Will you be there for him when he looks for his second desire?
As Ayaka walked down to the palace courtyard, she found herself recalling the Goddess's final question to her. And she was unsure of what to make of it.
Will you be there for him when he looks for his second desire? What's Aether's second desire? Does that mean he will fulfill his first desire soon? His story will end? What does that mean? Is his sister here in Inazuma after all?
When Aether had accompanied her to the festival in the midst of the Vision Hunt Decree, Ayaka found herself learning so much about the Mysterious Traveler. That entire outing, she found herself for once, having fun with her newfound friends. Admittedly, she found that she had taken a big liking to Aether, and had wondered where their newfound friendship would go. And she assumed that Aether was thinking the same thing.
That came to a crashing stop when Aether revealed his wish to her.
While she had known that Aether was traveling around, she didn't know the exact specifics until that moment. Aether revealed to her that he wanted nothing more than to find and be with his sister. He didn't want to be an errand boy or become the Greatest Traveler of Teyvat for that matter. All he wanted was his sister to come back. That was his greatest desire.
Will you be there for him when he looks for his second desire?
The Electro Archon implied that his first desire will be met soon. He will find his sister. But what was Aether's second desire?
What is my desire?
That night at the festival, Ayaka had come to terms that maybe she was destined to be stuck in Inazuma, fulfilling her role and duties at the Yrashio Commission for the greater good of all of Inazuma. Aether was always just going to move on, in search of his sister. She was just going to become a happy memory for him, nothing more. Being brave and to ensure that Aether would never forget about her, she gave him a dance performance for his eyes only.
"Please…..Keep your eyes on me."
As Ayaka thought back to how that wonderful night ended, she wondered how Aether took it. Ever since then, Aether hadn't said anything about it, perhaps sensing the meaning behind it.
Perhaps, I was a bit too early in my conclusions back then. If the Shogun speaks the truth and is right that his first desire will be fulfilled soon, and that his second desire matches my own, then does that mean I stand a chance to be with-
"Ms. Kamisato! Welcome back!"
Startled from her thinking, Ayaka looked up and saw that she had arrived back at the Komore Teahouse. And as usual, standing outside was Kozue, the shop's assistant. Bowing slightly, Kozue continued into her greeting, fully shaking Ayaka from her thinking.
"...I hope your meeting with the Shogun went well?"
Clearing her throat and nodding, Ayaka responded. "Ahh, Hello Kozue. Yes, the meeting with the Raiden Shogun went as I….expected. However, I will need to make some…...minor adjustments regarding our current plans for enacting the Dango Milk Decree."
"Ahh, I see. Well, the current procurement of Dango Milk is going as planned. Let me know if we need to make any adjustments. I'm sure that Thoma and the others will see to it right away!"
Idly nodding to Kozue's reply, Ayaka struck a thinking pose before looking at the shop assistant once more. "Actually, has The Traveler come by today at all?"
"Oh? The Traveller? Actually yes, he came by looking for you earlier but he just missed you as you had just left for your meeting with the Raiden Shogun. I offered him some tea and to came inside to wait for your return. However, just at that moment Kujo Sara and members of the Tenryou Commission arrived and requested his presence at once."
The Tenryou Commission requesting Aether's presence? Is something going on?
"...However, Kujo Sara assured me and The Traveler that their meeting would be quick. The Traveler also said he would return to meet with you after he was done with Kujo Sara."
"...I see. Thank you Kozue. I'm going inside to make myself a pot of tea. When the Traveler returns let him in right away. Also, help yourself to a quick break when he gets back. I'll make sure some sweets are ready for all of us."
"Of course! Thank you so much Ms. Kamisato!"
-{}-
A Blade is like a tealeaf...
As Ayaka slowly chopped and grounded down the tea leaves in front of her, her thoughts wandered. She debated how she was going to ask Aether to help her with the Dango Milk Decree. He was more than likely to agree to help her, but for some reason, she found herself a bit nervous at the whole idea.
...I mean, it's not like he can't say no to me. The Shogun decreed it after all.
At the thought of the Raiden Shogun, Ayaka also found herself again recalling the Goddess's final question to her.
My desire? Is this a chance for me to find out if me and Aether have the same desire? But, if Aether's first desire is going to be fulfilled, how is that going to play out?
Sighing to herself, Ayaka also began to wonder why Aether had wanted to see her. Yes, it had been a while since they last saw each other over some tea, but Aether always made sure to find the time to see her at the Estate, usually when he came by to assist with the Reputation Commissions. They would talk for a good hour or so in the gardens before parting ways for the week, as both of them knew that the other had lots of work to do.
It's interesting that he came to the teahouse seeking me. I guess I do spend a lot of time here. But what does he want to talk to me about? Could it not wait for our usual weekly meetings? Does it have to do with his sudden meeting with Kujo Sara?
Frowning, Ayaka finished up her final touches on the pot of Matcha she was making. As she waited for the tea to steep, Ayaka prepared a plate of sweets for herself and Aether, and a second one for the front counter for when Kozue came in for her break. Just as she was finished setting up the silverware on the table and sitting down, she heard the main door open and some familiar voices coming from the entranceway.
"Ayaka! We're here!"
"Paimon, mind your manners!"
Slightly panicked, Ayaka quickly smoothed out her dress and adjusted her hair, quickly sitting down at the table. As fast as her blade, she collected herself just in time for the duo to round the corner.
"There she is! Hey Ayaka! Sorry for making you wait!"
Smiling, Ayaka looked on as Paimon gave her greetings. She chuckled to herself as she watched Aether cringe at Paimon's loud greeting before he said his hello.
