Chapter Text
On the square Yuehai Pavilion, the air was alive with the sounds of hurried footsteps and busy chatter as people bustled about doing the final preparations for the upcoming Lantern Festival. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes hung from every corner of the pavilion, their vibrant colors and intricate designs catching the eye of anyone passing by. Vendors were setting up their stalls, filling the air with the mouth-watering aroma of steaming buns, skewered meats, and sweet treats. Everyone was eagerly looking forward to the Lantern Festival, a yearly event that brought together people from all over the land to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness.
This year, thanks to the foreign blonde Traveler who had provided them a lot of help despite being an outsider, the process had gone much smoother than before.
And now he was standing here, waiting for the last assignment before the festival started.
"What's taking her so long?"
But how had he ended up here?
It all started earlier that morning when Aether was at the square of Yuehai Pavilion, diligently working on the final reports for their commissions.
“The final task is completed. Let’s go! Mora is waiting for us!” Said a little fairy who was flying around the blonde traveler, cheering in excitement.
“And we can enjoy the Lantern festival too…” The blonde replied” This will be my first time attending a festival in Liyue. I wonder how it is?”
Aether's first Mondstadt festival had left a lasting impression on him with the bustling crowds, colorful decorations, and festive music that created an atmosphere of joy and excitement. He was eager to experience it all over again.
But now, he was even more excited to join one of the biggest festivals in Liyue. He had heard rumors of stunning lantern displays, delicious food, and dazzling performances that made the festival even more grand and spectacular. Aether had always been fascinated by the culture and history of Liyue, and he was looking forward to immersing himself in the festivities and traditions of the Lantern Festival.
“But Paimon must admit that those were a lot of requests. I’ve never thought that being a Qixing was that tough.”
“Agreed, when we were inside their office, I lost count how many documents were on the desk, and they were even scattered around too.” Aether shrugged. He felt that being an adventurer was way better than handling paperwork as he would fall asleep instantly when looking at those filled with an endless wall of text. “But still we have gotten them all anyways.”
A few days ago, Aether was asked for assist to complete a total of twenty-three missions for the preparation of the festival by the Qixing. Most of them weren’t too difficult: like collecting rocks, or even just talking to some people…Those quest should have been handled without any problems if he hadn’t had to run to almost every corner of Liyue and even Mondstadt.
At first, the fairy told Aether not to accept them because it wasn’t worth the effort until the Tianquan said they would double the reward. Of course, it didn’t take long before his fairy companion made an about-face and convinced Aether to do it. He sometimes asked himself why this flying fairy could get bribed so easily just by giving her Mora or even only food.
Of course, he could have simply refused as well because this wasn’t his job nor his problem, his main task right now is to find his only family and that's all. Everything else didn’t matter to him. However, seeing as it was the Yuheng who asked for his assistance, he gladly accepted all of them in the end without any demand in return…just like his companion.
“Not because you wanted to impress her?” The fairy chuckled.
“Haha…You are really funny.” Aether sighed.
Meanwhile at the top of the Yuehai Pavilon
Inside the office, the Yuheng herself, along with the Tianquan and the half-Qilin secretary, were discussing the preparations. Although the festival was about to begin, and everything was ready, they did not allow themselves to relax until the event came to an end and everyone left satisfied and happy. They knew that any small mistake could ruin the entire festival and reflect poorly on the Qixing. Hence, they were going over every detail to ensure that everything was perfect.
“Alright, so only a few hours until the main festival begins. Thank you for your hard work, everyone.” the Tianquan read the report with satisfaction.
“Glad everything has gone so well.” the half Qilin nodded in agreement. “Things couldn’t have gone this well without the help of that person too.”
“Hmmm, the Traveler, huh?” said the Yuheng, whose eyes kept peeking through the window to look down at the pavilion’s square below.
“Hey, Keqing.” the Tianquan caught her attention and made her snap back into focus. “Are you listening?”
“Ah, yes, Ningguang!” the Yuheng jerked up and turned to. “I’m listening.”
