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It started off simple, really simple even.
Aether was unable to keep the adeptus out of his mind from the moment he first saw him, even if that was only for a little while. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop him from wanting to visit him more often, and so he did by going to the Wangshu Inn whenever he had some free time. Xiao wasn’t always there, or at least he didn’t always reveal himself to him, but Aether still tried seeing whether the adepti would allow himself to be seen each time he visited.
How he tried to accomplish that was by always bringing almond tofu with him, first he freshly made it in the kitchen of Smiley Yanxiao before bringing it up with him to the top of the inn on the balcony. He would give it to Xiao if he was there and would otherwise place the plate on the ground if he wasn’t and wait for him.
“Oh, traveler? You have come by again, I take it you’re here for Xiao? I guess that’s why Smiley Yanxiao already heated up the kitchen, I heard you always bring Xiao his favourite dish whenever you come around.” The owner of Wanghu Inn, Verr Goldet asked as she saw Aether enter the building again and already make his way towards the kitchen. She had heard the rumors from the other staff members and already had an idea that there was something going on.
“Argh! Paimon doesn’t understand why he still does this when that green… I mean that adeptus isn’t even always there! Talk about wasted food!” Paimon replied when Goldet received her attention, both the fact that Xiao ignored them most of the time and her not knowing why Aether despite that still wanted his attention annoyed her. “Hey..! Can’t you just tell us if he’s here or not?”
“Oh well, you know how Xiao is. Sometimes he’s there, sometimes he’s not. He’s quite unpredictable despite always following the same routine.” The lady behind the counter told them before telling them the kitchen was free of use. When the traveler and Paimon were out of view she smiled at how she always found an empty plate on the balcony, and figured the answer as to why it was there was quite clear now.
Aether brought the ingredients with him already and immediately started preparing Xiao’s almond tofu, he added the little jelly on top of it and the little flower to finish it off. He didn’t want to mess it up at Wangshu Inn so he kept making almond tofu outside until he could do it perfectly. When it was finished he pushed Paimon away from stealing it from him. “But he’s not there! Paimon knows, you’ll go up again and wait for him. Then he won’t be there. We have tasks to do Aether!” After struggling for a few seconds she gave up and crossed her arms, she really didn’t understand the traveler when - especially lately - Xiao hasn’t been there.
“It’s worth a shot, isn’t it? And you know how long it takes for resin to refill… And I already promised you snacks if you came with me!” Aether responded, hoping the mention of snacks would cheer Paimon up, which it did, obviously, but she was still peeved that they came here more often than not. “Come on… What will it be? Sticky honey roast? Mora meat? You can choose anything you want.”
“Hmmmm. Paimon knows~ Ten sticky honey roasts and also ten mora meat! That’s the deal.”
“W-What? But isn’t that a lot of ingredients?! ...Fine, since I promised. I’ll give them to you after we meet with Xiao, okay?” To which Paimon agreed. Aether sighed and looked back at the tofu on his plate, smiling and really hoping Xiao would be there today. They both walked up the stairs until they reached the balcony Xiao could occasionally be found on.
And just as expected, Xiao wasn’t there. “Yet.” Aether spoke under his breath as he walked up to the fence and looked at the view again, he still remembers the first time they met and the first words Xiao said. “What was it… To the blind, everything may not be as it appears? I still wonder what he meant by that, do you have an idea Paimon?”
“How is Paimon supposed to know? That adeptus barely talks about himself, and when he does it’s all in riddles!” Paimon looked around herself and could see Xiao wasn’t there. “Anyway! You can’t see him around either, can you? Sooo… Let’s stop wasting time and get that sticky honey roast already!”
Aether smiled but Paimon could see he was a little sad when she pointed that out, so she apologised and told him she could wait for that yaksha if he really wanted to. “But Paimon still doesn’t know why you always wait for him. Especially when unlike other deities this one doesn’t give you wealth or protection, he’s not one of the seven either so Paimon is clueless.”
Aether was a little embarrassed to hear that, everything Paimon said was kind of true. A lot of the locals had no idea of Xiao’s existence as the final yaksha, let alone the fact that there weren’t any villagers praying to him for wealth or protection.
