Chapter Text
“A musical?”
Kazuha watched Aether remove himself from the pile of folders in front of him, shooting the red-streaked fellow a raised brow.
He leaned to offer cleaning the pile of folders, and when the blond made no protest, he continued. “Indeed. Well, not a musical per se. But a recital.” A repetition of soft ‘thuds’ echoed as he thumped the papers against the table to align them. “My childhood friends from Inazuma have invited me to their outdoor orchestral recital organized by the Kamisato Arts Agency. I was given permission to invite a companion, so I thought that you would appreciate a slight study into Inazuman culture.”
This was brownie points. Aether, much like himself, was a traveler; a non-resident of Teyvat who moved from another continent just a year ago. Of course, while the nation-to-nation immigration that Kazuha underwent was small compared to the other’s, it was the need to learn about the new cultures around him that he knew the blond could empathize with.
“Of course! I would be delighted to support! Do you have a time and date? Any dress code or whatnot?”
It was just such a shame such had to be weaponized, though. He had hoped to have asked him under other circumstances.
“No need. A beauty such as yourself need not worry about any additions. Please just be ready for the autumn breeze; the concert is held on an open field. It will be next Thursday; I will come by your dorm around five in the afternoon.”
The flattered chuckle Aether rang was leagues above whatever music they were about to witness. “If the Inazuman culture has the same charisma as you, then I’m sure we’ll have a great time.”
Kazuha held a warm hand to his flaring cheeks. “I always do when I’m with you.”
“And likewise!” Aether’s grin was blinding. “Oh – but message me when you’re on your way! Amber’s usually the one receiving the door, but I think Diluc’s taking watch for now while she’s over at Eula’s.”
“Oh? Would you not be available to answer?” Kazuha tilted his head.
Aether gave him a hooded smirk, one that was sure to haunt the Inazuman’s dreams for years to come. “My looks aren’t cheap. Aesthetic takes time and care, Kazuha.”
“And here I assumed you were a natural beauty.” Kazuha gave a mocking sigh. “Though, I suppose that I also assumed there was no need for improvement when it comes your perfection.”
That must have caught Aether off guard, as after the small smile Kazuha sent his way, the tint on the blond’s cheeks were unmistakable.
“Cut it out will you.” Aether choked, taking the folders from Kazuha’s grip. “People might get the wrong idea and think you’re flirting with me.”
When Kazuha heard a pen snap behind him, it was almost like a spear had been thrown his way.
“Maybe they’re right.”
A spear that he had gracefully dodged.
-*-
Venti knew that Kazuha’s strange obsession with Shakespearean Literature was finally going to play a part somewhere in this little game off theirs.
He just sincerely hoped he was wrong.
From his peripheral, he could see the brooding sophomore bite into his thumb as the poor Copic marker stood no chance against the death grip.
“Hey, hey, hey! Those are expensive!” Venti scurried to grab his marker from Xiao, fumbling over the other’s sketchpad as he desperately tried to salvage what was left of the tool.
Xiao snapped out of his trance and glanced at the bright blue ink splurged over his sleeve. “Huh.”
Venti groaned. “Oh come on.”
“Sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t cut an eight-dollar Copic!” It seemed he knew which roommate of his was doing the dishes for a month. “And could you calm down for two seconds, it’s not like he asked him to marry him.”
Xiao grunted and leaned further into his seat. The Liyuen’s sketchbook was spared from his fury.
Venti could only turn back at the scene two columns in front of him. He almost understood why Xiao was so upset.
Laughing and bashfully chatting the world away in their own little bubble, Aether had shifted closer to Kazuha to share notes in Calculus. The two were like two peas in a pod, and though he earned the rightful title of knowing Aether the longest amongst not only the competition, but also the whole class sans Amber, the sting in his chest was unbearable.
There was a spark that was undeniable when Kazuha and Aether met. Their relationship was far more different than either Venti’s or Xiao’s. The two were immediately close, and while their time together was much shorter, the other two could only envy how easy it was for them to frequently hangout.
