I can see you shivering. Just take it at least. My hoodie’s thicker.”

Muttering out a statement of gratitude, Aether accepted the gloves and held his cheeks. Lingering heat from the gloves made his heart thump quicker.

“Still, I think I’d at least remember you. Even try to befriend you. You seem cool from first glance already.”

“Eh, I wasn’t much back then.” (Name) drank from the chosen beverage Aether had bought for her. “You look somewhat familiar to me, if that helps?”

“Somewhat…” Aether jokingly sulked. “By the way, why did you move away?”

“Family stuff. Kind of moved around a lot, honestly. Then I just chose to move here again.”

“Wait, like actually here? I thought you were from Natlan since you worked there.”

“I moved here, applied to a job that takes a long time to get from here as a joke and got the job.” (Name) sighed. “I mean, pays well. And thanks to your mindscape, it’s doable.”

Aether deadpans at the (h/c)-haired female, who only laughed at the face. “Hey, it’s fun to skate around!”

Having approached a deserted playground, (Name) tugs Aether to the direction of the swings. Dusting away some snow that gathered on the seats, she took a seat on one while the blond took the other. With both drinks gone by now, (Name) rubbed her hands together from the lingering cold touch of the snow.

“See, I told you.” Aether removed the gloves and presented his palms. “Give it here.”

(Name) places her hands between Aether’s, the chains holding the swings creaking as she turns her body. Aether moved his hands lower to lose contact before a small fire erupts, hovering over his hands and under (Name)’s.

“You have a pyro vision? Cool.” (Name) looked pleased by the warmth. Aether chuckled. “It’s complicated.”

“… Seriously though, you look really really familiar.”

Aether looks up to find (Name) already looking at him intensely. He backed away by a miniscule distance, feeling the heat crawl back up his cheeks.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Maybe you were the cool one who didn't notice me.” (Name) winked, removing the serious and slightly romantic atmosphere between them. Aether snorted, freezing up as (Name) laughed at him.

“Hey—!”

The two’s short banter was interrupted by a strong, snow-filled breeze blowing against them. The fire on Aether’s palms diminished as they both shielded themselves from the snow.

“Yikes, it’s picking up now.”

Aether nods at the remark as he looks around. Crap, they were pretty far from his home. And most shops were closing by now.

“We need to go back before it gets worse.” (Name) stood up and pulled Aether up from the swing seat. “You live near?”

“Y-yup!”

“Liar. Close your eyes for me, yeah?”

Aether does as ordered, yelping as an arm hooked under his knees and behind his back, picking him up. With two loud clicks below, Aether could feel the cold nipping at his body as the wind rushed past. (Name) was skating, carrying him as the speed increased.

“Door, door… gonna need to use your head for this one, Aether. I’ll be quick.”

The sound of tires echoed through the blond’s head as he began to picture a… wooden door? Coming closer and closer. The knob twisted before (Name) grunts. Next thing he knew, they both crashed on a carpeted floor. Aether finally opens his eyes.

(Name) stood up, wobbling and closing the door behind her. Tapping on the heels of her shoes, the tires of the rollerblades retracted. She took off her shoes and donned on some slippers.

“Sorry for the bad landing. Make yourself at home.”

(Name) helped him up and dusted off some snow that gathered on Aether’s sweater and hair.

“…”

Aether looked up and brushed away some snow gathered on (Name)’s hair and clothing as well. Golden yellow eyes meet (e/c) ones, to which the female smiled at.

“The snow’s really picking up… would you like to stay the night? I don’t like having to send others out at such a bad weather.”

“If you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.”

Something furry curls around Aether’s leg. Both looked down to see a white persian cat, purring.

“Oh, kaede… I have two cats, by the way. Hope you don’t mind.”

(Name) stepped back, leaving the intimate scene for now. “Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?”

“You—r t-tea, thank you.” Aether gripped his arm to divert his embarrassment. (Name) raised a brow. “Really?”

“…Yeah, why?”

“Dunno… you seem more like a hot chocolate or coffee kind of guy. Then again, it’s night…”

“Hot…chocolate.” Aether chuckled sheepishly. “Um, sorry. I panicked.”

(Name) looked amused, nodding as she disappeared into another room. The blond’s eyes lingered on the doorway before he sunk into the couch.

“Your tea? What the hell…?!” Aether buried his face on the pillow. “This is so lame!”

After about a minute or so of sulking and wishing the couch would swallow him whole, Aether’s phone vibrated. Taking it out, he saw a message from Lumine asking where he’d gone. After sending her a message that he’d be gone for the night, he went back to facing a pillow.

Next thing he knew, a thick blanket was laid on his body, causing him to sit up and look at the female. (Name) held two cups of hot chocolate, melting marshmallows on top of the brown expanse.

“Kind of thought you passed out on me, honestly.”

“No, just wallowing.” Aether adjusted the blanket and scooted over to provide some space. He reached out for a cup and took a sip, sighing in relief at the warmth. (Name) sat down beside him with her own cup.

Aether scooted closer, laying the blanket on them both. (Name) leaned against him, sighing.

“This is nice.”

“Yeah.”

