Amber's Two Days Off
Amber has finally reached her day off from work. While assisting the many people in Mondstadt is fulfilling for the Outrider, she longed for the affectionate hug of her boyfriend, who she had not scene since the fiasco at Dragonspine. After receiving a letter from the Traveler that he would be stopping by Mondstadt for a few days, Amber worked hard to convince Jean to give her a few days off. It wasn't easy because Jean always relied on Amber's mobility to reach people in need of help faster than the average knight. Regardless, Amber was able to receive today and tomorrow off. She wishes she could get more, but she didn't want to push it. Regardless, Amber plans to make this first day with her lover a special occasion.
Amber waited for him at the entrance gates. Normally, she would go out herself to meet Aether out on the roads, but she worries she might pass by him. In no time at all, the Outrider noticed a blond man approaching from the bridge along with a familiar floating companion. Amber grinned from ear to ear before darting out from the entrance all the way to the half part of the bridge towards her boyfriend.
"Aether!" She shouted, joyously wrapping him in a tight hug, "Welcome back to Mondstadt!"
Aether smiled as he put his arms around Amber. "A greeting from Amber on a bridge. This sounds like something out of a romance novel." He heard a giggle come from Amber.
"Long time no see, Amber," Paimon greeted, floating above Aether's head, "How have you been?"
Amber broke away and looked up at Paimon, "Everything's been great. A little quiet though, since Kaeya is out on a mission at the moment and Klee...well, Jean saw to it that she wouldn't cause a ruckus."
"Phew, thank goodness."
"Anywho...how about I get you something to eat? You both must be starving."
"Oh, you know Paimon so well, Amber!" Paimon's mouth drooled at the thought of the Mondstadt dishes she longed to eat.
Aether smirked as they make their way past the entrance. "As Paimon would say, "Paimon is so hungry she would devour an entire Samuchurl."
Paimon's blood boiled at hearing her partner's half-baked impression. "Hey! Paimon does not talk like that, and a Samuchurl?! What kind of person wants to eat those?"
Amber laughed at the two bickering with each other. "You two haven't changed in the slightest."
"More like he's gotten more 'creative' with his odd jokes." Paimon shook her head just thinking about all the jokes she had to endure when alone with Aether.
"You're one to talk, Paimon," Aether said, flicking the floating girl's forehead, "I remember all the awful puns you would come up with!"
"They're not worse than your jokes, that's for certain."
Aether chuckled. "Let's be honest, Paimon, you know you loved my jokes about the Ruin Guards," Aether said with a cheeky smile.
"Don't. Even. Remind me."
Though Amber wanted to inquire about these 'jokes' Paimon worried over, she paid more attention to the path ahead of them that took them straight to Good Hunter. There, Sara was busy with customer orders as per usual in her daily life. After waiting for her to finish, the three ordered their meals and sat down at the table. It was to no one's surprise that they all ordered meat dishes.
As they began eating their food, Amber decided now was the time to bring up her plans, "So...I have today and tomorrow off from work."
"Really?" Paimon asked, "That's awesome, Amber."
"What do you plan to do with your free time?" Aether asked.
Amber scoffed at her boyfriend's oblivious question but was not surprised. Aether was always slow on some manners that don't involve adventuring. So she kindly responded, "Spend my days with you, of course. Who knows when you'll be back after you leave? I got to make the most of it."
"Oooh!" Aether let out a playful chuckle, "I should have thought about that. So, what would you like to do today...aside from eating here, of course."
"We can go to Windrise!" Amber answered.
"Windrise?" Paimon asked.
"Yep, just to relax in the grass and feel the breeze of the wind. Not an ideal way to spend time with your boyfriend, but I want to try it out at least once."
"I don't see anything wrong with that," Aether said, "That being said..." He looked over to Paimon.
Paimon sighed through her understanding smile, "Alright, Paimon gets it, but you'll cook a second Madame's when you get back. Deal?"
"Deal." Aether said as he stood up from the table and paid for his meal, "So, shall we, Amber?"
"Oh, already?" Amber asked, her eyes widened in shock at how fast both of them ate their meals. She didn't even notice.
Paimon watched the two lovers make their way out of the city, hands locked together. "Have fun, you two~!"
##
The walk to Windrise wasn't long. The two glanced up at the large tree. Its expansive branches formed so many leaves they collectively formed into a bush that covered the sun. The calming wind Mondstat is known for blew around them, giving them a sense of peace and quiet.
"Every time I pass by here, I always feel at ease," Amber said, "It's a shame camping around here is forbidden."
"I don't blame you for wanting to," Aether said, "Being more of an outdoor person, sleeping here with you would be like heaven."
Amber's face heated up. "H-Hey! No throwing out compliments like that! At least wait until we're in the moment!"
Aether chuckled. "Sorry, sorry."
As Amber calmed herself down, they both went to sit down underneath the tree. However, a female voice called out to them.
