ofmisfortune | ♝ i . c. i n b o x

[The comment makes Aether's face bright red in an instant. His eyes are wide, staring at Vincent, before the traveler averts his gaze.]

Oh, so you do want to eat me.

[Is he having some second thoughts about it??]

W-well, at least you're having fun joking like that. Just remember that stars aren't exactly edible.

[Ah right. That other thing he was supposed to talk to Vincent about... It can wait, though.]

[ With a breathy laugh, his hands follow along the bare skin of Aether’s lower back. Up to tease his nails around where feather meets flesh. ]

Don’t worry, I only wish to consume you in ways that should make you glow brighter, my little star.

[ Ah, it’s nice to know that he can still arouse such a reaction from the other. It’s far too cute, he would have missed that greatly.

Teeth grazing his own lip, he shifts to scoop Aether closer - onto his lap, to face him, if he’d allow it. ]

[He gasps softly, feeling hands on his skin, his body shudders at the nails against the sensitive muscles that connect his wings to his back. Vincent says all that and it makes Aether indeed brighter - with a blush so awfully red that even his ears are tinted.]

That's... an interesting way to say it.

[He wants to think of something smarter to answer but his brain seems blank. He has not even a shade of a doubt that Vincent has a lot of fun teasing him like this.

Aether doesn't protest when he's pulled into the other's lap. One of his hands settles on the Vincent's shoulder, while the other brushes some of those blond hair.]

Just... be gentle, okay?

[He's getting nervous again. Vincent definitely knows how to get a reaction out of him.]

[ Oh, Vincent enjoys it thoroughly, yes. His shameless grin should say just as much.

However, Aether’s growing apprehension will lead him to ease up, even if just slightly. Gently settling his hand between where the other’s wings meet at his back, he softly kisses along the bared skin above his collar. ]

I will certainly try.

[ With drawn breath, Vince’s lips part to bear the full monstrosity of his jagged teeth, as he ever so carefully takes the tender flesh in mouth to pinch between them. Even if only enough to puncture the skin by their points, the sensation of it is gratifying, leaving his heated exhale to wash over the stinging wounds.

Almost as though in apology, he languidly passes his tongue over his bite. The taste of Aether’s welling blood has him groaning softly, before clamping his mouth upon the shoulder with much appreciation, the other’s body gathered firmly against his own. ]

[Seeing the grin on Vincent's face makes Aether frown and pout, but it quickly changes when he's treated gently, kisses pressed so softly against his skin that he closes his eyes and sighs a little. He really likes it, he can't help himself!

He tries not to make a sound when teeth pierce his skin. His hand moves up, stroking Vincent's hair. His head tilts to give him more space. Aether tries to remain calm and relax despite the stinging wound, but it's not lost on him that his partner is enjoying the moment. The touch of the tongue is nice, though. It makes a soft noise escape him, his body pressed close to Vincent.

It's only when the teeth sink deeper into him when he gasp breathlessly from pain, as some sort of panic washes over him. He quickly attempts to calm himself, the hand in Vincent's hair trying to brush it slowly, as if in attempt to convince the other that everything is still fine.

It will take a longer moment to lose enough blood to become light-headed. His hands fall lower, his entire body much weaker in the other's grasp.]

Vince... [He'll attempt to call the other.]

[ The pangs of hunger, at least, begin to ease. Such relief draws eager groans from Vincent, fingers bent as he clutches at the body that provides him with such immense relief. He very nearly misses Aether’s voice falling upon his ears- and only then notices the weakness of his hold, too.

Pulling back, he grasps the other’s shoulder to apply pressure and ebb its blood flow, but his own heart pounds fiercely in his ears, breathy heavy. There’s something else that he can sense off of his partner, which sets him ablaze with want…

Is it fear? Panic, even? Nuzzling up the curve of Aether’s neck with a rumbling hum, eerily textured tongue extending to drag along its length. Whatever it is, it’s far more delicious than this petite man’s blood - and his blood was intoxicating.

Perhaps the other may notice the emotion has escaped him, leaving him pleasantly vacant in its wake. ]

[There's a soft whine escaping his lips when teeth are removed, leaving him weak and completely at Vincent's mercy.

He never expected the nuzzling against his neck and the tongue exploring his skin. The strange part is that any pain and panic he was feeling earlier seems to be disappearing, making place for the pleasure that eventually clouds his mind. Soft moans follow as he wraps his arms around his lover, too weak to hold him tight, but still wishing to feel him as close as possible.]

Vince...

[He repeats the name in a hushed voice, but this time it's warm, pleased, willing to give himself to the man if he only so desires.

It's almost like he's hypnotized.]

[ The sounds which fall from Aether’s lips leave him undeniably fervent now, hips shifting as he groans into the other man’s lengthy golden hair. The strength which his partner lacks, he makes up for; Vincent’s hands wander the whole of his back, holding their bodies fast.

Kissing along the shell of the other’s ear, continuing down the curve of his jaw. Upon easing Aether’s back into the sheet beneath them, however, lips remain hover before his. Hesitating, breath hot.

