Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Aether was just a humble traveler. He was from another world and on a quest to regain his former power and find his lost dimensional traveling sister, sure, but still just a normal traveler. He wasn't even in that big of a rush to find his twin. He could feel his connection to her deep in his chest. She was okay. It felt just like it did whenever she was sleeping. She hasn't woken for months, so Aether has come to the logical conclusion that this mysterious goddess was keeping her unconscious as she waited for Aether to find her.

Aether was content to bide his time and grow strong enough to safely retrieve his sister. Charging in blind was reckless.

"Aether!" A voice shouted from behind him, breaking Aether from his thoughts. He turned away from the food stall he was browsing in Liuye harbor to find Childe running up to him. Aether was surprised to see the Snezhnayan here. He remembered Childe saying that he was going to catch a boat home after Zhongli and Signora revealed that they had tricked him.

Childe reached Aether and gave him a grin. “I know you're probably wondering why i’m not gone yet. That’s actually why i’m here.”

Aether, never one to talk overly much, tipped his head to the side in a silent question. Childe easily understood Aether’s meaning. He slung an arm over Aether’s shoulders and explained.

“You see, little Traveler, I have a little something that I need safe while I'm out. I can’t keep it in the bank, that place is too easy to rob, and you’re my next best option. That dimensional storage that you use to hoard anything and everything that sparkles is perfect for this.”

Aether narrowed his eyes. “You do realize you tried to kill me and destroy the entirety of Liuye, right? Why would I help you?”

Childe’s smile faltered. Aether saw true guilt in the man’s eyes. “That is true, but I was only following the Tsaritsa’s orders. You know how it is, obey her or get thrown out of the country. I’ve got family there.”

Aether sighed. He already knew he was going to help Childe. He has no ill-will towards the man in particular, and he understands the position he’s in. Aether would do anything just to go back to his family as well.

“What is it?” Aether asked simply. Childe beamed at the indirect affirmation that Aether would help.

“Just a ribbon. I needed it for some, ah, information gathering, but i have no use for it anymore.” Aether knew that Childe wasn’t telling the full truth, but let it slide.

He held out his hand silently, waiting for Childe to hand over the ribbon. Childe did so with a wide smile. “Thanks for this. I owe you one.”

“I’ll hold you to it,” Aether commented as he slipped the ribbon away into his storage. It settled neatly in the section with his other important items.

Childe nodded and patted Aether’s shoulder happily. “I hope you do.” He turned away towards the docks. “I’ll be off for good now. Take care.”

With that Childe was gone. Aether pitied the man, he really did, but there was nothing he could do to help. Tsaritsa kept a strong hold over any citizen she deemed strong. Even if Childe wanted to leave it would be very difficult.

Aether flicked his hand and activated the teleportation magic unique to him. Xiangling asked him to harvest some Juehun chillies for her, so he teleported out to Quince Village to collect some. Just smelling the spicy plant was enough to make Aether’s eyes water. He rubbed the tears from his eyes and blinked in annoyance when they only watered again. 

He sighed and looked down at the cloth he was slowly filling. It only had about ten chillies, but Xiangling never specified how many she wanted. She’d have to content herself with only ten or find someone else to do her dirty work. Aether only accepted to do the job because she offered free Black-Backed Perch Stew in return. Aether had no use for it, really, but he thought that he could offer it to Zhongli since he’s heard that the man enjoys the dish.

Aether tied the cloth and shoved it into his storage. Sometimes his life really felt like one of those videogames he has encountered in other more technologically advanced worlds. He practically lived to go on quests for usually pointless rewards, all for experience to get stronger. He chuckled at the thought and rubbed his stinging eyes once more. He flicked his wrist and teleported off. 

Zhongli was taking a stroll downtown at the same time. His eyes languidly took in the busy scenery. He caught sight of Aether heading his way. Zhongli smiled faintly. He always did have a soft spot for the traveller.

“Aether,” he called lightly. Aether’s eyes flicked around the crowd to find the source of the voice. He quickly found Zhongli. Aether used his lithe form to slip through the crowds until he got to Zhongli.

“How are you faring?” Zhongli asked politely.

Aether replied quickly. “Quite terribly. My eyes won't stop watering and I have dust in my clothes.” His eyes widened when he realized what he said and put a hand over his mouth.

Zhongli raised a curious eyebrow even as his eyes drank up the sight of a flushed and embarrassed Aether.

