What a romantic adventure

[startraveler]

An open post for shipping and other psls!

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hurt/comfort (for Gorou)

[startraveler]

[Sometimes all it takes is just one wrong move, one slip. This is exactly what happened to Aether. As he and Gorou were climbing up the mountain, the traveler put his foot on the wrong rock, which gave away easily. Thankfully, he didn't fall all the way down, but he grazed his foot pretty badly against the sharp rocks below. Once the boy manages to climb all the way up to his companion, it's difficult for him to not wince in pain, especially when his foot touches anything.]

I-I... I'm fine.

[And yet he still wants to insist it's just a minor inconvenience. He's been hurt much more before, so why would this stop him from anything?]

Just give me a moment, okay?

[He tries to force a smile, before he shifts to actually check on his hurting foot. He winces yet again when he spots blood. This really is not his day, it seems.]

\o/!!!

[sangopearls]

[ Seeing Aether fall down gives Gorou a stroke of panic, and he immediately stops in place and attempts to skid down a little in an attempt to catch Aether before he eats it completely. Although it seems like Aether saved himself from a very nasty fall, Gorou's still panicking even as his comrade manages to climb up towards him.

Gorou finds his footing and kneels to look at Aether's foot. It...mm. It doesn't look great. He frowns and his ears droop before he reaches into his bag for some bandages. ]

I'll give you several moments, actually. Can you sit? Let me patch this up for you.

[ The sight of blood isn't new to him, obviously, but it hurts doubly so since it's on Aether. ]

♥♥!!

[startraveler]

[Aether feels bad for making Gorou worry like that. After all, they were supposed to have fun time climbing the mountain, but the traveler can't heal his leg in an instant or anything like that. Sighing a little at the wound, he finally nods and sit down, then carefully takes off his shoe.

It takes him a moment, the injury hurting more at the movement.]

I... think I'll have to be more careful from now on.

[The blood drips freely from now bare foot. It doesn't look like Aether will be able to walk properly for some time.]

[sangopearls]

This terrain isn't exactly the easiest...but accidents happen.

[ He doesn't want to tell Aether to turn back, and he won't unless he knows it's going to be too hard for them. Telling Aether to go back feels disrespectful to the other boy's capabilities, but that wound isn't pretty. He does his best to clean it first before he starts to wrap the bandages around his foot.

Gorou frowns. His gaze lingers on Aether's injury a little too long before he looks back up, ears drooping. ]

We should head back. If it weren't this deep of a wound, I'd give you the option to continue onward, but this doesn't look good. [ He offers Aether a gentle smile. ] I'll help you.

lmk if anything needs to be changed c:

[archivists]

[ Everyone has their own story—Noé always knew that, but he didn't expect Aether's past to be so turbulent. From what he's witnessed, the traveler is always kind and willing to help others. As he listens to the story, Noé realizes that even if it seemed that Aether had already exhausted most of the possibilities of finding Lumine, he can sense how determined and hopeful the traveler is. The vampire admitted to having a rather peculiar skill right away.

Reading other people's memories through drinking their blood. That ability has brought Noé a lot of pain in the past, but as long as it can be beneficial to some, he won't hesitate to use it. After explaining how it works, he asks softly: ]

Would you like to try it? We can do it right away. But if you don't want me to see anything, that's fine. I just thought I might help...

looks great to me! ♥

[startraveler]

[Noé accompanied him long enough for Aether to know that the vampire means well. Still, when the other explains that he can see memories by drinking that person's blood, the traveler can't hide the shadow of fear that runs through him. Again, he reminds himself that Noé only wants to help. He's always been so kind.

Aether takes a deep breath, then frowning, takes hold of the other's hand. It's a small gesture, one that he hopes will show that he really appreciates the thought.]

In all honesty... I'm not really sure what you're going to see there.

[He isn't hiding that this is a difficult decision for him to make, but if it could help him get a clue on how to find Lumine...]

We... could do it, but... can you promise me that you won't tell anyone else what you saw?

[archivists]

[ The gesture surprises Noé, but it's very much appreciated. Actually, in order to express his gratitude, he squeezes Aether's hand. ]

I promise!

[ He sounds a bit too eager; to be honest Noé has been thinking about how Aether's blood might taste like. Still, he realizes that this isn't the time nor the place to be thinking about such things. ]

No one will ever know. And if you don't think that you're ready, we can give it some more time.

[ He pauses for a moment, his smile becoming somewhat melancholic. ]

It's not a nice thing to have someone read your memories, I suppose.

[startraveler]

[He squeezes Noé's hands back, enjoying the contact. Even if he has his doubts about showing someone his past, Aether still cares about the other a lot.]