But they did find that there were some old legends written about this yaksha - mostly with help from Xingqiu since he is such a collector, of course - they found the books in a readable quality. Most of it was blurred out over time but Aether did find a little more information about Liyue and that Xiao has been around for a very long time, but other than that and that he was involved in the archon war they didn’t find much else.
But Xiao saved him from that fall, when they were faced against Osial and the adeptus grabbed him to prevent his fall. But in turn... Aether fell in some other way. When that thought flashed through his mind again he felt the blush on his face grow faintly, he was aware he had fallen for the adeptus but considering how closed off Xiao was towards not only him, but just about everyone, he supposed it would stay unrequited.
He had read a few unrequited love stories Lisa had in her library and wasn’t a fan whatsoever, so he read the ones with a happy ending instead and decided to take tips from what the main character in those stories do.
As of now he had a few things written down and kept practising them; “Rule number 1, get to know your interest better.” Is what Jean suggested he'd try, as getting to know your partner is key to… Making them your partner?
And “Rule number 2, food is the best way to his heart!” Was one of the main things Lisa had read in her books so she wrote that down for him, but even then she did say a romantic dinner by moonlight was effective, she seemed really confident, as if she had experienced it herself.
Aether sighed as he read the other rules, he would practise those too of course, but only if he managed to get closer to Xiao first. And since he didn’t talk much about himself, he would have to pay close attention to him and search for clues himself, which is why he tried to see whether there were any stories written about him.
The second rule was fairly easy, after all, from the moment they first met he was tasked with bringing Xiao almond tofu to gain his attention, he heard how that was the only mortal food he somewhat liked and decided to practise making the perfect almond tofu for him.
But the other rules? They were a little more embarrassing… But Lisa assured him they definitely did work. How did she know? At the time, she couldn’t say because Jean’s coughing interrupted her, after that Lisa told him to just have a little bit more faith because someone rejecting her cutie’s honest feelings would definitely be a sad, and grave mistake.
Jean nagged her for her tone before putting her hand on his shoulder and taking a deep breath, assuring him that there would be no need for what Lisa was proposing. “Honorary knight, with enough confidence in yourself I’m sure he will accept your confession. May the-” Jean spoke before she got interrupted by Lisa’s laughter, it was then that she understood her mistake and tried to steady herself throughout her blush. “May the winds of Barbatos bless y-”
But she got interrupted again by someone slamming the door open. “Oh? What is this I hear about our beloved traveler? Has someone perhaps gained his fancy?” Kaeya’s smirk entered the room as well and unbeknownst to everyone, chaos would soon follow after. “I was somewhat satisfied with just listening in, but this is far too interesting to just hear from the shadows.” Kaeya announced, making it clear he was listening in on their conversation already but that wasn’t too surprising. “Oh well, you can’t deny it’s certainly interesting to see our hero of Mondstadt wanting to court someone. Are you perhaps in need of some advice? You should know you can talk to me.”
“Oh my, are you perhaps trying to imply something, Cavalry Captain Kaeya?” Lisa asked with that same ominous tone as she had before, it definitely sent shivers down Kaeya’s back but he kept his cool before replying back, modestly in an attempt not to upset the librarian any further.
“On the contrary, I wouldn’t dream of it. I’d just like our traveler to have the best possible advice in his arsenal, how much have you two told him? Does he already know how to fu-?” Kaeya had almost finished that sentence before Jean and Lisa jumped at him, yelling to him that that was certainly not something to be spoken about in public, but also because they didn’t know whether Klee was around or not. “That’s a rough way to tell someone no. But if all he needs is advice on courting someone, surely the three of us can handle that much without needing to get into... Specifics?”
And so everyone began brainstorming together on how to help Aether with courting the to-them-unknown adeptus, Jean was trying to keep her composure as she was writing down and crossing through a few options that Aether could use to gain the attention of Xiao. Lisa was trying her hardest not to just create a love potion at Jean’s request, so instead she brought more books from her library to see which story fit Aether best.
And Kaeya, he was just watching those two do their thing while he poured a glass of wine, he offered Aether a glass too, but he refused. “I believe it’s fairly obvious what is going on in this room, isn’t it?”