"Amber!" The voice shouted, "Thank goodness I found you!"
Amber turned around to see a female adventurer with a male merchant beside her.
"Oh, it's you two again," Amber said, standing up to walk to them.
"You know them, Amber?" Aether asked.
"Yes, I've been helping them around Mondstadt recently." Amber turned to the two again, "Let me guess, you have another question for me?"
"Several more, actually?" The male merchant said.
"What?! Whatever more questions could you possibly have?" Amber asked.
"Sorry, Amber, but my husband can lose his memory from time to time," Said the female adventurer, "You'll likely hear some familiar questions."
Amber wanted this to be her day off with Aether; however, she still ends up having people in need of her help. Such is the life of an Outrider like her. She nodded before looking back at Aether, "This is going to take a while. Sorry about this."
Aether smiled. "It's okay, Amber. I don't have anywhere I need to be, so take your time."
Amber reciprocated the smile with a kiss before going back to the two individuals in need of her help and answering all the questions they had for her. The majority were questions she had already answered while some she reminded them to refer to a library to find out. Despite the clear frustration, she's in, having to answer questions instead of spending time with her boyfriend, Amber did not show any signs of distress or misery. Satisfied with her help, the couple thanked Amber for her assistance and went on their way.
"Sorry about that, dear," Amber said, sitting down next to her boyfriend, "Whenever those two have the slightest bit of trouble understanding Mondstadt, they always come to me."
"Guess that means you're famous," Aether said with a cheeky grin.
Amber pouted, "A perk that has its ups and downs. I don't mind having to help people get accustomed here, but I don't want this to be your impression of how I spend my off days!"
"Well, having me as your boyfriend might be the biggest thorn in your side," Aether said, feeling bad for her girlfriend's position. After all, being the hero of Liyue, Mondstadt, and Inazuma has garnered him much attention.
"As if I didn't know that already..." Amber muttered, "But I won't let that stop me. Tomorrow, we'll go to a place no one will be able to find us."
"Where no one will find us?" Aether tried to think about where in Teyvat, let alone Mondstadt, such a place could be. Certainly not an area he hasn't explored already.
"Anyways..." Amber opened her arms towards Aether, "I want my cuddles."
"Wow, impatient, aren't we?" Aether smiled as he moved closer to Amber and gave her a tender hug, "Cuddles, then kisses."
Amber let out a giggle as they both kissed in each other's soft embrace. She loved it so much, feeling his lips on her own.
Aether's body connected with hers as their arms wrapped around each other.
Truly, they feel free when they have each other under the lustrous tree of Mondstadt.
##
The next day, Aether and Amber made their way to the tall cliff of Cape Oath. Amber has yet to announce she and Aether were together, though only those with a keen eye like Lisa and Kaeya could see through her. Maybe Sucrose...and of course, she told Eula...okay, Bennett too but only because he asked her to join him on a quest. For a split second, Amber wondered how that unlucky boy is doing, and if he was okay. However, she went back to her other thoughts. Aside from them, no one else should know where she was heading today. The outrider then took precautions and told Jean she would be heading to Springvale, so she would send people in need of help on a wild goose chase. Still, Amber hopes no one is in dire need of help while she is out.
It was nearing dusk. The sun was still out, but Amber hopes to get a beautiful view of the setting sun before night arrives, and Cape Oath was the best place to experience that.
"Whew, getting up here is quite the walk," Amber said, working up a little sweat.
"Really?" Aether asked, not the slightest phased by the experience of walking up a huge cliff, "I guess I must be used to walking everywhere."
"I'll say. Have you ever considered being an Outrider, Aether?" Amber already knows his answer would be no, but she had to try. Seeing her boyfriend shake his head, the Outrider only closed her eyes and smiled.
"Why do you ask?" Aether asked.
The brown-haired girl shrugged, "I guess it's because I've been feeling lonely lately."
"But, you have the knights," Aether said.
"That's...not what I mean, exactly." Amber didn't know how to explain the story of her grandfather to him, nor the pain she endured trying to keep her Outrider team together. She doubts Aether even knows she once had a team. She wanted to tell him, but something in her heart begged her not to.
"What did you mean then?" Aether asked.
"...I guess...making people smile alone can do a lot to your stamina," Amber said with a half-baked tone. She let out a sigh as she sat down next to her boyfriend on the cliff's edge.
They both silently awaited the moment when a quarter portion of the sun could still be seen on the horizon. The shining light reflecting in the water was a sight to behold for the two of them.
Aether glanced over at Amber, who only paid attention to the radiant colors. He placed a hand on hers and said, "I could stay longer if you'd like, Amber."
"Huh?" Amber was shocked to hear that. It made her happy, but it still surprised her.
"It may just be me, but it feels like two days isn't enough for you. Maybe if you talked with Jean..."