It's... difficult. [He admits.] But it's mostly because I'm just not sure what you're going to say once you see everything.

[He trusts Noé, but it doesn't feel right to put anything more on his shoulders. It's enough that the other wishes to help the traveler find his sister. Seeing visions of dying world and hundreds of years of lonely journey is nothing Aether wishes to share.

And yet-]

But if this stays between us, then... I'm ready.

[He guesses the reason Noé is so eager is because he wants to know more about him.]

Two-Flavour Hot Pot

[pureyang]

[Admittedly, the offer was made in the spur of the moment. Perhaps he had been influenced by the Traveler's otherworldly abode and its soft comforts, which made him feel courageous enough to ask for such an outing. But then Aether had agreed to trying some hot pot, which was a lot more successful than Chongyun had anticipated. He offered to help provide food, but Aether had said he would go ahead and prepare the meal. So kind... the Traveler really was something, wasn't he?]

[On their chosen day, Chongyun accompanies Aether back into his teapot realm, letting out a breath as the calm atmosphere washes over him. Looking up at the grand house for a moment, he soon turns to Aether and smiles.]

Thank you for bringing me back here, Traveler. I'm... actually quite excited to try this two-flavour hot pot with you.

[startraveler]

[Aether was more than happy to agree to the offer. In fact, if Chongyun ever said a word, the traveler would always wait for the food to cool down and eat the same way his friend did. There was no need for him to always be alone during meals.

But never again! The hot pot idea was perfect and Aether wasted no time for the preparation.

Now they're both back and, in all honestly, the realm and the house inside feels more and more like home when his friend is here. Aether grins.]

You know you can come here any time, right? And I'm excited too! [He motions towards the kitchen.] This way. Everything is ready!

[pureyang]

Well, I don't wish to impose upon your home, even if it is rather beautiful here...

[He clears his throat as he says the words; he can't help it, the Realm Within really is a beautiful place. But he doesn't want to take advantage of Aether's hospitality; he's been raised to be polite, after all.]

[But he nods, a smile forming on his face at Aether's infectious enthusiasm.]

Alright. Let's go. I am eager to see how you have gone about making the hot pot. I remember your culinary skills being quite good during our travels together.

[startraveler]

But I want you to feel at home here.

[Aether's response is followed by a brilliant smile as he continues to lead his friend to the kitchen.]

And I really like cooking for others... and you, too. So I made this hot pot really special.

[As they arrive, Aether quickly approaches the dish that is waiting for them on the table and gestures, as if presenting it to Chongyun.

It may come as a surprise but the hot pot is "hot" only by the name. There is no heat coming off it as it appears to be completely chilled. It's special, just for Chongyun. Aether smiles proud of himself.]

AU mix (for Childe)

[startraveler]

[If asked, everybody in the hospital would say that doctor Aether is kind and patient person, always gentle for his patients, understanding and compassionate. Unless they would strike a nerve and thus earn themselves a stricter treatment.

Childe has ended up as Aether's patient many times before, always laughing away all kinds of injuries that he would sustain. The young doctor never got the details, but the other clearly led a dangerous life and was enjoying every moment of it. How very worrying. Aether could not help but feel concerned, especially as the redhead kept coming back. Childe seemed like a friendly kind of person and the young doctor found himself easily chatting with him on various topics, be it family, travelling or even the weather.

How odd. It was difficult to imagine someone as friendly as Childe to get into violent conflicts. Or maybe it was just what Aether wanted to think. There's was obviously something dangerous in this man...

Eventually, Aether had to admit to himself that there was more to the feeling that was growing inside his chest. It felt like his heart was pulling and like the world was brighter whenever the other appeared in his sight. He's heard myths about "soulmates" before, but he always discarded them as nothing but urban legends, little stories than teenagers told to each other. They couldn't be real.

And even if the stories were real, Aether couldn't date his own patient. That was wrong in many different ways, so the only choice he had was to kill that feeling inside his chest and continue to be a concerned doctor.

It didn't take long for his patient to come back. This time he had to get stitches for his injuries, cuts deep as if he had gotten into a fight with knifes. Thankfully, none of them hit any vital areas but Aether still couldn't help but shake his head.]

Don't move from the bed for the next few days, unless it's absolutely necessary. [Aether announces as he visits his patient in the morning. His gaze is stern and tired, but worry still shows in it.] I really wish you could take better care of yourself... This time you had a lot of luck.

[Maybe it's just him, but he has a feeling that Childe is seeking out those fights with a thrilled grin. Aether will never understand people like him.]

