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Chapter Text

Everyone was baffled when learning the honorary knight’s twin brother- whom she was looking for since coming to this world- was the very person who dealt many tragedies and damage on the lives of people in Teyvat.

The male was first introduced to the people of Mondstadt and it was safe to say that yes there were people who welcomed him, but there were some who did not share the same warming welcome as well.

Lumine held onto her older twin brother’s hand, as she smiled brightly and happily at the people she has come to call friends. Family, even.

Letting go of her brother’s hand she instead motioned towards him,

“This is Aether, everyone. He’s my older twin brother! Please, treat him with kindness.”

Everyone stared, reactions and emotions all over the place at the sudden news of their Honorary Knight’s missing brother- who now stands before them.

The male looked identical to Lumine. Though that’s a given since they are twins, but unlike the cheery and kind expression Lumine boasted on all the time, he was the opposite.

His eyes were half lidded, narrowed with golden eyes matching his sisters. Though the look in his eyes were cold, piercing through them, unlike the warmth you would find in Lumine’s. His golden hair was in a braid, with bangs framing his face. Lips were pulled into a tight line as he observed the looks he got from his sister’s friends that she made in his absence of destruction.

That day was not long ago, the day his twin held her hand out to him and told her she forgives him. He remembered the shame that overshadowed him in that very moment.

Once again, she saved him.

...

Evening time in Mondstadt

“Aether, please dear brother you need to get up!”

The whines of his sister was the first thing that greeted the male as he stirred himself awake. He felt small hands slapping his cheek, and could tell it was that annoying floating companion of Lumine’s.

Aether’s eyes opened and it was immediately set into a glare that made Paimon squeak, and fled to hide behind his twin.

“If you continue to do that to me every time- I’ll make sure to make you into the emergency food you actually are.” His threat dripped with venom and menace, and there was a cold chill in the room.

SMACK

That is until he received a slap to his head, and he flinched from the small pain. “Ow!” He yelped, bare hands coming up to cradle his head.

He turned his gaze up to meet the matching golden eyes of Lumine who held a scolding stare with him.

“What did I say about that threatening speech?” She hissed out.

“...To not speak like that to people.” Aether grunted, furrowing his brows, his lips settled into a frown as he casted his narrowed eyes to the side.

He heard Lumine huff, thinking she was still upset with the bad habit he had of his terrible way of speaking. But he felt himself being pulled forward and the sudden movement surprised him.

Lumine hugged her brother’s head to her chest, seeing that he was still sitting on his bed while she was standing. Though, Aether grew taller and more mature looking in the time Lumine hasn’t seen him.

War, and the tragedies he witnessed changed her older twin. She couldn’t imagine what he had to go through.

“Idiot. Don’t look so down.” She pulled away and they stared at each other for a moment before she grinned down at him.

“Like I said I want you to go out today! Stop keeping yourself holed up inside all day!”

Aether looked up at his sister as his usual tired and narrowed gaze settled into a softer look. He slowly nodded, agreeing,

“Yes. I will.”

“Good! I have a few commissions to do, so Paimon and I will be out for today! How about you go around and get more familiar with everyone, huh?” She combed her slender and pale fingers through her brother’s hair and he closed his eyes, finding comfort in the feeling.

“Make sure to take care of my sister, fairy.” Aether warned the smaller being who puffed her cheeks out.

“Paimon told you, Aether! My name is Paimon! Not fairy! OR emergency food!” She complained to the older twin.

But he didn’t pay any mind and shot her a certain look, ignoring her complaints. “Did you hear me?”

Paimon immediately switched her mood and saluted him. “Y-Yes sir! Paimon will make sure to take care of Lumine!”

Lumine on the other hand giggled at their interaction before casting a last smile to Aether. “Alright. We’ll be off now, then. Have fun today, brother!”

Aether smiled lightly and nodded, “Okay. Stay safe Lumine.”

With that Aether was left by himself.

The God sighed to himself and ran a hand through his long golden locks. Looks like he had to go out and spend his day in the sun. As much as he would love to stay indoors- Lumine would yell his ear off if she learned he holed himself up in their shared home once more.

With that, he rose from his king sized bed and let the sheets slip off his leaned body. He preferred to sleep nude very often since he would sweat and suffer from plunging nightmares.

Paimon wasn’t a fan of that and would call him a perv, but he could care less for that little thing’s opinion.

