XXVII

Childe turned to the blonde haired traveler with a foxy grin, taking amusement in the pink tinted cheeks of the younger boy. Paimon was smiling sweetly as Aether coughed to his fist. Childe couldn’t help himself.

“What a shock loverboy, didn’t think you could catch someone like them.” Aether flushed deeper and Childe only grinned wider at the sight. He heard Zhongli huff from beside him in what sounded like light amusement.

Aether waved his hand. “You’ve got the wrong idea, they're only a friend of mine.”

“Mhm, that’s what they all say you know?”

Aether scoffed. “Don’t be so crass they’re really just like…” the traveler went quiet for a moment, his eyes glazed over slightly, but he came back himself quickly. “Like a sibling.” He smiled softly and Childe privately wondered what kind of person you were to get someone smiling like that.

-

Walking back to your inn with Ariel was nothing special. You truly couldn’t think of anything to do but you couldn’t stand the thought of walking around only to be called broke in a hundred different language by snooty as fuck business men who are probably more like con men than anything.

The streets of Liyue were bustling, as per usual, with people walking swiftly from shop to shop and place to place, looks of determination on their faces. Most of these people were on a mission. The majority of those who didn’t look like they had things to do, you could tell they’re tourists. Their foreign clothes put them out of places, a sense of cluelessness in their eyes as they tried to navigate the harbor.

You made your way through just fine, hanging out in Liyue was quite fun and one of the more beautiful places in the game, especially during Lantern Rite.

Ariel walked by your side, skillfully maneuvering his wings and body to avoid colliding with anybody walking past. “Any particular destination?” He questioned, dodging a rowdy young child trying to keep up with his speeding mother.

“Not really.” You replied. “Do you have anywhere that you want to go?”

He thought for a moment. “Can we stop by a jewelry store? I want to see the selections.”

“Want to find something better than what they had in Mond?” You teased.

He groaned. “I don’t know what it was but Mond had such a poor collection of jewelry. I mean really? They had nothing better? How ridiculous.”

“Hey,” you chided gently, mainly trying not to laugh. “Just because it’s not to your tastes doesn’t mean it’s bad.”

“I don’t know an angel in their right mind who would say it’s good.”

You snorted. “Well if all angels are like you I know exactly what their tastes are. Picky.”

Ariel looked offended. “I am not picky.”

“If you say so.” You laughed off his attempts at refuting your point till you guys found a jewelry shop. The selection was wide and beautiful. A multitude of different metals and gemstones gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the open windows.

The two of you perused the shop, breaking up in order to cover more ground. Looking through the different pieces you were awed by gold necklaces fitted with sharply cut gems, large circular earrings, and headpieces for occasions you weren’t privy to. You were in so much wonder by all the craftsmanship surrounding you, you completely forgot to look for jewelry Ariel liked.

He preferred more simplistic styles, of which Mond had little, which is why you had to get his ring custom made the way you wanted it. The selection before wasn't doing much in terms of catching your eye for your friend until the earrings.

Hanging next to other pairs were two thin, jade rectangles, hanging from a short, gold chain. A gold bead connected the chain and the jade and in each jade earring was a detailed carving of a twisting dragon. They were simplistic, they were pretty, they were perfect and a wonderful keepsake for your guy's time in Liyue.

Snatching the pair you swerved through the shelves of other items to find you angel looking at groups of rings, and by his face you could tell none of them were to his taste.

"Hey." You interrupted. He flicked his eyes towards you before they caught on your hands where you were jangling the earrings. "Like these?"

He took them from you, turning them over in his hands and tracing the craving of the dragon through the thin, green jade. Slowly, he smiled. "I love them."

"Good!" You smiled, seeing him happy always made you happy too. "Let's go pay for them."

-

The two of you walked out from the shop, jade hanging from your right ear and from his left with your wallet considerably lighter.

"That was expensive." You muttered, but the weight on your ear didn't bother you, in fact, it made you smile brightly.

Ariel looked sheepish, lightly fiddling with his new accessory. "I'm sorry. I didn’t know it would cost so much."

You waved him off with a playful scoff. "Don't worry about it. You know I like treating you."

"You like treating everyone."

You shrugged.