"Hello, Ayaka. Sorry for making you wait. You weren't waiting for us for too long right?"
"Not at all. In fact, I've just finished a pot of my special Matcha. I also have some sweets ready for us. Please, have a seat."
Aether sat across from Ayaka and allowed her to pour him a cup of tea as Paimon helped herself to one of the mini-sweet cakes that Ayaka had prepared for them. The trio made idle small talk as they enjoyed each other's company. It had been a while since Aether had had a chance to sit down and enjoy some tea, let alone with one of the best tea brewers in Teyvat.
"...and I told him that he didn't need to, but Thoma insisted, so he is off doing that with Sayu at the moment."
"You know, paimon always wondered how Thoma would handle Sayu. Can he really make sure that Sayu doesn't fall asleep when she is rolling?"
"Well, he said he would try his best, so there is that."
There was a break in the conversation as the trio enjoyed each other's company. Sensing the moment, Ayaka looked at Aether to start the main conversation on her mind. Putting her teacup down, Ayaka spoke "Traveller, would you happen to know about the Dango Milk Decree?"
Making wide eyes, Aether put down his teacup before speaking. "Yes, I've been aware of it for a while. Ei…...Uhh….The Shogun made some mention of it when I last saw her, and Kujo Sara also said something about it as well."
"Yeah! Paimon knows all about it too! The Yashiro Commission is supposed to deliver Dango Milk to everyone in Inazuma, for free. Who would have thought the Raiden Shogun would order such a nice thing!
Nodding to their answer, Ayaka smiled. For once, she decided to have a bit of fun on the job. Raising her finger and mustering her most commanding voice possible, she continued. "Excellent! So you two are aware of what is going on. In that case, by the order of the Yashiro Commission and the Raiden Shogun herself, you two will assist me in enacting the Dango Milk Decree!"
"WHAT! Wait a second, you can't make Paimon and Aether do that! That's not fair!"
As Paimon began to make many objections and Paimon noises, Ayaka looked over at Aether, who was making a confused look on his face. Raising an eyebrow at her, she decided to quickly end her light fun and clear things up.
-{}-
"I see, so she personally wants us to personally help you deliver the Dango Milk?"
"Yes, and do not worry, I will make sure you are compensated accordingly. Perhaps double the rate?."
With the help of some sweet cakes, Paimon had calmed down for the most part, and the trio was now just talking out the specifics of the Dango Milk Decree.
"That won't be necessary, just the usual payment is enough, Ayaka. After all, I'm doing this with you and that is a reward in itself."
Ayaka found herself blushing at Aether's comments. Surprised at his words, she found the only thing she could do was look away shyly.
"Yeah! Oh and Aether! Can we personally give Kujo Sara some milk, like she asked? Don't want to make her upset with us. Oh Oh! Did you talk to her about your problem? Now that we are settled, you should also ask Ayaka like you were going to in the first place!"
"Oh? What is this about me? Did Kujo Sara tell you two something?" At Paimon's words, Ayaka found herself recovered and very interested in the line of discussion.
With Aether now at the center of the conversation, he found himself panicking and waving his arms in denial. "Oh, it's really nothing. Just some minor stuff regarding my thoughts. Nothing urgent."
Regarding his thoughts? What?
"A-Anyway, let's focus on the Dango Milk Decree. Once we finish delivering Dango Milk across Inazuma island we can talk more about it. Plus, Kujo Sara said she would look into it when she gets some time."
Looking at Aether, Ayaka could tell that he was not being sincere with his words and his thinking. Debating for a few seconds, she ultimately decided against pushing Aether for more information. He was clearly uncomfortable, darting his eyes between Paimon and herself, so she decided to leave it be for now. Breaking the ice that had formed, she put on a smile for Aether.
"Alright, so the usual affair then I suppose. You help me with my problems and I will help you?" Ayaka said with a playful tone.
Catching on to Ayaka's comment, Aether smiled in relief and nodded. "Hehe, you said it. Some things in Teyvat don't change."
-{}-
As the trio finished the tea and sweets that Ayaka had prepared for them, they worked out the final details regarding the delivery of Dango Milk. At Ayaka's pushing, it was decided that the deliveries would begin the next day, as she reasoned there was enough stocked already. Unknown to Aether and Paimon, Ayaka also now wanted to get through the Dango Milk Decree as fast as possible so she could help Aether. She really wanted to know what was troubling Aether so much.
His Thoughts? Is that what he wants to talk to me about? If so, why did he tell Kujo Sara? How could she help? I didn't think they were that close…..
Ayaka reasoned that she had a much closer relationship with Aether when compared to Kujo Sara. After all, they spent so much time together during the events of the Vision Hunt Decree. Way more than with what Aether had spent with Kujo Sara.
…I'm not jealous, am I?
As Ayaka thought to herself, she noticed Aether slipping a sheet of folded paper across the table to her. Looking up, she saw that Aether was still engaged with Paimon in one of their pointless arguments, this time about if sweet cakes tasted better with sugar from Sweet Flowers or from Sweet Canes.
Taking the sheet into her lap, she folded it open, surprised at what it contained. Aether had written her a quick message, one that made her wonder even more what was going on.
-{}-
Ayaka, thanks for not pushing the topic back there. As I promised, we will talk more after the deliveries and our mini-adventure. You know I keep my promises, no matter what.
AN/
I intend for this story to be a bit more serious than my last two, while still keeping the light heartedness and fluff that I like.
(I actually main Ayaka, so definitely must do her well here. Hopefully I can~)
(Updated to Correct Spelling)