Aether could barely focus, having taken multiple sips and nearly burning his tongue to remind himself that he wasn’t dreaming. (Name) remained in the same position for a while longer before reaching out to the table and grabbing the remote, turning on the television.

Mindless noise from a drama movie went in on one ear and out the other for Aether as he leaned back comfortably.

“Sorry. I didn’t know the weather would pick up this quickly tonight.”

“Don’t be. I didn’t either, yet I still suggested we go out tonight.” (Name) assured, taking a sip of the hot drink. “Look on the bright side though, not the worst date I’ve ever been on.”

“Hah…” Aether let out a short laugh. “How low is the bar, exactly?”

“Ahem. This was actually pretty fun.” (Name) avoided the question and chuckled, looking to the side to meet Aether’s eyes. “For a date-slash-doesn’t-need-to-be-a-date, just-a-hang-out thing.”

Neither backed away at the surprisingly small distance. (E/c) eyes returned the same intensity that made Aether’s heart palpitate. Television and drinks forgotten, (Name) hums.

“… Sorry, do you want me to back away?”

“No. Do you want to back away?”

“No.”

“Good.”

As the noises from the television blurred, Aether found himself leaning in. Seeing the signal, (Name) does the same until their lips meet. Using his free hand, Aether cups the female’s cheeks to stabilize. With closed eyes, slight twinkling was heard around the both of them until they eventually pulled away. Neither of them looked elsewhere.

“Sparks…” Aether murmurs. (Name) blinked once. Then twice, then shifts her gaze at the small sparks hovering around them. She looked… less dazed and more confused.

“… Sparks? What…?”

“You… didn’t feel it too?” Aether’s expression drops, expression bearing semblance to a kicked puppy.

“No no. I… felt something but…” She reached out to one of the twinkling lights, dissipating as soon as she touched it. “Sparks are real?”

The two moved away from each other as (Name) clutched the cup and Aether leaned close in concern. “What’s wrong?”

“… Nothing’s wrong. I just thought people… were joking with me with these sparks fly crap. It’s my first time actually feeling it for myself, you know?” She looked sheepish. “Man, I owe so many people apologies.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Aether waited with baited breath for the response. Much to his relief, (Name) shook her head.

“No, no. It’s… good. Really good.”

“Would you maybe…wanna kiss again?”

“Just come clean, secret’s out anyway, how was it?”

Faint music, muffled, flowed from all directions, as if blasted from a speaker.

‘If I’m here, it means…’

Aether closed his eyes, and finally he could hear faint scratching noises, as if from small tires heading his way. He sat up, looking around eagerly as a figure slowly came into view. Seeing Aether’s gape, the figure slows down a bit, chuckling.

“Dude, it’s a little past three. Still dozing off?”

“Hey, I—“

“Whoops. Rush hour. Sorry, man.”

The girl skated away, holding onto their small pack as the sound of tires grew fainter and fainter.

—

“I’m gonna embrace you again and ag—“

Aether sat up quickly, startled as clear music flooded his ears. He took off his headphones, groaning as he combed through his hair. He checked the clock on the laptop screen, the small numbers flashing ‘3:16 am’. He closed the device and set it aside, covering his face with a pillow as if to force himself to go back to sleep.

He turned to lay on his side, then to the other, then on his back as he realized he wasn’t going to be falling asleep anytime soon.

“Fuck—“

*ੈ✩‧₊˚

“You could use a night out.”

Lumine remarked while digging through a purse to transfer some items into a smaller purse that she was using. She hummed, musing between two shades of gloss, wondering which to bring. She then switched her gaze to her brother, who laid down with his legs perched on a pillow. His eyes were trained on his phone, upbeat 8-bit noises leaving it.

“No thanks. It’s just going to be ‘help me with this and that.’”

“Oh, lighten up. That was just one time.” Lumine paused. “Or two… maybe five?”

Aether only scrunched up his nose, a soft scoff leaving his lips as he continued to play something on his phone. Lumine zipped up the small purse and stood straight, hand on her hip while looking down at her brother.

“C’mon. You look like a loser.”

“Mhm.”

“Are you even listening to me?”

“Uh huh.”

Lumine dropped her purse, pausing for a bit before jumping her brother on the bed.

“What the hell—?!”

“Come with meee!”

“Get off, you have Ayaka and the others with you anyway!”

“You haven’t left the house in a week!”

“I went grocery shopping on Saturday!”

“Today’s Friday, dipshit! You’re that proud it’s six days instead of seven?!”

Aether doesn’t speak back, grumbling and checking his phone. Lumine wasn’t having any of it, snatching it and sitting up from their scuffle.

“What about that one girl you said you keep seeing in your dreams, huh? You think she’s going to knock on our door one day and say hi? You’d need to get out first, you know!”

Aether looked sourly at his sister at the act of snatching his phone. “She’s only in my dreams for a reason.”

“…. God, you sound like an utter loser. Come on!”

Lumine grabbed him by the wrist and pulled, which got his brother to yelp.

“Man, Kunikuzushi is really filthy rich.”

Lumine snapped a few photos of the place, still by the open entrance. She snickers, taking a picture of Aether before pocketing her phone and patting him in the back hard.

“Cheer up. Go see if the literal woman of your dreams is here.”