“What are you looking for down there?” the Tianquan asked again. She knew Keqing was someone who always focused on work, especially during important meetings like these, unless there was something special that could distract her.
“Nothing.” Keqing shook her head.
“Are you sure?”
Feeling like her secret could be revealed if Ningguang managed to get to the window. Keqing quickly stood up and stopped Ningguang with a quick warning glare to prevent her from going any further,
“I said it’s nothing.” Keqing growled.
But her efforts weren’t enough to hold Ningguang back, as nothing could hide from the sharp eyes of the Tianquan. The blonde Traveler, the Hero of Liyue, and his flying companion were just outside the pavilion’s square. “I see the reason there.” Ningguang chuckled, “Dreaming about the Traveler coming to this place to rescue a certain Yuheng in distress, are you?”
“It’s not what you think!
“Oh, my apologies then because I saw you kept looking down there and there was no one else but him.” She looked back at the Yuheng with a hint of a blush appearing on her face, a rare emotion that not even the Qixing could see every day.
“He seems lonely,” she said, her amethyst eyes never leaving his bright and hopeful golden ones. But the longer she gazed into them, the more she felt a sense of emptiness and loneliness emanating from him. “There’s something missing within him.”
“Perhaps he misses someone, maybe his sister,” said the half-Qilin secretary, a being that had lived for thousands of years and could easily see through people’s souls and minds, even for an outsider like the Traveler himself. “He did ask us to make a missing poster, after all.”
“Shouldn't we do something for him? He has done so much for us without asking for anything in return,” Keqing suggested. “It's not fair by just posting some missing posters.”
“Even if we ask him again, the result will still be the same.” Ningguang replied, looking at Keqing and chuckling. “But the way he acts towards you is different from the way he acts towards us.”
The Tianquan was not wrong. Even though they had been friends for a while, she sensed that there was a deeper attraction between them. His words, actions, and gestures hinted at a deeper connection, one that she wasn't sure how to interpret. Keqing was both excited and nervous about this realization, and she wondered if Aether felt the same way. Since Keqing first met him at Guizhong Ballista, something about him had intrigued her, but she couldn't understand why.
Was it his handsomeness? She couldn't deny the fact that his appearance was attractive, especially his shining golden eye that seemed to captivate her. She had received many proposals from handsome and powerful men before, but none of them had piqued her interest like the Traveler did.
Or was it his way of speaking? She found herself drawn to his charming voice and the way he made her feel comfortable. She could talk to him for hours without getting bored, something that was rare for her since most people didn't enjoy conversing with her.
Perhaps it was his actions? She, like everyone else in Liyue and Mondstadt, had heard of his heroic deeds and admired him for it. But it wasn't just that. She wanted to see and know more about him, to unravel the mystery that surrounded him. There was something about him that called to her, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.
All of these made Keqing can’t deny that she was drawn to the Traveler in a way that she couldn’t find out. She knew that it was foolish to let herself become infatuated with someone who was only passing through, but she couldn't help it. Something about him just felt right, and she found herself hoping that he would stay in Liyue a little while longer.
"And besides, didn't you expect something more from him after the Rite of Descension?" she asked, causing Keqing to stumble over her words.
Looking out the window, Ningguang remarked that Aether seemed to be leaving soon, and advised Keqing to make her choice soon or risk it being too late. Just Ganyu prepared to leave as well, Keqing stopped her and asked for help.
"Ganyu, can you do me a favor?" she asked, her voice tinged with urgency.
"Of course, Lady Keqing." Ganyu replied, her kind smile giving Keqing a much-needed boost of confidence.
After finishing the report and discussing their plan to enjoy the festival, the group considered Aether's suggestion to visit the port for its food stalls.
“Shall we go to the port, I heard there’s a lot of food there?” Aether suggested.
Paimon chimed in excitedly. "Mmm! And Paimon wants more food!"
As they were about to leave Yuehai Pavilion, Ganyu, the half-Qilin secretary, called out to them. She was holding a sealed envelope in her hand.