“Huh? Paimon has no idea what’s going on. Is it about the acting grandmaster?”
“You could say that much, but it could be dangerous if I told you why the grandmaster is so passionate about helping you, traveler. I’ll just leave it up to your imagination, alright? That aside, who is it that has caught your eye? I’d like to personally congratulate them.”
Aether kept silent for a good minute straight, until he realised Kaeya would find one way or another to get it out of him anyway, so he gave in and told him only that it was someone from Liyue.
“Oh? Is this payback for me not telling you about our acting grandmaster? But they’re from Liyue, hmm? You certainly have exotic taste, then, are they wealthy?” Kaeya tried to gain information out of Aether, and was somewhat surprised when he found out the person he had a crush on was probably not too wealthy. “Then are they treating you well?” To which he received two answers, Paimon told him that person barely showed up whenever they were looking for them but Aether told him they were more kind than they let on.
“He surely must be attractive then, gaining your attention is no small feat.” Kaeya joked around by referring to the person Aether liked as a guy, but the blush on the traveler’s face made it very much so apparent that that was indeed the case. With a sigh Kaeya twirled the wine in his glass around before patting Aether’s head, assuring him that he would be fine.
Then he stood up and walked over to Lisa and Jean to discuss something that would eventually turn out to be the little guide with rules that Aether now uses to try and earn Xiao’s affection.
Remembering that little scene and all the help he got from the three of them put a smile on his face, he was thankful for them so he would make them proud by hopefully becoming able to at least try out all the rules they prepared for him. He closed the little notebook and put it away.
“I see you’ve returned, again.” The voice startled Aether and made him drop the book, which the adeptus wanted to pick up for him but Aether beat him to it since he didn’t want him to read the contents. “I thought I made it clear I have no interest in affairs of the mortal realm.” Xiao said with that indifferent gaze on his face, but it still looked like he was in a bad mood.
“Hey… Are you sure we shouldn’t visit another time?” Paimon whispered into Aether’s ear as if Xiao couldn’t hear it, but despite that he just stood there with crossed arms waiting for what Aether decided to do.
“Are you hungry? I prepared something for you!” Aether cheerfully said, ignoring Paimon’s advice and deciding to use the third rule that was prepared for him. (“Rule number 3, even if he pushes you away, be there for him. The one Kaeya suggested.”)
He gave the adeptus the plate with almond tofu and saw his expression turn softer, which would be difficult to notice since he still wasn’t smiling but Aether could tell after visiting him for as long as he has.
Xiao took the plate and prepared to take his first bite, but a gasp escaped his mouth instead and heavy breathing followed before he dropped it.
“I’m... Fine, don’t worry about me...” Xiao took a deep breath and tried to regain his breathing and he definitely didn’t look okay to Aether. And so his warning didn’t stop him from coming closer to Xiao and comforting him, he embraced him and patted the adeptus on his back and hoped this would help the pain go away.
Xiao had no idea what was going on and what made the traveler do this but he couldn’t bring himself to exactly push him away right now, he instead focused on calming the pain and didn’t even know if what Aether was doing was helping or not.
“Are you feeling better now?” Aether let go of Xiao when he calmed down, the yaksha was quiet but only looked more upset than he did before. More so angry than sad.
“Why did you do that? I’ve already told you that too much contact between our realms is breaking the rules, let alone… That.” Xiao scolded him but got cut off by Paimon asking him what that was. He could tell Aether was curious too and worried about him, though he just couldn’t understand why he cared so much. And because he couldn’t understand that he decided to keep his walls up and disappear, leaving the traveler and Paimon alone on the balcony.
“What?! Argh! So rude! Why can’t Paimon give him an ugly nickname? So unfair…” But Aether couldn’t hear her complaining because he himself was looking at the wind breeze that Xiao disappeared in. The sad look on his face bothered Paimon because she knew just how long that look could last, so being the best travel companion that she is, she tried to come up with a way to cheer him up. “That was kind of new, wasn’t it? Do you think the boss lady knows more about that? Paimon didn’t know adepti could get ill. Let’s go and ask her!” And as she hoped, Aether had a little smile on his face again and they quickly made their way downstairs to see if Verr Goldet knew anything about what just happened to Xiao.
