Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Say, Thoma.”

“Yes, Paimon?”

“Paimon’s noticed something…”

The housekeeper looked at the floating little fairy as the group walked through the lands just past Wangshu Inn. It's been a little while since they left Mondstadt back to Liyue, as Aether was called there for something interesting. Plus, apparently Beidou was set to travel back to Inazuma the next day after a festival had been over in Liyue. It was perfect timing for them really, they could enjoy it as their final destination in Liyue, before going back to reality.

Kazuha and Yoimiya were as disappointed as they were elated. It was a festival date for them, outside of Inazuma too. Inazuman festivals are still special for them too, but a festival in Liyue hits a different spot of interest for Yoimiya as she had never been to Liyue before. Kazuha was in Liyue for a while, so he was more used to it. Still, the thought of a festival with him was more than enough to make him interested. The thought of going back home and all this being over was a tad less appealing, but it is what it is.

What was concerning him was the seemingly rather invisible tension between Aether and Ayaka.

He noticed it a fair bit ago, after that incident on Dragonspine that left all of them worried sick about their condition. The deaconess was an avid healer though, and Aether was up within a day and Ayaka after a few. It was incredible how quickly she healed, though it was also in part due to Ayaka’s hardy nature.

Although their physical wounds have healed, something was up between them.

They still ate together, sat together, and would still occasionally touch one another as per usual, but it seems off. As if, there was something they wanted to say to each other but there was hesitation. Thoma knew of Ayaka’s personality, hiding her wishes from others. But Aether was one of those people she didn’t hide any of her wishes from.

It looked like how these 2 interacted a year or so ago, when they first met. Yet, instead of all lovey-dovey, it felt rather odd.

Sorrowful? Not really. Sad? No, not quite.

He can’t make it out.

Whatever it is, was bothering the both of them.

“Yeah….I noticed. Its about them isn’t it?”

“Mhm. They look a little off, don’t they?”

Thoma sighed as they watched Aether and Ayaka walk silently ahead of them. They held hands as per usual, but the silence was eerie, not the comfortable one they used to maintain between them. It made Thoma internally frustrated. What exactly was happening between them?

“They do, but I have no clue why. Have you tried asking?”

“No, not really. Paimon doesn’t feel like its a good idea to ask. Maybe we should let it be.”

“Hmm, I think we should see where it goes. Hopefully it doesn’t go in a bad direction or something.”

“Yeah, but Paimon’s sure it won’t go that way!”

“Hehe, I believe in it too.”
—-----------------------------------------------------------
Ayaka’s mind was in turmoil.

It's as bad as it was during the Vision Hunt Decree era; no actually, this one felt worse for her.

It’s not as if the lives of her people were in danger, or that her nation was being subjected to torment. Those would haunt her mind too, as it did in the past.

But this was very different. It affected her personally, and she never had such an inner turmoil within herself as she used to not have such problems.

But here she is, her mind a mess.

The scene replayed in her mind over and over, so much that she even dreamt of it on several occasions, waking up in cold sweat at times.

She fiddled with the teacup in her hands, empty. It was good, really good. Aether was really good at brewing tea nowadays, it would exceed her own skill easily soon.

But, that was it.

He’ll exceed her soon. She couldn’t shake that implication from her mind that he’s already a magnificent and capable individual, and that he would continue to build his abilities as he moves along his journey.

This leaves her in a confusing spot, for is she truly able to go with him? Would her consciousness allow her?

She knew he’d allow her to tag along; no, Ayaka had admitted she wanted to go with him on his journey, so Aether knows that she wanted to tag along. It's just, even after the talk they had last time, she couldn’t truly make up her mind on the topic.

She unconsciously looked up to the man that has her conflicted.

Aether was standing on the Balcony of their room, the same place they stayed last time. His untied hair flowed through the wind as he gazed upon the crowded streets below in the middle of the day. It was the Lantern Rite, after all.

Lantern Rite, A festival. Ayaka had always wanted to go abroad to attend a festival in a foreign nation, but she just couldn’t bring herself to go out. Not even when the rest are already going out at their heart’s desires.

At night, she could only watch the glamor from the confinement of her room. Though the festival was going around, Aether was tied down with work to do for the Liyue Qixing in regards to the festival, and he had been traveling out and about Liyue. He had told her if she wanted to go, waiting for him would probably do her no good.

Yet, no matter how much he urged her to go, Ayaka couldn’t. She turned down offers from the others as well.

In her heart, she wanted to go with him.

Perhaps it would be a chance to settle her ambiguity at the moment.

But try as she might, she couldn’t bring the topic up everytime he came before her. It either caught in her throat, or he looked so tired it would be a sin for her to drag him along to the festival with her. She stayed quiet, hiding her desires from him once more.

Why was she like this? Ayaka cursed herself inwardly. Just a week ago she could talk to him about anything and everything, but now she couldn’t even tell him anything. Of course, he was still as polite as ever and she didn’t really need to say much, but still.

Aether felt it too.

In all his adventures and journeys, be it Teyvat or in another world, he had found himself in social interactions with other people. It gave him all the cues he needed to have a good understanding of those around him.

And right now, he knew that between himself and Ayaka, there was much to be said.

Yet he couldn’t find it within himself to utter a word.

She has been quiet as well, talking to him occasionally but not about topics that he wished to address with her.

Because of this, the week has been very slow. As he does his daily commissions and performs his task of helping the Liyue Qixing in their preparation for the festival’s final few days, he finds himself getting more distracted. Even when he finished helping them, he hid his true emotions from his friends, even as he met them all around the harbor.

Aether had really wanted to take her out to see the harbor, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. Between his daily commissions and his uncertainty, he would often return to the room mentally drained with his own thoughts and unable to think straight enough.

So now here we find him, the afternoon of the festival.

The festival’s last day was in full swing, and the shops and stalls were all in high stakes, selling all their worth for every bit of Mora they could gain. Keqing had told him there would be another firework show at the very end of the Lantern Rite, on the last day. He still had the chance to go, not to mention that he had finished his commissions for the day surprisingly earlier than most.

Yet, he still felt horrible about the past event, lamenting on a tea shop.

“Well, I certainly did not expect to see you here in such a sour mood, traveler.”

A recognizable voice rang in his ears, and he just addressed the approaching man with a silent sigh.

“Hey, Zhongli.”

“Oh, why the somber mood? Surely, Lantern Rite would set the perfect mood for a night stroll of the markets.” Zhongli sat himself across Aether as he placed his cup of tea down onto the table, taking a sip of it.

“Yeah, I guess. Just a lot of thoughts. You’re not with Ning?”

“Ah, we’ve already visited the stands a few times, though I prefer not to disturb her during her work hours. She will be done soon, and I am expected to pick her up.” Zhongli says, rather matter-of-factly. Aether just nods with a shrug. “Figures. I hope you enjoy then.”

“Hmm, this is unlike you. Is something the matter? Perhaps conversing with a dear friend might help?” Zhongli asks, taking an interest in Aether’s predicament.

“It’s….complicated.” He answers, unsure how to start.

“Judging by the tone of your voice, this is in regards to a relationship, am I correct?” The archon asks. Aether simply nods.

