An Encounter: An original Encounter
Aether found himself in an awkward situation, grappling with the consequences of his own silly mistake.
A/N: This is how the fic was originally intended. However due to some reasons, I chose to scrap it and pursue a different direction which led to the series that everyone has been reading until today :D.
Thanks to your encouragement and support, I now feel more confident making this story into a series. I genuinely appreciate all your support.
I hope you all enjoy this special chapter.
In a small corner of the city of Liyue, a young blonde Traveler known as Aether muttered under his breath.
"Why did it come to this?"
His voice was trembling with anxiety. What he was facing right now wasn't any typical dangerous foe or monster as he could vanquish them without breaking a sweat. This was something entirely different.
Before him stood a girl, her amethyst eyes mirroring his own turmoil. She seemed to be his age, yet something was off. Her usual demeanor was replaced by an unsettling vulnerability. She took hesitant steps towards him, her hourglass figure and slender legs combined with her current fragility captivated him.
"L-l-look a-at m-me... Y-you h-have to do this, alright…" Her voice trembled as she spoke, struggling to form coherent words.
Aether quickly tried to clear up the misunderstanding between them. "Calm down... I never thought you were like that." he responded gently, backing away step by step until he realized his back was against the wall. He was completely cornered.
Her reaction was intense, as if she was grappling with more than what met the eye. "I don't... believe you... alright? You must do this! So... I can... trust you..." Her words came out forcefully, an almost desperate plea.
Finding himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. "No, Aether, stay focused." he muttered to himself. He knew he needed a solution, an escape, but his concern for her safety made it difficult to leave. He couldn't help but feel frustrated with Paimon's absence when he needed her the most. Desperation gnawed at him.
In this tense moment, the boy and the girl were entangled in a complex web of emotions, their unspoken feelings and the urgency of their situation converging.
The reason for what happened started on that fateful day.
The all-knowing blonde traveler had just wrapped up all the day's commissions from the Adventurers' Guild. On top of that accomplishment, they had finally stumbled upon one of the most potent artifacts they had been searching for over an extended for ages. With these successes under their belt, the Traveler and their trusty fairy companion, Paimon, decided it was time for a celebratory meal.
Given Aether's hero status in Liyue due to his many brave deeds, it wasn't uncommon for him to receive special treatment from the city's inhabitants. Offers ranging from discounts to special treats and unique items regularly came his way. Today was no exception, the restaurant had extended an invitation to dine in their establishment, and they'd generously included a substantial discount. Aether, always appreciative and never one to turn down genuine kindness, accepted the invitation and his fairy companion just simply accepted any reward as as long as they had food.
Seated in a special VIP room in the newly opened restaurant, Aether and Paimon perused the menu. The spacious room could comfortably accommodate six to eight people, and its panoramic windows offered a stunning view of Liyue at night. Below, the streets teemed with people with countless activity, and all set against the backdrop of the serene harbor, the gentle sea breeze adding to the ambiance.
The moment for their hard task had arrived: The menu presented a plethora of visually appealing dishes, making the decision immensely challenging. While they appreciated the restaurant's kindness, they didn't wish to take advantage of it excessively. Both of them aimed to strike a balance between enjoying a delicious meal and being mindful of the generosity they were being offered.
"So hard to pick one" Aether to looked at the menu like 3 times trying to pick but still no use.
"Hurry up, Aether I'm so hungry right now, just pick something!" Paimon looked at Aether with deadly eyes, but he didn't mind it.
"Maybe I just need to ask the chef to cook you instead." Aether said mockingly.
"Hey! Stop messing with me!"
...
"It seems you haven't made your selections yet, have you?"
Before Aether and the fairy could realize who had just spoken, that person walked right in and took a seat beside Aether, her intense gaze fixed on him. Both Aether and Paimon were taken aback, left momentarily speechless by her sudden appearance. The ambient murmur of diners enjoying their meals seemed to fade into the background as all attention turned to the unexpected guest.
