*Disclaimer - I do not own the copyright to Genshin Impact nor the characters
*A/N - Greetings everyone! Hope you're all doing well today. Since the one and only Captain Beidou's birthday is today I figured why not drop another story. This will be a continuation of last year's one-shot. Hence, the title of this story. I figured why not keep the story going? This amazing woman is honestly one of my favorite characters in Genshin Impact and has been on my main team since the start and even now several years later. With that out of the way, hope you enjoy it and take care.
"Paimon. I think I'm screwed."
Aether said to his traveling companion as he let his head hit the table he was sitting at. The sound of his head making an impact on the table echoed inside the house that was within the teapot.
"Paimon thinks that whatever you get Beidou she'll love it!"
"That's the problem. I don't want it to be any ordinary present. Last year I got her the necklace and that was already a risky present at the time. Along with my confession. I want to do something bigger" Aether explained while leaning on his hand and looking defeated.
"Hmm. Paimon thinks that whatever you get it's all about the thought and effort that went into your gift."
Floating over to the side of the room, Paimon opened one of the drawers from the cabinet and pulled out what appeared to be a gift wrapped up nicely.
"Paimon got her a brand new drinking mug!"
Now realizing the impact of the fairy's gift, Aether let out a loud groan.
"Oh c'mon! That's an even better gift than what I had in mind. Not only is it a thoughtful gift. It's one that she'll be using constantly and will really like it."
Defeat was all Aether could feel now as he couldn't come up with anything extraordinary for not only his friend but his girlfriend. Which just made the whole situation even more severe.
Getting up from his seat, the blonde Traveler began to pace around the large house and was murmuring to himself about what kind of present his brunette pirate captain girlfriend would like. He wanted to make this something special. Something that showed just how much he truly cared for her and drive home the fact that while he was out traveling across the different nations of Teyvat, she was always on his mind.
Hence, the Traveler continued to pace around the place while his fairy companion could only watch and giggle at the boy's antics. Paimon knew that whatever he came up with, Beidou would appreciate and love it more than any other present that she got from anybody else.
This comedic moment of the Traveler wandering around and coming up with ideas while Paimon floated around the dining table eating a bag of cookies continued for several minutes until Aether suddenly had a thought come to him.
"Wait…"
Jumping down from the second floor of the building and startling Paimon who had just finished eating all the cookies. The traveler had a giant smile on his face along with a positively beaming attitude.
"Paimon! I've got it! I know what to get her for her birthday."
"About time! Paimon was getting worried that she would have to break out her other bag of cookies while waiting for you to come up with something."
"Sorry about that. But we need to get going and working on Beidou's present before we go see her."
"Where exactly do we need to go?"
"We need to find a capable blacksmith who will get something made in a short amount of time."
"Well, we know quite a lot of blacksmiths… who do you think we could get to help us at the last minute?"
The fairy's question caused the Traveler to stop in place and become puzzled. Just who did he know could get something crafted in such a short amount of time and with great care?
Aether's thought process jumped over to Mondstadt where he knew the blacksmiths there for the longest. He then started thinking about Liyue and the crafters there. Next, he moved over to Inazuma and thought about the beautiful pieces of work that were created there. And finally, his attention landed on Sumeru where he was still growing his connections with the blacksmiths there.
Each nation's blacksmiths offered their own unique distinctive characteristics that added to their creations. But at the same time, Aether wanted someone that he trusted a great deal to truly imbue the amount of love and care he felt for the brunette beauty into his requested gift.
That's when realization settled in for the blonde traveler as he knew for sure who he needed to ask for help from.
"Paimon! We're heading to Inazuma."
"Inazuma? Who do you have in mind to help with your gift? Speaking of, what is your gift going to be?"
"Haha. It's a surprise."
"What! What do you mean by surprise!? Paimon told you about her gift. So now you have to tell her yours! Fair is fair" the fairy demanded while pointing her small index finger at the boy.
