Chapter Text
The bustling shouts and steps of the market area filled the air with noise. A cheerful aura took over Liyue Harbor at this hour, the sun at its peak further amplifying the sense of camaraderie between the residents.
A rhythm of two boots against the pavement was drowned out by the sounds, unable to reach anyone's ears. It was this audible clutter what Tartaglia lately cursed.
After all, when you were looking for someone, clutter was the last thing you wanted.
The last he'd heard of the traveler was that about his arrival to Inazuma, and his subsequent fight with the Electro Archon. Who'd have known the traveler would defeat her?
Not only that, Signora too.
What a shame.
Couldn't Aether have at least invited him for that? It must have been so much fun.
The Tsaritsa had, unexpectedly, given all the Harbingers a vacation, as she had to sort out various matters now that there was one less in the ranks.
When Childe told his family about it, an impromptu trip to Snezhnaya was arranged, and things suddenly became complicated.
A nearby pebble was kicked, sound still unnoticed by the surrounding citizens. Childe didn't bother fixing his frown.
After all, his trip back to Snezhnaya was supposed to include the traveler. What better way to celebrate Signora's death and the rare vacation it brought could there possibly be? Moreover, he'd already invited him. Hell, he'd made plans for it.
It wouldn't be a problem if they'd kept in contact, but Childe's birthday letter had gone without a response.
He thought, or rather wanted to think, it had gotten lost on its way to Inazuma. Maybe it had been confiscated by one of the commissions.
It hadn't been ignored on purpose.
And since it hadn't received a response, he and the traveler hadn't spoken again ever since the matter with Teucer.
He'd be leaving for Snezhnaya in a few more days, but he hadn't been able to relay the invite to Aether at all. Didn't they promise to go together?
A sigh. Childe was happy he'd see his family again, he was. But...
...Well, it didn't matter.
There was still some time left, after all. The traveler might come to Liyue sometime soon, then they could arrange things.
This was the reason why the harbinger had taken to patrolling the harbor's streets every so often. Surely, Aether wouldn't be long now, right?
...Right?
A few days passed like that, and the designated departure time grew ever closer. There was still no sign of the traveler across the whole of Liyue.
It happened on the final day. Crossing by the Adventurer's Guild, with little hope left, idle chatter from familiar voices reached a certain harbinger's ears.
—I know! Let's visit Zhongli! —The high-pitched yell almost seemed to cut through the noise. —After that whole deal with the Raiden Shogun, it'd sure be nice to talk to an archon who doesn't wanna kill us!
—Paimon, shh! —Another voice, quieter, was almost drowned out. —Not so loud!
The golden-haired traveler and his companion walked just a few meters away, happily chatting. The heavy worry that had been building up on Childe's chest lightened at the sight.
What timing!
Relieved, the harbinger's footsteps quickened, sounding loud on the stone floor. He approached the cheerful duo without reservation.
—Hey, traveler! —For once, the smile on his face was genuine.
The fairy was the one to react first. —Hey, look! It's Childe! —She waved her tiny hand on the air, happily greeting the new arrival.
Aether turned around upon hearing the familiar voice as well, but there was no movement to greet him. Even the traveler's usual neutral look now seemed cold.
—It's been a while, hasn't it? How was Inazuma? Fun?
Aether's frown deepened. Paimon seemed to almost flinch at the question.
What? Did he say something wrong?
The former gave a curt nod. —It was fine. —Even if his expression seemed to be saying the opposite.
An awkward silence threatened to fall.
—So, uh... —Paimon cleared her throat, quickly changing the subject. —What did you want, Childe?
He glanced at the traveler for a moment. The amber eyes looking back at him seemed to be telling him to hurry up and talk.
...Had Aether always been this hard to approach?
Childe forced a smile. —I wanted to formally invite you two to visit my homeland with me. —He explained. —...If you want, that is.
It was added as an afterthought, as the traveler hadn't stopped glaring.
—Eh?! Right now?! —Paimon yelled in surprise. —Paimon means... We just came back from Inazuma, and... well... —She was giving him a pitying look. The kind someone who couldn't do anything about the situation would. —...It's a bit... uh... complicated right now.