[vapour]

[ It's always like this.

A routine of sorts, one that ticks in a constant cycle never to be interrupted or unraveled. Childe fights, gets hurt, end up in the hospitals under the watch of this kind and attractive doctor, leaves, fights and it goes from there.

At first, he found it great. Aether was extremely easy on the eyes, and even his voice was soft without any nagging drawls or sharp high-pitched moments. His bedside manner was superb, and it was almost to good to be true to be a patient of his that even during fights, even cursing himself for making a mistake that led to further injury was the thought that at least he would get to see that pretty face once more, a pretty face with gold eyes that always looked concerned for him. Typical doctor to be concerned about his patients, yeah, he knows, but this—

—well, it doesn't matter what this is, just that Childe likes it. It's worth getting banged up just to have an excuse to see him.

Even now, he still thinks it's great (with a few exceptions, troublesome concerns or worries that make no sense when Aether is just guys doctor and no one else in relation to him.)

So while Aether is all tired, Childe has all smiles and affection this morning for his doctor like he doesn't even notice that he's being reprimanded. ]

Ah ha... I'm stuck here or can I go home?

[ hopefully the latter, he will try and follow Aether's instructive, but he can't guarantee that. Although he can technically get days be to recover, it's hard to sit still and ignore when there's a fight on the horizon. Hopefully it'll just end up being a dead few days until he gets his stitches out and it'll be back to business. ]

But yes, I'm very lucky to have a good doctor even when these things suddenly happen.

[startraveler]

[Aether just sighs at Childe, shaking his head. It's always the same.]

You're staying here. [He says firmly.] And I'll be making sure to check on you as much as possible, so don't even think about wandering around.

[That wound of his is no joke and the last thing the doctor wants is for his patient to make things worse for himself.]

And what do you mean by "those things suddenly happen"? [He continues, leaning forward as if an angered parent reprimanding his child.] It almost feels like you're getting in fights on purpose to be brought back here.

[It definitely happens way too often to ignore. As a doctor, Aether shouldn't be prying into his patient's private life, but he tells himself that he needs to know more to understand. After all, as a doctor it's his duty to make sure his patient is well and healthy.

Getting into fights is the opposite of it.]

[vapour]

[ ... That's not the answer he was hoping for, but protesting and making fusses that otherwise make no sense is the quickest way to getting himself found out and arrested on a long list of charges. Childe looks dismayed a moment, although it seems to visibly lessen when Aether informs him he'll be checking up on him often. How nice.

As for the question... he just smiles. There's no way he's letting Aether finds out anything through him. The minute he does is painting a target on the good doctor's back for every enemy he's ever made that isn't dead yet. ]

Oh? Hm, then maybe I do so whenever I want to see you. It seems like the only real way I'd get a chance with how busy you are. You're so dedicated.

injuries (for Kaeya)

[startraveler]

[continued from here]

[It's so difficult to resist the temptation to sink into another kiss, to press close and enjoy the warmth, the pleasure of every little touch. Yet when Kaeya says that it's fine, Aether's brows curve upwards instead. The touch against his spine is careful and reassuring, making his skin tingle with tiny jolts of electricity and yet--]

I will worry.

[He says suddenly, firm as if to silence any selfish desires born in his heart. Then he reaches up, his fingers light and lingering against Kaeya's cheek like he's marvelling at something precious and fragile. But is that a surprise considering how important Kaaeya is to Aether? The traveler has met so many different people during his journey and yet none of them captured his heart like this man did.

Slowly, Aether leans a little closer again, before shifting up and planting a soft kiss to the top of his companion head.]

I will always worry about you... because you mean a lot to me.

[It's a simple confession he thinks, but one that needed to be made. Perhaps it was obvious to Kaeya what the traveler feels, but even when you know, sometimes hearing it makes a huge difference.

Silent, Aether shifts again, staying close, but still careful not to put any pressure on his companion's wounds. He looks into Kaey'a eye, waiting for his reaction. There's a small, fond smile on his face.]

[whatsthehurry]

[ aether's interest had been.. somewhat obvious, but kaeya is inwardly self-deprecating enough to not assume the best; if aether had any interest at all, surely it was purely physical, hmm? it couldn't possibly be more than that. kaeya knows what he is, a preening, selfish peacock of a man, unworthy of real, deep love, or even gentle fondness.

so when aether makes his little confession, yes, it is a bit of a surprise to him, if only for the softness of it, the way aether looks at him with such affection. being wanted physically is one thing, that much kaeya can expect, and handle, but this.. the usual sharp smile melts away from his face. ]

Me?

