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“Hey.”
Aether turned around and saw Childe in the alcove, still looking beaten up. He hid a smile as he stepped closer, forcing his face into a serious expression.
“I have terrible news about Teucer.”
Childe blinked at him, worry and confusion clear on his face. “What news?”
“I like him too much,” Aether said simply, the smile breaking through. “So you’d better keep him away, because next time I see him, I won’t give him back. I’m gonna adopt him and he’ll be my little brother instead.”
There was a moment of pause, then Childe laughed heartily, his worry and even his exhaustion melting away.
“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that,” Childe said, then he stepped closer to whisper in Aether’s ear. “But if you like him so much, perhaps you should consider marrying into the family.”
Aether’s breath caught, both at the words and at the proximity of the man. Against his best judgment, he wanted so badly to press closer and put his arms around Childe, to be lost in the best toy seller in the world who loved his family more than anything.
“Maybe buy me dinner first,” he said.
Childe smiled as he pulled back. “I do owe you. I think this much Mora will be enough for many dinners, hm? Maybe if I'm very lucky, you'll decide to share some of them with me."
“We’ll take it,” Paimon said before Aether could even consider refusing it. She immediately started gushing about the food delicacies they’d buy with their newfound money, and she didn’t notice the way Aether’s eyes met Childe’s, and for a moment, they just gazed at each other.
I think I’m a little bit in love with you, Aether thought.
Then Childe smiled. “I’ll better be off then. My friends - I hope to see you again.”
He touched Aether’s arm lightly as they passed each other, and Aether closed his eyes.