“I’m sorry, I don't know why I said that,” Aether quickly added.

Zhongli pulled his gaze away from Aether’s gloriously red cheeks and replied. “It’s quite alright. Are you under the effect of some elixir or object to have been compelled to answer so honestly?”

“No, the only food i’ve eaten today is a few berries while i was foraging for Juehun Chillies.” Aether furrowed his brow, clearly annoyed by the detailed answer he gave. "I don't know why I'm saying so much. I don't like it."

Zhongli took on a worried expression. “That’s not nearly enough food for how much physical activity you perform regularly. We can discuss more of your symptoms over dinner. Perhaps we can figure out what is affecting you then.” Secretly, Zhongli just wanted to spend more time with Aether. He was planning on dragging their time together out as long as possible.

Aether only nodded in response, afraid he’d say too much if he opened his mouth.

Zhongli started walking to the Wanmin, and Aether followed a moment after.

“I’m glad we’re going to the Wanmin. I have some chillies to give to Xiangling so I can get that Black-Backed Perch Stew for you,” Aether commented, then he scrunched up his nose in annoyance. He hadn’t meant to say that.

“You didn’t have to go through all that trouble just to get me some stew.” Zhongli smiled. His heart fluttered knowing that Aether was thinking of him.

“I wanted to make you happy,” Aether said. Immediately after he went beat red and aggressively avoided eye-contact. Aether definitely did not mean to say that.

Zhongli’s smile grew a bit larger. Aether was too busy staring at his feet to realize that Zhongli was blushing as well.

They spent the rest of the way walking in silence. Aether because he was worried he would say something even worse if he spoke again, and Zhongli because he was repeating Aether’s former words again and again in his mind.

They eventually reached the restaurant. Zhongli politely held the door open for Aether, who hesitated a moment and then entered. He quickly slipped behind Zhongli as they moved towards the hostess. At Zhongli’s questioning glance, he couldn't help but blurt out, “I don't want to have to talk to anyone.”

Zhongli smiled reassuringly and spoke to the hostess. “A private room for two, please.”

The hostess nodded and wrote something down. “That’ll be a 500 mora payment upfront for the private room. Zhongli nodded and reached for his wallet, only to find that it was, as usual, not there. Aether saved him before he floundered too much. He opened his storage and brought out a bag of mora. He quietly handed it to Zhongli. After they paid, the hostess led them to an empty room with a small table.

“I’m sorry for making you pay, it wasn’t my intention,” Zhongli said as he sat down.

Aether sat as well. “It’s okay, I have plenty of Mora. I do a lot of commissions for the adventurers guild while i’m out so i’ve saved up quite a bit. I think I have around 800,000 in mora alone. I also have plenty of artifacts that I can liquidate if needed.” He sighed. “That’s getting annoying.”

“It’s quite alright,” Zhongli said gently, “I enjoy learning about you. I feel like I did all of the talking while we were preparing for the rite of parting.”

“You did, but i liked it. It makes me feel comfortable when there’s no pressure to talk a lot.” Aether’s cheeks heated up again, and he quickly snached a menu to avoid looking at Zhongli.

Zhongli felt pity rise in his chest. Aether always was a private person, it must feel uncomfortable for him to be forced out of his shell. “This situation must be horrible for you then,” he commented

“Yes and no. I don’t hate talking to you. It’s just embarrassing to say so many unnecessary things,” Aether said. He blushed more.

Zhongli chucked. “Then i’m glad we ran into each other.”

They both looked at their menus and decided on what to eat. “I can order for both of us,” Zhongli said. He wanted to do his best to make sure Aether had to talk to others as little as possible. It was a small thing, but he hoped it would help make Aether a bit more comfortable.

“Yes please, I’d like that a lot,” was Aether’s quick reply. He winced at it before continuing. “I just want golden fried crab.”

Zhongli nodded and rang the bell for a waiter. One came and he ordered for them both.

Once the waiter was gone Zhongli turned back to Aether. “Now, why don’t you tell me a few more of your symptoms. Maybe then we can figure out what this is.”

Aether fiddles with his earring as he replied. “I kinda have the constant urge to talk. Even when you’re not talking to me at all my mouth just wants to say something. Like when the waiter came, i wanted to tell you that your voice sounded nice even though that had nothing to do with what was going on.”