Deciding that he should tell her rather than keep hearing her banter about not knowing what it is. Aether looked around the room for anyone that might be eavesdropping even though he knew that it was only the two of them in the building at the time. Content with his observation, he beckoned for the fairy to come closer.
Having a deadpan expression on her face, Paimon floated over to the Traveler until she was close enough which allowed him to whisper in her ear about what he wanted to give his significant other.
Surprised by the boy's answer, Paimon floated back a bit with a shocked yet excited expression.
"Whoa. Paimon thinks that's an amazing gift to give Beidou. She's sure to love it even more!"
"Thanks, Paimon. I want it to not only be a reminder but also a promise. A promise for what's to come in the future."
The fairy and Traveler couldn't help the bright smiles that they each had on their faces. A serene moment like this was something that they enjoyed together no matter where they were.
"Well then, shall we get going? We have a certain samurai to meet" Aether suggested to his traveling companion.
"Yep! Let's get going! Wait? Isn't he on board the Crux right now with Beidou?"
"After the Lantern Rite, Beidou told me that she was making a run to Inazuma to pick up a treasure map that Kazuha had told her about. He also told her that he would be staying in Inazuma for a bit to work on a few personal projects of his. So, he should be back there."
"Great! Now let's head out before the party. Don't want to keep your special someone waiting do we?" Paimon teased the red-tinted Traveler who could only smirk at the fairy.
Straightening himself out, Aether and Paimon made their way to the front entrance doors and prepared for the jump to Inazuma. The Traveler couldn't help the cheerful smile on his face. He could only imagine the shocked look on the captain's beautiful face.
Having teleported all the way to Inazuma using the waypoint system, Aether and Paimon were now making their way to where they suspected their wandering samurai friend to be encamped.
Aether couldn't help but let out what sounded like a happy chime coming from his lips. Paimon figured that the traveler's mind was elsewhere and wanted to start teasing her friend when all of a sudden someone started calling out to the two.
"Hey! Paimon! Aether! Hello! Traveler! Can. You. Hear. Me!?"
Startled by the sudden callout, Aether and Paimon began to take in their surroundings and see just who was calling to them when in the distance was a familiar face they recognized. Plus, the distinct horns at the top of their head lead the two to see that it was a certain oni.
"Itto? Were you the one calling out to us?" Aether asked, tilting his head at the leader of the Arataki gang.
"You bet! I was just in the neighborhood getting some stretches in from my daily jog when I spotted you two" Itto explained while continuing to do his stretches which bewildered both the traveler and his companion.
"Uh… You know what. I'm not gonna ask" Paimon mumbled.
"So, what brings you two over to little ole Inazuma? Some new big discovery? Fighting some crazy bad guys who are hiding on the islands? Oh! I bet you two are searching for some lost treasure!" Itto started listing off various ideas involving the two.
"Haha. Sorry to disappoint but nothing of that extreme. This time at least" Aether responded to the chipper oni.
"Darn. That's a shame. If you guys were going to be doing any of those things I would have asked to join you guys. I've been feeling up for a little adventure. You know, lighten things up and get put in a life-or-death situation. Builds character."
"Paimon is surprised. If you wanted to go on an adventure, why wouldn't you want to experience one with your crew? What about Shinobu?"
"Shinobu is out on a mission right now. On the hunt for a special gem that'll for sure be worth a house full of Mora! I offered to go with her but she mentioned something about finding the gem faster alone and not wanting to draw a lot of attention. I don't know what she meant by that. Probably that she would have stood out if we were together searching for the gem" Itto explained, oblivious to the real meaning behind Shinobu's words.
Paimon and Aether both looked at each other and mentally agreed upon the same thought. Shinobu most likely didn't want her boss to cause any trouble on the mission.
"Well, next time we come across a treasure or mysterious discovery, then you'll be the first to know," Aether informed the white-haired man.
"Aw yeah! You know how to get someone pumped up!"
