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Xiao sits alone at the table in Wangshu Inn after telling Aether he’ll be fine on his own. In reality, he’s not quite sure if he will be fine, or if he ever will be. Thousands of years of pain and suffering weigh down on him, and he often wonders what would have happened if he had been one to die - not any of companions.
Why was he left in this world to watch the passing of time seeing people grow old and die when he could never?
The grilled ticker fish he ordered sits at the table, untouched. He was curious to taste the meal Pervases so often raved about, but he cannot bring himself to eat it. His mind is muddled with too many dark thoughts.
"Are you not going to eat that?" A voice cuts through his silence, and Xiao finally looks up from the dark wood he had been staring at. It's Aether and Paimon. Paimon hovers freely next to Aether's side while Aether stands near the table Xiao is at.
There's a look of concern on Aether's face. Xiao frowns. He doesn't need sympathy from the mortal, nor does he want to make him upset. Xiao wants no one to bare his pain but himself. It's only right.
"I have lost my appetite," Xiao comments as Aether takes this as an invite to sit next to him. Had it been anyone else, Xiao would tell them to leave him alone. Since it's Aether, Xiao can't find himself being able to run him off. Despite his apprehensiveness toward others, the blonde had a way of weaseling himself into Xiao's heart.
"You should really try it! Paimon thinks the fish at Wangshu Inn is the best!" Paimon comments enthusiastically, and Xiao finds himself looking back down at the grilled ticker fish in front of him. It still isn't appealing.
It's Aether who speaks next. "Should I order some Almond Tofu instead?"
Xiao immediately shake his head and grabs the grilled ticker fish skewer from the plate. He's shown enough weakness in front of the traveler, he can't continue to do so. Gingerly, he takes a small bite of the fish and chews.
Mortal food has never truly appealed to him, but he can admit that there are many dishes that are delicious. It seems grilled ticker fish is one of them. Xiao understands why Pervases loved it so much.
Xiao looks up to catch Aether's eyes. He's smiling at him.
"How is it?" Aether asks him, curiosity thick on his tongue. He can see that Paimon is also waiting with expecting eyes.
Xiao nods. "It is good."
The smile that Aether gives him is almost blindly, and Xiao wonders what he did to deserve to bask in Aether's light.
"See! Paimon told you it was delicious," the tiny fairy says excitedly. She looks at the fish hungrily and proclaims she wants to find the waitress to order. Soon, Paimon is hovering off leaving Xiao and Aether alone at the table.
Xiao places the half eaten fish back onto the plate, his appetite almost gone now. He admits that it was delicious, but he cannot find himself stomaching anymore.
"What are you thinking?" Aether asks suddenly. Xiao finds himself pursing his lips, words stuck in his tongue. He knows he can never tell Aether the extent of his thoughts despite their budding friendship; it would be too much of a burden for the other young man.
"Nothing important," Xiao responds, although Aether does not look convinced. Before he can say anything else Paimon is hovering back with a plate of food in her hands. Her eyes look like the stars.
Aether does not comment any further and soon finds himself bickering with Paimon over her not sharing. Xiao is content with watching the two friends bicker, grateful for the company although he will never admit it. It helps him feel a little less lonely.
"Ah right!" Paimion exclaims once she's finished her food, "Paimon almost forgot about the Lantern Rite Festival."
The mention of the Lantern Rite Festival catches Xiao's attention. It has been a long time since he's attended such festivities as the yaksha spent most of his time in the shadows, protecting the people of Liyue from harm. He does not remember what happened at the last festival he attended or when it was. Has he really been living his life without a spark?
"So, it's that time of year again," Xiao murmurs softly but it's loud enough for Paimon and Aether to hear him. The two look at each other, a knowing gaze between them.
Paimon speaks first. "Why don't you come with us to Liyue Harbor for the festival? It will be fun!"
Xiao pauses at her words, hesitancy in his expression. He has not step foot in Liyue Harbor since the battle against Osial. After deciding to leave Liyue in the hand of the people and the Qixing, he has seen no reason to set foot back in the Harbor. The world has changed far beyond Xiao and the other adepti's understanding.
While he has watched the world change around him and is more privy to the state of current Liyue, Xiao still does not mingle often with humans. In the end, Xiao shakes his head.
"Such mortal festivities are no concern to the adeptus. You two should go without me."