They saw the lady still standing behind the counter and told her what just happened in hopes she had some answers for them.
“...You’ve seen that then, haven’t you? Considering how frequently you visit I should have known it was only a matter of time until Xiao couldn’t keep it to himself anymore.” Paimon asked whether Xiao was really ill then but Goldet denied the claim.
“No, it’s not an illness. But the pain he is going through is genuine, I can’t explain what exactly causes that pain but I can tell you there is a way to help him.” She received the utmost attention of the traveler and smiled happy, happy of just how much the traveler cared about the yaksha.
So Goldet moved closer to them both and whispered so that other people couldn’t hear what she was about to tell them. “It doesn’t happen often, but, Xiao does occasionally receive some sort of medicine that helps him with that pain. Who he gets it from is unknown, even to me, but it has to be someone well acquainted with Xiao. Otherwise he wouldn’t take it, even if it did really help him.”
So Xiao was using medicine, and Aether had no idea that was the case. “Why didn’t he tell me?” He asked Goldet, she frowned and told him that was because Xiao wasn’t the type to accept the worry of others unnecessarily, and it was already clear he kept everything he goes through to only himself and the other adepti. But she doubted the medicine was provided by the adepti so it had to come from someone else.
“Who else knows him then? Paimon already asked around whether people know him! And we came out without a clue…” Paimon shook her head and tried to come up with an answer, but she failed and asked Aether whether he had a clue, who also couldn’t come up with anyone.
“It has to be someone Xiao trusts and who has been around long enough to build up that trust with him. Maybe if you're lucky you might find answers in the harbor?” Goldet was sure they could find their person there. “I wish you good luck on your travels and hope you find your answer.” She said before sending them off, waving them goodbye before continuing her work.
When she was sure they were gone she coughed, she had already sensed his presence from the moment the traveler exited the Inn but waited for him to say anything. “I know you take your duty seriously but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting Zhongli for the painkillers. I would visit him myself but I can’t keep the Inn unattended, so it’s good that the traveler cares for you.”
Xiao appeared out of nowhere but that didn’t startle Goldet since she already knew he was there. He was staring holes in her but all she did was smile as she continued working.
Xiao clicked his tongue, he wondered where she got the audacity to cross her lines like this but decided not to say anything and he just put the empty plate on her counter. Goldet didn’t need to look to know what used to be on the plate and just let the smirk on her face grow as she continued not looking at Xiao and working.
“Has it become too much to ask for nothing? Why is it he continues doing these ridiculous things for me? He doesn’t gain anything from doing it.” He was truly confused, and the next thing Goldet said didn’t make it any better.
She met eyes with him before asking him a simple question. “I don’t know, why do you keep watching over him then? It’s not like the traveler asked you to.” The adeptus flinched and Goldet couldn’t help but softly sigh, despite his age Xiao really could be like an innocent child sometimes.
But she wouldn’t ever dare tell him that, of course. Instead she teased him with one of his quotes and told him that 'to the blind, everything may not be as it appears.' But she focused and turned more serious when Xiao looked annoyed and somewhat embarrassed. “You should allow yourself to heal, you don’t have to endure that pain alone anymore, not with someone like him caring for you.”
His eyes widened, he looked her in her eyes and she seemed genuinely concerned, but it didn’t hold the same emotion he saw in those of Aether.
Perhaps that’s why the traveler immediately began his search for Rex Lapis, even if he had no clue that’s who he was searching for. Xiao sighed and needed to take some time for himself, he returned back to the balcony and watched the view, perhaps there was still a secret in his view that he was unaware of.
Meanwhile in Liyue Harbor Aether was already running around searching for whether there was anyone who knew about if adepti could get sick or not, but many of them thought a ruin guard must have hit him too hard on his head and some elderly even shook their head in disappointment at how much the younger generation must have been detached from their history. So in the end, they came up empty.
Paimon rested on Aether’s head because they had been running around for a while now, and she just ignored the comment about how she wasn't even running. At this point she began wondering whether she had imagined Xiao hurting on the balcony.
But Aether was still walking around checking for people they hadn’t talked with yet, determined to find that medicine for Xiao. But Paimon’s nagging remembered him that he still promised her food, he was about to look for a cooking spot before she yelled the name of some restaurant upon seeing it.
