Chapter Text
“So, now you want to bring me to Fontaine?” Ajax dries his hands off using the kitchen towel, before putting his gloves back on. “What for?”
They were in the middle of washing up after dinner. Paimon quickly vanished from the dining table once all the plates were picked clean. Of course, she’d run away as soon as there was actual work needed to be done, but they were used to it. Ajax did the dishes while Aether cleaned the rest of the kitchen of whatever mess was leftover from their cooking. The blond talked about finally arriving in Fontaine, but he didn’t think it would lead up to him being invited.
“It was Paimon’s idea to bring you along, actually.” He shrugs.
“I see…” He leans against the kitchen counter, arms crossed as he watches the star clean up. He wasn’t wearing his cape, so the young man takes this opportunity to ogle his cute waist. “Will you be giving me another tour? Sorry to say, but I’ve actually been to Fontaine a couple times already.”
“For ‘business’, I imagine.” Aether cocks an eyebrow at him.
His eyes snap up to avoid getting caught. “You know how it is, comrade.”
“I suppose there’ll be no need for ‘Jackie’ to come along?”
“You like him better than me?”
“You’re way too competitive for your own good.” He rolls his eyes before turning back around and the ogling resumes. “Whatever the case. You can refuse if you want, I’m not forcing you this time. Just thought I’d ask.”
“So you admit I was forced to go to Mondstadt the last time?” He teases, pushing himself off the counter and walking towards his star.
“Quiet.” He hits the other with the dirty rag before turning around to face him, arms on his hips. “Will you go or not?”
“How could I say no to my favourite comrade?” He grabs his star by the chin, gently. “Of course, I’ll go with you, Aether.”
As much as he enjoys the attention, the blond couldn’t handle how touchy his beloved was starting to get as of late. It made him happy obviously, but it still takes some getting used to. He stays still for a couple seconds, indulging in the young man’s touch and the gentle look in those ocean eyes he adores so much before pulling away, red in the face with his heart pounding in his chest.
“...Alright.”
The trip to the City of Justice only took a split second as Aether already went through the trouble of unlocking a waypoint inside of the city walls. So, there was no need for them to go through the hassle of showing their papers and the whole process of entering Fontaine. Though, Ajax was more than ready to pull his Harbinger card if it was going to take too long.
It was decided that there was no need for disguises or aliases since the Court of Fontaine are relatively open about their diplomatic relationship with the Fatui. But he would still need to be careful as to not alert the other Harbingers about his presence here. The last thing he’d want was for them to ruin his long-awaited date with the Traveler, the organization’s supposed arch-nemesis.
“Welcome to Fontaine, Traveler.” He says, holding an arm out for the other to take. “Shall we make our move?”
Aether looks at the offered arm and back up at the handsome man in front of him, blushing slightly. He grabs onto it, a firm grip on his bicep. “Let’s.”
“What a gentleman…” Paimon snickers into her hands. She floats to Ajax’s other side and wraps her arms around that bicep, grinning from ear to ear. “Paimon’s ready too!”
The Traveler can’t help but let a small giggle out as he imagines just how odd the trio must look to an outsider.
“Let’s just walk around the city first. I doubt you two had the time to properly admire the place when you first arrived.” Ajax suggests, already walking.
“Getting into the city walls took a whole day.” Paimon complains, head slumping against the young man’s arm. “After the Traveler found that waypoint, we just couldn’t be bothered to look around. Paimon was totally beat!”
“Yeah, they’re known to be meticulous. My first time getting in was already quite difficult, even with my connections. I can’t imagine how excruciating it must’ve been for you two.”
“Well, luckily our Traveler here is a worldwide superstar!” She perks up again. “We were actually able to cut the line and speed through a lot of the processing because of it!”
“Did you try bribery?” He turns to the star, grinning.
“You think a city whose whole deal is based on ‘justice’ would let something like that slide?” Aether deadpans.
“So you would’ve tried it otherwise?”