Aether looked around, spotting a clock reading something past 9 already. “There’s a lot of people here. I can’t believe I—“

Looking at the spot where Lumine used to be, now an empty spot, Aether gained a tick mark. His shoulders sagged, a defeated sigh leaving him before he hesitantly entered as to not block the entrance. He looks around, many familiar faces around and looking to have a fun time. Not in the mood to socialize however, Aether heads to find a drink.

“Oh- sorry…!” Aether mutters out the apology as he bumped into someone. The person effortlessly keeps him from tripping backwards. “No worries.”

Sneaking a glance up, Aether drank in a sight of (h/c) colored hair before the other person continued walking. The blond’s eyes widened, letting out a small ‘Wait!’ that ultimately fell to deaf ears as the person disappeared into the crowd.

“Damn it…!”

Aether shifts against the crowd, managing to tug on what he thought was the person’s clothes, only for a familiar scowl to turn and look at him.

“Oh, Kunikuz—“

“Never mind that. Did you see a/an (h/c)-haired girl with (e/c) eyes going around this place?”

Looking ticked off, Kunikuzushi questioned impatiently. Aether blinked twice, surprised as he was just about to ask the same thing. Instead of expressing such, however, the blond shook his head. The indigo-haired male only huffed, muttering something about useless before storming off to another direction.

Aether felt around the wall for a bit, sticking by due to the comically crowded hallway. He deadpans, eventually reaching a smaller hallway leading to a door. Assuming it was a bathroom, he grabbed the knob and entered, closing it right after. He took a deep breath to steady himself.

“Archons, I didn’t think that short bastard would even have this many guests…”

“… People usually at least knock, yeah?”

Aether jumped, his back against the door as he looked frantically at the source of the voice. The girl he’d been looking for only raised a brow, opening the faucet and washing her hands.

“… Why wasn’t it locked in the first place?” Aether lightly fidgeted with the knob helplessly.

“Check it. Door’s broken. You’d think someone that rich would at least have everything fixed before throwing a party.”

“I doubt it was Kunikuzushi’s idea throwing a party.”

“Probably. That guy looked like he was having a blast.” The person snickered, closing the faucet and taking a few sheets of tissue to dry off. Aether perked up. “Oh! Um, can I get your name?”

“(Name). I’d say nice to meet you, but inside a bathroom isn’t exactly what I’d call pleasant.”

Aether immediately opened the door and backed off, giving enough space in case this (Name) wanted to leave. “Aether. My name is Aether.”

“Mhm.”

(Name) squeezed past him to exit as the blond racked his brain for more conversation.

“Say, Kunikuzushi was looking for you.”

“Really? Someone isn’t over it…”

“What?”

“Nothing nothing, bye man.”

“Wait wait—!”

Aether was not going to let her get away without answers. (Name) looked back with a lazily raised brow. “Yeah?”

“… I, you—?” He took a breath.

“A-are you… real?”

“…”

“…”

“Dude, did you just ask me if I was real?”

“Bye.”

Aether practically bolted out of there in sheer embarrassment, his previous resolve in not letting the (h/c)-haired girl leave until he got some answers gone to the wind as he rushed back and slipped through the crowd.

He soon reaches a couch in the living room, plopping down with a sigh and a pink face. He grunts, hiding his face on his palms.

“My, you seem particularly bothered.”

Aether looked up to see Lyney offering him a smile from beside him on the couch. The blond leaned back to try and seem less constipated. “Hey.”

“You doing alright?”

“… Lyney, do you know anyone named (Name) with the (h/c) hair?”

Lyney raised a brow at the question, lifting a red cup with his chosen beverage in it. “(Name)? Somewhat, yeah. I never thought you of all people would ask me about anyone.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re the one who knows a lot of people.” Lyney shrugged. Aether chuckled at the remark before changing topics. “What do you know about her?”

“‘Heard she used to live around these parts before left around… college maybe?” Lyney pondered. “Lynette is friends with her, so I know a bit. Recently moved back and now has a job at the ‘Flamecrest Pizza House’ with… those people— ah! With the Kinich guy and the…other ones.” Lyney fidgeted with a few cards, making some tricks idly. “Why ask?”

“Just curious.”

“Honestly, I thought you of all people would know her, not only because you know a lot of people.” Lyney hummed. Aether looked confused. “Why’s that?”

“Because she used to date your s—“

“Lyney, the bakehouse is closing soon.” Lynette interrupts, as if appearing from nowhere and now sat on Lyney’s other side on the couch. Aether flinched back, looking spooked. Looking unaffected, Lyney looked at his sibling with a slight deadpan.

“Lynette, we’re at a literal party—“

“Lyney, the bakehouse is closing soon.”

“… Oh, you absolute— fine.” Lyney flashed an apologetic smile to the blond as he stood up. Lynette followed after, poker face eventually landing on Aether.

“… (Name) already left a few minutes ago.”

Aether perked up curiously, nodding slowly in slight confusion and gratitude. He watched as the two navigated through the crowd and disappeared. Upon a few minutes of contemplation, the male eventually stood up to leave.

(Name) opened her eyes, met with vast darkness all around. She laid a hand on the circular, transparent barrier containing them all individually. To her right stood Aether, caressing the side of his head a bit. To her left sat Lumine, huddled up and leaning back on the barrier behind her. Her face was buried on her arms, propped on her knees. (Name) placed both hands on the cold barrier, trying to get as close as she could.

