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SIDE: AETHER, START
Today was unlike any other day in Liyue. Merchants and people alike were all buzzing with enough energy to power the Harbor itself, and excited laughter filled the streets. The Lantern Rite. Yes, that was where they were heading right now. The legendary Lantern Rite that so many had told him about in the months following it. And by they, it was... Aether glanced back, finding Paimon tittering around a certain yaksha and regaling him with random stories. It was a relief he hasn’t tried to slip away yet.
It was a wonder that Aether was able to convince Xiao to come in the first place. With his "I'm far from human." attitude, it was hard to bring him anywhere that wasn't a battle field or at least within the vicinity of Wangshu Inn. But...
"Ah, traveler!" Verr Goldet had walked over to him weeks before. He had just finished up his commissions nearby, before she approached. "The Lantern Rite is soon. If you are able to...could you, ahem, try to convince Xiao to go with you? Xiao, he...always avoids festivals like these. It would mean a lot for him to spend it with someone."
Aether could've refused. He could've. But he didn't. He remembered the way Xiao looked at large crowds with disdain, and the way he always withdrew into himself. He wasn’t withdrawing because he hated humans, rather because he believed it was his duty to keep his darkness away from those mortals. It hurt Aether to see someone blame themselves so excessively.
Especially someone like Xiao. Glancing at the yaksha now, Aether knew in his heart that Xiao could never hurt innocents on purpose. It's different if one were to look at his past. He was forced to raise his weapon against humans and other gods under the control of another evil. He dropped those chains only to take up his polearm in the fight to end all wars, emerging as the only survivor of the yakshas. And he has spent thousands and thousands of years trying to atone for his sins. So the present Xiao, Aether believed, was...someone kind.
His nature, otherwise, was gentle. He had a sweet-tooth, evident from how much he loved his favorite Almond Tofu. He saved people from hilichurl attacks although he didn’t have to, and kept Wangshu Inn safe by taking the battles to the shadows. He liked the scent of qingxin blooms. Although he would never admit it, Aether saw him gently taking in the scent of the flowers when he thought Aether wasn’t paying attention. Aether at the time had thought that it was a rare and soft side of Xiao that he saw.
It took a lot of coddling and pleading on his part before the yaksha grudgingly agreed to come. And now, he could see the irritation visible on the adeptus' face as Paimon kept bothering him. Maybe he was already regretting agreeing to come. Despite that, he didn't move to bat her away. Although, there was a steady stream of verbal complaints that made its way out of Xiao's mouth every few seconds.
Aether smiled before pulling at Paimon's cape, "Stop bothering him so much. He's gonna start shooting lasers at you with his eyes."
"Wh- But Paimon was just telling Xiao about all the heroic things Paimon did!"
"How is leading Aether to danger, going invisible and leaving him to fight alone, and then coming out when the fight is done, heroic?" Xiao's permanent frown deepened, a furrow appearing in his brow.
Paimon's face turned red, fist shaking slightly, "W-well it's more heroic than always creepily watching him from far away, you know!! You look like a stalker! Just protect him normally!" Aether blinked, a short laugh squeezing out of his chest. These two were especially disagreeable when it comes to each other. They always had meaningless fights whenever they met. All bark but no bite.
"Hey, hey, alright," Aether stepped between the two, placing a hand on each of his companions. "You guys are both heroic to me in your own ways, so stop arguing." Xiao let out a small "hmph" before turning the other away, jostling Aether's arm off his shoulder.
Aether's smile dipped, though by now he should be used to it. Physical contact and Xiao were rarely uttered in the same sentence. On some days, Xiao would glare at him for accidentally brushing his arm against him. When Xiao's temperament was a little better, he was okay with the traveler dragging him by the arm. One time, Xiao even let him lie down on his lap for a grand total of five minutes.
On that day in particular, Xiao seemed to look at him sadly. He tried to ignore it, but the weight of a stare is a heavy one. But he didn't dare to ask. Xiao never allowed his weaknesses to be exposed. Even mentioning a weakness is a taboo. It was a line that Aether would have to cross when the time was right. Now was just...not the time yet.