Chuckling at the oni's behavior, Aether couldn't help but shake his head. His next adventure in Inazuma was sure to be an… interesting and loud one.
"Getting back on track, so since you guys aren't here for anything too extreme. What are you guys doing here?" Itto asked.
"We're on a bit of a…" Paimon forced herself to stop abruptly before spilling the beans on the whole reason why they were in Inazuma. If she were to mention Beidou, then she and Aether would be stuck explaining everything to Itto for who knows how long! Hence, the floating fairy decided to for once hold back some information.
"We're looking for one of our friends. He's a samurai and blacksmith and the current head of the Kaedehara clan" Paimon elaborated to Itto.
"I see, well, I don't think I'll be much help there. But seeing that you guys probably have something going on. I'll be heading out now. Hope whatever you're doing goes well."
"Thanks, Itto. Hope your… uh… jog goes well?" Aether replied.
"Thanks! Well, be seeing you two. And don't forget about a certain someone on your next Inazuma adventure!"
"Got it. Take care."
"Haha! See you two on the flip side!"
With that being said, Itto began bolting away from the two and running who knows where. Aether and Paimon decided to not give it much thought and just hope that their friend's exercise went well.
"Well, should we get back to looking for Kazuha?"
"Yep! Let's go!"
Ready to get back on track, Aether and Paimon began making their way to where they suspected Kazuha to be located so they could ask him for his help with Beidou's birthday present.
Meanwhile, back in Liyue out in the water and on the Crux
Standing on the railing of the ship was the one and only Captain Beidou. Her long brown hair flowed in the calm breeze. Today was as perfect as you could think possible. Not a cloud in the clear blue sky and the wind was at a speed that was just right.
Plus, the attitude of the crew was that of a lively bunch. Everyone offered her a bright and chipper greeting followed by an enthusiastic 'Happy Birthday!' chant. Beidou couldn't help the honest smile that graced her lips.
However, there was one thing stopping this day from being completely perfect and it involved a certain blonde-haired traveler.
Just the thought of him made her heart start beating faster and her cheeks feel warm and fuzzy. Beidou began recalling every small detail about the young man. From his long hair that was tied into a braid at the bottom, to his golden eyes that she could stare at for hours, to his shirt that was cut off at his stomach which was toned and…
Shaking her head at those kinds of thoughts, Beidou knew that she was missing her significant other quite dearly. So much has happened between the two compared to last year's birthday. For starters, the traveler found the courage within himself to confess his feelings to her which were reciprocated earnestly.
Then the bothersome time that the two spent separated from each other. Due to the two lovers having their own goals to attend to. Aether's being to continue searching across the different nations and finding clues about his lost sister. And Beidou's quest to continue sailing across the sea and venturing into the unknown and also becoming a significant factor in the blossoming relationship between Inazuma and Liyue.
Thanks to her and her crew for sailing back and forth so many times delivering cargo ranging from documents to items, to food, and even people. The Crux was becoming more widely known which wasn't necessarily a bad thing but it did leave the captain quite busy and yearning to get out to sea.
However, while the two lovers had their own goals to continue that didn't mean they were out of communication. In fact, not long after Beidou's last birthday, she was given another present in the form of a sigil with a teapot. Or better known as a Realm Dispatch key.
Giving her access to visit Aether's home anytime she wanted without having to leave her ship in the middle of the ocean. For the past year, the two would share every available moment together in the teapot managing to make up for missed time together. At first, it was a bit awkward but given time the place truly became her second home. Her home away from the sea.
Hence, a few days prior, the two shared a brief moment together where they expressed how happy they would be to see each other to enjoy this special day. A day that had become something more meaningful than it was already before. This is where the two had laid out a plan to see each other later in the day to celebrate.
Now, however, the brunette captain couldn't help but think about the Traveler finally joining her and her crew for an evening celebration surrounded by friends and good tidings. Hence, she also felt a bit flustered and puzzled by the newly written letter she had written to the blonde-haired man once again. This had been a recurring thing that she did by sending the Traveler an invitation to celebrate her birthday with her.