“Well, as complications come, there should be a solution.”

“As much as that’s true, it hasn’t come to me yet.”

“Well, why are you thinking about this on your own then?” Zhongli asks, taking another sip.

“I don’t know. I feel wrong if I ask her about it.”

“Hmm, the way I see it, this problem requires a two-prong approach. Both you and your partner would require each other to solve this issue, only then would it truly clear your mind.”

“Makes sense, but I’m not sure if it would solve the problem or not if I bring it up.”

“Then perhaps, instead of a talk, take her out for a walk. Allow yourselves some time together, and the answer would come naturally to you.”

“Hmm.” Aether hums.

“Actions would usually speak louder than words. In this case, I have to say there is no better substitute.” Zhongli takes a look at the afternoon sky.

“Many conflicts and arguments start with words, that is true. Yet, as much as they are resolved with words as well, there are times when actions provide the much needed answer in a more effective manner than previously thought.”

“I believe this case is one of them. Merely talking would not bring up the correct answer to your minds, especially a topic as sensitive as this. Something simple as a walk or a moment together, no matter how difficult it is to envision, would have a more profound effect than what normal words can pass on.”

“And also, exchanging words are interactions that go turn by turn. Actions allow you to feel each other as one at the same time, and would greatly serve to help relieve the tense mood between the two of you, whatever it is.”

“And of course.” Zhongli turns his sight back to him. “The most important aspect is for the both of you to be present and with an open mind. Relationships are not simply about how you feel towards her or how she feels towards you. It's about how you two feel about each other, how you are connected with one another. This connection serves both ways, not just one or the other.”

“If you were to solve this problem, it would be optimal for you to talk to her and resolve this. Together. It would also work to deepen your bonds with each other, and I see it as the best way to alleviate your mood.”

Aether looks at the man as he sips his tea, his eyes deep in thought at his words.

“Mmm, forgive me. I have to end it at that as Ningguang will be waiting for me soon. She appreciates being on time, so I better leave.” Zhongli finishes his tea and gets up.

“Remember, a problem unsolved will create more problems. So do yourself a favor and settle this with your lady. I’m sure she’d love the festival before your eventual return to Inazuma, yes?” He gives a smile before turning around, waving as he leaves.

Aether just looked at him as he walked down and out of the teahouse, his mind thinking about what he had just heard.

He mentally slapped himself for being inept at love.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ayaka was in their room, taking an afternoon reading when she heard the door knock. It was still quite early in the afternoon, so she wasn’t really expecting anyone, even Aether as he typically came home a tad later.

“One moment please.”

Placing a bookmark on the current page, she gets out of her chair and walks over, her home robe flowing as she unlocked the door.

“Oh, Aether!”

“Hi, I’m back.”

Ayaka stands aside, allowing the traveler entry as she closes the door behind her. He gently places a bag of items on the table and heads straight for the sink to wash his hands and face.

“Was your day okay?” Ayaka asked, walking over back to the sofa.

“Hmm, as per usual. Had the easier ones today. You had lunch yet?” Aether asks, drying himself off

“Yes, I did.” Ayaka picks up the book, watching Aether as he unties his hair.

“Alright, good then.”

And it ended there.

Ayaka winced internally. Her conversations with him would typically last much longer than this with him, even after he returned from a day without her or something of the sort. The fact they became like this sort of disturbed her, but being inexperienced she was confused what direction she wanted to go with him.

Aether sat across from her, taking a moment to wipe his blade clean across her.

Ayaka sensed it, he wanted to say something. The way he specifically sat there and his actions, it all showed he had something to say.

What he wanted to say however, was still a mystery to her.

Well, not for long, apparently.

“Say, Ayaka.” Aether starts, sheathing his blade.

“Yes?” Ayaka asks, her blue eyes looking up to him. He avoided eye contact for now.

“It’s been a while now, hasn’t it?”

Ayaka hummed. Though unmentioned, she knew exactly what he meant.

“Hmm, it has.” She said, solemnly.

Aether shook his head slightly.

“I had a talk a little while ago, and I kind of had a moment to think about this myself; about us to be more precise.”

She stayed silent, compelling him to continue.

“And I figured that if we were to really go on like this, I”m not sure how we’ll be farther down the road. I don’t wish to separate from you, not in the slightest, but if we go on like this, I don’t think this is a path we both want to thread on.”

“So for that, I want to apologize.”

The last line caught Ayaka off-guard.

“E-eh?” She blinked a few times. “You’re apologizing?”

“Yes.”

“Aether, if anything, shouldn’t it be my fault that this has happened?” Ayaka opened up to him in the end, baited by his apology.

“I’d like to think I have a part to play in this as well.” He commented. “I was unable to assure you fully about staying with me, and thus it made way for your hesitation. You can’t hide that from me, it's painfully obvious.” He added, a dry smile on his lips.

“But still, wouldn’t it be my fault?”

“Okay, let me get straight to the point then.” Aether cuts her off. His golden eyes finally land onto hers. “I really want this to stop, to roll back a bit. And perhaps, it would do us some good if we did just that. All this going on, it's not going to get us any answers. It’ll only complicate matters even more.”

“We may have not been able to decide anything yet, but dwelling on that would be unfavorable. It would only serve to create delusions and uncertainty in our minds. If anything, we should be finding our answers as we press forward.”

Aether stands up, going to the window. Ayaka’s eyes follow him. “This world has many surprises in it, many things we have yet to explore. There are also many things about ourselves that we have yet to fully grasp, many hidden intricacies that are not explored yet.”

“If anything.” He turns back to her, Ayaka now standing just slightly behind him. “We should move on and carve our path as we go along it, after all. We won’t open paths just standing around like this.” He motioned to the spot beside him. Ayaka took it, looking over the balcony of their room as people walked up and down the street on Lantern Rite’s final day.

“So, I guess we shouldn’t really think too hard about it now. Perhaps we can have our answers as we draw the line ahead, yeah?”

Seeing his response, Ayaka was gently reminded that beneath Aether’s rather aloof and fun nature was a mature and grown man, capable of thinking through most situations as he goes along. Funny, it made her feel like she’s the more childish one in their relationship, despite many people seeing her as a very mature woman for her age.

She reprimanded herself internally. She used to be one that just lived as it came, not really asking for much and generally living as the moment spurs on. Why did she suddenly become so concerned about the future that it made her like this? That was unlike her.

“Besides, our little time off here is not going to last much longer now, before we go back to the reality of our lives once more.”

Ayaka looks down in thought, before feeling a stray hand rub the top of her head. She didn’t need to look at Aether to know it was his, her cheeks going beet red. “So let’s think about that as we go on.”

Ayaka sighs to herself, the earlier reaction washed away by a sense of strange relief. She gently leaned her head into him; something she admitted that she missed now that she did it. “Yes, you’re right. It’s too early to dwell on such things on our trip. It’s a waste of a good holiday if we don’t enjoy it to the fullest.”

“I’m glad you agree.” He says, watching the lanterns float in the sky above.

“Why did you do that earlier though?” Ayaka asked, both of them looking at each other.

“Oh, nothing. I just wanted to see if you still had that reaction.” He answered with a teasing smile. Ayaka smiled as she gently jabbed his side, eliciting a laugh from Aether. “You cheeky traveler.”

