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The storm had settled. Dvalin was finally free of that wicked corruption which brought him nothing but suffering for five hundred years. It was nice, Barbatos thought, to be able to see his friend again. His true friend, and not a monster controlled by the sordid Abyss. The people no longer feared who they so dreadfully called Stormterror, for he was once again Dvalin, the Dragon of the East, one of the Four Winds.
And, there was no other to thank than him. The otherworldly traveler, the peculiar outlander, who oh so accidentally stumbled upon their world. He carried no vision, yet was somehow able to control elemental energy. He had no relation to this world, yet was somehow still able to wield the power of Barbatos.
He truly was wondrous, the outlander who caught the wind.
Nowadays Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, freely wanders the land of Mondstadt known as Venti the bard. And to his people he was no more than that, a bard who'd play a tune for a coin or two, a drunkard with knowledge of tales of past. To them, that was all he was. Just a fellow dressed in green, with a love for wine, song, and the wind.
It was only when he came, that someone had recognized him as more than a simple bard. Aether, he said his name was, and it no less than astonished the Archon who'd been through war and peace. In all his thousands of years, he'd never met someone as extraordinary and ethereal as him.
It seemed as though he struggled with speech, could barely understand the language considering he was not of this world. He did not feel confident enough to speak, so he had a floating fairy that followed him around, spoke for him most of the time. Venti thought she was quite the inconvenience, for she was in the way of discovering the traveler's voice he so longed to hear. The voice of the boy who stole his heart the moment they met.
The first time he heard his voice, Venti was no less than mesmerized.
"Aether." He introduced himself.
One word. One word was all he said, but it was enough to make the god's heart skip a beat. It was enough to keep him up at night, longing to hear more of his gentle voice. He was a bard, but every word Aether said, to him was better than any music he could ever create.
And he was upset. Not because he was jealous, as some may think, not at all. He was upset that the traveler hid his voice, only because he felt as if he has yet to learn the language. For all Venti knew, Aether could speak perfectly, judging by the only sentence he's ever heard him say.
"Look me in the eyes. Do you not find me trustworthy?" Venti had asked, expecting no less than a rude reply and an insult from Paimon.
Instead, he heard a voice too gentle and kind to belong to the pesky fairy. "The color of your eyes is like the sky in my hometown..."
He turned around, dumbstruck to see the words coming from the traveler's mouth. "Haha." He managed a weak laugh. "That one doesn't work on a bard!" He declared, though he was very clearly lying. Luckily for him, Aether seemed to believe him and didn't question the bright red blush on his cheeks or the bright teal glow on the tips of his twin braids.
The last time he heard him speak was more than devastating.
"Venti!"
It was loud and oh so desperate. It felt as if his heart broke, or as if it was slowly being torn apart, bit by bit, piece by piece. Compared to the pain from the ripped gnosis from his chest, the pain from Aether's ached scream was greater.
He hadn't said a word since. Not when they met afterwards at the tree at Windrise, not when they were parting as Aether set off to continue his journey in Liyue. Merely a too-long-to-be-platonic hug was all the comfort Venti had received from the traveler that day.
"...Could you help me put up some missing person posters...?"
It had been a while since Aether had helped save Liyue from Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex. Now, he was ought to leave for Inazuma, whenever the opportunity came. To Paimon's surprise, he was quite hesitant, as if he couldn't make up his mind.
"Don't you want to find your twin?" She asked, though received no reply.
The traveler was distracted, overlooking the path from which he came to the City of Contracts. "Venti." He whispered in the wind, not realizing Paimon was close enough to hear.
"Tone-deaf bard?!" She gasped, more out of annoyance than anything. "Do you... want to go back to Mondstadt?"
He sighed softly, nodding his head. Last time he left in a hurry, never had a chance to say anything. He couldn't leave, not before he at least bids Venti goodbye.
The City of Wind was as lively as ever. Maybe he refused to admit it, but Aether quite enjoyed the joyous atmosphere. He missed it.
While walking through the lively streets, his eyes furtively searched for a certain green clad fellow. He finally spotted him when passing by Angel's Share.
"Traveler!" The bard's eyes seemed to light up as they saw each other. Not wanting to look desperate, Venti kept himself from immediately running into Aether's arms. Instead, he steadily walked over to him, bowing as he took off his beret. "Ah, dear Honorary Knight! What a pleasure it is to see you in Mondstadt again."
