Chapter Text
It was a fine afternoon in Natlan.
The sun, as per usual, was ravaging the lands with its luminous rays, bathing the residents in a familiar heat—a scorching radiance which was a blessing or a curse, depending on who was asked. Apart from the simmering bowl of fire lighting up the sky—its veracity a matter of some debate—the gorgeous blue field stretching from horizon to horizon was also colored with several long, flowery white strands of vapor, drifting aimlessly across the azure expanse.
In other words, clouds. It was cloudy. These moving patches of shade provided some relief for a certain blonde-haired traveler, as he traversed through the tribe of the whatever.
Though by this point, he was well used to the consistently steamy climate of Natlan—in more ways than one.
A faint smile crossed Aether’s face, recalling a recent visit with Citlali.
It seems living in a desert really does make one thirsty.
Finally approaching his target—and greeting many familiar faces along the way, his legacy well cemented in the Pyro nation—the traveler moseyed into a popular smithy’s shop with a swaggering air, absent of Paimon.
The little devil was terrorizing some poor street vendor. Probably.
Past the curtained door, Xilonen was seated at her workbench, her beautiful tan skin illuminated by an orange–hued lantern hanging above her head. The jaguar was concentrated on a small piece of jewelry, intricate tools in hand with a magnifying lens hanging over her left eye.
Her fluffy ears twitched upon hearing a visitor; yet the catgirl continued her work unperturbed.
She recognized those footsteps. The traveler sidled up behind her, leaning down to murmur into her ear. “Hey babe~”
Xilonen’s tools froze.
“… You know, someday all this flirting is going to bite you in the ass,” she muttered, shaking her head before resuming her work.
“Well… If it’s you biting, I don’t mind.”
There was a clatter as Xilonen set her tools down. She turned her head to look at him; the catgirl’s expression was faintly annoyed, colored with a hint of reproach. Yet one could also discern the wisp of a smile, creasing her perfectly full lips.
“You’re incorrigible, Traveler. Truly.”
“You know you like it,” the blonde smirked before patting her shoulder, gesturing to the crowded workbench. “You’ve really worked hard today, huh?”
She followed his gaze, surveying the various ornaments and adornments she’d crafted. Assorted tools and weapons sat on the rack beside the table, many shining with a pearlescent glow from fresh polishing.
“I still need to finish…” She yawned. The catgirl’s arms reached for the sky as she arched her back in a rather sensual stretch. “I’ve done a lot, sure, but there’s always more. You know how it is.”
Aether nodded, finally tearing his gaze away from her supple form. “I do. The commissions never end; but I think you’ve done enough work today, don’t you? The world won’t end if you don't finish these one day sooner, Xilonen.”
“Ugh… It’s really hard to argue with you, you know? I don’t know how Paimon puts up with you,” Xilonen said with an amused huff. She unclasped the magnifying device around her head, setting it down on the table as she put her tools away in a neat leather case.
“Fine, Aether. You win. I’m calling it for today. I was just finishing up this ring anyway. So, what brings you to my humble abode, hmm? Just making sure I don’t work myself to death, or… Looking for something else?”
“I just wanted to spend some time with you, Xilonen. You don’t mind, right?”
“Let’s see, spending time with the handsome, charming guy who also helped save my entire country… Nah. I’ll pass.”
The pair smiled at each other, the room filling with gentle laughter. The Traveler’s gaze was drawn to her completed work, focusing on one particular piece of jewelry that shone with a nigh unparalleled shine.
He held out his hand toward it. “May I?”
Xilonen shrugged. “What’s mine is yours.”
Aether nodded, his skin flushing lightly from her casual, yet heartfelt statement. He picked up a small golden ring, inlaid with a glimmering emerald.
“It’s beautiful,” he said quietly, turning it in hand.
Xilonen puffed out her chest—creating quite the impression. “Well, I put my heart and soul into it, so I would hope it’s at least pretty,” she said with a light chuckle.
The Traveler held the ring up beside her face, as if comparing the two.
“Hmm? What’re you up to, T?”
“Beautiful… Yet not quite as perfect as the original,” the Traveler muttered, staring into her green eyes. The colors of effervescent life, rolling hills and lush forests; all which bloomed across the world was encased within those jade irises.
Beautiful indeed.
Xilonen huffed, leaning back in her chair. “Guess you don’t have an off switch, huh?”
She sighed. “Not that I mind, though…”
The Traveler smiled, putting the ring down. “And I’m glad for it, Xilonen. If you don’t mind, it’s about time someone rewarded your hard work, right?”
The name engraver cocked her head, fluffy tail waving idly by her side. The Traveler made a show of putting his hand under her chin—before he started scratching it gently with his nails.
“Not this again,” she sighed, closing her eyes. Xilonen’s long, spotted tail shivered behind her as the Traveler scratched her chin.
“I hate this.”
“I know.”
“You’d better stop right now.”
“I will.”
