“Greetings, Aether. I’d say I hope this finds you in good health, but I can’t help but notice that the dependable and punctual Keqing has taken off from work for the next couple days after eye witness accounts identified you at her birthday celebration. While festivities should be enjoyed, please keep in mind the responsibilities of others to plan accordingly.”
Your friend, Ninnguang
Aether:…..
Paimon:What did you do,
Aether:Rerir was stressful and I barely spent time with Amber or Kinich. Cut me some slack.
Paimon:How will you respond?
xxxxxx
Ninnguang: *opens letter*
“Dear Ninnguang, my faithful friend and reliable benefactor. No~”
- Aether
Ningguang:…*turns head* I take it that you read it?
Yelan:*in tears* He paid for express delivery. He’s so petty in a way I can only respect. Flip it over.
Ningguang:…*smirks* Of course he wrote it on the back of mine.
Yelan:Ahaha! Oh I have to hand it Nefer and Varka. They have made that boy so unserious in the best ways.
// This concludes 7 days of consecutive illustrations! I wish I could have posted 7 fully colored, fully shaded pieces but that wasn't going to happen, haha.
I definitely feel a little burnt out, so I will take a small break from drawing before picking it up again. ;w;
For the final day, I drew xlmi alongside my favorite Aether ship. uwu Aeqing is very underrated in my opinion and got totally ruined by the whole 'yandere keqing' thing. <o< I absolutely adore Keqing and she is so much more than a jealous girlfriend trope. :<
Keqing:I would like your advice…on our intimacy. *red*
Aether:…Huh?
Keqing:Sex, Aether. I’m talking about sex. *squints* It’s a bit frustrating that you don’t look as satisfied as me, yet you never say anything.
Aether:….
Aether:I have literally moaned your name nonstop. Where is this coming from?
Keqing:I said as satisfied, not that you were disappointed. Still, it would be nice if you looked like me for once.
Aether:Oh, so you want me to be a mess?
Keqing:*red* Not the words I’d choose but sure, a mess. So…I’m open to suggestions.
Aether:If that’s the case, then I’ll bottom.
Keqing:What? I thought you liked topping?
Aether:I’m typically a bottom.
Keqing:Since when!?
Aether:Always. Keqing, first time we slept together you laid down first and suddenly I was presented with a challenge I’ve never known. I was like “shit, we’re both bottoms no! I’ve never topped!” But quietly in my head.
Keqing:So every time you’ve topped-
Aether:I’m praying that I don’t fuck up.
Keqing:Why didn’t you say anything!?
Aether:So If Ganyu laid down in your bed with bedroom eyes and said “come here” with her arms open, are you telling her to get up? Honestly what I’ve learned just now is that she tops you!?
Keqing:That’s neither here nor there. You fight dragons and this stresses you out?
Aether:You lead a government and choose to bottom! People have preferences!
Keqing:Fair point. If that’s simple, then we can take turns. Honestly I wish you said something sooner. Where you planning to top forever?
Aether:It’s not like I wasn’t enjoying myself, it’s just awkward and new to me. But yeah I would’ve never a word.
Keqing:Unbelievable.
Aether:*smiles* Well I’m happy we’re talking about it now. And by the way, you’re a cute mess. Anyways, I gotta go. We’ll talk later.
He puts his bag on and kisses her cheek before leaving. Keqing stands in the room alone, slowly waiting for him to get far enough away before covering her face as the pressure hits.
Hu Tao:You’re thinking about proposing to Ke- *mouth covered*
Aether:Shhhh! Don’t yell so loudly. Yes, I am. *removes hand* I was hoping you can tell me about proposals in Liyue.
Hu Tao:Aww, how sweet. I could but…this feels more like Zhongli’s expertise. Why ask a funeral director of all people for wedding advice?
Aether:Because you’re unorthodox and Keqing is many ways is unconventional. A modern can bring a modern perspective.
Hu Tao:Ooo I like the logic, though it’s really not that complex of a situation. This may be the new age of mortals but as you know, Liyue revels in lots of traditional practices. Many people still offer gifts between the two families as a proposal, or a special tea ceremony.
Aether:Any jewelry?
Hu Tao:Certain cuts of gold carved into betrothal symbols or in some cases, unique pieces. They could be earrings, a specific necklace ornament, hair piece, rings are gaining popularity. Keqing is on the move so I’d recommend something that doesn’t get in the way.
Aether:Hmmm. I see.
Hu Tao:Hehe, I think you’re overthinking things. I’m positive she’d like whatever you did.
Aether:Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try. I’ve read a little about those ceremonies, but it’s not like I have a household or parents.
Hu Tao:Hmm, that is true. Now that you mention it, Keqing’s family members are few and far between.
Aether:..What would you want?