He can see a frown form on Aether's face, and Xiao wonders why he hates to see Aether frown so much. Such forlorn looks do not suit the other man.
"Are you sure?" Aether asks. For a moment, Xiao wonders if he should say yes, but he refuses to let himself fall into the will of his desires. He declines once more.
Xiao can see that the two look upset at his rejection, but soon they're bidding him farewell as they make their way to Liyue Harbor. Xiao watches them leave the inn from his seat and wonders if he should have accepted the invitation.
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In the end, Xiao decides to go to Liyue Harbor but in secret. He prefers it this way anyway, preferring to stay in the shadows rather than in plain view. His idea is to just take a look at the festivities from afar before going back to Wangshu Inn. He won't stay long. Or so, that's what he convinces himself.
Instead, it becomes the complete opposite. Once Xiao spots Aether and Paimon, he can't help but watch in amusement as they are tasked with various chores across Liyue Harbor. Xiao admires Aether's drive to help people every chance he gets despite his own personal quest.
It's quite telling of Aether's character that the traveler often places others before himself. Xiao can't help but think they're similar in that regard, although he will never tell Aether.
At some point, Xiao loses sight of Aether and Paimon so he decides to walk around the Xiao Market just to see how much Liyue has changed across the years. Hundreds of lanterns illuminate the square as he walks, and he cannot help but admire how beautiful they look. All he can see is a sea of red and gold, nothing like the darkness he has grown accustomed to.
"Xiao?" A voice asks. It's Aether. Of course it's Aether.
Xiao turns to meet Aether's golden eyes. They're full of so much life and drive, and Xiao can't help but drown in them. There's a wide smile on Aether's face.
"You came!" He says, his voice dripping with enthusiasm. Xiao doesn't remember the last time he's seen Aether this excited. Most of their meetings have been during battles or quests; the two of them haven't really had much down time. The work of an adeptus never stops, and Aether is always on the hunt for his loved one.
Xiao notices something, rather someone missing at Aether's side. Paimon is nowhere to be seen. Instead of answering Aether's statement, he decides to point this out.
"Where is your companion?" Xiao questions, and Aether instinctively looks to his side.
"Oh, Paimon? She's helping Xiangling with some food deliveries. I just finished my tasks."
Xiao raises an eyebrow. "You are working during the festival, I thought you came to enjoy it?"
Aether lets out a short laugh, a look of sheepishness littering his face as he laughs. He's cute.
"Yeah, but one thing led to another and I ended up helping people get ready for the festival."
When he sees the look Xiao gives him, Aether continues. "But I'm done now! Why don't we enjoy the festival together?"
Xiao considers declining his offer and telling Aether that he was just about to head back to Wangshu Inn, but the excited and expectant look on Aether's face keeps him from doing so. He's not sure why, but he can't bring himself to say no. Aether has that affect on him.
"Very well," Xiao begins and he can see Aether's face lighting up with happiness. "I have nothing better to do."
"Great!" Aether says happily, and Xiao can admit that seeing Aether smile is a lot better than watching him frown. "Let me show you around!"
Instinctively, Aether grabs Xiao's hand to lead him around Liyue Harbor. When Aether realizes what he has done, a light blush graces his cheeks. He doesn't move, half expecting Xiao to take his hand back, but Xiao doesn't. He likes the feel of Aether's hand in his own.
When Aether realizes Xiao has no intention of pushing him away, the traveler relaxes.
"Let's go then," Aether says and he begins to lead Xiao towards the heart of the Xiao market. Xiao follows him without a word.
They walk around the market, stopping at food stands to share food between them. Aether convinces Xiao to try all the food he buys stating that Xiao needs to try something other than Almond Tofu sometimes. Xiao doesn't argue, instead, he wordlessly eats the food Aether hands him.
It helps that Aether's cheeks become painted pink each time Xiao takes a bite of what he's offered. Xiao still does not understand why, but he likes to see Aether this way. He likes to see the way the traveler's cheeks flush or how shy he gets when Xiao actually does what Aether asks of him.
Perhaps it's their budding friendship or perhaps it's more, but Xiao wonders if he can have more of this. What he would give just to spend more time in Aether's radiant light.
After filling their bellies with delicious food, Aether guides him toward the other stalls. They head toward the entrance of Liyue Harbor towards a stall with what Aether calls the illumiscreen.
