[ she almost regrets looking down at her brother and meeting his eyes, if only because now, now she won't be able to hide anything from him. then again, it isn't as if she wants to hide anything from aether; they're twins, after all, and they'll eventually figure out that something's wrong with either one of them. that's always how it's been, except perhaps the one time she could never get a read of him ...
lumine inwardly sighs and presses her lips together as she settles her chin on his shoulder with a huff. ]
I think ... [ well, it's just conjecture anyway, having stitched together so many instances. she'd like to say she's quite perceptive about people, but she also admits she lapses in a few areas. ] Okay well, it's not really "I think" because I was fully aware of it, but Childe kissed me. The other night.
[ ... you're welcome, aether. feel free to let your overprotective brother-side explode. ]
Edited (i can't do adverbs today) 2022-01-29 00:52 (UTC)
[ Aether just stares at her at hearing this before there's finally a slight twitch to one of his eyes and he finally makes a face, most likely because he's trying to imagine it and it's not exactly to his tastes. Okay, so it seems he was right about Childe's interest in his sister. Now what, is a pretty big question, but before he flips out he'll take a deep breath and glanceoff to the side to find the wall suddenly very interesting to look at.. ]
...And? Are you ... okay with this? What do you feel about it, Lumi? Or him, I guess.
[ oh come on, he doesn't have to look away from her. is he upset that she let him? should she have stopped childe altogether before it could even happen? to be fair, she'd like to argue that she was intoxicated (her fault, she knows) and inhibitions had been unwittingly thrown out the window that night by madam generosity, so!
lumine hugs him tighter, burying her face in his shoulder with a whine. ]
I don't know. [ she's at least honest about that, because she doesn't. she hasn't really sorted anything out yet, and even his explicit inclination to spend time with her has only been superficially addressed with a non-answer. ] He's a good friend. I think he's changed since arriving here in the Trench, and I'm sure you've noticed it too, but ...
[ that's also something she hasn't really addressed with, either. she'd like to say that she's been busy dealing with the bullshit in this city, but it's difficult to ask about people's past experiences with the dream world. ]
[ when she hugs onto him and whines and gets worried he's upset he can't help but sigh. He can't be mad at her, and if she really ... likes Childe in that way, he guesses he can suck it up. Kind of. A little. ]
I just...
[ He's worried as he considers his own time with Childe here, attempting to compare it to the Childe he knows. He's certainly softened up and seems less stubborn about doing things all on his own and pretty aware of others and their well-being that are around him. He still can't deny that Childe was dumb enough to get himself kidnapped for Lumine's sake like she actually needed his protection, and that probably means he does feel something sincere for her.
But, he also can't help but feel hesitance as he remembers the way Childe spoke of himself in Inazuma. Childe here never got that far, but... he can't help but be concerned about his priorities. He also can't forget Childe's rage back in Liyue. Maybe Trench has changed him for the better, and he's quelled some of that chaos. ]
If you're... Really interested in him like that, I'll support you. [ for now, at least. while beating on Childe in the background. ] If there's a time to leave this place, though, are you going to be able to leave him?
It's true, he is changed here, but I still don't think he's trustworthy enough as a Harbinger to not turn on you, but so long as we aren't in Teyvat, he has no reason to do anything like that here.
I know you can take care of yourself, but I don't want you heartbroken over some attractive blockhead who doesn't know how good he has it if he's with you.
lumine lifts her head from his shoulder, blinking. it—or well, she hasn't progressed that far yet. she certainly sees him as someone she might be able to rely on in the trench, barring the time she's tried to kill him (multiple times) and never mind that he's kissed her and practically told her his feelings, but she hasn't even considered anything more than that.
she hasn't forgotten about anything, either: his attempt on her life and on liyue, his loyalty to the tsaritsa, his role as a harbinger. all of those still weigh on one side of the scale, and rather heavily too.
though she supposes that aether's simply considering what-ifs, and it isn't as if this is the first time they've had to deal with this sort of complication in their travels.
still, what a thing to ask her, big brother. ]
Yes, [ she firmly says, reaching out to coax him to meet her eyes. ] If you ask me right now, in a week, in a month, in a year to leave this world with you, I will. You know I will, Aether.
