Chapter Text
Yae Miko couldn’t help as a tired sigh left her lips, as she tried to force the recent talk with Ei leave her mind. Talks of another war, were just so.. unseemly.
Miko let her eyes wander as they surveyed the concrete venue, her cliffside vantage point offering a perfect view as she looked for something to occupy her thoughts, or more accurately someone.
A smile graced her lips as she landed on a handful of people: the young Naganohara girl, little Shinobu, the Oni rascal, Paimon, and finally the one she was looking for, The Traveler, or Aether as she had she been told by the man himself.
A surge of pride bloomed in her chest at being one of the very few people to know his true name. She would’ve preferred it if is she was the only one to know it but, she admitted that not everything went the way you wanted it to.
A boisterous cry brought her out of her musings, something about “Celebrating our awesomeness!” with a feast. At the mention of a “feast” Paimon shuffled happily in the air, causing Miko to let out a slight chuckle at the small fairy’s excitable - and hungry - nature. Shinobu’s shoulders slumped ever so slightly, causing Miko to feel for the poor thing as her expression took on one of resignation at the prospect of having to watch both Itto and Paimon.
Paimon floated over to Aether’s face excitedly babbling about food, but her expression soured somewhat as Aether simply produced a rather large pouch of Mora and gave it to her. A small “eep” left the fairy’s lips as the weight of the bag caused her to dip in the air slightly.
Aether then addressed everyone else, waving them off with an easy smile and, - with some reluctance - they started to leave but not before offering a “goodbye” in their own unique ways.
Shinobu offered a gentle squeeze to his shoulder, - her eyes shining with understanding and a silent promise that she was there if she needed him -, the Naganohara girl embraced him in a very tight hug, releasing him with a fond tussle of his hair causing them both to laugh. Paimon offered an enthusiastic wave with the promise she would save him some of the best food she bought. Itto for his part pulled Aether into a bear hug and separated with a friendly slap on the back.
With a final laugh and a chorus of “goodbyes” the group left, as they did Aether’s happy expression instantly turned melancholic, as he glanced at the floor. The sudden change in demeanor caused Miko to quirk an eyebrow and her lips to from into a thin line.
So I wasn’t seeing things. What are you holding little one?
As she took in his expression her mind drifted off, recalling seeing him a few days prior.
“That’s all you have to say? After all this time apart? How devastating.” Miko said with a twinge of hurt, before turning away from Aether and Paimon.
She continued speaking, “To think of all the times that I’ve sat down beneath the Sacred Sakura, praying for your wellbeing on your travels…” she closed her eyes dramatically for a second.
“But I think I understand. Another wise and beautiful soul has stolen your heart, haven’t they? I’m sure you cast aside the omamori I gave you long ago.” she finished teasingly. Glancing over she saw Aether palming the side of his head in exasperation.
“Alas. I am but another fleeting passerby on your journey… oh, woe is me…” she finished with a dramatic sigh.
“Nonsense, how could I ever forget the amazing Yae Miko!” she heard him cry enthusiastically. A part of her purred at such praise from someone she held so dear. The more analytical side of her couldn’t help but think about just how he had spoke, it sound almost too enthusiastic. As she turned towards him she could’ve sworn she saw something in his eyes, it only happened for a brief second and it was gone.
’I’ll have to keep an eye on you little one.’ she thought with determination
Miko let the memory leave her mind with a mix of emotions: on the one hand, she was overjoyed that no permanent scents were marking him, even the stronger ones brought on by more “intimate” moments were fading, he hadn’t been with anyone yet - she planned to change that -, and the other more pressing concern was Aether’s emotional state.
Nodding to herself, Miko made he way down the cliff, stepping onto the wooden floor of the venue carefully and approaching the blonde quietly. She had to fight the urge to crinkle her nose at the overwhelming scent of ash and gunpowder.
“Quite a performance tonight.” she said easily, stopping right next to him, causing him to look up, as he did, his face instantly took on an all to happy smile.
”Miko! I didn’t know you were here. I thought you left with Ei.” he said with a raised eyebrow.
”Yes well Ei just wanted to stop by and see what all this fuss was about. That Oni fellow has a tendency to stir up quite a fuss.” she said, causing Aether to let out a soft laugh.
A smile graced the kitsune’s lips as she could tell the laugh was entirely genuine.
”Imagine my surprise when I saw that you didn’t accompany your little friends to their celebration.” she said teasingly, causing Aether’s face to tinge with embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
“Oh, yeah I just wanted to be alone for a bit. So anyway what were you and Ei talking about?” he asked.
Miko internally let out an annoyed huff, he was trying to change the subject, that wouldn’t do.
She didn’t say anything, instead simply crossing her arms over her chest and fixing him with an arched eyebrow.
Aether let out a soft sigh, knowing she wouldn’t let it go.
”I was thinking about my sister.” he said, a sad gleam in his eye.
Miko’s expression softened somewhat, but she didn’t say anything, simply nodding at him to continue.
”I think about her all the time, wondering to myself if she’s alright, if she’s safe and thinking about all the things she’s missing out on. Up until a little while ago, I was able to put all of that to the side, focus on what needed to be done, trying to have fun with all my friends. But, a while ago, I visited Liyue and a friend of mine let me use a machine, it let me have a dream, we were together again, we got to experience everything together, like we usually do. But none of it was real, and ever since I woke up I can’t get her out of my head.” he finished his speech with a long exhale, as if what he wanted to say was bubbling at the surface and until now was only kept down by stubbornness.
Inwardly Miko let out an exasperated sigh, You and Ei are going to cause my fur to turn white, little one, she thought as she shook her head.
Sighing, she started to speak: “Aether.” she said softly to get his attention, which worked marvelously as he knew she only used his real name if things were serious.
He eyed her curiously, causing her to continue with what she wanted to say: “I would have thought that what happened with Ei, would’ve taught you that holding in your feelings would do more harm then good.” she chastised him and fixed him with soft glare.
“But..” he tried to protest but she shushed him with a wave her hand, resting the other one on her hip.
”Don’t do it for, or your sister, or any of the countless friends you’ve made along the way, do it for yourself. Because if you don’t it will eat and tear at you until there is nothing left!” she let out a sharp exhale as she finished her speech.
The outburst of emotion caused Aether’s eyes to widen in shock, mouth opening and closing slightly as he tried to find the words to say.
Clearing her throat to compose herself at the sudden outburst, she approached him and let a small smile grace her lips.
“I don’t know your sister, that’s true but I have a feeling she wouldn’t want her dear brother to tear himself apart. She would want him to enjoy his time with those he cares about and those who care about him.”
”I.. thank you Miko.” he said with an appreciative smile, causing her to coo internally at how adorable he looked.
“Of course, dear.” she said sweetly, placing one of her fingers under his chin so he was looking directly into her eyes. “After all, what kind of editor would I be if I let my favorite muse lock himself away?” she said.
His face tinged slightly, not only at the intimate contact but also her possessiveness causing an amused hum to escape her lips.
“Well, I’d say tonight was rather productive. I think the only appropriate way to end would be for us to go back to your teapot, so you can tell me all about the adventures you’ve had since we last saw each other. Your stories were rather popular little one.” she said simply, pulling away from him fighting the urge to run her finger along his chin as she retracted it.
He smiled, and summoned the little device, and she fought the urge to let out a possessive purr.
Tonight, you’re all mine little one. she thought as she flashed him an all to friendly smile.