Chapter Text
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v-aether 8hrs trip + work + coffee and this view #Liyue takes me back to good ol’ times 🍂
7 hours ago
Aether whines and he can hear Bennett’s panic shrieking when Aether’s forehead hits the table with a thud. It barely stung.
“You don’t understand Venti! He’s so.. so..” Aether trail, eyes crossing at the yellow paint of the table and gets up with a slam of his hands. “He’s just so.. perfect. Like if there’s a realm where god put his nearly perfect to perfect human creation type of perfection. Albedo belongs there.”
“Everyone has flaws.” Venti waves and beckons Bennett for a wipe and starts soothing Aether’s forehead. “You still have two last shots to take, don’t ruin your make up!”
“Venti his only flaw is he sucks at choosing a significant other and that..” Aether bit his lips and he was seriously not feeling his eyes warming.
Having a sharp sense, Venti made a noise and reached for the cotton buds inside the pouch Bennett was carrying.
“Don’t start crying!” Venti merely shoves the tip and pokes his eyeballs, catching a lone tear before it could ruin the mascara and make him look desperate. “Lisa is going to kill us and I don’t want her to start with me!”
“But Albedo is just..”
“Married. Taken and with a daughter. Are you seriously whining about a single father?”
“Albedo’s a brilliant single father.” Aether frowns, brows shooting down as if thinking deeply. “Yeah he really is. Last week he asked me for advice because he accidentally made Klee upset and he wanted to apologize. He’s so sweet, Venti.. he runs to me of all people.”
Venti murmured something that Aether didn’t bother to hear. Bennett spoke behind and Venti signals, Aether sniffed a little as if to make a point. Venti made him blow his nose onto the napkin and retouch his make up, slicking his hair and patting his cheeks and neck gently.
“Finish the shoot so we get rich and then you can pour your undying love about your new found trope of a single father over a drink.” Venti promised and snorted.
“Aether, twenty minute break is over.” Lisa ushered behind and Aether straightens, standing up from his seat and strides back to the set of blinding monolights and camera. The backdrop had been a green screen. “Listen, okay?”
It was easy to slip back into work, Aether flips and they begin as soon as the thumbs up was given and he grace the lenses with a smile. None of the faces behind the cameras are really visible, they were reduced to quick silhouettes and lines though Aether can still feel them watching him in the center. The shutters and flicks of the camera continue. Aether can only hear the photographer’s voice and none seem to make any sort of small noises behind. It was only for a few more hours.
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v-aether dessert time! 🍰 I deserve this @barbaetos @bennett @lisa.m #ChenyuVale #Liyue
2 hours ago
“Nothing crazy.” Lisa warns and even though Venti nodded enthusiastically she still narrowed her eyes. She sighs. “I’m serious Aether, you can go sightseeing but don’t overdo it. We are on a tight schedule and I’d rather have you fully rested and healthy than functioning with three hours of sleep and coffee.”
Aether whispered ‘I’ll survive.’ and nods when Lisa gives him a stern glare.
“Alright, I’m staying in my room. Bennett, keep me updated on your locations.”
“Understood!”
Aether and Bennett take a step forward when Venti launches himself from behind and throws his arm around their shoulders. Aether can already feel the grin and mischief radiating off Venti even without looking.
The tiny splash of water feels refreshing on skin, Aether watches the waterfall as the wooden lift carries the three of them down. Yilong Wharf was known for many hidden sceneries and treasures, 360° degrees of the room and you’ll still have magnificent views of the water and hills. Not to mention the landmark that is Jademouth. The air smells of crisp and clean grass, the sun was not too hot on skin when the wind made up for it.
“I don’t think we should post our locations live. Let’s wait for us to leave or move away before uploading, it’s safer that way.” Bennett reminds Aether while he was taking a picture of Mt. Lingmeng and the long body of water in between Mt. Mingyuan.
“I’m just sending it to someone..” Aether trailed, clicking the shutter multiple times and once focusing on a bird dipping its claw on the surface of the water.