“Say, Ayaka.” He started again after they had calmed down.

“Yes?”

“Would you be interested in checking out a Liyue festival with me?”
—--------------------------------------------------------------------
“It's been a while since I wore this.”

Ayaka had bought a Qipao dress with complimenting accessories quite a while ago, during their first tenure in Liyue harbor. It was supposed to be part of a more complete and formal outfit, but Ayaka opted to simplify the outfit set for the night, simply wearing the dress without much other things. She was going to walk on the streets of Liyue for a festival date after all, not attend a large event or something of the sort after all.

She waited in the living room of their little room. It was the last day of the festival after all, and it was a perfect time to go out to enjoy it in full.

Kazuha and Yoimiya had frequented the festival in its earlier days, and today is just the same as they had already left a little earlier to enjoy the show. That, and Yoimiya wants to join in the fun of creating fireworks and freely launching whenever she likes during the duration of the festival. She couldn’t do that any other time, so it's now or never. Kazuha was just happy to see her smile, so he tagged along while keeping Yoimita out of trouble.

Paimon had left as well, since Xiangling was cooking a lot for the stalls. She’s probably over there with some of their Liyue friends while stuffing her face silly, as she always does. Where she stores all of it is still a mystery to even Ayaka.

Thoma had been all over the festival as well, though in particular today Beidou herself came over to snatch her housekeeper. Judging from Beidou’s demeanor, she looked like she had drunk a little before fetching the man, and promptly dragged him with her. Ayaka would have to make sure he gets proper care, for if he returns from an outing with Beidou, Thoma would likely be well beyond wasted. One glass is enough to send him tipsy, what would an evening with the captain be like, she had no idea.

A door opening and closing drew her attention. She smiled as Aether appeared out of the changing room in his festival attire, the gold color of his Liyue-inspired outfit mixing well with her bright blue colored one. He gently opened the towel from his hair, allowing his beautiful gold hair to streak down.

He sat by the dresser after returning Ayaka’s smile. Out of instinct, Ayaka walked over to him, looking at him through the mirror. Without a word said between them, Ayaka began to pull Aether’s hair back and folded it left and right. Aether held up his braid pin up for her to use, that iconic heron pin replacing his usual one to signify his ownage.

Within a minute, she had finished his braid perfectly. Months with him allowed her to be atoned to his hair, braiding it without fault now. Not that she had a lot of faults to begin with in braiding his hair.

“There, what do you think?” She asked. Aether patted his hair a bit, before turning to her. “Perfect, just like the one who made it.”

“Oh, such a sweet talker.” Ayaka retorts, smiling as she walks off to the cupboards. Despite her reply, Aether knew she silently enjoyed the response he gave. He got up, switching seats so Ayaka could use the make up table now.

“Just some finishing touches, I’ll be done in a moment.” Ayaka grabs some powder and softly taps it onto her skin. Aether nods, watching her finish her makeup from a little behind her. She only applies it lightly before finishing up. She takes her handbag, stuffing some items in it before getting up.

“Alright, I’m all done.” She adjusts the hairpin she wore, matching it with the one Aether wore on his hair as well. She had opted to not tie her hair today, letting it flow down instead. He got up from his chair, unlocking the door.

“Shall we then? The night is still young.” He gestures. Ayaka smiles, rightfully taking her place by his side. It feels much more natural now, perhaps she could convince herself that this was where she rightfully belonged.

No, not just yet. She’ll come to that one day. For now,this was enough for her.

She nodded with a smile as Aether closed their room door behind them.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------
“So this is Lantern Rite…..”

Ayaka had a child-like smile on her face as they walked down the streets of Liyue, headed for the lower levels where the majority of festivities are taking place. She glanced with equal parts curiosity and amazement at all of the things she saw. There were different things going on around her in the festival, she really didn’t know where to look.

The bright lanterns and lights of the harbor lit up the night sky, and only now did Ayaka truly realize how different Liyue is, with and without such lights. The atmosphere was indeed festive, and though she had been to festivals before (and with the same person too), seeing one still running in full swing despite being on the last day was refreshing. So much so, she was actually at a loss on how to continue.

“Uhm, Aether?”

“Yes?”

She turned to the blond man beside her.

“I’m not sure where to go from here. There’s just too much for me to take in, and I’m at a loss on what to do or where to go. Do you have any suggestions?”

“What about a game then to start things off?”

“A game?”

“Down by the pier, there’s a Wondrous Shadow Lantern game. I took a look and learned it quite a bit as it's quite a tricky challenge. Even Paimon’s brain went haywire trying to solve it. I guess if you’d like, we can give that game a go. Perhaps to freshen our minds for the rest of the night.” Aether suggests.

“Oh. that sounds lovely. Would you mind if you lead us there?” She asks, Aether chuckling in response.

“Gladly, let’s get down these stairs.”

Aether guides Ayaka through the crowd to the game. They didn’t need a welcome, Aether was already experienced with the game after all. There were several people taking over the slots, so Aether and Ayaka played at the farthest one out.

“Alright, here we are.” He stopped in front of the gaming area. A strong light was shining onto the screen, with the reflective objects used to create the proper shadows placed neatly on the side. There were the ones that Aether had used before, but there were also a few new ones that were released very recently.

“This is interesting. How do we play it?” Ayaka asked, picking up one of the shadow objects and analyzing it.

“Simple, you place it in front of the light, such that the object causes the shadow of the correct shape to appear on the screen. For instance, here.”

Aether picked up one of the levels he had finished before, and placed it in front of the light source. Ayaka looked as a jumbled shadow appeared on the screen.

“It looks like a mess, yes?”

Ayaka nodded. She turned back to Aether as he began rotating the device and shifting its position in front of the light. Soon, he set it into a different angle, before asking Ayaka to look at the screen with his eyes. To her amazement, when she turned around the screen had a perfect image of the Jade Chamber on it.

“W-what?”

“It's all in the way you set it so that the light shines. If you set the device in the correct orientation, then it would come out on the screen correctly. Each one has its own intended shape, we just have to guess it.”

“I see, but what if we have no clue what its supposed to be?”

“We get the final image after a few minutes of trying.”

“Oh, okay. That’s fair.” Ayaka comments, taking the device into her hands. “This is interesting. Can I have a go?”

“Sure, go on ahead.” Aether shows her the options to pick out which one she wants to do. Ayaka ponders a moment, looking at all the odd shapes before turning to Aether.

“Hmm, Aether? Perhaps you could pick one out for me? An easy one at that, I’m not sure I’m capable of handling the harder ones yet.” She said a little shyly. Aether chuckled a bit, picking one and handing it to her.

“No problem, it took me over 5 minutes to get my first one right. Here, try this one. It's a good one for starters.”

Ayaka’s eyes beamed at him. “Alright, thanks! I will try my best.”

She held the device in front of the light and began fiddling with it. Aether started the timer and stood back, watching her with his caring smile as she twisted the device left and right to find the correct orientation for whatever it is.

2 minutes passed and Aether revealed the final result; a picture of Cloud Retainer. Ayaka looked at it, and continued with a determined look on her face.