His smile didn't break. —Ah, I see. —Or at least, he wanted to think it didn't. He had to make an effort to keep it. —That's a shame.
Aether spoke up immediately after. —I didn't say no.
—Huh?! But... —Paimon protested. —A-Are you sure?
The traveler nodded. —It'll be a while before we can go to Sumeru anyways. —Despite agreeing, his attitude towards the harbinger hadn't warmed up at all. —When is it?
Childe frowned. It had been nagging away at him since earlier, but something seemed to be off.
Childe shook away the idea. —Tonight, actually.
He'd been ready for a cold reception. The traveler was just like that.
He expected it, so what was that knot on his chest?
Aether nodded. —Alright then.
Paimon kept stealing worried glances between the two, looking from one to the other, as if they were a bad combination. She'd greeted Childe so happily, so why now?
—Is it a bad moment? —He asked, tone unsure.
Paimon opened her mouth to speak, but Aether beat her to it.
—Not at all. —The fairy just sighed at her friend's words. —Is there anything we should pack?
The harbinger's hand rose to rest on his hip. —Why, I'm glad you asked.
With the famous traveler by his side, every so often someone would turn their head to stare at the group. Murmurs of 'Fatui' could be heard among the many whispers, but they paid them no mind.
—First. —Childe raised a finger, walking beside the silent duo. He pointed towards Aether. —You need something warmer.
Specifically, he was pointing towards his companion's torso.
—I'm fine like this.—Aether frowned.
—Hey! What about Paimon?! Paimon is going too! —The fairy yelled. Her earlier concerns seemed to have evaporated by now, worried more about being paid attention.
—You can just disappear like when we go to Dragonspine. —A rare smile appeared on the traveler's face. He looked very smug as he teased his friend.
—Paimon can't disappear for the whole trip! —She stomped her foot on the air. —Don't throw Paimon away just because you have Childe to show you around this time! You meanie!
A laugh echoed in the marketplace, putting a stop to the duo's bickering. Aether forced the smile off his face at the sound, but somehow, the action just made Childe laugh louder.
—Ah... You two have no idea what Snezhnaya is like, do you? —He wiped a tear from his eye. The traveler's frowning face threatened to make him start laughing again. —Just trust me on this one, comrade. You'll want more layers.
Aether's frown deepened. —I said it's fine. —The firm statement left no room for discussion. —Anything else?
And of course, he had to get stubborn about this.
Well, he couldn't say Childe didn't warn him.
He raised his hands to shrug. —Fine, fine. Do as you wish. —He'd undoubtedly freeze in the subzero climate like that. Walking into Snezhnaya with exposed skin was just begging for hypothermia, as good as it may look.
Suddenly, a smile took over Tartaglia's face. —Make sure to bring your best sword. Don't forget we still need to have our rematch.
Childe's voice had dropped, taking a threatening tone. The traveler may have defeated Signora, but he wasn't the only one who'd gotten stronger.
Tartaglia had been training ever since their battle, turning his already demanding routine into an even harsher one. He'd even gained a few new scars along the way.
His hand twitched.
How much more would he have to wait? Would it be too soon to fight right now? Then again, it was the middle of the city...
Tartaglia shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. It wasn't the time.
—Don't worry. I wouldn't be near you without it. —Aether's calm tone didn't change, despite the harsh words, even as he closed his eyes to answer.
...Well, that hurt.
—Oh, come on. —Childe tilted his head. —Surely, we're past that by now?
The traveler acted cold, but they'd grown to trust each other with time, hadn't they?
Aether's serious gaze said the opposite. He didn't reply, as if the answer was obvious already.
The harbinger brought a hand to rub at the back of his neck. —That's awkward, then.
And, all of a sudden, the stifling pressure on his chest was back. It was a foreign feeling, one Childe couldn't recognize. Just what was it?
By itself, a memory popped up.
'We get along quite well, don't you think?'
'You have a lot of nerve.'
...He supposed the traveler still thought like that, then.