Casting his golden eyes to the side holding the sheets up to cover up to his waist, acting as a robe, his eyelids lowered into a tired stare.

Would he be able to even get used to this? After everything he did?

Did Aether... really deserve to be forgiven?

His eyes turned to the window as the sun greeted him, shining on his face. Bringing his hand up to shield his eyes he sighed,

“I guess I should go out, then.”

Chapter Text

Mondstadt was a place where he had gotten glimpses of when he travelled before his sister awoken from her long slumber. These people were different from the ones he’s seen centuries ago- and he remembered traveling with Dainsleif as well during those times.

His golden eyes from back then were... brighter. Perhaps as one would shine in the darkness- his does not anymore. If anything, Lumine’s eyes still held their own light in them.

His light went out a very long time ago.

Aether pulled his scarf closer to his face, the one he wore that matched his sister’s one. He felt eyes on him as he roamed the streets of Mondstadt, feeling the judging stares from the people.

They were not used to the male’s presence- neither were some of them accepting of him as well. He felt his hands tighten into a fist as he snuggled himself deeper into his scarf, hiding his lower half of his face in the comforts of it.

“Well, well, well!”

A very annoying and flirtatious voice called out from in front of him, and he sighed to himself, pretending he didn’t hear him as he walked past the taller male.

“Well that isn’t very nice, now is it?” Aether came to a stop when a certain blue haired individual stepped in front of him, halting his movement and blocking his path.

He looked up and met with an amused stare,

“You.” Was all Aether muttered out and Kaeya chuckled and feigned a hurt expression in mockery,

“I am quite the sight, no?” He mused, smiling at Aether’s disdained expression.

“Now no need for that sort of face. You can’t blame me for approaching you like this- after all I haven’t gotten the pleasure of being able to see our Honorary Knight’s twin since our fight!”

Aether couldn’t forget the faces he met that day when his sister and him clashed swords, and along with her were a few people to aid her in her journey.

Kaeya, was one of them.

Remembering the feeling of blood staining his hands, and all the things he did, he broke the eye contact with the Favonious Captain.

Kaeya smirked at this,

“I’ll say it’s a little reassuring that you at least know what you’ve done. Not like I’m one to preach about chivalry either though.” Kaeya stepped back away from Aether who had his gaze casted on the ground, expression masked with a blank one.

“Whatever.” Was all the blond said as he moved to walk past Kaeya- only for his arm to be grabbed in the process.

Aether’s usual narrowed eyes glared further, a menacing look in his eyes. One that he didn’t mean to have.

“Let go.” He quietly, but sharply commanded. Ever since being saved from the abyss he’s always spoken in a quiet and dark manner, often scaring a few people off.

“Why of course-“ Kaeya let go of his arm- only after he pulled Aether closer to him and muttered a warning,

“I have an eye on you. Just because you’re her brother doesn’t excuse your actions, Prince of the Abyss.”

With that, Aether’s patience broke as he felt the dark cold hands of war and death, before his sister reached her hand out to him in saving, crawl up his neck.

“Don’t call me that title .” He hissed out.

A certain look, a panicked one flashed in his eyes for a brief moment as he felt the clawing darkness from the abyss begin to whisper to him once more.

Kaeya saw that look in his eyes... and felt complete and utter amusement from it.

Don’t .

Don’t .

Don’t... Kill him Aether...

“I see the Knight’s of Favonious is doing crappy as usual.”

Another voice brought Aether back to his current reality- right... this is the present. He isn’t with the abyss anymore.

Kaeya let go of the blond and instead smiled towards the man behind them, “What perfect timing you have. It’s almost annoying y’know?”

The owner of the voice saw his stupid half brother, and seeing that the man was always up to something, he figured he was bothering Lumine’s twin at the moment.

Diluc held an unamused expression on his face, “You Knights really should have a new captain.”

His eyes flickered to the blond who looked ready to rip Kaeya’s hand off just moments earlier, or maybe his head- who knows what darkness runs in the boy’s mind.

“Is it normal for you to be harassing citizens in the open, Kaeya?” He spat out.

The man only smiled at the accusation and shrugged, “I suppose if that’s what it looked like to you. I was just checking in on him.”

Diluc shifted his attention towards Aether who looked like he was recalling something, most likely when he was still staining his hands in blood.

In return the red haired male scoffed,

“Stop bothering him and go back to slacking off.”