[ lumine offers him a smile, pressing her forehead against his temple. ] Not even an attractive blockhead can keep me chained down to a world if my twin brother is not in it.
I know, Lumi, and I won't ask you to make that choice unless it's absolutely necessary. Besides ... I don't know if we will ever regain our abilities to leave this place.
[ trench isn't exactly where he wants his sister spending her life or his own, but they'll have to make do if there's no way back. ]
Just know I'll definitely hurt him if he makes you cry, so. [ even if he is a small girl right now now this is a very serious statement. ]
[ unless absolutely necessary, he says. and yet she feels the opposite, itching to leave this place as soon as they regain their abilities once more. aether may be here with her and there's no one else in the world that she needs aside from him, but that doesn't mean this is the new home she's dreamed of for the both of them. ]
He already made me cry. [ out of pain, you know. last month, when she was busy indulging in violence and madness. there were actual tears that gathered, even if they didn't fall ...
lumine snuggles her twin, tugging the ribbons and letting his braids unravel to bury her face in his hair. ]
Besides, it might just be a passing interest. [ you get drunk, you start professing your feelings, you kiss someone, rinse and repeat. ] We had something to drink that night, so.
[ aether smiles a bit, even if she might not be able to see it. ]
Maybe for you. But if you mean him, probably not. He's pretty obvious, I just expected him to keep it to himself and not complicate everything in a place like this.
[ then again, Childe's been gone from Teyvat a long time. Maybe he's just accepted this is his new normal for the rest of his life. Aether hasn't gotten to that point, yet, so in his opinion this just makes things messy. Then again, not that he can picture himself in a relationship with anyone to begin with, maybe if he were having feelings for someone he might view it differently. Frankly, Aether is willing to tolerate the situation for now, but that doesn't mean he's keen on trying to understand it. It's gross to think about his sister together with Childe, okay. He also doesn't want to have to give up his spot in the bed for that guy. ]
Aha, that's the only type of crying you should ever have to do. I'd rather you not be regularly subjected to the rest. [ because he's sure she's gone through enough emotional pain already to last several lifetimes.
Aether reaches up to bring a hand to gently catch in Lumine's hair reassuringly, the other arm hugging onto Lumine's own around him. His hands are smaller than usual but no less sincere in offering love and comfort for his sibling. ]
[ no one's giving up their side of the bed for anyone, omg.
lumine hasn't even given the guy an answer yet, and she's not about to anytime soon, either. hanging out together is one thing, which is something she's not averse to; she's hung out with other friends, spent time with them. but that doesn't always mean it'll develop into something else, something more, something deeper.
like what she said, passing interest. it'll eventually fade enough, as all things do with her save for her twin's companionship.
with an amused snort: ] Isn't that what Childe does best, though? Complicate everything?
[ just look at liyue and the babysitting job she did for him. neither of those was simple, easy. what's worse was that she wasn't even paid enough for dealing with those. ]
If someone kisses you, you'll have to tell me too, okay? So I can tell them to keep their mouths to themselves, especially now that you're even cuter than when I was a girl, Ae.
...Oh, yeah, true. [ ...she really does have a point. it seems to be his specialty— that is, complicating things.
( Teucer was really adorable, though, Aether can't deny that. thinking about Lumine with Teucer and Paimon is such a cute image in his head.)
when she mentions someone kissing him, he scoffs, and gives a bit of a flustered hmph! at that comment about him being cuter than her as a girl. what is she possibly talking about?! she's the cutest girl ever and he's met a bunch in Teyvat, as she knows... so he would know.
Oh, but...! ]
Aha! You don't have to worry. No one is going to try anything like that. I'm not even remotely friendly enough with anyone here for that sort of thing to potentially happen.
[ he has the archons, but the fact it's the archons would explain more than enough that such a thing isn't a concern. they're too busy being hobos, anyway. ] But, of course, I will tell you, if it somehow ever does.
