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February 2nd was a day like any other for most people. The streets of Fontaine were as bustling as usual, everyone going about their day, as the evening sun shone over the rooftops of the city.
However, deep within the court, a place long abandoned had received the visit of a certain someone.
Inside Cesar’s workshop, Lyney had slumped down over some cushions in a corner, trying to find some respite from the busy day he just had. He was one year older today, along with his sister, and so he had spent the day greeting people, receiving gifts and celebrating with his family. It was a good day, but tiring nonetheless.
Taking off his hat, he let out a long sigh as he leaned against the wall behind him. He then reached into his pocket, pulling out the gift Lynette and Freminet had done for him: a tiny Bogglecat toy that played a little tune by turning the cog under it. He closed his eyes as the music played, his body finally relaxing as he emptied his mind, focusing on the music.
The echoing of footsteps broke the magician out of his trance, however, sliding the trinket back into his pocket before looking at the hallway. A familiar sight greeted him.
“Oh? What an unexpected surprise!” Lyney exclaimed, waving back to Aether. “That means you received my letter, yes? Did you come sprinting all the way from Natlan to see me?” He added with a wink.
“I was in Liyue, actually, visiting some friends” Aether replied, sitting down next to Lyney.
“Ah, what a happy coincidence, then! Although, didn’t Paimon come with you?” the magician asked, looking around.
“I stopped by the House first while looking for you, so she stayed there with Lynette”
“Hmm… I see” Lyney muttered, his tone softening as he looked down.
Aether noticed the change in the magician’s demeanor, grinning to himself. He was glad Lyney felt comfortable enough in his presence to let his real self slip through, even if just for a moment.
“So, it’s just the two of us. I can give you your gift now, then” Lyney added, turning to face the traveler.
“Why are you the one giving gifts, though?” Aether asked, remembering the letter Lyney sent. “Shouldn’t it be the other way around?”
“Well…” Lyney began, fidgeting with his cape. “I just want to repay the kindness people show to me. Being a Fatuus… Being part of the House of the Hearth, it means our future is uncertain. We never know when it’ll be the last time we celebrate our birthday. Therefore, we cherish the time spent together. At least, that’s what I think families would do… So, birthdays are more of a celebration for us , instead of just me ”.
“I…” Aether began, a worried look on his face, “I hope you and Lynette can keep celebrating more birthdays in the future, then”
The thought of losing Lyney… No, he didn’t even want to think about it. The scare of almost losing Hu Tao back in Liyue remained still in his mind, yet the feeling of suddenly not being able to see Lyney again… It felt different. It felt terrifying.
“But anyways!” Lyney interjected, “Time for your gift!”
“Ah, right” The traveler mumbled, trying to keep those depressing thoughts away. He looked around the room for a moment. “Is it a new magic trick? I don’t see any presents around, even less one that ‘takes up quite a bit of space’” He added with a chuckle.
“You need to close your eyes first” The magician replied.
“Alright. Surprise me” Aether teased, closing his eyes. He felt Lyney’s hands gently holding his. “Though I thought the point of a magic trick was doing it while the person is looking”
Yet instead of a reply, he suddenly felt Lyney’s lips against his own. The kiss was short, but he felt as if time itself had slowed down, even if it was for a fleeting moment. Opening his eyes again, he saw Lyney smiling from ear to ear, a slight tint of red covering his cheeks.
“Tada! It’s my love for you!” Lyney announced with a proud smile. “So… Did you like it…?”
Aether was still stunned, his face flushed red. The warmth of Lyney’s mouth still lingered on his own. But he wanted to feel more of it.
“Aether…?”
Before Lyney could say another word, Aether had lunged forward, lips clashing in a passionate kiss as he pushed the magician down against the cushions behind them. Lyney’s arms wrapped around Aether’s body, melting into the kiss as the traveler cradled him.
The kiss soon turned into a slow makeout session, only breaking apart to catch their breath before going at it again. Now realizing just how much they had missed each other, both of them felt as if nothing else around them existed, their heartbeats syncing as one while their tongues intertwined.
Suddenly, Lyney felt one of Aether’s hands sliding down his side and up his shorts, which finally made the magician snap out of it and break the kiss.
“Not here, darling” He muttered, out of breath. He felt light-headed, still imprinted in his skin the burning sensation of Aether’s touch.
The traveler pouted, but he understood. This was the workshop of Lyney’s teacher after all, engaging in such “activities” could feel like a disrespect from Lyney’s part. Besides, there were people waiting for them at the House.
Aether stood up first, fixing his scarf and hair. He extended a hand to Lyney, who gladly took it only to then be pulled upwards against Aether’s body.
“Happy birthday” Aether said, hugging the magician.
Lyney smiled, putting his hat back on and kissing Aether one last time before leaving the workshop. They still had some “unfinished business”, however– their day was far from over.