rozenblitz | It all starts with an accident

It all starts with an accident

[To Aether, it's a routine. Accepting quests, reaching the destination, solving the problem, returning to the person who requested it. Everything works just the same as in Teyvat.

...Except not really.

As he's in the middle of one of those quests, Aether decides to drop down from the ledge into the space below. There's a bit of a distance to the ground, but with a wind glider that's not a problem. Except Aether remembers that he does not have a wind glider anymore only right after he lets go. Realization makes him panic for a second, before he attempts to do the next best thing he can: plunge and hope for the best.

He winces when he hits the ground, a sharp pain ringing in his legs. He sits down, trying to inspect the damage. His legs don't look broken, but they definitely did not like the fall. There are also a few cuts and scrapes here and there.

...It looks like he may need to take it easy for some time.

Aether sighs to himself and carefully gets up, then slowly starts heading back home. Every step hurts, but what else can he do?

And then he suddenly sees a familiar face.]

Ah, hello?

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{ it's a fair walk from the nearest teleporter, given they're just outside the city and in the segments instead, but ayato is out for work purposes rather than a quest. given how the majority took him quite far out of the city, it wasn't really feasible now he has other things in place that he needs to finish for his job here. he's being cautious enough to not venture out too much on his own--though when he sees aether he can't help but wonder if the other has gone against previous advice of doing just that. }

You look terrible, did something happen?

[There's a very fake smile on his face when he hears Ayato say that. Aether is doing his best to keep acting as if everything is okay, but who is he trying to fool? Definitely not his friend here.]

I... had a little bit of an accident. [An understatement, really.] Can you help me get back? Once I rest I should be good as new.

[As much as he doesn't want to bother Ayato, he can imagine that the other won't let him just leave. He's too kind for that. So asking for a small assistance it is.

Aether really believes that things will get better once he can lay down and rest.]

{ truly, the very fake smile only earns him a long stare in return, waiting for the other to finally cave. in a battle of wits, so to speak, he was always going to win. }

What did you hurt? I should be able to, I just wouldn't want to make it worse by taking the wrong approach.

{ he is anything but a medical expert, but he'd know at least that much. }

[The smile falters. He knows there's no need to put up such an obvious act and yet he still did, as if it was an habit of sorts.]

Actually... my legs. [He looks down, quite glad that his outfit is concealing any injuries, but his pants seem a little torn on the side.] I fell down... But maybe it wasn't so bad since I can still stand.

[It definitely hurts to stand though.]

I see. In that case, something more careful may be needed.

{ thankfully he doesn't have anything in his hands, in fact, nothing but his keys and phone are on him today and those are both tucked carefully into his pockets. }

Apologies in advance, and please let me know if it hurts at all.

{ and given his choices, a piggyback ride did not seem suitable, so he's sweeping aether up to pick him up princess style, carried in front of himself and pulled against his chest. }

Hopefully we haven't wandered too far away.

[At first he's not quite sure what Ayato is intending to do. Aether is expecting a shoulder to lean on, since he can still walk, but instead something completely different happens. The traveler lets a surprised sound when he's lifted, eyes wide and face reddening.]

A-are you... sure about this?

[He means carrying him in his arms! Surely, he must be heavy! Aether looks up at the other, brows turned up in both concern and embarrassment, but he quickly casts his gaze down again. His heart is beating fast and no matter how much he tries to deny it, he doesn't actually mind being in the other's arms.

It's warm and kind of nice... If he closes his eyes and leans close enough maybe he can heart Ayato's heart...

...This is not a right moment for that kind of thoughts!]

{ even if he can walk, it doesn't mean he should do so. they are far enough away a healer will be hard to get to, and ayato obviously has no ability to help with that. }

Why wouldn't I be?

{ and really while he is heavier than anything he's had to carry (because lbr, it's ayato) aether as a person isn't overly so. it isn't like trying to pick up some of the bulkier people he's met here. }

Will you tell me what actually happened while I walk?

Maybe I'm heavy?

[He has no confidence in those words, feeling quite small in the Ayato's arms. There are no protests from him though, because there is something nice about being carried like this. The other's warmth is calming and making him want to close his eyes.

Ah, but that question. Aether glances up, before feeling some dose of embarrassment hit him again.]

It was... actually pretty stupid. [Is he going to get teased??] I forgot I don't have a wind glider anymore.

[His voice is almost quiet mutter when he admits that, but Ayato is probably too close to not hear it.]

You aren't.

{ he glances down briefly, before keeping focus on the ground ahead of them, ensuring there is nothing for him to trip over as he makes his way back towards the edge of the city area. at least to one of the surrounding areas where a teleporter may be nearby.

he listens to aether talk, but his mouth twitches into a small smile, a chuckle slipping out. }

I didn't expect to hear you would be so careless. Do you need to go to a professional to check for any breakages?

[He can hear that chuckle and catches the smile on Ayato's face from the corner of his eye.]