And yet, even though the two were now seeing each other it still felt right for her to continue to write to him via letter. This is what she got done before resting on the ship and sending it to him using a magical device that she picked up quite some time ago that personally delivered mail to the blonde-haired Traveler.
Quietly smiling to herself while staring out at the water in front of her, Beidou couldn't wait for the night to arrive. When she would be seeing her dear Traveler.
Back in Inazuma
Having now made it to Inazuma City, Aether, and Paimon were now on the lookout for their samurai friend. Trying to spot or find clues regarding the Anemo vision-wielding boy.
Just as the two were about to start asking some of the locals if they had seen Kazuha, in the corner of her eye, Paimon spotted someone familiar that could help them out greatly.
"Hey, isn't that Heizou?"
Pointing her small finger just up ahead, Aether looked in the direction his traveling companion said and realized that she was right. Standing up ahead and talking with what appeared to be a chief was indeed Heizou. Complimenting the fairy's keen eye, which made her giggle in happiness, the two made their way over to their detective friend.
"And the next time you think someone is trying to steal vegetables, please make sure to look first before you accuse someone of theft," Heizou said to the defeated chief.
"Y-yes sir. It won't happen again."
"Good. Glad to hear that. Ah, seems like I've got some folks waiting to speak with me. If you'll excuse me."
Simply nodding at the young detective's words, the chief began walking away and going back to do whatever it was that he was doing.
"Heizou! Boy, are we glad to see you. Uh… we weren't interrupting something were we?" Paimon asked, seeing the chief walk away.
"Oh, don't worry about that. Just a misunderstanding about vegetables going missing in his kitchen."
"Heh. You don't hear that every day" Aether said while chuckling a bit.
"Nope. This caught me off guard at first but it's all cleared up now. But anyways, Paimon. Aether. It's good to see you two. Didn't think you'd stop by Inazuma for a minute since the last time we talked you guys said you'd be exploring Sumeru."
"We managed to catch a break from exploring," Aether explained.
"Good to hear. Now then, while I'm sure you're both eagerly happy to see me, I sense there's more to it than that" Heizou replied, crossing his arms and smirking.
"Yep! We were wondering if you had seen Kazuha anywhere?" Paimon stated.
"Kazuha? Yeah, I saw him not that long ago."
"Really? Where'd you see him?" Aether asked.
"He was out getting some grub and whatnot. Said he would be heading home to work on something."
Turning to look at Paimon, Aether couldn't help but ruffle the back of his head while looking a bit embarrassed.
"Maybe we should have just checked his house first."
"Heehee. You're not very bright today, are you?" Paimon answered while shooting the traveler a wide and mischievous grin on her face.
"Not bright today? What's up? Not feeling all right there, Aether?" Heizou asked, confused by the fairy's comment.
"Nope. He's as fine as a… I don't know what to compare him to but he's fine. Aether's just got a special someone on his mind" Paimon teasingly stated.
"A special someone? *whistle* I'll be. Who's the special girl on your mind? Is it someone I know?" Heizou asked while sporting an approving look at the blonde-haired boy.
"I don't know if you know her but it's the Captain of the Crux, Beidou."
"Captain Beidou? Well, I'll be! That's one woman I wouldn't dare get on her bad side. Kazuha has told me a bit about her from his time sailing with her. Heh, it sounds like a solid match between you two."
"Thanks, Heizou. She's beyond special."
Taking a look at Paimon who nodded while understanding the traveler's request without even saying a word. The two decided to head off and find their samurai friend.
"All right then, we're gonna be taking off now. Thanks for the help, Heizou" Aether commented while waving at the detective.
"Mm Hm! Thanks again, Heizou. You were a big help!" Paimon added.
"Any time you two and next time you guys are in Inazuma hit me up and we'll go get something to eat."