"Tone-deaf bard!" Paimon had appeared, once again getting in the way. "We saved Liyue just as we saved Mondstadt! Would you like to hear about it?" She announced proudly.
"I would love to, of course, though now is not the time. Mondstadt has been having... a bit of an Abyss Mage problem since your departure." Venti sighed. "I offered to help but Master Diluc and Acting Grandmaster Jean said I was far too weak! Hmpf, what do they know! I can still very much successfully pilfer wine from the Dawn Winery, why shouldn't I be able to protect my own city?!" He pouted, at which Aether unwillingly let out the smallest, most quiet and genuine giggle. Upon hearing the traveler's endearing laugh, Venti was left dumbstruck and frozen in place, heat creeping up his cheeks.
Fortunately, Paimon was there to always break the silence. "We could help! Aether is great at fighting monsters, it's what he's best at!"
"Oh, you must let me join!" Venti quickly regained his usual charisma. "I could be of great assistance!" He said, swiftly taking out his bow as if to show off. He fired a shot like the wind, hitting near the legs of a cat climbing a far away house's rooftop, scaring it off immediately.
Paimon looked at Aether who eagerly nodded at her. "Alright. But don't cause any trouble!"
"Of course, I would never!" He laughed and raised his arms in defense after making his bow mysteriously disappear. "Though, make me a promise to tell me all about your travels once this little affair is taken care of."
"Deal."
"Aah, and maybe throw in some wine into that deal too!"
"Hey, who said you could drink on the job?!"
"Eheh~"
"Ow, how rude!"
Aether flinched upon hearing Venti's cry. He quickly did in the hilichurls he was fighting and hurriedly sprinted off to his side to protect him. Using his anemo powers, he broke the Abyss Mage's cryo shield and with his sword he slayed the now vulnerable creature that had knocked down the bard. He then turned his attention to Venti, who was still laying on the ground, and sat down next to him to check for injuries.
"Not to worry Traveler, I'm alright!" He stood up but as soon as he put his right foot down, he yelped. Aether quickly caught him, holding his waist tightly to support him.
"No you're not, you hurt your leg." Paimon said as she gestured to Aether.
He nodded and gave Venti a smug smile before picking him up (in a bridal carry nonetheless). The bard's face turned red with embarrassment as he started speaking very quickly. "No, no, I'm perfectly fine! Traveler, there's really no need for this! Not at all, no... Aether put me down please."
Venti's (gay) panic only gave the traveler all the more reason not to put him down.
"How embarrassing-" He hid his flustered face in his hands as they walked back to the city.
The journey back to Mondstadt was quite long, or so Venti thought. It was unbearable, being this close to the one he longs for. Heat creeping up his neck, his mind whirled with thoughts of doting looks, tender touches and soft lips... The wind started picking up around them, as if he needed another telltale to how he was feeling towards the traveler. As if his quick heartbeat, that Aether could most definitely feel because of how close they were, wasn't enough.
Alas, Venti was too focused on hiding his own feelings to notice that Aether was doing the same. Though, he couldn't freak out the same way the bard in his arms did since he could accidentally drop him! He tried his best to conceal his heart rate that was as fast as the other's, to hide the blush that was slowly appearing on his cheeks the longer he held the god. He couldn't let him know how he felt, and truthfully he didn't know how to, or at least not yet.
He wasn't sure how it happened. One moment Venti was no more than a stranger to him, just a bard like the many others he's met in the many other worlds he's visited. The next, he meant more to him than anything, maybe even as much as his sister.
He couldn't quite put a finger on it, but there was something about Venti that drew him in, even though he didn't want to. There was something about him... maybe it was his smile, or his gentle laugh? Maybe it was his cheerful, melodic voice, or the way he looked at Aether, his eyes full of fondness, adoration he tried to conceal. Or maybe, it was the sense of familiarity, both having lost someone they held so dear...
Aether tried his best to stay away from Venti, to avoid getting attached any more than he already was. Alas, their strings of fate were already tied, so they always somehow ended up together.
They made it back to Mondstadt just before nightfall, and Aether was exhausted to say the least. He hadn't expected the bard to be so heavy, especially since he looked so light while soaring through the wind. They needed a place to rest. His usual tent wasn't suitable, Aether though, considering he had an injured person to take care of. And Venti was, well, practically homeless, though he preferred to call it 'being as free as the wind, with no place to reside or to be pinned'. Fortunately, the local inn was generous enough to let them stay the night, provided they pay in the morning.
