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“We won.” Columbina announced calmly yet its impact was somehow felt, perishing the burden off their shoulders.
Aether sighs in relief.
“Nefer,” Lauma’s worried tone sounded behind. “Let me help you walk.”
“.. well, thanks.”
There were no muscles in his body that had not been strained, even his mind was not free from the constant weight of planning and thinking if everything would work in the end. Aether was pretty sure the bruises were already starting to color, Rerir certainly didn’t hold back, he was set on killing them right then and there.
Paimon would usually fly at him by now, but considering the level of danger this time, she was left with Varka at the Frostmoon Scion. Nefer continued to get assisted by Lauma, with her successful prompting and pushing Rerir to release his anger and basically creating a blindspot of him. The plan worked although it rendered her blind and in pain.
He must’ve used too much of his energy, he was pretty sure Dain and everyone were nearby yet he couldn't sense them. It’s like their presence is flickering off in his vision, more blotches of black start to appear in his sight. Everyone gathered around in a small circle, Lauma and Columbina alternated what they wanted to say. Most of them were about how grateful they are and praised each of them after the battle.
“The moon will remember this day. Thank you both,” Columbina ended.
Aether felt a hand on his back, gradually snaking around his waist until that person was holding him full.
“You did very well,” Albedo almost whispered to him, making him turn sharply and fumbling his footing. The Alchemist smiles at him instead. “Though, you receive your share of bruises and wounds, normal considering you were also there to bear the brunt of his attacks..”
Aether can hear the disdain and displease from Albedo’s tone, he almost sounded pissed. “Just like.. the plan.”
Albedo clicked his tongue and held him close. “Let’s get you treated, I will see to it myself that you’re going to recover well.”
It wasn’t the time nor appropriate, but he felt warm and happy when it sounded like a promise. Aether knew Albedo would really do as he says. Slinging his arm around Albedo’s shoulder, he took a step before halting as he remembered something. He looked around, seeing Dain in the distance until he spotted Durin, walking finely nearly behind them.
Albedo seemed to notice what he was doing, grabbing him by the chin and turning his head so they were facing. “Aether,” Albedo called sternly. “Focus on yourself for now.”
He nodded obediently, gripping on Albedo’s shoulders tightly while his heart sped up from beating. “Just checking,”
“They’re fine.” Albedo sighs.
Aether feels a sudden burst of energy coming back, letting him walk until the boundary of Hiisi Island. However, his power seems to turn off when he collapses from Albedo’s hold. His knees buckled suddenly and then a whole body of pain overcomes. He heard different voices around before he completely passed out.
___________
No matter how meticulous a plan is, there are bound to be risks. It was already impossible fighting Rerir, much more minimizing and trying to predict him. In the end they could only stall for a short amount of time, it was plausible— Albedo admitted he would decline it if he thought of something better. He didn’t expect for Aether to come up with a plan like that.
“You can attend to Miss Nefer, Miss Lauma. I can take it from here,” Albedo said as soon as they reach the secret base. “I have potions with me, I will patch up the Traveler’s wounds before we continue on the way back.”
“Alright, I’ll leave him to you then.” Lauma agreed albeit reluctantly, almost running towards the other.
“Durin,” he called and he only heard footsteps before Durin appeared at his side, handing him a few vials. “You may rest as well, you’ve also done a lot.”
“If you need anything, I’m just here.” he said and left.
Aether’s wounds always heal a lot faster, but then this time he probably used up most of his energy that his body is prioritizing deep rest. No sloshing and shake had woken Aether on the way, remaining passed out and pliant in his hold. He was also a little pale, even his lips that always were pink and cheeks.
Everyone else followed back to Nasha Town, arriving at the Flagship without so much preparation. He carried Aether back to his room, finding it clean and deemed it appropriate for resting. The others probably gathered outside or went back to their own respective places while Albedo focused himself on taking care of Aether. Paimon arrives not too long, almost slamming the door to them, it was a good thing Aether is sleeping soundly.
“He is fine, Paimon. We should let him rest, I already treat his wounds. All we can do now is wait until he recovers fully.” Albedo said, cradling Aether’s cheeks gently.
Paimon left reluctantly though not without whimpering with worry. Albedo understands.
They grouped back outside, of course with Miss Nefer and Miss Lauma’s absence, Jahoda attended their place. Varka didn’t hold them longer and dismissed them to have a proper rest, the discussion will continue as well as the celebration once everyone recovers.
“Ah, Durin.” Albedo called when his brother followed him back. “I would be staying in the Traveler’s room in the meantime. Could you keep Paimon company for a while?”
“Huh? What is? Paimon heard you say her name.”
“You could stay with Durin while Aether recovers, I would be watching him while he heals should he suddenly wake up.” Albedo explained.
It took a little convincing before Paimon agrees, not wanting to get separated from Aether even if it’s only rooms apart.
“Okay.. just take care of him very well..”