“… Lumine?”

“…” (Name) and Aether shared a look of concern. The former averted her eyes in guilt. The blond sent her a hesitant nod, as if encouraging her to talk.

“Min… I really am sorry.”

“I don’t know why I should believe that.” Lumine shifted her head a bit. “I don’t know how I would believe that.”

“I could still let you beat me up, if that’s what you want.” (Name) half-jested, swallowing as she avoided Aether’s bewildered stare. “…I’m not good at this.”

“Hah, as brash as ever.” With a slight sniffle, Lumine lifted her head to meet (name)’s eyes, who only gave her a sympathetic smile. The blonde sighed.

“You know, I thought I’d know what to say to you the moment I see you again for the first time in so many years.”

“Like what, shake me down and curse me over and over?” (Name) chuckled. Lumine sighed. “Something similar to that, yeah. It was going to be so cool and epic. And mature.”

“Really mature.” (Name) repeated fondly.

“…”

“Well, I’m waiting.” The (h/c)-haired girl lightly jested. A muffled giggle left Lumine’s lips, still by her arms. “…Give me a week, I’ll have it by then. Maybe.”

“Maybe we can pretend that’s the first time you come across me in years.”

Lumine interrupted an incoming laugh with a cough. She uncrossed her arms and wrapped them around her legs, hugging it to her chest.

“…I don’t know anymore. I followed Aether for a chance to spy on his mysterious date and mock him later at home, but everything flew out of the window when I saw your face.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I wanted to be all ‘I’m over you, get lost. You missed out on the woman of your life,’ you know? Instead, I made a fool of myself by flying off the handle and being immature.”

“You’re not immature or a fool, dummy.” (Name) slid down the barrier and sat on the ground as well. “For what it’s worth, you really were the best out of them all.”

“Then why did you leave me like that?” Lumine laid her cheek on her knee, letting it get squished as she gazed at (name) solemnly.

The tone shifts, turning the light hearted conversation into a more somber one.

“What, was I just a phase to you?”

The question caught (name) off guard, who perked up and furrowed her brows. “Phase? Min, no. Of course, it wasn’t—”

“It’s hard to believe that when all your exes are guys. And you’re even dating my brother right now…” Lumine sniffled. “I don’t even know why it matters now, honestly. I just felt like a fool who fell for someone who was just experimenting or something…”

“It’s hard to trust anything I say, isn’t it? I know that. You don't have to believe me.” (Name) offered a small smile to Lumine. “It honestly doesn’t matter to me whether they’re girls or guys. It was just by chance that they’re all guys.”

“…hm.” Lumine only let out a sound mixed between an exhausted sigh and a hum. (Name) opened her mouth to say more, only for everything to turn white and shortly fade back to the park.

Ayaka had been waiting on the bench patiently, fingers idly fidgeting with her skirt. Seeing the three pop up again, her eyes lit up. She stood up and made her way over, carefully trying to gauge the current atmosphere.

“… I’ve embarrassed myself enough. I’m out of here.” Lumine wrapped a hand around her elbow, averting her eyes from her twin and her ex. “It was… nice seeing you, (name).”

“More than nice for me, Min.” (Name) responded with an assuring smile. “And if it helps,”

She leaned close and gestured for Lumine to do the same. Whispering, she continued, “I thought your twin was a girl until yesterday.”

Pulling away, (name) ignored the baffled look Lumine threw back at her by patting her shoulder. “You look well, Min. Would you and your friend perhaps…”

Her eyes drifted to Aether’s, as if hesitating to gauge his reaction. “…like to hang out with us for the afternoon?”

Ayaka looked at Lumine, who only sighed and shook her head. “Nah, we’re good. We’re not tagging along like third wheels on your little date.”

The white-haired female placed a hand over Lumine’s arm in comfort. The blonde paused. “By the way, you should really tell Aether about the ‘exes’ thing.”

“Exes thing?” Aether shifted his gaze to (name)’s, who raised a brow.

“What, the little club joke?”

“Club joke?” It was now Lumine’s turn to be confused. “Who told you it was a ‘club’? He called it a League. And I wouldn’t really call it a joke, exactly…”

“… Why ‘League’ like it’s so serious?” (Name) chuckled, which wasn’t shared by anyone. “I mean, what do you guys even do other than hang around and do stupid stuff?”

“… Oh, (Name). You absolute idiot…” Lumine nearly slapped her palm to her forehead. “Didn’t he send you like, a lengthy letter about it?”

“I've been sending his letters to the trash since I left.”

“… the emails?”

“Deleted. He was flooding my mail, what could I have done?” (Name) looked sheepish. “I mean, skimmed through one and thought he was going over some emo phase?”

Lumine gave them a blank stare before shaking her head. “You and Aether are in for some big trouble.”

“He wasn’t kidding?”

“Well… no.”

“… Right.” (Name) slumped in defeat, sighing. “So, where are you two off to?”

“Around. We’ll leave you two on your date. I’ll talk to Aether later if he goes home.”

“If?” Aether raised a brow.

“If.”