—Yeah, Paimon is with Aether on this one. —To add insult to injury, the fairy spoke up. Her tone was almost sarcastic, further driving the point home. —It's a bit hard to trust you when you already betrayed us once.
Childe laughed. —Is that so? —The sound came out strained, as if forced. —That's a shame, then. Can't say it's mutual.
—Paimon sure hopes it isn't! We've been nothing but nice to you!
Why was his face heating up, suddenly?
Childe swallowed. The traveler's face still didn't change, amber eyes set firmly forward.
He wasn't even looking their way.
—Uh, anyhow... —He cleared his throat. There was an uncomfortable, sour feeling resting on his stomach. Was he getting sick? —Back to our original topic, there's nothing we need to bring besides spare clothes.
Aether nodded once. He seemed set on going with his usual outfit.
Silence then fell on the group. They'd walked enough to get away from the crowd, leaving the air deadly quiet.
Nothing but the sound of soles tapping against pavement filled the area as the sun set over the horizon.
The yellow-orange hues and still atmosphere should have been refreshing. Instead, Childe found the silence stifling. Even Paimon seemed to have nothing to say.
The previous conversation was still playing in his mind.
Suddenly, the harbinger spoke up. —Shall we get something to eat before the boat leaves? —He had to break the crushing stillness, somehow. —Liuli Pavilion, my treat.
—Really?! —Paimon spun in the air. —Yay! Paimon changed her mind! You're not such a bad guy after all! —She giggled, quickly beginning to list off every single dish she wanted to eat.
Childe smiled, looking at the still silent traveler for a response. —Well?
—...Sure. —The sober response was a stark contrast to the fairy's, who was still naming dishes even he didn't know.
Tartaglia sighed. If only Aether's opinion was swayed as easily as Paimon's.
Of course, he rented out the whole place. Some merchant from Fontaine had to leave, but that wasn't Childe's problem. Not when he could simply pay double the price.
—You're showing off. —Aether deadpanned, frowning as he watched the merchant walk away.
Paimon didn't seem to share his sentiment. She was looking at Childe as if there was a god mightier than even Archons before her.
The harbinger puffed out his chest at the reaction. —Impressed? —He smiled at the traveler. If all else failed, there was always mora.
Aether simply shook his head. —I can't believe you.
Just like that, he walked away to find a seat.
—...Not even mora, huh? —Childe hadn't expected an answer to his disheartened question. However, the fairy beside him provided one.
—Just give him some time, he'll warm up eventually. —She smiled, quick to fly over to where her friend sat. Of course, as soon as the table was within her grabbing range, food began to disappear.
Well, he didn't doubt that. Hopefully, it would be sooner rather than later.
It wasn't long before he joined the two, taking a seat beside the traveler. —So, did anything fun happen since last time?
Childe ignored the annoyed look the other was giving him. What, too close?
—By your definition of fun, a lot, actually. —Aether gave up on getting him to move away, annoyance melting back to neutrality.
A laugh. —You say it like you don't share the sentiment.
There wasn't a response.
Childe scratched his cheek, looking away to the side. Why was it so uncomfortable?
—Hey. —The usual joking tone was nowhere to be found. He didn't elaborate until the traveler turned to look at him.
—Is everything really alright? —It didn't seem to be. The serious look was nothing like Childe's normal playful attitude. It was one often reserved for his family only.
Of course, Aether didn't know this.
Paimon was lost in the food still, but she wasn't making any noise or comments. She was either very entertained, or purposefully letting them have their space.
The traveler sighed, leaning back on his chair. He still hadn't touched the food.
Just for that one moment, he finally looked unguarded. —...I don't know.
Childe frowned. At least, it was an answer.
—If you want to talk about it... you know I'd be happy to listen. —His smile then was different than usual. It was too gentle a look to belong to a harbinger.
Childe didn't know, but for a moment, Aether thought he saw a spark of life appear in the dead grey-blue eyes.
He looked away, but a refusal wasn't voiced.
The harbinger's smile broadened just a little bit. Not everything was lost between them, it seemed.