He thinks my voice sounds nice, Zhongli thought. He was oddly happy that Aether liked it. Quickly pushing those thoughts from his head, he said, “So a constant urge to voice you thoughts and opinions in detail. Anything else?”

“I feel like there’s something in me.” 

Zhongli sent him a confused look.

Aether furrowed his brow and tried to think of a way to phrase it better.“It’s like something is attached to my magic. Like, I don't know, some sort of parasite.”

Zhongli hummed in thought. “You haven't eaten today, so it can’t be some kind of poison. It must be an object. Can you think of anyth-”

“Childe gave me a weird ribbon,” Aether blurted out, eyes wide. “He came up to me and said that he needed it for information gathering and that i should keep it safe for him while he’s gone.”

Zhongli nodded. “That sounds like the Truth Ribbon. It’s an ancient tool that was used in the archon wars.” Zhongli paused his talking while a waiter came in with their food. He thanked them and they left as quickly as they had come.

“Why wasn’t it affecting Childe though?” Aether said as soon as the waiter left. He was probably stopping himself from saying anything the whole time.

“It’s likely because the ribbon can only be used on a mortal once and only for a certain amount of time. The body naturally builds an immunity to its effect, and how long the effects last depend entirely on the willpower of the victim. There are accounts of it lasting for weeks. The shortest the effects have ever lasted is two days.”

Aether looked devastated. “I have to stay like this for at least two days?”

“I’m afraid so.”

Aether stared at his food sadly. Zhongli couldn’t bear to see that look on his face. “You can stay with me, if you’d like. I know you have no permanent residence, and that will make it a bit harder for you. I’ll gladly offer my home to you to hide away until the effects wear off.”

Aether sighed. “I don’t want you to feel forced to help me. I can probably set up a permanent camp somewhere in the wild to wait it out.”

Zhongli shook his head. “I don't feel forced. I just want to help a- a friend.”

Aether stilled. “Really?”

“Really,” Zhongli affirmed. Aether nodded and visibly bit his lip. He was stopping himself from saying more.

“Let’s eat,” Zhongli said kindly, “I’d hate for all of this food to go to waste.”

Aether picked up his chopsticks and started grabbing a piece of crab. “I hate using chopsticks. My hands always ache for a while after.”

He obviously hadn’t meant to say that. The table was short enough that Zhongli could grab the chopsticks from Aether hands easily. He picked up a piece of crab and held it to Aether’s lips.

Aether blushed and accepted the silent offer. He opened his mouth and Zhongli placed the morsel of food inside. Zhongli let his eyes wander over Aether’s pretty face as Aether chewed and swallowed.

“Just because I don't like chopsticks doesn't mean that you have to feed me,” Aether said blushing.

“I know, but i don’t mind,” Zhongli replied simply. He quite liked it, actually. 

“I can eat myse-” Aether was interrupted by another piece of crab entering his mouth. He glared lightly as he chewed.

“I want to help you. Consider it a thanks for helping me with the right of parting,” Zhongli insisted.

Aether swallowed. “I feel guilty for making you help me so much.”

“Don’t. I'm not affected by the ribbon, but I promise I'm not lying when I say I want to.”

“Okay. I trust you.” Aether quickly took a bite of the next piece of crab hovering in front of him so he couldn't say anymore.

Zhongli was almost happy that Aether was affected by the ribbon. It gave him an excuse to stay close to Aether, and he had so many more chances to hear Aether’s lovely voice. Before it was almost exclusively that pixie talking. Zhongli almost never got to hear Aether.

Speaking of that pixie, “Say, where is Piamon?” Zhongli asked.

“We met with razor a day or two ago and she decided to go with him to get some rare fruit in dragonspine,” Aether answered.

“Who’s Razor?”

“He’s this words version of the ‘on all levels except physical, i am a wolf’ person,” Aether replied simply. He quickly realized that Zhongli had no clue who that was and explained better. “He was raised by wolves and lives in Wolvendom.”

“That makes sense-” it did not make sense to Zhongli. How can you be raised by wolves? “-but what was the first thing you said again?” Zhongli commented.

“It’s a joke from a different world. Sorry, it kinda just came out.”

Zhongli chucked. “No worries.”

Aether quickly took the next proffered piece of crab, scared that otherwise he would accidentally say something about how hot Zhongli’s laugh was.

They finished a few minutes after. Most of it was spent chatting about small things. Zhongli made an effort to monopolize the conversation, remembering that Aether said he liked that, but he still relished in hearing Aether’s gentle, smoothe voice.