"Oh, Lady Keqing, it's been a while." Paimon stammered, managing only a few words before her nervous laughter bubbled up.
"Just Keqing." She waved off, turning her attention to Aether. "Aren't you going to say anything?"
"How did you get here? This is a private room for us only, you know." he asked, a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Unless you're a secret fan of mine," Aether raised an eyebrow, a trace of amusement in his tone.
Keqing chuckled with a melodious sound. "Well, perhaps I am a fan of your taste in dining. Shall we peruse the menu together?"
"Finally, some progression." The fairy urged them to move past their chit chat and indecision. "Paimon almost starved to death now."
"Seems like I've arrived right on time." Keqing took the menu from Aether's hand by surprise. "How about we order this and this?" She confidently pointed to two menu items, ready to put an end to their indecisiveness.
Aether's brows furrowed with uncertainty as he glanced at the prices. "They all look quite expensive. Are you sure about this, Keqing? We did get a discount, not for free, you know."
"That's just nothing." Keqing chuckled "Just take it as the token of appreciation for saving Liyue. We haven't held a celebration, right?"
"But isn't it too much? I mean I've already asked it before."
"That doesn't count for me!" Keqing asserted, her hand striking the table in frustration. "If you wanted to discuss that matter, you could have simply told me privately. You just made me feel like some kind of fool out there."
The Yuheng couldn't understand why Aether's only request was the Missing poster of his sibling. Could something truly dire have happened between them? That choice left many bewildered and curious about his underlying motives. Everyone, Keqing included, felt a tinge of disappointment, questioning whether this decision was merely a modest recompense for his remarkable deeds in Liyue or if he concealed some hidden agenda.
"Alright, alright I will think about it" Aether tried to calm her down.
"Hmph! Finally knocking some sense into you," Keqing giggled softly, her laughter a blend of amusement and relief. She turned her attention back to the menu, her slender fingers gracefully tracing over the intricate calligraphy and vivid illustrations of each dish.
Aether and Paimon exchanged glances, questioning who the real guests were in this arrangement. And also: Why had Keqing really come?
During their conversation, both sides exchanged glances, their thoughts wandering as they wondered what the source of their mutual fascination could be.
Aether found himself captivated by Keqing's vibrant expressions. Her animated demeanor, accentuated by the playful wiggle of her faux cat ear buns, seemed to breathe life into the elegant ambiance of the restaurant. The soft, golden lighting, casting intricate patterns across her attire, enhanced her enchanting presence.
Despite knowing that the cat ear buns were mere accessories, still they brought him an inexplicable fascination with them. The silk ribbons that adorned these faux ears swayed with every movement, inviting his gaze to linger. A fleeting, wild thought crossed his mind—a moment of curiosity and temptation, wondering if they were soft to the touch, and if he dared to reach out and feel them, would she react with a playful purr?
"Cute." Aether murmured, almost involuntarily, his voice a soft, appreciative sigh. Realizing his slip, he quickly covered his mouth in embarrassment.
On the other side, Keqing's amethyst eyes landed on him with a glint of confusion and curiosity. The eyes that had seen countless negotiations and political intrigues now held a touch of vulnerability as she asked, "Is there something on my face?". Her delicate porcelain skin seemed to glow under the restaurant's warm illumination.
"Nothing..." Aether responded with a hint of shyness in his tone, his own eyes momentarily fixated on the intricate design of the tablecloth.
Similarly, Keqing found herself entranced by Aether's presence. Her gaze lingered on his features, her thoughts wandering through the myriad of adventures they had undertaken together. "Such lustrous golden hair and piercing eyes..." She murmured to herself, momentarily lost in her contemplation. Abruptly, she jolted back to the present, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Wait, what am I even thinking? Focus!" she chided herself, attempting to regain her composure.
Fortunately, their awkward tension was broken when the staff began serving their dishes. The cuisine, which was the specialty of both Liyue and the restaurant, was presented with such artistry and precision that both Aether and Paimon were taken aback. The aroma of exotic spices and the delicate arrangement of ingredients in each dish created a sensory symphony that filled the air.