"And then- And then this big, scary monster came out of the water!" Paimon spoke excitedly as she told Venti about the events that took place in Liyue.
"Mhm." He hummed, signaling to her that he was listening... which he wasn't. He was too distracted by the traveler who was sitting on the floor in front of him, cleaning the wound on his ankle. His movements were slow, as if the bard was so fragile he would break at the slightest incautious contact. His touches gentle, careful not to accidentally cause him any pain. His breaths were steady, with a tender, caring look in his eyes as he bandaged the bard's leg.
Yes, the self-proclaimed best bard in Teyvat was too busy to listen to the tale of a great battle, too busy because he was staring at the enigmatic outlander tending to his wounds.
"Is this alright?"
Venti's breath hitched when he heard Aether's voice once again after many a moon. It was soft, gentle and oh so very quiet, as if he was too scared to speak. They both finally gathered the courage to look at each other and lock eyes. Venti was only able to nod, heat slowly creeping up his cheeks.
Aether's eyes were mesmerizing, the bard thought. His gaze could only pull you in, refusing to let you look away for even a second. He couldn't complain, for he was quite fond of staring into the traveler's golden eyes when he knew not. Though, he couldn't help but feel so embarrassed and vulnerable, now that those same golden eyes were staring right back at him.
"-And next we leave for Inazuma!" Paimon had continued talking, completely ignoring the little moment the boys were having next to her.
Venti's heart stopped. Aether was leaving again? He couldn't let him, not before he at least tries to tell him how he feels. The thought of confessing was terrifying, but the thought of Aether abandoning him without knowing he felt the same was worse. He tried to calm himself, tried to tell himself tonight was the night.
"Now that Tone-deaf bard is okay, we should really get going." Paimon said, wanting to leave as soon as possible.
Though, the moment Aether stood up, Venti started acting a little overdramatic. "And leave the poor, wounded bard all alone?! Aah, how could you be so insensitive?"
"It's already dark out and Good Hunter will close soon!" She protested.
Aether only rolled his eyes at their never-ending banter and hid a small smile.
He sighed and hesitantly sat down next to Venti.
"You're leaving Paimon for the Tone-deaf bard?!"
"Nee, if you're so hungry, why can't you go buy food yourself instead!" Venti pulled a face at her.
She stomped her foot angrily in the air in response "Paimon doesn't have any mora!"
The bard thought for a second before thinking of a plan to get her out of the way, so he could spend more time alone with Aether, even if it was only for so long. "Traveler, would you care to give that annoying little pesky fairy of yours some mora, so this poor, injured bard can take a minute's rest?"
As much as the traveler disliked giving Mora to somebody so unreliable and with such a never-ending appetite, he could agree that the Archon needed some rest. So, he obliged, for Venti's sake, he told himself. And, for Venti's sake, he would move mountains. He handed her a handful of mora and she left in a flash.
"Ah," Venti sighed, seeming to ease up a little, though his mind was still full of such horrid thoughts. "It's so quiet without her."
Aether nodded in agreement, carefully watching as the bard finally relaxed, closing his eyes contently. A well deserved rest, though not many would think so. Those many saw him as a lazy, good-for-nothing drunkard, who did nothing but slack off all day. Little did they know, they spoke bad of their own Archon. Their own Archon, who had been through so much for the freedom they so easily took for granted.
Their Archon who had been through so much... Aether only knew a handful of Venti's troubles — the fall of Decarabian, the Archon War, Durin's attack on Mondstadt, and now, losing his gnosis at the hands of the Fatui — but he must've been through so much more, yet nobody knew of it. He must've been through so much pain, yet he kept smiling, as if his heart never ached.
His thoughts were interrupted by a pair of teal eyes turning to him. "You know what would make tonight even better?" Venti said eagerly. "Some apple cider!"
Aether scoffed and shook his head. He couldn't blame him anymore, alcohol was his way of coping with things and if that's what it took to make him happy — then so be it!
"Maybe I could finally get you drunk." His mind started to wander. "Eh! I mean-" His cheeks turned a little red. "You refuse to tell me of your journeys while sober, but maybe I could hear more of your voice if you're drunk... sorry..." He whispered the last part after realizing Aether might take it the wrong way.
