( Aether Harem ) ♡ Teyvat.Net - BEING REWORKED !

𝐗𝐗𝐈𝐈. 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠

It would be an understatement to say that Lynette didn't just run-she practically glided. Lynette was cunning, embodying the silent grace of a cat, always equipped with a plan. Without a doubt, she was the more responsible one of the pair. She most definitely is a black cat, Lyney wouldn't quite be a golden retriever... an orange cat seemed more fitting. He was just as chaotic and prone to trouble, bounding about with a single shared brain cell between his antics.

THUD!

Lynette made a loud noise as she "accidentally" bumped into Aether, causing her to fall to the ground. Conversations weren't her forte, and striking up a chat directly was out of the question. But perhaps, facilitating an encounter between Lyney and Aether would do the trick. After all, knowing Lyney, he would hardly muster the courage to talk to Aether without a push-either from their "Father" or through one of his harebrained magic tricks.

Lynette pondered the likely outcomes. If Aether were to ask, "Do you need anything?" would Lyney have a response ready? Would it be a good one? Lynette wasn't sure, and neither did she have confidence in Lyney.

Lyney practically sprinted after Lynette, only to come to an abrupt halt when he spotted both Lynette and Aether sprawled on the ground. Lynette maintained her usual deadpan expression, her eyes locked onto Lyney's as she subtly directed her gaze towards Aether. The silent message was clear: she wanted Lyney to seize the moment and make a move.

"Ah..." Lyney choked out, a wary smile plastered on his face as he extended a hand towards Aether. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice carrying a warm, showman's charm that belied his true nature.

"I'm fine!" Aether said, his voice trembling slightly as he offered a grateful smile. He took Lyney's hand and pulled himself up from the cold, hard floor of the dormitory. "Ah, are you okay?" he asked, his eyes shifting to Lynette, who was still sitting on the ground. Lynette nodded in response, her expression calm and composed.

They stared at each other for a moment, neither of them making a move. The silence stretched, creating a brief but noticeable pause. Finally, Lynette seemed to realize she was still on the floor and quickly got up, dusting herself off. She moved to stand beside her brother, allowing him to take the lead in the conversation. Lyney gave her a quick glance, a silent exchange passing between them before he turned back to Aether, his friendly smile never wavering.

"I would like to apologize for that-ah, and, Lynette isn't the most talkative. She's basically not even here. So... you'll just have to enjoy my company for a while~" Lyney added with a wink, attempting to flirt. His smile was a blend of charm and mischief, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Pfft-" Aether couldn't stop himself from chuckling softly. He raised a hand to his mouth, lightly touching his lips as he pondered with a hint of amusement. "Ah, I'm Aether. Are you two Lyney and Lynette from the Fontaine department?" he asked, introducing himself. He was quite curious about them because the Fontaine department hadn't been very active lately. In fact, they hadn't heard anything from them at all.

"You know about us?" Lyney felt sweat trickling down his face, his heart racing faster. Why was he even nervous? It was all an act, right? So why did Aether's kindness and sincerity feel so refreshing and genuine compared to his own pretense?

"Mhm! I remember seeing something in the newspapers. Charlotte, she's a journalist from your department, right?" Aether inquired. He had been keeping up with the news but hadn't met any Fontaine department members in person. Right now, though, he could really use a new friend.

As he looked at Lyney, Aether couldn't help noticing a resemblance...

No, no, Aether scolded himself. He shouldn't think like that. He didn't want to use this nice boy as a distraction just because the others weren't around... He genuinely wanted to be his friend, right?