Especially when Venti was always so secretive when he and Aether met.
Especially when Xiao was always so dismissive when he and Aether met.
Venti sighed. He could only imagine Xiao’s discomfort. Kazuha was gifted with a silver tongue.
For a bard such as himself, he was no stranger to charming others.
Xiao on the other hand…
“We never stated any actual rules on how this competition has to go, right?” Venti perked up, slapping himself awake from such a depressing episode.
Xiao raised a brow at him.
“So, it’s fair game to also see how well we as Aether’s dates could make the most out of the strangest -or most unfortunate – situations!”
Whatever look Venti had in his eye, he knew that Xiao understood him quite well.
“We are not sabotaging his date with Kazuha.”
“Not sabotage! But spying! Eyeing the competition, you know? Think about it! If we” Venti points at them both with a knowing smile. “aren’t capable of turning the tides and giving everything to Aether, then we just aren’t worthy of his time, right?”
“You are just ridiculous.”
Venti was already standing up to go to another Inazuman before Xiao could even finish his sentence. “Oh Scaramouche~!”
He peered his head around the classroom, only to find the ravenette in the back chatting with his ginger seatmate about something that led to the shorter hurling verbal insults.
When Venti drew closer, he could see the two stop to stare at him.
“Uh oh, did Scara do something illegal again?” The ginger smirked, crossing his arms as he leaned on the closed laptop on Scaramouche’s table.
“Not really, no. We just need a favor to ask from him.”
Childe turned to Scaramouche, who was inspecting the Mondstadtan from head to toe with an irked glare. “Oh hoh, do tell, Venti.”
“And what makes you think I want anything to do with you?” Scaramouche bit back as he gave a forceful shove at the man terrorizing his desk. “And don’t crush my damn laptop, dumbass!”
Venti grabbed the seat from the desk in front of Scaramouche’s and made himself comfortable. “Well, you see – your sister still owes me something for breaking my strings.”
“That’s because you broke into our apartment to sing Beyonce.” Scaramouche was not impressed.
Venti could clearly remember losing a bet with Kaeya because he passed out after two shots the previous night. “Irregardless!”
“And whatever Baal does with her business doesn’t concern me, so get lost.”
Venti sighed dramatically, patience wearing thin. Maybe asking help from his classmate was a lost cause to begin with. “We’re simply asking for a form of service from you!”
“I don’t even like you.”
“Okay-okay, that’s fair! But- now hear me out – this involves Kazuha.”
Now that got the ravenette’s attention. Bingo!
He knew the two were close enough to be best friends, despite their differing personalities. And though he had no idea to what extent, he knew his roommate was one of the trump cards he has in getting Scaramouche to help him out.
“What about him?” The other leaned over, scowl a little deeper than usual.
“We just need you to help us out a little. You see, he’s going on a date with someone, and me and Xiao think that it’s a necessity that we watch over him like good guardian angels and friends to make sure that he’s safe! Besides, Xiao and I think that it’s important to have someone who knows the intricate and illustrious techniques and details of Inazuman culture to help us appreciate the occasion more. That’s where you come in.” Now, though it wasn’t all true, he did want to also make sure that both Kazuha and Aether were safe on their date of course!
He heard a snicker to his left and saw Childe press a hand to his lips. “So, you want to spy on them?”
Scaramouche’s glare at him was borderline accusatory.
“Well, yeah! But shhh!!” He leans in forward, gesturing to the culprits in the front row casually chatting away like no tomorrow. “It’s not spying, okay? And I think that the Kamisato Arts committee is a –”
“Wait, the Kamisato Arts committee?” Scaramouche butted in.
Venti nodded.
“Huh.” The other crossed his arms and leaned against his chair. “Didn’t think they’d ever show their face so far from home.”
“Are they bad people?” Okay, maybe that comment about keeping Kazuha and Aether safe was genuine now.