"Traveler?" Xiao’s voice called out, snapping him out of his reverie.
Aether's musings must've continued for far too long, because he found himself lagging behind. He looked forward only to see Xiao and Paimon waiting for him at the entrance to the Lantern Rite. He put on a smile, pushing away those thoughts for now.
“Welcome to your first Lantern Rite, Aether!” Paimon exclaimed, spreading her arms out in a grand gesture. Xiao nodded for him to go first, now keeping a firm eye on Aether amidst the crowd.
The word beautiful wouldn't be enough to capture how the streets looked that night. Liyue Harbor had transformed into a wondrous maze of festivities, complete with food, music, and people bustling at each corner. The performances were fiery, thanks to Xinyan's impressive stage presence, and he even saw someone that looked like Chongyun trying out the children's games. Nighttime was already falling, and Aether could see thousands of lanterns prepared for the finale of the festival.
Ah. His sister would've loved to see this.
At the thought of Lumine, Aether subconsciously reached out to his companions, trying to keep them close. He had a hold of Xiao's sash in one hand and Paimon's cape in the other. He made sure to steer clear of any big crowds, for Xiao’s sake. Speaking of, Xiao was looking nowhere in particular, glancing around furtively at the crowds.
On the other hand, Paimon's eyes had opened wide as saucers when she saw the buffet that Wanmin Restaurant was dishing out. Aether took a glance at the buffet before purchasing Paimon's favorite, Sticky Honey Roast and a couple Lantern-Rite specialty foods.
His eyes lit up in recognition a second later. In one of the small baskets was a snack labelled “Almond Tofu Moon Pies”. He bought a big bag for him and Xiao.
Truthfully, there were no such Moon Pies that existed in Liyue before. However, after Xiangling insisted on making him something to repay him for his help, Aether thought of making them. It...it was a gift to Xiao, he told himself. A little surprise just to see his reaction. A treat to commemorate his first Lantern Rite in a long, long time.
"Almond Tofu flavor? Hmm, it'll be difficult since Almond Tofu is usually so soft..." Xiangling's eyes blazed at the challenge. "But if it's for you, Aether, then I'll do it!" Aether had cheered at her enthusiasm and they had spent a few days preparing and perfecting the recipe.
After yet another botched, yet still delicious batch, Xiangling had asked him, "But...if I remember correctly, you're not much of a sweet tooth yourself, Aether. So why Almond Tofu Moon Pies?" If Paimon had been there, she would’ve blabbed about his, quote-on-quote, “huge crush on that stalker yaksha.” Which was false. He did not have a huge crush on Xiao. It was a small one. And he hoped it wouldn’t keep growing.
So Aether had simply smiled, "It's a secret." It would be too embarrassing to admit to the first friend he made in Liyue that it was for Xiao. Especially since they aren't...anything really. Acquaintance, could be a word to describe them, but friend? Maybe Aether thought so but Xiao certainly didn't. Still, he would be happy if Xiao at least enjoyed his gift.
"Aether..." Paimon looked touched, faked tears welling up in dark blue eyes. "Did you buy that for Paimon?"
Aether tossed his fairy-like friend the whole package of Roast, with Paimon catching it gleefully, "Well...it is a festival, so of course we should enjoy some good food. Here. You too." He handed Xiao a Moon Pie.
Xiao just stared down at the Moon Pie, "Well, I..." He could see the apprehension in the yaksha's gaze.
The yaksha usually avoided all human food. Aether wasn’t sure if it was a dietary difference between adepti and humans, or if it was personal preference. Ganyu was an adeptus and she could eat human foods fine, although she was vegetarian. But Xiao never touched human food unless it was Almond Tofu. Aether couldn’t comprehend how Xiao could stomach something so sweet almost everyday.
"Just try it!" Aether urged nervously. "If...if you really don't like it then I'll just finish it myself."