Breaking the moment, Childe spoke up, cheerful persona back in place. —Better hurry if you want to eat, comrade. I'm afraid our friend here will make it disappear all by herself, at the pace she's going in.
—Paimon would never!—The pixie spoke up, suddenly offended. —Paimon can't eat that fast, anyways!
—You would if you could. —Aether joined in, reaching forwards to fill his plate.
—Hey! Don't you team up against Paimon!
Tartaglia leaned back, a fist resting on his cheek, supporting his head. His smile didn't disappear as he observed the bickering duo. Thoughts and anticipation of their upcoming trip filled his head.
When was the last time he'd felt excited for something so simple, something that didn't involve bloodshed or battle? Childe couldn't remember.
His eyes landed on the suddenly laughing traveler.
Well, it wasn't an unwelcome feeling.
As food continued to disappear, amidst the clanking of utensils and the trio's chatter, no moment was spent in silence. Hesitation and distance remained, but they were masqueraded away, if only temporarily.
Despite the circumstances, the atmosphere around them had grown quite comfortable.
At some point, Childe's arm had even come to rest atop his friend's chair, quickly feigning ignorance to the glare that was thrown his way. Paimon was giving him a rather odd look, too.
—I've been meaning to ask... —Childe, shameless, ignored her as well. —Did you kill Signora yourself, comrade?
Rather than being angry at his fellow Harbinger's death, Tartaglia's smile reached from ear to ear. Add two widened, dull eyes, and his face showed a vicious kind of excitement instead.
—Why? Do you want the details? —Aether didn't look up from his plate, knowing this was the case.
—Absolutely! —Childe's eyes might as well be star-shaped. The food now lay forgotten as he stared attentively at the traveler, not wanting to miss a single word. —You have to tell me everything!
Despite the grim subject, the harbinger's actions were like a teenage girl asking for the latest gossip. If said gossip was instead replaced by cold-blooded murder.
Paimon shifted her eyes between the two, looking worried. —M-Maybe we could talk about something else? Inazuma isn't really...
—Please~? —Childe paid no mind to the fairy, staring at Aether with single-minded focus.
After a few moments in silence, the traveler gave in.
—I didn't kill her myself. —He explained. —I challenged her to a duel before the throne. It was Baal that dealt the finishing blow.
Childe whistled. —Look at you, starting a duel to the death! I didn't know you had it in you, comrade.
—You say it like you're happy about it.
At Aether's confused look, Tartaglia laughed. It was a loud, cold laugh. —But of course! Good riddance, if you ask me. —He cheered. —Just how strong was she? Well, not stronger than you, judging from the result.
—It was pretty hard to beat her. —The traveler didn't boast. —I... I don't know what came over me. I just said it, and then we fought, and then she lost. I don't know why I did that.
—You need to work on your self-control, mister! You did the same earlier, too! If Yae Miko hadn't found us in the factory, we'd be done for! —Paimon suddenly shouted, stomping her foot on empty air.
—Hold on, I don't follow. —Childe interjected. —That's the chief priestess of the Narukami Shrine, right? What does she have to do with anything?
Aether's face was quick to darken. His mouth opened, but it was closed again before any sound could come out.
And just like that, the amiable atmosphere vanished, as if it had never been there in the first place.
—...Comrade?
—It's nothing. Forget it. —The traveler shook his head, fork now picking at his food, but showing no intention to eat.
Whatever topic they'd just landed on, it seemed to be a touchy one.
—You can tell me, you know... —Childe tried again. If he could get to the bottom of this, he could figure out why Aether was suddenly acting cold.
—I said forget it. —But the unfamiliar bite in the other's tone left no room for argument.
The harbinger blinked. He opened his mouth a few times, but couldn't think of what to say. Just what happened that made the usually calm traveler so hostile?
He looked towards Paimon, hoping for an answer. The fairy just sighed, silent for once.
The air grew even tenser than it had been outside. Even Paimon was acting out of the ordinary.
It didn't feel right.
Finally, Childe looked away. Arms crossed, he stared down at his plate, the bitter feeling from earlier suddenly back.