"Wow! This is exquisite!" Paimon and Aether chorused, drawing a chuckle from Keqing.
"Just look at the two of you. Well, let's dig in."
While relishing the intricate flavors of their dishes, they exchanged tales of their adventures following the defeat of the god Osla. The restaurant's ambiance, echoing with soft laughter and nostalgic reminiscing, was infused with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. The rich tapestry of Liyue's culinary masterpieces on their plates further heightened the serenity of the moment, allowing them to bask in a tranquil and contented respite.
. "It seems that people are adjusting to life without the watchful presence and guidance of the Geo Archon, aren't they?" The fiery took a bite of her dish as her eyes sparkled with curiosity while glancing towards Keqing.
Sipping her tea, Keqing responded "Indeed, many have come to terms with it. But there are those who can't fathom reality and remain entrenched in disbelief. Time, I believe, will ease their uncertainties."
"Does this mark the twilight of the Archons' era?" Said Aether.
Keqing nodded, her gaze returning to her companions. "That's correct. It's time for us to stand on our own strength. Continual reliance on them would hinder our progress," She asserted. "Initially, I, too, harbored doubts about the gods' true assistance. Each year, their interventions led people to believe that everything depended solely on the divine, rather than on our leaders, the Qixing, and ourselves, despite our best efforts. But after the Geo Archon's incident, I gained insight into the challenges they faced before entrusting us with their legacy."
"I guess you've come to understand everyone a bit more now." Paimon commented.
"Perhaps so." Keqing conceded with a soft smile. "However, this realization fuels my determination to strive harder and surpass their expectations. I won't yield easily. Initially, I believed the gods granted me a Vision as a mere jest, but now I suspect they may have had faith in me, bestowing upon me greater power to reach even greater heights."
"That's why you've been collecting things related to the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis, isn't it?" Aether inquired casually, his curiosity getting the best of him, but Keqing quickly silenced him, a blush coloring her cheeks.
"Do you want to cause trouble here? I've gathered those items solely for self-reflection. That's all there is to it," Keqing said, her glare icy and full of warning. "And not a single word to anyone about it, understood?"
"Yes, madam." Aether replied, his nods more pronounced. He had already experienced his fair share of trouble with this woman, and he had no desire for further complications.
Following that incident, she had acquired a multitude of objects associated with Rex Lapis, ranging from ancient scrolls to miniature figurines and lifelike statues. She had devoted an entire room to them in her residence, creating a sanctuary of sorts. Aether had once stumbled upon this room accidentally and had been left speechless, quietly retreating afterward. It was a secret that appeared to be known to only Aether.
"Let's move on to the next topic" Keqing continued, instructing the waiter to bring more dishes, including something that would probably haunt Aether for a long time to come.
– Alcohol.
"Uhhh Are you sure about this?" Aether pointed out to her, worrying something bad might happen.
"Don't worry, we're here as special guests, so being just a year or two shorts won't matter. Or are you afraid of alcohol?" Keqing teased.
Actually, it wasn't surprising that he was mistaken for being underage. In Mondstadt, he had many opportunities to try this alcoholic beverage, but his scholarly appearance made it nearly impossible for him to do so, even though he was likely much older than most and didn't seem to care much about it. Perhaps this was a good chance to try it?
"But let's go easy on it. I'm worried you might get drunk," Aether said.
"Hmm... You're worried about me, huh? Don't worry; I know how to handle myself," Keqing said playfully with a slight blushing on her face. "But if I do get drunk... you'll take me home, right?"
Seeing that he couldn't refuse, he reluctantly agreed, "Alright."
"And... Do you know, when that guy Venti... told everyone, he is the Anemo Archon... people at the cathedral burst into laughter... and said he had issues…I felt sorry for him... even though he's the one..." Aether recounted while trying to catch his breath. The alcohol seemed to be affecting him, but he was still conscious of his surroundings. He shared various adventures from his time in Mondstadt – exciting, dangerous, and humorous ones. Keqing listened, laughing and admiring him, as it was impressive how he had managed everything despite being a newcomer to this world.