“What do you need, Ganyu?” the fairy asked curiously. “And what's with the letter?”
“Lady Yuheng have another commission for you, Aether.” Ganyu said with a small smile as she handed him the letter. “Your only.” “Not even Paimon?” the fairy asked with a hint of disappointment. “What could it be?”
“Why wouldn't she just ask me directly?” Aether pondered.
“You've known her for a while now, so you should be able to find out.” Ganyu replied enigmatically.
“What's the reward for this task?” the fairy piped up.
“Paimon, please be quiet.” Aether scolded, before turning to Ganyu. “I'll accept the commission.”
The scene inside the room at the top of the Wangshu Inn was quiet, with only Aether and his companion exchanging words. They were discussing what to do about the new commission they had just received, feeling a bit lost as it was different from their previous tasks.
“Are you sure you want to do this alone?” Paimon asked him, concerned in her voice.
“Aether nodded in response. “I’ve checked the commission and there wasn’t any dangerous about it.”
The fairy seemed hesitant, but Aether quickly reassured her. “Don't worry, I've prepared some Mora for you. You can go to the Wanmin Restaurant and have some treats. I've already informed Xiangling that you'll be stopping by.”
With a bag of Mora in hand, Aether moved towards the door. His companion waved at him and wished him luck.
“Be careful and good luck, Aether!”
“Thanks, Paimon. Enjoy the festival!” Aether replied, then turned to Xiao. “And you, Xiao, why don't you join Paimon? The festival is going to be special this year.”
At first, the Yaksha was reluctant to join in the festivities with them because of his past experiences. The pain of losing loved ones or friends in the past, leading him to distance himself emotionally from others to avoid experiencing that pain again. And his duty protecting Liyue from dangerous forces and has had to take on the burden of fighting alone.
Xiao simply gave him a nod, which was a surprise to both Aether and Paimon. They had never seen the usually serious Yaksha show any interest in such festivities.
"Really? You'll come?" Paimon asked in disbelief.
Another nod came from Xiao to confirm his promise.
Aether and Paimon exchanged excited glances, thrilled that they had finally convinced the Yaksha to join them. With that settled, they made their way down to the festival, eager to experience all the excitement it had to offer.
"Ok then I will see you two later!" He then began to teleport to Liyue Harbor.
Afternoon quickly faded into evening, and the sunlight began to disappear behind the trees and bushes. The vibrant colors of the sunset slowly transformed into the bright, golden light of the moon, accompanied by twinkling stars in the night sky.
Looking down from the square, the harbor was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter, as children and adults alike played with their friends and family. Colorful lanterns illuminated every corner of the alleys, casting a warm glow over the bustling market area where most of the action took place.
The Lantern Festival was one of the biggest events in Liyue, where everyone gathered together to celebrate. And Aether, the blonde Traveler, was no exception.
But as he looked out over the joyful scene, a twinge of sadness still lingered inside. If only his sister were here to enjoy it with him.
"So…she wants me to do this alone?" Aether took a deep breath, his thoughts returning to the mysterious letter he had received earlier. He had waited for hours before daring to open it, being careful not to be noticed by his ever-curious companion, Paimon.
"I will be waiting for you at the gate of the Moon Sea Pavilion in the evening at eight. DO NOT BE LATE OR SUFFER MY PUNISHMENT!- Keqing"
Aether felt uncertain about the whole thing from the moment he read. Was this even a commission, or was he being blackmailed? The tone of the letter was certainly ominous enough to suggest the latter. The fact that she spent a lot of effort just to send a careful handwritten message and had it folded inside a purple letter like this made things even weirder.
“*Sigh* why am I doing this again?” He muttered.
After fifteen long minutes of waiting as the clock hit the meeting time, Aether finally caught sight of the person he had been anxiously waiting for. He immediately recognized her signature cat ear buns but was surprised to see her dressed in a casual long white skirt paired with a purple sweater and a scarf draped around her neck. It was a stark contrast to her usual working attire, but she still carried an air of elegance and authority that made her instantly recognizable.
