Genshin Impact Oneshots/ drabbles

Aether X gn! reader | All I Want For Christmas Is You

The city of Monstadt was bustling with life as you walked down the street, humming a popular Christmas tune.  You had just finished buying your brother's Christmas gift and were now doing a bit of window shopping.  The decorations adoring every store reminded you of just what needed to be done before the fated family gathering happening on Christmas day.  You still had to decorate the tree, make cookies, and buy an ugly sweater for the day.  Not to mention, you need to prepare yourself for the onslaught of questions your relatives have for you and your love life.  With a sign, you turn away from the store window and continue your journey down the street.  As you turn the corner, you bump into something very sturdy.  The impact made you stumble back a bit causing your foot to slip on the curb.  Now falling backwards toward the pavement, you flail your arms to try and balance yourself only for someone's hand to grab your wrist and pull you to safety.  

“Are you okay?”

You look up to see golden orbs gazing at you with worry.

“Aether?  What are you doing here?  I thought you were in Sumeru on vacation with Lumine?”

“Ha, I'll answer your question later.  You still haven't answered mine.”  Aether said with a small smile. 

“Oh right, I'm fine,” you say as you rub the back of your neck in embarrassment, “my ankle hurts a little from the initial fall, but nothing life threatening.”

“That's good to hear, but maybe we should go to the hospital just in case.  I can carry you on my back if you'd like?”

“There's no need for that!  It's just a small sprain and I can walk just fine!” You shake your head and wave your hands in front of your face as a way to distract him from seeing the growing blush on your cheeks.  “Besides, you still haven't answered my questions!”

“Alright, fine.”  Aether replies a little defeated.  “Lumine got snowed in at university and is still stuck there.  We canceled our plans and decided to celebrate Christmas separately.  As for why I am here currently, I'm buying presents.” He holds up the bag slightly with a sympathetic smile. 

“You're spending Christmas by yourself?  How about you spend Christmas with me and my family?  I'm sure they wouldn't mind having you around, I mean you’re practically family at this point.”

Aether's eyes sadden at your last statement.  Although he is happy you see him as family, he wished for something more.  Something less familial and more romantic.  Did you really not notice the huge crush he harbors for you?  All those times in high school when he brought you somewhere secluded, just the two of you, only to be interrupted by one of your friends calling you.  Or during college when he was the only one taking care of you when you were sick.  His friends, as well as yours, caught on to his feelings for you and gave him multiple opportunities to confess to you, however, he was a coward.  So, here he is, on the sidewalk of a busy street, talking to his best friend.  Only his best friend, nothing more, nothing less. 

“I mean if that's okay with you and your family.  I don't want to intrude on your family time.”  Aether said shyly. 

“Nonsense!  Besides, having you there means I get to avoid my nosy relatives who are only interested in my non-existent love life.” You say excitedly while nudging Aether's arm with your elbow.  “*gasp* We can have matching sweaters!  Come on, we have to get them now!”  

You grab Aether by the arm and pull him toward the clothing stores, talking his ear off about everything you guys can do together before the day.  Perhaps staying as friends has its benefits. 

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Standing in the living room was Aether and a very decorated Christmas tree.  As you emerge from your kitchen with a tray of hot chocolate, you see Aether tilt his head to the side before placing another ornament on the tree.