Though they shared a passionate night together - he, Aether, and Vanitas - he has still promised his lover that they would only maintain eyes for one another. Where does that leave them all now?

Leaning back, he rubs a hand over his face with a discontent sigh. ]

[More breathless moans escape him as Vincent continues on, giving his attention to his neck, his ear, kissing him in all the right ways. Aether easily slips onto the mattress, lips parted, eyes closed, waiting for passionate moments to come.

But nothing else happens. The traveler blinks and the pause from the other serves as a break for Aether's mind to clear from the fog that settled over it.]

Is... something wrong?

[Then it clinks in his brain eventually and Aether looks away with a sigh.

He's not needed anymore.

Ah, it's not a big deal as long as Vincent find the happiness with someone he truly loves.]

[ The immense gratification that he felt only moments ago now makes him feel ill. Sensing Aether’s disappointment and rejection, he can hardly stand himself at all.

Reaching for one of Aether’s hands, he will take it tenderly in his own, if he’s so allowed. ]

I gave my word that I would only be intimate with Vanitas. We’ve yet to discuss… how things went between all of us.

[ And given the chance, he will place a kiss to the back of the other’s palm. ]

I do care for you deeply. Want you now, desperately. Were I the same person as I’d been when I arrived, I might take you without hesitation— and yet… [ A sigh. ]

Edited 2025-10-26 20:10 (UTC)

[Aether allows his hand to be taken. The small kiss against it makes him smile and that expression only warms when he looks at Vincent. It's still embarrassing to know the other wants him this bad, so the traveler's cheek are bright red, but at the same time he admires his companion's loyalty.]

I care about you deeply as well... That's why I came here today, why I offered my blood to you.

[He shifts his hand in Vincent's hold to now bring the other's hand close to his own lips and place a soft kiss to it.]

Don't worry about me. Keeping a promise to the person you love so dearly is far more important.

[A person they both love... Which is why Aether thinks he's okay with it. If the two people he grew to cherish and love so much long to be only with one another, he doesn't want to ruin it. He wants them to be happy.]

[ Having his hand kissed by Aether, in turn, is not something that he’d expected. Perhaps his cheeks may color a bit, too.

Still, Vincent is unsatisfied. He will reach out to pet a hand through Aether’s hair. ]

We will talk. I can’t imagine that either of us wish to keep our affections from you. It’s a promise that predated the night we spent together.

[Ah, that hue of pink looks so nice on Vincent's cheeks. Aether looks at him with fondness and his eyes only close when his hair is petted.]

I see.

[And yet, despite that promise, he was invited to share affections with them as the three made love eventually. Perhaps, it's only fair if it's something that happens only when they are all together. In a way it still hurts him somehow, like he's just an addition, even though he knows that this is not how the other two feel. He tries to push those thoughts away.

He reaches up to Vincent's face, gently stroking his cheek.]

We'll talk. [He repeats.] But for now... why don't we have a nap? [A soft laugh escapes him.] I... do feel kind of tired.

[ Craning into that touch, Vincent closes his eyes with a hum. Briefly, he will place his hand over Aether’s, before he nods. ]

Of course. Yes, I imagine you must be tired.

[ Knowing that the other must still be weak, Vincent scoops an arm beneath his partner’s back, to set him right atop the pillows. Unless he’s stopped from such measures, he will also take the smaller man’s legs onto his lap, to remove his shoes for him. Once the boots are in the floor, he idly runs his hands up along his companion’s calves. ]

I do appreciate it, Aether; looking after me as you have.

[He easily allows it, getting comfortable against the pillows, letting his wings settle by his sides. He doesn't protest when his legs are shifted either, merely finding comfort in the care that Vincent shows him.]

You're always looking after me when I'm weakened and injured... Does that make us even? [He grins, but his expression softens soon afterwards.]

You mean a lot to me, so it's natural I want to look after you.

[He pauses.]

...Maybe because I'm a wandering star. I always seek people I can help somehow.

[ Though smiling, Vincent shifts to stand and busy himself with tucking Aether’s legs under the covers. It’s a difficult concept for him to grasp, and maintaining their gaze might make that much too obvious. ]

Mm… I was impressed that you recalled sharing such a thing with me.

[ It’s his turn to slide beneath the blankets, lying on his side to face the other. ]

Is that truly what you are, then? A star?

[ Once the bedding has been arranged comfortably, he settles his head down beside Aether’s, an arm nestled about the smaller man’s waist. One set of wings hangs off the bed lazily, the other draped across his partner’s form. ]

[He laughs.]

That was something I mumbled when I was tired, right? I wasn't sure if I ever said that... but you called me your "little star". [There's a visible blush on his face when he repeats that nickname.

He observes Vincent until the other settles next to him. Aether shifts to lay on his side, his feathery wings likewise draped across the other's form as the traveler reaches to gently brush strands of hair from his partner's face.]

Hm... not quite literally.

