startraveler

{ especially when i know that everyone is willing to give me a chance

he isn't sure he would have been quite so open to it had ayaka not shared the details either. it offers only guilt as aether kindly reaches for his hands, holds them and squeezes them in his own. his eyes dip down to watch, and really it's amusing that even through the gloves there's a mockery of warmth that spills between them--the effects of this world ever present.

he opens his mouth to respond, (how can i be sad about this?) because he can think of a number of reasons. it's obvious in the way they speak to one another now, friends yes but there's a thin veil of stepping on egg shells where neither of them really know how things will feel.

and it's only more prevalent when aether continues to talk. }

Being here certainly changes things. { but this time he allows his voice to sound as distant as it feels } It's a wonder what being away from home can do, isn't it? Though I'd agree it isn't necessarily a bad thing. { half the conversation is with himself though, so he won't blame aether if some of this doesn't make sense.

and as if the skies pity them both, small patters of water start to drop. }

[He's aware that things would've been different if Ayaka didn't talk about him. Maybe it would have taken him a lot time to win Ayato's trust, but Aether is certain he would still offer his assistance to the commissioner.

Still, is there really a point to consider what ifs? They started on a better note and even though this friendship still needs time to grow, Aether can tell they'll be just fine. Ayato's hands feel warm in his own, he's concerned for him, even though there seems to be something else troubling him as well.

Aether steps a little closer as the first droplets of rain hit his skin.]

That's true... it makes you realize a lot of things that you've never even considered. [Another step closer, leaving just a bit of space between them. Familiar, yet hopefully not too close to make this uncomfortable.] Like now I know that all of you would get along just fine with my sister too.

[He grins a little, trying as much as possible to add a positive to this difficult situation.]

{ perhaps if he hadn't been caught up in his own thoughts he would have been more considerate of not thinking of the what ifs right now. sadly, he has a tendency to overthink--it comes part of the parcel from what he's had to work through back home. even here and now it's a reminder of what he's actually had time to think over and realise about how futile things feel back home at times.

but at least aether gives him that hook, that lifeline of sorts, to hold onto. he laughs, a small chuckle under his breath as he thinks about that comment properly. }

How could we not? You're both rather charming in your own ways.

[The small chuckle that Ayato lets out makes Aether smile only more. It's warm and almost relieved, as he's happy he managed to give the other something to hold onto. His hands squeeze Ayato's a little more, too.]

I'm glad you think so. [The rain is still but a drizzle, but it already managed to soak Aether's hair enough to make it stick to his face. His golden eyes seem to shine.] Hopefully, you won't change your mind once you get to know me better.

[A soft laugh escapes him at his own joke.

The rain remains ignored for the time being as if acknowledging it would ruin this gentle moment.]

{ it's a relief that the subject starts to pass, and they can focus on going forward instead of the past. besides, so far he has no reason to think any worse of either of them. }

I very much doubt that will be the case. After all you've done for us, it would be rather nonsensical.

{ even if the way things were is different, it doesn't change the fact in some world he is very much indebted to aether.

the rain is doing good work on both of them by now though, enough that even he can't really hide uncomfortable it is as his hair sticks to his face and neck. both of them should have known better to come out without an umbrella, especially when there's that feeling of warmth under his gloves from where their hands are still connected. }

[He shakes his head.]

Don't think about it this way. You're not indebted to me. It's normal to help a friend.

[He doesn't want the other to feel like he's forced to do something for this strange traveler. Friendship shouldn't be based on favours.

As the rain soaks them both, Aether's brain starts screaming at him that they should move and find some shelter or else they will both make Thoma worry that they'll catch a cold. Yet, for some strange reason, there's warmth between them and maybe it's also Aether's fondness that makes him lean a little closer.]

I just enjoy your company. Yours, Ayaka's and Thoma's. Whenever I went to visit, if one of you had the time, you always made me feel welcomed.

[And it's true even now.

