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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[The kiss in apology definitely brings a smile to his face, even if he wants to pretend otherwise. He snuggles closer, listening in to the other's heartbeat and finding out that it beats in a rhythm similar to his own.

Aether smiles softly, more to himself than anything else. He could stay like this, just enjoying his companion's warmth, listening to his heart.

But then Ayato asks a question.

Aether ponders it for a moment. He didn't actually have any plan, but he doesn't want to disappoint his companion either. And so, he shifts a little, lips closer to the other's jaw.]

Maybe... something like this?

[He lets his lips glide lazily against the skin, carefully moving towards the ear. His heart is beating like mad.]

{ the reaction to it is endearing, enough he'll remind himself to do that again later, whenever aether doesn't expect it.

but for now he'll lay quietly, arm still wrapped around the other with his hand gently stroking up and down his back.

at least until aether shifts against him, leaning up so he feels lips brush against his jaw. a soft sigh releases from his lips, one that shows how nice that feeling is. }

[It's definitely enjoyable to just lay here and feel Ayato's gentle touch against the bare skin of his back. What feels even better is when his companion sighs under his kisses. Aether smiles in satisfaction, before continuing on with his affection.

And he has so much affection to give.

His kisses lead further up, gently grazing Ayato's ear. He pauses, just for a moment. Just to breathe a soft, warm whisper right into the other's ear.]

What do you think? Is this enough?

[As if answering his own question, Aether chuckles lightly then plants more kisses to his companion's skin, this time letting his lips wander down the neck.]

{ his breath hitches, yet again, as aether kisses his way to his ear then breathes that whisper there. his eyes flutter, and for a moment when his eyes reopen they likely seem a little darker. }

I think- { but then he stops, realising his voice has got a little deeper, clears his throat. } -you need to be a little more careful about how much you offer. I'm already starting to feel greedy, and you should be relaxing.

[It's really satisfying to make Ayato react like this and Aether would be happy to go on, but he pauses at the other's words. Aether doesn't really think he's offered much, but the change in the other's voice is making him flushed again.

The traveler pulls away just enough to lay his head on the side, cheek sinking into the pillow while staying close to Ayato. He looks at him with curiosity, some dose of excitement, but there's also persisting redness in his cheeks. He reaches out to tuck some strands of the other's hair behind his ear.]

...I am already relaxing.

[While his heart beats like crazy, but that doesn't matter!]

I really... can't help it that I want to give you as much as I can.

[Perhaps it's just the way he is. Willing to give his heart away to people he trusts while hiding too many secrets in the depths of his soul. All what matters to him is making the people he meets on his journey happier. And right now, he wishes for Ayato's happiness the most.]

{ his eyes follow the movement, seeming a little relieved when he relents for now. }

You should be cautious about who you say those words to. Thankfully I'm not willing to take advantage of it. { the 'of you' is very much implied there, as he shifts his hold, hand moving to rest against aether's waist rather than his back. his thumb strokes slow lines there. } Other people may be ready to.

{ and if anything--he thinks it's too soon for that. aether shouldn't be willing to do that much too soon. he certainly isn't. for now, this level of closeness with a few kisses here or there is more than enough. he needs time to adapt to this. }

[He relaxes into the touch, eyes closing as he shifts, melting into Ayato's hold. His own hand falls down, rested lightly against the other's chest. Then he lets a small laugh.]

I'm saying them to you... And only to you. No one else.

[It's not something he would offer so easily. He knows he can trust Ayato, that the other wouldn't do anything to hurt him.

But he also recognizes the need for time. This is the first time he's letting anyone so close, too.]

Don't worry, I'm not planning to push. I'm just happy you're here.

Oh.

{ the admission has him pause, it's completely unexpected, enough his eyes dart over aether's face as he exhales. }

I suppose that changes matters.

{ especially as he already said he has no plans to take advantage of it. instead he just leans to kiss the top of aether's head. }

But thank you for your patience.

[There's a soft, light laugh as he snuggles closer.]

Did you think I would say that just to anyone?