“But we can make our own food?”
“No! Paimon can’t wait for you to find the ingredients and then wait for you to start cooking! Let’s go, we haven’t eaten in one for a long time either, right?”
“We have food at home-” But Paimon already started pulling his hair towards the building, and so Aether had to give in and followed her inside. They were greeted with a waitress who cheerfully invited them over to a table.
At the table they received the menu and Paimon couldn’t decide what to get, Aether tried to remind her not to pick out too much but she definitely ignored him and picked a few expensive meals.
The waitress giggled before whispering to Aether and asking whether she should just only prepare the first meal Paimon mentioned, but he thanked her and told her it was fine. So with that order she went back and started preparing their meal.
“Hmm… What are you planning to do now? We’ve already asked everyone in Liyue Harbor whether they know of anything, are you planning to visit the other adepti and ask if they know anything next?” Paimon asked curiously, because from what they heard until now it was unheard of an adeptus getting ill, so maybe there was something else more secretive going on with Xiao. “Well anyway, Paimon will help you after this meal to show you how kind Paimon really is. Even if it’s hard to understand why you like him so much!”
Aether was about to thank her for her words before a loud hiss interrupted him.
“Hsss… Ahh! Why is this so hard?” Aether and Paimon looked around upon hearing that all too familiar voice hissing in pain.
Childe was sitting at a table with chopsticks in his hand, his other hand seemed to have been burned by his hot meal. In front of him sat Zhongli drinking tea and watching him fail his attempts at using the chopsticks. He put the tea down and told him that patience is virtue, if he really wanted to learn how to use chopsticks properly, it would take time and effort. “Hmm? Then why is it I see a smile on your face Zhongli? Could it be that you enjoy seeing me struggle with this?”
“Perhaps. But the fact remains that learning how to use them was a promise you made yourself, hence why I may see the entertaining side of your situation.” Zhongli replied before taking the chopsticks and taking a piece of Childe’s meal and putting it in his mouth. “And if you manage that, I will repay your efforts. A contract, if you may.” Paimon and Aether could see Childe blushing at that last part but couldn’t figure out whether that was because of the hot meal or because he may have understood what kind of repayment Zhongli was talking about.
Childe laughed it off as he averted his gaze from Zhongli, which made him notice the two of them watching them. “Oh comrade! Long time no see.” He waved and Zhongli smiled upon noticing them.
A moment later the two of them joined them at their table and sat down. Paimon sighed and asked the harbinger what he was doing back in Liyue so soon, especially lately it seemed he was visiting Liyue a lot more frequently, which in turn raised suspicions for the traveler and Paimon. “Come now, there’s no need to be hostile. I promise the fatui doesn’t have any more business in Liyue.” Then the waitress came into view with their order and Childe decided to prove his innocence by bribing by paying for their meal. “So then traveler, what brings you to Liyue?”
Aether thought for a minute before deciding to tell them that he was in search of a medicine for someone, this got their attention and Childe asked for who it was. Aether told them it was for a friend but Paimon’s giggling made them believe otherwise. He told them they just had trouble finding the medicine and assured Childe it wasn’t because the price was high, just that it was difficult to find.
Zhongli cut into the conversation and asked what kind it was, knowing he would be able to help finding that medicine with his knowledge, regardless of how rare it was, especially if it was to be found in Liyue.
“...It’s for Xiao.”
Zhongli and Childe looked at each other, the harbinger was unaware of him needing medicine in the first place but Zhongli already had an idea of what the traveler was speaking of. “You speak of the young adeptus of Guili Plains… Xiao?” When the traveler nodded at his guess Zhongli sighed.
“Has he sent you to receive his painkillers?” Aether shook his head but then asked what he meant by painkillers. “He has not told you? How else did you discover he was in need of a medicine? Or the painkillers, in this case... Hmm. Nevertheless, if you have discovered it yourself, it indicates he holds some resemblement of trust for you. So please give these painkillers to him on my behalf.” Zhongli said before taking something shiny out of his pocket, it received Paimon’s attention but Zhongli clenched his hand and told Aether to make sure not to let Paimon eat them. “Nothing of this world can withstand the power of this medicine.”
