𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 ✦ 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 ⁽ᴹᵃˡᵉ ᵛᵉʳ⁾

𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀

Holding m/n's hand was nice.

Despite the many years he'd spent out in the wild, m/n's hands were soft. Of course, there were many scars but Aether found them interesting. Part of him wanted to ask the boy where he'd gotten them from.

As they made their way up the stairs, Aether noted how m/n kept his right hand in their pocket the entire time. He guessed that the strange glove m/n has been so protective of was in that particular pocket.

They finally made it to the top and Aether couldn't help but notice how m/n's grip on his hand slightly tightened.

Aether gave him a curious look and found that their brows were furrowed and his e/c eyes were looking anywhere but at Childe.

"Ah! I see you've returned!" the ginger exclaimed and gave m/n a sweet smile, "And it looks like you're feeling a little better, Good to see you again, m/n."

M/n simply let go of Aether's hand, walked forward and just let his head rest against their friend's shoulder as he let out a single sigh.

"I... missed..." he exhaled through his nose then muttered, "Missed... you."

Childe laughed, rubbing the boy's head, "Aw, I missed you too, m/n! So! Traveler-"

"Aether." the blond corrected, his voice flat. His attention was directed to m/n who seemed to be enjoying the head pats he was receiving from the ginger.

'They must be really good friends, considering that m/n hasn't attempted to bite his hand yet-' Aether thought, thinking back to when m/n had bitten a man's hand after the man mistook him for a girl and attempted to pat his head, 'And he seems awfully comfortable too. Maybe they're more than friends?'

Aether snapped out of his thoughts and told Childe about what had happened with Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer and Xiao to which Childe listened intently while patting m/n's head as if he were a cat.

"I see... Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer and Conqueror of Demons. Some of these names have never come up in the information the Fatui gets a hold of." Childe murmured.

Aether was a little surprised when m/n didn't get angry at the mention of the Fatui. It took a moment for Aether to realize that the boy had actually dozed off and was snoring softly, his face peaceful.

"As a returning gift, I too have information for you." Childe continued, "Regarding the Archon's passing, the Qixing's response really has given me food for thought. They've announced as the truth has not yet been found, nobody is allowed to pay their respects to the Exuvia. They've even gone so far as to try and cut off information... but with the Rite of Descension and all, even the Qixing isn't able to keep a lid on things."

"Exuvia?" Paimon inquired.

"It's common knowledge in Liyue that Rex Lapis is also an adeptus. The Geo Archon is also the God of Contracts, and is also known as the Exuvia, Prime of the Adepti." Childe explained. "The mighty and illuminated adepti of today all signed contracts to protect Liyue back then."

"That explains why they're so focused on Liyue's well-being." Paimon realized

"Naturally. They both have the responsibility and the aptitude for the job. If the ruling Qixing became unable to perform their duty properly, the adepti have the right to take corrective action. The Geo Archon's spirit has risen, so why would the Qixing hide his vessel? Truly suspicious."

"This makes things difficult for us too." Aether sighed heavily, feeling exhausted.

"Oh! Right! He's the whole reason we came here!" Paimon exclaimed, "If the Liyue Qixing has locked up Exuvia and won't let anyone near... then Aether's quest to find The Seven is already over!"

"No need to state the obvious." Aether muttered and received a pout from the pixie. He was already feeling a bit down in the dumps from the realization that his quest may but cut short. Paimon's statement really just rubbed salt into the wound.

"Oh? You're trying to find the Seven?" Childe inquired, "Why might that be?"

'Snake.' Aether thought then realized he was picking up habits from m/n, "No comment."

"Heh, nice answer." Childe replied with a smirk, "I supposed a knight who gets duped by a fatui member is no knight at all. But, I think I can help you."

"Hmm? Really?" Paimon questioned.

"Give me some time to find someone. Someone who can help you break through this stalemate." Childe said with a smile, "Truly fascinating. The harder they try to silence the situation, the greater the chaos that erupts. If you want to be around to see it all come crashing down, best you stay alive until we next meet, yes?"

M/n woke up, letting out a quiet yawn before blinking sleepily at Aether, "Oh... Aether... Paimon... did I fall asleep?"

"Morning, n/n!" Childe exclaimed with a sweet smile and m/n let out a frightened shriek, jumping several feet away from him.

"WHA WHEN HOW-"

"I'll be seeing you three tomorrow!" Childe simply said as he began to leave, "Oh, a quick word of advice. M/n tends to fall asleep quicker when someone gives him headpats."

M/n bristled, "How dare you give away my weakness! Shame on you, Ginger!"

The male merely laughed and departed, leaving Aether and Paimon with a fuming m/n.

"You looked awfully comfortable." Paimon commented with a wry little smirk.

"Shut up." m/n snapped then crossed his arms with an irritable look, "What did Childe tell you anyway?

"It's a long story." Aether replied, "He said we'd have to wait till tomorrow."

"Eh? Tomorrow!?" m/n demanded then groaned, "Stupid Ginger! Whatever, nothing we can do anyways. Let's go find a spot to camp out."

"Camp out?" Paimon whined, "but we're in a city which probably has a hotel or something! Paimon's sick of camping out!"

"I'll cook you hilichurl food."

"Camping out sounds great! Let's go!"

Aether laughed at Paimon's quick change of heart and his cheeks went red when m/n grabbed his hand again.

"M-M/n? What're you doing?" he questioned and m/n gave him a puzzled look.

"Holding your hand. Is this not what good friends do?" m/n questioned, raising a brow.

Aether blinked then chuckled, smiling gently, "I suppose it is. Lead the way."

A luminous grin returned to m/n's face once more, "Right! Follow me! Sir M/n will find the perfect camping spot!"

'This is nice.' Aether thought as m/n walked with him, his hand in his, 'We should hold hands more often.'

"Aether and m/n, sittin' in a tree! K.I.S.S.I.N.G!" Paimon exclaimed and m/n gave the pixie another look of confusion.

"What does that spell?"

Aether and Paimon both began to laugh while m/n looked on, still confused.

"What is so funny?"