With that, Lumine and Ayaka walked off, the latter shooting them both a smile and a friendly wave. Now finally left alone, Aether lightly scratched the back of his head timidly.

“… So,”

“… Yeah, this is awkward, huh?” (Name) chuckled. “I should really… tell you a lot of things.”

“Let’s take a walk first?”

Aether offered a sympathetic smile to (name). The girl returned the gaze with a more or less guilty one.

“Let’s sit down and have something to eat. Or we can head over to a convenience store for stamina drinks?”

Receiving a nod, (name) and Aether shortly left the park. A thick, somewhat uncomfortable silence surrounded the duo. What was supposed to be a casual date had become heavy and tense despite the chatty people and overall atmosphere.

Aether was hesitant to talk, wanting to converse for the sake of wanting to comfort (name). He wasn’t upset, simply confused and a little disoriented. He didn’t have the full story at the moment, but he still wanted to make light hearted conversation.

Even after having exited the convenience store and buying some stamina drinks didn’t ignite much conversation, much to Aether’s dismay. The two stopped by railings designed to keep people from the cliff that overlooked a vast ocean leading to Inazuma. (name) leaned on the sturdy metal and stared at a distance.

“It seems to be storming hard in Inazuma.”

“It used to have heavy thunderstorms there every single day.” Aether did the same beside her. “Luckily, we managed to um, help them with repairing the wards that kept the storms away.”

“Didn’t some…Inazuman Swordfish Captain do that?” (Name) raised a brow while glancing at Aether, who laughed sheepishly. “Yes, that’s me.”

“No ████ way.” (Name) laughed out loud, eyes closing in her disbelief. Aether smiled nervously in return. “I…have a lot of titles.”

“Yeah, I bet.” Snapping open the bottle of rainbow aster, she grins at the blond. “What do you do, anyways?”

“Like, for work?” Aether pondered as he received a nod.

“I work from the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“Like the ‘International Adventurer’s Guild’ thing, who goes around killing stuff?”

“Defeating monsters that wreak havoc amongst the masses.” He corrects, eyes half-lidded as if to convey his distaste for the particular word. A small and barely noticeable pout decorated his lips. “Well, at least that’s what we’re mainly supposed to be doing.”

“You don’t sound pleased.” (Name) leaned further into the railings, propping her elbow on the metal and using it to support her chin. “Is the Guild no good?”

“I don’t know. They said joining the guild would have commissions mostly about adventure, getting rid of monsters and all that, but what do I see?” Aether copied (name)’s pose on the railing unconsciously. “Most of the commissions were chores!”

“Chores? Like ‘wash my dishes for five-hundred mora’ chores?”

“I’d like to say that’s a stretch, but it’s not.” Aether grimaced. “There’s this one time I had to deal with a child angry at me for walking past a bridge and scaring away a bunch of pigeons I needed to make it up to him.”

“… and that pays?”

“Almost 7,000, yeah.” Aether shot her something close to a smug expression. “Missing cats, cutting grass, you name it. Granted some pay less, Lumine and I get special privileges which raise the pay.”

“Someone’s rich-rich.” (Name) snickered. “Why the Adventurer’s Guild?”

“Just by chance. I got scouted and thought I’d give it a try.” Aether hums. “Got bored for a while, but they won’t let me leave. I’m being put on break instead.”

“A fighter, I see. Leave why?”

“Too demanding for menial tasks. It’s like they don’t have other members to handle mundane commissions. New recruits love taking on the harder jobs that they can’t actually handle and leave the rest of us with the boring ones. Lumine thought the same, but she actually gets lucky with her commissions.”

“Min never expressed much interest in the guild back then, if I can recall correctly.” (Name) lifted the open drink to her lips. Aether stared at his unopened one.

“I thought so too. Then one day, she randomly told me to recommend her when I mentioned we travel around nations a lot.” Seeing her curious stare from the corner of his eye, Aether continued.

"First mission was with groups, and Lumine and I got separated, but that was fine. Eventually, when picking where to go, I wanted to choose Liyue, but for some reason, she nearly fought me for it. I just handed it over even though I was confused."

“That must be when she went to visit me.” (Name) acknowledged. Noticing Aether's curious stare, she clarified. “I—um, Liyue was where I moved. Back when... you know.”

Aether waited, feeling it was time. He said nothing, the silence simply hinting for her to continue. Sensing the faint anticipation from the male, (name) let out a somber chuckle.

"I guess I should start this off from the beginning?" (Name) laid her arms on the metal, intertwining her fingers together.

In any other situation, Aether might have laughed at the seemingly joking remark. Right now, he didn’t exactly know how to react. (Name) didn’t look to mind the conflicted expression blatantly visible on the blond’s face before she began.

“It was like, middle school we met. Hit it off, became best friends. Apparently, we made quite an eye-catching duo, because one or both of us got a confession from guys at least once a week.”

(name) shrugged, putting the cap back on the bottle. It was a quick and concise beginning, framed as not quite relevant in tone. She exhaled after a short swig, the satisfying feeling of energy returning to her body prompting such.

“It was fine, until it started escalating. I had no problem beating decency through their skulls, so I didn't hesitate if they tried anything. I also took credit for beating up Lumine’s… less than savory suitors.” She grins at the memory, pleased. “Keeps her reputation clean despite her scolding me for it.”

