Morning Breeze (Aether/Venti) [unfinished]

Act 1: The Usual Place

Venti sat quietly in the hands of the wind archon statue. Aether sat behind him. Venti had just finished telling him the story of his origin. It was the story of why he looked the way he did, why he had chosen this form. A deep sadness coated this tale. Despite his youthful appearance and demeanor, he was old and tired. The curse of immortality is to see your loved ones age and die. Perhaps he kept his distance from people so he'd never have to lose another friend. Yet here he was, sharing the truth of his form with someone he had come to trust. What was so special about this one person? What did Aether make him feel so safe when no one else could?

He felt two arms wrap around him from behind. It was Aether, holdong him close. No words were needed for his friend to tell him he didn't have to carry his burden alone. Venti appreciated the gesture. He felt a warmth he couldn't explain.

The two of them sat there a little longer, staring into the horizon. Venti leaned back a bit, getting comfortable in the embrace. Aether's gentle breathing felt soothing and familiar in a way he could not place. He wanted to say something. He knew he'd regret it if he kept this to himself, like all the days he never got to have with the friend who's form he took.

"I'm glad i met you, Aether."

Aether wasn't prepared to hear that. He was lucky Venti couldn't see his face go red in this position. He held him a little tighter, hoping the butterflies in his stomach weren't too loud. He wanted to say something in return, to show how he felt.

"I-"
He choked up, unable to say what he truly wanted to.
"I wish we could hang out without something trying to kill us."

Venti chuckled at the joke, hiding his matching desire to have more time together.
"What i wouldn't give to be human. To worry about little things and take life for granted. They look so happy down there, running their little town, not having to think about the harbringers or the abyss order. They don't understand how lucky they are to live simple lives."

Aether had to agree. He had known war and battle for most his life. Even in this peaceful city, conflict had found him.
"You make it sound like you're all alone."

"It feels that way sometimes."

Aether put his hand below Venti's chin and gently moved it to face him. They stared in eachother's eyes for a moment before Aether spoke.
"Does it feel that way now?"

No, it didn't. He never felt alone with him. The only thing his friend made him feel was happiness. They paused there for a moment, drowning in the eyes of the other. Their faces were so close their lips almost touched. Maybe... maybe they should. Aether gently moved closer, his body acting on its own. They almost-

"Paimon didn't find many apples, hopefully these are enough."
The floating companion saw the two together.
"Um... am i interrupting something?"

Aether pulled away, feeling like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie
jar. He struggled to think up excuses.
"N-no- I was just-"

Venti looked away and pulled his braids down so he could hide them. They were glowing bright with embarrasment. What was that?? He felt awkward in a way he had never experienced before, mixed with feelings of joy and confusion at what had almost happened. He was supposed to be the most laid back archon yet here he was completely knocked out of his element because his friend looked into his eyes.

Aether stood up, faking composure. He wasn't used to being affectionate with people in public, or being affectionate at all. It felt like being seen would take the moment away from him, and it certainly had just now.

He realized Venti must feel even more uncomfortable, still working through the sadness from sharing his story. Paimon wouldn't understand and it would be difficult to get her to leave a second time. He wanted to give Venti some peace which was impossible with Paimon nearby.

He wanted to stay but knew his friend wouldn't get any rest with Paimon joining the conversation.

He put a hand on his shoulder.
"Mind if we go?"

"Yeah. I just need some time to think."
Venti didn't turn to him to speak. He was still holding his glowing braids, too embarrassed to show them. Him hiding his face made it seem like he wanted to be left alone.

Aether wasn't sure what to do. He didn't want to leave without knowing they'd meet again. Going to Liyue meant weeks without seeing Venti. Even in Mondstadt, running into him only happened by chance.

"Do you think we can meet here tomorrow around noon? I'd love to hear you play again."

The bard was pleasantly surprised by this question. His answer was short, trying to mask his lingering discomfort from the strange new emotions he had just experienced.
"I'll be here."

Paimon was rather confused.
"What's with this tense atmosphere all of a sudden?"

"Nothing, let's go."

They said their goodbyes as the two left. Venti stayed there a little longer, looking out at the sky.

He leaned back, laying flat on the statue. He hit something and felt behind him. It was one of the apples Paimon had gathered, left there for him by Aether. He took a bite, grateful to have met such a thoughtful person.