Xiao can admit to himself that the illumiscreen is quite impressive, and he's never seen anything like it. With movement of three lanterns, the image on the screen changes. He watches as Aether rotates the lamps until the screen takes the form of a glaze lily.
Aether looks at his handiwork, an amazed look on his face.
"Isn't it fascinating?" Brother Qian quips after the glaze lily appears on the screen. "And if you look closely, you can see the three treasure locations hidden within the image."
Aether's face lights up at the mention of treasure. Xiao knows he's not money hungry like Paimon appears to be occasionally, but he's almost certain that the mortal cannot pass up on an opportunity for adventure. He's not sure he's ever seen Aether sit still.
"Shall we check out the three locations?" Aether asks Xiao with excitement.
Xiao raises an eyebrow. "What about your little companion?"
Aether nods almost as if he had forgotten about Paimon. He shrugs. "She'll be fine without me for awhile."
"Fine," Xiao says, "lead the way."
Aether's excited gaze is worth his agreement.
They spend the next few hours traversing Liyue and fighting monsters and treasure hoarders. Xiao finds it easy to fight alongside Aether almost as if it's second nature. They compliment each other, and it does help that they both use anemo to fight. Xiao almost feels like he's once again fighting alongside his fellow yaksha, but he knows that can never happen again.
Still, fighting with Aether is better than fighting alone. He has longed for someone to fight with him.
By the end of their journey they have treasure in their hand, mostly artifacts and some mora. Aether comments that Paimon will be happy to have more mora to buy more food as her appetite is insatiable. Xiao merely hums.
They're both sweaty and covered with blood from the monsters they faced, so Aether suggests they wash off some of the grime before heading back to Liyue Harbor. Xiao follows Aether to a small stream near Guili Plains.
He merely watches as Aether squats next to the water and cups water in his hands to wipe off the dirt and blood from his face. Aether looks so different after battle, more like the warrior he is than the optimistic man Xiao has grown to know.
During and after battles, Aether becomes less talkative and more pensive almost as if he realizes the weight he has on his shoulders. It usually only lasts for an hour or so, and then he's back to his old self. Xiao wishes he could know what Aether is thinking, wishes he could help quell the dark thoughts in Aether's mind.
It may seem hypocritical since he refuses to let anyone near him, but Xiao does not want to see Aether go through the same pain he has. No one deserves it.
Aether notices him staring and pauses his tidying up to look Xiao in the eyes. Caught staring, Xiao feels a little self conscious and guilty. He quickly looks away, busying himself with cleaning off the grime he has on his own person. It's significantly less than Aether, but he realizes he shouldn't go back to Liyue Harbor covered in the blood of his enemies.
"I'm glad you came," Aether says, finally breaking the silence between them. Xiao looks at him, a look of indifference. He's not one to care.
"I had nothing better to do, so I decided to see what the fuss was about." It's a neutral enough response, but Aether still smiles.
"And I am happy you did, everyone needs a distraction sometimes."
Xiao raises his eyebrow at Aether who suddenly appears to be sheepish.
"Are you saying I, an adeptus meant to protect the people of Liyue, need a distraction?"
"Well, yeah," Aether says lamely, not looking Xiao in the eyes. Instead, he's focused on playing with the water. "We all need a distraction, even you."
"An adeptus does not have the luxury of a distraction," Xiao says in response, and he can see Aether deflate at his words. Xiao wonders if perhaps he should have kept those words to himself, but Aether continues regardless.
"Still, you deserve to not bare the burden of your duty sometimes," Aether continues, "you do not need to suffer in silence."
"Aether--," Xiao says in warning, and the traveler stops talking. His golden eye's scan Xiao's own for a moment, words just on the tip of his lips. In the end, he shakes his head and drops it.
"Still," he eventually says, "thank you for spending time with me."
There's another hint of a blush on Aether's cheek as he pokes at the water with a stick he found.
In a swift movement, Xiao finds himself moving toward Aether until they're faces are mere inches apart. Without thinking, Xiao finds himself placing his hand under Aether's chin and lifting his face up. He wants, no needs to look at Aether.
Aether's blush grows deeper. "Xiao?" He asks in a questioning tone. Xiao isn't sure where to begin.