They left and Zhongli paid with the money Aether gave him. On their walk back somehow the topic of age came up.

“I lost track of my age some time ago,” Zhongli mentioned. “It must be in the two-thousands, I think.”

Aether stared up at the stars and answered. “I lost track of mine as well. Days and years are different lengths in the many worlds we have been to. Although, if i had to guess, i’d say i’m perhaps twenty-five.”

“Twenty-five? Didn’t paimon comment about how you couldn't drink over in monstadt? The drinking age there is only eighteen.”

Aether hummed. “I do look younger than eighteen. Lumine always said that I aged at half the speed I should. I’m pretty sure Kaeya would have done his best to get me drunk if he knew i was of legal age, so I let them all think I was younger.”

“Clever,” Zhongli complimented. Aether shrugged.

“I guess you could say that.”

They were reaching the higher parts of yujing terrace. This was where all of the people with old money lived. Aether wasn't surprised that Zhongli had a house here. He was the god of money, after all.

Aether glanced down at Zhongli’s hand. “I think it’d be nice to hold your hand,” he said before he could stop himself. 

Zhongli was startled for a second, but quickly recovered. He hesitantly reached over and grabbed a now furiously blushing Aether’s hand. “You’re right, it is quite nice,” he replied. Aether was still blushing, but didn't pull away. Zhongli took that as a good sign. He gently squeezed and continued leading Aether to one of the smaller houses tucked into the side of the mountain.

Zhongli opened the door for Aether. They walked in to find a homey living room. A staircase led upstairs, and a hallway led further into the house. Everything was decorated in shades of amber and dark woods.

“It’s pretty. I like gold,” Aether blurted.

“I’m glad you like the furnishings. Though, it isn't hard to guess which color you prefer with a glance at your clothing.”

Aether only hummed in agreement. Zhongli, still holding Aether’s hand, led him over to a sofa near a window. 

“Please have a seat, i’ll get us some tea.”

“Mint will help my anxiety,” Aether blabbed. This time he barely even sighed at the unwanted admission. He was annoyed that he was getting used to being so open.

Zhongli fretted with a kettle and set it over the fireplace to boil. “I’m sure I have some lying around. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No, thank you,” Aether said. Afterwards he was visibly struggling to keep his mouth closed. He began blushing when he couldn't hold his words anymore and it all came pouring out. “Cuddle. I want to cuddle.”

Zhongli’s grin couldn’t have been wider. “I would like to as well.”

Aether looked at Zhongli shyly. “Are you sure? I don't want to make you uncomfortable.”

Zhongli grabbed a blanket and, with the most serious face he could manage, said, “Aether, I swear on my gnosis that there is nothing I'd rather do right now than cuddle.”

Aether crossed his arms petulantly. “You don’t have a gnosis anymore. Pick something better to swear on.”

Zhongli contemplated a moment before he sat down and draped the blanket over both of them. “Something better than my gnosis, hm?” he whispered. Slowly, Zhongli reached up a hand to

brush Aether’s cheek. “Perhaps I could swear on the sound of your voice.” Aether blushed. “Or the amber of your eyes.”

Those amber eyes stared into Zhongli’s golden ones. Enraptured.

“Or perhaps,” Zhongli whispered, “I could swear on the gentle chime of your laugh, or the slight lilting accent you get whenever you get comfortable enough to let your guard down.”

“It’s from the mix of all the languages i’ve learnt,” Aether couldn’t help but say. He turned his eyes down, scared that he had ruined the almost perfect moment.

Zhongli’s soft hands gently raised Aether’s chin. “But there’s something better than all of that.” He pulled Aether close, holding the young man to his chest and wrapping him up securely in the blanket. Aether wrapped his arms around Zhongli in return. He laid his head on Zhongli’s sturdy chest and closed his eyes, sighing in content.

“You are,” Zhongli finished. He gazed down at Aether’s blond head lovingly. “You are far better than anything else I could possibly say. Yet sadly, you are not mine to swear off.”

Candlelight danced over both of them. Aether hugged Zhongli just a little tighter. “I can be. I can be yours, if you want me. You can have the laugh and the smile and the accent. You can have the eyes and the lips and the nose. Anything you want Zhongli, you can have it.”