“Wait, that’s what you were worried about? Xiao is giving you trouble?” Childe leaned on his hand and pouted, he was glad but kind of disappointed that that was all the traveler was searching for. “And, are you sure he will even accept it when it’s not you who’s giving it to him?” Zhongli held his chin and thought about it for a moment, he told him he’d like to visit Xiao himself but that would mean they would have to part ways earlier than expected since he couldn’t afford the two of them fighting each other and destroying the Inn as a result.
“On second thought, I believe in you, comrade! I’m sure if anyone can get close to that Xiao, it’s you. And if he still ignores you, just know he’s probably still watching you anyway. ”
“He still continues fulfilling his duty to this very day but that young adeptus refuses to admit the rules he follows between mortals and those immortal… Can create a loneliness that is difficult to fill. I for one am all too familiar with that feeling, yet, his duties do not seem to have a clear end in sight.” Zhongli glanced over at Childe, who didn't notice it due to him still trying to make use of the chopsticks, before showing a small smile. “But perhaps. Despite that, you may find yourself able to ease up that feeling of loneliness he is going through, regardless of if he is aware of it at this point or not.”
“So what you’re saying is… These are not edible?” Paimon asked to which Aether facepalmed.
“It almost sounds like you give the traveler your blessing, Zhongli. I’m kind of jealous.” Childe added and Zhongli couldn’t help but softly laugh at it, he asked him whether he too wanted his blessing to get close with Xiao. “You know that’s not what I mean!”
Zhongli smiled happily and patted him on his head, apologising for how much enjoyment he took out of teasing him. Childe sighed and turned towards Aether who was just staring at them both with those big eyes of his. “I guess you have the blessing of the retired Geo Archon now, traveler. I hope you’ll have good luck with that Xiao as a result. Oh, and if all else fails, just put on a cute puppy face. You’d be surprised how well that works.”
Aether was kind of confused since he hadn’t read that tactic in any of the love stories Lisa had for him, but decided to take the fatui’s advice to heart for once. They then all noticed Paimon had almost finished the food all by herself, without any shame to be seen. She told Aether she was hungry and wanted to wait for them to finish talking but it took way too long.
Though Zhongli and Childe didn’t seem to mind it much and just laughed it off, Aether came closer to Paimon’s ear and whispered two words that sent shivers down her spine. (“Emergency food.”)
Later, after all the food was finished the four of them departed ways outside. It was a little cold but despite Zhongli telling Childe there was no need, he still wrapped his scarf around him. Even if he wasn’t any longer in possession of a gnosis, he still didn’t think he was in need of this much care, but he decided to keep those thoughts inside of himself since he still enjoyed it. “So, do you think our traveler will have any luck with Xiao?” Childe asked him as they were walking through the streets on their way home.
“Hmm… Perhaps. He seems to have more luck getting through to him than you with your attempts at using chopsticks.”
“Ah-? Are you teasing me again? Those things are more difficult to use than you think!”
“I guess it can not be helped. I will make time to tutor you on your next visit. At this rate our contract will have trouble getting fulfilled any time soon.”
“Oh? Do you want to reward me that badly?” He didn’t notice it immediately, but Zhongli was hiding part of his face behind the scarf after that comment.
Childe laughed a little under his breath before blushing faintly himself as well. And so he gave in and promised Zhongli that on his next visit, he would definitely learn how to use chopsticks. “You know how I always keep my promises, right?”
Zhongli nodded his head, a little smile formed from behind the scarf and he thought to himself just how relieved he was that that lonely feeling was fading away now. He could only hope that the young adeptus could experience the same feeling he was having each time Childe was with him before reaching the same age as him.
“Let’s go home, Zhongli.”
“Very well, Tartaglia.”
Aether and Paimon arrived at the Inn and were met with lady Goldet speaking with her husband and Smiley Yanxiou in the kitchen, the boss lady noticed them and waved, she then signaled with her finger that Xiao was probably on the top again. Aether nodded and already began rushing to the top, Paimon wanted to join him but Goldet asked for her to come to her instead.