However, Keqing's condition was not any better and might even be worse. Her face was flushed, and she was half-conscious, but she tried to listen to his story. Aether's words were captivating, describing the thrilling adventures he had experienced and how they had led him to this city, where he had met her.
After listening to Aether's stories, Keqing shared her own amusing and frustrating experiences. "You know... at Mingxin Jewelry Store... I also ordered a piece of jewelry in advance... for almost three months... and it cost me quite a sum... But when it was time to pick it up... they told me... it was sold out... And do you know who bought it? Ningguang... she bought everything from there... at three times the price I paid... and they kept it a secret until... the seller spilled the beans... It's infuriating, isn't it!" Keqing said, lightly tapping the table a few times. Perhaps they helped each other in their work, but outside of that, they didn't seem to like each other much. Both Aether and Paimon burst into laughter because it seemed that Keqing, despite being a mature professional, was no different from a young girl.
"That's pretty unfortunate for you." Aether sympathized.
"You should've seen it coming."
Gazing through the window, Aether watched as families and relatives reveled in their joyous gatherings. The warm scene before him stirred a profound longing within him, evoking memories of the times when he and his sister were inseparable. The intoxication from the alcohol further deepened his introspection, prompting him to voice the question that weighed heavily on his heart: "When will I have the chance to reunite with my sibling?"
Seeing the somber expression on Aether's face, a facet of his demeanor she had never witnessed before. Keqing, despite her alcohol-fogged mind, empathized with his profound sense of loss and longing for his sole family.
"I believe you will see your sibling soon. We will do our best to find her." She gently reassured him,
Feeling comforted, Aether responded, "Thank you. Hopefully, we can introduce my sibling to the beauty of this place."
Stepping outside after finishing their hours-long meal, the soft, ambient sounds of Liyue at night welcomed them: the distant strumming of a guqin, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the soft murmurs of late-night travelers. The silvery glow of the moon painted the streets with ethereal light, and stars twinkled overhead, mirroring the streetlights below.
While the Traveler and the Yuheng were still reeling from the effects of the alcohol, they hesitated for a moment at the restaurant's entrance, absorbing the nocturnal beauty of the city before they began to walk. The cool night air was a sharp contrast to the warm, heady atmosphere inside the establishment. Their intoxication was clearly evident on their faces, with unsteady steps and laughter that was a little too loud.
They both instinctively leaned into each other, seeking support. Their arms became interlinked in a delicate dance of balance and dependency, each serving as the other's anchor. As they slowly navigated the meandering streets, the ambient noises seemed to blend with their hushed conversations and muted laughter.
Keqing's words slightly slurred, continued to recount tales from her past, her voice soft and melodic, carrying an endearing vulnerability. Aether listened intently, occasionally nodding or chuckling, but mostly he was enveloped in the cocoon of their shared warmth and the gentle cadence of her voice.
With every step, Aether became acutely aware of the intoxicating mix of scents surrounding them: the fragrant aroma of night-blooming flowers from nearby gardens, the lingering traces of their sumptuous meal, the potent scent of alcohol on their breath, and Keqing's delicate perfume which evoked memories of blooming sakuras.
"She's so soft, so...alluring." he found himself thinking, as the feeling of her fingers lightly grasping his arm sent tingles down his spine. Chiding himself for these uncharacteristic thoughts, he murmured, "Focus, Aether. Get her home safely." Yet, a part of him reveled in the intimacy of the moment, appreciating the serendipity that had led to this unexpected evening.
Meanwhile, Keqing, her thoughts equally muddled by alcohol and the unexpected closeness, continued to ramble, occasionally punctuating her stories with light, melodic laughter. She felt a sense of security in Aether's company, her trust evident in the way she leaned into him as she enjoyed the closeness within.