Aether found himself wondering why he hadn't thought to dress differently for occasions like these as he still wore his original outfit from the beginning of his adventure in Teyvat.
"So, you have finally come huh?" She asked him.
Aether was charmed by her beauty and the authority in her voice, causing him to struggle slightly as he responded, "Yeah... umm, so what do you want me to do?"
"Just follow me," she replied, taking his hand. "And do not treat me as the Yuheng alright," she reminded him, a slight blush appearing on her cheek. "This is a hangout as friends, you get it... AS A FRIEND!"
Aether's heart raced as she took his hand. He couldn't believe he was holding the hand of Lady Yuheng, one of the most powerful figures in Liyue. He quickly composed himself and nodded, understanding her request to keep their outing casual and friendly. "Of course, as a friend," he replied, a small smile forming on his lips as they made their way out of the Moon Sea Pavilion.
After a leisurely stroll, Aether and Keqing arrived at the pier where a large crowd had gathered. The atmosphere was electric, as people released colorful lanterns into the night sky and made wishes for their future fortunes. Aether was amazed by the sight, as he watched the lanterns float higher and higher, illuminating the night sky with their warm glow.
Keqing looked at Aether with a warm smile, "It's truly a beautiful sight, isn't it?" She said, admiring the lanterns floating up into the night sky.
Aether, captivated by the stunning display, released his own lantern, and turned to Keqing, eager to know her wish. "So, what did you wish for?" he asked.
Keqing released her lantern and turned to Aether. "I wished that everyone in Liyue could always be happy and prosperous," she said softly, her gaze lingering on the floating lantern. After a moment, she turned back to Aether, a faint blush on her cheeks. "I'll tell you the other one after the rite. It's a secret, and I don't want to jinx it by saying it out loud."
Aether chuckled at her shyness. "It must be something important then," he said, smiling.
"What about you, Aether? What did you wish for?" She asked him.
Aether's hesitation was palpable as he spoke, his voice filled with longing. "I wish to be reunited with my sibling," he said, his eyes glimmering with emotion. He trailed off, as if struggling to find the right words to express his deepest desires. Finally, he continued, "and...I wish for the strength to protect those I love, no matter the cost." His voice was soft, but determined, as if he had made this wish many times before.
"I hope your wish comes true." Keqing said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
After finishing their lantern wishes, Aether and Keqing decided to check out some of the game booths set up along the pier. As they wandered around, Keqing’s eyes caught sight of a particular booth with a familiar symbol displayed as its grand prize: the Rex Lapis statue.
"Let's go play a game Aether. There's a reward I want to get." Keqing pointed at one of the games booths with excitement.
Aether looked at the prize's poll and saw a Rex Lapis's doll as the 1st Prize. "So … you want that one, right?"
"It's the Limited one! There is only one of them so I must have it!" Keqing was really determined about it.
"But the game is for couples only," Aether pointed out, gesturing to the sign. They both blushed at the implication.
Keqing quickly brushed it off. "No matter. As long as we play fair, we can win that doll!" she declared, taking Aether's hand and pulling him towards the booth.
Since when it became "we" instead of just "her"…
"We want to register." said Keqing to the booth’s owner.
"So, is he your companion?" the owner asked.
"YES! Yes, he is!" Keqing replied with confidence, grabbing Aether's arm and pulling him closer. As they stood face to face, their breaths mingled, and their cheeks turned a bright shade of pink. It was as if the world around them had faded away, leaving only the two of them standing there in that moment.
"I see. You two seem close to each other. Sorry for asking, it's rare to see couples like you these days," the owner said, then continued, "The game is 2 vs 2 jianzi, and the team that wins the final match will earn the prize."
"Gulp"
Even though they had fought side by side in many battles, the prospect of cooperating in a different activity made him both excited and nervous as he and Keqing prepared to play a game together for the first time
"So, do you still want to go through with this?" Aether asked Keqing once more, sensing the dark aura emanating from her. Her eyes glinted with determination, and she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, paying no attention to Aether's words, though he could sense that she was also nervous.
