Parties and events were fun at times, but this one was not quite what (y/n) had in mind. There were far too many aristocrats around talking about their estates, riches, politics, and the like. (Y/n) wasn't interested in any of that. Of course there were commoners among the people who were grouped together with their friends, but they seemed to be in their own worlds. (Y/n) wouldn't want to try stepping into a conversation that she might not even be able to fit in with.

The only reason she was here was because Jean needed someone to go on her behalf. The Acting Grand Master had other important matters to attend to, and (y/n) was the next one qualified to go. She had been baffled as to how Kaeya didn't qualify even just considering his knowledge of wine. At the very least, he could have held a conversation with just about anyone.

At the time, Jean was rushing and was running low on time, so (y/n) had accepted her request without thinking about it too much. Now, she stood alone just outside the building while looking over the vineyards. The area seemed like it came out of some fantasy book with the way the crystalflies glowed against the nighttime background. She briefly wondered if Diluc had a hand in drawing the creatures there. In fact, he had already come by to check on her, to which she was grateful. Being that the event was hosted at Dawn Winery, he had to attend to every need of his guests. (Y/n) could tell that he had already grown tired of the whims of the people. She was glad that she wasn't required to do anything other than be present.

"Do you mind if I join you?" The familiar voice had (y/n) turning around just a little to quickly.

"Aether," she breathed when she saw him slowly approaching. "When did you get here? I didn't even know you had come back to Mondstat." She was still a little shocked and could only watch him come to a stop right in front of her. "Have you been well?" she asked to keep them from falling into an awkward silence.

"Yes, I have. Although..." he paused and briefly looked off to the side. "I've missed you." When he locked gazes with her, she could see that he was weary. His travels had certainly been taking a toll on him. "I heard from Kaeya that you got roped into joining this event for Jean, so I came by as soon as I could."

"If I had known you were here, I wouldn't have left you in there by yourself."

"I was late, so don't worry about it. This is probably the best place to be right now anyway." He looked around for a moment. "It's quiet and peaceful." Aether held a hand out to her. "It's the perfect opportunity for a dance."

"You dance?" (y/n) asked. Aether laughed at her.

"No, I don't," he admitted. "I just saw some of the people dancing and wondered what it would be like." He shot her an apologetic look. "Uh, but I have no idea what to do. I just thought that you might like something like that, so I suggested it." He reached a hand up to scratch his head. "But if you don't want to, that's fine," Aether quickly added.

"You're really cute sometimes, you know."

"Cute?" Aether didn't say another word. He had gone still since (y/n) reached over to gently take hold of his wrist. "What are you...?"

"I don't really know how to dance either, but there's nothing simpler than this. I think it'll work out just fine." She guided Aether's hand to test around her waist before pulling him into a half hug and placing her other hand onto his shoulder. "And now you just kind of lean from side to side." Although hesitant, Aether did indeed begin to sway with her. "Yep, there you go."

Aether smiled at her. "This is a little...strange," he spoke just above a whisper, but he slipped his other arm around her without another word and kept up the act. They could faintly hear the music from the party flowing outside, but neither of them paid it any mind. "I thought of sending letters back to you," Aether mumbled.

"You brought yourself here as a gift. There's no need to worry about any of that." (Y/n) rested her head against his other shoulder and nuzzle against him. "Besides, I'm glad you're enjoying this world. I sometimes wonder what the others that you've visited are like."

"Well, this one is the best one so far."

"Oh really? Why is that?" (Y/n) was skeptical since she had heard some of the stories that Aether told her. Although he didn't give too many details, they seemed like, well... entirely different worlds!

"It's the best one because I found you here." The answer caught her off guard, and when she moved to get a better look at Aether, he was staring right at her with an expression so serene that it could rival the break of dawn. Just before (y/n) could say a word, a crystalfly fluttered between them, stalling for a moment in the air. The soft glow that it bore reflected across their faces for the brief moment that it passed by.

"Wow, I've never seen one up close like that," (y/n) said. Her sight followed the crystalfly for just a moment longer. "They're really pretty."

"Just like you," Aether spoke without missing a beat. (Y/n) wondered if he had picked up this habit of sly compliments while going to different regions. "You're very precious to me, (y/n). More than I can actually put into words."

(Y/n) gave him a thoughtful hum before resting against his shoulder once more. "So are you." The event turned out not to be so bad afterall.
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Another one done. Until next time you spectacular readers!