A clock ticks periodically, more highlighted by the lack of other sounds in the room. (Name) sat idly on the chair, rocking her legs back and forth as she waited. Stripped down to her bra with her top uniform unbuttoned, a nasty bruise was present on her right shoulder. A cut on her bottom lip split it open, faded blood hastily wiped away still somewhat present.

 Seconds later, the door bursts open to reveal Lumine, a frantic and worried expression gracing her features. 

“What in the— (name)! Are you alright?”

“Mhm!” (Name) didn’t look pained nor remorseful, even going as far as to bear enthusiasm. “Don’t you have math—“

Lumine practically bolted to her place in the infirmary, lightly squeezing her bruised shoulder. The sudden inflicted pain quickly shut (name) up, growing stiff yet not making a sound. 

“What on earth were you thinking?!” Lumine looked as if she was holding back from shaking the girl in her fury. “Some asshole sneaks in a knife in school and you thought it was wise to try and take them one on five?!”

“Those ‘assholes’ consisted of the guy you rejected and punched when he wouldn’t take your no. I overheard his plan when he was gathering his guys to help—“

“No!” Lumine interrupted loudly. “You can’t just charge at people impulsively and think everything will go fine just because you can just revive tomorrow!”

(Name) simply looked at her quietly, not interrupting her outburst. Lumine leaned closer, scanning the girl’s body for other damages other than the busted lip and shoulder. She idly placed a hand on (name)’s thigh, eliciting an instant hiss with her moving away. 

Lumine looked down, unhesitatingly lifting the skirt that covered a big area in (name)’s thigh with bandages, blood seeping through. 

“Hey, hey, you don’t lift a girl’s skirt like that, you pervert—“

“I’m going to kill you.”

“So I was officially labelled a delinquent.”

“... Can kind of see it.” 

“Yeah?” (name) looked pleased by Aether’s instant agreement. She snickered. “I'm not one anymore though. I think.”

“Life of crime’s over?”

“Why, you wanna imprison me, hero?” (Name) shot him a wink, to which Aether rolled his eyes with a light flush. He made a hand gesture for the girl to just get back on topic and continue.

“Anyway, I got in trouble a lot, even though Lumine, who had student council privileges, defended me. Hardly worked, I didn't care much though. All that matters is that I kept us safe from those weird bastards. I’m always constantly threatened with expulsion, but they never actually did anything.”

(name) returned her position back to the previous one to rest her chin. 

“Then…one day, we um…kissed.” Her eyes landed on the railings, somewhat fidgeting by peeling weathered paint on the rail with her nail. 

“I got approached by some guy dressed in green. Something about a guild…”

“The Adventurer’s Guild?” Lumine guessed, earning a nod from (name). Once again, the rebellious female had landed herself in, not the infirmary this time, but the hospital. The blonde had been slicing an apple, gathering them on a plate by the nightstand.

“Yeah. Not interested in their whole job thing though.”

“Yeah. You fight people, but draw the lines on malicious mobs.” Lumine remarked sarcastically, receiving a glare from (name). The blonde rolled her eyes. “Whaaat, I’m not the one bedridden here.”

“Okay, first of all, I’m not bedridden. Two, malicious people. And three, my injuries aren’t even bad! They overreacted to the whole thing!”

“Yup, because you know more than the medical professionals.”

“Minnieee…”

“…”

“Wife, look at me.”

“…”

“Wife hates me, I should die.”

“…” Lumine shoved the plate onto (name)’s stomach. “Don’t be dramatic. I’m still angry at you for getting into this situation.”

Unfazed, (name) grinned. “Stay the night with me?”

“How? There’s not even a bed here.” Lumine saw (name) opening her mouth to retort and instantly cut in. “And if you say the floor, I’m going to beat the sh—“

“Sleep with me.” (Name) bit into a slice of apple. Lumine paused, looking at the girl incredulously. “What in archon’s name—“

“The bed is big enough,” (name) scooted over and shot a grin her way. “Come on, I don’t bite. And I’d hate to send you out to go home at this time of the night. It’ll be like a little sleepover between us.”

“…”

“Come come!” (Name) cheered. Lumine looked to be contemplating, a hand by her crimson-dusted cheeks. 

“It’s so cold, too. So, so cold…” the hospitalized female hugged herself. “I feel so-so alone too. The world is so cru—“

Lumine shoved (name)’s face back before begrudgingly climbing onto the bed. She stayed by the edge however, still hesitant. (Name) looked smug, in turn. Grabbing a remote by the side of the bed, she turned off the lights and laid down completely. 

“Night night.”

Lumine swallowed, trying to calm her nerves and lay down. Once she had, she faced away from (name), thousands of thoughts running through her head that did not help with keeping composed. Taking a deep breath, she rolled over and nearly fell backwards upon seeing (name) facing back at her. The (h/c)-haired girl grinning. 

“Exciting.”

“What is?”

“Room to ourselves. Bed. Slumber party!”

“… Really makes it hard to believe you’re the same person everyone sees beating guys up almost daily.” Lumine jokingly sighed in exasperation. With a subtle roll of her eyes, (Name) reached out and pinched the girl’s cheeks. 