“I never said that.” He avoids Ajax’s gaze. “...But I’m not exactly a saint either.”
Just as the Traveler’s eyes were looking around, he finally got to see just how beautiful the surroundings were. In his years of travelling to different worlds, he’s had the privilege of walking the streets of so many places. And no matter how many times he’s done it, he will never not be impressed. The buildings were tightly packed, but it didn’t look messy nor suffocating. Each one was painted in vibrant yet cooling colours, mostly different shades of blue.
There was life around every bend, from street vendors offering up local treats to shopkeepers calling out to potential customers to come and browse their wares. A shadow comes over them and Aether looks up to see a blimp fly across the sky, nearly blocking out the sun completely. He hears Paimon gasp in awe and he will admit, it was quite the sight. There was so much going on around them, it was borderline overwhelming. But the good kind.
The kind the Traveler very much enjoys experiencing throughout his journeys.
“Thank you for your purchase!” A random merchant on their left yells out, waving to a leaving couple. “Remember, there’s no better place to be in other than the city of love!”
Aether’s eyes were as wide as saucers. Did he just hear that right? Did that merchant just say that Fontaine was the “city of love”?
He looked at the other two, expecting them to be equally as shocked. Instead, he sees Paimon wearing a smug look on her face, humming a tune to try and play innocent. The star narrows his eyes at his floating companion. He thought the girl suggested bringing Ajax along only because of his Hydro Vision, but it seems like she did so with some other intention.
You scheming little minx… Aether didn’t know whether to be mad or grateful that the girl set them up like this.
He snaps his head up to his beloved who also refused to meet his gaze. He angled his face in such a way so that the star couldn’t see it properly. But that only proved that the man also knew that Fontaine was known as the “city of love” and yet still accepted his offer to…
Oh.
He feels his face heat up like a kettle over a hot flame. Suddenly, he was very aware of his hold around the man’s arm and just how close they were to each other. It was no wonder the man was being so flirty back then in the kitchen. He was wondering where the sudden boldness came from. Since the star mentioned it was Paimon’s idea, Ajax must’ve already seen through her plan and chose to go through with it.
“Both of you… are horrible people.” Aether says, appalled.
“Paimon hasn’t done a thing!” She claims innocence in a sing-song voice. “Wow, look at all the pretty colours everywhere! There’s even a conveniently placed flower shop just there. Full of roses, too!”
The redhead coughs into his hand awkwardly as he tries to steer them away from all the lovey-dovey couples. It’d completely slip his mind that this side of town would be infested with everything romance-related. The last time he passed through here, he cared less about people fawning over each other and showering their lovers with overpriced gifts in the name of “love”. He laughed it off back then, convinced that he would sooner drop dead than ever turn into one of those lovesick fools.
How ironic.
“What is that ?” Aether asks, standing on his tiptoes to see past the crowd.
“You want a closer look?” The redhead can’t help but smile at his adorable star. “Come.”
They pushed through the sea of people until they reached the other side. Aether’s eyes light up in excitement when he recognizes this exact sight from the books he’d pour over in his study. Because in front of them was none other than one of the many entrances that lead into the infamous Catacombs of Fontaine. He read about it countless times and how it was practically a maze down there. He wondered if he could somehow convince the guards to let him in and have a peek. Surely being the well-renowned Traveler would come in handy at times like these, right?
“I need to get in there.” He jumps excitedly, hitting Ajax on the arm lightly. He can barely contain himself. “Do you know what kind of things I could find down there?”
“Corpses, for one.” The young man says.
“ Corpses?! ” Paimon shrieks.
Aether rolls his eyes. “Obviously, but there’s more! The catacombs stretch out all across Fontaine itself, it’s essentially just another city but underground! They’d be a fool to only limit its purpose to just housing the dead.”
“I doubt there’s anyone living underground, comrade. Even if they did, that’d be quite sad.”
“That wasn’t what I meant. I meant that it could be rich with untouched historical sites and ancient tomes that might tell us something useful!” Like information about the Abyss or even Khaenri’ah.