The rest of the day was spent by Ariel’s side. Going to different vendors to try Liyuen food outside what you've had at inns or hotels and multiple stalls to look at toys and collectibles and much more.

Stopping by the bookstore was the best part. You found many stories about Liyue's past, the stories of Rex Lapis and the adepti, the wars and hardships of the country. Of course you didn't know how accurate these stories were, but you knew they would be interesting nonetheless. It'd be like reading a 'based on a true story'. You could get behind that.

You left with a pile of books in a cloth bag, waiting to be read. You might have to stop back at Mond before you journey anywhere else to put all your trinkets at home with the way this was going. It was about time your tbr started to fill up again.

-

You were sitting on your twin bed in the inn when Aether slammed the door open with a scowl set firmly on his lips. Amusement bubbled up within you but you pushed it down for a more sympathetic look as he stomped over and flopped next to you. His groan was muffled by his head stuck in the pillow, but it was loud enough to still be heard and you slapped a hand over your mouth to stop any giggles from escaping you.

You got to work on de-tangling the dutch braid you had twisted it in this morning, running your fingers through the golden strands to gently release any knots. When you were done Aether turned over, laying like a beached starfish on his back and staring at the ceiling like it personally robbed him.

You placed the book you were reading, one you had bought on your trip with Ariel, on the rickety side table that was sparsely decorated with a slanted lamp and notepad for guests to give their reviews. Chuckling lighty, you turned back to Aether.

“How was your day, kid?” You let the mirth filter through your voice and you saw as Aether’s eyes, which had been curiously lingering on your new earring, focused on you and you were blasted with blatant displeasure.

“You knew.” He said simply, an accusation he was surely accurate.

“Knew what?” You said, sending him an innocent smile.

“You knew that consultant would drag us around all day! It’s why you left after the meeting isn’t it?” Aether’s frown deepened as you attempted to hide your chuckles, but one look at him had you busting out laughing. Aether’s eyes widened. “I was right! You knew, you did!”

You giggled as Aether pushed you off the bed, slamming into the floor with a surprised ‘oomph’, but never letting up. Aether followed suit, jumping off the bed and landing on top of you, nearly knocking the wind from your lungs, but instead you pulled him down to a hug. He weakly tried to resist you, but through the tears of laughter decorating your eyes, you could see his small smile.

“I’m sorry.” You pulled him closer to you, squeezing him playfully till he wheezed. “I thought you’d have fun!”

“Bullshit.” You saw Ariel smiling at you two from the corner of your eye as he called you out.

Aether saw your eye dart to the window. “What? What did Ariel say?” You kept your lips sealed and he smiled mischievously. “He agrees with me doesn’t he? Or at least he’s not on your side.”

At your pursed lips Aether giggled himself, falling to the floor next to you in a fit of laughter.

“Laugh it up, I’m not the one who got dragged around all day.” You grinned at Aether’s groan.

“I can’t believe you left me there, all I did was get lectured, we didn’t even see the Exuvia.” Aether threw his hands in the air frustratingly, standing up only to fall back down on your bed. Paimon, who had been floating, somehow sluggishly, near Ariel by the window finally spoke up.

“Yeah, it’s almost like we got tricked! That Mister Zhongli doesn’t know what he’s doing! So much for being a consultant.” Paimon huffed and crossed her arms, floating over to her and Aether’s bed, laying down before immediately passing out.

“Talks shit then sleeps.” You hummed. “Honestly, I aspire.”

“Will we be seeing the Exuvia soon?” Aether whispered from your bed. You joined him, leaning against the headboard with him lying his head in your lap. “Or is this whole trip going to be a waste?”

“It won’t be a waste kid.” You said comfortingly. “Whatever happens, I’m positive it won’t be a waste.” Aether fiddled with the edge of your sleep shirt, whispering out a small ‘thanks’. You placed a hand on his head. “You wanna hear the book I’m reading? It might help you sleep.”

Aether nodded and so you picked up the book from the nightstand. Reading out loud in what you hoped was a soothing voice. It seemed to work as Aether slowly drifted off to sleep, the stress and annoyances of the day being taken away by the peace of sleep.

You slowly slipped from your bed, content with tucking him in and joining Paimon in his original bed for what you hoped was a dreamers night.

a/n - Exam season is here. I have ten days worth of testing in the next three weeks. Please help me.