"I … must … get … that … doll." she declared.
"Would you like to practice first? There's still some time before the game starts." suggested the booth owner.
"Yes, please." Aether agreed.
The booth owner handed them a shuttlecock, Aether felt a bit intimidated by Keqing's fierce competitiveness. She was eager to try her hand at jianzi, a traditional game that involved keeping a shuttlecock in the air using only your feet. However, as soon as she tried to lift her leg to hit the shuttlecock, she found that her long skirt was hindering her movements.
Aether, on the other hand, had never played jianzi before and was unfamiliar with the technique required to keep the shuttlecock in the air. As they attempted to play together, they stumbled several times, with Keqing tripping on her skirt and Aether misjudging the trajectory of the shuttlecock.
"I'm not done yet!" Keqing shouted in frustration, feeling that the game was testing her patience.
"Maybe your skirt is too long." Aether suggested.
Keqing checked her outfit and realized that the long hem of her dress kept getting tangled in her legs. She had to keep lifting it up to avoid tripping, and the fabric was also making it difficult for her to move her legs quickly, which was essential in the game they were playing. Despite her frustration, Keqing refused to let her dress hinder her from winning the game.
"You're right. How about this?" Keqing tugged her white skirt up to her knee, revealing her slender legs and black stockings. Aether blushed and tried to look away, but Keqing pulled him closer to her. The sudden closeness made him feel a little nervous, but he couldn't deny that he enjoyed it too. It gave him more motivation to play better and win the game.
Slowly but surely, they began to improve. Their movements became more fluid, and they started to develop a sense of coordination as they passed the shuttlecock back and forth between them. With each successful pass, they grew more confident and determined to keep going.
Finally, after much practice, they managed to keep the shuttlecock in the air for an impressive amount of time. They high-fived each other, laughing and panting from the exertion.
"Alright, you two are ready now. The game is about to start." The booth's owner announced.
A wave of excitement washed over Keqing as she pumped her fist in the air, "Let's win this!" Aether nodded in agreement, feeling a surge of adrenaline as they made their way to the court.
The competition was fierce, with the opposing team putting up a good fight. But Keqing and Aether were in perfect sync, their movements fluid and precise. They jumped, kicked, and spun with grace, impressing the crowd with their skills. The spectators cheered them on, urging them to go faster and harder.
After what seemed like an eternity, the game ended, and the booth's owner declared the winners: Keqing and Aether! They couldn't believe it. Keqing filled with joy as the booth's owner handed her the limited-edition Rex Lapis doll. She hugged it tightly, savoring the victory.
Aether exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear "I can't believe we won! Ke-"
Keqing was so caught up in their victory that she didn't notice her surroundings as she continued running and laughing. Suddenly, she tripped and fell forward, and Aether, who was caught off guard, couldn't keep his balance and tumbled to the ground with her.
"Woah!" They shrieked at the same time.
*THUD*
*Ouch*
Aether opened his eyes and saw a pair of amethyst eyes looking at him, his arms now holding someone's waist and it's so soft. He also felt that person hugging him too. The smell of lavender perfume kept him distracted from finding out what just happened.
After regaining their awareness, they realized that they were lying down on each other while Keqing was on top of him, only a few millimeters away before their lips would meet.
Keqing felt her cheeks flush as she looked at Aether, who was also trying to hide his blush behind his hand. After a few moments, they finally managed to regain their composure and wave back at the crowd, thanking them for their support.
The crowd continued to cheer, and the booth's owner came up to them with a small box in his hand. "Congratulations on winning the game!" he said, handing the box to Keqing.
Keqing opened the box to reveal the Rex Lapis statue inside. She couldn't believe it, she had won. Aether smiled at her, feeling proud of her determination and skill. "You did it, Keqing."
She smiled back at him, feeling grateful for his support. "We did it, Aether." She said, as they walked away from the booth, the statue held tightly in her hand.