He instead called out to Aether, “As for you,”

“Follow me, I’m sure you would rather be away from him as well.” He offered.

Aether hesitated before nodding slowly. Diluc narrowed his eyes at Kaeya before telling Aether to follow him.

The blue haired male only faked a smile, “Have fun you two.”

Diluc ignores his adopted sibling and glanced at the fair haired twin of their honorary knight. He should tell her about today’s incident to give her a heads up on Kaeya’s meddling. With a sigh he started walking towards the tavern, and he didn’t need to say anything as Aether silently followed after him.

The eye of the favonious captain crinkled in amusement, a mischievous and entertained smile crossing over his lips as he watched the two trot away.

“How interesting.”

...

Diluc had matters to attend to at Angel’s Share. It wasn’t everyday you would see him tend to the bar, but Charles had an emergency pop up and needed to go on a temporary leave.

Of course understanding that it was a family issue, he dismissed him and Diluc would take over for the next few days.

There was idle chatter happening in the background of his customers, and it was fairly obvious the shouting and laughter that would usually fill the tavern was turned to small hushes and mutters because of one man-

“Do you want a drink? It’ll be on the house.” Diluc offered.

The eyes that screamed murder just moments earlier when the blond was being bothered by his brother- looked up at him in a hesitant look,

“...Yes. A dandelion wine will suffice.” His voice was quiet and cold, Diluc noticed. Very unlike his twin’s whose voice was cheery and bright.

The red haired male only nodded as he prepared him a glass, turning behind him to reach for a bottle of dandelion wine.

Diluc never minded the once Prince of Darkness. Though he should really stop referring him as that- the pyro user knows he isn’t a bad person but his wrongdoings are still keeping Diluc on edge. Cautious.

Unlike Kaeya- that idiot- he would never approach Aether about the topic, not bringing it up. It seems his adopted sibling tends to bring up the past to hurt others. Diluc knew this from experience.

Now, the male hated idle chit chat and preferred not to turn to that, even if stuck in an awkward silence.

But Aether, seems to not prefer the small useless chatter as well. Which Diluc appreciated- it was something he liked about the fair haired boy.

Diluc placed a glass of dandelion wine in front of Aether. The soft click of the glass material hit against the wooden surface, quietly sounded.

Though- he feels as if he should say something .

Diluc parted his lips,

“What were you doing out and about today? Not like it’s any of my business, but I barely see you around when the day is still bright.”

Well if he’s being honest here, he hasn’t really seen much of Aether anywhere - but he won’t bring that up.

It was a risk trying to even start a conversation with Aether. From what Lumine has told him...

Lumine tapped her delicate fingers against her cheek as she sighed a little worriedly.

Diluc raised a brow at her disheveled appearance and the expression on her face. Curiously he questioned her,

“Is something wrong?”

Before Lumine was able to answer, her little companion spoke for her in her stead,

“Lumine’s brother, Aether, is being a big stick in the mud! Paimon can’t deal with him sleeping nude all the time too!!” The floating fairy waved her arms up and down to express her complaints about the boy.

“Paimon! Don’t say that about him!” Lumine scolded causing a squeaked ‘Paimon’s sorry!’ from her friend.

Diluc blinked at the sudden outburst, “I really didn’t need to be informed on that last part.”

The girl seated in front of him giggled as she took a sip from her apple juice and sighed with a small yet sad smile on her face,

“I mean I can’t blame him for how he is. Aether has changed and I’m fine with that- I’m just glad we’re together now...” She paused.

Diluc caught on, “There’s more to that, I’m guessing?”

She nodded in response, “I just-“ She fiddled with the rim of her cup, her fingers circling the edge.

“I just wish I could do something more for him. To see him smile at me- a real one where the smile reaches his eyes.”

“Lumine...” Paimon worriedly whispered.

Diluc didn’t respond.

“It seems Aether still can’t forgive himself.”

Aether didn’t meet the eyes of the pyro user as he kept his gaze on the cup in his gloved hand.

Perhaps asking him was a little too forward of him? Ah he should’ve just kept to his ‘I don’t like idle chit chat’ rule.

But surprisingly the soothing voice of the other twin answered him,

“...Lumine wished for me to go out today. She doesn’t like when I tend to stay inside for long periods of time.”

Diluc blinked at the answer and nodded slowly before humming a little. “So I see.”

