"Ah, this does feel nice, doesn't it?" Beidou, legendary pirate captain of the Crux, asked.
"Indeed it does." Aether, the roaming Traveler and renowned hero of five nations, replied.
The two are having a nice evening walk on the Guyun Stone Forest since it was Aether who invited Beidou for the stroll minutes ago.
The captain was clearly surprised but Kazuha wanted to let Beidou have a break on land for a little bit since she's been working really hard and suggested to walk with someone to clear her mind off.
The crew wanted to relax on land for a little bit, plus Paimon wanted to hang out herself so Kazuha will keep the fairy company.
"Heard you've been quite busy as I've heard." Beidou explained.
"Yeah…" Aether nervously said, scratching the back of his head. "A lot…"
"I can understand. Things have been busy for me and the crew during our latest voyage." Beidou explained.
Aether didn't hear her ramble as his mind was in "another place". So much to think about after his recent encounter with Dainsleif and for some reason can't remember his conversation with Lumine.
Aether soon got something to snap him out of his little depression: a light fist to the skull from Beidou, being more playful than harsh.
"Hey, don't go all sour on me here." Beidou said.
Aether chuckled, now remembering that the woman standing next to him has always been brave, daring, and most of all, very kind to the people around her, especially her crew that is also her "family".
The Traveler admires her personality, her strength, and even her surprising beauty that she doesn't admit herself. Aether eventually finds her a person he is interested in, but the two have different responsibilities that it would be difficult to stay together.
The two continued walking for a little bit longer until they stopped at the bright orange tree that is lightly slanted where they began to admire the ocean view in front of said tree.
"It sure is beautiful." Aether said, admiring the open sea.
"Damn right it is." Beidou said, feeling the gentle breeze blowing her hair back.
"We both needed this." Aether and Beidou said in union, causing the two to realize they said the same thing together and blushed.
"Are we starting to think alike?" Beidou questioned.
"M-Maybe…" Aether answered, awkwardly scratching the back of his head.
The two were silent for quite a bit, not knowing what to say for each other. So much for a nice stroll.
Aether felt like he could act on impulse and tell Beidou how he feels, even if she wouldn't return them. Plus, he doesn't want to make things awkward like when he took Beidou's cute photo and nearly got beaten for it, albeit in the most embarrassing way.
He was suddenly pulled out of his thoughts when Beidou did the most daring thing she ever did: she grabbed him by the arms and pulled him in for a kiss on the lips, making the two blush red (Aether blushing much harder), holding him tight without letting go.
The traveler wouldn't dare break free against Beidou's strong grip, but instead giving into the kiss and wrapped one arm around her waist and the other behind her neck; hand gently around.
The kiss between the two lasted for a while before they released, sealing the deal as a newly-made couple.
Beidou, while embarrassed by her actions, smiled and patted Aether on the head.
"Just know, that you're always welcome on The Crux whenever you want. And that includes your sister when you save her." Beidou confessed.
Aether chuckled as he gripped Beidou's free hand.
"I love you, Beidou." Aether said, getting a blush from the captain.
"You too." Beidou said.
The two were about to lean in for another kiss, before Beidou put her fingers on his lips to say something first.
"But next time you ask me to take another embarrassing photo again, you'll get a more harsher punishment." Beidou warned, wanting to set a boundary.
Aether couldn't help but chuckle, getting Beidou flustered and brimming with some anger. But Aether calmed her down with another kiss, which Beidou greatly appreciates.
XXX
"How did I lose again?!" Paimon argued, losing her now 3rd round of TGC against Kazuha.
"Guess I'm getting better." Kazuha said, feeling confident his skills are getting better.
And that's another one-shot done! I really love Beidou and have used her as one of my best in Genshin Impact. Plus, her hangout and teapot interactions make it feel clear she has a thing for the Traveler.
On another note, I am doing yet ONE MORE revisions on the War Chronicles. This time is because I've been too busy following the structure of Ensemble Stars! Not that I hate it, plus I really love the idol music, but I need to not get too distracted, plus most of the series don't mix yet. Hopefully by September I have it all figured out.