Dislaimer: I do not own Genshin Impact nor the front cover (links/source in my profile)

Also, Ayaka tag, finally.

I've enhanced the story a bit to celebrate the arrival of Ayaka's character tag, enjoy.

-Grus Nivis/Viator Story-

~Tranquility Under the Raining Sakura Petals~

Friendship level: 6

The Traveler and the Frostflake Heron both sat on a huge smooth stone near a small pond in the Grand Narukami shrine, right below the plentiful of sakura trees revered in all of Inazuma, recently they had finished offering their prayers and is now seeking respite for the impending battle that was soon to occur.

While they sat together to enjoy the scenery, the traveler's small companion Paimon seemed to be preoccupied and in deep prayer in front of the offering box, muttering in concentration of wanting to get fed with even more delicious food and safe passage for her and the traveler's journey.

However, one Ayaka Kamisato seemed to look a bit displeased at the moment, her normally gentle expression almost twisting to something never before seen on her face.

Uncharacteristically grumbling, which she ad herself admitted was ungraceful and unladylike, She knew that she really didn't take offense to his teasing remark, but she pouted anyways.

She was after all, raised to be poised and regal, so who could blame her for not knowing how to properly react?

Memories of past festivals, or rather ones that never existed in the first place as she never had the chance to attend one due to her responsibilities, adding to the fact that the beautiful nation was wracked with so much conflict instigated by their own ruler no less that went on for years and seemed to drag on as each day passes, she couldn't help but react differently despite knowing that the traveler was merely trying to engage casual conversation with her.

Something in which friends do on a regular basis, something which she admitted once again that she lacks in spades.

Composing herself so that she wouldn't look absolutely pitifully as her face morphed into a pout, she then sat upright.

"Like I've said previously, o-of course I've been to a festival..." Ayaka murmured, her voice trembling a bit.

Of course, that was a lie, which she had told him for the second time now.

The person seated beside scratched the side of his cheek.

"I-It's um, I'm s-sorry for being rude." he said sheepishly, followed by him rubbing the back of his neck, "L-Look I didn't mean to bring up some, uh, bad memories."

Aether frowned, feeling remorse at making her uncomfortable with his teasing, which in hindsight wasn't even that offensive.

She on the other hand, didn't like seeing such an expression on him.

She didn't mean to come out as sensitive, that at the slightest bit of even just light hearted banter, she would collapse and breakdown.

No, she was much stronger than that.

It made her upset getting him all worked up because of her acting all weird for no good reason, and she knew she was overreacting because everything she was feeling at this point was all new to her, still it was no excuse, so to rectify her error, she had to quell his worries immediately.

"... It's fine, it's not your fault, Tra- Aether." she waved off, cracking a reassuring smile at him.

Chuckling nervously, the traveler still seemed regretful bringing up that she never had an experience in going to a festival again, his attempt at trying to lightly tease her backfiring if his flailing arms around weren't an indication.

"Still, I apologize for my, uh, uncouth words, I hereby pledge that I, uh-"

The esteemed Shirasagi Himegimi then blinked at him in amusement, her previous ire now gone at witnessing his sloppy attempt at a formal but awkward apology.

'He seems to be, what's the appropriate word used to describe his current facial expression? Adorable?'

It wasn't his fault, he was just too eager in voicing out his thoughts that he tried to be more familiar to her, and subsequently saying something that rubbed her the wrong way, she realized that it was her mistake for taking it too seriously and literally since she really didn't know the proper social cues when it came to casual conversation.

His string of apologies at the moment seemed to be more directed at offending her personally and not because he treated her like she was made of glass, it was because of it that she couldn't help but giggle a bit, making him halt mid sentence.

"Hehe, don't worry, I accept your apology traveler."

"...I-I see."

Despite the awkward exchange, they both laughed.

After that, everything seemed to have quiet down into a comfortable silence.

Watching him from the side, she couldn't help but think back to the time when she first met him.

It had been nearing more than a month since Ayaka got to know the traveler, and for all his quirks and overall quietness that most people mistake him for, those who haven't met him would gain the impression of him to be mute because of his fairy partner doing most of the talking for him, but she knew better because she had established a bond with him that she would always treasure.