Had he the chance, he would ask The Balladeer if anything happened with the traveler. But they'd be leaving for Snezhnaya tomorrow, and even if he knew something, Scaramouche wouldn't easily speak.
He stole a glance towards Aether. Childe knew the Fatui had been manipulating things behind the scenes. Was it something to do with that?
He didn't dare ask.
It had been hard enough already to become friends with the traveler after the golden house incident. Suddenly, Childe seemed to be on thin ice, without even knowing why. Prying didn't sound like the smartest idea.
He cleared his throat. A change of subject was in order. —Did you see her use her delusion?
—A-Anyways! Paimon is curious about Snezhnaya!—Paimon shouted all of a sudden, laughing nervously. —Heard it's pretty... cold... and stuff!
As the word 'delusion' was mentioned, Aether tensed up.
Childe would have to thank Paimon, who stopped him from messing up again.
—Oh, you'll love it, I'm sure of it! —He latched onto the new subject. This was something safe to talk about. —All the snow makes for beautiful scenery, even better than Dragonspine. The cold is harsher, too, and the monsters are stronger!
Despite Childe deliberately leaving an opening for questions, the traveler didn't speak. He didn't even look up, still picking at his plate. Was he ignoring him on purpose, or had the mention of delusions brought up a bad memory?
The disappointed look the harbinger was giving him was hard to miss.
Just what the hell happened in Inazuma?
—Well, what about your family? —Paimon asked again. —What are they like?
A gasp.
—Oh no, should we be worried?! Are they all Fatui?!
At Paimon's anxious question, despite the moment, the harbinger had to laugh. —Of course not! —It was such a wild idea, he couldn't stay serious. —Archons forbid, it is far too dangerous a path for them to walk on. They're all regular people, nobody even has a vision.
—Phew... —Paimon let out a relieved sigh.
That topic seemed to interest the traveler more. He was finally looking at them again.
Childe took the chance. Addressing his friend once more, he leaned in closer. —The only Fatui you'll have to worry about is me. —He winked.
Aether gave a short laugh. Resting his chin on his palm, he didn't quite smile at the other, but it was close. —Weren't you the eleventh harbinger?
—I'm flattered you remembered. —Childe copied the motion, except he was grinning.
Perhaps realizing how the scene might look, the traveler dropped his hand as if burned, quickly moving away. The red tint on his cheeks the harbinger hoped to see, sadly, wasn't there.
—I mean that I beat the eighth harbinger. —Aether explained. —Shouldn't you be the one worrying?
Tartaglia laughed. He wasn't fazed in the slightest. If anything, he found the topic rather fun. —You should be careful with your words, comrade. —He warned. —You're not the only one who's become stronger. Our next fight?
He approached even closer, smile turning vicious. —I'll win it.
—In your dreams. —The traveler finally rose to the bait. The cold atmosphere thawed ever-so-slightly.
Goal achieved, Childe finally leaned away. —Let's make a bet then, shall we? Since you're so sure of yourself.
When the traveler didn't answer, he almost thought he'd pushed too far. Aether crossed his arms at the words, also taking distance.
It wasn't until Childe saw a determined glint in his friend's eyes that he relaxed.
—What do you suggest?
Tartaglia's smile grew upon hearing the question. What was he thinking? The traveler wouldn't back down from a challenge. Despite what his looks would have you believe, he was unexpectedly prideful.
—The loser has to do whatever the winner says for a day. —If he hadn't found out what happened in Inazuma by then, he'd just force the words out like this.
Aether stayed silent. He'd probably caught on to his plan.
—Of course, if you're scared, you should take the chance now that you can still decline. —Childe added. It wasn't subtle, but it would be a blow to anyone's pride to say no now. He watched the other with an expectant look. —Well? You're backing out?
The traveler's face didn't change. —Make it a week.
It was Tartaglia's turn to stop. Only a moment passed, before he burst into loud laughter. Had there been anyone else in the pavilion, all heads would have turned towards them.
Childe's grin was bigger than ever before as he stretched his hand out. —Are you sure? No backing out later, comrade!