"Ooh! Paimon likes that idea!"
Chuckling at his companion's words, Aether shook his head but kept a smile on his lips while heading to their next designation. Kazuha's house.
Now outside the Kaedehara clan's house, Aether knocked on the door and waited a minute before the sounds of shuffling could be heard.
*sliding door opening*
"Now this is certainly a surprise" stated the wandering samurai who had a warm smile on his face.
"Kazuha! You're here!"
"Hello, Paimon, and greetings Aether. It's great to see you two. Please come in."
Stepping into the home, Aether and Paimon took in the sight and noticed how clean the place was compared to the last time they were there. Kazuha then beckoned them to sit down while he poured some tea for the two.
"I didn't think I'd be seeing you two for another while. Granted, you said you'd be heading West and exploring Sumeru."
"We were but something important came up."
"Ah. I know what that something is or rather who that someone is" Kazuha answered while shooting the traveler a knowing look.
"Yeah, you're right on the Mora. There was no way I would miss her birthday" Aether stated while feeling his cheeks warm up.
"Haha. There was never a doubt that you would miss it. Otherwise, Beidou would make you walk the plank."
"Pfft" Paimon laughed while imagining Aether tied up and Beidou making him jump off her ship.
"So, while I'm happy you guys stopped by. I"m a bit surprised you're not with Beidou right now?"
"Actually, before we headed to her birthday party, we had to find you. I need your help"
"Oh? How can I help?"
At the question, Aether began explaining to the Anemo samurai who had a shocked look on his face before having a relaxed and bright smile on his face.
"She'll love it. It's certainly going to top any other present that is given to her. It definitely beats mine."
"Wait? You already gave her a present?" Aether asked, surprised at the answer.
"Yeah. Back while I was on the Crux and it was making its last trip to Inazuma for some time. I handed Beidou her early birthday present since I told her I'd be staying home for some time to get things situated."
"Hmm. Let Paimon think for a second. Hmm. Oh! I know what you got her!"
"What do you think it was?" Kazuha asked, amused by the fairy's game.
"You got her…"
Paimon suddenly stopped talking as she began to think about what things the boy could have given to the sea-faring captain. Taking on a thinking pose, the fairy began floating up and down while using her whole head to come up with an idea for Kazuha's gift.
Aether and Kazuha shot each other looks of amusement all while waiting for the fairy to come up with an answer. It took about a few minutes of silence until the fairy deflated and sunk to the ground having given up on thinking.
"Paimon gives up. Any idea she came up with was immediately dropped. *sigh* What did you get Beidou for her birthday?"
"Haha. Honorable try, Paimon. But I got her a set of tools and materials to use for her claymore handle. I wanted to get her something that she could use and that would be a benefit to her while out at sea. Which is where the tools to maintain her weapon came to mind" Kazuha explained.
This caused the blonde-haired Traveler to let gravity take its course and have his head come crashing to the floor upon hearing the samurai's gift.
"Oh come on! That's such a good gift too!"
"I wouldn't be too worried, Aether. Like I said before, your gift has much meaning behind it. Not only is it something she'll have to remember you by but it's something she'll always be wearing. Along with a reminder of things to come. That's the best kind of gift."
"Ha… Thanks, Kazuha." Standing up and fixing himself up, Aether offered the samurai a delighted smile. "So, can you help us?"
"Of course! Let's get to work right away. If you want to make it before nightfall we need to get started now."
"Right! Let's do this!"
Therefore, after getting their hands dirty and working tirelessly, the trio had finally finished creating the best and ultimate gift that the blonde-haired Traveler would grant to his beloved brown-haired captain. It had been a few hours since they started working on the gift and when Paimon looked outside she was shocked.
"Whoa! Look! The sun's going down now. We've been working nonstop. And Paimon didn't feel hungry at all!"
Suddenly, as if by coincidence the fairy's stomach started making monstrous sounds that would cause the other two boys to have wide eyes and surprised expressions shot toward the floating girl.