“...”

“...”

And it was back to the awkward silence again.

Barbarous help him- no scratch that- asking and praying to the god of Anemo is useless when Diluc knows his real identity. To think the god would be such a mora dodging- wine addict.

The red haired male cleared his throat,

“So how are you liking Mondstadt?”

Aether finally looked up and met the eyes of Diluc, who in turn felt a little surprised at the sudden eye contact, but he didn’t refuse it. In fact- he heard from Lumine that eye contact with Aether is a difficult thing for him.

Perhaps this is a good thing, then.

“The land is much more different than when I have seen it.” He started off, taking a gulp from his glass as he felt the burning sensation of the wine flow down his throat.

“Before my sister reached for me- the land I knew of Mondsadt was surrounded by a barrier. Before the new god you call Barbatos- overthrew the previous one.” Aether hummed his answer as he recalled a few memories. When he arrived in Mondsadt back then it was when he was searching for his sister during the Archon War.

Back when he still had his innocence and a smile. How naive of him.

“That’s interesting to hear. I wasn’t born into existence back then.” Diluc pondered the response. He thought about it for a while longer,

“Oh... Then- that means you aren’t as young as you look.” He thought out loud. “When your sister first came here- I refused to serve her alcohol because of her young appearance. Looks like I was wrong.”

What Diluc heard next was very surprising.

Aether chuckled.

Chuckled?

Diluc hid his shocked expression and masked it with his trained poker face one as Aether had a small smile on his face. The chuckle was almost unnoticeable if not for Diluc’s keen observation.

Aether glanced up to once more look at the red haired male in the eyes, “Is that right? You would be the first to tell me that.”

That small smile was still present on his face-

And dear archons please help him.

Diluc felt himself swallow at the sight as he nodded. “...I see.”

Aether got up from his seat on the stool and placed a bag on top the counter, which Diluc glanced down at before looking back the blond twin.

“It seems like Mondsadt isn’t very bad in the sunlight. Our talk entertained me, have a good evening Diluc.” Aether shot him a look- a certain look that the pyro user wasn’t able to respond because of.

The sound of the once Prince of Abyss’s boots clicking against the wood fell as a beat to his ears. He heard the bell jingle as a sign that Aether had left the tavern.

Diluc stood there before slowly looking down at the bag of Mora left on the counter, next to the half empty glass of Dandelion Wine. He payed even though he said it was on the house.

His eyes followed back to the entrance of the tavern.

Usual half lidded eyes closed themselves as he brought a gloved hand up to his face to cover the flustered look on his cheeks. It was barely noticeable unless one would look very closely-

“It seems you were right about your brother’s smile, Lumine.”

‘My brother’s smile is beautiful. I wish you could see it Master Diluc!’

And see it, he did.

Chapter Text

Night fell once Aether left the tavern of Angel’s Share. It seems he overestimated how long he stayed and talked with sir Diluc. Well it works in his favor anyways, he could tell Lumine he indeed fulfilled her wish and spent his day outside.

Though running into Kaeya was something he wishes he could’ve avoided- he didn’t mind having to talk to Diluc in the end. The man reminded him of Dainsleif in a way...

Silently shaking his head to rid of any distracting thoughts, Aether pushed the door of his and Lumine’s shared home open. (Paimon’s home too but he’d rather not think of that brat)

The blond was welcomed to a silent and peaceful house with the clock ticking in the corner. Silently, he trotted his way to the kitchen to take out ingredients. Lumine would be coming back home shortly and he knows that her and that gremlin of a fairy- would be starving when they arrive.

Fingers slipping off his gloves, it revealed his milky pale hands that held faded scars if one were to look close enough. He got to working, chopping up the vegetables first.

Aether, knew of many recipes across Teyvat as he’s been present in the land since the Archon War. The boy was more wiser and intelligent than one would think.

Half an hour passed as he just about finished setting the food on the plate.

Suddenly the sound of the double doors opening and hitting against the wall, broke the silence of the shared home.

“I’m back!” The sweet voice of his sister sang out, along with her fairy friend groaning and whining about eating.

“Paimon’s hungry!”

Lumine’s smile brightened at the sight of her older twin brother who stood in the kitchen, his usual hardened expression softened at the sight of his twin.

“Welcome back, Lumine.”