[His expression falls and he looks deep in thought.]

Long, long time ago there was a glorious kingdom. The prince and the princess were supposed to rule over it, but a great calamity happened, destroying the entire world. Neither of the siblings could do anything to save it, but they survived and set off into the stars, visiting many worlds on their long journey, helping those who need it and hoping that one day they can find a place to call "home" once more.

[Aether sighs.]

People of different worlds call them many things: "outlanders", "stars"... "travelers".

[ Nodding with a chuckle, there is fondness in his eyes as they take in the vision of Aether’s flushed face. Seems that they’ve settled on a pet name.

Vincent’s lashes flutter under the other’s touch, breathing a quiet sigh of content as he listens to his companion speak. ]

A star prince… My. [ Despite his gently teasing tone, he scoops Aether nearer. ] I can see, now, why you go to such great lengths to help those in need. [ And he will kiss the other’s forehead. ] About how long ago would you say this was?

[Aether still looks somewhat embarrassed.]

W-well... I'm hardly worth any such titles. [They don't matter anymore either.

He closes his eyes when Vincent kisses his forehead.]

I... don't really remember. Many places have different time flows. I've seen births and deaths of stars, worlds doomed and those who were grasping for hope... And when I arrived in Teyvat, five hundred years passed after I was separate from my sister. I was put to sleep by a god, so I hardly felt that passage of time, but my sister... she was awake whole that time.

[There's regret in his tone as he recalls that.]

[ Palms embracing the other’s back, his thumbs carefully draw beneath Aether’s wings to massage the skin there. A small comfort, which hopefully shouldn’t distract too much. Vincent is quite intent to hear this story - to learn more about him.

It’s daunting, to think of the life that his companion has faced. Stars exist for, what, a few million years? Such a realization leads his brow to raise with a hum. ]

I can’t imagine the burden it must be, to experience so much. [ Yet, there is fascination in his eyes. ] It seems to me that you don’t realize how simple it would have been for contempt to cloud your perception, your heart grown cold. Instead, you’ve found comfort in relieving others of their suffering, rather than adding to it. How is that unworthy?

Edited 2025-10-27 16:02 (UTC)

[He's quiet, just listening to Vincent's voice, finding comfort in his touch.]

At first everything seemed like it has nothing to do with me, with the two of us. But I met many kind people during my journey. They were warm and welcoming, showing kindness to a traveler that belonged nowhere... Helping out in exchange for the help - that's a fair trade, isn't it?

[He looks at Vincent.]

But people aren't meant to live alone. I wanted to get to know them better, make friends, listen to their worries...

[Be a part of that world, even if just for a moment.]

...And then keep them in my memories, so they're always with me, no matter where I go.

[ That isn’t what people are like at all, in Vincent’s experience. No, they’re fearful, violent, and inherently selfish. He and his brother had once been wanderers, too, and they suffered by the hands of others wherever they fled. The only warmth they found had been in the beds of the damned. The homes of the greedy.

Of course, he’d never been welcome in that world, either. A curiosity at best, an omen at worst. ]

It must be your light which attracts the good in others, little star.

[ An empty smile, as he leans in to rest his forehead against Aether’s, lashes low. ]

Your sister, Lumine… What happened to her?

Not all of them. [He says with an equally empty smile.] I met many who wished to use me, manipulate my actions, harm me or my friends... But I would always keep in mind those who helped me and showed me kindness.

[His friends made this tiring journey feel worth it.

He sighs against Vincent, when the man lines their foreheads together.]

My sister... She was taken by a god, whose name I still don't know. That's how we were separated. The god locked our powers away and... I think sent her back to Teyvat? While I was thrown in a dream... seeing nightmares for five hundred years until I woke up to a world completely changed.

[His form curls a little, like a child seeking protection.]

[ Now, that he can understand, and his hum might say as much. Lightly, he massages along the base of Aether’s wings, in hopes of providing him comfort while his tone darkens. It hardly seems enough, especially as his partner pulls back to draw in on himself…

And so, Vincent cups his cheek, fingers brushing aside his fringe, so that he may place a kiss upon his forehead. Another, on the bridge of his nose. When that doesn’t work still, he will gently take hold of the Aether’s chin, coaxing it upward so that he may softly embrace his lips, darting his tongue between the other’s just so.

Now, he can taste it; centuries of dread. A breathless sigh escapes him, as he delves his tongue deeper, seeking to claim it all. ]

[He would argue that it's not getting to him too much, that it's all perfectly fine, but the comfort he finds in Vincent's soft gestures is nice, making him want to lean closer to the man.

Then his lips are claimed and any darkness that was swirling right beneath the light of his heart feels like it's being drained out of him, replaced with peace, with calm. He lets Vincent in, lips parting in a warm welcome, as if asking his partner to take as much as he wants, claim his worries, his fears, give him the hope that he so desperately seeks.

He moans into the affection, his hand settling in the other's hair as they kiss, his body closer, legs tangling together.

It's all making him dizzy once more, but he doesn't want to stop.]

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