“Ha? No!” Scaramouche clicked his tongue. “What could be dangerous about Inazuma’s damn cultural committee? They’re not hitmen.” He tilted his cap and smirked at the sudden nerves Venti became. “They just have some beef with the Kujo Commission about customs. Political things that I don’t mess with. It’s just that Baal’s been…pissy about them recently. Not sure why, none of my business. And none of yours either.”
Venti was about to open his mouth before getting cut off by Childe. “Yeah, but aren’t you just a little bit curious what they’re up to?” He saw the ginger flash a cunning grin. “Won’t be the first time you pried into things you shouldn’t. Thought you liked gossip.”
Scaramouche looked like he was about to retort, but instead he gave a thoughtful hum.
Maybe dealing with the Fatui Harbingers wasn’t the best idea. Venti knew these rascals were the richest of the rich in Teyvat University; some of the most dangerous people to associate with. Families of power tended to band together to keep that power. No matter what it took.
“Could give your sister a run for her money, no, comrade? If you have information on the Kamisato Arts Committee – and insider information especially if Kazuha’s friends with them -, then don’t you think you’d have an upper hand over her?”
These two were the only ones in his class, and even though Venti was older, he felt so small in their presence.
“Fine. I’ll help you.”
Huh?
What was with the sudden attitude change just now?
“What? Can’t get a word out? And here I thought you were the talkative one of your lousy bunch.” Scaramouche could give him a dismissive wave.
“Don’t mind him, Ven.” Childe chuckled and elbowed the senior. “Look, he’s finally happy.”
“I am not!” With arms crossed, Scaramouche gave a satisfied smile at the braided boy. “I just think our goals align. I give you your little tour and I have a reason to show up for business.”
“Then that’s great!” Venti tried to salvage the last bit of his act, even for just a little while longer. “We’ll meet you by next week! At five! Don’t keep us waiting!”
Everything was coming together nicely!
May the best man win, huh?
Venti intends to!
-*-
“Hello. Is Aether home?”
Kazuha was finally met with the ‘Diluc’ Aether had mentioned.
Dressed in a plain shirt and basketball shorts, the fiery redhead glanced up and down at the unsuspecting Inazuman as though he was waiting for the other to jump at him with a knife.
“Why?”
Kazuha held his head high. “I was supposed to pick him up for our date.”
Diluc shifted his weight on the doorframe. “Ah.”
“Diluc? Is someone at the – oh!” Behind the redhead ran out another figure. Clad in a large varsity jacket and blue shorts, golden locks peaked over Diluc’s shoulder. “You must be Kazuha!”
“Ah, you are Lumine, yes? Aether had mentioned you. Is he ready? I am here to pick him up.” He nodded.
Perhaps it was integral that he kept a good track record with his sister if he had any intention of courting her brother. Only made sense, yes!
Courtship for Dummies, as his old friend would say!
He watched Lumine tap Diluc on the shoulder. “Let him pass, he’s just here for Aether.”
Diluc nodded and let the albino in. With a soft ‘Thank you’, Kazuha began removing his shoes.
Lumine peaked at his feet and gave a wide grin. “Woah! How polite! Is that a custom from where you’re from? I think Scaramouche also did it when he visited us for a project!”
“Yes. It is a custom in Inazuma to not bring shoes indoors. For courtesy and cleanliness.” Kazuha smiled.
“Interesting! Well, you should take a seat first. Aether’s still fixing his hair.” Lumine smiled, gesturing him towards an open living room.
The condominium unit was much larger than what he resided in and compared to the one large bedroom he and his roommates shared, this one felt like a bungalow. The entrance led further into a living room with an L-shaped sofa. A kitchen was somewhere to the right wing of the room only separated by a small bar with different wine bottles hanging by the overhead cupboards. There was a long hallway to the left wing of the living room which Kazuha could only guess led further into the other bedrooms.
“Aether! Your boyfriend’s here!” Lumine shouted into the empty hall.
His – ah! “We are not dating currently.” When did the room get so hot?
“Oh?” Lumine turned to her visitor. “Really? I thought you’re here to pick him up for your date?”
