Canon-Compliant, Fluff. Traveler can be read as Aether or Lumine!

"Cyno and Tighnari are such a cute couple!" Paimon chirped happily as she nibbled on her pita pocket. "How long have they been together?"

Collei nearly dropped her own pita pocket, meeting Paimon's gaze with a confused look. "Um..." She briefly glanced to the Traveler to see if the floating companion was playing a joke on her, only to see that the Traveler seemed to want to know the answer too. "They're not dating." She answered, a hint of uncertainty laced throughout her voice.

"They're not?" Both Paimon and the Traveler had a look of genuine surprise on their faces. "But they always talk so fondly of each other!"

Collei furrowed her brow. "Well, when you two are not bickering, you guys talk fondly of each other. Does that mean you guys are dating?"

"Well, no, but just think about it!" Although Collei did make a good point, Paimon still wasn't over the subject just yet. "Cyno always seems a little distant and awkward when he's with people he likes. But when he's with Tighnari, he gets less stiff and becomes more comfortable!" The Traveler nodded along in agreement, too busy eating a pita pocket to actually speak. Paimon took this opportunity to continue. "And Tighnari really cares for him! We can talk to him about anyone and anything; but soon as we mention plants or Cyno, he suddenly seems much more invested in the conversation! Also, have you seen both of them together? Even in a room full of people it's almost like they gravitate toward each other! There's gotta be something more between them, Paimon knows it!"

Collei pursed her lips in thought. Most of those statements could apply to any two friends- but now that Paimon had her thinking about those two specifically, she sort of understood what Paimon was trying to get at. "I actually don't know," she furrowed her brow. "I mean, maybe they are dating. But, uh, I'm not sure we should be talking about this out in the open. What if they hear?"

"Talking about what?"

Both Paimon and Collei shrieked out in surprise from the deep voice, whipping their heads around to see none other than Tighnari and Cyno standing nearby. "Nothing!" They both blurted out at the same time.

Tighnari looked to the Traveler, who merely shrugged. He decided not to question it. "Well, while you're talking about nothing, do you mind keeping watch here? Cyno and I are going to head out on a patrol."

"Of course, Master Tighnari!" Collei nodded her head almost feverishly.

"You can count on us!" Paimon cheered with a little too much enthusiasm.

The Traveler merely gave the forest watcher a thumbs up.

"Great!" Tighnari smiled warmly at his trainee and her guests. "We'll be back soon."

Paimon and Collei both waved all the way until the two were out of sight. Once they thought they were in the clear, Paimon suddenly snapped her fingers. "You know, Collei, Paimon thinks this is the perfect opportunity to find out whether or not they're dating!"

"Are... Are you suggesting we eavesdrop on them?" Collei frowned at the suggestion. "That's not very nice..."

"C'mon, what they don't know won't kill them!" Paimon assured. "Besides, if they think they're alone and they're really a couple, then they're bound to do something!"

Collei shook her head after a moment of hesitation. "Still, Master Tighnari asked me to keep watch while he's away! I can't just disobey him!"

Paimon wagged her finger side to side, clicking her tongue. "He didn't specifically tell you to keep watch- he just told all of us. Which means that as long as one of us stays here we'll be fine!"

"So then, who's going to stay here?"

Both Paimon and Collei thought for a bit, before simultaneously turning toward the Traveler. "Hey, bestie..." The former whistled, pressing her fingers together. Much to the pixie's dismay, the Traveler shook their head at the suggestion. "Buzzkill!" She pouted, sticking her tongue out at her companion.

"C'mon Traveler, please?" Collei clasped her hands together, her eyes starting to water and her lip starting to quiver.

The Traveler stared long and hard at the puppy dog eyes that Collei, and now Paimon, were giving. After what felt like an eternity, the Traveler finally rose to their feet, sighing in defeat.

"Yes!" Collei cheered excitedly.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Paimon flew to the Traveler's side, wrapping her arms around their neck and giving them a quick hug. "We'll be back before you know it!" Paimon pulled away from her companion, floating back to where Collei was waiting.

The Traveler had only stopped by to say hi to Collei- never in a million lifetimes could they have guessed that it would lead to this. But they were already rushing to catch up with Tighnari and Cyno, and there was nothing left for them to do except watch over Gandharva Ville for the time being. At least they'd get some peace and quiet.

^w^

"I'm glad you were able to join me today, Cyno." Tighnari hummed softly, hands in his pockets as he strolled at a leisurely pace. "It's been too long since we've had some time to ourselves."

The two of them had finished their patrol route, catching up with one another as they walked back to Gandharva Ville. "I'm sorry it's been so long since I've last visited."

Tighnari swished his tail dismissively. "Don't worry about it. I know how busy you can get with your work. I'm just happy you still come to visit whenever you get the chance."

"Of course." Cyno nodded. "You know I'll always make time for you. Although we're almost back, is there anything else you'd like for me to help with while I'm here?"

The forest watcher huffed, rolling his eyes. "Always so professional, General Mahamatra. What, is it a crime to simply want to spend time with you?" he teased, pulling his hand from out of his pocket and reaching for Cyno's.

Much to his dismay, Cyno pulled his hand away at the last possible second. "Tighnari," he whispered, eyes flickering around as he stopped walking. "You do know there's someone who's been following us this entire time?"

Tighnari stopped as well, crossing his arms over his chest. "You do know that it's just Collei and Paimon, right?"

Cyno raised his brows in surprise. He could only hear the faint traces of someone on their tail- but Tighnari, on the other hand, was probably able to pick up more due to his ears. "And why haven't you called them out about it?"

The forest watcher snorted. "Did you hear what they were talking about before we approached them?" he asked, to which Cyno shook his head. "They were trying to figure out whether or not we were dating."

"Oh?"

"It wasn't successful, though, so they decided to follow us and see what we do. I found it a little humorous, so I let it slide."

"Well, since you find it so humorous, how about we humor them in return?" Cyno stepped closer to Tighnari, placing his hands on either side of his waist.

"And how do you suppose we'd do that, hmm?" Tighnari stepped forward as well, pressing his palms against Cyno's chest.

"Like this," The General Mahamatra closed the remaining space between them, tilting his head to the side as he softly kissed his lover.

In the distance, a faint yell could be heard; something along the lines of "Paimon knew it!" The two of them opted to ignore it for the time being.

Author's Note

I've had a bit of a hectic week so this one came out a few hours later than anticipated, sorry about that! I also may or may not have been playing the new archon quest- it is AMAZING! Do you guys care about what time I post or nah? I try to aim for Monday and Thursday mornings (afternoons for some time zones), but please let me know what you think! <3

Word Count: ~1.3k Words