Another few minutes go by, and Aether chuckled as Ayaka uncharacteristically pouted, steam of displeasure coming from her. She still couldn’t get the puzzle right.

“What in the Shogun’s name is this contraption?” She says with an annoyed tone. She stomped her feet lightly several times as she looked at Aether, who had to compose himself from laughing at her current predicament.

Stifling his laughter, he walked over to her. Ayaka held it out to him. “Aether, please do help me before I do something inappropriate, my emotions are a little unchecked.” She says.

“Hehe, alright. Here.”

He takes her hand, holding onto the device together. His hand felt warm, she blushed lightly.

“So the head is there, the body there, and the tail there. So we combine it all and we flip it upside down, and there we go.”

Ayaka had to blink several times. Several quick movements and suddenly the picture of an adeptus was displayed as a shadow on the screen.

“O-oh. I never realized it was quite so simple.” She said, a little remorseful for her ineptitude at solving it. Aether chuckled, lightly nudging her shoulder. “No biggie, such things aren’t so easy to solve anyway. Here, maybe we can work together on this one.”

Ayaka places the previous device down, turning to a 2 piece device that Aether is holding up. “This one has 2 pieces, and they have to be oriented and positioned in the right way to make it a coherent image. Shall we give it a go then?”

Her eyes lit up at his offer. “Oh, that sounds much more appealing, Yes! Let’s try it!”

And so, with them holding a piece each, they began their trek towards finding the image.

And because it was designed for two people to do, it certainly is not easy.

“Uhhh is this a flower or is this a glass of wine?” Aether asks, puzzled.

“This looks like one of those puzzle domains we would use to test our navigation.” Ayaka added, equally as confused.

Quite a bit in and they had no idea how to solve this puzzle; they had no clue what this puzzle even is in the first place. At a dead end, he looked between Ayaka and his piece.

“One moment dear. Perhaps if we do this.”

He motioned her to place her piece at an angle. Ayaka did so as Aether himself placed his own piece at a different angle. Somehow, the image on the screen, though still unclear, looked like the outlines were attached to one another now.

“Wait, I think you’re onto something. Maybe if we spin it this way….” Ayaka led the next portion, rotating her piece while Aether followed her movements. A few small adjustments here and there, and they were rewarded with the figure of the Qixing tower on the screen, announcing their success.

“Oh, we did it!” Ayaka smiled, giggling. Aether smiled, happy to see this side of her out to play for once. They passed a high five before returning back to the puzzle menu to pick another one. “Let’s do some more, I find this activity most interesting.”

Aether happily took another one and walked over to the light, eager to solve another one of those puzzles.

Needless to say, they pretty much cleared all of the puzzled without much trouble, once they got to do it together.
—-------------------------------------------------------
“Oh, hey Aether. One moment please, this looks interesting.”

Ayaka pulls him to the side, walking into an outfit stall selling casual clothing for simpler outdoor trips. Aether is all smiles as she walks inside with her. The stalls have vastly different clothing with distinct traces of Liyue culture dot the place. Once more, Ayaka had this child-like glint in her eyes as she walked through the insides.

“Say Aether, what about this one?” Ayaka picked up a summer wear, gold in color with streaks of blue flowers going through the sides as decoration. It was simple and rather plain you could say, but that was what was appealing about the outfit; it wasn’t a complicated outfit.

“Well, as much as I want to judge, there’s no point. It’s kind of impossible for you to look bad.”

*Thump*

Ayaka blushed red, landing her fist softly on his head as Aether chuckled. “Sheesh Aether, your mouth would be enough to attract the likes of archons if you keep it up.”

“No worries, I only aim them at you anyway. Now why don’t you try it on and perhaps we could see?”

“Mhm. I’ll be right back, do wait for me.” Ayaka skipped happily to the changing room, closing the door behind her. Aether took the moment to spy around, spotting an outfit for his gender but with the colors flipped around; it had a blue base with golden decorations all over it. He quickly took a matching size and waited for her outside the changing room.

Ayaka opened the door, a little hesitant at first. However, Aether’s gentle smile eventually won out as she stepped into the light.

“So…what do you think?”

“I would like to reinforce my point that you can’t look bad at all.” Aether said with a smirk, earning a chuckle and eye-roll from Ayaka. “But really, it looks good on you for casual wear. You should wear this more often when doing simple chores and not appearing publicly. You look comfortable in it.”

“Hehe, thanks for your words. I admit, although the outfit is less than ideal for public appearances, it does feel very comfortable to wear around the estate on more leisurely activities.” Ayaka turned to look at the mirror. "But why do I feel like it's missing something?”

“One moment, I can solve that.” Aether walks off elsewhere, leaving Ayaka looking in wonder as he disappears from view. She adjusts the outfit a little, making sure it is as proper as it could be, despite being a rather relaxed outfit.

“Here, does this answer your question?” Aether stands behind her, wearing his outfit with the same motif as hers that he got earlier, their colors matching well. Ayaka took some time to look into the mirror, taking a delicate look at all the colors and patterns between their picks.

“Hehe, I guess it does. Now it looks complete.”

“Heh, sometimes all you need doesn’t come from yourself in the end, eh?” Aether asks, walking off to change back into his clothes.

Ayaka smiled slightly, thinking about what he said,
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Say, Ayaka? Are you hungry yet?”

“Hmm, quite so. Would it be time for some dinner then?”

“You read my mind. Come, I know a few places.”

The pair made their way around town. They had wanted to stop by Wanmin, but it was swamped with customers as seen by Xiangling’s frantic scurries around the place. Chongyun was out back helping the best he can, and he even had an ice pack on his head as he ran around the place to no end.

Aether and Ayaka inwardly facepalm at the sight of Paimon endlessly eating on one of the tables, several patrons looking horrified by the display. Luckily, Xingqiu was there to keep her out of trouble, although a certain funeral parlor director was probably taking more of his attention away. Well, so long as Paimon was occupied, she wouldn’t cause much trouble.

“Right. Perhaps a more quiet place would be better?” Ayaka mutters. Aether nods in silent agreement, leading them both away. In the end, they settled for a festival special restaurant with seats overlooking the harbor.

“What would you like?” Aether asked, checking the menu out.

“Honestly, I have no qualms as everything here seems appetizing. Perhaps you could pick out for me?”

“Are you sure?” Aether raises an eyebrow, prompting a soft giggle from Ayaka. “I’m sure my taste has already matched yours by now, so I don’t think it would be much of an issue. Hehe.”

“Okay then.” Aether passes their order to the waiter as Ayaka turns her head to watch the ocean of lanterns float out into the night sky.

“Hmm.” She hums to herself, watching the scenic view idly as Aether joins her in looking at the view.

“You want to try it?”

“Eh?” She turns to him.

“Those lanterns. You seem intrigued by them. It’s a tradition for us to wish on a lantern and release it into the sky. It’s said that our wishes would be granted, although XIao has told me a thing or two about how recent traditions have changed.” Aether answers, gazing upon the sea of lanterns in the sky.

“Those could be bought, but there’s something interesting about having them hand made and released into the air.” He turns to Ayaka. “Perhaps you would be interested in making some?”

“Ah, I see. I would really love to dive into festival traditions such as these, though I’m a little worried that I might get the wrong idea about it.”