After an exhausting but exhilarating game, Keqing and Aether's stomachs were rumbling with hunger. They knew they needed to recharge, so they headed over to the street food stalls near the port to grab some delicious snacks and drinks. The savory aroma of grilled meat and spices filled the air as they approached the food stalls.
"I finally got the doll, yay!" Keqing still hyped up, squeezing the doll tightly. "Let's go get some food for celebration, shall we?". She grabbed his hand while the other was still holding the doll.
"Wait a second, look at your face…Let me clean it up for you." Aether took out his handkerchief and cleaned the dirt on her face from the last game. She closed her eyes and let out a contented purr, like a cat being petted.
"Uhh…Thanks…And sorry for making you fall…”
“Ah don’t mention it, it was an accident after all.” Aether smiled, reassuring her.
After they arrived at the street food stalls near the port, Aether could immediately see the excitement in Keqing's eyes as she scanned the array of food choices.
"Ooh, they have Golden shrimp balls! That's my favorite!" she exclaimed, pointing at a vendor's stall. Aether quickly made his way over to the vendor and placed an order for the delicious snack.
"Enjoy the meal, Keqing." Aether gave the meal to her.
"So, how has work been treating you after the Rite of Descension?" Aether asked, taking a sip of his drink.
Keqing sighed, "It's been hectic, to say the least. There's been so much paperwork to file and reports to compile. Still, everything’s going well as planned.”
“What about the other Qixing like Ningguang”
"Well, at least we've been able to find some common ground since then. But aside from Qixing duties, she is the one who always causes me a lot of headaches." She said tirely.
"Oh, really? I think she praises and really admired your work." Aether said.
"No, it's not about work, she always teases me when it comes to other stuff. For example, every time I want to go shopping for something, she just simply buys everything beforehand." Keqing shook her head.
"Oh, I see, talking about your co-worker like that. Maybe I should go tell that to Ningguang" Aether giggled.
"Not you too…" Keqing pushed his shoulder lightly.
“Speaking of your work, it’s rare to see you go out here.” Aether said, “Normally I only see you in your office or when you have some business in the field.”
“It’s true that I stay there most of the time” Keqing nodded, “But I’m still a regular person just like everyone so I sometimes spend time to go out and besides…” She continued, “I can’t let our hero here enjoy the festival without a proper guide.”
“It’s an honor to have the Yuheng here escort me then.”.
“Eh-hem!” Keqing fake coughed, startling him.“I said don’t treat me as the Yuheng, remember? Do I have to remind you again?”
“My bad, a friend.”
Somehow, he found it hard to say the word “friend” Was being friends not enough for him?
After savoring the delicious food, Keqing and Aether headed towards the open field where the final event of the festival was about to begin - the firework show.
"It's almost time for the fireworks. Let's go Aether." Keqing grabbed his arm, pulling him to the Port.
"What about the commission?" Aether asked her.
"This is the commission remember? Let's go, we are wasting time. " She urged him.
"Alright, alright…"
When Aether and Keqing arrived at the location, the breathtaking view of the sea greeted them. The dark sky was a canvas for countless stars that shone like jewels, while people gathered along the shoreline, eagerly awaiting the fireworks show. The peaceful ambiance of the city wrapped them in a calm atmosphere, soothing their minds and bodies.
"So, this is the result of your and the people's efforts to build the New Liyue, huh? What a view," Aether said, gazing at the beautiful scenery.
"Don't forget that you were also part of it. We couldn't have done it without your help," Keqing replied. "The city is still undergoing changes, but I'm confident it will be completed soon. I always knew that together with the person of my dreams, the dream of the new Liyue would come true."
"I believe it will come true someday." Aether smiled.
"I'm certain it will... because one of my dreams is about to come true anytime." Keqing said, clenching her fist behind her back.
"Oh, really? What is it?" Aether asked.
"Do you remember the first time we met?" She asked.
"At the Guizhong Ballista, right? You wanted to kill me then." Aether joked.