[ though, to be fair, if he gets kissed while a girl he might run crying to Lumine versus simply informing her. because... embarrassment and hormones he doesn't get. ]
[ he knows what she's talking about; he's just in denial about it despite seeing his reflection in the mirror for the past archons-know-what days since they've changed. not that she can blame him for it. she understands how unsettling it is to see themselves in this form, let alone stare at themselves in the mirror.
lumine's arms tighten around him, hoping her touch would soothe him and his worries. it isn't as if she doesn't know that the others' memories of her and not of him still carry significant weight with him; it'd be the same with her, after all, if it were the other way around. ]
... If I could make them remember you instead of me, I would, [ she quietly murmurs against his hair. ] I think I can handle loneliness better than you, you know.
[ no, she can't. but if aether's in denial of his cuteness, then she's in denial of her own emotional instability. ]
[ Aether chuckles (ok, more like giggles) at her comments, but he appreciates her attempt and sincerity. ] I'm not really lonely because I have you. Still, I have to share you with them.
It's weird seeing them look at me without any recognition, but I hope eventually they can see me as a friend, too. Besides...
[ he shifts a bit uncomfortably, now. They can't avoid the topic forever. ] if they knew me from their timeline, I'm pretty sure there would be trouble.
[ he may laugh about it, but lumine knows her brother better than anyone else, hearing the underlying tone beneath that laughter. is that why he's clearly unenthused about childe, other than the fact that they both know what he's done and what he's capable of doing? if so, then that makes it easier for her, doesn't it? ]
We've always managed to get out of trouble together, you and I.
[ except the last one with the unknown god, sure. but all the events leading up to that moment had been sketchy, at best. ]
You'll always have me on your side whatever happens, even if they learn about us. [ even if she makes an enemy of the entire world. she won't hesitate to break off relationships if she has to for the sake of her twin brother. there's no one else she needs other than him. ] After all ... I could be that person, too ...
[ it does make him feel a little better, in all honesty. To know she understands and that even now she is willing to say that. It's frustrating for the both of them, what their twin has become in their timelines, and neither of them can offer the slightest but of comfort to themselves or their sibling about it. Aether shifts to bury his head against Lumine's chest, being the shorter one having perks here and there, and hugs onto her tightly. ] You're right. Things will work out as long as we have each other.
[ that Aether can be reassured in, and it's certainly a comforting thing to be able to hold onto. ]
So....Today, we should treat ourselves and get lunch while we're out, I think!
[ she rubs his back, tucking her temporarily-shorter brother under her chin, as she sighs softly.
lumine, for one, can only comfort aether with her touch. she doesn't think there's anything she can say to alleviate his worries or soothe his concerns about everyone's recollections, especially when she's the traveler in their memories. all she can do is reassure him that she will be there for him, that he will never be alone with her around. ]
Are you sure you're comfortable going out now? You'll be okay walking around as you are?
[ and in her dresses, too ... since she can't really offer him anything else. zhongli's clothes are too big for him, and so are the ones she's managed to get for herself. ]
I'll deal. I don't want to be away from you, anyway, so going is the better option rather than waiting around for you even if I was okay with you doing all this stuff on your own. [ Aether's feeling a little clingy and it's a lot easier to get away with that as a girl than a guy, so he might as well take advantage. ]
[ she blinks at his sudden desire to leave the house and then chuckles quietly. it's not like aether hasn't dealt with her clinginess in the past month, using him as a battery of sorts to ease the growing impatience within her. so this? is only fair for him. ]
Let's get your mop of a hair fixed first, then.
[ to be fair, lumine was the one who unraveled the braids she's managed to do earlier. but she grabs the brush again anyway and starts pulling his hair up into a ponytail. ]
We should probably get something for Zhongli, too. Can't have him starving to death while he's staying with us ...
[ oh yeah, tea. something that doesn't seem to last for too long in this household with zhongli around. lumine almost wonders if she should start getting huge jars of it so as to never run short on tea leaves ever. ]
I saw on the network that there's going to be a medicinal shop opening in the city, and they'll also be selling tea.
[ ... which she'll have to frequent often now, aside from the docks. she puts one end of the ribbon between her lips for a short moment, tying the other end around his hair. ]
We can drop by Master Diluc's tavern after, if you want.