“Hey, no worries. I’m sure you won’t get lost with Lantern Rite, owing to how you study traditions properly before executing them. You are, after all, part of the Yashiro commission, responsible for cultural affairs.”

“Hehe, I guess I do take that role, even abroad. But still, do tell me if I understood something the wrong way.”

“Hey, I wouldn’t put it past myself to be wrong as well, but alright. Oh hey, the food’s here.”

“Ah, right. Shall we refresh ourselves then?”

“Mhm. I’ve got a row of games for us to try around the docks later, some of them would probably interest you.”

“Oh?”

“Enough of that, we’ll deal with that later. For now, let’s eat. I’m famished.”
—---------------------------------------------------------
“Are you sure this is safe?”

Aether gently tugs the blindfold on Ayaka, positioning it carefully so as to not make it uncomfortable for her. He chuckles a bit as he finishes the knot.

“It is completely safe. The enemies simulated here are mere projections, they can’t physically hurt you at all.” He reassures her, patting her hand. Ayaka breathes a sigh of relief, before summoning her blade up.

“Alright, so listen to me and we’ll make sure to beat the record. Don’t use your element, it would destroy the arena.”

“Hehe, I wouldn’t dream of using it. I might accidentally freeze you again.”

“Don’t remind me of that kitchen incident.” He chuckles. “Alright, I’ll leave the arena. Stay put and I’ll inform you when it starts.”

Ayaka nods, feeling Aether’s warmth dissipate as he leaves to the watching stand. Once up there, the onlookers watch curiously. They knew of Aether very much, but they had no idea who the woman with him was. They were curious and so they came to watch.

“You ready?”

Ayaka held her blade up, the purple glow of the Mistsplitter getting a few murmurs from the crowd. Only vision wielders used weapons with such a degree of aestheticism, examples include Ganyu’s Amos Bow or Hu Tao’s Homa.

Aether signaled the game starter. He nodded, and the game’s projection mechanisms began.

“Hilichurl directly behind you.”

Ayaka’s stance lowered to allow easier mobility. Her blade rippled through the air, slicing the first enemy apart.

“That’s it. One on your two and four.”

Ayaka listened to it, landing strikes with extreme efficiency and accuracy. Aether’s guidance allowed her to get a bearing on the enemies, and her own instincts took over after that. Her trained senses allowed her to do the rest. Aether just watched proudly as Ayaka slashed the opponents into bits, displaying her incredible talent in the art of the sword. Even the crowd was amazed.

“Mitacurl is right behind you, and one more Hilichurl on your nine.”

After a few strikes and some more slashes, Ayaka darts low and swipes her blade behind her, leaving a trail of sword flashes that completely engulf the mitachurl. With a confident strike, she flicks her sword up and throws it sideways. The sword hits the hilichurl straight into the head, landing on the wall behind it.

“Alright, that’s it! The game’s over.”

The sword returned itself to her hand. Ayaka gently used her other hand to pull her blindfold open right as Aether joined her in the arena.

“So, how did I do?” She sheaths her blade, turning back to him with a smile. “See for yourself.” Aether takes her hand as she walks over to the scoreboard. As predicted, they had pretty much topped it quite convincingly, although the 2nd and 3rd places were not so far off.

“Hehe, it was thanks to you I did this well.” She gently rubbed herself to his side, prompting Aether to scoop his hand around her shoulder into a parallel hug. “Well then, A for team effort I guess?”

“Indeed. Xiangling and Chongyun aren’t going to be happy we took their lead.”

“Well, it's the last day, not much they could do about it as it's going to be over by tomorrow anyways.”

“Aether! That’s not nice of you.” she chides him playfully with a light jab to his side, prompting him to laugh. “Okay, okay! I’ll stop.”
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Darn it. I failed again.”

Aether was a bit frustrated as he stood in front of the gift machine. Ayaka held a slightly annoyed but somewhat sympathetic face as she watched him.

“Aether, I only said the doll looked cute. I didn’t mean for you to try and obtain it for me.” Ayaka reasoned. He turned to her with a still determined look on his face, making her sigh. “You aren’t going to stop until you get it for me, aren’t you?”

“I’m surprised it took you this long to figure it out.” He says, starting the machine up again. Ayaka just shook her head, though a soft smile was on her lips. As seemingly childish as it was, his determination and resilience showed through here, something she really liked to see in him. Although this time, at least it wasn’t against something that could kill him.

She stood beside him as he fiddled with the machine once more, watching the streets fill with people of all ages happily going through the festival. She smiled, watching as a pair of kids eat ice cream while skipping across the festival area, their parents having a good chuckle as they follow them up.

A little farther away, she spots a familiar face. Yun Jin was walking through the streets, enjoying some milk tea as she watched the festivities. As Ayaka was about to greet her, someone seemed to call her and the opera singer turned around.

Hmm, maybe later.

“Ayaka~”

“Yes?” Ayaka turns her head, only to find the very slime plushie she wanted in front of her. Her eyes glittered and Aether could see the endless stream of joy oozing out of her face. It was just about the size of a pillow, allowing her to hug it and mush it against her face.

“I got it.”

“You didn’t have to…..”

“And yet you’re hugging it.”

Ayaka went red, realizing she had practically revealed that she wanted him to get it. “Thank you, then.”

“Anytime.”
—-------------------------------------------------------------
“We’re here.”

Aether set their stuff down onto the grass below them, Ayaka a short distance behind him.She carefully sets the mat up for them to sit on as Aether unpacks the lantern materials.

“Aether, if I may ask, I have a question.” Aether returns Ayaka’s gaze at him. “Yes?”

“Why are we here? The people would usually gather by the pier or on the upper levels of Liyue to watch the finale. I thought we’d be there as well.” She asks him curiously. He replies with a chuckle.

“Well, as much as I want to be there as well to watch the spectacle, I figured this is the best place to be.” Aether turns to the docks, watching as the sea of lanterns begin to diminish as people save their lanterns for the grand release. Firework launchers are also ready, no doubt it would be spectacular as Yoimiya probably had a hand in it now that she’s in Liyue.

“The view is great and undisturbed, and we have all the space in the world. There’s no one around to disturb us, and I figured you’d like this moment of peace.” He reasons. Ayaka smiles, gently shifting herself to sit right beside him. “You know me too well.”

“Your brother is going to have a competition soon.”

“Oh, please. You’d already beat him by now.”

They share a quick laugh, before settling back down. Aether then takes out the materials to make the Xiao lantern, placing it in front of them.

“Alright, the lantern is quite simple really. It has a simple frame with lightweight material on the outside. It is lifted up by an elementally powered core. Usually people use fire, but I did a little bit of tinkering with some help and found that electro works as well.” Aether explains, picking up the frame materials first.

“I see. Then perhaps we shall begin then before it gets too late?”

“Yep, we shall.”

“Okay, but I have never made such a lantern on my own before. Could I *Ahem* trouble you to guide me?”

“I would happily teach you. Here.” Aether tosses over the materials in front of Ayaka.

“So first, we need to make the frame before we drape the covers over it.” Aether takes a smaller lantern he had bought earlier for reference. “So here, just follow the general shape of it from the bottom to the top.”