“That’s not all i want.” Zhongli pulled them so that they were laying down, Aether on top of Zhongli’s sturdy form. In response to Aether’s questioning gaze, Zhongli continued. “I want the bad too. I want the anxiety and the anger and the sadness. The worry and the hate and the darkness.”

Aether press laid his head down and closed his eyes. “You can have it, but there’s no refunds.”

Zhongli pressed a gentle kiss to Aether’s head. “I’ll never want one. Even if you hold a sword to my neck, I'll still love you.”

“I love you too,” Aether said. The ribbon made him say more. “I’ve loved you ever since you took us out to find that wild glaze lily. When I sang I swear I saw stars in your eyes.”

When Aether glanced up and saw those same loving stars in Zhongli’s eyes, he was happy about that ribbon for the first time. Anything to make that look never go away.

Chapter Text

Aether woke up with his face pressed against a sturdy, yet strangely comfortable pillow. He adjusted himself so that he was laying more comfortably and felt something press against his leg. He shifted again, trying to figure out what it was, and heard a groan from above him.

Aether’s eyes flew open and landed on Zhongli’s face. He forgot. They fell asleep cuddling last night.

“That’s one was to wake a man up,” Zhongli mumbled tiredly.

Aether hastily pushed himself up off of Zhongli with hands on Zhongli’s chest. Zhongli smiled. The sight of Aether, long hair mussed up and eyes still bleary from sleep, hovering over him was something he could get used to.

“I-I’m sorry I didn't know you were…” He trailed off. His face went beat red and his eyes unwittingly darted to the noticeable tent in Zhongli’s pants.

Zhongli chuckled, “It’s not your fault. Well, technically it is, but there’s nothing bad about that.”

Aether was still bright red and he looked like he was deliberating over whether or not it would be easier to escape from the window or the door. Zhongli gently guided Aether so he was laying back down again and kissed him gently. Aether’s leg was pressed up against Zhongli’s erection again, and Zhongli had to push down the urge to moan.

Zhongli gently nipped at Aether’s red lips, asking permission to go further. Aether pulled away hesitantly and stared into Zhongli’s eyes. He must have found what he was looking for, because he reinitiated the kiss. This time he opened his warm mouth for Zhongli.

Zhongli grinned into the kiss. As his tongue mapped out the inside of Aether’s mouth his hands moved down Aether’s back to his round ass. He gave a tentative squeeze, and Aether moaned lightly.

Zhongli’s cock twitched at the sounds he was coaxing from Aether. He wanted to hear more. Zhongli ground up into Aether’s hardening cock. Aether gasped and pulled away from their kiss again. He was still flushed, but not from embarrassment anymore. Zhongli thought he looked angelic. Golden hair hanging down, soft lips red and flushed from the kiss, eyes wide and aroused.

Zhongli ground up again and Aether moaned. His head lowered to rest on Zhongli’s shoulder as if his neck couldn't hold it up anymore. “That feels so good Zhongli. Please, please don’t stop. I don't want you to stop,” he rambled.

“Is that so,” Zhongli replied, grinding again.

Aether turned his face away from Zhongli, embarrassed. “Fucking ribbon. Childe’s an asshole.”

“I’m inclined to thank him. I don't think you’d be here with me otherwise.”

Aether would have responded, but words escaped him when Zhongli switched their positions. He let out a surprised gasp when Zhongli rubbed their clothed cocks together.

“Mh, that feels nice. Less clothes,” Aether babbled with half lidded eyes.

Zhongli placed a gentle kiss on Aether's collarbone. “Your wish is my command.”

Zhongli began slowly unbuttoning his coat. Aether quickly grew impatient. He flicked his hand, using anemo to tear open the coat. “I’ll buy you another one, just please hurry and get your pants off before i ruin those too.”

Zhongli chuckled and did as told. Aether had already wiggled out of that tight crop top he favored. It really left nothing to the imagination, but Zhongli was still amazed at the sight of Aether’s toned chest.

Aether kissed away Zhongli’s dazed expression. “You’re drooling, pretty boy.”

Zhongli huffed. “You’re far prettier than I am.”

“Then I suppose we’re at an impasse.”

“Good. Now we can stop bickering and get you out of those pants.”

The last of the clothing was removed and they both lay naked on the couch. Zhongli kissed a line of hickeys from Aether’s neck to his abdomen. Soon enough Aether was squirming under him, hard cock aching for friction. Aether started babbling. He couldn't help it, he was hard and impatient and focused on more important things than keeping the ribbon’s magic at bay.