He stands on his toes, as if trying to get even closer.]

I don't think of it as being indebted, at least not anymore. Though that doesn't mean I'm not grateful.

{ his voice seems to be becoming more of a murmur though, as though he's dazed. even when he blinks the rainwater seems to stay heavier now. really, the way this world worked was incredibly unfair at times. for someone who had been so touch starved in inazuma, it feels all too easy to give in to the temptation when the rain makes his skin sing for it. }

You'll always be welcome.

{ and then he feels himself drawn further forward towards the warmth before he can think at all. it's impulsion that has him leaning until his lips meet aether's, firm but not harsh, and only after a few long moments when the tingling on his mouth seems to cease does he pull back. }

[Being grateful is definitely something he can accepted, especially when he also feels this way. A part of him wants to offer for them to finally find shelter. It really won't do them any good to stay in the rain like this.

...But the other part of him is dazed, longing for the warmth that is between them. And his breath catches when Ayato leans closer. Their lips meet and Aether's eyes close. Without thinking he gives in to the moment, responding with a gentle press of his own lips. It feels so good and warm.

His heart beats faster in his chest and it takes a moment for him to even realize what he's - what they are doing. He breathes shakily when they part from the kiss, golden eyes looking wide up at the other while his face burns bright red.

First Thoma, now Ayato... he also kissed Ayaka on the hand. How is he going to walk into their house without burning bright red?!]

T-this rain... is really dangerous... [He's trying so badly to ignore what just happened and stay calm!!]

{ it's strange how it feels the air stills for a moment--even with the rain pouring down around them--as time seems to stand still. it takes a moment to register that he's even pulled back, but even then the only thing that greets aether is a smile. he may or may not find it incredibly amusing how red in the face the other goes after the action, while ayato looks completely unaffected. }

And here I thought you'd spent all this time hoping for it. Not to worry, we can keep it our little secret. { he glances up after, frowning at the rain. } It does seem as though our walk will have to be cut short, however.

Hoping for...

[Is that how he looked like?! He didn't even realize, but the teasing makes him blush all the more. Even the tips of his ears burn red and he can feel that.

The fact that Ayato does not seem affected by what just happened in any way adds up to Aether's embarrassment, but he's trying to ignore it.]

Let's go find some shelter from the rain...

[He wishes so badly to hide somewhere right now.]

{ the smile on his face only widens as the blushing only gets worse. }

Likely a good idea, otherwi-- { and then he's turning his head away to sneeze } otherwise it will likely not end well.

{ he gestures towards the path towards the teleporter, already stepping to head off that way. }

I'd expected this would have stopped by now.

[Aether can tell that Ayato is quite amused by this turn of events. Which only makes the redness in the traveler's cheeks all the brighter.

But Aether looks worried when Ayato sneezes.]

Let's go. Ayaka and Thoma won't be happy if you get sick because of me.

[Leaving as fast as possible it is!]

{ he sighs in response to that }

I doubt they'd blame you for it. After all, I've forgotten an umbrella fairly often.

{ the few days megumi spent with them and nagged him about it he'd started to remember, but he's been awfully forgetful of small things like this lately. it's a wonder he has his phone with him half the time. }

We both forgot it today. They have all the right to get angry.

[But he smiles. He doesn't think either Ayaka or Thoma would truly blame him or Ayato for anything. Still, he doesn't want them to worry. Or Ayato to actually get sick here.]

We're close to the teleporter now.

[Thankfully.]

I doubt either of them would be angry.

{ it takes a lot for that to happen, aether please. }

But I would much rather not get sick.

{ he won't mention he'd had to call on thoma a couple of days ago to fetch him an umbrella as he got caught in the exact same park -- so maybe out of the two of them thoma would have more reason to be exasperated with him. }

You're right though, as soon as we're in the city it should be safer.

[He know, he knows!]

Still... I wanted you to take a break, but the rain completely spoiled it.