He didn't take it the wrong way, no. He only felt bad because of it. Venti wanted to hear his voice- he wanted Venti to hear his voice, but no matter how many times he tried to speak, he couldn't. He was scared of saying the wrong thing, pushing Venti away. But only now he started to realize, his silence was what would eventually push him away, not the former.
So, as the countless other times before, he opened his mouth to say something, anything, but no words came out. He couldn't do it. No matter how comfortable he thought he felt around the bard, he was still afraid of messing it all up. What if he says something that Venti finds odd, something that makes him lose interest?
Fortunately, before he could begin to panic even more, he heard the bard let out the cutest, quiet yawn. "Sorry, it's been a long day." He sighed. "I'm going to bed. You should too, you're probably tired from dealing with me and Paimon at the same time all day long." He stood up, hearing Aether quietly giggle.
His current outfit wasn't very suitable for comfortable sleep, he knew that from experience, from myriad nights of sleeping on the cold branches of the Windrise tree. So that would mean, if he wanted to get some shut eye, he needed to get changed, or at least take off part of his clothes. With Aether in the room.
He could, of course, tell him to leave, or look away. But a devilish voice in his head said "Do it in front of him! Make him want you the way you want him!" He tried his best to ignore it, but it only got louder by the minute. And he couldn't lie, the idea of Aether pining for him did make his cheeks grow hot. But he only had the confidence to do as much as take off his cape, no more than that. And for now, it was enough to make his heart race.
He started off with his beret, carefully removing it and setting it aside on a nightstand. He held onto it for a few more seconds, mindful so that the Cecilia doesn't get ruined. He then undid his bow slowly and hesitantly as he put it next to the beret. He thought he could feel the longing stares on his back, though brushed it off as nothing but his imagination (and hope). Then came his signature viridescent cape, which he steadily removed from his shoulders. He threw it on the floor, upon which he cautiously gazed over his shoulder. He only saw the traveler staring, a mesmerized look in his eyes, apparently too mesmerized to notice the bard had caught him. Aether's lips parted in an attempt for an excuse, but he found no words. Like many times before, he was left speechless, but not of a lack of knowledge for the language.
Venti turned away, biting his lip and lightly smiling to himself as he let out a stifled breath. He took off his shoes and belt with a fake vision hanging from it, with a little more confidence than before, and thought of a plan to make the traveler even more flustered. If he was not able to hear his voice, he at least wanted to see his dear, blushing face.
"Ah, Traveler," He began his little act. "Would you mind giving me some help, as I have much too trouble taking off my corset?" He didn't turn to look at him, didn't need to, in light of the quiet gasp he heard him let out.
Aether hesitantly got up, gulping as he slowly walked over to him. He was only helping his friend get undressed, why did his cheeks feel so hot?
He stood behind Venti, unsteady hands undoing the laces of his corset. He fumbled with them, untying the interlaced strings quickly which led to mishandling them quite a bit. He could hear his own heartbeat in his ears, the oh so loud and desperate sound of a want he thought was unlikely to be met. Maybe he wasn't ready, he felt, not quite ready enough for something so intimate, so personal. He backed away as soon as he finished, not being able to handle the deafening screaming of his thoughts. He sat back down, pretending as if his heart hadn't just been through hell and back.
Venti could tell. He knew Aether well enough to even notice the way he breathes whenever he's nervous. His choked gasps, those shaky deep breaths he took to try and calm the pounding of his heart... they all gave him away. No matter how much he tried to hide it, to repress it, Venti could always tell. He spent most his days pining for him, so of course he would know him all too well.
"Tease him some more!" That devilish voice in Venti's head returned. "He enjoys it, and you do too, don't you?" He once again listened to it, even less hesitantly than before. He fully removed his corset and threw it where his cape was, slowly beginning to unbutton his top. After finally undoing all the buttons, he slowly and shyly took off the shirt, his now-exposed back faced to Aether who could do no more than stare.
It was wrong, he thought, to look at him this way. But he couldn't look away, not even when Venti turned to him, eyeing the way he stared. He was completely mesmerized, barely even noticing his rapid heart rate at this point. The only thing to snap him back to reality was the shirt Venti had now put on. Aether turned away and cleared his throat, blushing to the tips of his ears.
The bard headed to bed, an amused expression on his face. And while he was busy being proud of himself, Aether wished the ground to swallow him whole. He couldn't stop thinking about Venti, couldn't stop the blistering beating of his heart, or the blood rushing to his cheeks.