"Wha… What are you two looking at? It's only natural for Paimon to be super hungry!"
Chuckling at the fairy's reaction, Aether turned over to look at the finished product all neatly wrapped and perfected with a bow on top of the box holding the creation.
"We did it… Thank you, Kazuha."
"Not at all my friend. If the situation was the other way around, then I know for sure that you would be the one helping me" Kazuha replied, offering a tired but happy smile.
"Of course. Paimon and I will always be there to help our friends."
Taking a look outside and having a good idea about what time it was, Aether looked over at the tired samurai.
"Well, we should probably head out now. Kazuha, would you like to come with us? We could teleport you over to the party?" Aether asked, hoping his friend would join them.
"I appreciate the kind gesture but I think I'll stay home this time and take a break before getting back to work. Since I'm in the workshop, I might as well get started on some other stuff I need to do. Thank you for the offer though. But would you mind offering Beidou my appreciation along with another happy birthday" Kazuha explained while feeling a wave of kindness flowing through his heart at the thought of all that Beidou has done for him.
"You bet! But next time you better show up for her birthday party" Paimon reminded the boy.
"Oh, don't worry. I plan on making it there no matter what."
"Sounds good." Shifting his gaze over to his traveling companion, Aether was set to head out. "Well, shall we get going?"
"Yep! Time to go eat and celebrate and eat some more! Let's head out, traveler!"
Nodding at the fairy's words, Aether and Paimon began making their way out to the birthday party but not before thanking Kazuha one last time which was waved off by the boy who wished them a good time.
Now, the moment of truth was near. Would Beidou like her gift?
Back on the Crux, things were in tip-top shape.
The ship was lit up all over the place with small lanterns and streamers that some of the crew put up to add a more festive and bright atmosphere to the ship which got Beidou to roll her eyes with a smile tugging at her lips.
Various types of food were also laid out in the middle of the ship. Sitting on several tables and from the looks of things many flavorful dishes were waiting to be eaten. All in all, it was a lively party that most importantly everyone was enjoying.
Well, almost everyone.
Leaning against the railing on the main deck of the ship was the captain who couldn't help but put up half a smile among all the cheerful faces around her. While everything was going off without a pitch, Beidou couldn't help but wish a certain someone and his floating friend were here to celebrate with her. She knew that would be here shortly, but… she couldn't help but feel a bit selfish in wanting her significant other to be with her already.
Snapping out of her inner thoughts, Beidou looked over and spotted members of her crew all cheering on a certain chief and opera actress that she brought onto her ship back when she stopped in Liyue earlier to pick up some things for the night. Xiangling was working on making something she couldn't exactly see but from the sounds of excitement from her crew, she figured it was something good.
And Yun Jin was performing a sort of dance while tossing her polearm in the air managing to amaze the crew. Both guests were riling up the Crux's crew and Beidou couldn't help but grin at the thought. 'Maybe she should bring those two on board more often?'
About ready to head down and mingle with everyone and try to invest herself in the party, the brunette captain spotted something out in the distance that looked to be floating down from the sky and getting closer to the ship. Before Beidou could do anything else, she heard what sounded like a high-pitched voice yelling happy birthday. It was at that moment she knew exactly what or better yet who was flying to her.
"Hi! Beidou! Happy Birthday!" Paimon yelled while floating right next to the Traveler who was using his wind glider to soar through the sky.
Coming in for the landing, Aether adjusted himself so that he would land right next to Beidou. And wouldn't you know? He landed with no trouble at all and even had a Red Rose hanging in his mouth which he picked up and swiftly handed to the birthday girl.
"Happy Birthday, Beidou! Sorry, we're a bit late."
Grinning from ear-to-ear at Aether's swift move, Beidou couldn't help her face from becoming redder and her heartbeat from picking up speed followed by letting out a heartfelt laugh. Taking the offered rose, Beidou stuck it in her hair and behind her ear all while lunging at the boy and pulling him into a hug. Aether returned the hug all while having a warm smile on his face. Paimon watched from the side and couldn't help the goofy smile she had on her face seeing the traveler look so happy.