Sounds good! I can — [ wait, no, he probably can't help much at the tavern if it's busy while in this form since he's still not entirely the most graceful thing to walk on two legs (he's a complete disaster in this body, beyond being cute.) ]
Erm... lunch is good there, and we can make sure the others are doing okay if they're hanging around or Master Diluc has seen them.
[ no, you can't, aether. she's not allowing it as much as she trusts diluc and his way of running his businesses, especially if it means getting near drunken patrons. he may be capable of handling himself, but she'd really rather not break any hands or punch any faces while they're out for lunch. ]
Mm, maybe they're unaffected unlike us ... [ she hums noncommittally, brushing his hair until she's satisfied. aether's always had nicer hair, even if it's constantly a bird's nest. ] Bundle up since it's cold outside. And don't wear my shoes while you're at it.
[ heels and aether probably won't mesh well with the snow, even with her twin's steady footing. ]
Okay! [ he'll go find a pair of his boots and just idk stuff then with extra socks so he can wear them around in the snow. Not that it's much new, everything he wears right now seems not quite his size, even Lumine clothes are big despot not being much shorter. Just less... curvy in places. Sigh.
He'll eventually come down the stairs looking a little bit like an Eskimo in big layers. Lumine's right, he probably needs clothes that fit him whether he thinks it's necessary or not. ] I'm ready.
[ ... for someone whose clothes don't fit him, aether sure was able to pile enough stuff on him. see, this is why she should've gotten him something that fits when she was trying on clothes that fit her new form. a part of her wants to insist that he stays at home but, well, that might not work well now. ]
... We really need to get you something more comfortable to wear. [ she sighs, wrapping a scarf around his neck before taking his hand. ] It doesn't have to be dresses.
[ and it doesn't have to be fancy, either. especially when aether's just planning to stay indoors for now. which works to her advantage anyway, keeping people from seeing her twin brother like this. ]
This is comfortable... Ish. But, okay, [ he sighs. Is it okay to be cute, he doesn't know. pretend he doesn't have to deal with being "cute" as a boy as it is! ] I mean ... I probably should accept I need something to fit or I'll never look taller.
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Okay, if we find something but no need to go out of the way.
[ Aether peers up now, blinking big eyes with Lumine saying they need to talk about something. ] Everything okay, Lumi? What is it about?
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lumine inwardly sighs and presses her lips together as she settles her chin on his shoulder with a huff. ]
I think ... [ well, it's just conjecture anyway, having stitched together so many instances. she'd like to say she's quite perceptive about people, but she also admits she lapses in a few areas. ] Okay well, it's not really "I think" because I was fully aware of it, but Childe kissed me. The other night.
[ ... you're welcome, aether. feel free to let your overprotective brother-side explode. ]
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...And? Are you ... okay with this? What do you feel about it, Lumi? Or him, I guess.
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lumine hugs him tighter, burying her face in his shoulder with a whine. ]
I don't know. [ she's at least honest about that, because she doesn't. she hasn't really sorted anything out yet, and even his explicit inclination to spend time with her has only been superficially addressed with a non-answer. ] He's a good friend. I think he's changed since arriving here in the Trench, and I'm sure you've noticed it too, but ...
[ that's also something she hasn't really addressed with, either. she'd like to say that she's been busy dealing with the bullshit in this city, but it's difficult to ask about people's past experiences with the dream world. ]
... Are you upset?
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I just...
[ He's worried as he considers his own time with Childe here, attempting to compare it to the Childe he knows. He's certainly softened up and seems less stubborn about doing things all on his own and pretty aware of others and their well-being that are around him. He still can't deny that Childe was dumb enough to get himself kidnapped for Lumine's sake like she actually needed his protection, and that probably means he does feel something sincere for her.
But, he also can't help but feel hesitance as he remembers the way Childe spoke of himself in Inazuma. Childe here never got that far, but... he can't help but be concerned about his priorities. He also can't forget Childe's rage back in Liyue. Maybe Trench has changed him for the better, and he's quelled some of that chaos. ]
If you're... Really interested in him like that, I'll support you. [ for now, at least. while beating on Childe in the background. ] If there's a time to leave this place, though, are you going to be able to leave him?
It's true, he is changed here, but I still don't think he's trustworthy enough as a Harbinger to not turn on you, but so long as we aren't in Teyvat, he has no reason to do anything like that here.