“Min, you look so pretty under the moonlight.”

“Yeah?”

“Mhm!”

Silence permeated around the room after the last spoken noise, Lumine finding it hard to say anything more. Truthfully, she’d known for a while now and couldn’t deny herself. However, it was still scary. 

She stared back into (name)’s eyes, seeing her own reflection in them with the window shedding moonlight behind her and lighting up the (h/c)-haired girl’s features. 

“(Name), I like you.”

Her heart dropped. What had to have stayed in her mind had left her lips, as if they had a mind of their own. Lumine was horrified. As she hurriedly racked her brain for various ways to retract her words, (name)’s smile put her thoughts to a halt. 

“Mhm! I know.”

“Know?… what?”

“I like you too, Lumine.” 

After feeling nothing but her heart beating in her ears, Lumine could feel her head spiralling. Breath hitching, she unconsciously leans closer with a tremor in her breath. With a casual grin, (name) came closer as well.  

“I remember she said something about sparks, but I didn't know sparks were real, so I thought she was just saying she liked it.” She flicked off the dried paint that stuck to her finger.

“I thought like, ‘sparks fly is such a cute expression to say you feel something special.’ Yikes, I owe a lot of people apologies.”

“A lot… how many?”

“Like… more than ten.”

“So ten plus people told you about sparks and you didn’t think much of it?”

“To be fair, how real does ‘when people who are really meant to be kiss, sparks fly around them. Oh, it’s so magical,’ sound?”

“We can literally spawn a floating pixie and set games anywhere anytime. Also respawn with what, a fried egg?”

“... Okay, fair point.”

(name) looks away with a grimace, sighing as she scratches the back of her head. Aether only chuckles, letting the silence linger for a moment longer before he questioned.

“So you said you liked her back…without feeling any sparks when you two kissed?” Aether spoke slowly, not in a judging manner, just simply trying to digest the information.

“Because I did like her, Aether.” (Name) turned her head to look at him. “You don’t need sparks to know you like someone. It’s not like I was just fooling around with her.”

“Isn’t that the main point of sparks?”

“So all your romantic interests have had sparks with you when you kissed?”

Aether went silent at the question. He didn’t have many romantic conquests, or in other terms, lovers, but like (name) perhaps, he had never felt such sparks either. Choosing not to mention such, the (h/c) female continues. 

“Aether, I’ve been with many people before and somehow, you who I’ve known for like a day or two, is the one who makes me experience it first?” (Name) raised a single brow, eyes half lidded.

Aether paused before hesitantly nodding, seeing the merit in the statement. “Alright, I understand. Sorry.”

(Name) turned her head back to gaze at the ocean. “Anyway, we got even closer after that. ‘More than friends, less than lovers type’, you know?” 

A hint of guilt grew present in (name)’s expression. “I… I didn’t know what to make of it, and I think she didn’t either. We never made anything official. I was afraid… and really really stupidly ignorant.”

“I think that was when it went wrong. People assumed we were a thing and it started getting people off our backs for once. She seemed happy, I was satisfied. I-I think I got confused. It's not like we only kissed once.” (Name) was starting to look more bothered, the hand by her chin moving up to bury her fingers into her hair. 

Aether reached out, grasping (name)’s hand to offer comfort from the composure that was clearly slipping away from her by the second. 

‘Holy ████ that’s why Lumine had a rumor of being into girls back in middle school.’

He thought those were just bitter, rejected suitors being assholes. He kept his tongue though, not wanting to intrude on the delicate atmosphere. 

After a few, (Name) calmed down and squeezed back. “I liked Lumine, I just wasn't sure in what way. That wasn't made clear to either of us back then. So, when my family had to leave the capital to move to Liyue, I guess it only clicked in my head that I was only sad to leave a friend behind.”

“(Name)?”

Lumine approached a lone figure by a secluded alley. (Name) was standing there silently, blood dripping from a clean slice on her cheek. A bat was tightly clutched in her dominant hand, specks of crimson liquid decorating it. 

The blonde’s expression turned concerned, eyes lowering to the surrounding ground. That however, wasn’t much better as the ground was littered with silver and gold coins alike. Blood decorated the metal, along with…strands of (h/c) hair. 

Lumine’s eyes trailed back to the figure of her affections, a blank look having overtaken (name)’s eyes. The female’s hair was cut (very/slightly) shorter in a rough and haphazard manner.

“Your hair…”

“Why are you here?”

“I… I thought you’d be here.” 

Lumine’s eyes darted to the side, heart thumping ever so slightly quicker anxiously. Her fingers lightly fidgeted with her sleeves, fearing the tense atmosphere and the drastic change of tone in the (h/c) girl’s aura. 

“I told you I’d be gone by now.”

“But you’re not, right?”

“Leave.”

“God, (name). Just please talk to me!” 

Lumine’s fingers clenched around her sleeve, her concern dissipating and making room for anger and desperation. She itched to hold onto the figure of her affections, wanting to hug and be hugged for comfort. It was bad enough that she abruptly received news of (name) leaving, but for her to suddenly go distant to the days leading to it? 

