With and Without You (AetherxAyaka)

Chapter 20: The Araumi Ruins

(A/N: Sorry for taking so long, this chapter was a pretty large one. Also This chapter basically takes place right after the end of the last one. Also, in addition to the chapter i included some of my favorite drawings I have created in the comic thus far. They come in no particular order, it's mostly just an update to the comic's progress.

Also much like last chapter I switch between perspectives occasionally,  Ganyu and Paimon/ Aether and Ayaka)
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Paimon couldn't hide her thoughts from Ganyu. The fairy wanted to provide comfort and company to the women as she worked, but only silence came about.

It was inevitable that Paimon's silence would turn things awkward and Ganyu surely wouldn't forget of the fairies presence.

The Fairy had a never ending hunger in both food and knowledge, the fact she hadn't even asked a single question was enough to make Ganyu suspicious.

Ganyu was well aware that the Fairy had wanted to know her past for a while now. She didn't have the luxury of hearing more of what Cloud Retainer had told Aether and Paimon didn't know the full story of the "Qiqi run ins" as Aether called the strange events where the zombie child attempts to obtain Ganyu's "coco goat milk". These events were kept on the very down low, with the exception of a few teases from Aether.

But the Fairy was curious to learn what these events where all the time, but in this perfect given opportunity to ask Ganyu, she chose not to. Of course, this was never going to be something Ganyu would openly told anyone, but the Fairy was always very persistent about it.

After enough time had past it came to the women's attention that what ever was on Paimon's mind was going to stay there if Ganyu didn't bring the situation to attention first.

So she set down her pen and confronted what was on her friend's mind.

Even when the Fairy had tried to hide her disturbed mind, Ganyu had seen right through the facade.

In the present, the Fairy was shocked my Ganyu's attention to detail. As not just a perceptive being, but as a great friend too.

"Is it about when I was younger? If not knowing bothers you so much, I suppose I could tell you..."

Paimon shot down the offer, which was most unusual. Not wanting to know something she's desired to know for so long?

"... it's not that. Paimon's just got a lot on Paimon's mind right now..."

Ganyu stood up from her chair to reposition herself. One she had sat back down backwards on the chair (meaning that she was facing the back of the chair) she gave Paimon her undivided attention.

"Well... I got a lot of time and you got a lot on your mind, so let's here it." Ganyu had said.

"What?" Paimon was confused by the response.

"You heard me, lay out what's on your mind. Fear not of hurting my feelings, it's important for friends to stay honest."  She flashed a genuine smile after speaking.

Ganyu didn't mean pry out of being nosey. By nature she was far from that; but, she did want to make sure things were okay between the two.

Paimon sighed in defeat, knowing that she might as well speak her mind.

"Paimon..." she trailed off.

The fairy wasn't sure how to say what she had on her mind. To present her pretense ideas to the person she had been thinking about, without bringing it about in a disrespectful demeanor. She also didn't want to assume anything of Ganyu, but her mind was still vary curious by the Gabyu had acted with Ayaka.