Time for Some Training?

Originally posted on ao3 by me.

Notes:

Is the title from one of Chongyun's party joining lines? Yes. Was this originally intentional? No. Sometimes I think my subconscious mind is better than my conscious mind. (＠_＠)

I think this community needs more Chongther/Aeyun fics, so who better to make them than a mediocre writer starved for content? Hehe~ That's right: me. While I can't guarantee this fic will be of the best quality, I hope you enjoy it, nonetheless. ╰(ᐢ･ᴗ･ᐢ)╯

I think it should also be known that I am a fellow aro/ace ♠ so my understanding of romance and whatnot does not come from experience and is purely derived from reading/watching content. I would greatly appreciate receiving constructive criticism on my writing and how romance works. (Keyword 'constructive' because I want to improve, not have my heart broken.)

~

"Haa... We're finally done! I don't know why Lan thought a Ruin Hunter had the missing sword. They don't even need a sword with their sharp, spinny needle arm things," Aether cringes.

"Well, at least we're not playing pirates again! Paimon's collected enough lotus heads to last a lifetime!"

"Haha, that's true. Playing with the kids isn't so bad, and it pays. I swear we'd be rich if you didn't have 10 meals a day," Aether adds.

"Hey! You know Paimon has three stomachs! Hmph..." Paimon crosses her arms. "Speaking of which, Paimon is hungry now, so let's get something to eat!"

Shaking his head, Aether lets out a defeated sigh. "We only have one more commission left for today."

"Yay! Paimon's ready to call this a day."

"Oh, you don't have to worry about that." He pulls out a small bag of mora to prevent Paimon from blowing through his whole savings. "I'm sure Smiley Yanxiao would be ever so happy to make you something. How about you go get some food while I take care of this last commission. You've been working so hard, so I think you should take a break for the rest of today. You deserve it."

"I'm so glad you've finally noticed! Being a guide is hard work, you know! Now, if you don't mind." Paimon snatches the bag out of his hands and disappears.

Aether allows himself a breath of relief as he looks at her flying away. He's glad it doesn't take much effort to butter Paimon up. Figuratively and literally. Paimon is emergency food, after all. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a map with commissions marked and looks at a purple dot marking Liyue's wharf. It's a commission from Chongyun. Apparently, Chongyun needed help with some training, and Aether was happy at the thought of spending some time with him after a long while. He teleports to Liyue and makes his way past the blacksmith, a place where he's previously met up with Chongyun. Sure enough, he sees him standing in the shade, fiddling with his thumbs.

"Hi, Chongyun! I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long." He waves his hand as he approaches.

Chongyun jumps a little at the sudden greeting. "Oh hi, Aether. I got here not too long ago, so please don't worry."

"That's good. Liyue Katheryn said you want help with some training?"

"Liyue Katheryne?" Chongyun asks.

"Oh, uhm- Yeah- She gives out commissions for the Adventurer's Guild, haha..." Aether shyly scratches his head.

"I see... You are correct. I want some help with training."

"Gotcha... Did you want to head over to my teapot? The air is much cooler, so I think we'll have an easier time training there."

"I appreciate you taking my condition into consideration. That would be perfect, thank you!"