Ayaka watches carefully as Aether assembles the lantern. Trying to mirror him, she followed his every hand movement as he folded the frame into place. Try as she might, Ayaka couldn’t find the right twist and turns to get the lantern shaped the way she wanted it, resulting in what appeared to be a rather messy looking lantern frame. A confused expression on her face, she looked between Aether’s and her own.

“Why is mine rather…..disorganized?” She asked.

“Hehe, well it’s your first so perhaps it hasn’t rubbed on you yet. Also, perhaps my method of making lanterns doesn’t suit you; everyone has their own way to make lanterns and perhaps my way just isn’t good for your hands.” Aether answered.

“Hmm, I see. But still, I’d be unsure how to build without guidance.”

“Alright then, try to make a new one again without watching me, and I’ll help correct minor mistakes. You’ll lead the way.” Aether reasoned. Ayaka nodded, returning her misshapen lantern into its original pieces to begin reconstructing.

“Perhaps if this goes here, and then that goes there, it would make for a more stable base.”

“Add some cross beams to the hexagon at the bottom. It would make it much more solid in the wind when lifting it up.”

“Oh, good point. Thank you.”

Ayaka finished the base of the lantern before continuing onto the next part; the actual body.

“Alright, how do I make this one.”

“Hmm, a suggestion, if I may.”

“Go ahead, Aether.”

“Perhaps if you would put a wider cross beam into the middle with longer pieces, it would make the body wider while keeping it solid.”

A light bulb snapped in her mind. “Oh, that’s an ingenious idea.”

Aether watched with a soft smile on his lips as Ayaka focused on assembling the lantern. He had to admit she looked rather cute, focused on her activity so much she held her tongue out without knowing.

This was a side of her that seemed to show itself more and more to him as they went along. Not the façade of being a high ranking member of a commission in Inazuma, but just a young girl enjoying life to the fullest.

Aether snapped out of her trance when Ayaka poked his cheek.

“Daydreaming again, my dear traveler?” She teased with a giggle.

“Ah, haha. My bad, just some flying thoughts.” He shook his head, his eyes landing on the finished frame Ayaka held.

“I added more crosses on the top to stabilize it as well. It’s still light, so it should still be able to fly, even with the covers on.” Ayaka then took one of the lantern cores and placed it with care in the middle of the base.

“Is it?”

“Yes, it’s correct.”

Aether picks up the fabric used for the covers, and Ayaka watches as he carefully straps it around his frame. Just like Ayaka, his lantern had a hexagon base which made the process similar between them. After toiling around on the sides a bit, he carefully nipped the end of the covers, sealing it with some glue to make it stick to the lantern frame perfectly.

“There we go, a full lantern.” He smiles, turning to Ayaka. “Your go,”

“Alright. Let’s see here.” Ayaka grabs the covers as well and begins draping it all over the lantern. “Careful, don’t press too hard or you’ll destroy the frame.”

“Ah, right. My gratitude for the tip.” She says, continuing to finish the lantern.

Within moments, both their lanterns are finished and ready to be blown into the wind.

Aether looked up, watching as the people down in the harbor began collecting by the water’s edge. All of them have their lanterns ready, all just waiting for the moment of release set in a short minute or two away. He turned to Ayaka, finding her finishing the top edge of her lantern. Noticing his gaze at her, Ayaka returned it with a smile.

“Almost release time?” She asked.

“Yes, very close. Shall we get ready to release as well?”

Ayaka nods as the two get up from their seats on the picnic mat. They stood at the edge of the mountain side, their lanterns in hand. Aether placed the ink brush he brought on a small crevice on the rock to his side.

“What would you like to wish for, Ayaka?”

Ayaka pondered for a moment, thinking about what she wanted to wish for.

“Being honest….I’m not entirely sure.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Aether looked down to his lantern in contemplation.

“Something wrong, Aether?”

A voice brought him out of his thoughts again, turning to her. “No, nothing. Just thinking about some things as well.” He replied.

Aether let out a sigh as he watched the night sky. “It’s already my second Lantern Rite here, and as much as I wished for it to be different by now, it’s still the same really.”

Ayaka paused to gaze at him, a rather pensive expression on his face. She knew who Aether was referring to.

“She’s probably okay, watching this silently from somewhere as well.” She replied, her hand gentle on his shoulder. He smiled, closing his eyes.

“Yet, I still have a long way to go, don’t I?”

Ayaka stayed silent as she stood beside him, contemplating her answer. Aether continued before she could muster a reply.

“I never really knew what lies ahead of me, to be honest with you. All the dangers, all the hazards, even down to the daily things I face. You’ve seen it for yourself how those things come to me like metals to a magnet. Hehe.”

His chuckle sounded rather dry.

“I could just abandon all of this, per se. To stop endangering myself wherever I go, to stop going all over the place trying to save others and myself. It would be really nice, really. To not have to worry about my head being cut off by a sword or getting shot at by large laser beams and stuff like that for a change.”

“But I’ve made my promise long ago, when I first got up.” Aether walks slightly forward, Ayaka watching him from behind.

“I said that I would go to the edges of the world to reunite with my sister. Despite all the setbacks, all the calamity, and even meeting her once only for her to disappear again. A lot of red flags are displayed to me throughout my journey, endangering me and telling me to stop.”

“Yet, I couldn’t. Not just because of me wanting to rescue my sister, but this world has many other things going for it that otherwise would have not happened had I chosen not to continue somewhere along the line.”

“The beauty of the nations, the various landscapes and oceans of Teyvat, all of the intricacies of the world, and of course.” Aether paused, smiling as he turned sideways slightly. “The people I met along the way.”

Ayaka blushed slightly.

Aether chuckled, turning back to face the ocean beyond him.

“So if I stopped now, I wouldn’t get any more of that. The various people I have yet to meet, the meadows I have yet to walk on, the oceans I have yet to sail on. I wouldn’t be able to fully explore the beauties of this world if I stopped. But most important of all.”

He looked up.

“I wouldn’t meet my dear sister once more.”

“So that’s why I keep going. I don’t dwell on too much, just walking forward with my objectives in mind. If I keep that in my mind, I know that in the end I’ll reach my goals, no matter how far.”

“And so, that’s it from me I guess.” Aether turns his head around, looking at Ayaka behind him as she ponders in his words. “The journey ahead will be rough, it will be full of holes and bumps, unexpected twists, as well as hidden dangers. I’ve only gone through 3 nations yet the amount of things that I’ve seen surprises me.”

“But the rest of the journey. I want to take those steps with you.”

“I don’t really care about strength or powers and all that. I don’t really ask for much, I mean I’ve been traveling with a fairy that can’t lift a sword all this time and I’m still breathing here.This world has much to explore, it has so much to offer, and I’d like you to be there by my side as we go through it all.”

“I know I’m asking a lot from you. Someone of your standing in Inazuma, but you said to me before that you would really like to go traveling with me to the other nations, against all the dangers left and right there. Be it Fountaine, Natlan, Sumeru, or even Snezhnaya, I know that if you had my back, I would be able to go onwards without needing to look behind me.”

