rozenblitz | What a romantic adventure

[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.]

[ aether lifts his head, and tihgnari's ears swivel toward him, twitching forward. ]

Are you restless?

[ he's suddenly very aware of aether's hand in his own, and while they're both wearing gloves, he can still feel the warmth of aether's skin through them.. it's nice. when aether squeezes, tighnari blushes, heat flooding his cheeks. it's unlike him to flush so easily, he's generally a very forward sort of person, unafraid to pursue the things that he wants, but it's been a long time since tighnari entertained something like a crush. he doesn't develop feelings for people very easily.

his free hand lifts, and tighnari brushes his knuckles against aether's cheek, his eyelids dropping lower. ]

Sleep is important, you know.

[ despite the warmth of the moment, he's still the mom friend. ]

[It's a soft moment between them, one that makes Aether feel warmth spreading instead his chest. Feeling those gentle knuckles against his skin, the traveler closes his eyes and leans into the touch, before a small chuckle erupts from him.]

Don't worry. [He murmurs, nudging even closer. Their foreheads bump light against one another.] I promise I'll go to sleep... There's just one more thing that I would like to do.

[Their closeness is encouraging him to shift a bit and be a little bold. His fingers run against Tighnari's tail again, before moving up. Gently, his gloved hand glides against his companion's cheek, then up again, brushing soft strands of hair with careful fingers and finally reaches his ear, tracing its shape with care.

It feels so warm, so soft.

Aether is blushing, but there's a tender smile on his face.]

[ aether leans into the brush of his knuckles, and tighnari smiles, soft and warm and private between them. ]

Oh..

[ when aether's hands lift to his face, tighnari is sure that he's in for something different, but then they're moving higher, through his hair and up.. right to his ears. despite popular belief, tighnari doesn't actually mind having his ears touched, not by those he trusts and cares for, a space that aether falls into quite easily.

it feels so nice..

closing his eyes, tighnari tips his head forward and murmurs a soft sound like a purr in his throat, his ears folding forward against aether's seeking fingers, a light shiver shooting down his spine. ]

That feels good.

[Aether is definitely enjoying it. Tighnari's ears are so soft and warm - he wants to take off his gloves to feel them fully. But there is something that makes him even happier. It's the way his companion reacts to the touch, the soft sound he makes. Aether's head spins slightly and his heart swells in his chest.

He leans even closer, so much so that their lips are merely a breath away from one another. His fingers continue on, soft and careful, gently exploring where to touch to make this as pleasant to his dear companion as possible.]

I'm glad. [He mutters.] I could do this every day for the rest of my life.

[His laugh is light, but he really means it. He could easily see himself petting those ears every day, helping brush that soft tail, holding Tighanri's hand, spending long hours pressed to his side, listening to his kind voice...

Ah.

He's smitten, isn't he?]

[ tighnari is very aware of how close they are, of how he can feel aether's warm breath gusting against his lips, and it's enough to make his belly tighten up with emotion. is this something that he wants? something that his heart desires? tighnari needs a moment to think about it, to analyze his thoughts and his heart to know whether or not he should move forward, or back. even love is academic.

at last, he smiles. ]

So could I.

[ being touched so sweetly by someone who has become so important to him.. what could be better? his tail thumps against aether's lap again, before he's turning his body a little more fully toward him, both hands lifting boldly to cup aether's face, gloved thumbs gliding over his soft cheeks. ]

Do you want me to kiss you?

[ consent and communication are important!! ]

[His breath stutters when he hears that the sentiment is returned. And yet, he still makes no move to close the gap between them or just confess to his feelings. Soon it turns out he doesn't really have to.

Tighnari cups his face, causing the traveler to blink. The touch feels so nice, but he doesn't get enough time to enjoy it properly, because his companion asks him a question that catches him completely off-guard.

...A moment later a soft, albeit slightly awkward laugh makes it past his lips.]

It looks like I was found out.

[He won't hide it. His cheeks are bright red, his heart is pounding, every fibre of his being just wants to embrace the other and never let go.]

But that's not exactly right... I want to kiss you, too. [His hand slips down and he places it right on top of Tighnari's as he leans into the touch.] I want to hug you and hold you close. And fall asleep together... but I guess that can't be done here. [He grins.]

Well, no. Someone will need to be awake.

[ tighnari might also be a little smitten, but he's still very responsible, and he won't allow them to slack on keeping watch just because things have gotten a little amorous. nice though it is. tighnari chuckles, the sound soft and quiet, and his ears fold back against his hair. ]

But.. another time.

[ there's no need to rush anything, after all, no need to push forward when all the time in the world is ahead of them, theirs for the taking. still.. there are other things they can manage. tighnari's chin tips forward, his hold on aether's jaw tightening just enough to pull him in nearer, to make it easier for tighnari to tilt his head and press their lips together in a warm, gentle kiss.

aether's lips feel soft and warm against his own, and tighnari breathes him in, smoothing his palms over his cheeks and down the sides of his neck to rest his hands on aether's shoulders. his tail bristles up in excitement, his ears pressing harder to his head, his body language open and inviting and comfortably pleasured. ]

Another time... yes.

[Tighnari is right, there's no need to rush, when the future belongs to them. A part of Aether aches at the thought that his time is much longer than the one his beloved companion has, but he wants to make the best of every moment they will spend together.

