It all starts with an accident

[startraveler]

[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?

Comments

[startraveler]

[A jolt runs down his spine at the touch, his cheeks bloom with light shade of red. Then he catches Ayato's hand with his own free one.]

Thank you. It means a lot.

[He brushes a soft kiss against Ayato's fingers.

It really means a lot to him. Any clue, even the smallest, may bring him closer to his goal.

...But there is an ache in his heart, that once they both return to Teyvat something will end between them, but he doesn't want to dwell on that.]

[acquirement]

{ it's best to not dwell on it, if only because he really can't promise anything more when there's no guarantee he can cross worlds. he may not even be able to speak to aether until lumine finds him again.

so for now, while it may be bittersweet, he'll smile at those soft kisses against his fingers. }

I'm sorry I can't offer much else, when my hands are tied to Inazuma.

[startraveler]

[Aether pauses and shakes his head, a warm smile with just a hint of sadness appearing on his face.]

You already offered me so much. I appreciate all of it, so there's no need for you to be sorry. I understand.

[They both have things they need to do, they both don't know what the future holds for them. It wouldn't be right to ask Ayato for more, when they don't even know if they end up in the same world when all of this ends.]

[acquirement]

{ he gives a small nod to that, then lean to kiss the corner of aether's mouth. }

I'll stop mentioning it, though you should eat. I imagine you still need that to live?

[startraveler]

[He closes his eyes to enjoy that soft, but small kiss.]

I do... Apart from my long lifespan I really am not that different from anyone else.

[He still needs food and sleep, he can get hurt or sick.]

[acquirement]

Considering I've seen you eat before, I assumed as much. Thank you for confirming it though. So.

{ he nudges the plate forward. } Eat.

[startraveler]

[He looks down at the plate and a small puff of laughter escape him.]

Right, right. I'm eating. I need it to recover properly.

[His tone is mostly amused.

...But next time he is definitely not allowing Ayato to cook.]

[acquirement]

{ probably for the best. some of the burnt crumbs were scraped off, but it certainly seems like the toast is in a sorry state.

likely cold now too, since aether took so long to eat it. }

You do.

[startraveler]

[Cold and burnt, what a sad meal. Aether manages to eat it anyway.

In a way, this makes him look forward to their future dinner even more. He'll make sure it'll be a lot of good food for the two of them.]

[acquirement]

{ and this is why ayato isn't allowed to cook most of the time-

but he'll make sure he has enough water, trying to look through cupboards for anything else he can put together. }

Do you need me to get you some shopping?

[startraveler]

[Aether's kitchen is quite well stocked, but it mostly contains raw ingredients. Some fruit and vegetable can also be found stored away.]

I think I should be fine for now... though maybe I could use some fish and eggs. I think I'm almost out of those.

[acquirement]

{ he gives a small nod to that. }

Since you shouldn't be walking too far at the moment, I can get those for you.

[startraveler]

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

[Especially that Ayato has so many other things he should be doing, yet he takes his time to stay with Aether and does his best to help him.]

[acquirement]

{ he has a lot more free time here than at home, at least, which is something he's taking full advantage of.

he takes out his phone to start drafting up a small shopping list. }

What about drinks?

[startraveler]

[He thinks about it for a moment.]

I think I have everything I need.