The more Aether learned about either subject, the more questions he had. If it’d been anyone else, they were sure to give up in their search for knowledge. However, the star’s determination to find his sister and wanting to learn more about her side of the story was too great. Any scrap of intel is valuable to him, fiction or no.
From whatever he’s learned about the Catacombs, he knows that it was always described as ‘unnerving’ and ‘dangerous’. Both of which are synonymous to things related to the Abyss. It might not be much of a connection, but it was one the Traveler was willing to cling onto. He was desperate and he hopes that his curiosity as a star helped to cover that up.
He lets go of his hold on Ajax’s arm and marches his way towards the guards posted near the entrance. Paimon squeaks in panic and quickly catches up to him.
“No! Don’t go, Traveler!” She begs, yanking at his cape harder. “Let’s just stay above ground! Paimon likes the sun!”
“Come on, Paimon. Just think of it as another fun adventure in a dungeon!” He tries to pry desperate tiny hands that are clutching onto him. “We’ve gone to much scarier places! This’ll be nothing compared to anything we’ve seen.”
“Nooo! Paimon’s too scared to go in. Paimon doesn’t like scary places, no matter how many we go to!” She’s shaking her head so hard, he was afraid it might come flying off.
“There’ll be treasure!”
“There’s plenty of treasures up here! Besides, you said today was just going to be a fun and relaxing time! No adventures!”
The blond groans. “Paimon…”
Ajax watches the young girl use all of her strength to try and stop Aether from going near the Catacombs. It was obvious that the blond was adamant on going in but was now conflicted because of this added challenge of having to convince Paimon to let go. Under most circumstances, the young man would be more than happy to accompany the star in his adventure underground. But he has vague memories of Dottore wanting to conduct expeditions down there, though it was a long time ago.
He wished he listened a little more intently to other Harbingers when they spoke rather than brushing it off as the rantings of madmen. He recalls the abandoned research lab back in Liyue and just how dangerous it was despite it not being in use for quite so long. There’s no telling what dangers lie ahead of the Traveler if he went down there. He needed to pull him away from it for now, until Ajax can confirm that the Catacombs are safe from Dottore’s nonsense.
“Well, then you can stay up here while I go down.” Aether tells the girl. He was dead set on getting in there. “It’ll only take a moment, alright?”
The star whips around, about to continue his march towards the Catacombs when he feels a strong arm wrap around his waist and forcibly stop him in his tracks. He feels his head bump against a familiar broad chest and looks up to see the face of his beloved looking down at him.
“Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.” Ajax grins. “But I’ve got a whole day planned out for us, Aether, and the Catacombs aren’t part of it.”
“But…” Aether frowns, disappointment prevalent on his face.
“You’ll have more than enough time to go exploring down there later. For now, let’s just focus on spending time together, alright?”
As desperate as he was to go underground, he just couldn’t argue with his beloved. He lets Ajax turn him around to walk away from the entrance, but not without giving it one last longing look. He sighs, crossing his arms but with a hand held up to his lips to hide his pout. The redhead’s gloved hand was still holding onto his waist as he guided them back into the busy crowd, Paimon holding onto his red scarf as she floated behind.
The Traveler feels himself being pulled closer to the taller man in order to avoid bumping into strangers and he can’t help but let his heart flutter wildly. Such a small gesture and yet it was enough to make him so weak. To think a long, long time ago he hated the idea of letting Ajax rest his hand anywhere near his midriff. But now, he’s more than happy to let the man touch him however he likes. And though he won’t admit it, he hopes he continues to do so.
“I thought you’d take my side…” Aether says. The young man raises an eyebrow. “Who knows? There might’ve been some Treasure Hoarders or monsters for you to beat up down there.”
He hesitates on answering. “Paimon didn’t look too keen on going down there. You know I would never refuse a chance of fighting by your side, comrade, but you should’ve seen her pitiful face.”
