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“And I think we’ll get the… Oh! That one flavor- what is it called? Oooo- yes we’ll take that! And we’ll also hav-”
Aether blinks slowly as he holds a warm hand in his own, eyes not quite focused as he zones in and out. He felt warm all over as he wore a soft sweater- his usual clothing not in sight.
His clothes meant a lot to him… He thinks, but ever since he got the teapot… He felt more comfortable with leaving them there in his room- it was a safe space.
Plus, he wasn’t allowed to wear anything with sharp edges or even armor related while he was…
“Aether, did you hear me?” Venti’s voice is soft too, just like his sweater. It makes him feel like he could lay on a fluffy cloud, and everything would forever be okay. “...Pretty flower?”
Aether’s eyes snap back as he realizes he was drifting again, processing the words and immediately shaking his head in response.
Venti just squeezes his hand in reassurance, “I asked if you wanted something easy to eat or if you’d be fine with anything.”
The blonde’s eyebrows furrow, slowly bringing up his hand as to finger spell- not wanting to release Venti’s hand as it was a comforting thing he wasn’t willing to depart with just yet. Even if it’d just be for a moment. “You order for ‘we’?”
Venti blinks back, then lets out a huffed laugh. “I was saying we, yes. But I’m just getting you some stuff for later too- I mean what you want right now.”
Aether bites his lip in contemplation before spelling out “easy” and letting his hand fall back down. Venti uses his free hand to ruffle through Aether’s hair with care then turn back to who he was ordering from.
They were… Where were they again? Aether glances around him, Sumeru. They were in Sumeru. He.. He started to feel himself drift, he remembers now- while he was staying at one of the hotels he just felt things go numb. And when things go numb, he knows he has to go to someone- but this time he didn’t just want to bother someone in Sumeru, he just…
He had people he trusted here, yes. But He just wanted Venti at that moment. To have his voice in particular- soothing and consistent. His gentle hands and soft reassurances. Everyone he knew had their ways of reaching him through his hazed mind, but some days there’s things he needs more in particular. And Venti was that.
Currently Venti was making sure he ate, and Aether followed him anywhere like a puppy- hand held tightly.
He really doesn’t remember when Venti appeared nor does he remember saying Venti’s name- he just knows the wind picked up anything important when it came to him. Venti was nosy, but only nosy enough to listen when his name is whispered or… If Aether was in pain.
Venti gently tugs on his hand and he starts walking without much thought, allowing Venti to guide them over to a table. They sit down side by side on a bench, and Venti starts to chatter on as they wait for their food. The bard is rubbing soothing circles with his thumb on Aether’s held hand, expression always so pleased when Aether hums back to him and nods slowly in response to anything Venti says. He wasn’t all there, but he was still able to process things if the words were clearly said and his brain took the time to catch up and understand.
Aether’s eyes never meet the person that delivers their food to the table, instead only staring down the plates as they’re placed in front of him and using all the brain power he can to muster up lifting his other hand up and grabbing a fruit slice first.
His chewing makes him a whole lot less inclined to process the few words he was hearing from Venti before, rather focusing on the taste of what’s in his mouth and focusing on actually getting it down his throat.
Venti is fine with this, deciding to focus on his own meal while keeping his hand in Aether’s.
He’s only finished with a little over half his plate when a hand suddenly touches his forehead, making him jolt and his brain take its sweet time to process that it was just Venti. He pouts over at him due to his interruption from eating, and Venti lets out a sigh.
“Sorry, flower. Your forehead is just a little warm…” Venti’s hand brushes away the hair in Aether’s face, “Hmm… I don’t want you getting sick while you’re like this. Do you know anyone here who can help keep a fever down, dandelion?”
Venti patiently waits for Aether’s brain to catch up, and when it does he watches as Aether’s face scrunches up at what he assumes to be a thought passing by before it relaxes and the blonde lets out a huff. “Tighnari.” Aether mumbles, bringing up his hand to rub at his eye. “Not sick.”
Despite Venti’s surprise at the quiet words, the bard rolls his eyes. “Sure you’re not. I can count the number of times you’ve said that you weren’t getting sick but then got sick the next day on my fingers. And I was only there for two of the times. I know you, Aether. You always shut down because of very specific things and oncoming sickness has been on that list for a while.”
Aether’s pout comes back and deepens, and he suddenly starts to feel frustrated. It’s not like he wanted to get sick- it’s not like he wanted to feel this way any time he got overwhelmed or felt something he didn’t like or couldn’t understand.
He just…
He lets out a whine, foot kicking at the ground below the seat in frustration. It makes Venti immediately take Aether’s face into his free hand and turn it towards himself. “Breathe, sweet sweet traveler, breathe.” He says softly, thumb rubbing over his cheek. “It’s not your fault. No one blames you for feeling like this… Hm? I’m sure this Tighnari of yours would be happy to help, you wouldn’t be inconveniencing him.”
“Not sick…” Aether whispers, and Venti shushes him.
“Getting sick.” Venti corrects with a tut, “We’re gonna go ask where Tighnari is, kay?”
Aether reluctantly complies, finishing what he can of his food then allowing Venti to lead him to Tighnari.
It’s not hard to find the long eared forest watcher, as the man was at his home. Aether honestly doesn’t even remember getting to Tighnari’s home, seeing as when he’s following Venti like a lost puppy he tends to get lost in his brain.
Tighnari and Venti are speaking, Aether realizes after about five minutes.
“Oh, there you are.” Tighnari hums to him, very much noticing the way Aether’s eyes snapped into a sort of awareness. “To answer your question, Venti. Yes, I am well aware of what happens when Aether gets sick.” Tighnari lifts an ungloved hand to the blonde’s forehead, letting out a soft sigh when Aether leans into his touch.
“Well? Was I right to assume or being too doting?” Venti questions with a small smile, and Tighnari huffs out a laugh.
“He is rather warm. Though that could just be from overstimulation.” Tighnari cups Aether’s face with both of his hands, thumbs rubbing underneath his eyelids. He lets a soft sigh when Aether starts to sway slowly from side to side- his eyes shutting as he soaks in the grounding touch. “..I think he could do with some extra vitamins and sleep. You said he’s eaten, yes?”
Venti nods in response, “He asked for something easy to eat and I bought some extra food for later as well.” The bard hums, “I made sure he ate as much as possible.”
Tighnari nods in approval, “Okay. I’ll get him some vitamin gummies and he can sleep here for the night.” He releases Aether’s face, the blonde letting out a small confused noise as Venti has to wrap his arms around him to make sure he doesn’t stumble forward to try and chase the warmth Tighnari gave.
“Silly flower.” Venti guides Aether over to the bed, sitting him down and booping his nose. Aether’s face scrunches up in response, and he reaches up to boop Venti back.
He ends up getting pushed to lay down after eating the gummies that Tighnari provides, and Venti joins him in bed despite Tighnari not wishing for him to be too warm. Alas, the fox would relent for the sake of Aether’s mental health improving alongside his physical.
Venti holds him close, one hand playing with his hair as the other remains grounding on his back.
Aether lays his head on Venti’s chest, eyes still wide as he stares at nothing. He’s deep inside of his brain, but Venti doesn’t fret- being ever so patient with him.
Eventually, Aether’s entire body relaxes- and he lets out a soft breath of air as his eyes shut closed.
“...Thank you, Venti.” Aether says sleepily, making Venti coo and press his cheek against the top of Aether’s head.
“No need to thank me, golden star. Just rest and be your wonderful, bright self again tomorrow.” Venti’s hold tightens in such a comforting way that makes Aether hum gratefully.
Aether drifts off, though this time it’s into sleep- and flower filled dreams.