I got so used to always having it that it slipped my mind...

[It can happen to anyone and the traveler is no exception! Aether gives his own legs a look before answering the question.]

I don't think I broke any bones. It's probably just some scrapes and bruises, and I'll need to take things easy for a day or two to recover.

[If his legs were broken he doubts he could have walked at all, so he guesses he's lucky in this unfortunate situation.]

I imagine that was quite the rude awakening.

{ should he tease him when he's hurt? probably not. but he's still reacting as he would when fine, so it can't hurt, can it? }

We'll see if there's anything to worry about when we get back. Thankfully you weren't too far out, and that I happened to be passing by.

I'll make sure to never forget again...

[At the other part he merely nods, unsure if he was lucky to meet Ayato or not. How much more teasing is going to come his way?

But at least it looks like Aether managed to convince his friend that he really isn't hurt that badly, which is good.

He's silent for a moment, before speaking softly:]

Thank you for always helping me out.

{ he won't take it too far, at least not until he knows it really isn't anything serious. ayato may enjoy teasing people, but it isn't necessarily to be cruel. not to an extent that would be harmful, at least, with people he considers friends.

speaking of which: }

That is what friends do, is it not?

[He blinks, looking up before a soft, fond smile spreads on his face.]

Then thank you for being my friend.

[It is something to be thankful for. After all, Ayato still probably needs time to get to know him better, considering the strange two Teyvat situation. Aether will never stop appreciating the kindness he receives... even if it comes with some teasing.

He grins.]

But I hope this trend won't continue and I'll get to do something for you instead.

[A soft laugh follows.]

{ he just gives him a small smile in return to that thanks, because they both know the implication under it. at least for a few moments after he stays quiet. }

I see no reason why I wouldn't be.

{ though another laugh slips out at the second thing aether says. }

Oh? I hope you realise I wouldn't try to jump off a cliff without the assurance I had something to stop the fall. { he may suck when it comes to personal care, but he's oddly careful of anything too drastic--he wouldn't want to make ayaka cry, after all. }

[His face immediately goes bright red again.]

That's not what I meant! I'm just hoping I can get a chance to help you out.

[He doesn't want Ayato to jump off any cliffs. Surely, even someone like him requires assistance sometimes!]

...Last time I failed when I tried to make you relax. But even if you don't tell me what I can do, I will find something one day.

[He'll be stubborn about this. He can't be the one getting help all the time.]

{ he hums in thought, trying to see if there's anything he can think of that would be useful at the moment to get aether's help with. }

I'll think about it. At the moment I can't think of anything, especially when this is more pressing of a matter.

We're almost at the bridge into the city now though, it shouldn't be too long.

I almost forgot about it, since my legs don't hurt that much right now.

[He says with a small smile.]

So it's fine. As I said before, I just need some rest.

[The pain will be likely back the moment he stands on his own legs.]

{ and this is precisely why he doesn't believe it. he's a pro at hiding pain as well, remember? he can tell some of this is putting on a tough front. }

It's a relief to hear that, as it likely is true that there's nothing broken. However, bruises and sprains aren't quite the same.

[Aether is silent, just looking up with his golden eyes, a bit like a puppy that is sad for not getting what he wants. He knows he can't win this one. He knows he'll be carried for as long as Ayato can carry him.]

You can check for those once we get back. I hope that will put your mind at ease.

[He hopes. The keyword there.

Aether knows there are some bruises and scrapes on his legs, but how badly they look right now? He has no idea. The pain isn't that bad now. Thus, all he can do is hope everything looks well enough for his friend to not worry too much about it.]

{ he's not immune to the look, but he's used to seeing it often enough from ayaka that he can keep his gaze away and keep walking. }

Thank you. Are you living alone here or did you move in with your sister and friends? Or should I take you to mine?

[His puppy-eyes are not effective!! Maybe he should practice on someone... Last time he used them it wasn't effective either.]

I live alone for now. We can go there, but there's not much around, since I'm still settling in.

[Plus, he's trying to get a job and now living by doing quests.

Look how well that's been working for him.]

{ try looking more flustered-wait }

That works for me. I imagine Ayaka would worry as well if she saw you in this state, so it may be best to do it that way.

{ once he reaches the teleporter he will have to gently bring the other to the floor though, needing his hands to set it up. it requires magical energy, after all, and he doesn't know aether's limits yet. }

[Aether nods. He wouldn't want Ayaka to worry about him either.]

Alright.

[And then he's standing again, released from Ayato's arms. It's strange that the first thing that hits him is missing the other's closeness. Only afterwards his nerves are struck with pain. Aether doesn't let himself wince, his face turning in just a bit of a grimace as he's patiently waiting. Once he gets used to the pain it really isn't that bad.]

{ there's a moment where they're standing there at the edge of the city, then they're closer to the centre of nightwake, near where the apartments are.

there's also... a lot more people around now. }

Do you think you can walk if you hold onto me?

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