“Where are we going?” Bennett asks in general and Aether turns, catching Venti’s quietness and throws him a look.
Venti stopped typing. “Well, there’s Qiaoying Village an hour from the Wharf..” he trailed and his eyes gleamed when it landed on Aether. “I promise to let you whine openly so of course we’re going where the fun and adventure is!”
“I’ll text Lisa we are drinking.” Bennett said without much resolve. “.. just in case.”
Aether rolled his eyes and pouted afterwards.
Aether
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Have you ever been to chenyu vale?
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v-aether with the gang @bennett @barbaetos CHEERS! 🍻
2 hours ago
Aether didn’t bawl his eyes out but overeat his calorie limit under Bennett’s reluctant oath of only telling Lisa half of it. Venti managed to find a pub in the corner of Qiaoying Village, they serve snacks that mostly have tea flavors, the beer is decent and the overall atmosphere is rustic and cozy. It was the kind where you wanted a tame date but still want to get a bit tipsy. There’s a number of inns too for whatever aftermath the date was hoping for.
Aether rolled his eyes when Venti came back with ruffled clothes, jacket half-opened and hair a bit messy. Aether doesn’t miss Venti’s lopsided smile, too cheerful not to be suspicious. It’s definitely not just a restroom break but Aether shrugged. Bennett excused himself outside and put his phone to his ear.
“Already?” Aether asks, munching on tea biscuits.
“What? I couldn’t resist and it wasn’t me who made the first move.” Venti shrugged and sat across, gesturing for another drink and smiled sweetly at the waiter, making the poor guy flustered as he left. “I’m really liking this place, it feels like I’m a celebrity!”
“You mean feeding your ego,”
“You’re one to talk..”
Aether fish out his phone when it buzzed. Albedo replied to his text earlier.
Albedo <3
Can’t say I have, though I’d like to visit some day.
Are you done with the shoot?
Aether typed out a reply but then deleted it and decided to send a picture of their table, his hand in the view holding a peace sign albeit the camera didn’t focus on it. It was sent quickly.
Albedo <3
Drinking?
Aether would’ve sent a picture of himself but he’s not that drunk yet.
Albedo <3
I can’t say you shouldn’t loosen up a bit but drink moderately and keep your phone with you.
Take care Aether. Klee also says goodnight :)
Aether’s forehead collided with the table for the second time today, Bennett who was just coming back shrieked once again and hurried to grab wipes. A bit of tea biscuit crumbs has gotten into Aether’s hair and cheeks, leaving a faint imprint as it falls.
“Your hair!” Bennett fusses.
“That’s unsanitary,” Venti commented though he hasn’t stopped munching.
Aether waves his hand. “Get me another drink. I can’t be too sober for this.”
“Gladly!” Venti smiles and almost jumps out of his seat, dragging Bennett with him with little protest. “Gah, Aether will survive..”
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barbaetos ~and he was real drunk he just fell into my arms~~ @v-aether
2 hours ago
Albedo <3
Drink a lot of water
Good morning Aether :)
Aether
You smile as if you don’t know i’m having the worse headache
…
goodmorning
Aether might’ve drooled on his trip back to Mondstadt and slept through it, then he was wide awake. Black pants, cream colored crew-neck sweater, thin round glasses and half-braid ponytail. Albedo stands above the stairs waiting, with his lips stretched into a small but amused smile and hands in his pocket. Aether was definitely crushing. Then something red and fiery dashed from Albedo’s behind and Aether was falling, seeing the sky above as he hurriedly placed a protective hand around Klee’s head.
“Klee!” Albedo exclaimed a tad bit too late. “Klee– Aether are you hurt?”
“.. fine. Klee are you alright?” he asks gently on the weight on his chest and Aether sighs in relief when Klee giggles.
Albedo reaches for his face and the back of his head and perhaps Aether is not that okay and needs to be cradled.