"You were so suspicious! But for some reason, I chose not to fight you. And then, we ended up getting stuck till then." Keqing giggled.
"Ah, yes. I remember it vividly." He spoke.
"I really enjoyed every moment of it," Keqing said, moving closer to him. "I feel like I have grown immensely from my travels with you … and I wonder, will you still be by my side?"
…
Aether was taken aback by Keqing's words. Did she just confess to him?
He felt a surge of conflicting emotions and didn't know how to respond. He couldn't deny that he found her attractive - her amethyst eyes sparkled like stars, her lilac hair was sleek and cat-like, and her bright smile was captivating.
But what he valued most was the way she treated him. She had always been there for him, offering him opportunities and cheering him up when he was down. She even went out of her way to post missing person posters all over Liyue by herself. On his birthday, she gifted him an Electro lantern, a reminder to keep his life bright.
Aether stood there in silence, he struggled to make a decision. Should he say yes or no? He was torn between his feelings and the fear of ruining their friendship.
Keqing felt uncertain about Aether's response as he gazed intently at her. She waited anxiously, her hopes hanging in the balance. This moment had been on her mind for a long time, and she couldn't believe it was finally here.
Without a word, Aether stepped forward and wrapped his arms tightly around Keqing's slender frame. She was taken aback by the suddenness of the gesture but then relaxed into the embrace, returning it with equal warmth. Their bodies melded together as they held each other tightly, not wanting to let go. It was a moment of pure comfort and connection between the two of them.
The answer was clear.
A few moments passed before Aether turned back to face Keqing, whose face was now blushing brightly like the sun on a clear day. "I don't know how to put it into words, but whenever I'm with you, I feel at ease, and you're always there to help me when I need it," he said softly.
Before Keqing could respond, Aether reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, well-decorated box. "And there's something I want to give you," he said, opening the box to reveal a pair of Cor Lapis earrings.
Keqing's eyes widened in amazement as she gazed at the sparkling, crystal-clear earrings. "I've never seen a pair of earrings like this before! They're so well-shaped and perfectly crafted! Where did you get them?" she asked, her mind swirling with questions.
"Let's just say I know someone who is an expert in crafting unique items like this." Aether chuckled, still grateful to Zhongli for creating the earrings for him.
"Could you please help me put them on?" She asked.
"It would be my pleasure."
With gentle fingers, Aether picked up one of the earrings and brought it close to Keqing's ear. She held her breath as he carefully fastened it on, marveling at how the delicate design complemented her natural beauty. As he secured the second earring on her other ear, completing the set, Keqing's face blushed with a mix of shyness and pleasure.
Stepping back to take a look, Aether felt amazed with how stunning she looked. The earrings sparkled in the light, drawing attention to her elegant neck and accentuating her striking features. He felt honored to helped her put on the earrings, as if he had played a small part in enhancing her beauty.
"How do I look?" Keqing asked, looking up at him.
"Wow, you look amazing," he said, admiring her. "Those earrings were made for you."
"Gorgeous as ever." Aether replied with a smile.
"You flatter me too much!".
"I only speak the truth," Aether said. "You were already perfect. I just added a little bit more to enhance your natural beauty."
"Thank you." Keqing said, hugging him tightly.
Aether gently patted her head, running his fingers through her smooth and silky lilac hair. A slight fascination with her cat ear hair buns - they were so soft and delicate, almost like real cat ears. He had wanted to touch them for a long time.
Keqing's voice brought him back to the present moment: "You've helped me so many times, and now you've helped me get the doll and these earrings. I don't know how to repay you." She fidgeted with her hands behind her back before finally making a suggestion. "How about this? Please don’t say anything alright."
At the same time, people in the Harbor began to chant the countdown in unison. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of the new year:
"THREE!"
Aether wasn't sure why Keqing had asked him that, but he complied anyway. "Sure, I can do that." he said with a shrug.
As the crowd counted down, Keqing's face was flushed, and her eyes were fixed on him. She took a deep breath before saying, "Let me be the star for you..."
