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The Half-Qilin Needs Affection, Too!
Like most days, she sits and busies herself with paperwork and logistics inside the walls of Yuehai Pavilion. Like most days, nothing interesting happens.
But some days prove different.
The Traveler, in all his glory, comes and goes, greeting every staff member with that same smile he wears. The energetic little companion he's accompanied by does the same. Sometimes he's here on orders from the Tianquan, and sometimes he's here only to pay visits to the Yuheng.
One thing is for sure, he always makes certain that he passes by her desk.
Always with a smile, always with a gift. Sometimes Qingxin flowers, sometimes a gemstone he acquired from his adventures. Always gratefully accepted by her. They would have short, but fun conversations before he had to go and do whatever duty he had with the Qixing.
She started to expect his arrival, giving fleeting glances to the front door whenever she felt too exhausted with the work she was handling. His visits always left her with more energy for work, and she wondered if anyone else felt the same. Nevertheless, he always put a smile on her face at the end of the day.
On one especially tiring afternoon, she had her head planted face down onto her desk. Not quite sleeping, yet not quite awake. The immense amount of paperwork that had accumulated took an incredible toll on her, so she had inadvertently collapsed on her seat.
The Traveler came by and knocked, announcing his presence as he stepped into her room. Seeing her state saddened him, as he approached and saw the stack of papers by her head; an intimidating tall tower of parchment that was almost wobbling due to its height. Overworked again, despite his pleas to her not to push herself too hard. He knew she was a capable worker, but even she has limits.
An instinct in his head triggered, from days of when he was with her sister. His hand moved on its own, landing on top of her head. He moved his hand to and fro; petting her head like he would his troubled sister all those years ago.
The sudden sensation woke Ganyu, flinching from the touch. Yet, she couldn't find it in her to protest. It felt warm, soothing. She normally disliked such an action, especially so near her horns. But this time, she couldn't be bothered. She hasn't felt this relaxed in a long time.
"There, there. You did a good job today." He whispered.
"...Mhm." Ganyu let out a small noise of pleasure as Aether continued to pat her.
Aether however, realized that what he was doing was a bit embarrassing, so he stopped, much to Ganyu's disappointment. He spoke in a hushed tone, seeming to chastise himself for behavior he deemed inappropriate.
The half-qilin rose from her resting position to face Aether, a pout reflected on her features. The Traveler's embarrassment sent him into a flurry of muttering apologies and excuses, completely flustered at having been found out. Ganyu, however, didn't seem to mind.
"...More."
"E-Eh?"
"More." She craned her head downwards, giving Aether a sight full of her hair. He hesitated, before proceeding to pat her head once more, albeit accompanied by flushed cheeks. Ganyu smiled as her shoulders loosened from his gentle touch.
Since then, every visit of his has always started with him petting her. Soothing assurances and careful words made quick work of her stress, as sometimes she would even move in rhythm of his caresses. It reminded Aether of a loving pet, although he'd never consider nor tell Ganyu that. The first time he did it in front of Paimon certainly surprised the fairy, but she slowly grew accustomed to it as his visits became more and more frequent.
One evening had found the Traveler, Ganyu and the Yuheng all hunting down Treasure Hoarders said to have smuggled dangerous contraband within the city's borders. They fought arduously, and soon bested the criminals with some thanks given to the bandits' admittedly lackluster efforts. As Keqing took note of all the cargo the ruffians were holding, Ganyu eagerly approached Aether.
"Traveler. Did I do well?"
"Yeah! You did amazing there."
Ganyu smiled. "Then…" She craned her head downwards as she twiddled her fingers. Already knowing what to do, Aether proceeded with a careful touch and a gentle voice.
"There, there… you did wonderful today. Today was hard as well, wasn't it?"
"Mhm. Yes." Ganyu leaned into his touch more.
"Did they give you a lot of work again?"
"Yes."
"But you did great, I can assure you. Everyone appreciates your efforts."
Ganyu felt her body lighten, as it seemed like all tension was whisked away by Aether's wondrous words. She leaned in more and more, and before long she had unknowingly started putting weight onto the Traveler's chest.
"Mhm… thank you."
"Hmm… I should go ahead and call the Millelith. Everything is accounted for here. Our intel was definitely right." Keqing's voice immediately sent both Ganyu and Aether in a panic, separating as quickly as they could. Fortunately, Keqing didn't seem to catch Ganyu's quite affectionate hold on the Traveler as she turned around to face the two.
"Y-Yes, I suppose!" Ganyu replied, an awkward smile on her face.
As Keqing approached them, she noticed that both sported a red hue on their cheeks, with Ganyu's even reaching all the way up to her ears. Concerned, she asked, "Are you two both okay..? You two seem to be quite red in the face."
"O-Oh, we're just worse for wear after that fight! A few commissions took me out of it today, and, uh…" He looked towards Ganyu, not knowing what to say.
Thankfully, Ganyu picked up on his line of thought. "I'm just a bit exhausted after all the paperwork today, Lady Keqing. No need to worry about us."