Without hesitation, Aether took his hand, the deal set. —Why would I back out? I'm not losing.
And so with a firm grip, the bet was sealed.
Childe had to admit it, he was impressed. A whole week? The traveler had become overconfident after defeating Signora.
Well, it would be his loss, anyways. He must be betting on the battle being short, due to the drawback from Tartaglia's Foul Legacy.
However, Childe had no plans on letting the fight end quickly.
Assuming things went as planned, Tartaglia would have the overwhelming advantage.
—Alright, it's settled then. —Aether wasn't the kind of person to go back on a promise, so Childe didn't worry. Whatever trick the traveler had up his sleeve, victory would be his.
—As for your earlier question —He turned towards Paimon. She'd been watching the scene with a strange look, but quickly returned to normal. —My immediate family isn't too big. —Childe explained. —Just my father, mother, and my siblings: Tonia, Anthon, and Teucer.
They'd already met the very last one. Thinking of it, Teucer would be very happy to see the 'Nice Guy' again. The rest of his family had also said they wanted to meet the traveler, ever since he wrote back about him.
—It will only be eight of us most of the time, however... —Childe brought a hand up to his chin. —They will probably invite the rest of the family over for a few days. It's been so long since I've visited, after all.
The traveler-fairy duo didn't miss the fond smile on Childe's face. His voice had taken on a soft tone to it, a stark difference to the usual brash one.
—You really care about them, huh? —The traveler's gaze landed in some spot far away. He knew the feeling very well.
Even with their many differences, they at least had that in common.
—Of course I do. They're all I have. —Childe's answer came easily. It was the same as exposing his weakness, but there wasn't a hint of doubt in his voice.
Aether didn't look. He didn't want to know what face the harbinger was making.
—And I care about you two as well. —The Harbinger continued without concern, turning to look at the traveler, a soft expression on his face. —You don't know how much it means to me that you're willing to accompany me on this. I'm glad to have you along, comrade.
It had reached this point. Aether let his head fall, covering his face with his hands. —...How can you say that?
Childe didn't take offense. If anything, he was amused. How many times had he laughed like that, in just this one night?
—I'm just being honest. —He assured. —Should I not be?
There was a short silence. Finally, the traveler raised his gaze again, meeting the other's eyes. —You could be a little less honest.
And, internally, Tartaglia cheered. It was because his friend's face, maintaining his signature neutral expression, had taken a red tint.
Was it embarrassment? Childe couldn't help but laugh again, louder even than earlier. So compliments were the way to break the cold traveler?
Aether didn't seem too happy, but he didn't have it in him to care. After all, a glare was much less menacing when the person giving it was also blushing.
—Sorry, sorry. I just found it funny. —Childe was apologizing, but the words weren't genuine. Seeing his friend's unimpressed look, he added, —I'll do my best to be less honest.
Which he wouldn't. He really wouldn't. It would be boring to do that, if the reactions he could get with pure honesty were like this.
—Paimon thinks it's sweet! —The fairy chimed in. —Paimon is very happy to go to Snezhnaya with you too, and the traveler is as well!
Aether's glare changed targets in an instant. —Paimon, you could be less honest too.
—I don't hear you denying it. —Childe leaned closer, a too-proud smile on his face as he sang the words.
His head was pushed away, but still, no denial followed.
The conversation circled back to Snezhnaya after that, saving the traveler from any further discussion.
Before they realized it, all plates had emptied, and all three companions had grown full. It was a pleasant atmosphere, eating together and finishing a meal with others.
Childe knew he'd felt it before, this sense of calm and belonging. But it had been so long ago that only faint memories remained, the details lost to time. He didn't even know when or where it had been.
Completely different from the sinking before, now it was like something soft surrounded his chest. It was a strangely warm feeling.
He didn't remember the last time he felt like this. Even then, looking around at the dirty cutlery and smiling duo, Childe knew one thing.
He wouldn't forget this occasion so easily.
With any luck, there would be more moments like this in the future too. Preferably, surrounded by shining white snow.