"TWO!" The crowd's voices grew louder.
"I might not be as great as your sister," Keqing continued, her voice trembling slightly. "But that doesn't stop me from doing my best for you...and only you. Because...I want to be a part of your life."
Aether felt a lump in his throat. He had never felt this way before. He had traveled across different worlds, but he had never felt so grounded and present in a moment like this.
"As for me." Aether said, his voice low but steady "I've been searching for my sister, and I never thought I'd find someone who would make me feel at home like you do. Fate has brought us together, and I'm grateful for that."
"ONE!"
The crowd's voices grew louder, and Aether took a deep breath. He looked into Keqing's eyes, and he knew what he had to do.
Aether's gentle pull caught Keqing by surprise, but she quickly followed his lead without hesitation and leaned close to him. Their eyes locked, two different worlds colliding in this moment. Slowly, they wrapped their arms around each other's neck, drawing closer until their lips met.
As they kissed, the fireworks erupted in the sky, their bright colors illuminating the night. But Aether and Keqing were lost in each other, savoring the warmth and scent of the other.
Their kiss was inexperienced yet passionate and honest, and it seemed to last forever. They closed their eyes, imagining what the future might hold for them.
As the fireworks continued to explode above them, Aether and Keqing finally pulled away, their faces flushed with emotion. They looked at each other, eyes sparkling, and shared a smile.
"That's not fair, you cheated!" Keqing laughed at him, yet the tears in her eyes kept flowing in joy.
"Sorry I just couldn’t hold myself back anymore. Seem like we have the same wish after all." Aether smiled at her and wiped her tears away. “So, we are now an official couple, right?”
"Of course, we are.” She spoke softly. “Thanks for choosing me, Aether, from now on I will be in your care."
"I don't know much about Liyue and Teyvat, but I will try my best, please always be with me from now on. I want to rely on you." Aether said to her.
"You will get used to it, don't worry. I will always be with you."
"Shall we go enjoy the fireworks?" He took her hand in his and so did her. “The grand finale is almost here.”
"Let's go see it!"
Right on time, the fireworks show began the most brilliant phase, as lots of firecrackers launched into the sky they burst into a lot of colorful shapes, the sky shining like daylight. The grand finale was the huge Mingxiao Lantern that looked like one of the Adeptus to honor their contribution to the city. The lantern started to walk high into the sky before a bright shining light appeared on the sea, thus ending the show.
"Woah! I haven't seen something like this before," Aether exclaimed, turning to look at Keqing.
"Same here, I haven't seen a firework show that big!" Keqing agreed, her eyes still glued to the sky.
"So ... about the commission, can I have more like this one?" He asked.
Keqing looked at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "I will make another one for you, and it will probably take longer to get done."
"I can take it as long as it's with you," Aether laughed, feeling happy just being by her side.
"Don't forget I still want my revenge on you!" Keqing playfully pinched his cheek, causing him to chuckle.
"I will wait for it." Aether replied, looking at her with a fond smile.
As the fireworks show came to an end, Keqing grabbed Aether's arm, pulling him close to her, "Let's go home then, it's late now. Tomorrow will be a brand-new day for us."
Aether nodded, feeling content as they walked home, they basked in the warm afterglow of the festival, savoring each other's company. The night sky was clear, and the stars shone brightly, casting a gentle glow on their faces. They talked about their favorite moments from the festival, sharing stories and memories. Keqing felt grateful for Aether's presence, for the way he made her feel safe and protected.
A happy thought ran through Keqing's mind as she realized that she had finally found the person of her dreams, Aether and she expressed her gratitude for being with him, hoping that he would stay with her forever.
Meanwhile, on top of a tall building in the harbor, Paimon and Xiao watched as Keqing and Aether walked home together, their hands intertwined.
"What a beautiful sight." Paimon exclaimed. "I knew this festival was going to be amazing! Now I can ask him to help me get more food!"
Xiao stood there silently with a small smile on his face. "Yes, this festival was truly the best ever."
END.