At that moment, Keqing suddenly exclaimed, "Do you know what my favorite dish is? It's The Golden shrimp balls. It's not even a fancy dish, but every time I eat it, the delicious taste of that rolled piece feels like it's melting in my mouth, helping me forget the work stress."
Unexpectedly, and perhaps unintentionally, Aether replied with a sentence that might haunt him forever, "That's why you kept ordering it repeatedly... But, with all these fried dishes, aren't you afraid of... gaining weight?"
And that might have been the only time he had ever asked such a question to a woman.
"WHAT!?... ARE YOU SAYING I'M FAT? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW LONG IT TOOK ME TO GET PREPARED TO MEET YOU TODAY!?"
Startled by Keqing's sudden outburst, Aether found himself pulled into a nearby dark alley. In the absence of light, the surroundings were cloaked in obscurity, and an eerie silence enveloped them. It was just the two of them in this secluded corner. Keqing leaned against the cold, rough wall, her breaths audible in the quiet darkness. Aether stood there, his senses heightened by the unexpected turn of events, and his shock rendered him momentarily speechless.
"You... don't believe me, do you? Well, I'll prove it to you..." She gritted her teeth, held onto his hand firmly, and with her other hand, she began to lift her dress, revealing her slender thighs in black stockings.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Aether suddenly panicked, stepping closer to stop her, but he was caught off guard as she gripped his hand tighter.
"I-I'm... proving it to you. D-Don't you see?" Keqing held onto his hand while her other hand still gripped her dress. Aether knew that Keqing was a person of skepticism and needed to prove things with actions, but at this level, he had never seen before.
Keqing might be a workaholic, but that didn't mean she didn't pay attention to her external appearance. And Aether's comment had touched upon one of her pride points.
"Why did it have to come to this..." Aether helplessly looked at her.
Back to the present...
"Hurry up... hug me…" Keqing's voice had grown weaker due to fatigue, but she maintained her position, eyes tightly closed, and her hands unchanged from before.
Aether started to sweat profusely, looking around for a way to escape, but there was nowhere to go. He couldn't teleport with his current condition, and he remained standing there, fearing that if someone noticed, he would be in trouble in the city.
"Keqing, can you calm down? Can we perhaps handle this tomorrow?" Aether tried to negotiate while finding a way to ease her.
"No, it has to be right now..."
All methods seemed futile. After a while, she whispered, "If you don't come closer, then... I will come to you."
With no choice left, Aether reluctantly followed her instructions. He slowly and shakily raised his left hand, which was now trembling, and began moving toward her waist.
"Hurry up... why are you so slow…?" Keqing urged impatiently as Aether's hand approached her waist. At this point, his entire palm had touched her waist. The soft sensation under his hand made him even more nervous, his heart pounding wildly.
"Aether...I…" Keqing murmured into his ear, continuing to guide his hand lower.
"This is the end of me," Aether thought to himself, almost in tears. However, just as Keqing was about to pull his other hand lower, she suddenly leaned into him, causing him to lose all sensation and rational thought. In reflex, he hugged her tightly.
He realized that she had become too exhausted and had fallen unconscious. Aether continued to hold her and understood that it would take a long time for her to wake up. He quickly carried her and headed back to her place.
Her soft bosom pressed against his back, and his hands held onto her thighs. It gave him some motivation, and her perfume slowly infused into his clothes, creating a pleasant sensation. Her breath in his ear felt like a gentle caress that was telling him the way back to Yuehai Pavilion.
…
Ganyu, who was still working overnight as usual, was deep in thought. However, her concentration was abruptly interrupted by a midnight knock at the door. With a curious furrow of her brow, she rose from her desk and made her way to the door. To her surprise, she found Aether standing there, carrying Keqing, who was sleeping peacefully on his back.
"What happened?" Ganyu asked "Did the two of you run into some trouble? And why do both of you reek of alcohol?"
"It's a long story but can you guide me to her room please?" Aether said, conveniently leaving out the incident involving the two people in the alley.