It would be a minute until the couple broke apart and let some space enter between them. Beidou would direct her attention to Paimon and nuzzle the fairy into a hug as well.
"Paimon! Thanks so much for showing up and thanks for the birthday greeting."
"Aww! Geez you're making Paimon all happy now. Heehee!"
Escaping from the hug, Paimon signaled over to Aether to pull out her present which caused the boy to sigh but with a smirk on his face. Pulling out both of the birthday gifts, he handed Paimon's over to her and kept his in his hands. Paimon instantly showed Beidou her gift.
"Here Beidou! Paimon wanted to get you something special that you will like a lot. Enjoy!"
Accepting the traveling companion's gift, Beidou was grinning like a mad woman before she began picking at the gift and unwrapping it until she now laughed wholeheartedly.
"Haha! Paimon! This is amazing! The mug I mainly use is beginning to get all worn down and on its last legs. But now I have a brand new one. Thanks, Paimon!" Beidou exclaimed while easily happy with her gift.
"Your welcome, Beidou!"
Now, the moment of truth was here. Aether now had the dark-haired girl's attention all focused around him which for some reason made him start to feel anxious. Funny how fighting off against Archons or Harbingers or mythical monsters were extremely difficult tasks but handing his girlfriend a gift with meaning put into it was harder for him to do.
"Uh… Aether? Are you okay? You look a bit off?" Beidou asked, noticing the blonde Traveler was looking very nervous.
Taking a deep breath and preparing himself, Aether slowly walked up to Beidou and looked her right into her ruby-red eye, and steeled himself with a confident look.
"Happy Birthday, Beidou. I… I wanted to get you something that means a whole lot to me. In that, well, why not see for yourself?"
Gently placing the gift into the girl's hands, Beidou started to become curious about the Traveler's strange behavior. The last time she could recall him being this nervous was when he asked her out last year. Hence, she looked down at the gift and slowly started to unwrap it and see what all the fuss was about.
With the present finally unwrapped, Beidou felt a brand new feeling inside of her. The feeling that you hear from others about how they had their breath taken away or were at a loss of words for something. That's the exact feeling that she was feeling right now staring at the gift sitting in her hands.
The item in question was a ring. A silver ring that had a thin light wrapped around it that was glowing a white color. It wasn't a bright color but more akin to a faint light. So many questions began appearing in the woman's head that she was losing her cool.
"H-Huh?"
"I wanted to give you something that has great meaning and will help you along your journeys and… remind you of us wherever you go."
Aether then closed the distance between them and held her hands all while making sure the ring was felt in the palm of her hand.
"But more than that. I wanted to make you a promise" Aether added.
"A promise?" Beidou repeated while becoming puzzled at the boy's answer.
"Mm. We both know that I still have a lot of Teyvat to explore and who knows where else afterward. Lumine is out there and I have to find her. There are questions that need to be answered. But…"
Another step was taken by the blonde-haired Traveler toward the dark brown-haired captain.
"But after I do find her. I'd like to take you up on that offer you gave me a while back."
"Wait. You mean…" Beidou said while immediately understanding what Aether was talking about. The offer she gave him about sailing with her and joining the Crux.
The sudden memory shared between the two on the beach instantly appeared in her head recalling every single word she said to the traveler.
'Of course, if the day comes when you've traveled to every corner of the world, found your sibling, and neatly tied up all your loose ends along the way… You are welcome to come back here…You will always be welcome in the Crux Fleet. I hope I get to see you onboard again someday.
Aether's voice seemingly snapped her out of the memory and now back to the present.
"Yeah. And I'd like this ring to not only be a sign of our relationship and the experiences we've had together over the years but as a promise. A promise that I intend to hold one day."