Keqing narrowed her gaze. While she found their responses somewhat suspicious, ultimately she deemed the situation probably harmless. "Well, alright you two. Just don't overexert yourselves. I'll signal for the Millelith to come pick these hooligans up. Ganyu, you are dismissed. Aether?"
"Y-Yes?"
"I'll see you around." With a smile and a wave, she went ahead as the two watched her figure disappear into the horizon.
Aether felt a tug on his scarf to his left. Ganyu smiled at him sheepishly, her glowing scarlet blush seemingly shining even brighter. "Let's… continue that some other time, okay?"
With a blush of his own, he nodded eagerly.
Despite almost getting caught by one of their friends, Ganyu seemed to ramp up her need for affection. The day after, instead of a headpat, she instead opted to squeeze Aether into a long hug.
"U-Uh… Ganyu?"
"Shh… I'm recharging." Ganyu smiled, squeezing Aether tighter. While by no means did it hurt, it did feel slightly uncomfortable for the Traveler. And awkward, considering he could feel Ganyu's… well, Ganyus. He didn't really mind, however, because as long as Ganyu had at least some sort of reprieve for the day, then he was satisfied.
"Can you tell me how I did today?"
Aether smiled. This was a new experience, but oddly felt the same. "Of course. You worked hard today, right?"
"Yes." Aether lovingly patted her head, all the while Ganyu snuggled even deeper into his chest.
"That's good. You did good today. Right?"
"Mhm. Yeah…"
Aether's frequent visits soon became a daily occurence, often on his own as his flying companion didn't seem too keen on waiting or observing their very… loving exchanges. On one fine day, Ganyu rested her head on Aether's lap, enjoying his warmth and gentle little touches. Troubled, she stood up suddenly, alerting Aether.
"Ganyu? Is something wrong?"
"N-Nothing, it's just…" Ganyu averted her gaze, feeling conscious from Aether's intensely concerned look. "Something's on my mind, that's all…"
With a cup of her cheeks, Aether turned her face to look at his. "I'm here for you, Ganyu. Remember?"
Red flashes on her cheeks for the briefest of moments. "Y-Yes… you're right. But the problem is… you're what's on my mind."
"A-Ah, really?" Aether replied, his face sharing the same color as hers.
Ganyu inched closer to him on the couch they were sitting on. "Aether… you're kind, sweet, caring, and oh so… loving. You've been with me everyday, taking care of my needs and wants. You know…"
Ganyu inhaled, then exhaled as Aether gave her a reassuring pat on the back. He froze, however, at her next set of words.
"I think I love you." Sporting a bright red blush, she buried her head in his chest, unwilling to let him see the expression she had on. Muffled by his clothes, she continued, "But… I was scared of your reply. I told myself that today was the day I told you, even if you reject me. So… what do you feel about me?" She looked up, her eyes wet. She was on the verge of tears.
Dumbfounded, Aether stared at her as she waited for his reply. Suddenly, he burst into laughter which left Ganyu quite confused.
"Ganyu… why do you think I stay here with you everyday, hugging, cuddling and petting you?"
"B-Because…" Her eyes widened in realization as her voice raised in pitch. "Does that mean..?!"
Aether charmingly smiled as he stroked her head. "Yes. I love you too."
Embarrassed, Ganyu immediately buried herself back into Aether's chest as she basically sat on his lap. Aether made sure to continue his gentle strokes as he hugged her tiny frame, comforting Ganyu immensely.
Once again muffled by his chest, Ganyu spoke. "Does this mean… we're lovers now?"
Aether chuckled. "Yeah, I guess so."
"T-Then..! Close your eyes!" Aether was bemused by her sudden request but obliged, seeing no reason to refuse.
Aether felt a soft sensation on both of his cheeks; her hands, he presumed. Slowly, he felt more of her weight lean into him.
"N-No opening them, okay?"
"Yes, Ganyu." He couldn't help the smile on his face.
Suddenly, he felt something.
A soft, fleeting feeling on his lips he could've mistaken for a touch of a leaf if it weren't for the scenario they were in. He felt blood rush to his cheeks as soon as he realized.
"D-Did I do well?"
Surprised, he managed out a reply. "Y-Yes."
Another on his lips. This time much longer.
"H-How about now? Did I still do well?"
"Yes."
Another. Even longer.
"Did I do well?"
"Y-Yes."
"Okay. Open your eyes."
And he did as he was told. What greeted him was the blushing sight of Ganyu, clearly flustered and red beyond belief.
This time, she felt even more bold.
She jumped at him, capturing his lips in one quick move. It was much, much, longer. It felt like minutes. Maybe hours. Maybe longer. He hoped that was the case.
Soon, she separated from him, much to Aether's disappointment. She was panting, her face red from her ears to her cheeks, as her eyes spelled a loving gaze. A small smile was left on her face afterwards.
"Did I do well..?" She said, in hushed whispers right next to his ear.
"Y-Yes."