Albedo doesn’t look happy after checking. “Klee, don’t do that again. That was dangerous.” he sternly scolds and Aether just closes his eyes, uncaring if he’s still lying on a damn pavement in public and the clothes Bennett picked up for him is getting dirty. Albedo’s voice still holds its smoothness even though he sounds winded. “Klee, apologize.”
Aether would get up but Albedo’s demanding voice is unfairly attractive and Aether is just a simple man. What a disaster.
Klee murmured her apology and Aether felt bad about her frown rather than his own back aching.
“Klee and I are planning to cook dinner together, if it’s not trouble for you and you have time, you can come and eat with us.” Albedo invites him and Aether is just a weak man. “She requested a curry after a week of trying to get me to cook different kinds of fish,” Albedo frowns with barely disguised fondness rather than genuine irritation, it takes everything in Aether’s tired bones not to coo at how adorable the display was. He nearly snorted himself.
“If you don’t mind me imposing.”
“You are never imposing.”
Ah, Aether berates himself mentally while his heart beats rapidly. Was it so immoral to harbor a crush on a married man? Incredibly so, but Aether would argue he never acted on his feelings. Albedo’s friendship is already overwhelming and Aether knew he never wanted to ruin what’s already formed between them, be it as a friendly acquaintance or someone Albedo trusted enough to babysit Klee. Aether tells himself Albedo’s friendship is hypnotizing enough.
A few hours later, Aether fought tooth and nail to not sleep in the shower and driven by his want to impress and not to appear ungrateful, Aether stayed outside Albedo’s doorstep gathering his fray thoughts. Then as if born to always give Aether an unhealthy amount of heart palpitations, Albedo opened the door with an expectant smile and Aether’s heart stuttered once again. Simple and sweet colored sweater could really be lethal if worn by a very gorgeous or specifically—
“Aether?”
Great. “I’m great, thank you.”
Thankfully Klee’s scream of excitement came in again like a bullet train, Aether is more or less prepared to catch Klee in his arms this time. It was heartwarming how she always openly calls out to him and every time Aether’s heart betrays him by doing a flip when he catches Albedo’s fond gaze at them. It was almost domestic.. a fantasy Aether forbade himself to cross, even though it was merely a daydream (and likely to stay that way) the idea unsettled him, ironically.
“It’s fine,” Aether said before Albedo could talk to Klee. He smiles cheerfully and lifts her. “I smell something delicious. I could eat an elephant.”
Klee gasps in wonder, her small hand covers his mouth. “But elephants are big!”
Aether grinned, “Exactly.” Klee giggled adorably when he pinched her nose and Aether tried his hardest not to catch Albedo’s eyes across with his heart ready to spill everything. “I can help set up the table,”
Dinner was more than satisfactory and Aether would be singing Albedo praises each bite but he didn’t want to be too much. Klee had gone to bed with a murmur of what seems to be a complaint and only agreed on the condition that Aether would be the one to tuck her to sleep. Albedo merely showed him the way and Aether at least expects Klee’s room to be decorated, stuffed toys, princess things and all the luxuries a child would want, while Klee’s room is not the exact opposite of it, it was generic. Aether didn’t dare to say it loudly and abide by Klee’s wishes of a bedtime story. Aether most definitely did not search for a picture frame.
“Thank you for indulging her,” Albedo left the door to Klee’s room ajar and peeked one last time. “She was definitely excited to cook since you were coming.”
“I’m glad she likes me, she’s very adorable.” Aether says, truly and with a hint of relief. “And Klee’s a very sociable and cheerful child, you can’t help but give her candies and pinch her cheeks.”
The short trip back to the dining room is quieter and Aether couldn’t say it was awkward. Albedo beats him to it, washing the dishes when Aether is only about to ask out of politeness. Aether remained squirming behind the couch, not sure where to sit despite the cozy couch in the living room. Albedo hasn’t asked him to leave nor hinted Aether’s presence is no longer wanted, but Aether knew how delusion tends to warp itself like a reality.
Albedo came back from the kitchen, drying his hands with a towel and Aether shamelessly followed the movements for a while. Albedo has really very pretty and so very gorgeous fingers.