During those countless meetings, those nights when they went out together frolicking in the nature, camping and going on adventures throughout the lush lands of Inazuma, fighting side by side to become stronger, assisting him as they helped the different citizens across the nation with their needs, she got to know him way beyond his silent exterior.

She got to know how much appreciation he had of the world and the people around him, a deep insight into everything regarding the different cultures of his numerous travelers.

She also got to know a playful mischief that she least expected for him to have.

Thinking on it now, she found it funny on how he initially outright rejected her plea when she first asked him to help them with the rebellion, he told them that he never wanted to take part in any of the current war and his only objective was to meet the Raiden Shogun, now he was one of the leading forces that was their key to a victory she only ever used to believe was a fantasy.

It was also his no nonsense attitude that further drew her towards him, his focused goal of reuniting with his sister, and his air of mystery she wanted to piece together.

She also couldn't deny that she started developing some rather, complicated feelings towards the elusive blond traveler despite the short time they've been together ever since she'd met him, what kind of feelings though, she wasn't sure.

Sometimes, she debated with herself whether it was platonic or, something else entirely, she didn't dare to want to confront them, she didn't want to ruin their current friendship if she did.

After all, he was one of the fewest people she could really call a friend.

All she knew was that it was because of these complicated feelings that it made her long to go on more adventures with him despite her sensibilities and love for Inazuma, and that she would do whatever she can to ensure that she could be with him despite those duties.

And of course, a much bigger blush now tainted her flawless pale cheeks.

After some time passed as they allowed to themselves to relax under the gentle sunlight only blocked slightly by the pink sakura trees, their eyes then unconsciously connected with each other.

She gave him a pleasant smile, and his face seemed to light up.

Clearing his throat, he began.

"You know what, to make it up to you, for making you remember such dreadful memories, there's this Moonchase Festival being held in Liyue Harbor, which will be in months from now, hopefully once everything's been settled here before it happens, I was thinking, do you wanna come with me?"

And just like that, her composure slowly crumbled and her face flushed as he stared her dead in the eyes with his sudden proposition.

Pulling out her signature fan, she then opened it and covered it on her face in the hopes of hiding a massive blush that now crept at her cheeks.

'That, was, I certainly didn't see that coming...'

"H-Hmm..."

The ever elegant daughter of the Kamisato clan looked unsure of his offer, with her responsibilities and all that, she however didn't seem to be against the idea of being alone with the traveler, just the two of them.

She could convince the other leaders of the resistance to allow her and the traveler some, alone time, once this whole war ends.

Smiling genuinely for the first time today, she finally replied after so much deliberation.

"If I ever have the chance, I would very much like to experience the festivities of another nation with you one day. Though, I will need some guidance on local customs and etiquette, and advice on what gifts to bring... Could I trouble you to give me some guidance?" she said, her voice soft and shy.

The traveler's expectant face seemed to brighten.

"Okay, it's a promise then." he said, offering her a gentle smile.

Smiling as well in response, but this time her blush intensifying, she added without thinking.

"I would be fine going anywhere if it's with you."

Aether was taken off guard at her declaration, his face turning slightly pink.

Realizing what she'd just said, she stammered.

"I-It's, um, uh, a-ahem, p-please ignore what I had just said."

"Y-Yeah a-agreed."

They both laughed awkwardly at that.

Despite her cutely fumbling around and him trying to ignore the tension, both of them relaxed once more as they continued to quietly enjoy the raining sakura leaves and the humming of birds.

Looking at the traveler seated a bit further from her, an idea then popped in her head.

Seeing his smile just then tugged at something deep within her, a desire she didn't know she had, and at the moment, she felt a boost of confidence coming out of nowhere.

Clearing her throat, Ayaka began.

"Hey, trave- I mean, Aether?"

"...?"

Quirking a brow at her and urging for her to continue, he then faced her with a curious gaze.

Seeing as he now had his full attention on her, she took in a deep breath.

"What I want to say next is perhaps not befitting of a member of the Inazuma Shogunate, Yashiro Commission, Kamisato Clan, but... unless I am mistaken, I trust that you will not take issue with this slight departure from convention on my part...That is to say... I'm a little tired, is it okay to if I rest my head on your shoulder? Just for a moment.."

Eyes widening, the traveler looked surprised.

"W-What do you-"

She didn't give him a chance to properly reply as she sat much closer to him now, and what she did next was totally unexpected of her.