"Good." She collapsed right back onto his chest, enveloping him in a hug. "Good," she mumbled into his chest.
Aether stared at the ceiling, in utter disbelief of the situation he was in. He patted the back of her head as she drew even closer into his chest. He couldn't believe his luck. The love of his life was right here, with him. He chuckled to himself, finding it all unbelievable. He almost pinched himself but he knew this was reality.
He smiled as Ganyu looked up towards him, smiling back. Cute, like always. He thought.
He closed his eyes as fatigue slowly set in. A busy day, paired with a busy end to it was sure to leave anyone tired. As his mind drifted to thoughts of his new girlfriend, he began thinking of how he was going to reintroduce her to Paimon…
Perhaps with a giant pot of Adeptus Temptation…
EXTRA/ALTERNATE ENDING
Ganyu felt her body lighten, as it seemed like all tension was whisked away by Aether's wondrous words. She leaned in more and more, and before long she had unknowingly started putting weight onto the Traveler's chest.
"Mhm… thank you."
"What are you two doing?"
Ganyu hastily got off Aether at the Yuheng's question. Red-faced, she turned towards Keqing and addressed her. "N-Nothing, Lady Keqing!"
Keqing squinted her eyes, leveling a glare towards her secretary and the Traveler. "That didn't look like nothing to me."
Aether bowed. "I-I'm sorry, it's my fault. I should explain—"
Ganyu racked her head for a reason, anything at all, that wouldn't make Keqing mad. In the end, she resorted to plain honesty. "I… I-It helps me relax!"
"What?" Keqing said as Aether looked at Ganyu, both of them with an equally surprised expression on their faces.
"D-Don't blame Aether, please! He's only doing it because it helps relieve my stress!"
Keqing stared at the two as a pregnant pause took over their discussion. Keqing's scowl deepened as she cut the tense silence with her sharp words, "No indecent relationships are allowed in our line of work." She faced Ganyu as her gaze seemingly darkened, "You of all people should know that, Ganyu."
Ganyu whimpered, her head hung low in shame. "I'm sorry…"
"As for you, Aether…" Keqing's glare intensified, growing from an irritated look to a terrifyingly furious one. "...Meet me in my office in an hour. I've already signaled the Millelith to come and pick these thugs up, so Ganyu, you are excused." She took off with an attitude in her step, not willing to wait for the two left behind.
"Y-Yes…" Ganyu meekly said.
"Y-Yeah…" Came Aether's equally mild reply.
Ganyu returned to the Pavilion feeling awfully despondent. She came to like and anticipate Aether's visits and pats so it was no surprise she was feeling down with the whole situation. If only she was more patient and hadn't rushed to seek Aether's praise and comfort right in front of her boss, then perhaps these pleasant encounters with the Traveler would have lasted for much longer. With her head hung low and her arms to her side moving about languidly, she headed straight to her office to finalize a few pieces of paperwork before she ended the day.
As she climbed the stairs leading to her office, she heard a fierce voice yell out from the room a few doors next to hers. It was the Yuheng's office, seemingly berating the poor Traveler. Ganyu felt bad; she felt it was her fault for putting Aether in the situation he was currently in. She approached the room with a thought to rectify her mistake and defend Aether, when she then heard the argument more coherently, stopping her in her tracks.
"You're an idiot!"
"Keqing, I'm sorry—"
"Sorry doesn't cut it!"
Ganyu felt even more guilty. She gripped the handle of the door, fully intent on barging in and defending Aether when she was interrupted by the Yuheng's next few words.
"You never do anything like that with me!"
Eh?
Keqing continued, "You pay me visits, you give me gifts, and yet… and yet…"
"You never get touchy with me like that!" She cried out.
"Keqing, I-I'm—"
"Do it to me!" Keqing yelled out. At this point, Ganyu had opened the door slightly to peek at the two. She saw Keqing stomp her foot as she repeated herself, "Do it!"
"What? Wait just a moment, what are you talking about?!"
Ganyu slammed the door open, alerting the two inside to her presence. Panting, she addressed Keqing with an unusually vigorous tone, "No fair, Lady Keqing! You reprimanded us for indecent behavior, yet here you are requesting the exact same thing!"
Keqing backed off, a glowing red blush marking her features. "E-Erk… I could have sworn I locked that door…"
"I could hear you outside very well!" Ganyu stomped off to Aether's side, partly blocking Keqing's view to him. "I-If you want headpats, then I should be able to get some too!"
"Erm…" Keqing bit into her thumb, frustrated at the events unfolding. Crossing her arms, she nodded accompanied by a purse of her lips. "F-Fine… I'll allow it. So, Aether? You know what I want…" Facing Aether, a shy demeanor takes over the usually austere girl.
This prompts Ganyu to approach Aether with an uncharacteristic zeal in her eyes. "M-Me too!"
Faced with two girls with their heads cast down, Aether couldn't help but blush at the outrageous situation before him. Bewildered, he could only think of one thing on his mind…
What have I gotten myself into?