"Ooh, Paimon can eat it if you don't want it!" Paimon yelled, cheeks still stuffed with Sticky Honey Roast.
"You...for something so...small, you can really eat a lot," Xiao muttered, lifting the Moon Pie to his lips. Aether held his breath as he took a bite.
He chewed once. Twice. Before his eyes blew open wide, turning to Aether, "This is...?"
Getting such a reaction, Aether couldn't contain his proud grin, "Do you like it?" Xiao's expression shifted back to normal, but Aether was satisfied with those few seconds of surprise.
"I...didn't know that Almond Tofu was such a popular flavor in Liyue," Xiao tried to play it down, but in reality he seemed to be itching to eat another one. Aether handed another one to Xiao, watching him scarf it down just as quickly.
"It really isn't," Paimon interjected in a sing-song voice. "Aether had them made especially for you."
Archons. If Aether could've, he would've thrown himself off the nearest bridge into the ocean at that moment. Actually, it was possible wasn't it? Liyue Harbor was still a harbor after all. It wouldn't be a bad death, to die at the whims of the ocean. Plus, he kinda liked getting salt water in his eyes. Definitely much better than burning alive under Xiao's stare like he was doing now.
Many people have told him this before, but when Aether blushed, he blushed red. Very, very red. Kaeya had made fun of him for it before, to his utter horror. It was mortifying to be found out and even more mortifying to be stared at. He was 100% positive that he was burning up. He turned his eyes to the scenery around him, taking in the blooming trees lining the streets. Anything to deter the butterfly wings beating in a frenzy against his ribcage.
"Aethe-" Xiao was interrupted when a chorus of people pushed past them. Aether stumbled backward as dancers hurriedly walked by him, mumbling their apologies. He managed a smile, a wave of unease blanketing over him. He turned around, ready to make another excuse when-
Xiao...wasn't there.
He wasn't there, and neither was Paimon. Huh. It took a second for it to sink in, Aether's heart starting to speed up. He looked down at his hands. Which were empty. Empty. He had let go of both Paimon and Xiao. In a span of a few seconds, he was...alone.
Thump.
Nausea filled him, at the thought of being alone. It was his fault for not sticking close enough. He had lost them in this festival that stretched over half the city. How was he supposed to find them now?
No, Aether knew he had to stay calm, taking a deep breath. It...wasn't the end of the world if they got lost in a crowd. All he had to do was find them. It was easy. These were the streets of Liyue! He had walked down these paved roads hundreds of times with Paimon by his side.
He turned his gaze up. From the unrecognizable streets, and huge parade boats that were being walked down the main street, to the various stalls and attractions...was it even possible for him to find them?
For now, Aether walked over to the plaza, trying to get some space around him. In the plaza, he could see Xinyan strumming on her guitar in the middle of a crowd. Seeing a familiar face did little to deter the trickle of cold sweat that dripped down his brow.
Aether glanced up at the sky above, seeing two of the test lanterns floating off in the distance. It reminded him of when he first arrived in Teyvat. Twin meteorites arriving in a brand new world. They were only there to explore, and yet- No. Not now, he wasn't going to think about his sister now. But everything shone so brightly, just like it did whenever Lumine was there.
Aether forcefully put an end to those thoughts. He started heading to a cliff not too far off from where the festivities were being held. Maybe he could call out to them from above. It would be easier to see them, in a way. That sounded like a plan.
With Aether's speed, making it to the base of the cliff was no issue. But climbing the cliff itself...might prove to be a daunting task. Usually, he'd have Paimon spotting for him. She'd fly above looking for more footholds and handholds that were safe while he climbed at her instruction. To ensure he wouldn’t fall
But Paimon wasn't here. He looked up, seeing the grassy edge of the top of the cliff. It certainly wasn't the tallest rock face he had ever climbed. But this would be the first time he would have to do it all alone.
Aether took his first footholds, stepping on them hard to make sure they were steady. He jumped up, and caught a steady-looking rock. Then he continued the grueling process of climbing the mountain. The winds seemed more alive today, whipping his scarf wildly as he climbed, one steady movement at a time.