He brought his medical supplies as well as the potions he had brewed specifically for emergency situations. Aether’s wound is healed by the time he checked, though he cannot say if he won’t feel sore once he wakes up. He looked rather peaceful laying down, there were no frowns and signs of nightmares, probably a dreamless slumber after a very long event.
____________
Aether doesn’t wake the next day. Albedo doesn’t worry when Aether looks peaceful and content, sleep should help him replenish some of the energy he exhausts during the battle. He could imagine the amount Aether had to use.
“He hasn’t woken up since he collapsed yesterday but that’s no reason to worry. It’s only natural since his body is recovering. His wounds were healed, all that remained was for him to wake up.”— he informed the rest about Aether’s condition the same morning over a breakfast where almost everyone was present.
Taking care of Aether was nothing new, considering how he was always roped into other nation’s national crises and fighting their opponents, he’s often left injured and hurt. Albedo couldn’t count how many times he patched Aether, the amount of healing potion he brewed and let Aether consumed must’ve been in impressive numbers by now. But he can’t really say he’s never bothered and constantly worried.
The potion slosh inside the vial as he corks it open and drinks it though not swallowing. Albedo lowers himself enough to lean, caressing Aether’s lips and gently kisses him. The potion drips from the mouth but Albedo continues, focusing on giving Aether the most.
“Mn..” he moaned, licking his lips as he backed up. Albedo looked pleased about it, wiping down Aether’s chin and whatever remained. It’s not the first time he’d done this method, in fact he also preferred it too just like how Aether favors it.
It was only when something fell on the corner that Albedo realized he’s not alone, sure enough he could see Jahoda’s shocked expression. A box fell on the floor, still sealed though the corner is a bit bent now.
Innocently, “Ah, Miss Jahoda.” Albedo called. “Do you need something?”
She stuttered, avoiding his eyes while her face almost let out an imaginary steam from the way it’s turning red. It was interesting how one's face could be this expressive and amusing, he could see why Miss Nefer valued her best employee.
Jahoda just yelled something and rushed outside, leaving in haste. Albedo could only stare at the swinging door and get up to close it with a sigh, he supposed he can’t fault her for the reaction.
Ah, I should’ve locked the door. The box on the floor was only labeled with his name.
Aether slept peacefully through the night and onto the second day but his complexion was better from the first day. Paimon, of course, barges in again with Durin in tow to visit. Though he was sure Aether would be waking up any time now, Albedo still delayed his own presence to the coming victory feast just in the tavern area of Flagship.
The music began to fade behind him once the door closed then it was only a few steps to Aether’s room.
First there was a soft thump followed by a low groan. Albedo opens the door as quietly as possible and sees Aether sitting on the floor next to his bed, his gaze was confused until he looked up, eyes litting up with bright recognition at his arrival.
“Albedo,” he called weakly, attempting to stand.
“Hm,”
Albedo placed the snacks on the table and went to scoop Aether into his arms, transferring him back to the bed with no rustle or sound.
“Did anything hurt?” he asked while Aether shook his head. “What were you trying to do?”
“Standing.. I feel like I’ve been lying down for a long time and wanted to stretch. Didn’t know my knees would fail me.” Aether said with a sigh. “I’m not asleep for a week right?”
Albedo let out a hearty chuckle, sitting next to him and fixed the pillow behind comfortably. “Just two days, I’d say it’s too soon but you have an incredible way of recovering.”
“Two days?”
Aether asks to be filled in with whatever happened the last few days he was asleep and didn’t believe him when he said there’s nothing much to say. He purposely left the topic of victory feast, Albedo knew if Aether heard everyone is being kind and waiting for him to wake up before officially celebrating, he would be getting up and going out to the tavern right now.
“Everyone is still recovering like you, others went on their own for a while and should be back. Paimon has been with Durin while I stay and watch you.” he narrated last, getting up to grab the snacks he brought from the tavern. “There’s no rush, eat and rest, relax yourself. I’ll go with you.” he said and fed the fruits to Aether.
“.. is it just me or you look happy.”
“Don’t I always?” Albedo asked innocently and chuckled when Aether narrowed his eyes at him. “You think too much, here,”
Albedo certainly didn’t expect Aether to be woken up like this but he is not complaining.
“I should check on—” Aether tried but was quickly stopped when Albedo pulled him back to the bed, landing on his lap as he was sitting. “Albedo!”
“Ah,” he shook his head. “You just woke up, you even stumbled just now. Listen to your body and rest, or stay at least for me.” whatever arguments Aether has seems to simply put away and Albedo barely hides his smile of victory. “I know just a method to help your body get more relaxed.”
“What is?”
Aether yelp being flipped and pinned down the bed. Albedo didn’t even blink as he reached for the oil inside his coat and began removing his gloves and watching in amusement when Aether warms.
“How about a massage then?”
_________________
“Albedo, do I look wrong or funny?” Aether asks, shifting on his side. It didn’t take long for Albedo to know why he was asking, following Aether’s unsure glances and seeing Jahoda spacing out from the distance.
“You look like you always do,” stunning.
“For some reason Jahoda is avoiding my eyes and I wonder why..”