With and Without You (AetherxAyaka)

Chapter 35: The Storm

Ayaka had woken up with the immediate urge to stretch and yawn off, a long and satisfying sleep.

She may have went to her quarters far too late as of the prior night, but every event made it worth it.

Her first act of the day was looking down to the bottom side of her bed...

Only to find that Aether wasn't in his bed roll?

He had opted to sleep in her room instead of the tea pot, should she need anything throughout her night. Given that she was sick, he didn't want her to leave bed. Despite hardly catching anything more than a mere cold, Ayaka appreciated the gesture.

She investigated further, looking around her room, trying to find any evidence he might have left.

The right side of her room from the bed seemed normal. Her famous kimono and armor hanged beside her wardrobe, which also seems to be just as it was.

Even her night stand and desk had been perfectly left intact.

Aside from Aether's bedroll beside her, that part of the room remained the same.

However when she looked to her left, she found a neat hand written note. It rested on the left side of her bed, far enough where she wouldn't disturb the note from its position, in the event she would toss or turn in her sleep.

She grabbed the folded slip of paper and examined it

Left to grab some Inazuman local foods and groceries. Going to stop at the Komore Teahouse as well. If you feel hungry and can't wait for me, I left the Serenitea Pot here. I'm sure Ganyu wouldn't mind making you something. Don't try making something yourself!

-Aether

Ayaka smiled at the note.

Then she remembered.

"Right. I have a brother to kill."

The heathen had seen her through last night. She wasn't mad at him for knowing she spent the day with Aether. It was that he had the audacity to tease her about it. And just when he claims to throw in the towel, Ayato goes and gets Aether to nurse her for the night.

She really did appreciate Aether's company, he provided a delicate touch that not even the best Kamisato housekeeper could provide.

But she was still mad Ayato set it up, just to get at her.

She knew one of the first things she would do is storm his office and let him know exactly how she felt. Just because he was to busy to have a love life didn't mean he should go messing with hers.

However Ayaka's demeanor had entirely changed when she reached his door.

She had heard Ayato speaking in a tone she hadn't ever before.

"I don't care what the risks are, we need to know." Ayato said, his voice being raspy and dry

"But sir, maybe he got burnt out on his house keeping duties."

Ayato laughed "Thoma? Burnt out? He's not just a housekeeper, he's family. Besides do you have any clue what event is today?"

Ayaka hated eavesdropping, but she Thoma's name and couldn't stop listening.

"Why yes sir, the 100th Vision ceremony."

"And you don't find it the least bit concerning that one of most dedicated people to this clan has gone missing. All while the Tenryou Commission hasn't said a word about it since?"