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The night air was crisp and fresh. Aether took a deep breath, enjoying the scent of the rain from earlier. It had lightened up as the dark clouds dissipated, revealing the shiny sky of the night. His arms were perched upon the window sill, leaning against the wall as he looked out at the scenery.
“Enjoying yourself, comrade?” Said a voice from behind.
Aether turned his head to his right slightly, just in time to see Childe take his place beside him. Though someone would be a fool to be relaxed next to a Fatui Harbinger, the traveler couldn’t help but give the other a soft smile. It was a long day they had, going on commissions, clearing domains, fighting those stupid cubes. They don’t talk about the Geo Hypostasis.
Now here they are, in a room within Wangshuu Inn. Paimon had passed out on a chair next to the bed, which there was only one of. This wouldn’t be the first time they had to share a bed. It was silently encouraged between the two. Why wouldn’t boyfriends share a bed? Okay, well- secret boyfriends who are also lowkey almost kill each other each weekly spar but still-. It felt nice…
“It stopped raining,” replied Aether, turning his head back to the beautiful view of the sea. His voice was soft, almost a whisper, “I find it relaxing when it passes.”
Childe nodded, sliding himself closer to his smaller lover. A comforting silence fell between the duo. Aether sighed heavily, his eyes still on the calm tides. He pursed his lips.
"Hey, Childe?" The blond started, having said harbinger hum in response. He asked, "I know you can make hydro daggers, but can you form other shapes with your vision?"
Childe gave him a chuckle, "Of course I can! I tend to form shapes of small animals for my little siblings back home. It isn't all hard."
"Can you show me?" The look on Aether's face was now one of wonder and curiosity. Childe felt it tug on his heartstrings. It was like when Teucer or Tonia would look at him with their big, puppy eyes.
The redhead huffed, playfully rolling his eyes, "Alright, alright. Give me your hand?"
Aether brought up his right hand, palm facing upward. Childe took it as a stage as he brought up his right hand, water now swirling in his palms. The traveler observed with great interest as the water slowly took shape.
There now floating above his palm was a small, blue narwhal. A diamond-shaped star circled around the narwhal's head as if it was playing with the illusion. The star had a thin trail of water following behind it, giving the implication that it was a shooting star. The narwhal would swim through the circling trail as if it was a ring.
Aether's eyes sparkled with genuine fascination. It was a very cute look on him, Childe thought, his gaze resting on the other rather than his illusion.
"You know, it's so much better when water illusions aren't trying to kill you." Aether grinned, reaching out to poke the narwhal. It was squishy under his soft touch, almost like a slime.
Childe hummed, distracted by the traveler's lips. He's had a taste of those lips so many times, and yet, it was never enough. He blinked, clearing his mind before it went too far.
"Agreed. The Oceanid is a hassle to anyone, really."
He waved his fingers. The narwhal swam with the star, circling Aether's head. A soft giggle escaped the blond, being tickled by the stray drops of water. Soon, the water illusions dissolved, Childe huffing out once more. Aether guessed the time was up.
"That was really cute," said the traveler, flashing a smile.
Childe shook his head, his smile now lopsided as he scratched the back of his neck, "Yeah, yeah… Hah…"
The harbinger came closer, going behind Aether before leaning down and wrapping his arms around the blond's torso. He nuzzled his cheek against Aether's, earning an exasperated sigh from his lover.
"Not tonight… Paimon's right there…"
Childe made a sound of slight annoyance, "Fine… Can we at least kiss though?"
His question was met with Aether kissing his cheek. A proud smile stuck itself upon his lips before it turned into a smirk.
"Not enough~"
Aether rolled his eyes playfully. Childe leaned in from the side, pressing his lips against Aether's. He could still taste the tea they had to wash down dinner. He felt smaller hands hold onto his hugging arms, the traveler relaxing into the soft kiss.
Aether was the one to pull away first, slowly fluttering his eyes open. The first thing he saw was a pair of loving blue seas staring right back at him. He nuzzled against Childe's face, his voice now sleepy.
"Let's go to bed now…" He trailed off, his eyelids now struggling to stay open.
Aether felt his body being lifted from the ground, along with a kiss on his cheek. As soon as his body felt the soft cushioning of the bed, he practically passed out.
"Sleep well, my shooting star…"
Warmth engulfed Aether's now sleeping form as Childe snuggled against him. The beating of their hearts synced.
It was a good night.