[He's definitely disappointed, but then his face gets a little red again. Ah, memories returning in the right moment.

Thankfully, they will be out of the rain soon and right into a drier place.]

I think the city should have some warnings for this kind of weather.

[It would've been nice if they did!]

It's a shame, it wasn't like this at all last month. I was rather looking forward to our walk, though-- { his head tilts to look down towards him, and he blinks, seeming sad } Was it really that bad?

{ of course, his act would be more convincing if another sneeze didn't make itself known, and he has to twist to sneeze into his arm. }

I was looking forward to our walk, too. Especially, that we probably won't get too much time to hang out, since you're busy...

[Then he looks up and catches that sadness in Ayato's eyes. Is it really there or is it just more teasing?!]

Ah, i-it wasn't--

[Before he gets to answer Ayato sneezes and Aether reaches out to him.]

We really should get somewhere warm and dry as soon as possible!

We can rearrange it for anoth- { and another sneeze, followed by a small sniffle. } another time. Sadly there isn't much shelter in the area, so we'll just need to head back.

Do you have a change of clothes yet, or do you still only have your clothes from home?

[If those sneezes continue, Aether will really start worrying that Ayato is going to be sick because of him.]

Alright. We better move fast.

[As for the clothes...]

Well, I made plans to go shopping with Lumine...

[Which means he does not have any spare clothes yet. So many other things were on his mind!]

Oh? That's good to hear. { he smiles. } I went with Ayaka not long after we arrived. Actually, she picked out these clothes for me.

{ he isn't bothered he didn't pick any out for himself, he hadn't had the patience to at the time. he definitely needs to go again at some point though. }

My clothes may be a little big for you, but I may have something that could work. It wouldn't be good for you to get warm only to be stuck without anything to wear.

[His eyes soften.]

I see. I'm looking forward to shopping with my sister... [He smiles, nostalgic.] It feels like we haven't done that in ages.

[Not wrong.

At the mention of the clothes, Aether laughs softly.]

Anything will be fine, really. I just appreciate the gesture. And truth to be told, I got stuck in the rain with Thoma like this before and he had to leant me some of his clothes as well--

[Suddenly, Aether trails off, his eyes widen and his cheeks grow bright red.

He kissed with Thoma, too. Then Thoma borrowed him some clothes to change... Is this going to be a pattern?!]

I imagine it has been a long time, if you both remember going as far as Sumeru, that is?

{ at least the last he knew lumine had been headed there. since aether knew him and the others, they've clearly both made it as far as there. }

Oh?

{ the way he flushes and cuts himself off is rather telling of some of what he's thinking.

and it's a little alarming when he feels a small stabbing feeling of jealousy, even if he shouldn't because he knows the same just happened here. }

I can't say I'm surprised. He wouldn't want you to get sick either.

{ once they're at the teleporter he'll hit the keys to get them back }

[He nods.]

I've been to Sumeru, too, before appearing here.

[So Ayato is definitely right. It has been a long time even counting from the beginning of Aether's journey through Teyvat. Even if many questions are still left unanswered, the traveler wishes to enjoy his and his sister's reunion for as long as it may last.

...But then there's the way Aether blushes, along with his own words. Ayato must know what it means and the boy is almost surprised to not hear some teasing.]

Thoma is very kind. [He says quietly. Honestly, there's no lie in that. Thoma is incredibly kind and warm, and Aether appreciates that with his entire heart.

But just as much, he also cherishes Ayato's kindness. So he follows the other easily, happy to be out of the rain.]

It's incredibly curious how this works.

{ but he won't push for more information, they'll tell him what he needs to know -or at least he hopes so given the state of things.

and no teasing will come on the subject, as he struggles with himself over that awful feeling that rushed through him at the comment. }

That he is. { aether is not imagining it that his words are a little more clipped. not unfriendly, just as though he's distracted--thinking about something else. as soon as they see the apartment block ahead, he'll make a beeline for it, indicating for aether to keep up. }

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