Maybe wearing a turtleneck was not the best idea right now given how flushed he was getting. “Yes, but…” He coughed. “I intend for it to be a date but…I have not formally announced it to Aether yet as such. We’re just going to see the Kamisato Art Committee’s outdoor orchestral performance because my friends invited us.”
Lumine’s mouth formed an ‘o’. “So, he doesn’t know you like him?” She deadpanned.
Kazuha could barely shake his head in embarrassment.
Hearing a sigh from a person’s twin had never felt so painful. “Well then.”
She moved to sit on the couch, and Kazuha instinctively followed. The blonde stretched for a bit before resting her feet on the longer end of the sofa.
“So, you really like my brother, huh?”
“I would trade everything I have to see him happy.” Kazuha smiled fondly. “The first time I arrived in Teyvat University, I was an outsider. A dropout from Inazuma who thought that maybe running away to a new school would change him. I was…foolish.”
It was true. Though Beidou and her own gang of misfits took him, he truly only saw her as a mentor figure who taught him the ropes around Teyvat University.
Though, her friends never truly did understand why there would be times he’d just stare into the distance. Or how he would only chuckle lightly at the Liyuen jokes they would make without any context. Or how he’d have to explain certain old Inazuman habits he’d do because it wasn’t a custom in their friend group.
Of course, he would never fault Beidou for not knowing. It was simply unfortunate.
“Oh, I’m not from here either. Moved with my sister from Celestia. Needless to say…I’m still a little lost about how things work in Teyvat too.”
So when he bumped into the starry-eyed transfer student, it was like finding a piece of him he never thought he lost.
The blond was helping the Junior librarian sort through the History section and Kazuha needed help locating the tale of Liyuen’s Vigilant Yaksha for a reading assignment. Even prior to their introductions, Kazuha already knew who Aether was. Word of the blond was quick around schools; one half of a pair of mysterious transfer students that weren’t only drop dead gorgeous but also had hearts of gold. There was no way he could miss them.
“Yeah. I really like this place a lot. Teyvat’s so much different than back at home. I mean, don’t get me wrong; I’m grateful for everyone I’ve met here, I just get a little homesick sometimes.”
That was what Aether had told him while they were looking for the book. Kazuha hadn’t meant to inconvenience him, of course, but with how determined the other looked when he asked to help the Inazuman…
It was almost a cardinal sin to say no to such benevolence.
“It happens, right? I’m sure you feel that way too?”
He did. He very much did.
It felt…nice. The have someone know what it felt like to be alone too.
“Which is why I value my friendship with Aether very much. I empathize with the sentiment of being a traveler. It is not the easiest of lifestyle.” Kazuha stayed still, hues bearing deep into Lumine as though begging her to understand his words.
Luckily, Lumine just gave him a lopsided smile. “Then if that’s the case, I’m glad to see my brother has such an amazing friend.”
She moved to pat him on the head. Kazuha almost recoiled at the touch had her fingers not been so gentle against his white locks.
“He should be here any moment, but just know that I’m wishing you the best of luck. He could be…a little thick.”
Was that a blessing? Did she just give her blessing?
And what did little thick mean?
Before Kazuha could contemplate any further, the door to the left wing swung open.
“Ah! I forgot how punctual you could be when you really tried, Kazuha! Sorry to keep you waiting, the shower wasn’t cooperating with me.” Aether chuckled, his fingers still intertwined with his hair as he struggled to weave through wet bristles.
Lumine sighed next to him. “Didn’t I tell you to use a hair dryer already, Rapunzel?”
Aether glared. “And damage my beautiful hair with all the heat, no thanks!”
“I could braid it for you.” Kazuha spoke up.
The twins looked at him with an incredulous stare. He felt like crumbling.
“Venti asks me to braid his hair when he’s preoccupied with something. It’s much shorter than yours, but I think I have enough experience to get through.” Kazuha supplied nervously.
Aether beamed, and the two on the couch swore the sun had invaded their abode. “Really? Thanks a bunch!” The blond skidded to the empty carpet between Kazuha’s legs before sitting.