The girl felt herself get emotional at the simple greeting. They have been together for a month now, but she still was not used to her brother greeting her home. The sight of him welcoming her back always moved her heart,

“I’m home.” She replied back, a happy smile stretching across her lips.

Of course the moment was broken however.

“HEY! Paimon’s here too!”

Lumine laughed and patted her friend on the head, “We’re home, Aether.” She emphasized this time.

Paimon nodded her head with her hands on her hips, as if saying, ‘Yeah that’s right!’

But Aether didn’t look impressed at all, holding a displeased expression on his handsome face. “What a pity. I was hoping you would’ve been swallowed by a slime, or sacrificed as food.”

Paimon screeched as she stomped her foot in the air, clenching her small tiny fists, “Paimon isn’t emergency food! How many times do I have to say that you jerk!”

Lumine laughed at the two as Aether shrugged in response to her scolding, not caring about what she had to say.

“Just shut up and eat already.” He hissed out making Paimon immediately stop her complaining.

“Oh! Well Paimon guesses she can forgive you then, hehe.” Lumine shook her head with a small sigh,

“As always food seems to win you over in anything.”

But the fairy was already at the large dining table, munching down on a plate of Sticky Honey Roast. Aether pushed his sister’s portion towards the end of the table and motioned for her to eat,

“Eat up, sister. You must be hungry from your travels... and putting up with this thing.” He nodded his head at Paimon who paid him no mind besides a glare his way,

“Paimon is going to be nice and ignore that since you cooked food.”

Lumine couldn’t help but feel warmth spread in her chest at the sight of her two dearest people gathered together. They were like a complete family now, and she couldn’t ask for anything more.

“Thank you Aether,” She took a seat at the dining table and started digging into a delicious plate of Matsutake Meat Rolls.

She held her cheek in her palm as she hummed at the taste, “Ahh your cooking is always so delicious!” She had stars in her eyes as she started shoveling it into her mouth.

Aether placed his cheek in the palm of his hand as he rested his elbow on the table, raising a brow at the two.

“I swear you two eat practically the same. Slow down would you? I wouldn’t want you choking Lumine. I don’t mind if Paimon does though.”

Paimon raised a fork at Aether and threatened him while squinting her eyes and spoke with a mouthful of food, “Hey wasch it pwetty boy! Paimon isn’t shar shtupid to—!” And ironically she started choking on her food.

Aether immediately pushed a glass of water to her with a glare, “You idiot. Don’t speak with your mouth full.”

Lumine slowly chewed her food and held back a smug smile. Those two always were at each other’s throats, but she could tell they both cared for each other in the same way Lumine cared for Aether.

She suddenly remembered what she asked of her twin earlier, “Ah yes! Aether did you go out today?” She pressed herself forward, leaning to her brother with squinting eyes and pursed lips.

The male pressed his pointer finger against her forehead, pushing her back so she wasn’t leaning forward to him,

“I did, don’t worry.” He grunted.

Lumine blinked at the answer before grinning, “Really?! Thank the archons! I’m glad you didn’t stay inside all day again. It will do you good to get out more dear brother. The people of Mondstadt would really like to know you!”

His eyes lowered at that and shook his head, “I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Lumine.”

Paimon stopped her chewing and looked worriedly between the two twins, but didn’t say anything.

The younger twin between the two softened her expression at this. Reaching towards his hand that rested on the table she covered his scarred hand with her own.

“Brother, I assure you that the people don’t blame you for what happened. If anything they want to know you better.” She soothingly spoke, stroking a faded scar on her twin’s hand gently.

“....” He didn’t respond to that.

She tried again, “It’s not your fault, Aether.”

Yes. It was his fault. Aether thought to himself.

Who’s hands were the ones that killed the innocent? Whose the one who terrorized the people of Teyvat? The one who watched in cold blood as a whole village was wiped dead from the Abyss.

The hands that did it- was none other than own.

He pulled his lips into a thin line, expression falling.

Lumine furrowed her brows in worry as she saw this. Her hold on his hand tightened a little before relaxing.

“Did you know a lot of people find you attractive, brother?” She tried to lighten the mood.

Aether looked confused and taken back by the sudden change of topic as he blinked at the new information.

“...What are you spouting about? There is no such thing. Who would find a monster attractive, lest they be a monster themselves.” He bitterly responded.