Aether reached up for a grip, only to find it unstable and crumbling in his grasp. The breath got knocked out of him in shock. He steadied himself, panic sinking in. What should he do now?
"When you're climbing, you mustn't look down," Lumine's steady voice entered his ears. "Dear brother, your one fault is that you do not believe enough in yourself." These were words that Lumine said worlds ago. So why did he have to remember them now?
The steady voice continued in his memories, "You have to have more confidence in your abilities, otherwise they will not foster and grow. Now keep going." Aether looked up, blinking away the small tears that formed in his eyes.
He had to keep going. He was almost there. Five meters away... He felt his fingertips cut on a particularly sharp rock, wincing at the pain. Three meters away... He was running out of stamina, his arms and legs growing heavier and heavier by the second. One meter away…
Aether reached to the top with a cry, flopping back onto the grass away from the cliff's edge. His breaths rang out, getting carried by the habitual strong wind that would pass by.
He...he did it. He did it!
He stood, watching the lanterns that have already started to drift off to the horizon. The highlight of the festival must've started while he was climbing. Thousands and thousands of lanterns filled his vision. It was as if a galaxy had somehow manifested itself over Liyue Harbor, plenty of stars inhabiting its body.
He knew he should be looking for the others, but there was something about the lanterns that had him staring. All the different wishes of so many people coalescing into one beautiful view. And deep in Aether’s heart, he knew what he seeked so desperately.
For the briefest moment, Aether saw Lumine. There she was, standing in front of him, like in his memories. He tried to reach for her, but she was too far away. Her name caught in his throat as she turned around, walking away.
Leaving him...alone.
Aether reached out, tears blinding his vision and turning her into spots of gold. “Wait!” he wanted to call out. His steps quickened to a sprint, trying in vain to try and catch her, so that she won't lea-
Someone grabbed his arm with a strong grip.
He was pulled back, his back hitting someone's chest hard. Aether blinked, losing sight of the Lumine that was leaving him behind. She...wasn’t there. Instead, he saw what was really in front of him. The edge of the cliff. He was breathing hard, sweat covering his brow as he turned to see who had saved him.
He was met with Xiao, who was looking at him with an expression Aether had never seen. There was such panic in the yaksha’s eyes. He was breathing just as hard as Aether was, teal remnants still floating around him. Did he use his yaksha powers to get here? The grip on his arm tightened even more, Xiao’s eyes hardening.
"Traveler. I do not appreciate jokes li-"
His knees gave way at that moment and Aether had no choice but to collapse into Xiao's chest. A small "Ah..." left his mouth before the frozen Xiao moved to support him. Aether's forehead rested uncomfortably against the beaded necklace that Xiao always wore, but he couldn't bring himself to care. He was expecting Xiao to sit him down and move away. To give him space. What he didn’t expect was for the yaksha to circle his arms tentatively around him.
Aether breathed, gripping Xiao's shirt with a force, "I was really worried."
"Mmm," Xiao hummed, the reply rumbling against Aether’s ear.
"I'm sorry I lost you, I-"
"Do not apologize for things beyond your control," Xiao chided softly, and Aether felt more tears rolling down his cheeks, staining Xiao’s shirt. Being met with gentleness somehow hurt him more than if Xiao had gotten angry.
He sniffed, "I'm glad...you're okay, and that you're here."
Xiao's hand moved, sweeping nimble fingers up Aether's braid to rest his hand against his nape. The touch was a slight bit cold, and so...grounding to Aether.
He was here.
This was real.
He could hear Xiao's heartbeat slowly calming, lulling him into a calm. He isn't an apparition, like the fake Lumine he saw. This one...this one could stay.
"I...I know you don't like humans," Aether sighed. "And you're not that fond of me either but, d-don't leave...okay?"
Suddenly, Xiao put some distance between them, tilting Aether's face up with one hand. He was close. Incredibly close. Close enough Aether could feel Xiao's soft breaths hitting his face as he stared intently.