Kazuha locked his legs around Aether’s face before raking through such pristinely kept locks. So this is what he meant by taking long. No wonder. Kazuha barely had half of Aether’s hair length and he still had trouble wrestling with his own.
Aether truly was an enigma.
“Please hold still. I did warn you that I have still have little to no experience with such length of hair.” Kazuha sighed to which Aether only chuckled further.
“It’s alright. I have full faith in you, Kazu.”
Kazu?!
He could hear Lumine snicker.
“So, you braid for Venti?” Lumine’s voice cut through the mental malfunction he was undergoing.
Kazuha nodded. “Almost daily.”
“Ah!” Aether held a hand to his chin thoughtfully. “So, you’re kinda like his braid boyfriend or something?”
Huh?
“Yeah! Yeah!” Wait- this was… “Like, you know how boyfriends mess around with each other’s clothes and hair all the time because it has their scent or something?”
Mess around with each other’s hair? Like how they’re doing now? Could it be that-
“Hold on, hold on. I just had a great idea! I just realized how cute you and Venti would look together actually!”
…eh?
“He’s super into art and you’re into literature! He could be the muse to your writing and you’re definitely a wonderful inspiration for his songs! And you’re already roommates! – but Xiao has to thirdwheel, unfortunately. But still! And you two are natural romantics! Don’t you agree, Lumine?” Aether smirked proudly at his sister. “See, I’m a great matchmaker.”
Wait…this wasn’t the direction he thought the conversation would go!
“Oh shit, you know what – Venti should take my spot – ow! Ow! Kazuha! Hey!”
Lumine could only give the poor white-haired boy a gentle tap on his shoulder.
Best of luck because you’re going to need it.
-*-
“So.”
Xiao cocked a brow.
“So.”
He stared at the culprit standing by the entrance of the Windblume National Park. Dressed in a tan blazer and white polo-shirt was none other than the same librarian who had basically declared war on the three roommates just a few days ago.
“I wasn’t expecting you all to be here.” Albedo began, taking a long, hard sip of his latte.
“What are you doing here?” Venti pointed threateningly. “You’re not here to spy on Kazuha either, are you?”
Albedo only gave a raised brow. “Kazuha? I didn’t even know he was going to be here.” He narrowed his eyes. “Why – were you?”
Uh oh. The two were busted.
“They are.” A fourth voice perked from behind the three and standing by the park’s white gates was Scaramouche. He donned his usual palette of black and purple, except this time in a much cozier style. Accompanying a simple black sweater was a pair of purple track shorts with matching Converse. He did not look amused.
Albedo turned to the other two with a glare. “I see.”
“Then what are you doing here?” Xiao hissed, trying to deflect the offensive – albeit accurate – accusations against them.
“I’m here with Xingqiu. He’s a renowned author in the eyes of the Inazuman Bookhouses and he was personally invited here to watch the recital. I was his plus one. It was just a coincidence that Kazuha also took Aether on a date here, I suppose.”
Xiao could almost see the smirk in him had it not been for the fact Albedo didn’t crack a single smile.
He just knows he’s rubbing it in, he can feel it.
The teal-haired boy turned to Venti, a stare of both ‘please help me out here’ and ‘I knew this was a bad idea’.
“Well, we’ll have you know that we too are simply visitors of the Inazuman culture. The Kamisato Arts committee is known to be one of the most refined handlers of cultural shows and I – as a music major – intend to indulge in the creative wonders of such a recital!”
Venti breathed as easily as he lied.
And he had the audacity to look at Xiao with a smirk, as if to say that he got himself scott-free.
Xiao grimaced. “I’m here to make sure he doesn’t start a fire.”
For a moment, he could see Scaramouche and Albedo give him a nod of understanding.
Before the senior could retort, lights flooded their vision.
Boom.
Up above were large displays of gold and red lights, and though the sunset glow had swallowed their luminescence whole, the faint outline of sparks and ashes spread across the orange sky.
“Wow! I didn’t know they had a fireworks display!” Venti beamed, tipping his beret.