At the balcony there was nobody to be seen, he could only feel a cold breeze keeping him company. Aether looked at the painkillers in his hand and then heard Childe’s words rang through his head.
(“And if he still ignores you, just know he’s probably still watching you.”)
He had experienced it before, each time he got in serious danger, no matter where in Liyue it was, Xiao would be there to save him from it.
He wasn't aware of it, but he was clutching onto his little rulebook and figured it wouldn't hurt to just look at what other rules there were left.
A lot of people had written things there, it became kind of embarrassing at this point. Even Razor scribbled some words in it telling him to accept his crush into his lupical if he really liked them.
Diluc too wrote something when Aether wasn't looking, about how not to let insignificant problems get in his way. Trust is what he deemed the most important part of a relationship.
Even Barbatos, the peaceful bard of Mondstadt Venti, wrote something about enjoying every moment together as if it could be your last. Though Aether got worried at first, the winking emoji drawn next to it assured him Venti was fine.
And so he continued to read them all and appreciated all the friends he made on his weird accidental journey, hoping that one day when he found Lumine, he could introduce them all to her.
But that train of thought ran short when Aether heard a sound, almost as if it was a laugh, coming from above him. He turned around to notice the yaksha was sitting on top of the rooftop and who knew how long he had been watching him.
"You're back earlier than I expected, did you get what you were looking for?" He replied, though his voice was gentle and caring, unlike how distanced he normally sounds. "I sense you do. I don't normally use them because I try not to disturb Rex Lapis and his new way of life, he has done too much for me to afford that."
The yaksha hung his head and sighed, he could never repay him enough for all he's done for him.
But he put those thoughts aside for now, the least he could do was show some hospitality to Aether, he too had done things for him that nobody else has, spending time in the balcony made him realise that.
Aether joined him on top of the rooftop and sat next to him, watching the same stars as him before realising Xiao had something next to him.
"Yanxiao made these." He quickly said, a bit too quickly as much as Aether was concerned.
Aether noticed the design of the almond tofu, it looked a little clumsy compared to what he knows Yanxiao usually makes, so he couldn't help but think someone less experienced made these.
It became even more evident when Xiao was side eyeing him when he took his first bite, definitely waiting for his reaction and opinion. So Aether, who didn't want to make him uncomfortable, decided to play along. "My compliments to the chef."
"...I'll pass it on." Xiao replied as a small smile seemed to be forming on his lips, but before Aether could take a good look it faded and the serious expression returned.
Aether almost forgot about the painkillers because of his sudden meal, so he took it out of his bag and reached it towards him, and the yaksha grabbed it with his teeth before swallowing it.
"...Still tasteless. But I guess it works." Xiao felt it instantly take effect but knew it didn't physically show, so he just assured Aether and told him to take his word for it.
"Take this too, it will make it sweeter." Aether said as he took a spoon of the almond tofu and hovered it in front of Xiao's mouth, waiting for him to open it and take it.
"I refuse, that is your meal. Letting his efforts go to waste is unlike you." He replied as he shoved his hand away, and already regretted it when Aether looked at him in such a weird way, like one of those puppies he encounters in the wild. "...If you insist. Just one."
So he took the bite and supposed the sweet essence did make it better, that and for some reason it made Aether happy to know he fed him.
"Anyway… What is up with that book? Is it another one of those literati fan fiction? I thought you were done wasting time on those."
"Huh? O-Oh- I guess you can call it a guide of sorts."
"A guide..? Then what is that floating creature for?"
"I don't know. Other than eating, sleeping and talking without thinking, Paimon does not much else."
That comment was probably the first thing Aether saw make Xiao laugh, it was short-lived, but definitely his favorite expression he has seen make him yet. Xiao regained his composure and continued staring out after that, something clearly was on his mind but surprisingly, he spoke up about it.
"I know what's written in there, I just fail to understand why you would need that information in the first place. I've already told you before, people close to me eventually succumb to darkness, and then it's my job to- to… No need to state the obvious at this point."
Aether knew what he was trying to say, it wasn't like he didn't know.
"Then I won't." He said before placing both of his hands on each side of the yaksha's and turning him towards him. "That day won't come. Alright? I promise I’ll stay with you. Every step of the way."
