Work Text:
The hustle and bustle of the harbor was nothing short of expected. People chattering and walking up and about, merchants calling passersby with sweet promises about their wares, the waft of food hanging in the air, hoping to entice customers — it would be an understatement to say that it was a familiar sight for Zhongli. Usually in any other circumstances his feet would walk him to the familiar path towards Heyu Tea House and by then he would be sitting on an outdoor table, sipping his tea and perhaps entice other patrons to have a chat with him.
Instead, however, he finds himself in front of the ever so capable Katheryne, the receptionist of the Adventures Guild.
“Ad Astra Abyssosque, welcome to the Adventurer's Guild, Mr. Zhongli.” Katheryne pleasantly says, and he finds comfort in their usual routine amidst the bustling emotions inside him. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Yes, actually.” Zhongli says, “I’m expecting a letter that was due to arrive today.”
It was easy enough to say, the truth falling out his tongue smoothly. Showing none of the anticipation that dries his mouth at the recognition that sparks in the receptionists eyes. He could feel his fingers twitch, ready to take the inevitable letter out of the receptionist's tender care; to devour the written words, embrace Aether’s voice reading it aloud in the safety of his mind.
“Ah, yes!” Katheryne says, rummaging under her desk to find what he presumes to be the letter—or letter s —and makes a triumphant sound to have found what she’s looking for. “From the Traveler, I presume?”
“That would be correct, yes.” Zhongli says, can barely keep the utter excitement from his tone, instead he smiles, hands itching to take it from her hands, to devour the words written on the paper. To read himself that he’s doing well; if he was eating well.
If Aether was well.
It would be better of course, much better to see for himself — to touch and feel his warmth, to see his smile, the brightness in his eyes and to hear his voice. But a bird must fly free and so, Zhongli has to make do with what he is given.
“Here you are, Mr. Zhongli,” Katheryne says, cutting him from his thoughts. “Five letters from the Traveler himself.”
“Five?” Zhongli raises a brow, surprise tinging his tone as he takes the letters nonetheless. Gently, as if glass, thumb running across the thick and rough envelope. If he tries hard enough, he could almost imagine Aether himself giving it to him.
“Five,” Katheryne confirms, a knowing look in her eyes. “All in one day as well. He must have had a lot to say to you, Mr. Zhongli.”
“Or perhaps he just has tales to tell.” He says, and unwittingly, a fond smile makes its way to his face. “He is an adventurer at heart, after all.”
Katheryne laughs, as if knowing something he didn’t, “Perhaps.”
“Hey Katheryne!” Aether said, an excited — if not nervous — smile on his face. He was flushed, but not out of exertion, Katheryne thought, but out of embarrassment, almost. It was different from how he usually was. Cool, composed. Bright and sunny. It was an interesting dichotomy, and now, here he is; a baring a new side to her.
And today, she notes, his flying companion is nowhere to be found. Which was, she thought, new. And would have been concerning were it not for the smile on his face.
A nervous smile, if not embarrassed, but smile nonetheless. It was enough to make her relax.
It would seem, she thought with relief, that there would be no missing persons request today.
One less thing to worry about.
“Traveler,” she said, “is there anything I can do for you?”
“I was hoping I could send a letter.” Traveler said, a sheepish smile on his face, and indeed, what he places gently on the desk is just that – a letter, an envelope .
It was nothing new, to get a request like this. Mails were a common thing in Teyvat, and not one that caused much in terms of money or manpower; it was an easy job to do, quick and painless. Often, adventurers sought out these kinds of commissions for a quick pay.
And yet still, something like surprise bloomed in her chest, though she made sure none showed on her face. And though she knew it was none of her business, she wondered.
It was not as if she was terribly interested, but simply – curious. She might use the excuse of him being such an enigma – with him being an Outlander, with his achievements. But she knew it was because of how… distant he was. Rarely does he ever talk about himself aside from a few tidbits about his sister when asked, it wasn’t that he was indifferent or cold; but the fact that Katheryne can’t help but notice how little he talked about himself.