Xiao turned to the source of the lights, and there it was. Behind the crew setting up the stage for the show was several boxes and vans filled with pyrotechnics.
“Naganohara Fireworks.” Scaramouche supplied with a light smirk. “No festival in Inazuma is ever complete without them. My family buys for them when we hold…events.”
Xiao could see why the Kamisato Arts Committee was known for their craft. They have good taste.
“The show shouldn’t be starting until seven.” Albedo said, taking out his phone. “I’ll go call Xingqiu and maybe he could find us a spot.”
“And until then, we can go look for Kazuha and Aether!” Venti smiled, but as he was about to leave, there was an immediate yank on his forearm.
“No – we are not.” Xiao hissed. “We are not going to interfere with whatever Kazuha has planned for Aether today.”
Venti gasped in offense. “I never said we are! We just need to make sure that Kazuha is playing fair and square in this little game of ours!”
“Actually, I agree with you, for once.” Scaramouche snickered. “That didn’t feel right to say.”
“You agree with me?”
“On finding Kazuha. But I’ll just need to talk to him after the concert, so don’t rope me into whatever you’re doing.” The glare from the ravenette was enough to silence him.
“Gentlemen.” Albedo offered. “If I may, why don’t you just appreciate the festival yourselves? We leave Aether’s happiness tonight with Kazuha, and you should allow yourselves some time to relax as well.”
Xiao crossed his arms. “You just want to find them yourself, don’t you?”
“I never said a word.”
Albedo didn’t need to.
“You people give me a rash.” Scaramouche began walking away, humming a low ‘tsk’ to himself as he left behind the very people he was supposed to accompany.
-*-*-
“Hello! My name’s Aether. I’m so glad to meet you all!”
Kazuha knew Aether was good at speaking to people, but not this good.
The two arrived earlier than intended to get a chance to sneak in backstage. The event was being held on an open park, but the small tent provided by the Windblume Park officials was cozy enough to chat in. Kazuha noticed there were still workers scouting around the vicinity, and several mic tests were still being underway. He looked at his watch.
5:30 PM. They still had an hour or two.
Kazuha thought that this would be the perfect time to introduce Aether to the performers, and lo and behold, it went better than he expected.
Thoma and Gorou were already chatting up the enthusiastic blond, and while Yoimiya and Ayaka were still dealing with the other preparations for the event, he could see Aether pop in every now and then to ask what was happening or how were certain things being ran.
Needless to say, Aether had once again became the center of attention.
Not that Kazuha minded; he was just happy to be here with him.
“Your boyfriend?”
A voice tugged him out of his thoughts and to his left was a mop of ashy blond hair held high by a lone elastic.
Tomo gave him a slight smirk as he poked Kazuha’s side with his elbow. “Never thought I’d see you do puppy eyes at someone.”
“I’m not.” Kazuha said as he smiled fondly. “And he isn’t my boyfriend.”
“Yet?”
Kazuha sighed. “Yet.”
Tomo gave a hearty laugh. “I know you, Kazuha. When you want something-“ He turned towards Aether. “-Or someone, you’ll do whatever it takes, right?”
Kazuha could only nod. Seems the title ‘childhood friend’ still held weight when it came to Tomo. But he never really doubted that; the other had been by his side ever since the beginning of grade school…
…and until he ran away from home.
“Proud of you, Kazuha. He looks like a keeper. You have good taste.” Tomo gave him a wistful sigh. “Any chance you’ll bring him back to Inazuma with you?”
“With me?” Kazuha tilted his head.
Tomo could only grin silently.
“Glad you made your home here. We miss you, a lot, but I’m still glad you made this decision yourself. And look where you are now!” Kazuha flinched at the sudden ruffling of his hair. “Living independently with a roof over your head. Good for you, Kazuha. And you’ve even found the love of your life right here.”
Love of your life.
Hm…
Was that what it was called.
Kazuha pressed a hand on his cheek.
The warm glow of the boy a few meters in front of him was contagious, and he knew nothing the Naganoharas made could ever replicate it.
“I don’t mind calling him that.”
Not at all.