I know you can take care of yourself, but I don't want you heartbroken over some attractive blockhead who doesn't know how good he has it if he's with you.
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lumine lifts her head from his shoulder, blinking. it—or well, she hasn't progressed that far yet. she certainly sees him as someone she might be able to rely on in the trench, barring the time she's tried to kill him (multiple times) and never mind that he's kissed her and practically told her his feelings, but she hasn't even considered anything more than that.
she hasn't forgotten about anything, either: his attempt on her life and on liyue, his loyalty to the tsaritsa, his role as a harbinger. all of those still weigh on one side of the scale, and rather heavily too.
though she supposes that aether's simply considering what-ifs, and it isn't as if this is the first time they've had to deal with this sort of complication in their travels.
still, what a thing to ask her, big brother. ]
Yes, [ she firmly says, reaching out to coax him to meet her eyes. ] If you ask me right now, in a week, in a month, in a year to leave this world with you, I will. You know I will, Aether.
[ lumine offers him a smile, pressing her forehead against his temple. ] Not even an attractive blockhead can keep me chained down to a world if my twin brother is not in it.
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I know, Lumi, and I won't ask you to make that choice unless it's absolutely necessary. Besides ... I don't know if we will ever regain our abilities to leave this place.
[ trench isn't exactly where he wants his sister spending her life or his own, but they'll have to make do if there's no way back. ]
Just know I'll definitely hurt him if he makes you cry, so. [ even if he is a small girl right now now this is a very serious statement. ]
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He already made me cry. [ out of pain, you know. last month, when she was busy indulging in violence and madness. there were actual tears that gathered, even if they didn't fall ...
lumine snuggles her twin, tugging the ribbons and letting his braids unravel to bury her face in his hair. ]
Besides, it might just be a passing interest. [ you get drunk, you start professing your feelings, you kiss someone, rinse and repeat. ] We had something to drink that night, so.
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Maybe for you. But if you mean him, probably not. He's pretty obvious, I just expected him to keep it to himself and not complicate everything in a place like this.
[ then again, Childe's been gone from Teyvat a long time. Maybe he's just accepted this is his new normal for the rest of his life. Aether hasn't gotten to that point, yet, so in his opinion this just makes things messy. Then again, not that he can picture himself in a relationship with anyone to begin with, maybe if he were having feelings for someone he might view it differently. Frankly, Aether is willing to tolerate the situation for now, but that doesn't mean he's keen on trying to understand it. It's gross to think about his sister together with Childe, okay. He also doesn't want to have to give up his spot in the bed for that guy. ]
Aha, that's the only type of crying you should ever have to do. I'd rather you not be regularly subjected to the rest. [ because he's sure she's gone through enough emotional pain already to last several lifetimes.
Aether reaches up to bring a hand to gently catch in Lumine's hair reassuringly, the other arm hugging onto Lumine's own around him. His hands are smaller than usual but no less sincere in offering love and comfort for his sibling. ]
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lumine hasn't even given the guy an answer yet, and she's not about to anytime soon, either. hanging out together is one thing, which is something she's not averse to; she's hung out with other friends, spent time with them. but that doesn't always mean it'll develop into something else, something more, something deeper.
like what she said, passing interest. it'll eventually fade enough, as all things do with her save for her twin's companionship.
with an amused snort: ] Isn't that what Childe does best, though? Complicate everything?
[ just look at liyue and the babysitting job she did for him. neither of those was simple, easy. what's worse was that she wasn't even paid enough for dealing with those. ]
If someone kisses you, you'll have to tell me too, okay? So I can tell them to keep their mouths to themselves, especially now that you're even cuter than when I was a girl, Ae.
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( Teucer was really adorable, though, Aether can't deny that. thinking about Lumine with Teucer and Paimon is such a cute image in his head.)
when she mentions someone kissing him, he scoffs, and gives a bit of a flustered hmph! at that comment about him being cuter than her as a girl. what is she possibly talking about?! she's the cutest girl ever and he's met a bunch in Teyvat, as she knows... so he would know.
Oh, but...! ]
Aha! You don't have to worry. No one is going to try anything like that. I'm not even remotely friendly enough with anyone here for that sort of thing to potentially happen.