“Yes, of course.” She said, a genuine smile on her face and she carefully took the letter and placed it unto the to be sent pile behind her desk. “That would be 300 mora for every letter you wish to be delivered.”
Then she shows a piece of parchment, on it reads: sender and recipient . “Please just sign here and write down the name of the recipient, you’re all good to go!”
“Right,” Aether said. Face excited, a little anticipatory as he took the quill and filled out all the blanks. His handwriting was shaky, unused to writing, and a little messy; but no less legible.
Perhaps the letter was for a friend in Mondstadt, the first land he walked on in Teyvat. Perhaps it was for someone else, someone in Inazuma – a friend, a counsel, something more. It was none of her business, and yet – she wondered.
Nevertheless, this was a job, and it would do no good to let the curiosity show on her face; it would be unprofessional, not to mention, nosey and rude.
But as Aether handed her the filled up paper, as he took the commissions and ran to complete them – she couldn’t help but notice.
His ears, she thought, were red.
On the form, written as the answer to who the letters were for, reads: Zhongli.
Now in his home, in his room. Alone and guard down – sitting in a poised position with the letters before him laid on a table, it is silent.
I’m going to visit soon! Such simple words, barely a sentence and yet; Zhongli is helpless to stop the harsh beating of his heart.
Thump, thump, thump it goes, harsh and unrelenting, almost threatening to burst free of his rib cage and out his body. To run to a place where he yearns to be the most, to fly into his arms – into Aether’s arms and never let go. Instead, Zhongli remembers to breathe, in and out his nose; his eyes fluttering to a close and remembers Aether’s voice.
It’s barely an effort to do so, there is not a day that goes by where he doesn’t think about the Traveler; his voice, his warmth, his smile. Reverberating in his entire being. An addiction that cannot be stopped. Cannot and will not – for he has no reason to stop it, no will to. This is an addiction that he does not mind living with for the rest of his life.
He continues on, devouring each word, paragraph per paragraph. Not a single detail passes by his eyes, for every loop of a y and for every curl of a z he is reminded yet again that there are still things that he doesn’t know about Aether.
And here Zhongli is, seeing another side of him unraveling between his hands.
He reads.
Dear Zhongli,
I’m going to visit soon! I’m almost done with my things here in Inazuma, everything’s going really well so far, which is saying something considering how we ended up here in the first place. The food here is great and the people are friendly once you get to know them! Paimon and I are having a blast exploring everything.
I wish you were here to see it with us, I’m sure there’s so much you can tell me about this place, there’s still so many things I don’t know about this world.
Anyway! It was really fun writing to you even if it was only short, this is all I can say since I’m in a hurry right now and Paimon wanted to send something out fast!
Best wishes,
Aether
Zhongli reads it over and over again, unwilling to miss anything, memorizing each word, the handwriting – the tone, imagining it as if Aether was here beside him, smiling and saying it instead.
I wish you were here to see it with us, Aether’s soft voice would say, a wistful smile on his face. There’s still so many things I don’t know about this world.
I’ll tell you, Zhongli wants to say, I’ll tell you anything you want to know about, every secret, every tale, everything. Anything.
And yet. And yet. Zhongli stares at the letter, now on the table. Dear, Zhongli, it reads, as if mocking the sudden, aching, yearning that unfolds in his heart. The want, the need. The longing . A familiar friend, and one that is – as always – an unwelcome reminder of who he is; of what, exactly, he symbolizes. The chains that hold him unto this world, binding him to secrecy, to silence. To obligation; responsibility; contract.
Not for the first time, he longs; and now, he reads.
Dear Zhongli…
And reads.
I’m going to visit soon!
And reads.
I wish you were here to see it with us.
And reads.
“Zhongli!” Aether’s voice is just as he remembers, crisp as a spring breeze and smile as burning as the sun. Zhongli smiles, excitement thrumming his heart and he is helpless to stop himself from walking over to the blonde-haired Traveler, they have spent too long apart. And he longs.