Aether, with Ganyu's guidance, made his way to Keqing's room. There, he carefully laid Keqing down on her bed and helped Ganyu to check on her before leaving.
Ganyu gave a relieved sigh "She's okay now. Thank you for bringing Lady Keqing back safely." She then added softly "While I was administering the medicine, she kept murmuring your name. It might be best if you stay with her. Your presence could bring her some comfort."
"Alright, I'll stay with her." He nodded.
Reaching Keqing room, Aether knocked on the door tiredly and staggered over to Keqing. He pulled up a chair close to her. Although she was sleeping, Keqing was still murmuring Aether's name, which worried him. On reflex, he gently held her hand in his and draped his other arm over her. Feeling his warmth, Keqing instinctively held him back, causing him to lean closer.
"You're stuck here with me...I won't let you escape hehehe..."
It was a battle he was losing willingly, for he had come to cherish this moment, despite the unpredictability and the mysteries that surrounded Keqing. The warmth of her hand in his, the gentle rise and fall of her breathing, and the fragile peace they had found in each other's presence were all too precious to let go of.
Slowly the room settled into a peaceful stillness, with so many events happening in just one day, Aether sighed "Hope I can survive after this.".
The following morning.
The dawn light began to filter through the windows, illuminating each house in the Liuye port city. In Keqing's room, the sun's rays brightened her space like alarm bells. Keqing began to stir, half awake and half dreaming. She felt herself hugging something soft and warm, and she could also feel being embraced by someone else. She gently opened her eyes and saw a familiar male face with shining golden hair tied back. His face was radiant, and he was still deeply asleep, one arm wrapped firmly around her waist and the other hand clasping hers.
What was this feeling? It seemed they had had a grand party the previous night. Keqing's head was still spinning, and she could smell alcohol on her breath. Why did I drink so much the previous evening?
Her memories came flooding back. She had dined with the blonde traveler and drunk excessively until she was drunk. So, he brought her home...
But wait...
Keqing halted her thoughts, suddenly hyper-aware of the person beside her. Who was hugging her?
She sat up and looked beside her to clearly see the face that had been embracing her. Her face flushed red, her heart raced, and tears brimmed in her eyes.
Why was he here!? Had he been here with me all night?! Why did I hold him and sleep so soundly? Have we...? She quickly checked, relieved to find that they were both still dressed but her clothes were completely different from yesterday. Her thoughts were chaotic, and she couldn't discern what was real.
She tried to compose herself, not wanting to show her emotional turmoil, but her efforts seemed futile when the young man began to wake up.
Owww, it seemed I had dozed off... but where was I?
Aether rubbed his eyes and met Keqing's tear-filled amethyst eyes. She looked flustered and incredibly angry.
Realizing the situation, Aether tried to calm her down "W-wait..it's not what you think-"
"JERK!"
Later...
"So, that's how everything happened last night?" The fairy asked Aether. Currently, both Paimon and Aether were sitting in a restaurant near the city port area. "You made me spend the whole evening preparing a room for you, but Paimon guess it's worth it, heheh..." Paimon chuckled, teasing him.
Aether, with the red imprint of Keqing's slap still visible on his cheek, let out a sigh. Resting his chin in his hand, he mused. "Maybe next time, we shouldn't offer her any alcohol?"
"Yeah, probably best not to. She's a public figure, after all. If anyone saw her like that, it wouldn't look good." Paimon agreed.
While they were engrossed in conversation, they noticed a girl with shimmering purple hair and two familiar cat ear-like buns approaching them. A strange, ominous feeling suddenly struck Aether, and he turned around to see Keqing, with an angry expression, walking straight towards him. She sat down at the same table, right across from him.
Aether tried to avoid the intense gaze emanating from Keqing and attempted to slip away, but she quickly pulled his shirt back, her face pouting but not saying anything. To break this awkward silence, Aether finally spoke up.
"Please forgive me for what happened last night. I didn't intend anything by it." Aether said, continuously bowing in earnest to her. His fervent gestures almost caused him to knock his head against the table several times.