“Let me get the cake and wine,” Albedo said and Aether blinked. Had he missed a question? “It’s not heavy, or would you rather have coffee?”
Aether nodded quickly and realized he didn’t answer specifically. “Wine, I would want the wine.”
Albedo smirked, or did he, Aether is too distracted. “Make yourself comfortable, I won’t take long and I hope you like red velvet..”
Aether answered but the pitter patter of Albedo already left the corner, did he hear a sprint? Perhaps his imagination. Aether sat himself on the couch, running his hands on his hair, messing it a little, something something Venti always called ‘hot mess’ whatever.
Aether
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Venti
You sly piece of shit
Don’t break the table for first impression
Did you bring peppermint??
Aether
Albedo is getting wine
Venti
Romantic ;p
but we’re still going to talk about this just so yk
Aether rolled his eyes and decided to not fuel Venti’s messages any further. Venti is a little shit but he is a very persuasive little shit and Aether doesn’t want to spend this little time with Albedo with Venti’s horrible ideas circulating in his head. Aether will remain pure, collected, tamed and keep his crush at bay (which is easily breakable but Albedo wouldn’t be that cruel isn’t he? fingers crossed.)
Albedo came back with a bottle of wine and a smile at his direction over the counter. Aether’s heart did not flutter, it missed several beats. Albedo is glowing when he returns and it is contagious, Aether’s heart leaps when the mood settles and they both fall into a trance, talking over sweets and less intoxicating drinks. A few sips and Aether immensely appreciates the atmosphere, intimate but not romantic though Aether wished. Albedo’s attention, while overwhelming, is nice, that or Aether just had a desperate fantasy of Albedo looking his way. Aether decided this was probably the best wine he had, more than the cheap ones he and Venti shared when they were young and discovered the wonder of what an adult can buy.
Albedo walks him out to the door with a serene smile. The gentle curve of his lips looked soft, Aether can’t look away.
“Thanks for treating me, I’ll probably just straight up mess up my sleeping schedule and cook whatever if you didn’t invite me.” Aether admitted and looked over at his cold house. “I’ll probably sleep now though,”
“Another shoot?”
Aether nodded and thought if only it was appropriate he would already be on his toes and bravely kissing Albedo’s cheek before wishing him good night but he couldn’t.
“Good night, Aether.”
Aether could write a novel for when Albedo arrived. Aether stumbled into the kitchen after a whole day of functioning with three hours of sleep plus short but endless trips, he was all over the place, body and mind. It was cinematic, the dry leaves slowly falling from the tree, hitting the ground with a feather light touched, the moving truck backtracking with speed like a turtle but Aether didn’t mind. Albedo stood across the street, looking over the newly renovated house. The coffee burned the tip of his tongue.
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barbaetos freedom! :p !!! @v-aether @bennett #lisa.m #photoshoot #Liyue *waves*
3 hours ago
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v-aether tired
3 hours ago
The time in the studio always passed differently. The photoshoot was done after a long day. There was always a delay for when Aether felt his muscles stiffened from either posing multiple times and holding a certain position for endless hours. Eula was there and he worked with her plenty in the past.
A full menu of Dragon Beard Noodles, Jade Parcels, Lotus Flower Crisp and Almond Tofu was presented as the main course. Aether had eaten Mint Salad for starters, even though Lisa had given them a green signal to go out eat and drink, the thought of actually consuming the generous portions of Wanmin Restaurant will someday cost him his model career. Aether still insists on adding Rice Pudding to satisfy a craving at the end and downing almost a whole pot of green tea to wash away the guilt.
“I can’t move an inch,” Bennett grunted, albeit sounding happy and patting his stomach proudly. “I’m so full..”
“Another round of drinks but in a tavern, lemme see..” Venti pouts as he searches.
Bennett waves his hand. “I’m,” he burped, mumbling and slightly embarrassed sorry. “I’m dipping out. I don’t think I can stuff myself even with water and I might fall asleep halfway. It’s going to be worse if all of us are useless.”