“Aether,” he says warmly, stopping just a few steps away from him. “It’s been long since I’ve last seen you.” I’ve missed you, he thinks. Then, because he’s never one to shy from being honest. “I’ve missed you.”
“Oh!” And of course, it will always be a delight to see Aether’s cheeks turn a rosy red from his mere words alone. Zhongli delights in it, at being the cause of such a delectable reaction, at the effect he has on the other; revels in it, almost.
“I – I missed you, too.” Aether says, cheeks still red and eyes painfully earnest and something inside him clenches at the sight of it. “Thank you for taking some time to pick us up, Zhongli. Paimon and I really appreciate it!”
“Of course,” Zhongli says after a moment, as if mesmerized before clearing his throat. “It’s no trouble at all, especially if it is you, Aether.”
“AHEM!” Paimon interrupts – face fed up and thankfully saving Aether from answering Zhongli. “If you guys are done – I’m hungry! The ride here from the ship was too much for Paimon to handle!”
“You barely did much but sleep, Paimon.” Aether says, his cheeks cooling down but sends her a thankful look.
“Of course,” Zhongli says, gazing at the both of them fondly. “I apologize, you both must be famished from the journey. How about I take you out for lunch?”
“I donno,” Paimon sends him a doubtful look, tone suspicious. “I mean, no offense Zhongli but Paimon doesn’t think you can afford it…”
“Paimon!” Aether admonishes, but tellingly doesn’t rebuke her. “It’s okay, Zhongli, I’m sure I can cook something for us in the inn we’re staying at.”
“Yeah!” Paimon chirps, “Aether got some really good recipes back in Inazuma! You should give ‘em a try, Paimon doesn’t mind sharing you some of Paimon’s favorites!”
“Thank you, Paimon.” he chuckles, gloved hand lifting up to his lips. “But please do not worry, I can well-afford the place I’m speaking of, though I’m not opposed to tasting Aether’s wonderful cooking – please let me treat you both.”
Zhongli’s smile gentles with sincerity, his eyes only reflecting Aether; intense and focused and wanting . “Won’t you let me?”
As if Aether could answer anything other than yes to that.
“What’s this place you’re taking us, Zhongli?” Aether asked, taking a step besides the other. Paimon long-gone into wherever she vanished to. A mystery he has no interest in finding out as there was a much more delectable treat beside him; looking at him with gentle, gold eyes; a sweet smile on his lips, his long-tied up hair flowing behind him. Zhongli fought to keep his hands to himself; to stop himself from unbraiding Aether’s hair, to comb it with his hands, to feel the soft hair. To tie it himself – to tangle it himself.
To do more things that can be said; think; imagine. Not just with his hair but with the entirety of Aether’s being, if he’ll let him.
He kept those thoughts to himself, for now. Afraid – uncertain whether the weight of his devotion would serve to scare Aether, or worse yet, work as chains to his ankles; a cage to his wings.
A bird is most beautiful when it is free, Zhongli thought, and instead smiled; and it was no work at all, to smile at Aether – it comes easy, as if breathing; as if feeling the gentle breeze atop a mountain. Aether simply makes being easy , wonderful, freeing.
“It is a place near and dear to my heart.” He said, gently bumping Aether’s shoulder and absently recalled the preparations he made for this dinner with a feeling he can now name as excitement and anticipation with a dash of fear. “I do hope you will like it.”
I hope you will more than like it, I hope you will feel safe in it, I hope you will not see it as a cage but instead a resting place – perhaps not a home, you do not have to see it as such; perhaps instead, as a bird sees a branch to rest on, you will come to see my home as the same.
All I wish for you is to come back, safely; soundly. To know that there is a place to come back to.
Zhongli, though, said none of those and instead gently took Aether’s waist in his arms and steered him into the right direction. His smile turned into something mischievous at the hitch of his voice; at the light blush on his cheeks and the slight falter of his steps.
It all spoke of good things to Zhongli, and for now, it was the little things that mattered the most.