“Hey! Paimon doesn’t need your pity!” She starts yanking at his scarf in anger. “Paimon just has better self-preservation than the both of you combined!”
“Says the girl who eats like a glutton.” The redhead teases, holding onto the red accessory so it doesn't come off. “Are you sure you’re having a balanced diet?”
“Of course! Paimon’s diet is perfect!”
“I doubt ‘eating everything’ is considered to be a perfect diet.” The blond cuts in. “But she doesn’t refuse any fruits and vegetables, so that counts for something.”
“Better than my own siblings, I’ll say.” He reaches back to give Paimon a pat on the head, ruffling her hair a bit.
The girl yelps at the rough treatment, but ultimately basks at the action of being praised. Aether’s disappointment fades away rather quickly, he couldn’t stay mad at these two for very long. He’s much too soft for that. He moves Ajax’s hand away from his waist so he could go back to wrapping his arms around his bicep. It was just a lot more comfortable to walk this way.
There was something about the way Ajax hesitated in answering his initial query that gave him the sense there was something he wasn’t telling him. Something pertaining to the Fatui no doubt. Whatever the case, he knows better than to pry in the young man’s business. If it was something truly important, he would’ve told him by now.
After a bit of walking, Aether noticed that the surrounding area started to melt into an entirely different vibe than the one they were in previously. This area was still quite lively but instead of the hollering of shopkeepers and gushing of lovers, it was pure noise. There were all sorts of contraptions everywhere, puffing out enormous amounts of smoke that was surely detrimental to the environment and inventors arguing amongst themselves over their gadgets and gizmos. The atmosphere was a little dirty no thanks to the countless inventions scattered across the streets and flying up in the air. Even the buildings were starting to turn brown, windows and all.
If the area before was of a romantic and classic feel, this one was more rustic and modern.
“Ew! It reeks of smoke and oil!” Paimon pinches her nose, eyes tearing up from the smell. “Where did all the beauty go?”
“Well, beauty is subjective, is it not?” Ajax jokes. “You might find this side of town to be repulsive, but others may find it fascinating and a delight to be in.”
“Are you one of those people?” Aether asks, watching a man run after his machine that’s just gone haywire.
“Not really. I could care less about these kinds of things.”
Both Paimon and Aether flinch as the machine runs into another person’s creation and bits of metal come flying out of it. The inventor falls down to their knees and starts cursing to the sky about how cruel the world was. Ajax couldn’t help but laugh before being pinched in the arm by his star.
“So, why have you brought us here?” He asks, still pinching the man.
The young man hums, clearly unbothered by the cruel treatment Aether was giving him. “You’ll see!”
The two stars give each other a confused look but let themselves be guided by the young man. It wasn’t long before they found themselves standing in front of what seems to be an antique shop, judging by the items arranged by the window and general look of the establishment. Ajax pushes the door open and a pathetic little tune announces their presence to the shopkeeper.
“Why, hello there!” A wily old man perks his head up from over the counter. “Don’t be shy, have a look around! Do let me know if you see anything you like!”
“Sure!” The redhead gives the man a polite smile before turning back to the Traveler and his companion. “This area has a lot of shops similar to the one with that eccentric lady back in Mond. I remember asking if you liked antique shops and you said that you did, so I figured you would’ve liked to go to atleast one of them while you’re here.”
“You remembered?” Aether couldn’t help the blush forming on his cheek.
“It would be weirder if I didn't, comrade. You’ve too many history books in your Teapot for me to forget this little interest of yours.”
“That’s fair…” He scratches his cheek, guilty. “But still, it was nice of you to bring me here.”
Ajax’s chest swells with happiness at the praise. “W-well, let me know if there’s anything you want. I wasn’t able to get you anything back then, so don’t even think about taking a single Mora out of your pocket. I’ll be the one treating you today.”
Aether laughs at the cute threat. “Is that right?”
“Even the food?!” Paimon floats in front of the blond’s face, sparkles in her eyes.
“Yes, even the food.” He grins at the excitable young girl.