“I don’t get it. Why won’t you notice me? Why won’t you–” Lumine breathed out, stepping forwards and grabbing onto (name)’s waist. Her knees buckled simultaneously, sliding down with her head lining up to the (h/c) female’s stomach. 

“Please talk to me. Did I do anything?”

“...”

Lumine trembled, not minding the rough ground pressed against her knees along with unspeakable crimson liquid. She squeezed tighter, devastated by the lack of reciprocation. 

“(name), i…”

“You’re pleading with me.”

The unusually silent female finally spoke, putting a halt to Lumine’s trembles. A hand gently came down to caress the back of the blonde’s hair lovingly. Lumine remained with the side of her face pressed against (name)’s stomach. 

“I…”

“You are.” (name) silenced any doubt. “It’s so cute, Min.”

Lumine’s cheeks burned, although her head was clouded with confusion and slight embarrassment. “I don’t…understand.”

“I thought you’d soon forget about me easier if I left you alone.”

“Don’t ignore me. It’s bad enough you’re leaving, but it’s like you’re entirely leaving me behind now.”

“... I’m sorry.”

“Please don’t leave me.”

“We kept in contact for a bit, but we slowly grew apart. I didn't really think much about this place since I knew it would be long before I’d even come to visit. And as for her… I guess I thought maybe she’d moved on already. After a few months, that's when I met the guy who I soon dated.”

She gazed at the vast ocean. “I guess during one of those days, she took the opportunity to join the Guild's expedition and saw me with him.”

“This is really complicated…”

“Yeah, I’m the asshole, I know. It’s—“

“It was a long time ago.” Aether interrupted. “It wasn’t a good thing you did, but there’s nothing you can do about it now.”

“…”

“You’ve apologized, and she already knows you’re sorry.” Aether gave the hand a comforting squeeze again. “… Are you alright?”

“Aren’t you being a little too compassionate to the girl who broke your sister’s heart?” (Name)’s brows furrow, giving a somewhat cheeky inquisitive look to the blond. Aether rolled his eyes. “I don’t hit girls.”

With a joking scoff, (name) turned back around to face the metal railings. It was silent for a while, with both of them leaving one another to their thoughts. Only the sound of the wind and the water crashing against the concrete wall.

(name)’s eyes wandered over to look at Aether from the side. She acknowledged, “You’re not leaving.”

“Hm?”

“I expected you to make up an excuse and leave.” The tips of the (h/c) girl’s lips rose, a small and slightly mischievous smile decorating her lips. “I figured you’d go ahead and leave to rush and comfort your sister.”

“I doubt it would help her. She was…surprised to see you here and needs to process things. Plus, I don’t think I, the person who's dating you, would be much of help for now.” 

“Dating, huh?” (Name) grins, sending Aether a sly look. “So, what now, pretty boy?”

“What now…”

“Yeah. Still want to be my ‘friend’?” She put emphasis on the word, the previous implication from this morning not lost on either of them. Aether paused, taking a few moments to fidget with the bottle cap. 

“… (Name), I like you. That’s been pretty obvious from the start already, right?”

“Uh huh?” (Name) hummed. Well, this was the quickest one. A nagging voice in her head made this moment so… familiar. Like a big dose of deja vu, for some reason. 

“A-and I know it’s a little early but… I really really… want to know more you.”

“…” (name) sighed, straightening up a bit. “There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me.”

“Isn’t that the point of wanting to know you?” Aether looked away to hide the cheeky smile that arose to his lips. (Name) deadpans, shifting the topic. “I’m definitely not here for a misunderstanding. You’re diving into this with the intention of dating me, right?”

“Well, I…—“ Aether grimaced, nodding bashfully. “Um… obviously.”

The last word came out as a hastened mumble of embarrassment.

“It’s not going to be easy, you know.” (Name) warns. “I have a lot of people um… after me.”

“Like enemies?” Aether leans in with his voice lowered, as if being secretive. A determined look crossed his features. “I can fight.”

 “No, its…” (Name) took a few seconds to gather her words. With a soft puff of breath exiting her lips, she faced Aether hesitantly.

“If we’re gonna date, you may have to defeat my seven evil exes.”

“You have seven evil ex-boyfriends?” His shoulders perked up, startled.

“Seven evil exes, yes.” (Name) repeated with a slight deadpan, as if reminding Aether that his sister was one of them.

“And I have to fight… defeat. Defeat your seven evil exes if I want to keep dating you?”

“Pretty much.” 

“… In one go?” 

“Yeah, um, I don’t know about those, honestly. Probably not.” (Name) looked away sheepishly. Aether jokingly bore an expression showing a deadpan. “Why are your exes ganging up on you?”

“Your twin is literally in the club. Er, league. Whatever the ████ they call themselves.” (Name) leans back and stands straight. “The hell. I don’t even know what they’ve got against me.”

“… Other than the fact that they're your exes.”

“Other than the fact that they’re my exes, yeah.” (Name) repeated in agreement.

The two paused for a moment to stare at one another silently, only to start laughing. The (h/c)-haired female playfully shoved him away a bit. “I’ll let you know, I wasn’t that bad to date.”

“Hmm…” Aether’s brows knitted as he directed his gaze away from (name) and onto the sea. With an obviously fabricated tone of skepticism, he clicked his tongue. “I’ll be the judge of that.”