“Aw, alright, I’ll be sending you lots of pictures though so you don’t feel you missed out too much.”
They send Bennett back to the hotel and just in time for Lisa and Jean to exit, Lisa throws them a look but lets them get away as she happily follows after Jean.
“Guess it’ll be just us,” Venti beams uncannily, Aether almost winced. “Great! I found a resto bar near, did you know there’s a popular here?”
Aether let himself be dragged in the bustling streets of Liyue, casting a wishful look at the harbor and golden sky reflecting on the water. Aether thought Albedo would appreciate the landscape very much and he wanted to send a picture.
Third-Round Knockout is located near the harbor and next to Wanmin Restaurant, it was warm and cozy with a bit of sparkly vibe upon entering. Venti pulled him to a corner and pushed down his shoulder, Aether didn’t protest and followed through, entertaining himself by the glimpse of the harbor while Venti took his sweet time flirting for ‘good’ and better service in return. The drinks arrive, the classic, water and considerately, Pop’s Tea. Aether didn’t hesitate for the last one and nurse it.
“Ah, Qiaoxi, thank you. I’ll come back personally if we want more.” the wink Venti gave to the poor waiter didn’t go unnoticed and Aether wasn’t surprised.
Aether slowly sipped his tea and decided to speak his words first before it got mixed with Venti. “Nothing special happened between me and Albedo before you could tell me off.”
“He’s a married guy.”
“I know.”
“So the wine doesn’t mean he’s getting you in the mood?” Pop’s Tea was fortunately empty by the time Venti dared to ask.
“Venti!” Aether chided. “Albedo wouldn’t, he’s.. he’s committed.”
“Every nice person has their questionable sides, you know? And it’s easier to pretend to be nice than to be mean. Albedo hasn’t mentioned anything about his wife, sure, but maybe we shouldn’t assume they were separated.”
“I am not assuming anything.” Aether knows Venti can be annoying but he means well. Venti is the type to shove the-hard-to-swallow pills down his throat, he’d done that before.
Aether lost count after nursing multiple cups of tea until his stomach was bloating. Venti stopped his interrogation and the mood matches the resto bar at last. Aether stayed glued on the seat and refused to go dance when Venti eventually came back with someone, Aether couldn’t imagine it was the same person scolding him for crushing on a married guy. Aether thought of it while watching Venti grinds with someone in the middle while the lights are in deep purple and blue and music blasting from the speakers all around. It was impressive how the establishment’s appearance hid the ruckus inside.
Aether took a picture of the dance floor, snapping randomly including the bystanders and sending it to Bennett.
Aether
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Venti couldn’t fulfill his promise so i’m here
He’s somewhere in the picture
Bennett 🐰
That looks fun!
Don’t worry about me, enjoy!
And ring me when you two need to be escorted back to the hotel
Bennett was the only angel and pure in their group, Aether hoped none of him and Venti would ever influence him. His phone buzzed again and this time Aether read Albedo’s name, it was a picture of Klee, her arm is trying to cover the paper on purpose while bright crayons surround her on the floor. Albedo is nowhere in the picture but it’s enough to make Aether’s heart clench.
Albedo <3
Klee is apparently making a ‘gift’ for you and refused to let me know
I guess you just need to be surprise then
Utterly adorable, Aether nearly snorts but then the bar is loud and no one has been paying attention to him for the past songs. Talking to Albedo is always interesting even if it was just mundane things or Klee.
Aether
I knew I’m her favorite, sorry bedo! :D
Albedo <3
I can understand why Klee likes you too
Aether shot a look at Venti and he’s still busy dancing to the loud music. Aether’s heart races while desperately trying not to be too hung up on the word too, it doesn’t have to mean anything. Albedo is just nice, considerate, friendly when you see through his shell, overall he is a pleasant person with both looks and personality. It’s why he’s also married. What’s he supposed to reply? Aether can hear a hiss as his mind tries to come up with something. Just something.