He continued giving her scritches. The Traveler smiled, watching her chiseled face practically melt in his palm. He indulged the curvaceous catgirl for a while, her soft breaths tickling his wrist.
When Aether finally pulled his hand away, Xilonen’s eyes flashed open—for the first time, containing a rare spark of genuine vexation.
“Sorry.”
Xilonen said nothing; she simply grabbed his hand, this time placing it on top of her head. The traveler rubbed her soft white-orange hair, occasionally moving to knead her fuzzy, sensitive ears—earning a faint moan as Xilonen’s eyes closed.
Soon, another noise filled the cozy workspace; a gentle rumble, emanating from the jaguar’s chest, sending faint vibrations through the traveler by proximity.
She was purring.
The traveler smiled, reaching up with both hands to rub her velvety cat ears.
“Who’s a good kitty?”
“… Mew.”
“Did you hear something?” The traveler tilted his head, watching a faint flush spread from her cheeks to her neck.
“Must’ve been the wind.” He chuckled, perching on the workbench as the pampering continued. Being so close, the catgirl’s familiar scent filled his senses; bits of charcoal and steel with a hint of sweat, coupled with her understated, earthy perfume.
For a while, it seemed the cat had fallen asleep—but eventually her long eyelashes fluttered open, gazing at the Traveler with freely expressed contentment.
“Alright…” She gently grabbed his hands, pulling them down into her lap. “That’s enough for now, hun. Anymore and I’ll get overstimulated.”
And wasn’t that a dangerous prospect.
Xilonen stood, her heels rising off the ground as she stretched again. The Traveler also began to stand—not noticing how her gaze homed in on him, the artisan’s tail waving much faster now.
“Hey, Aeth…” Xilonen’s hand grabbed his scarf, suddenly pulling his body flush against her own. Aether barely had time to part his lips to voice a question before they were captured by the catgirl’s.
The Geo vision wielder wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning down as she thoroughly kissed him. The traveler raised his eyebrows, but there was no answer to be found in those green eyes; they were closed.
Aether responded likewise, allowing her free roam, understanding her intent of repayment.
As the smooch progressed into one of the Fontainian variety, Xilonen’s taste filled his senses; a faintly sweet flavor, coupled with a dash of coffee.
As her hands pulled him against her warm body, Aether’s hands were likewise not idle, exploring the tantalizing curves exposed between her flashy clothing.
After a few moments the intimate pair finally separated, chests rising in tandem as fresh air replaced the lighted-headed, yet thickly romantic atmosphere.
“What,” inquired Aether as he wiped his lips, “was that for, babe? Not that I mind, of course. You’re great at everything you do—especially kissing.”
Xilonen’s flushed face was lighted by a slight smile, her long pink tongue licking her chops before answering.
“I just don’t like letting good work go unpaid, Traveler. If you pamper me like that, of course I gotta reward you, you know?”
“An admirable work ethic, honey; though for me, this ‘work’ is its own reward,” The Traveler said, leaning up to plant a few smooches against her exposed neck.
“Hmm…” Xilonen craned her neck, allowing him free access to her tan flesh. “In that case, feel free to do as much ‘work’ as you want, hun…”
After she was peppered with a sufficient amount of kisses—some leaving faint marks on her luscious skin—Aether slipped his hand into her own, casually leading her out of the workroom.
“Hmm… You know me too well,” said Xilonen, her tone suffused with weariness and amusement. Aether led her on a short path up to a secluded hillside, where a few trees hid a special contraception that was perhaps the catgirl’s favorite place in the world:
A hammock.
Xilonen squeezed his hand before letting go, the tall woman hopping on the hammock and laying down. She patted her flat stomach, holding her arms open.
“Hold me, Aeth.”
The traveler practically dove onto the Geo user; though the landing was so soft any amount of force was instantly dissipated. Aether’s arms wrapped around her larger torso as the pair settled in together. When the blonde glanced up, he saw Xilonen smiling down at him; she blinked slowly, leaning down until their foreheads met in a gentle headbutt.
Aether laughed as she rubbed her face against his own, the blonde reaching down to stroke her tail in response.
“Praise me,” she muttered, her voice falling to a husky rumble.
“You’re such a hard worker, Xilonen. Good girl,” he cooed, earning a satisfied purr. Her long tail wrapped around his arm, squeezing it slightly.
“Thanks… Love ya, Aeth,” she whispered into his ear, holding him close as her breathing slowed into a steady rhythm.
“Hmm…” Aether gave her a peck on the cheek, before closing his own eyes, relaxing in her warm, squishy embrace. “Love you too, Xilonen.”
The pair rocked gently in the hammock, silhouetted against the impending twilight. The sky was set ablaze in a series of warm hues, the brilliant orange of the sunset practically a copy of the radiance of the suave Pyro Archon, bathing the lands in her simmering warmth.
For the two napping together under its visage, it was a picture of perfect harmony; domestic bliss, the envy of every man the world over.
It was a quiet evening in Natlan.