Paimon decided to hop into the conversation to try and aid Lumine in cheering up Aether. They may not get along SUPER well, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t care,

“Paimon is surprised too! Donna went from fanning over Master Diluc to talking about you, Ewther! It’s a little weird to hear every time Lumine and Paimon passes by...” She huddled a glass of orange juice in her hands, taking a long sip from it.

“Mortals are ever so strange. They seem to never change.” He mumbled.

Lumine frowned at that and flicked his forehead causing him to slightly wince at the sudden gesture. His ungloved hand reached up to rub at where his sister hit him, expression confused.

“Aether you really need to stop talking like some old man. Whenever you talk like that it reminds me of Master Zhongli.” She shook her head at the similarities at the way those two talked.

Aether scoffed at the mention of his old acquaintance.

“That man has an older soul than I do. Abandoning the role of a God because he wanted to retire? I see he has changed from when I first met him.”

Lumine hummed at his recollection of the retired Geo Archon as she chewed on her food. Paimon voiced her curiosity,

“Wait- Ewther are you and Master Zhongli friends?!” She exclaimed out of shock.

The female blonde gasped along with her friend,

“Really?! You didn’t tell me about that!”

Aether had a grossed out expression on his face and rolled his cold eyes. “No. How retched to even think I would be friends with him. I only met him back in the Archon War on my search for you, Sister.”

Lumine quieted down at the mention of Aether’s lonesome journey.

He sighed before continuing, “We aren’t friends. Him and I just... acknowledge each other.”

Paimon let out an ‘oooohhhh’ before nodding to herself, acting as if she understood the relationship between the two.

“Paimon sees! No wonder why Master Zhongli spoke so casually about you before!”

Lumine pitched in, “You’re right! We had commissions that were in Liyue today- and we ran into Master Zhongli who asked how you were.”

Grimacing at the memories of the past, Aether changed the topic,

“Alright that’s enough about him. Sister, why do you continue to insist on doing these ‘commissions’ of yours?” He frowned, “I already have wealth covered, so you need not to indulge yourself more into such things.”

It was true- Lumine thought to herself.

They never talked about it to avoid Aether’s dark memories and nightmares... but when he was the Prince of the Abyss, he not only had the title because of how powerful he was- it came with a lot of wealth too.

The house- well it was more like a mansion honestly- was owned by Aether himself who built it when Lumine mentioned a place where they could stay. A place where they could finally settle.

And Aether told her the next day he built a ‘home’ for the two of them. Yeah that home was a freaking Mansion!

She didn’t know that Aether had so much... Mora on him. He even tossed her rare, VERY rare, artifacts when she mentioned how she couldn’t find any good ones.

Her twin was basically the richest person in all of Teyvat. The Golden House was put to shame if her dear brother were to just merely stand next to it. Even Childe who was often used as a wallet by herself and Zhongli couldn’t compare to how rich her brother is.

Paimon let out a dreamy sigh, “Y’know Paimon’s glad you’re so rich! Paimon can eat all the food she wants!”

With a dead expression he replied to her,

“You are only able to do so because Lumine is fond of you, brat. I would’ve thrown you out a while ago.”

At that the fairy stuck her tongue out childishly,

“Well too bad! Hmph!”

Lumine who was already used to their bickering ignored the argument, and instead answered her brother’s question.

“I don’t want to only depend on you for everything, Aether. Allow me to aid our living expenses too, okay?” She smiled kindly at him.

And at the smile that he couldn’t say no to, his stuff posture relaxed just a little bit before sighing with a turn of his head,

“Fine.”

“Good! Know that you can depend on me too, kay? Remember....” She trailed off,

Aether held a gaze with matching golden eyes- one that flowed with light and innocence.

He envied Lumine,

“....we are together now.” Aether finished.

Lumine always reminded her dear sibling he wasn’t alone anymore.

The moonlight casted a glow upon his sibling as she slept soundly next to him, Paimon by her side as she hugged the smaller girl like a doll.

Loud snores escaped the both of them making Aether who sat next to her awake, chuckle lowly.

The moonlight did not shine on him from the window, only casting its beautiful glow on his twin.

And in a way, Aether thought it suited them.

From the start, perhaps he was doomed for darkness, as his twin relished in the glowing light. If it meant his sister did not have to face the clawing hands of death and despair- he would shoulder that burden on his own.

As long as Lumine is happy.

For if the world took away his only saving light of salvation once more- he would plummet this world into everlasting darkness.