He knew Aether was different, perhaps if there was anyone to make true of that promise, it was him. He could sense that dream of his shining brightly in his eyes, more determined than he had ever seen him before.
Perhaps it was due to all the lonely emotions having been built up in him throughout the decades, perhaps there was another reason, but whatever it may be, he couldn't bring himself to reject his promise as easily as he usually would.
He just hoped Aether wouldn’t come to regret anything. And for much as he would be able to, he would continue to try and prevent that himself.
“Wait. You did what? How did you know?” Aether only now realised Xiao was already aware of his book, which was beyond embarrassing so he had to know whether it was Paimon who told him, and whether he would make true of her nickname or not.
"I have been told by some alcoholic bard from Mondstadt who visited Liyue for Rex Lapis, he referred to himself as Barbatos but I had my doubts. He told me something about the last page as well, but the contents were kept hidden from me."
"The last page? There is nothing written there- Oh. Oh." Aether's blush was evident when he read the K-word written multiple times back there, with the same winking emoji from earlier.
Just because of that page alone, he couldn't keep the thought out of his mind now, immediately regretting ever opening up to the lazy god as a result.
What made it worse, it felt as if Venti heard that too when he felt a rush of wind push him down onto the boy next to him. With only a minimum amount of space between their faces now.
Xiao was confused but didn't seem surprised, as if someone had warned him of this beforehand. He could only focus on the big eyes staring down at him and contemplating on what to do next.
"To think that fool's advice would actually be useful at this point."
Xiao could still vividly remember the fatui harbinger telling him that if his partner ever seemed hesitant with whether he was okay with anything, that it was alright for him to initiate himself, it was apparently what he was doing with Rex Lapis.
It was a good thing that conversation was held outside of the Inn.
So he did just that by pulling him down, since Aether had already proven he was determined in threading down this path, surely he wouldn't tremble over something stupid like a kiss.
What he didn't expect though, was how eager Aether was to continue this. He could see the vivid dreams in his eyes and feel his hands clutching onto his chest with only the wind accompanying them in their moment.
That same wind breezed around the entirety of the Wangshu Inn until it made its way to the dining room, where one bard and blockhead were sitting, one was playing his harp and the other was brewing tea for them both.
"Gotta say, I didn't expect you to be so eager to help give him that little freedom when I first told you about it." The bard exclaimed while he was still smugly tracing his fingers over the harp.
"Though you may be right, I feel as if that freedom too is a sort of contract in a way. Nevertheless, that young adeptus deserves a little happiness of his own, I'm sure you would agree." The bard's friend said as he continued brewing their tea.
"If you say so, old friend. I just hope they can find that which they need in each other." The bard stated before talking about how the traveler too had done a lot for them both. "The least we old men can do, is lend a hand and a breeze into the right direction. Youngsters these days can be so oblivious when in love."
"Well said."
Yet, the sad tone in the bard's voice didn't pass by unnoticed, he could tell his heart too was slowly healing, one step at a time.
"...Very well. Since the tea is far from finished, I will look past your alcoholic tendencies just this once."
That alone cheered him up exponentially, to which the bard immediately raised his arm and asked for the finest wine the Inn had to offer.
A few minutes later a blond woman arrived with a bottle in hand, offering it to the bard before sighing and telling them both she didn't think this would be part of her job.
"Why the sad face? There is a reason to celebrate! I mean, just look at them."
The three of them looked at the yaksha carrying a sleeping traveler down the stairs towards one of the rooms, and all awed at the sight when they noticed the blush on his face. Xiao tried to act like he didn't notice them, but he failed.
"Urgh! Finally Paimon won't have to come here for no reason and see that painful performance anymore!" Paimon groaned before allowing herself to land on the bard's hat. "I didn't think you could come up with a plan this smart too, tone deaf bard."
Venti laughed at the creature on his head, though he couldn't take all the credit, the knights of Favonius offered a hand too when Jean reached out to him. It was then that this simple plan was set in motion.
"Enough stalling! Time to get drunk, cheers everyone!"
Everyone (except Paimon,) then lifted their glass and proasted to the yaksha and the traveler finally being together. Everything that would happen from now on would be theirs to handle.
They were blessed with the freedom to fulfill their contract.