They arrived a few minutes later; sun slowly, gently setting, birds flying to their nests and the bustle of the city now calming down. By the time they stepped into Zhongli’s house, Aether only looked a bit flustered, his blush now light, almost unnoticeable on his cheeks, and his frame now relaxed and comfortable around Zhongli’s arm. It was a satisfying change to see, and even more to see Aether laugh and look so carefree around him – as if his wings were open; wide and encompassing, allowing Zhongli to rest under it.
It was a feeling that made him feel addicted, it was delicious; like a warm balm on his soul; the warm sun on his skin; the fresh wind playing with his hair, flowing freely. Refreshing, loving – it made Zhongli feel alive in ways he never was; never felt before.
And now, as he watched Aether look around his home – he felt the feeling strengthen. Felt it like how rocks gently collide; gently; firmly; rolling back and forth and then clack hitting once more. Once, twice, thrice as it slowly evened out and stop.
“Do make yourself comfortable.” Zhongli said, taking his shoes off with one hand; the other still firmly around Aether’s small, bare, waist. His hand warm against the other’s skin, encompassing – large. It satisfied something in him, to see the difference in their size so starkly besides their heights. Still, he didn’t let that thought linger for long lest it distract him from leaning away just a bit, to let Aether do the same.
And as Aether followed his actions – leaning against his side to take his shoes off as well, following his lead – or, letting Zhongli lead with his hand once more firmly on his waist – it felt right. This, Aether; in his home, by his side. It felt right; the sun shined, as did the moon; he had lived thousands upon thousands of years and Zhongli knew he would love Aether for longer.
Right here, in his arms, in his home; hearing Aether’s laugh; feeling his warmth, watching the crinkle of his eyes and the scrunch of his nose – it felt right; he made Zhongli feel right . It felt like everything would be alright.
“Please, feel free to take a seat.” Zhongli said, watching Aether look around his room. It was nothing much. Paintings on the walls, of dragons, of cranes up atop mountains, mountains themselves; littered across the walls of the room – some of trees with autumn leaves, others of flowers. There were drawers leaned against the wall, with trinkets atop it. Small statues, scrolls, unopened letters, calligraphy brush and inks. It was not messy, but it couldn’t be said that it was neat.
It was lived-in, though. It spoke of life, being; facets of habits that didn’t leave this very room, that many don’t see. That some do – that Aether is being told, shared to.
In the middle of the room was a table, and on it laid a kettle and two tea-cups; several plates, cutlery and under it were two pillows meant to be sat on.
“Is this – “ Aether started, and perhaps realized that it was a bit of a late reaction because a sheepish look settled on his face, it was an endearing look on him and Zhongli found it hard pressed not to steal a short peck on the lips.
“Yes, you are correct in assuming that this is my home.” Zhongli said, a soft, amused smile on his face as he gestured for Aether to walk around — to sit, to do whatever he wished. “So I hope you feel comfortable your stay, I hope you don’t mind if I go change my clothes. It will only take a few minutes.”
Aether paused, something like awe in his eyes; his whole body softening; relaxing. “Yeah, of course Zhongli.” He said after a moment, lips quirked up. “Take your time! Might read some of the books you got here.”
“Please,” he chuckled, already walking towards a spare room. “It is all yours.”
Everything here is all yours. He doesn’t say, it wasn’t time. Not yet.
It took approximately 10 minutes or so for Zhongli to change into his yukata, and another 5 minutes staring at himself in the mirror with something – not insecurity, but unsurety. Something he wasn’t used to feeling, if he were to be entirely honest, and he was – being honest, that was. It was something of a phenomenon that became more and more common the more he was in Aether’s presence. The sheer honesty he brings out of Zhongli. The absolute trust that Aether made him feel; the yearning, the want; along with the addicting feeling of being wanted in turn.
It was delightful, the mutual feeling of wanting someone and being wanted back by them. Of trusting them and being trusted back. To be loved wholly, unconditionally, adoringly as you do them.
It brought giddy feelings flow through his stomach and encompassed his entire being – utterly so out of character of him and yet Zhongli could not find it in himself to care.
Zhongli was happy, Aether made Zhongli happy - and he would be damned if he let that feeling – if he let Aether – go.
