Morning Breeze (Aether/Venti) [unfinished]

Act 3: An Indirect Kiss

Aether drank slow. He wasn't as used to this as he was pretending to be. Then it was Venti's turn. He went against his instincts to chug the thing and drank the same amount as the traveler.

They enjoyed the peace and quiet of the gentle breeze, slowly working their way through the bottle as Aether shared stories of his many adventures. Venti was most impressed by his experiences with Liyue culture. His retelling of the quest to find Rex Lapis' favorite perfume amused him. Aether repeated the events in great detail, including Paimon's increasing discomfort at his casual flirting with the perfume lady.

Once Venti was done laughing at the Paimon impression, he took another gulp of the wine bottle.
"Oh wow, we're halfway already."

"Time flies when you're having fun."

The bard giggled, what a fun expression! He wondered what joyful place it must've come from.
"You know so many ways to speak compared to the people of Mondstadt. You must've been many places before you came here."

"I heard many songs too. None as calming as yours, of course."

"Music must be so different where you're from."

"You have no idea. I think its why i like yours, it's so much more honest."

Venti rested his head against his friend's shoulder.
"You think? i might exaggerate a bit in my next song."

"What's it about?

"A charming knight on the prowl. Using his mastery of perfume, he has stolen every heart from the Stone Gate to Liyue Harbor."

Knowing Venti was talking about him, Aether let out a laugh.
"I'm not that charming."

"Well you've charmed me. I hadn't felt someone that isn't a dragon care about me in hundreds of years."

He was surprised by the bard's openness about how he felt.
"I'd be a cool dragon though, right?"

Venti passed the bottle to his friend.
"Yes Aether, you'd be a very cool dragon."

Aether drank a bit more, leaving the last bit for the bard. He gave back the wine and yawned.

"Are you tired?"

"Yeah, been busy lately. Now that i'm finally relaxed i think it's catching up to me."

"You could nap if you want. You can always listen to my songs some other day."

"You're not staying?"

Venti finished the bottle and answered.
"Wouldn't i get in the way?"

Of course he wouldn't. Aether was half of a twin. He grew up thinking he'd never be alone, that he'd always have someone with him when he needed a shoulder to lean on. These last months were harsh on him. Paimon was a fun travel companion but lacked the understanding and support only a sibling or close friend could have.

"I don't want you to go."
Aether sounded sadder than intended. Maybe it was the wine.

"I'll stay."

"Thank you. Sorry for being so whiney."

"Don't worry, i like my friends wine-y"
The bard shook the empty wine bottle, emphasizing the pun.

Aether laughed loudly, ill-prepared for his friend's humor.
"You're the best, Venti."

"Ehe~"

Aether stretched his back and arms, letting out a even bigger yawn than before.

"Sounds like you shouldn't wait too long with that nap."

Slightly buzzed, Aether's mind made a decision. He scooted closer to Venti and turned his back to him.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting some rest."
Aether lowered his head behind him, placing it gently on Venti's lap.

The bard chuckled, how unusual of his friend to behave this way.
"Is this so i can't leave?"

"Darn, you've figured me out."
He put his hand on Venti's face like a playful cat.
"Can you help me fall asleep?"

"Of course. You should probably start by closing your eyes."

Aether giggled and closed them.
"Do you think we'll be friends forever?"

"I hope so."
Venti started playing with Aether's hair.
"It's not like i can go anywhere with you on my lap."

It didn't take long for Aether to fall asleep. Venti's thighs were soft and comfortable, like a luxury pillow. His humming helped too, using his beautiful voice to float Aether into dreamland.

It was the best rest he'd had in weeks, napping safely under his friend's protection. His hands caressing his cheek. He wished he could spend every night like this, so close to him.

After an hour or two, Aether slowly woke back up. He look up at Venti who was staring absentmindedly into the distance. He looked so serene and beautiful. Aether brought his hand to Venti's and held it.

"Oh, you're awake?"

"I can go back to sleep if you want."

Venti smiled.
"Ehe, That good huh?"

"Yes."
Aether brought the bard's hand to his mouth and kissed it.

Venti's face formed a soft blush.
"Do you really like me that much."

Maybe it was time to be honest.

"Would that be bad?"

Venti squeezed Aether's hand.
"I'm not sure. I've never really had a friend like you."

"That goes both ways."

The bard scratched the back of his neck with his free hand.
"I... don't know what it means."

"We can figure it out together if you want."

"I'd like that."

Aether saw his chance.
"I know something we can try."

Venti looked curious and gestured for his friend to continue.

"Close your eyes."

Once the bard's eyes were closed, Aether kissed his hand again. Then his wrist, his arm, trailing up to his shoulder. He went for his collarbone before finally reaching his neck and cheek. Then, in a moment of impulsivity, he kissed his lips.

Clouds. Sunlight. Flowers.
The kiss felt like it lasted an eternity yet ended too quickly. If heaven was a texture, Aether had just felt it. He almost forgot that he was supposed to breathe, Venti had completely taken his breathe away. Air passed through his nose as a satisfied sigh freed itself from his lungs.

Their lips parted reluctantly.

Both of them sat with their eyes closed, content with what had just happened.

Aether was the first to talk.
"That was... wow."

"That good?"

Aether licked his lips.
"Tastes like wine."

Venti giggled.
"I'm glad you liked it too."