"Are you going to sleep? Or does the almighty Honorary Knight not need any rest?" Hearing Venti's gentle voice calmed down the traveler just a bit, earning him a light chuckle even. "When I think about it, I've rarely ever seen you sleep?" The bard smiled at him, making the outlander scoff at his absurd claim. Of course he sleeps, and he's going to prove it just now.
Aether got up and took a pillow, throwing it on the floor next to the bed along with a blanket. His attempt to sit down was interrupted by a small, gentle hand grabbing his own. He suppressed a gasp as he turned around to face Venti.
"What do you think you're doing? You're not planning on spending the night down there, are you?" He spoke. "Dearest Traveler, no, you're lying with me." Venti gave him a smug look before pulling Aether in bed with him and holding him close. The boy yelped, his face flustered at the sudden action.
Upon seeing the other's shocked expression, Venti felt bad. Maybe he went too far. He let him go with a sorry look in his eyes. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." He said albeit quietly. "You can leave if you wish, I'm not forcing you."
Aether sighed and shook his head. He wasn't uncomfortable, only a little shocked. He let out an inaudible "It's fine" at which the bard smiled.
Aether smiled back at him before getting up to take off his gloves, scarf and cape. After setting them carefully on a stool, he crawled back in bed, though this time a little closer to Venti. They stayed like that for some time, simply staring into each other's eyes in a comfortable silence. The way Venti gazed at him with such a fond look, it only made Aether's heart skip a beat.
There it was again, the feeling he could not get rid of. That feeling that drew him in, slowly and cautiously, that made him more and more attached to the bard next to him. It was his smile, and his gentle laugh. It was his cheerful, melodic voice, and the way he looked at Aether, his eyes full of fondness, adoration he tried to conceal. And it was the sense of familiarity, both having lost someone they held so dear... It was everything... Everything about Venti drew him in. Everything about Venti made him more and more attracted. Everything about Venti made him only fall harder and harder than he could've ever even imagined until one day he won't even be able to breathe without him-
It was suffocating, being so in love like this. It was suffocating, knowing these feelings could bring nothing but pain in the end. And it was suffocating, living with the constant fear of losing the one you love so dearly.
Though, in a sense, it was also liberating... being so in love like this, knowing that, in the end, no amount of pain could ever overwhelm these feelings of love...
It's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.
He wanted to tell him. He's wanted to tell him for so long. But each time he tried to speak, he couldn't. The words just wouldn't come out of his mouth. He thought maybe, maybe this time would be different, he really did. Alas, he opened his mouth and... nothing. Silence. He knew what he wanted to say, so why couldn't he just say it already?!
Venti noticed how upset he'd gotten. "Traveler..." He tried to comfort him, carefully cupping his cheek. The outlander looked at him, his breath a bit heavy. "Aether. You needn't be so nervous, you can speak perfectly."
The traveler scoffed in response, his mind uneasy.
"No, really. I mean it." Venti then brought up his other hand, now cupping both his cheeks in an attempt to calm him. "Out of the three things I've heard you say, that line about my eyes was the most romantic, poetic thing I'd ever heard. It beats the best of ballads any bard could ever create, not even I have such a way with words!"
It seemed to work, as Aether was now laughing lightly at his obvious lies. Still, it warmed Venti's heart to see him like this, even more so after he put a hand over his.
He somehow finally gathered the courage to say something, to his surprise as well. He let out two words, two quiet words in a language foreign to the bard.
"Huh?" Venti stared at him, his eyes wide. "What was that? Say that again." He unconsciously moved closer.
Aether repeated what he said, a little louder than before. Venti's attempt to imitate it was no short of miserable, making them both laugh. The outlander then said it again upon Venti's insistence, trying to teach him how to say those odd foreign words. They went back and forth like that for quite a while, each time Aether speaking more and more confidently. When Venti finally got it right, they were both out of breath, laughing and not realizing how close they'd gotten.
"What does it mean?" The bard asked, intertwining their fingers attentively.
"...You're beautiful." Aether answered softly, a gentle look in his golden eyes.
Venti's breath hitched as he heard those words. This time, he was the one left speechless, his mouth open with no words coming out. He felt Aether carefully put his hands on his waist, slowly pulling him in closer and closer until their noses brushed.
"So are you." The bard tripped over his words, eventually managing to quietly say something. He wrapped his arms around the traveler's neck, feeling the warmth of his breath as their hearts beat quickly in sync.