Keqing turned her head away, hesitated for a moment "Hmph! so you do acknowledge that you've messed up, but I guess that's fine. Actually, I was too hasty, so I didn't understand the whole situation either." She said "I-I also have my share of the blame..."
After Keqing's numbing slap, Ganyu rushed into the room to rescue Aether from any further blows and then took her a while to explain the situation that nothing happened at all, her own dress was tainted with smell of foods and alcohol, so Ganyu helped her changed. Once Keqing understood the situation from the previous night, she felt deeply embarrassed and tried her best to apologize to Aether.
"Then, let's call it even." Aether spoke, a hint of relief in his voice. However, as soon as he finished saying that, an eerie feeling sent shivers down his spine. He couldn't quite place his finger on it, but something about the situation seemed unusual.
Keqing's face was still flushed with embarrassment, her cheeks a deep shade of crimson. Aether moved closer to her, his hand reaching for her forehead and gently pushing aside a strand of her hair. "Are you okay? Your face is all red."
In a flash, Keqing grabbed his hand tightly with her own, as if afraid he would run away. Her fingers clung to his, her grip surprisingly strong. She ignored the hand Aether had on her forehead, and the embarrassed girl stammered "No, you can't go yet."
Aether was taken aback by her actions. His face also turned a shade of red, mirroring hers. His heart raced, and his body stiffened, caught in a moment of unexpected intimacy. People around the restaurant began to notice the two of them, their curious glances adding to the awkwardness of the situation.
Keqing continued "Y-you MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for me! You can't escape!"
Aether was bewildered by her words, unable to understand what she meant. He still stood there, frozen.
"What...?"
Keqing's voice grew increasingly erratic, her words stumbling over each other. "Last night... w-we slept together, and back in my room, Ganyu told me an old story. She said that if a girl and a guy sleep together... so... that means I-I'm-…"
Her voice trailed off, and the weight of the unspoken words hung heavily in the air, leaving both Aether and Keqing in a tense silence, their cheeks flushed with embarrassment. The implications of the situation had taken an unexpected turn, and neither of them was sure how to address it.
Before Keqing could finish her sentence, Aether quickly covered her mouth, his face turning slightly red as he glanced around, noticing people starting to take an interest in their conversation. With a gentle yet firm touch, he guided Keqing to a quieter corner of the restaurant, away from prying eyes.
Meanwhile, Paimon seized the opportunity and quickly dove into what remained on Aether's plate. That poor Traveler hadn't had a chance to take another bite, and his companion's voracious appetite never ceased to amaze him.
After a few contemplative moments, Aether and Keqing simultaneously exhaled deeply, their eyes locking in a moment of understanding.
"How can you believe such a childish story…" Aether sighed, a mixture of amusement a mixture of amusement, as arguing about this wouldn't lead to any resolution. "So, what do you want for compensation?"
Keqing's face broke into a radiant smile upon hearing his question. She maintained her grasp on Aether's hand as they walked, her eyes gleaming with a newfound warmth. "First, let's find a secluded spot, just the two of us...I will explain everything."
"Alright, how about Wangshu Inn?" Aether suggested. From there the view was simply breathtaking: the moonlight casting a silvery glow on the tranquil city, stars twinkling overhead, and Liyue's night embracing them with its serene beauty.
"I will see you tonight at Yuehai Pavilion then. Don't be late!"
He smiled, leaning slightly towards her, their shoulders almost touching. "I gave you my word, didn't I?".
Keqing's fingers tightened around his in response, the touch warm and reassuring. "So, you're in agreement, right? You remember your words; you promised to be there, to take responsibility for the path we're about to tread" Keqing murmured. "Don't forget this is the land of Contact."
Their journey was marked by the rhythm of their steps and the intertwining of their fingers, signaling a new adventure up ahead between those two.
Thanks for reading everyone, Chapter 3 also has been reworked for better reading, please enjoy as well :3