"When did I state that I...disliked you, Aether?"
The use of his name had something melting in his stomach. Xiao almost never used his name out loud, though the reason was still unknown. But that had to be cheating. He had to be cheating, using his name at such a moment from such a short distance.
Now he swallowed, answering, "W-well, never b-but-"
"Then don't go around assuming things, foolish traveler," Xiao's eyes smoldered a deep amber before softening. "Despite your impression of me your company is...never unwelcome." Ah. Archons, what was Aether going to do with himself? He just wanted to...but he couldn't. Not at the risk of his and Xiao's friendship-acquaintance they had going on.
Aether settled for slumping back into Xiao's embrace, savoring the hug for as long as the other would let him. This kind of opportunity wouldn't come so easily in the future. He hugged Xiao with all his might.
Xiao sighed, gently sitting down so that they could rest. Aether felt his cheeks redden. He was quite literally using Xiao's lap as a seat, and the adeptus hadn't complained once.
There was a clink of something, and Aether felt Xiao's necklace slide off. Xiao took it in one hand, mumbling, "It looked...uncomfortable. Don't misunderstand." Aether wiped his tears away, feeling his heart stir in his chest from Xiao’s consideration. He was glad. Glad that Xiao was able to find him, glad that he came to Liyue, and glad that he had the honor of staying, even for a little while.
"You..." Xiao started, clearing his throat. "The Moon Pies were very good." Aether looked up, Xiao's hair brushing against his face.
"I’m glad," Aether said, meeting Xiao's strong gaze with his own. "I just...wanted to give you good memories of this Lantern Rite. Sorry for giving you bad ones too."
Xiao shook his head slowly, "It wasn't bad. I am here to protect you when you need it. You can use me as your weapon." There he went again, reducing himself to a weapon, this time.
"But I-" want to be your friend. He left the words unsaid, because he knew they weren't true. If Xiao one day closed the distance between them... Then would Aether be able to keep these blooming feelings from getting in the way? Would Xiao...hate him if he figured out? He didn’t want that...didn’t want Xiao to hate him. He didn’t want to lose Xiao.
"There you guys are!" Paimon whizzed through the air, carrying something in pudgy hands. "You finally found him, huh Xiao? Took ya long enough."
"Do not address me so casually, little fairy," Xiao huffed. Aether moved to get off his lap, horrified at getting caught in such a position. But Xiao just frowned at him with a look that told him not to move.
"The ground is cold, just...just stay where you are for a moment," Xiao stated calmly, hand resting on Aether's hip casually. Aether finally retracted his hands from Xiao's shirt, smiling sheepishly at Paimon who in turn was squinting at him.
"Wait a second, hey! Stupid emo yaksha!" Paimon's eyebrows drew together. "What did you do to make Aether cry?" Oh no. Not again. Aether wiped at his eyes a little more, trying to clear away any traces.
"I did nothing of the sort," Xiao grumbled, moving Aether to the ground effortlessly. He was right, of course. The ground was cold. So much colder than the comfortable embrace the yaksha held him in. But Xiao had laid down one of his sashes for Aether to sit on, which warmed his insides.
"Then why was he crying?" Paimon hit Xiao's shoulder. "Ow! Why are all your clothes so sharp?"
"Hmph, that is no one's fault but your own," Xiao commented. Paimon looked even angrier at that and Aether raised his hands in defeat.
"Hey, hey, I was just emotional thinking of my sister," Aether laughed awkwardly. "This festival is just the kind of thing she would like, and...I miss her. Let's just set off the lanterns." Liyue’s people told him that these wishes are carried by these lanterns, up high into the sky where gods can see. And maybe that god will be benevolent enough to grant said wishes, in exchange for the beautiful lanterns.
"Don't worry, Paimon will help you find her!" Paimon vowed enthusiastically, letting go of a lantern. "And we'll spend the next Lantern Rite together!" Paimon’s wish made him smile. Aether longed for that too. A day where he could show his sister all of Teyvat, and the weird and wonderful people he met there too.
