About two weeks after they'd started living with each other, Keqing noticed something. Of course, she couldn't really imagine him landing a job, and she had enough money that they could both live as grandly as they wanted for the rest of their lives, so it didn't really matter – but it was the matter of keeping him occupied which was the main issue. Just like right now, sitting next to him, she could see that lifeless look in his eyes.
He was bored. Very bored. Anyone could see that.
Poking his cheeks, Keqing observed him much like she would an animal. The Yuheng herself had work she enjoyed, hard it may be, but the Honorary Knight of Favonius (which really didn't have any value, if she was being honest – not anymore, at least) had nothing. Aether leaned his head toward the finger, biting it through his cheeks.
"Do you have anything you want to do? My workload's not as heavy for the next two days. Actually, there's barely anything."
"I don't know."
"Understandable. Is the guild giving you anything?"
"No," Aether sulked, dropping his head depressingly. Trying her best to console the poor man, Keqing patted his head while simultaneously running multiple scenarios in her mind as if she was the smartest person alive. Feeling his mood drop – sadly, the headpat was not effective – Aether wanted to find solace in the crook of her neck.
She wondered if anything could cheer him up, maybe food–
Aha.
Making little braids out of his hair, she proposed an idea.
"Why don't you cook today?"
"Cook what?"
"Yes."
"I'm sorry?"
"Yes."
The morning after, rolling next to Aether, Keqing scratched his neck with her finger – which was, in her current state, the best she could do to get his attention. He groaned in acknowledgement, taking hold of her hand. Keqing did not respond, however. He squeezed her hand, feeling nothing squeeze back. Soon after, Aether could hear light snoring beside him.
"Keqing?"
"Ah– I-I'm awake."
"What is it?"
"Can you, uh, do," Keqing yawned, "the laundry?"
"Alright."
"Thank you."
"...You're going to have to let go of me so I can do it."
Once again, he could hear light snoring.
"Keqing– never mind."
The day after that, reading a book on the sofa, Keqing looked up at Aether, who just came out of the shower.
"Can you clean the house?"
"Alright."
"Thank you."
For the remainder of the day, Aether spent his time cleaning the house, spectated by Keqing. She didn't know how, but he was very good at doing it. She even managed to learn a few tricks from him, such as how to get the little bits of fluff at the corners and how to wipe the windows efficiently. Was it in his blood or something?
Once they had settled in bed, Keqing kissed him thank you. Expressing gratitude is always important.
The sun was gone, replaced by the glint of the moon. Taking her shoes off, Keqing walked over to the living room, almost slipping at how smooth it was. Aether stood at the sink, washing the dishes, and there were two plates with steaming food on them. She took a whiff, keeping herself from digging in straight away.
"How's work?"
"The usual," she set down her bag, heading into their room to change and freshen up. She looked at the new bedsheets and duvet cover, as well as the pillow sheets she bought recently that she'd been wanting to try out. She also had to hold back the temptation of collapsing into the mattress' grasp. Entering the bathroom, Keqing even held back a shriek. The mirror was so clear. Maybe too clear. The ceramic sink glistened and reflected the light with a sheen she'd only seen on her sword.
It was like going into Wangshu Inn for the first time, only better, what with the fact that she actually owned the place.
Sliding into the kitchen, Keqing asked, "Did you do all this?"
"Yeah. Food's getting cold."
Aether now had a new thing to do.
I couldn't resist. I did another one. I also watched Gokushufudou. Don't worry, there's just 600 words left before the second chapter of Endless Sky is done. I was writing it just before I did this – just an hour ago, it seems.