“YES!” She throws her hands up in the air.
The Traveler yanks her legs down to get her out of his face, hand on his hip. “Like as though he’s never paid for your food before.”
“What can I say? I’m a generous man.” He shrugs, a smug look on his face. “I worked very hard to earn all of my Mora and I certainly don’t mind spending it all on you, Traveler. Just say the word.”
Aether’s face sours upon the mention of the young man’s ‘work’. He steps past him and distracts himself with the items laid out on the shelf. Paimon gives Ajax a half-apologetic look before catching up with the Traveler. The man knows the pair’s stance on the Fatui and it only got worse ever since their time in Sumeru.
He was in the dark as to what went down in the Land of Dendro. His position as a Fatui Harbinger only got him so far. If he pulled any more strings, he was sure to draw unnecessary attention towards him and his subordinates. He supposes he should be grateful that the two of them were able to turn a blind eye towards his own misdeeds and separate him from the entire organization. But the truth still stands that Ajax’s responsibility and loyalty lay with the Fatui and his Lady.
Not wanting to make the air any more suffocating than it already was, Ajax strides across the other side of the shop to keep himself busy. His eyes scan the surroundings in hopes of something eye-catching and worthy of buying for his comrade. He finally comes to an unsuspecting little box tucked away in the corner of a table. He picks it up and inspects it in one hand. There was nothing that really made it stand out other than the fact that it was too simple to be in an antique store.
He undoes the clasp of the box and flips it open, revealing it to be a jewellery box for a ring. The ring itself wasn’t too ornate either and it’s definitely seen better days. It lost its true shine a long time ago, probably a result from collecting dust in some odd antique store. He was almost tempted to take it out of its box to get a better look at it when he heard footsteps approaching from behind.
“Some poor old sod sold that to me ages ago.” The shopkeeper tells, referring to the ring in Ajax’s hand. “Said his heart was broken by his one true love and couldn't bear to keep it in his possession. Pitied him then, so I took it off him without question.”
“What a heartwarming story.” He deadpans.
“I’m just saying.” The old man shrugs. “If you’re planning on getting a ring, you’re better off buying one from a proper jewellery store rather than this dingy old place, sonny.”
Ajax snaps the box shut. “...I never said I was going to get it.”
“‘Course you didn't!” The man throws his head back in laughter. “Well, if you ever change your mind, there’s a shop just opposite this one. A friend of mine who might be able to hook you up with something pretty. Might even be willing to get you a pair. Just tell her Andre sent you.”
Without even giving the younger man another chance to speak, the shopkeeper gave him a knowing wink and was already walking away. Ajax puts the box back where he found it, feeling embarrassed. He couldn’t have been that obvious. He just so happened to have found a jewellery box and wanted to look into its contents for a little while. He was definitely not just imagining him sliding a simple banded ring with a blue gemstone on it onto Aether’s slim finger and watching his star smile bashfully while admiring the accessory given to him by the young man. That was most definitely not the case.
He turns around and his eyes coincidentally meet Paimon’s. They maintain eye contact for some time until the redhead realizes that the young girl must’ve seen the entire conversation between him and the shopkeeper just now. Her lips curl into a mischievous grin, almost like she was making fun of him before turning back around to point at something for the Traveler to check out. The young man silently thanks the girl for keeping the star distracted. Ajax would sooner die of embarrassment if the other heard any of what just happened.
His eyes drift towards the window and sees another row of shops just opposite. He checks to see if Aether’s back was still towards him before taking a closer look outside. He leans over to try and find the jewellery story that old codger mentioned. Sure enough, it was there and very much accepting customers. Ajax makes a note of the store’s location and keeps the idea of getting his star a gift in the backpocket. He doesn’t even know his measurements or the fact that the man even likes jewellery in the first place.
He wouldn’t want to give the Traveler something that would only make Ajax happy. But it would certainly give the man peace of mind to have some sort of mark that the star was his. Perhaps another time.