[ he has the archons, but the fact it's the archons would explain more than enough that such a thing isn't a concern. they're too busy being hobos, anyway. ] But, of course, I will tell you, if it somehow ever does.
[ though, to be fair, if he gets kissed while a girl he might run crying to Lumine versus simply informing her. because... embarrassment and hormones he doesn't get. ]
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lumine's arms tighten around him, hoping her touch would soothe him and his worries. it isn't as if she doesn't know that the others' memories of her and not of him still carry significant weight with him; it'd be the same with her, after all, if it were the other way around. ]
... If I could make them remember you instead of me, I would, [ she quietly murmurs against his hair. ] I think I can handle loneliness better than you, you know.
[ no, she can't. but if aether's in denial of his cuteness, then she's in denial of her own emotional instability. ]
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It's weird seeing them look at me without any recognition, but I hope eventually they can see me as a friend, too. Besides...
[ he shifts a bit uncomfortably, now. They can't avoid the topic forever. ] if they knew me from their timeline, I'm pretty sure there would be trouble.
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We've always managed to get out of trouble together, you and I.
[ except the last one with the unknown god, sure. but all the events leading up to that moment had been sketchy, at best. ]
You'll always have me on your side whatever happens, even if they learn about us. [ even if she makes an enemy of the entire world. she won't hesitate to break off relationships if she has to for the sake of her twin brother. there's no one else she needs other than him. ] After all ... I could be that person, too ...
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[ that Aether can be reassured in, and it's certainly a comforting thing to be able to hold onto. ]
So....Today, we should treat ourselves and get lunch while we're out, I think!
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lumine, for one, can only comfort aether with her touch. she doesn't think there's anything she can say to alleviate his worries or soothe his concerns about everyone's recollections, especially when she's the traveler in their memories. all she can do is reassure him that she will be there for him, that he will never be alone with her around. ]
Are you sure you're comfortable going out now? You'll be okay walking around as you are?
[ and in her dresses, too ... since she can't really offer him anything else. zhongli's clothes are too big for him, and so are the ones she's managed to get for herself. ]
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Let's get your mop of a hair fixed first, then.
[ to be fair, lumine was the one who unraveled the braids she's managed to do earlier. but she grabs the brush again anyway and starts pulling his hair up into a ponytail. ]
We should probably get something for Zhongli, too. Can't have him starving to death while he's staying with us ...
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[ Aether nods at the mention of Zhongli. ] And maybe some good tea if we get lucky.
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I saw on the network that there's going to be a medicinal shop opening in the city, and they'll also be selling tea.
[ ... which she'll have to frequent often now, aside from the docks. she puts one end of the ribbon between her lips for a short moment, tying the other end around his hair. ]
We can drop by Master Diluc's tavern after, if you want.
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Sounds good! I can
— [ wait, no, he probably can't help much at the tavern if it's busy while in this form since he's still not entirely the most graceful thing to walk on two legs (he's a complete disaster in this body, beyond being cute.) ]
Erm... lunch is good there, and we can make sure the others are doing okay if they're hanging around or Master Diluc has seen them.
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Mm, maybe they're unaffected unlike us ... [ she hums noncommittally, brushing his hair until she's satisfied. aether's always had nicer hair, even if it's constantly a bird's nest. ] Bundle up since it's cold outside. And don't wear my shoes while you're at it.
[ heels and aether probably won't mesh well with the snow, even with her twin's steady footing. ]
I'll wait for you downstairs, okay?
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He'll eventually come down the stairs looking a little bit like an Eskimo in big layers. Lumine's right, he probably needs clothes that fit him whether he thinks it's necessary or not. ] I'm ready.
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... We really need to get you something more comfortable to wear. [ she sighs, wrapping a scarf around his neck before taking his hand. ] It doesn't have to be dresses.
[ and it doesn't have to be fancy, either. especially when aether's just planning to stay indoors for now. which works to her advantage anyway, keeping people from seeing her twin brother like this. ]
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pretend he doesn't have to deal with being "cute" as a boy as it is!] I mean ... I probably should accept I need something to fit or I'll never look taller.(no subject)
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