“I said it before, and I’ll say it again. You’re not weak, Ayaka. Far from it, your willingness to protect others and to prioritize them, it's not something to look down upon. You may not be a mythical being like an adeptus, but you don’t need to be one. For me, just you and you alone for how you are is already something that I know will keep me safe throughout my travels.”

“And so there it is. My full answer to you.”

Ayaka’s eyes blinked as her mind swirled in thought.

“So, my question to you tonight, my dear.”

“Will you come with me on my journey?”

Ayaka reflected on herself in that short moment.

Then, it was as if an epiphany hit her.

There was a hidden reason why Aether went out to Lantern Rite with her, and she so blatantly did not catch all that he meant until this point.

Those things they did, those little details on their time together. It showed her much more than she initially thought them out to be, so much so that even she wasn’t able to realize them up to now. They may be simple little things, but the lessons they bring go a long way.

She took one step.

The shadow lantern game. It was a puzzle, a maze, a wall of uncertainty without clues left and right.

Yet despite it, if they worked together, they solved the problem. In the end, what one person would have difficulty achieving, two would be able to conquer it much more easily. She was new to the game and wasn’t as good, but with Aether around, it didn’t matter if she wasn’t good in it. With her help, no matter how small it is, they managed to solve it.

Such it is in real life. Even if she was weak and unable to provide him with help directly, in her heart she knew that if she tried with all her might, no matter how small her contributions are, it would benefit them in their journey.

She took another step.

The blindfold game. A game of trust where you have to place yourself in someone’s hands entirely.

She knew him well, and he knew her well. There was no doubt about it. She shouldn’t hesitate, and she didn’t. Not one bit. Aether guided her left and right, and Ayaka didn’t hesitate to act upon it as he gave her directions. She knew he could be trusted, and he would have done the same as well had he been the blindfolded one.

Back then, during the Vision Hunt Decree, she had placed a great deal of trust unto him. She had placed her faith and beliefs in him, and though she was worried, in the end he fulfilled the objectives with flying colors. She trusted him, and he returned in kind, Inazuma now shining brighter than ever. He had done it several times before, and she knew he would continue doing so in the future.

Another step.

That gift machine that he so tirelessly played, despite losing a bit of mora, just to get her that little doll that wasn’t really worth the effort.

But what mattered to Ayaka shined right through. His dedication to a cause that was ultimately theirs. His ambitions to finish a task then and there, without quitting halfway through. He could’ve stopped, he could have used the mora for something else entirely, but he didn’t.

Call it childish, but Ayaka didn’t see it that way. Aether is a determined man after all, and this was just a display of it. If he sets his mind onto something, he will go after it and complete it entirely without failure, and without giving up midway. This was how he had gone through his journey on Teyvat, and this was how he intended to continue.

She didn’t need another step.

Ayaka softly landed on him into a tight hug, her arms gently wrapped around his entire frame. Aether had wisely set his lantern aside, using his arms to embrace the woman in front of him. He knew her answer the moment she ran towards him. They shared body warmth on the top of the mountain side, nobody there to disturb them.

The world didn’t matter anymore. She didn’t bother. All those times she doubted herself beside him, washed away in an instant. Doubting herself was only going to make things worse for them, and so she decided there and then that it was not worth it. They were going on a journey forward, and looking back too much would only make them stumble and fall. It wasn’t the way to go. Looking back was only going to make it worse.

All she had to do was to look forward, and not much else. He has her back and she has his. She loved him and he loved her. There was nothing to fear.

“I-I’ve decided.” Her voice was low, but Aether heard it clear.

“If you’ll accept me, then I’ll go with you to the very end, all the way.”

“I do, with all of my heart.”

She looked up, her eyes threatening to break a happy tear.

“Then I’m all yours. Please take good care of me.”

It went silent, save for the light sniffling as she buried her face into him. Aether smiled, his arms gently massaging her back. After all the turmoil they went through throughout, it was a pleasant ending for them.

“So, I guess this is it then.” Ayaka says, wiping her eyes a bit.

“Hmm?”

“Us. Together. I know it wasn’t that long but honestly I missed this. I just hope I won't let you down as we go along.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. I made my mind up a little while ago on something, and I was hoping you’d answer the way you did.”

Aether detached herself from her, the cold air gnawing at both of them as Aether seemed to take something out of his inventory. Ayaka looked at him confusedly.

“When I reach the end of my journeys, truth be told I don’t know where to go or what will happen. I have no idea what the future holds, or what it entails to us all. It's all in the hands of fate, and that we have no control of.”

For some reason, Ayaka felt slightly nervous.

“So, I’ve decided then. I thought about it long and hard, poured a lot of thought into it, and in the end I chose this in the end.”

Aether hesitated a moment, thinking about something. He held his hands behind his back, seemingly holding an object. Ayaka was unsure now, her nervousness making her shake a little. What was Aether trying to get across to her?

In the end, he closed his eyes and opened them after a sigh, looking at her with determination. “No, this is it then.”

“There will be a day when my journey ends. When I finally finish it all, I reunite with my sister.”

“I didn’t know what to do then. It never dawned on me if I would just continue traveling or something, I have no idea what I wanted to do then. I never even imagined what this world would be like.”

“But then, after all of this, all the hardships, all the laughs, all the friends I made along the way, and of course the very reason being by your side, I’ve decided upon something.”

“By….my side?” Ayaka muttered, confused.

“This relationship, what we have between us, you. This is very precious to me, so much so I’m afraid of losing what I have gained with you in the blink of an eye. So, with that said….”

Aether pauses, taking a deep breath.

“I’ve decided that at the end, there’s nothing I’d like to do more than spend it with you.”

Aether took out a small box, fitting in the palm of his hand snugly. Ayaka’s eyes went unmistakably wide as opened it to reveal its contents.

A small, golden ring. It had silver trimmings and streaks of light blue throughout it, and adorning the top was a small Shivada Jade gemstone. Despite the small size, the gemstone seemed to provide a small instance of cryo energy, which was where the beautiful light blue coloring of the ring came from. Ayaka felt it.

“We’ve been through a lot, and there’s still more to come. Yet, I don’t want to lose what we have right now as we go along. That way, I’ve decided that no matter how long it takes, no matter how hard it gets, and no matter what comes up.”

“I want to stay by your side, all the way, from now to forever. In the end, I will stay here with you.”

“A…..A-Aether…..” She stuttered. Her heartbeat was as fast as a hurricane, and she felt her hands tremble as she held one hand onto his open palm.

“A-are you sure? L-like…..I love you too but……to- to spend it all with me?” She inwardly cursed herself, why was she doubting it.

No, she had to make sure he and her were on the same page. Ayaka could’ve said yes instantly. She wanted to be selfish and just take him for her, but reason spoke within her that she also wanted him to be happy.

“I’m certain of it, nothing I’d like more than that now.”

“B-but your travels! You’ve been going around a lot, wouldn’t it……be too m-much to suddenly settle down? After all you've been through?”

The hesitation in her heart slowly faded away, inch by inch.

“I wouldn’t mind a change of pace. Besides, I’ve been doing this so much and look what its got me into. Perhaps settling down would be a nice change of scenery for me.”