Hu Tao:Huh? Me?
Aether:Yeah. We’re in a bit of similar situation. The member of your household is you, but you’re fond of traditions when it calls for them. How would you handle a tea ceremony?
Hu Tao:Oh, I wouldn’t. Same with the gift exchange. It’s not all that necessary in my case. Even if my grandpa and dad were around, I probably wouldn’t want such a grand fuss; even I get embarrassed. Though I might go through with it to see their eyes water with joy.
Aether:That sounds about right.
Hu Tao:Haha! What can I say? You’re right about me being unorthodox. *rubs chin* A proposal fit for me isn’t as crazy as you might be assuming. Honestly…*smiles gently* If I were to dream for a moment, all I would really want would be…
xxxxxxxx
At the top of Mt. Aocang, Chongyun revels in the crisp night air against his skin as he meditates near Cloud Retainers abode, striving for a strong and balanced connection with himself to become a better exor-
Hu Tao:Chongyun!!! Yooohooo! Are you here~
Chongyun:…*opens eyes*
Hu Tao:*slides into view* Aha! Found you. Training with your aunt again?
Chongyun:We finished a while ago. I was calming down more than anything. Something wrong?
Hu Tao:Nope! I have a secret I must share with at least one person or else I’ll explode! Xiangling folds under pressure and Xingqui isn’t as subtle as he pretends to be. That leave my ever reliable exorcist.
Chongyun:Is Zhongli getting married?
Hu Tao:Nope! But Aether is gonna propose to Keqing!
Chongyun:He- wow I was kinda close. Hope it goes well. *stands up* Hold on. Let me get my hood and belongings inside the abode, then we can walk while we talk. *walks away*
Hu Tao:An excellent idea! I’ll even throw in a dinner. Remember, tell no one! You should’ve seen him! He looked so nervous asking questions!
Chongyun:He asked you for wedding advice?
Hu Tao:Pfft, okay. I get why it’s weird but you don’t have to ask surprised. *looks at the water* He was looking for an unconventional touch. *sits down*
Chongyun:What was your unconventional answer?
Hu Tao:I told him to schedule an interview to be her assistant! She’d be so confused but it’ll allow time where she’s technically free. Instead of a résumé’ for office qualifications, it’s for a husband! Knowing her sense of humor, Keqing will smile ear to ear!
Chongyun:…
Hu Tao:*turns head* Hey, I can’t see you but I know judgment when it’s happening.
Chongyun:You really one of a kind. That’s all.
Hu Tao: We both know Keqing doesn’t do vacations and is incredibly smart. You got to catch her by surprise!
Chongyun:Should I be taking notes?
Hu Tao:Ha! You could try, but wouldn’t that be a little obvious in my case? You’re so routine I knew where to find you. If you switch up, I’d notice.
Chongyun:Yeah I guess it would be a little difficult getting the right flowers under your nose.
Hu Tao:Exactly! Wait, flowers? How did you-
Her question was interrupted as Chongyun walked out fully dressed and blushing as he held holding a large bouquet of Glaze Lilies mixed with Spider Lilies. Hu Tao immediately stands up, speechless as a thousand thoughts show on her face with half smiles and eyes unsure to settle on shock or tears while her heart suddenly felt loud.
Chongyun:Y’know when Aether came back and told, I couldn’t help but want to kick myself a little. Not only is this so obviously you, these flowers perfectly describe my feelings towards you.
Hu Tao:*twirls thumbs* I uhhh. A-Aether isn’t proposing to Keqing, is he?
Chongyun:No, at least not tonight if anything. Me however… Hu Tao, these flowers say it best. I love you to the end, and want a lifetime of memories with you. All the ones we already have, they make it all but impossible to only say “we’re dating” or “my girlfriend.” You’re so much more than that for me. We don’t have to rush to the official day, but if you feel like I do, will you let me be all yours? Can I call you my-
Wings fluttered around him; the family warmth of fluttering butterflies graced his presence while warm lips pressed against his. Shaky, but loving hands took the flowers before wrapping around his body. As Hu Tao leaned deeper into her answer, Chongyun could feel her tears kiss his face. When she was satisfied with the kiss, he saw the biggest and most beautiful eyes overflowing.
Hu Tao:Looks like I’ve rubbed off on you, hehe. Chongyun, this is…are you sure? Latern Rite was a good example of how crazy things can get with me.
Chongyun:Things have always been crazy with you. Hasn’t stopped me before. *holds her closer* You’re stuck with me.
His forehead pressed gently against her own, making her heart swell and lips lean in for another kiss. Hu Tao didn’t like to admit it, but she had forgotten the possibility of once again being apart of a family bigger than herself long ago. Now here was this boy she teased about his job, now asking her to be in the family tree. A household bigger than herself. It was terrifying, yet such a relief deep down. He didn’t want to leave her alone, and that dispelled more negativity than any rite or yang energy ever could.