“Zhongli. Zhongli. Touch me, please touch me. I’ll be good for you just please stop teasing. I’ll do anything, I promise, I’ll be good,” he whined in between pants.

Zhongli kissed right above Aether’s aching cock. “I suppose, since you’re such a good boy you deserve a little gift.”

“Oh yes, please yes- Ah! Mh”

Zhongli had taken the tip of Aether’s cock into his mouth. He rolled his tongue around the head and hummed in pleasure at the sounds Aether made. He bobbed his head up and down slowly. Aether arched his back, trying to get deeper into Zhongli's mouth. Zhongli held him down with firm hands on his hips.

Aether moaned, loud and uncaring if anyone else heard. He grabbed Zhongli's hair and pulled at it lightly, coaxing the man to take him deeper.

Zhongli did so. As he slowly sucked and bobbed he reached over to a bottle of oil he kept on the table. While Aether was still distracted, he reached an oiled hand down and pressed it against Aether's twitching hole.

He stopped sucking Aether's cock and reached up to kiss Aether. "Just relax."

Aether nodded. Zhongli inserted his finger and started slowly pumping. Aether wrapped his arms around Zhongli's neck and kissed him again.

Zhongli slowly put in a second finger. After a bit of maneuvering, his fingers brushed that one spot that had Aether tensing and arching his back. He kept finger fucking Aether like that, making sure to brush his prostate every time. Soon enough a third finger was added.

Aether tangled his hands in Zhongli's hair. "Ah, Zhongli put it in. I want your hard cock in me, I want- mh- I want to be fucked open by you. I want to make you feel good."

Zhongli took out his fingers and kissed away Aether's whine. He poured a generous amount of oil on himself and lined up with Aether's hole.

Slowly, painfully slowly, he pushed in. He wanted to let Aether get used to the feeling of his large cock. Aether had other plans. He thrusted his hips down as hard as he could, impaling himself on Zhongli. He moaned loudly at the sudden stretch and burn.

Zhongli made himself stay still. No matter how much he wanted to fuck Aether into the sofa, he wanted Aether comfortable more.

"Move, Move- please move," Aether begged.

Zhongli did so. Thrusting in lightly at first, making sure to brush Aether’s prostate with every thrust. Aether wrapped his legs around Zhongli, pulling the man deeper.

Zhongli sped up his thrusts. Faster and faster until the couch was creaking and the sound of slapping skip was almost as loud as Aether’s moans. Aether scratched Zhongli’s back, searching for something to hold. He found Zhongli’s hair, and quickly tangled his hands in it.

Zhongli grunted at the feeling of Aether mindlessly pulling at his hair. He leaned down and placed hickies all along Aether’s collarbone, all without slowing his pace.

Aether bagan moaning particularly loudly. "Zhongli I'm, gonna come- ah- I'm gonna come," he babbled.

Zhongli started pounding impossibly harder. He reached down and gently stroked Aether's weeping cock. "Come for me."

Aether did. The heat that had been building in his stomach reached its peak and he was coming all over his stomach. Zhongli’s thrusts began to stutter. As Aether was writhing and panting from overstimulation Zhongli made his final thrust and came in Aether’s tight ass.

Zhongli gently pulled out and placed delicate kisses on all of the bruising hickeys he left on Aether. Aether squirmed and hummed in pleasure. His mind was practically mush, leaving him incapable of resisting the ribbon’s power. "Thank you. I liked that a lot. We should do it again, on a bed. My head hurts from hitting the armrest."

Zhongli chucked. He stood and picked Aether up. He princess carried the sputtering Traveler up to his room. He laid Aether down on the bed and said, "Relax. I'll make you a little something to have for breakfast and something to help with your head."

Aether blushed. "Thank you. I like the feeling of being cared for."

Zhongli mentally filed that tidbit away before he smiled and left.

Aether snuggled under the many blankets as he waited. He began to drift off to Zhongli’s scent on the pillows. Not long after Zhongli came in with a tray and two plates of food. He had slipped back on his pants that were abandoned on the living room floor. Aether couldn't blame him, it was cold outside of the warm bed. They ate together, chatting comfortably.

When they finished Zhongli collected the dishes and pressed a soft kiss to Aether’s forehead. "I love you."

Aether blushed. "I love you too. A lot."

Maybe Aether could delay looking for his sister for a little bit longer. Everyone deserves to be selfish sometimes, right?