[He pouts in an exaggerated manner, laughing a moment later since he's only joking. Then he sighs deeply. The kiss to the top of his head feels nice and the warmth that their closeness brings is making him want to fall asleep.

Despite his injuries, he's feeling safe and cared for. His heart flutters in his chest.]

You don't have to thank me. I want you to feel good and comfortable. That's the only thing that matters to me.

I couldn't be sure. You do seem to offer help and friendship to everyone...

{ so he may have made some assumptions, apparently. it feels cruel to admit that aloud though, so he will apologise. }

Sorry for assuming too much.

[Aether shakes his head.]

It's true that I offer help and friendship to everyone... I simply can't look away if someone needs assistance or company. But there are also things that I wouldn't offer that easily.

[His hand gently moves up and down Ayato's arm as if in reassurance.]

Don't feel bad. We still have much to learn about one another and that's fine. I appreciate your concern, too.

[He smiles softly.]

But if you still feel like you need to apologize... a kiss would be a good way to make it up to me.

[He grins a little, his tone is light and joking.]

{ the words make him pause this time, the hand at his waist shifting to gently brush over his skin. }

If that hadn't been the case, I wouldn't have considered this to begin with. Your nature is part of your charm, after all. But, admittedly-- { he laughs under his breath } --I don't seem to like the idea of sharing it with anyone else.

{ that hand moves up then, brushing hair from aether's face, cupping his cheek moments after. }

Though I can hardly deny such a request, if it's an apology you'll accept.

{ he won't give the other time to say yes or no either way, since the offer was there he'll take it. he doesn't stop until their lips are connected again, his eyes lidded as he watches the look on the other's face through the kiss. }

[He sighs softly at the touch, enjoying the gentleness against his skin. But he's listening.]

Like I said... my offer stands only for you. I'm not planning to let anyone else this close.

[There's no need to share.

His eyes close when the touch brushes his face, it's so warm and soft. There's a smile on Aether's face as he's waiting for the kiss to come, entrusting himself to Ayato.

The moment their lips touch, he melts again, almost as if this kiss was everything he's ever wanted. Aether returns the affection softly, letting small sounds escape his lips. He loves every moment of it.]

{ the kiss is slow, languid as he takes his time to explore during the kiss. he drinks in every noise the other makes, spurred on by them, focusing so every brush or flick of tongue to ensure any noise that follows is mesmerised to be used again later.

when they part again, his eyes flutter fully open again, and he keeps his attention on the others face, even as his hand dips so his thumb can trace aether's lower lip. }

I have to wonder what I've done to earn such a pleasant offer.

[His breath shudders, jolt of pleasure running down his spine. To think that a kiss would be all it takes to make him feel like he's drowning, his mind clouded, his heart longing for this moment to last. Ayato's lips are soft against his own, slowly reducing his mind to mush, exploring and Aether is all too happy to let him.

He doesn't want them to part, but nothing can last forever. The travel keeps his eyes closed for a moment longer, sighing and shuddering lightly when he feels a touch of a careful thumb against his lower lip. How embarrassing to be reacting this way, but he can't help it.

His cheeks burn bright when he opens his eyes.]

Maybe it's silly, but... I can't imagine anyone else could make me feel the way you do.

[Gently, he tries to catch Ayato's hand into his own and bring it to his cheek, leaning into it as his eyes close once more.]

I like spending time with you. I know I can rely on you. Your presence is very calming. [Now that sounds somewhat silly, given how hard Aether is blushing and how fast his heart is going. And yet it's true. He just feels good when he's by the other's side.

He shifts a little to kiss the center of Ayato's palm.]

You're special to me.

{ it's an incredibly soft moment between them, as ayato quietly listens to the words aether says and lets his hand be brought to his cheek to hold there gently.

it feels like there are undertones there he isn't quite ready for, under the surface. he wants to ask what feeling it is aether is referring to, but can't bring himself to. instead he just tips his head down slightly, trying to will his heart to stop pounding so loudly in his chest. }

I suppose that is all that matters right now, isn't it?