Gently, he brushed a strand of her hair away from her face. In her sleep, she stirred causing him to halt his movement, only for her to relax again with a happy expression on her face.

“Sleep well, Lumine.”

A knock against the wooden door, sounded in the mansion of the twin’s shared home. Aether heard his sister shout from the second floor,

“AETHER CAN YOU GET THAT?! I’m still changing!”

The boy felt his eye twitch at that. “That idiot. She doesn’t have to announce that to the whole world...” He grunted under his breath.

He didn’t bother to change into his usual clothes as he didn’t want to go out ever again. Mainly and especially because of that man, Kaeya.

He stayed silent for a moment, recalling yesterday evening’s events.

“Just because you’re her brother doesn’t excuse your actions, Prince of the Abyss.”

“It’s not your fault, Aether.”

His jaw clenched as guilt bit at him.

Knock

Knock.

The sound reeled him back out of his thoughts and he shook his head. Right... there’s no need to think of that useless man. He doesn’t matter- forget what he said.

Aether strutted to the door, his long locks of golden faired hair swaying behind him. It was free from its usual braid it would be styled in.

He came to a stop in front of the double doors, and pulled it open with his pale hands. With a blank expression and monotone voice, he spoke to the person,

“Lumine is still changing—“

Aether could almost choke at the sight in front of him.

An ice blue eye widened in surprise at the sight of the male, not expecting for him to answer the door,

The look of surprise only lasted for a mere second before a charming yet amused smile stretched across his lips,

“Why hello, your Highness—“

Aether slammed the door in his face.

Not a second later did Lumine come bounding down the stairs, a pouch held in her hands,

“Huh? Aether did you answer the door? Where’s Kaeya?” She questioned, confused.

Her twin slowly turned his head and a cold and murderous look in his eyes ran a shiver down her spine,

Aether said nothing as he muttered a, ‘be safe’ to her before going up the steps to rest in their shared room.

It wasn’t out of the norm that her twin would be cold, but when it came to her, she noticed the way he softened around her.

Lumine stood there, brows furrowed and filled with confusion and concern at his cold behavior.

Knock

Knock

Knock

Turning to the door she blinked. Wait... Kaeya? Did he say something to Aether at the door? So he DID answer it?

Huffing, Lumine stomped over to the doors and swung one of them open to reveal Kaeya who flashed his usual, fake, charming smile,

“Well, looks like I’ve got the pleasure to be greeted by the other twin this time hm?”

Lumine didn’t waste anytime nor did she bother to greet him as she would usually do,

“Spill it pirate man. Did you say something to Aether?” 

When it came to her twin, Lumine grew very protective over him. Her attitude would grow threatening and more sassier than usual.

Kaeya let out a chuckle, “Why, me? I didn’t say anything besides greet him. It seems he’s displeased by my presence.”

He didn’t lie, no? He did only greet the male twin. However if she asked about yesterday- well that’s a different story he didn’t bother to bring up.

Lumine sassily pointed at him, “If I find out you’re lying...”

“I promise you, Honorary Knight, I did not say any lie to you. My answer has only been an honest one.” Kaeya shrugged, waving a hand to assure her.

Squinting her eyes at him she huffed, “Fine. But I’m keeping my eyes on you.”

“Oho, how fun. Well then, let’s get moving. We’re not frozen in place after all.”

Lumine rolled her eyes at the line, “Would you stop saying that? It gets repetitive you know.”

“How you wound me.”

Lumine turned around and cupped her delicate hands around her mouth, “Aether I’ll be going now! Be sure to get out of the house today!” She yelled to her brother.

Of course- she didn’t receive any response.

Turning back to her friend and guest, she nodded,

“Alrighty then, let’s go.”

Kaeya looked like he wanted to say something but only hummed in return. “My- are you sure it would be wise to tell your brother that? He may hear something he doesn’t want to.”

Lumine furrowed her brows and frowned, “Anyone who would speak bad about my brother better keep one eye open.”

The cryo user didn’t say anything and only looked forward as they started departing from the Twin’s Mansion.

“Is that right? What if the person has one eye covered?” He mused, a taunting tone in his voice.

“Huh? You say the most weirdest things.”

“I suppose so...” He chuckled.

From the second floor window, Aether leaned against the window sill as his piercing eyes glared daggers into Kaeya’s back.

“....”

A new day has started.