[ he scoffs, snorting derisively and following it up with a hollow laugh. kaeya's chest tightens up with warmth and discomfort both. but how can he resist that sweet smile? ]

You know I'm terribly fond of you, hmm? Fond enough to tell you that a man like me shouldn't mean anything to you.

[startraveler]

[Aether blinks then smiles with a small sigh.]

A man like you means... a man who gets hurt trying to protect me?

[There's still so much he doesn't know about Kaeya, but he thinks he can say one thing for sure - the other is dedicated to protecting Mondstadt and cares for those around him. Those aren't traits of a bad person, no matter how much Kaeya would try to argue otherwise.

Again, Aether leans close, his nose nudging gently against his companion's, his forehead lining to rest against Kaeya's.]

Honestly, I would say that being fond of me is actually a bad idea. [He laughs softly, but there is a sad note to it.] After all, I'm just a traveler that comes and goes...

[Mondstadt feels the closest to home that he's ever felt and yet his journey is far from over. Who knows, perhaps nobody will remember him once all is said and done. Fate is a complicated thing and Aether's live is awfully long.

And yet... he wants to try loving when he has a chance. He's not going to give up on Kaeya easily.]

blanket (for Tighnari)

[startraveler]

[Continued from here]

[Aether continues to brush his fingers against the soft tail in slow, lazy motion. His eyes are closed and he's definitely enjoying himself now, soaking into the warm presence right next to him. His smile only gets bigger when Tighnari tips his head towards him, leaning into this small cuddling session.]

It feels very nice.

[He admits that without any hesitation. Right now everything feels nice and warm and somewhere in the back of his mind he wonders if they could stay like this, not only for this one night, but for much longer. Tighnari has been a reliable and reassuring presence in Aether's life every since he set foot in Sumeru. It's not surprising that he would want to spent more time with him... right?

The traveler tries to not dwell on that. Instead, he relaxes further, nuzzling his head softly into the other. His mind is slowly drifting away, ready to fall asleep in the pleasant warmth.]

[veardant]

[ no, it's not so surprising that aether might want to spend more time with him, just as tighnari wants to spend more time with aether. they've gotten to know one another quite well during the course of his travels, and tighnari finds himself growing quite fond of aether - it's really no surprise that he has so many friends all over teyvat. he's a warm, comforting presence. he's strong and steadfast. he's adorable.

tighnari chuckles, the sound soft in his throat as his tail flicks beneath aether's touch, thumping gently against his lap. it's a reaction he can't entirely help. ]

Yes, it does.

[ he murmurs, his voice gone gentle and pliable, his shoulders sloping as he turns his head, pressing his nose into all of that fluffy, golden hair. ]

Try to get some rest.

[ he'll stay awake, and keep watch. ]

[startraveler]

[His heart beats faster in his chest when Tighnari's tail moves beneath his fingertips, when he feels his companion's lips against his hair. Aether shift ever so slightly, slowly seeking Tighnari's hand to take in his own. His eyes open - it's so obvious that he's tired and mellowed down by the warmth around him and next to him and yet...]

I'm... not sure if I can fall asleep.

[His voice is quiet and small, and he moves his head a little more, so he could face his companion.

They're so close, noses ghosting against one another, careful not to touch too much. Aether gives Tighnari's hand a gentle squeeze as his heart continues to beat fast in his chest. He's frozen in the moment, wrapped in warmth, forgetting about the world around them.

All he can see is just the beautiful colours of Tighnari's eyes.]

swords turned CUTE SMOOCHIES

[zomboii]

[ If there is one thing Unnamed has become a big fan of since expanding his world, it's swords. Giant swords, short swords, swords people can use while they do cool backflips, all the swords. To say he's become a fan of them is an understatement. They've quickly become one of his favourite things. He wants to learn how to use a big one, just like Nier--which is why, when he learns that Aether knows how to wield one as well... ]

Auh!

[ TEACH HIM, SENSEI. He's so ready!! ]

yess let's goo

[startraveler]

[Aether finds it absolutely adorable how excited his friend is to train. He gives him a sunshine smile, before handing him a wooden sword. It may not look as cool as the real deal, but it's for safe practising!

"Just repeat my movement" he signs to the boy, before taking his own wooden sword. Then he gets into a stance and waits for the other to do the same.]

[zomboii]

[ Steel, wooden, a sword is a sword! And it looks cool when he holds it; he doesn't waste a single second in grabbing the hilt with two hands, just like Aether. It takes a moment to get into the same stance as the Traveller simply because he's not used to holding himself that way, but as soon as he's ready he grins and gives an excited nod.

Ready! ]