Resting the side of her head on his shoulder and her small frame leaning so close to him, she then sighed in satisfaction.

She did not pay heed to their surroundings, not caring if people were to see them like this, nor the shocked expression of the traveler himself.

"..."

"..."

Despite her feeling embarrassed of her own action, she wanted to savor this moment, just a bit longer.

She didn't know what kind of force compelled her to do such a thing, as even she could feel how awkward things had gotten, but she couldn't help it, she felt a sudden desperation grip her.

She could only hope that her explanation before she did such a daring thing made sense, because frankly even she couldn't find a proper reason as to why as her heart at the moment was beating erratically.

The traveler, who was sitting as still as a statue, didn't respond nor react, only giving her an acknowledging hum, most likely too embarrassed as well to say anything.

She however, took it as an opportunity and got even bolder.

She leaned in on him even further, her face now as pink as a sakura petal that fell on her lap.

The regal daughter didn't care, surprisingly, for once she allowed her royal upbringing to stay at the back of her head to make way for a desire of intimacy, one where she wanted to share with the traveler

Now the complicated feelings she had, the one that started with a spark ever since she danced in front of him under the pale moonlight all those nights ago, seemed to transform into something more, passionate.

To ensure that she would stay in his memories for when he departs once more, after all the loose ends in Inazuma are settled, and that they would have to part ways, she wanted him to remember that every single moment that he spent with her, from every small joke, every firework they shared, and of those countless nights and days they were together, were only filled with moments of happiness and fondness.

She wanted him to remember that even when he meets more people across the unique nations of Teyvats, ones where she was sure will share a close bond with him.

She wanted him to forever remember her as that shy princess who would never forget him, who would forever be indebted with his kindness and friendship, and that when his journey in the future becomes bleak and rough, would be willing to lend him a helping hand like he did for her.

All of that, her emotions and feelings, she poured it all in that moment as she kept her eyes closed and her head contentedly leaned on him,

The proximity with her beloved traveler was the moment she wouldn't mind to go on forever.

"..."

"..."

No further words were exchanged as they continued to quietly enjoy the tranquility of the shrine, under the raining sakura petals, feeling somewhat awkward but otherwise content.

The radiant smile of one Ayaka Kamisato would've blinded and melted anyone with a cold heart right then and there, as this smile seemed to put the ones she gave to anyone to shame, and it was all aimed towards a blond traveler who she met under dire circumstances.

It was seeing this genuine smile filled to the brim with happiness and love that Aether allowed for this intimate moment to last much longer.

Despite his current goal and priority, one that wasn't going to change anytime soon, even he couldn't deny the girl who was literally close to him the joy and companionship she was seeking out of him all this time.

Still though, he would have to be careful around her in the future, he didn't want her to be too close to him, maybe once everything was settled, once he got all the answers he needed and is reunited with his sister, once that he settled the score with Gods sitting in the thrones, that he would finally be able to respond to her feelings.

Right now however, everything didn't matter, at least for a short while, he wanted to share this special moment with yet another close friend he had in the princess, something he too realized was a bond he never wants to lose.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Both the Traveler and the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan basked in the peaceful calm and comfort of the Grand Narukami shrine, now closer than ever.

They revelled in it a bit more before their inevitable return to battle in the coming days.

Meanwhile, a select number of maidens spanning across the City of Freedom and the City of Commerce, all who were minding their own business and going about their day, suddenly felt a chill run up their spine, and also gained a weird but strong urge to kill blond travelers.

-Grus Nivis/Viator Story End-

A/N: I'm sorry Fischl pls don't kill Aether.

I made this same short story in a comment on Ayaka's teaser on YouTube, I deeply apologize if I was rude there and came off as pretentious, I have nothing against shipping and all that since I do so myself lol

This story is also a modified version of a short omake I submitted for Our Cruel Fate.

Did I already say how buggy the "official" FF mobile app is? And how frustrating it is as it still keeps deleting words even after I pressed save? Yeah I don't think I said enough, now I'll just start typing all of my fics on Google docs even if I hate its interface, it's funny how my phone is blazing fast yet the FF app lags like crazy too.

Lastly, Retreading Destiny's progress accelerated when I wrote this, and after seeing the beautiful city of Inazuma I got super motivated.