Hu Tao: Hehehe.
Chongyun:What’s so funny?
Hu Tao:It’s just that knowing you, you’ve put so much thought into this that I bet there’s something you didn’t consider. Did you tell your parents you were doing this?
Chongyun:…I mean they love completely. What’s one less tea ceremony?
Hu Tao:Oh boy. You truly are a perfect mess. My adorable fiancé. Yes, the answer is yes.
She watched his eyes light up before spinning her. Chongyun pulled out a small present from his inner pocket. It was too long be a ring box. Instead, it opened to be a golden version of the blossoms on her cherished hat.
Hu Tao:There’s no way you got this made today!
Chongyun:Correct. It’s one of the few things I was certain about. You like your rings and I didn’t want to mess with that or add something you weren’t used to.
Hu Tao:I would’ve replaced a ring in a heartbeat. As you can see, unorthodox clearly doesn’t mean I’m no romantic.
Chongyun:May I do the honors?
Hu Tao nodded eagerly before keeping her head low enough for him to place the ornament. She couldn’t help but go over to the water and admire the new addition to her cherished gift. Eyes began watering again and her giggles slipped out easily. The moment Chongyun joined her at the pond, Hu Tao jumped right back into his arms with fever joy that brought laughter to both of them.
Shenhe:*behind a tree* It appears things turned out rather well. That’s good. I fear offering emotional support for this would be beyond me; even with your help. Good job on the breeze, master.
Xianyun:*sniffling*
Shenhe:Master?
Xianyun:Look away Shenhe! One does not wish to be seen like this! *covers face*
xxxxxx
Aether:*sipping tea*
Keqing:Sorry I’m a little late! * sits down* Work got a little busy as usual.
Aether:Your fine. Food is on its way. I ordered your favorite.
Keqing:Thanks. So, anything crazy happen today?
Aether:*smiles* Nah, not really. You know me, always helping around.
Aether:I’m not playing Tree number 4 in your play again.
Furina:Not that kind of bargaining. I humbly ask you to do whatever it takes to bring Escoffier into our ranks. In return, I will personally see to her training and development. As well as contribute more in the frontline.
Aether:So the macaroni dishes are finally taking its toll?
Furina:*drops to knees* I can’t take it anymore! I try so hard not to pig out in the teapot but it’s the only source of variety! Still, I miss her cooking often!
Aether:I will consider this offer within the next few days.
Furina:*red*!We can do that thing you talk about! With the chocolate!
Aether:….I will get back to you in 24?hours.
xxxxx
Keqing:I thought your will was stronger than this.
Aether:Please just give me primo bag.
Keqing:No!
Aether:But what if I let you do the same thing she offered to me?
Aether:Hello? *walks into office* I was told you wanted to see me?
Keqing:Ah, good. You’ve arrived. *walks up to him* How are you feeling?
Aether:Pretty good. Fit as a fid-
Keqing:*grabs shoulders* Aether…
Aether:*red* Y-Yes…?
Keqing:I…*shakes violently* WILL PERSONALLY END YOU MYSELF IF YOU TRY DYING ON ME AGAIN!!! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?
Aether:You called me here to yell!?
Keqing:Absolutely! Do you understand how terrifying it was for m- for everyone to see Hu Tao carrying you and calling for help!? You were as pale and cold as Qiqi!
Aether:I’m sooorrrry! Please let gooo! I might pass out again!
Keqing:*lets go*….
Aether:Are you still mad?
Keqing:I’m not mad. I fully understood what and who was at stake. I’m just a bit pissed. If you do something reckless then you have the responsibility to return looking healthy. Conscious at the very least. You’re lucky Yanfei didn’t see you. She might’ve cried or paced around the room until you woke up.
Aether:….*hugs her* I’m sorry I freaked you out.
Keqing:*red* Just to be clear, I didn’t cry.
Aether:But you definitely paced, didn’t you?
Keqing:My thoughts flow better in motion.
Aether:Heh. You…haven’t said you’ve forgiven me yet.
Keqing:I’m thinking about it.
Aether:Then can you think about it over a meal? My treat.
Keqing:….
Aether: Golden Shrimp Balls~🎶
Keqing:*squints*…I guess that can influence my decision this time around. *hugs back* You can’t do this a second time. I won’t let you off so easily.
Aether:Yes ma’am.
Door swings open
Aeqing:!?
Yanfei:So nobody wanted to tell this Adeptus everything she held dear was on the line!? You all let me babysit Yaoyao like nothing was wrong!?
Keqing:Oh wow, she’s…a lot angrier than I gave her credit for.
Aether:It’s okay! Everyone is alive and healthy now.