He closes his eyes, leaning into the kiss, the touch. Everything is so warm and gentle, that he melts into it with pleasure. His experience with this kind of affection is lacking, but he learns fast and he's more than eager to make sure they both enjoy it. His hands move down to the other's hips, before he wraps his arms around the waist, keeping Tighnari as close as they can be now.

Warmth pools in his stomach and there's a small jolt running up his spine when he notes the way Tighnari's body reacts, the way his tail feels against him. It's only when they part from the kiss that he notices the ears as well, pressed so adorably against Tighnari's head. His heart is overflowing with emotions.

Aether's smile almost shines and his eyes brim with joy and affection when he looks at his companion. Then he leans to press a small kiss to the other's cheek, before pulling him tight into a hug. His head buries into Tighnari's shoulder and his hands move up, tracing gentle batters into his back.]

I'm so glad I met you.

[ it'a a good kiss, warm and welcome and open, and tighnari allows himself to bask in it for some time while he learns the shape of aether's mouth, and the soft texture of his lips. the moment is so sweet that it's easy to melt into, even for tighnari, who is trying to be vigilant of their surroundings.

but the kiss soon breaks, and they're left so close to one another, aether's golden eyes peering into his own before he's being pulled into a tight hug, pressed to aether's body, and tighnari can only chuckle. one hand smooths over that soft blonde hair, until aether is nuzzling his face down into tighnari's shoulder. ]

So am I.

[ he had found it an annoyance, at first. aether had been yet another traveler stumbling into a mishap in the forest, one more person that needed taking care of, but that was what it meant to be a forest watcher. it was his job to look after people, to save bumbling adventurers from themselves when the situation called for it, and he was more than happy to do his part. in the end, it all worked out, didn't it? now he has a new friend and companion in aether, someone to walk beside, someone to keep close.

tighnari's tail flicks in quiet appreciation of the moment. ]

When we found you passed out in that cave, I never would have imagined..

[He chuckles and it's a sound soft and warm. Tighnari's touch feels so good and relaxing. He could soak in his warmth forever, enjoying every moment of their closeness.]

I would have never imagined either... I didn't even expect I'd pass out right at the beginning of my journey through Sumeru.

[Clearly, it was fate that brought them together. And even if it wasn't, Aether is still grateful that their paths crossed. He presses his body closer to the other.]

I have no doubt it was quite troublesome to you... But you always help. [He tilts his head a little to plant another soft kiss, this time against his companion's jaw.] Thank you, Tighnari.

[Even right now, Tighnari agreed to accompany Aether to the desert even though it's hardly pleasant to him. He really is too good, Aether thinks to himself. Such a good and wonderful person, and yet he's chosen this traveler to be with. Aether's heart grows in his chest, full of gratitude and affection. Will he ever be able to express it though?

He shifts more again, hand reaching up to gently touch Tighnari's ear and move it closer to his lips. Tenderly, he plants a kiss inside it, then smiles at how delicate and warm it feels against his lips.]

[ tighnari is surprised by just how easy this all is, how simple it is, how natural it feels. he's not particularly shy by nature, he's a very forward individual, and he isn't afraid to display his feelings - yet even still, it's easier than he ever would've thought it would be.

with a soft chuckle rolling in his throat, tighnari tips their foreheads together. ]

It was a little troublesome. Adventurers like you seem to always be getting themselves into trouble in the forest, but.. I'm used to it.

[ and it led him to a beautiful, wonderful friendship, and this closeness that they're now enjoying.. how could he possibly be upset about it? especially when aether is touching his sensitive ears so intimately, tugging one down for a sweet little kiss that sends a gentle shiver down his spine. ]

[Aether hums.]

We are lucky that there's someone like you out there. Someone so kind and reliable... [He speaks in a hushed voice, then presses another soft kiss to the inside of the ear.] I wonder if I'll ever be able to repay all that kindness...

[He shifts to settle his forehead against Tighnari's again, as delicate fingers continue to caress those soft ears. Eventually, his hand slips lower, resting on the other's cheek, thumb gently brushing the skin, before Aether leans in. Instead of a kiss on the lips though, there's one of the cheek. Followed by another and another, until every patch of skin on Tighnari's face is showered with affection.

It really is just so easy and it makes Aether want to smile and laugh with joy. He's feeling truly happy now.]

There's nothing to repay. I'm happy to do my job.

[ aether pays such nice attention to tighnari's tender, sensitive ears, and it isn't long before he's closing his eyes, and beginning to purr. the sound rolls in his chest, soft and quiet, but certainly audible in the silent desert night. it's been a long time since tighnari has felt so simply.. content. effortlessly happy.

when aether's hands drop away from his ears his eyes open again, his tail thumping gently, before he suddenly finds himself assailed with kisses - kisses to his nose, his cheeks, his forehead. aether's affection rolls over him in a gentle wave, and before tighnari knows it he is laughing, the sound clear, the rumble of his purr beneath it. ]

You're in a good mood.

[The way Tighnari purrs is adorable and Aether would be happy to just continue on with the soft affection, all to make sure the other is content and relaxed. The way Tighnari laughs at the little kisses makes the traveler grin with joy. He leans into his companion, head resting in the crook of his neck.]

Of course I am.

[That's really not something he would hide. Aether shifts a little to place a tender kiss to Tighnari's neck, his hands are tightly wrapped against the other. Everything feels warm and comfortable. So much so, in fact, that he long forgotten the chill of the desert night.]

I'm here with you, so how can I not be in a good mood?

[He sighs a little, smiling against the other's skin and nuzzling close.]

What a romantic adventure

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