Ayaka opened her mouth to respond, but nothing came. Her eyes were welling up with tears, threatening to break free. Aether sensed her uncertainty, and continued for her.

“I know you care for me, and are concerned for me to suddenly stop, but I have no regrets for this. I wouldn’t be able to think clearly and continue on if I hadn’t known you for the past year and beyond, and I’d like to keep it that way to the end. It will be fine as long as we are together in this.”

“I love you, more so than anything else this world has to offer to me. More so than anyone else I’ve ever met. I’ve met countless people, but you’re the one I don’t want to ever let go. I’ll be by your side, as long as it takes and as long I can.” Aether held the ring up, close to her hand. “So, what will it be?”

All her hesitation, all her doubts, all her concerns came to a crashing halt and disappeared instantly. Questions, confusion, uncertainties, they all vanished in an instant. He was right, as long as they were together, nothing was out of the book. All her acts of self preservation with him immediately vaporized. She wasn’t being selfish. He wanted it with her, and she wanted it with him. All her mind could care about was reshaping their future.

Together.

All the way.

The dam holding her tears finally broke, although this time it wasn’t tears of sorrow.

“Y-Yes! Yes, I do.”

Aether smiled as he lifted her hand up, and fit the ring straight onto her left hand ring finger. It was a perfect fit, owing to the countless hours he spent holding her hand. His hand emanated a new warmth as he held her in a new light, their relationship reflected by their gazes towards one another.

He wiped her eyes slightly as she looked down onto the beautifully sculpted ring, now wrapped gently around her finger.

That was it. The pact was made. The deal was sealed.

Ayaka’s face immediately looked up to him, and he was right there waiting for her.

He didn’t need to say a word, and she didn’t need to say a word.

Aether placed his hand back around her, one around her waist and one on her upper back, gently guiding her in. Ayaka followed, one hand around his torso and another just around his neck as he bent slightly downwards. Ayaka closed her eyes, the very scene she is involved in is already very very familiar to her.

Aether closed his eyes, tilting his head sideways. He slowly inches forward, touching his forehead with hers. It felt warm, the touch enough to send his senses on alert. Ayaka slowly leaned her head into him, knowing when and where to nail her target.

Their lips sealed each other with absolute accuracy.

Just like that time on the island of Narukami, many months before, fireworks shot out into the night sky, illuminating the area around them and casting bright colors around them.

However, for the two, it didn’t matter. They didn’t care about the fireworks, or the commotion of people or the howling wind around them.

They had each other, and for a moment of respite, they didn’t need anything else.

Aether silently used his anemo to blow their lanterns into the night sky, a light twinge of electro to light up the cores.

Although they didn’t write their wishes down, they really didn’t need to.

As dazzling colors of red, blue, yellow, and more dazed the night sky, they savored in the warmth of each other, their bodies and minds intertwined into one.

They kissed deeply into the night, even as the fireworks began to die down and the lanterns were all floating, they embraced each other.

For they know, from this day onwards, they’re not alone in the world anymore.

And this time, they’ll be together.

Till death do us apart.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROLOGUE

“I’ll miss this.”

Ayaka sighed as she stood atop the deck of the Alcor. Aether stood beside her, hand in hand as they looked out towards Liyue slowly drifting farther away by the minute.

“Me too. Being there with you was such a memorable experience.” He added.

“Well, as much as we loved it for its worth, we have to get back to reality.”

“I’m not saying we couldn’t do that again.”

“Hehe, we still have a long way to go with all the other nations, do we?”

“We do indeed, my dear.”

As they kiss softly on the deck, Beidou watches from below.

“Heh, Ningguang was right. These 2 are indeed something else.” She chuckled to herself, in particular noting the same rings now adorning their left hand ring fingers. “Oh well, all's well that ends well.”
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Huhm….where does this go…”

Ayaka muttered as she looked around her room, a large picture frame in her hands. She paced herself around the room, placing it up in several spots only to take it down with a disappointed sigh.

“No, not good enough.”

She looked at it, and instantly her face cracked a wide smile.

A photograph of both her and Aether, in their more casual robes. Most visibly however, were the new piece of accessory they wore on their ring fingers. Aether stood while Ayaka sat elegantly on a chair, her long flowing hair perfectly spreading behind her. Aether’s own gold hair, braided neatly, flowed behind him with equal elegance.

Ayaka grumbled a bit, unsure of where to put it. She didn’t want to replace any of the older stuff she had hanging around, and though there were plenty of spots to choose from she wanted one that was perfect.

Just like him.

Ayaka sighed inwardly, before going around her room once more.

But then, her eyes landed on the same photo she took many months ago. She almost laughed when she saw herself. She could tell that although she looked calm, the Ayaka in that photo was very nervous. She was amazed her blush was well hidden, though she didn’t remember the exact detail.

The differences between the new and the old photo were minor, their postures and positions just about the same.

But in heart, the two photos held a massively different meaning for her. The only noticeable detail was the lack of rings in the old photo, plus some very minor things.

That difference however, made the two all the more different in the world.

“Alright, I guess this will have to do.”

Ayaka replaced the old photo frame with the new one, standing back to admire her handiwork. The photo was well illuminated by the sunlight peering through her windows, and she held a childlike smile when she looked at it.

Her memories flowed through her mind of her time with him in Mondstadt and Liyue, and those memories she would treasure to the end of time.

But she knew deep down that although she has a lot of memories with him already, they are about to make plenty more.

“Dear sister! Our meetup is due soon. Are you ready?”

Ayato’s voice woke her out of her love-hazed stupor, Ayaka lightly slapping her cheeks to snap out of it.

“C-coming brother.”

“Stop pondering over that photo all the time, Ayaka.”

“Brother!”

She could hear Ayato laughing as he walked off into another room, likely waiting for her outside. Oh well, she’ll get her payback onto him some other day.

Ayaka ties her hair up, adorned in her usual Kamisato outfit for the day.

“Alright, time to go.”

She heads out the room, but pauses as she was halfway through the door as she notices something was missing.

“Oh, dear me.”

She rushes over to her make up table, opening her drawer to take a familiar box out of it. She opens, revealing the object within.

Her cheeks went red remembering the feeling she went through that day, and the massive new chapter of her life opened after it.

“Hehe, Looking back, I don’t know why I hesitated. Must have been the moment.”

Ayaka silently placed the ring on the appropriate finger, looking at its reflection on her mirror for a few moments more.

“Sister, come on. The traveler’s probably going to be waiting for us at this rate.”

“Coming!” The mere mention of ‘traveler’ brought ecstasy to her heart as she closed the drawer and walked out of her room.

“There you are. Already done with room decor?” Ayato says from the living room.

“Yes, it’s all done.” She replies, walking over to him.

“Very good, now come along. We must go before it gets too late. The meeting will start soon.”

As Ayaka walks out into the Inazuma sunlight, she smiles, the light reflecting off her ring making it shine brightly even in daylight.

“How was the vacation, Ayaka?” Ayato asks, walking beside her.

How was it? It was many things for her. Joyful, a learning experience, fun, and so on. She couldn’t really summarize it easily.

After a few moments of pondering her reply, Ayato heard a giggle as she smiled.

“My vacation?”

“Oh, it definitely was A Worthwhile Vacation.”