The moonlight bathed the grassy hill just outside of Mondstadt, casting a soft glow on the landscape. Aether and you sat side by side, their shoulders gently touching. The air was filled with a peaceful serenity, but inside Aether's heart, a nervous flutter persisted.

   You noticed his hand trembling slightly as it searched for yours amidst the soft blades of grass. Turning to face him, you saw the uncertainty in his eyes. With a tender smile, you asked, "What's wrong, Aether?"

   His gaze dropped, and he mumbled, "Nothing..." His cheeks tinted a delicate shade of crimson, a clear sign of his embarrassment.

   You smiled, understanding his hesitance. It had always been you who initiated displays of affection—kissing his cheek, intertwining your fingers with his, and whispering sweet nothings. Today, however, something was different. Today, Aether gathered his courage to reciprocate.

   As you turned your attention back to the starry skies, you sensed his determination growing. Aether took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to do. With a huff, he decided that words were unnecessary. Instead, he reached for your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours.

   Your eyes widened in surprise, your heart fluttering at the unexpected gesture. Before you could react, Aether's actions took a swift turn. Without another word, he pulled you towards him, closing the distance between your lips in a passionate kiss.

   Time seemed to stand still as your lips met, and a rush of emotions flooded both of you. Aether's kiss was filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination, his desire to show his affection shining through. It was his first courageous act of love, a leap of faith he took to convey what words often failed to express.

   Your heart swelled with joy and warmth as you melted into the kiss, wrapping your arms around him, reciprocating his affection. The world around you faded away, leaving only the two of you and the beautiful night sky as witnesses to this tender moment.

   When you finally broke the kiss, breathless and filled with love, you rested your forehead against Aether's, your eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thank you," you whispered, your voice barely audible.

   Aether's lips curved into a gentle smile, his cheeks still flushed. "No, thank you, Mc," he replied, his voice filled with a newfound confidence. "For being patient with me and showing me what love truly means."

   The echoes of your whispered words lingered in the night air, carrying a promise that stretched far beyond that singular moment. Aether's eyes met yours, and within their depths, you could see a newfound sense of belonging and a growing confidence in his ability to express his emotions.

   Feeling emboldened by the strength of your connection, you leaned in to press a gentle kiss against Aether's forehead. It was a gesture of reassurance, an unspoken affirmation that he was cherished and loved for exactly who he was.

   Aether's hand tightened around yours, his fingers interlocking with yours in a display of unity. He leaned his head against your shoulder, finding solace in the closeness you shared. The fragrant scent of the grass mingled with the soft whispers of the wind, enveloping you in a cocoon of tranquility.

   "You know," Aether began softly, his voice carrying a newfound warmth, "I've always admired your ability to express your affection so freely. Your kisses, your touch... They've meant the world to me."

   You smiled, your heart overflowing with tenderness. "I've always wanted you to feel loved and cherished, Aether. You mean everything to me, and I'll always be here to support you."

   His lips curved into a shy smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and adoration. "I've been learning so much from you, Mc," he admitted, his voice filled with sincerity. "Your patience, your kindness... You've taught me how to be brave in love."

   As the night continued to weave its magic around you, you found comfort in the silence, allowing the weight of your unspoken feelings to settle in the air. Wrapped in each other's embrace, you shared an unbreakable bond, fortified by trust, understanding, and the gentle exchange of affection.

   Together, you watched as the stars painted the night sky, casting their radiant glow upon the world below. In that moment, you realized that love was not always loud and flamboyant—it could also be found in the quiet, stolen kisses and the tenderness of intertwined hands.

   With Aether by your side, you knew that your journey would be filled with countless more shared moments, both grand and intimate. And as you lay together on the grassy hill, gazing at the stars, you vowed to cherish each and every one of them, knowing that love would guide you through the trials that lay ahead.

   For now, all that mattered was the present, the warmth of Aether's touch, and the unspoken promise of a future that would be shared together—one filled with love, adventure, and the unwavering bond between the Traveler and the one they held closest to their heart.