"Why do you worry for such a tortured soul like myself?" Xiao finds himself questioning, unable to process all of Aether's kindness. Aether is one of the few people who do not treat him as the adeptus he is. Most are wary of him, not bothering to stay long enough to talk to him. Yet, Aether is different.
Xiao wishes he knew why.
Aether doesn't answer right away, but he does study Xiao's expressionless face. Xiao wishes he knew what was going through Aether's head right now, and wonders if he'll truly ever understand the traveler.
"It's because," Aether finally says, "You are Xiao."
Xiao doesn't need a translation to know what Aether means. He finds himself unable to resist any longer, leaning in closer to the blonde until their lips are only inches apart.
"Xiao," Aether breathes, his voice low and needy.
"Tell me no," Xiao pleads. He doesn't like the feeling of his heart racing in his chest. Aether doesn't say no.
Instead, he says, "Please."
So, without another word Xiao indulges him. Xiao presses their lips together softly and revels in the way Aether hums into the kiss. It's better than anything Xiao has ever imagined in his head, and he finds himself unable to let go of Aether.
Aether doesn't seem to have any intention of letting go either, greedily pulling Xiao closer to him with his arms wrapped around Xiao's neck. They tumble, falling onto the ground, Xiao on top of Aether but neither of them letting go of each other.
Xiao doesn't know what he did to deserve this, but for once, he cannot complain. Having Aether in his arms is enough to quell the demons in his mind for a little while.
He eventually pulls away, the two of the breathing heavy from their kisses. Xiao looks down at Aether, his hair loose and messy from the movement, but he still manages to look heavenly to Xiao. His lips are flushed from kissing, and he looks up at Xiao with such adoring eyes. Xiao cannot help but lean in for another kiss.
It's Aether who finally pulls him away, although he does look reluctant to do so.
"We should probably head back," Aether says in between breathes, and Xiao is almost tempted to tell him no. Reluctantly, he gets off Aether and helps him get up. The two brush the dirt from their clothing and the air feels more relaxed now.
It's Aether who puts his hand out for Xiao to take.
"Shall we head back to Liyue Harbor?" he's acting shy, the blush is still gracing his cheeks.
Xiao doesn't hesitate to take Aether's hand deciding that for at least today he wants to walk in Aether's light.
"Let's head back."
The smile Aether gives him is all worth it.
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"There you are!" Paimon exclaims in exasperation as Xiao and Aether walk through the entrance of Liyue Harbor hand in hand. If she notices the two of them holding hands, she keeps it to herself.
Instead, she just looks at the two of them in annoyance. "Why do you always run off without me?!"
Aether chuckles. "Sorry Paimon, I promise I'll bring you along next time."
She huffs, not completely convinced, but drops the subject. There's another person with Paimon. She's struggling to hold a bunch of lanterns in her hand.
"Now that you're here, you can take your lanterns! We even made one for your friend since we saw you two run off together."
The dark blue haired girl gives Aether a teasing look, and Aether ignores it in favor of grabbing two of the lanterns from her hands.
Paimon holds blank pieces of paper towards them. "Don't forget to write your wishes before we send them off!"
Aether and Xiao are handed the paper to write their wishes on while Paimon and the girl Xiao has learned is Xiangling go to one of the stalls for a snack. Xiao watches as Aether writes his wish down.
It doesn't take much to know what Aether's wish is. He's still looking for his sister, and he knows that's the pressing issue in his life. Xiao wonders if that means Aether will eventually leave him. He will have to, nothing good in Xiao's life stays forever.
Aether catches him staring, and he quickly places a soft cheek on Xiao's cheek before going back to writing his wish. Xiao cannot help but touch the spot Aether kissed, a thin smile appearing on his lips.
He finally writes down his own wish.
Please let him stay with me for as long as he can.
When Paimon and Xiangling come back, they're finished writing their wishes. When pressed about what he wrote, Xiao refuses to answer. Paimon whines, but Aether laughs and tells her to drop it.
They eventually all go toward the end of the harbor to release their lanterns and as Xiao watches Aether release his lantern into the sky, he wonders if he can truly stay with him.
Aether turns to look at him as if sensing Xiao's passing thoughts, and the smile he gives Xiao lets him know that, yes, Aether will stay with him.
Ah, he finally has comfort in his lonely world.