{ he can't say the same just yet, and aether probably knows it, but with time...

he already can feel his resolve weakening with every soft, honest gesture aether gives. }

[He presses a kiss against the palm again, then glides his lips upwards and over Ayato's fingertips. He's handling his companion's hand with care as if it was something precious and fragile. His eyes remain closed.

Aether nods eventually. Again, time is something he has a lot of, for better or worse. He'll happily give Ayato as much time as the other needs and for now...]

All that matters to me right now is that you're by my side.

[It's truly a blessing, he thinks, and in the depths of his heart he hopes that when he wakes up Ayato will be still there. That he won't vanish on him like a lovely dream.]

{ his fingers twitch ever so slightly at each press of lips over his skin. his breath falls shakily from his lips just for that moment, happily relishing in the contact and how nice it feels. }

I'll stay as long as you need. Especially since you actually seem to be resting now.

{ at least it's also forcing him to take a break as well, it's hard not to with how warm and comfortable this feels. }

[That kind of reassuring answer is everything he needs. Aether smiles and moves Ayato's hand, this time cradling it close to his chest.]

I'm glad.

[They're both getting rest, though, and that's also good.

Comforting warmth seems to wrap around him like a blanket and the traveler slowly dozes off, breath evening out. He missed sleeping by someone else's side.]

{ it's hours before he tries to pull himself away, his arm going dead from laying on his side for so long. unlike aether he hasn't needed the rest, so he used his time to think. a few things had come to mind in that time, some being along the lines of what is he doing here, a mild bit of panic that is kept bottled in and where he ended up staring at aether's face a bit too long.

but then the rational side kicked in and he realised aether may want a drink. perhaps a snack? hopefully he had something in that could just be handed to him, as he had promised to stay at the apartment while he rested.

the best he can do is water and an apple that are left on the bedside table.

when aether wakes, he won't find ayato where he had been before, or at least not as close. instead, he's sat off to the side with his fingertips brushing lightly over the tips of aether's hair with one hand, as the other scrolls on his phone. }

[His rest is peaceful. He doesn't move around too much in his sleep, doesn't mumble anything under his breath and his expression is serene. It's been a while since the last time he slept so well.

The problem arises when he begins to wake. With eyes still closed, Aether reaches out for something- or rather someone and frowns the moment he finds nothing by his side. This is when his eyes suddenly open and startled, he takes a look around.

His shoulders relax when he sees Ayato is still there, playing with the traveler's hair.]

...Hello. Have I slept for long?

[He gives the other a soft smile.]

Edited 2023-06-18 23:12 (UTC)

{ he may have been looking at his phone, but at the sudden movements his eyes are automatically moving away from the device to look at the other and watch with mild amusement as he seems to reach out in a panic.

aether will probably see his amusement too }

Did you think I'd broken my promise?

{ he locks his phone and puts it aside for now. }

It's been a few hours. How are you feeling?

No... I thought it was all a dream.

[Even if the pain was real, everything else felt too good to be true. That's the kind of conclusion his brain arrived at when he opened his eyes.

Aether smiles.]

I feel better. [He shifts to lie on his back. There's still a dull ache in his legs but it's fine. Sleeping for some time would not make his bruises disappear anyway.]

Did you manage to get any rest too?

{ ayato shifts at that, sliding down so he's leaning onto his elbow instead of sitting up against the headboard. }

Should I be offended you have so little faith in me in reality?

{ but he is teasing, even when aether shifts to lay on his back and his free hand reaches out to brush over his cheek. }

I am glad the rest helped. I'm not very good at napping, so I just treated it as a break.

[He lets a small snort.]

Here I am telling you that you're a dream come true and you want to be offended because I thought this dream could not be real?

[He teases back, cheeks reddening when Ayato touches his cheek oh so gently.

Despite that his brow creases at the other's next words.]

So I kept you here for hours...

[He's touched that Ayato stayed, but also he feels bad for keeping him here for that long. Though it's good that his companion got a break...]

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