Amber shook her head, "I'm sorry, Aether, but I can't. I'm Outrider Amber. Even on my days off, I always have people in need of me."
"It's that difficult? I mean... it has to be taking a toll on you in some way." Aether was clearly worried for her well-being. After all, what if she collapses when he's in another nation far away?"
"I appreciate your concern, Aether, I really do; however...even if I was given the option to take a long vacation, I would end up refusing."
"How come?"
"Don't get me wrong, I would definitely take a break if my body was in dire need of one. That being said..." Amber looked up at the sky, "To be honest, it is hard work to greet new visitors and make them feel comfortable in Mondstadt. Trust me, it takes a lot of dedication and kindness to pull it off."
"And yet you continue doing it, but why go so far for people you never met?" Aether asked.
Amber smiled as she looked back at her boyfriend, "Because I want everyone I meet to fall in love with Mondstadt and remember it when the day comes for their departure! Inside people's memories, you can live forever. So...I want more people to remember my home! Even more! TONS more!"
"That sounds like a wonderful way to view your job," Aether said, "I don't think anyone else would be able to do as good of an Outrider as you, Amber."
Amber giggled, "Thanks. I think there are plenty of people out there who don't know what Mondstadt is like. As long as that is the case, I'm going to keep giving it my all as an Outrider and let everyone know about the wonders of Mondstadt. I want to bring the joy of feeling at home too as many people as I can! If I can do that for at least one person, there would be one less sad person in the world."
Aether silently listened to Amber before he gave her a tender hug. "It's no wonder I fell in love with you, Amber."
"A-Aether?" Amber yelped in surprise not expecting the hug, but she welcomed it anyway.
"A beautiful face, a welcoming smile, and a heart of gold." Aether continued with the compliments, "Complimented with a fiery passion for justice that rivals even the sun. Truly, I am honored to be your boyfriend."
Amber's face turned pryo-red face throughout Aether's sudden speech, "Ahh, Aether! You know how embarrassed I get when you say stuff like that."
Aether chuckled, "You're right. No need for pretty words." Aether placed a hand on Amber's cheek to move her gaze towards him, "I love you so much, Amber."
The next thing Amber knew, she felt his lips touch hers. Before she knew it, she and Aether were in the midst of a passion-filled kiss. The Outrider closed her eyes, allowing her body to fall into the loving embrace of her boyfriend. All of the people she's met. All of the times she's made visitors feel happy and welcomed. Throughout all of those moments in Amber's life, she has never felt the rush of happiness herself until she first kissed Aether here after confessing her love to him. She wondered to herself if this is what people feel when she greets them, or is this another level of happiness entirely. Whatever this was, it has never stopped making her fell at home with Aether.
Aether felt his heart skip a beat as he rubbed his hand through Amber's luscious, brown hair. How he wish he could stop his journey just to be with her for a long time to do nothing but kiss and hug her. He held her close as the amount of air they both had neared the limit before they parted ways.
Amber buried herself in Aether's chest, "No fair, kissing me like that. You really know how to play romance."
"I've been reading some interesting romance novels while I was in Liyue," Aether explained, "A certain man with a good memory recommended some."
"Well, you can thank that man when you get back because I loved every second of it," Amber said.
Aether smiled as he rested his nose into her hair while rubbing her back.
Even if he leaves for the next region.
Even if he reaches his journey's end.
Mondstadt will always be his home.
And Amber will always be the one he loves above all else.
##
Aether and Paimon took a quick trip through the Chasm to make their way to Sumeru. Along the way, Paimon noticed Aether looking more peppy than usual.
"Something the matter, Aether?" She asked.
Aether's eyebrows raised at his companion's question, "Hm?"
"Is it just Paimon or do you look more...happy?" Paimon asked, "That excited to get to Sumeru?"
"You could say that."
"Come on, no need to hide it from Paimon. You and Amber..."
Aether loudly cleared his throat, "It's between me and her, Paimon. Let's just get ourselves ready for whatever Sumeru has in store for us. For all we both know, it could be worse than Inazuma."
Paimon let out a smug grin watching the Traveler speed up his pace to hide his embarrassed expression, "Oh now you're taking this seriously." She then thought to herself, "Geez, it wouldn't have hurt to ask Amber to come with us. Maybe next time we visit."
Jurabi: Back at it again~! Hello, everyone~! It's me, Jurabi, with another Genshin fic. And my tenth one, believe it or not. Geez, where did the time go by? I was just by my lonesome writing fics about romances I will never have. Well...nothing's changed really except for my writing.
EVEN SO! I'm glad I managed to write this fic for AeAmber or however you name the ship between those two. One day, I will max Ascend my Amber, but with Sumeru out, I worry for my Amber. Forever at lvl 50. I wonder if I'm one of the few who even got my Amber that far. Most likely.
I hope you all loved this chapter. If you loved this chapter, please leave a comment, a kudos, and let me know your personal thoughts as you read this fic!