After minutes upon minutes of simply staring into each other's eyes dotingly, Aether cautiously leaned in, tilting his head to the side and finally closing the distance between them. Venti smelled of Cecilias, he thought, and tasted like something sweet. It was intoxicating, intoxicating to the lonely outlander. Everything about Venti was intoxicating, addictive to a traveler of many worlds, a traveler who'd never let himself lose his heart to a certain place he knew he'd depart from, let alone a person he knew he'd eventually have to leave behind. Such was the life of an outlander like he, though he thought, for once in his centuries long life, he would let himself be led astray. He would let himself live in the moment, with not a worry of the future on his mind. He would let himself get attached, fall in love... with a boy immortal as himself, scarred from a past as painful as his own...
Venti tugged him closer, putting his hand at the back of his head and running his fingers through his hair. He pulled away for air, quickly pressing their lips together again, this time more wistful than their tender first kiss.
Aether only deepened the kiss, moving his hands under his shirt and up his back, sending chills through both their spines.
Their bodies pressed close together, Venti only became more and more flustered. He couldn't believe it, and maybe didn't want to. It was the first time in two thousand years that he'd let himself feel, let himself care for someone. And, it overwhelmed him. It was too much, too soon for something so intimate, so personal. He loved Aether, but he has yet to get over all his heartaches.
Though, he didn't stop. He only continued kissing him, carefully moving to lay on top of him. Aether tightened his grip, holding him close until he felt something wet hit his cheek. He tried to move away, but Venti wouldn't let him. Only when he cupped his face and pushed him away did he see the bard's teary eyes. "Venti..." With a sign of worry in his tone, he spoke softly.
Seeing Aether's concerned expression, Venti choked back the tears and smiled. "I'm sorry." He whispered. He got off of him slowly, laying down beside him.
"It's okay." The traveler said gently as he tried to calm him down. He cautiously embraced him, trying not to scare him off or upset him in any way. He then steadily leaned in, kissing his tears away bit by bit.
Venti let out a soft, tired laugh though he tried to suppress it. It was nice, having someone care for him in such a way. "I'm sorry, I just..." It almost made up for all that which he'd been through. "I don't know, I just thought-"
"I said it's alright." Aether replied quietly, cutting him short. "You have nothing to apologize for" he wanted to add, though his voice had betrayed him. Instead, he brought his forehead against Venti's, trying to show him that he was there for him.
He seemed to get the gesture, loosening up just a bit. With their hands joined, they simply laid there, together so intimately. It calmed his aching heart. Though, he felt so, so vulnerable, showing this side of him for the first time after thousands of years. But, it was only the traveler, only his dear Aether, who was able to break down his walls and see behind the facade he's put up to protect himself. It made him feel so vulnerable, yet it only brought the two closer together.
The bard snuggled up to him, clinging onto him tightly, sighing as he relaxed a bit. It felt so, so safe, being in his arms like this. He took deep breaths to slow the rate at which his heart was beating. He was alright now, he thought.
Aether kissed his forehead, taking in the scent of Cecilias he'd begun to love so much.
"You missed." Pointing to his lips as his charisma recovered, Venti joked lightheartedly.
The traveler chuckled, happy to see the bard with a smile on his face. He leaned down to give him a light peck on the lips, though it was only so short.
Venti nuzzled up against him again, burying his face in the crook of Aether's neck. A soft smile and slight blush appeared on his face as Aether stroked his hair, running his fingers through it tenderly.
Unexpectedly, he heard a gentle humming coming from the traveler. Venti only listened, dumbstruck by the foreign lyrics he couldn't understand. Aether's voice was soft and serene, quiet and oh so very shy, and yet it was enough to make the god's heart skip a beat. It was enough to make him fall even harder than he already has. Though, it calmed him. It calmed the ever-present heartache, the ever-present stinging of his heart he could no longer bear. None of that pain mattered, as he laid in the arms of the boy he loves. He felt safe, he felt at peace, he felt... free...?
Venti woke up to a strange warm feeling. He opened his eyes, only to see a peacefully sleeping Aether right next to him. He was still in his arms, holding him tightly. The bard smiled, his eyes slightly tearing up. He felt overwhelmed again, but this time by a different, pleasant feeling. He felt as if he wanted to cry his eyes out, but he couldn't let his emotions get the best of him yet again. He didn't want to wake up Aether like this, he didn't want to worry him. So, he tried wiping those wet drops himself. He brought his hands up to his face, but unfortunately he moved around too much. The traveler slowly opened his eyes, immediately being met by a crying Venti.