“I hope you’re finding the book delightful.” Zhongli said, walking into the room and immediately honing on the figure sitting cross-legged, nose deep in a book. He felt the fabric he was wearing shift for every miniscule action he took. He was well-built, he knew, much more than the average human – vision holder or not; hard muscles, bulky figure, wide shoulders. His outfit only did to enhance that; an intentional choice on his part.
A good choice on his part, he thought, delighted of the dark blush that spread on Aether’s cheeks and on how his eyes roamed his figure.
It took a few minutes for Aether to respond, and in those few minutes, Zhongli padded towards the table and took a seat next to him in a few easy strides. Reveling in the easy warmth Aether exudes, on how small he was compared to him – a few heads shorter. On how different they were, not just in height, but size, as well.
Aether was small, lithe. Built for speed and power. He hit hard and he hit fast. His waist was small, this Zhongli knew well; shoulder not as broad, but almost fragile despite Aether being anything but.
His hands, Zhongli thought; wondered; dared to imagine, was sure to fit snugly in his. It wouldn’t even fill half his hand, he thought. And something about that thought was precious, meant to be treasured, hidden away from all the ugly things in the world.
Aether was meant to be hidden away from all the dark and nitty gritty things in the world – but that wasn’t something he would allow. Merely sharing the thought of it would elicit a shake of his head; a frown and perhaps a scolding.
A bird must fly free of chains.
“I – yeah.” Aether finally said, voice starting back up and smiled up at him, the flush now but a light pink. “It’s really informative, I didn’t know there was this much information about rocks.”
“Ah, yes.” Zhongli said, leaning down to catch a passage of what he was reading, and in doing so smelled the hints of dandelions and Asters and something so uniquely Aether, it was almost dizzying.
“… there is a wealth of information about this specific field. If you wish to learn more I would not mind teaching you.” He said belatedly, dazed, almost.
Aether smelled of freedom, and absently, he wondered what he would smell like if Zhongli were to envelope him with himself; with his scent; his clothes; his everything. Surely, it would mean that he would be a part of Aether’s life in more ways than just through letters. Surely, it would mean that Aether would think of him when they inevitably split ways—surely, it would mean that; they would, in some part; in some way; shape and form; become one .
“Zhongli?” Aether said, his voice sounded distinctly flustered – and near. “Is everything okay?”
Abruptly he realized that they were close, much closer than Zhongli intended. And yet, he didn’t—could not—find it himself to care. Because here, Aether was; near, so delectably near. Their faces were mere inches apart. Their breaths; shared; their skins almost touching.
Here, Aether was, almost under him as Zhongli towered. Eyes wide, cheeks red, smelling of freedom and dandelions and Asters; it felt so right , for their positions to be like this, it felt so right to have Aether be so near him, next to him, here with him—and Zhongli ached. And he wanted, and he craved—as if a starving man needed food.
He needed Aether as one needed sustenance.
“I yearn for you,” Zhongli murmured, hot breath fanning Aether’s face, his hand coming up to cup the others cheek; thumb tracing circles around his soft skin. Aether fit so gorgeously in his hand that he could no longer find it himself to deny what he so dearly wanted. He was far past the point of no return. “I yearn for you so much, that I fear that it has become tangible. Can you feel it?”
In the silence of the room, he could hear Aether swallow.
“My dear dove,” Zhongli said, his thumb moved to gently touch the bottom of Aether’s lip. “Have I mistaken the signs?”
“No,” Aether whispered, hoarse and wanting, his golden eyes darkened. “ No, you weren’t mistaken Zhongli. Please. ”
Even in his words, Aether was so utterly delectable, so utterly loveable, so utterly irresistible. So of course, so deep under his spell; his being, Zhongli could do nothing but answer his wish.
As if Zhongli would have it any other way.
And so like a dragon gently landing under a soft, bountiful plain. Zhongli swoops down to steal a kiss; gently, lovingly; yearningly. And somewhere deep inside him, a puzzle clicked into place – and he felt whole.
All was right.