The captain couldn't help but try and say anything or reply in some way but felt motionless. Words couldn't be said at this moment.
Wetness could be felt starting to form in Beidou's good eye which caused her to start reaching in order to wipe it away, but Aether's hand was already there at her eye wiping the forming tear away carefully. He then brought his other hand to the other side of her face and could feel her press her face to his hand all while smiling a goofy smile.
"Dammit… You got me good…"
"I take it that you like your present?" Aether asked.
"Do fish fly?"
"Actually-"
Before Aether could respond Beidou had grabbed the boy's face and smashed her lips to his managing to silence the traveler which got him to wrap his arms around her.
Paimon watched from the side with a smile and figured that she should leave the two alone and enjoy the birthday feast happening with the crew. Floating her way down, Paimon took one last look at the couple and couldn't help but smirk.
The two would spend quite a bit longer together while taking away each other's breath and even managing to find themselves laughing at the most ridiculous thing nonstop. Followed by just enjoying a moment between just the two of them and no one else.
Aether had one thought in mind while he was standing next to the brunette and watching her cheerfully smile at him.
'I said it once and I'll say it again, I love this woman!'
Closing the gap between the two, Aether appeared next to Beidou's ear and whispered one last heartfelt message only for her ears.
"Happy Birthday, Beidou. And Happy Valentines."
"Haha! I gotta say, this has been the best holiday and birthday. I don't know how you're going to top it off next year?"
"Oh? I have my ways" Aether replied, putting his hands on his hips and striking a confident pose.
"*whistle* Look at you! Looking to the future already" Beidou replied while crossing her arms and admiring the Traveler.
"Yep. But it's all thanks to Kazuha this year. I owe him big time. Oh! He said to tell you Happy Birthday" Aether said, remembering the samurai's request.
"Did he now? I figured he wouldn't be able to show up but hearing that he helped with my present makes me want to share a drink with him or go all out for his birthday."
"Just make sure you limit how much he can drink. Haha!"
"Yeah… gotta be careful of that samurai. He gets really tipsy but ten times funnier drunk though. Haha" Beidou stated while recalling the drunken samurai's actions the last time, he had alcohol.
"Still, though, I got to stay one step ahead for next year. Leave you speechless again."
"Already planning ahead? I'm eager to see what you have planned next time~!"
"Trust me. You'll be surprised~" Aether said, shooting the beautiful woman a confident yet mischievous look.
Hearing the cheers from the crew members, Aether turned over to Beidou and offered her his hand.
"Shall we go and join the others?"
"Why not? I feel like we've kept them waiting. Besides-" Looking down at the promise ring on her finger, Beidou gently lifted her left hand and slid it down her finger which was fitting snugly.
The brunette couldn't help but feel a strange sensation putting on the ring. It was almost like a weight being lifted off her. But she knew right away that she loved this feeling. Looking down at her left hand and seeing the silver ring, Beidou realized that the ring looked damn good on her!
Turning to look at the man who she loved quite dearly and seeing the goofy smirk on his face, Beidou reached out and grabbed him by the arm and pulled him toward her to join the rest of the party. But not before she whispered into his ear.
"Let's enjoy the party with everyone. Then, after everything calms down… we can go out for a late-night voyage. Interested?"
Without hesitating or letting a second pass, Aether gave the most dramatic thumbs-up ever which resorted to Beidou letting out a snort at seeing her boyfriend's reaction.
Hence, the couple linked arms and made their way down to join the rest of the crew and friends and enjoy a night filled with cooked fish, alcohol, and joyful memories to be made on another special day. But Aether couldn't help but think that he was once again making another step closer to completing his ultimate goal for Beidou.
A family of her own. With some friends along the way, of course!
*A/N - Couldn't let the holiday/birthday of one of my favorite characters get past me. Gotta keep up with adding more Beidou stories in the fandom. I freaking love this woman and wish for her to join in more adventures with the Traveler. Hope you enjoyed it and take care. See you next year for part 3 lol.