A movement to his side made him turn. He saw Xiao, taking the thin strands of blond at the end of Aether's braid between his fingers. He held his breath, watching as Xiao deliberately made eye contact with him before kissing his hair, feather-light. Aether's heart started running amok, sirens ringing inside of his head.
Gently, his voice was carried by the wind, "I won't leave. I'll stay. And you will find her. So don't be so sad, Aether."
Aether's heart climbed to his throat, choking him, "That's so...unfair. If you say it like that, then..."
"If you get it, then smile," Xiao turned his head away, finally releasing his own lantern. "Smiling looks best on foolish travelers like you." Aether would’ve registered that Xiao had made a wish had he not been distracted by Xiao’s statement.
Aether stared in disbelief, "Hey! Is that an insult or a compliment!"
Aether swore he saw the start of a smile on Xiao's lips when he spoke again, "It was neither. It was merely a statement." He shook his head, leaning his chin on his knees for support.
Maybe it won't be so bad. After all, he had Xiao. And Paimon, and everyone else who supported him. Maybe he wasn't as alone as he thought he was. Maybe...he had found a place to belong. After so long, maybe instead of being lost in a foreign land, he had grown to find people to call his...friends. Family too, thinking of the fond looks and warmth that many of the older residents of Teyvat gave him. And maybe even love.
And with those thoughts Aether sent off his lantern, concentrating all his wishes into that small, yet bright lantern. He sent it off with prayers that one day he would reunite with his sister and that they could stay here, along with the family that Aether had found for himself. He prayed to have just a few more weeks of staying in Liyue, if only to stay with Xiao a little longer. He prayed that maybe one day, Xiao could consider him his friend. Or maybe even a little more than a friend. There was hope for him, but he never wanted to push for it excessively.
When he opened his eyes, he saw that Xiao was still waiting for him, sitting stoically beside him. Paimon had left, the only indication that she did was Aether’s missing Mora pouch. He would have to scold the companion when he got to her.
There was an unguarded look in Xiao’s eyes as they swept over the many lanterns flying high in the sky. The sky bathed Xiao in a glow of yellow, his amber eyes filled with pools of gold. Aether couldn’t help but keep looking, wanting just for a little more to look at such a peaceful Xiao.
“Aether?” Aether blinked, realizing that he got caught staring. He had to stop doing that. But what Xiao said next surprised him the most.
There was a long pause before he spoke again, “Thank you for inviting me this year.”
Aether beamed, biting his lip to stop from smiling so widely. “I’m glad you came.” And that was true. Because Xiao really was under no obligation to come with him. There was no reason for him to come, and even less reason for him to spend time with Aether. All he ever did was bother Xiao, so the adeptus thanking him stirred something inside him.
Both were lost in thought, yet their hearts still beat in sync; as if they were quietly listening to each other’s breaths.
To Aether, Xiao’s steady breathing was reassurance that he wouldn’t truly ever be alone in this world. A strength that he could draw from in the darkest times.
And to Xiao...well, it was hard to tell what the stoic yaksha thought. But there was something in his heart that shifted that night; something that changed shape and form whenever he saw the golden hues of Aether’s eyes.
And so the two stayed, a comfortable silence growing between them and the quieting harbor. The harbor seemed to drift into slumber, and yet Aether and Xiao stayed, still watching the lanterns drift farther and farther away. They stayed that way until the pinpricks of light hid behind endless clouds, the wishes within carried up to the heavens.
Maybe they too were hoping like many others that their wishes would travel safely.
Maybe they too would have their wishes and desires come true, in some way or another.
The universe was a strange master, and all in the end would find its place. But in the end, the universe loved and continues to love all those who live within it, even those who are missing what they need the most.
The wayward traveler, and the conqueror of demons were a strange pair.
But for now, they were just Aether and Xiao.
And if they had each other...it would be alright.
SIDE: AETHER, END