Furina sat alone on her bed, staring at the ceiling, a heavy weight on her heart. She couldn't deny it anymore: she missed Aether. Without trying, he quickly became the brightest corner of her life: supportive, loving, always treating her to sweets and treats. Hopefully, he'd finish exploring Natlan soon.
When she got hungry, Furina went to her kitchen. She'd been practicing ever since her date. One day, hopefully, she'd cook something that would impress him.
Once she fixed a meal, she occupied herself rewatching Charlotte's film of the day Aether performed all those songs for Xinyan. Boyband Aether was something she'd never get tired of.
Someone knocked and she hastily shut the recording. Adjusting her hair, Furina opened the door. Kirara pushed a giant box on a roller.
"Hey, Furina! You've got mail."
"I didn't order anything."
"Oh, this is a gift from Ningguang." Kirara handed her a clipboard with a form. Once Furina signed, the Neko girl rolled the box inside. Despite its size, Kirara didn't struggle moving it.
"What is it?"
"Don't know. I haven't opened mine yet."
"You got one too?"
"Ningguang sent one to all of us. I've been running all over Teyvat making deliveries. Anywho, I'd better get going. More packages."
Kirara headed out, leaving Furina alone with a sizable box. On it, there was an address and a single note: Until he comes back.
The former Hydro Archon found her box cutter. Once she severed the tape, Furina opened the box to a whole mess of packing peanuts.
She pushed aside the peanuts, digging to the bottom.
Furina's jaw dropped. She pulled out her gift. A human-sized body pillow imprinted with Aether's shirtless image.
On one hand, this might be the best gift she'd ever received. On the other hand, this was certainly the most scandalous gift she ever received. If the landlord saw this, he'd think her some kind of demented pervert.
Staring into his orange eyes, a smile crossed her face.
Furina gave it a sniff. It smelled like him. She smooshed her face into it, discovering a fluffy, soft interior. Her Aether had muscles and wasn't nearly as soft. But, the pillow certainly proved as huggable as him.
That night, Furina curled into her bed. Thirty minutes passed and she lay awake.
She reached for her Aether body pillow and tucked him in beside her. It felt nice. Furina gave his cheek a quick peck.
"Hey, sweetie," she whispered. She imagined him grinning at her in his disarming little way. He'd say something clever.
Furina spooned the body pillow. If he were here now, he'd probably be aroused just being this close to her. His hand would stroke little circles along her back. They'd talk.
"I know I've never told you," she said. "I've been scared to admit it, but… I love you."
He'd say, "I love you too."
Furina drifted to sleep. In her dreams, Aether visited her, telling her all about his newest adventures. They'd make love and then they'd talk. Being with him pushed away all her loneliness.
She'd continue missing him. Until he returned, this would be enough. She had her memory of him, and she had the girls.