Visible concern filled his mind straight away. He didn't quite know what was happening, he'd just woken up. Though, the last thing he wanted was to see the boy he loves crying (again). He wasn't sure what to do as he was still quite drowsy, so he tried mouthing a 'hey', hoping to get the bard's attention. It didn't work. Venti was far too busy trying to stop himself from bursting into tears.
He sighed in an attempt to actually say the words. He knew Venti liked his voice, so maybe, hopefully it would calm him a bit. "Hey..." He finally managed to force himself to say it.
He cupped his face gently, the bard turning to him with teary eyes. Aether then moved closer to him, tenderly wiping the tears with his thumbs. "Venti..."
The god shook his head and smiled, putting a hand over Aether's. "These are happy tears" he wanted to say, but didn't need to. Aether seemed to understand. He understood him all too well.
You're so smart it almost makes me uncomfortable sometimes... But then, maybe it's right that true friends can tell what the other is thinking.
bonus scene because I want to separate it from the rest of the story since I don't like it much:
They eventually had to get up, sad to leave each other's arms. Venti put on his usual clothes again, though it was easier since Aether wasn't looking. He couldn't decide if he was happy or not about that.
Aether cleared his throat, trying to get the bard's attention.
"Something wrong?" Venti turned to him, seeing the empty wallet he was holding. "You gave it all to Paimon?! Aah, how are we going to pay now... The innkeeper will kill us."
Aether scratched the back of his head, unsure what to do. Luckily for them, Venti was quite the quick-witted mischief. His eyes lit up and he smiled devilishly. "I've got an idea." He held out a hand to the traveler who cautiously took it. "Do you trust me?" He asked, trying to avoid thinking about their joined hands. Aether looked him in the eyes and nodded determinedly.
The bard smirked and winked, pulling Aether with him as they ran out the door. They heard the innkeeper yelling something frustratedly but paid no attention. They were busy, laughing and holding hands as they ran away. They may have just committed a crime, which would ruin Venti's reputation as Best Bard and Aether's as Honorary Knight, but it mattered not at that moment. Of course they'd pay later, but right now, all they wanted to was to enjoy this little moment they had together.
Aether was mesmerized, staring at Venti who looked genuinely happy. For once, his smile was true, and it was beautiful... He was captivated, not paying much attention to the road beneath his feet. And so, he tripped, pulling them both down with him on top. Though, Venti's smile never disappeared. He only began laughing harder, holding Aether close. He let out a laugh as well, and his was truly genuine too.
They eventually calmed down, remembering they were still technically on the run. Yet, they just couldn't look away from each other's eyes. They simply laid there on the ground, in the middle of the city, staring at each other with such adoration and fondness. Venti gave Aether a quick peck on the lips, though it ended up lasting a little while longer than intended.
They finally got up, the traveler offering a hand to the bard. He took it as he pulled himself up, holding onto it tightly. He never let go. Even when he was already up, he never let go of Aether's hand. They both blushed at this, only continuing to hold hands.
"There you are!" Paimon yelled at them when she saw them. She completely ignored how close they were. Understandable, considering she's had to put up with their pining for so long, this was nothing she wasn't used to.
"You took all the mora and we had to commit a crime because of you!" Venti whined about it, though it didn't necessarily bother him. He wouldn't have gotten this moment with Aether otherwise.
She stuck out her tongue at him. Venti did the same, making her turn away angrily. Aether chuckled, looking between the two of them.
"Ehe..." Venti then laughed nervously. "Paimon, do you at least have any leftover mora?"
She shook her head in response, making him sharply inhale.
"I could... ask the Guild if they have any commissions for us." Aether spoke slowly, trying to figure out a way to get them out of this situation.
Venti's eyes lit up and he smiled, more out of excitement for hearing his voice again than anything else. "I'll go inform the innkeeper that we'll be paying him shortly, so he doesn't have to report us to the Knights!" He kissed Aether's cheek quickly, and with that he ran off.
Aether and Paimon started making their way to the Guild. She eyed him closely. "What are you smiling about?"
He shook his head as if to say 'nothing', but he only continued grinning.
"You're so in love with him, it's gross!" Paimon teased him, at which he squealed and blushed furiously. "But... as long as you're happy." As much as she denied it, she really did care for him. She wanted him to be happy.
And, he was. He was happy now.