Aether was a man of many talents. He had been a cameraman, a chef, a lawyer, a photographer, an alchemist, and of course, an adventurer. Unfortunately, staring at himself in the mirror, he faced a most impossible task. Braiding his hair.

Hard enough reaching back there, he couldn't keep up the darn thing while tying the white ribbon. Before he came to Teyvat, Lumine did this for him. After that, Paimon took up the job. His companion did a truly admirable job. Too bad she caught a flu. He was not disturbing her sleep for this.

So what now? If he didn't tie this thing up, it'd get in his face whenever he fought. He stood before the mirror, palms across the countertop. Quite the puzzle he had before him.

Well, perhaps he could make do for now.

Descending the steps, Aether strolled to the foyer where he often entertained guests. Sure enough, he had a visitor. The Electro Archon herself. She sat, legs folded on the couch, perusing a light novel. Upon spotting him, Ei lowered the book.

"Good morning. Is that a new hairstyle?"

"No, I just can't get it braided."

Ei patted the couch, gesturing he sit beside her. He went over and turned his back. He couldn't help getting a little nervous. The Electro Archon was the most powerful woman he'd ever met. Hopefully, she didn't pull out his hair by accident.

Surprisingly, Ei took his ponytail with truly tender hands. Using her pointer, index, and ring fingers, she split the hair into three even sections. Without pause, she crossed the right and then left strand into the middle. The process repeated, strands crossing one another.

Her touch was gentle, soothing even.

"Wow, you're good at this," he said.

"Makoto and I groomed each other's hair all the time," she said, a slight bittersweet note in her voice.

"I'm sorry."

"Do not worry." She drew out his hair and interweaved the strands. "With you, this ceremony takes on a new meaning. I find that my heart is no longer sorrowful, but rather, at peace."

"Oh."

"What I mean to say is that I enjoy the time we spend together. You are…important to me."

His cheeks reddened.

"Thanks, Ei. You're important to me too."

"I am glad."

At last, she tied off the end. Ei worked her fingers around the braids. Some she stretched out to add a little more volume. Others, she left as is. Ei looped the white hairband around the ponytail. Satisfied, she said, "That should be serviceable."

"Thanks," he said.

Aether ran a finger down the braid. Immaculate, just the way he wanted it. Just the way Lumine used to do it, day after day after day. He never gave it a second thought. All those countless days with her he took for granted. His heart panged.

"Lumine braided my hair before she…"

They sat there in complete silence.

"Aether, might I offer you some advice?"

He nodded.

"We cannot change the past, much as we wish it. All we have is the present. We should cherish what we have while we have it."

She rested a hand on his shoulder in gentle comfort.

As her warmth touched him, Aether considered her words. Yes, he missed Lumine, but his journey had brought him so many friends. He had gained as much as he lost. He met Ei. This connection was one he wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

Unable to contain himself, Aether brought her fingers to his lips. Ei did not resist. Instead, she drew him closer. They kissed. Two lost souls found solace in one another as they deepened their embrace. This…this they would cherish so long as they had it. Should it end, neither would regret this love.