Work Text:
“ Birds flying through the sky as one; branches growing on the earth as one .”
Xingqiu reads the excerpt from the poem with his natural flourish and closes the book with a small thud. The cover was a mountainous Liyue landscape with a pair of cranes flying overhead. Sandbearer trees with vibrant yellow leaves adorned the bottom. Xingqiu extended the book to Aether, handling it with utmost care. The pitter-patter of rain served as a fitting ambiance for the Wanwen Bookhouse, its dark woods and delicate tapestries celebrating the weather.
“I must say, it’s a surprise to find you interested in such romantic verses. I was expecting you to sway more on the action territory.” Xingqiu adds with a smile.
Aether takes the collection of poetry in hand, “I guess I was feeling spontaneous.”
Aether couldn’t help but feel a sense of nervousness creep up into his chest. He didn’t want Xingqiu to make any assumptions about him or his love life. The only reason he came to the Wanwen Bookhouse was because he needed to find a birthday present for Xiao, he just got distracted by the cover of the poetry book.
“Are there any plain notebooks here? Like for writing stuff down?” Aether asks, scanning the muted colors of the spines on the bookshelves.
Xingqiu perks up and bends down onto his knees. He pulls out a brown chest under the table where the cash register is and opens the top. There were a large variety of notebooks cataloged in the chest, with all sorts of designs and prints. Some had blooming lotus flowers under sprawling clouds, others had mythical creatures, and even one depicted Rex Lapis. Xingqiu hoisted up several different varieties from the chest, letting Aether peruse the options in his hands.
Xingqiu lifts one option, “This paper is exceptional quality, it’s made out of a combination of silk and bark as opposed to solely bark or bamboo.”
Aether opens the cover of the notebook to feel the paper, Xingqiu was right, it was extremely soft to the touch. Aether nods his head, this would be good for Xiao. Aether recalls Xiao mentioning before that he went on a patrol route on the wrong day, so he hopes this notebook will help map them out. The cover was a pleasant navy blue, with a mountainscape similar to the previous book he picked out. On the edges, flowers were blooming instead of trees, and there were no cranes in the sky, only wispy clouds.
“Perfect! This is great,” Aether says, looking up to see an undeniably smug expression on Xingqiu’s face.
Xingqiu nods, saying something about his impeccable taste, and gently takes the books from Aether to check out. The cashier asks if they would like their purchase wrapped, and Aether nods eagerly. The cashier wraps them with precision and practice, she covers one with a beautiful emerald green and another with a sage color.
“So, which one is which?” Aether questions, grabbing both of his items. They each had a small blue ribbon wrapped around them.
“The dark green is the poetry, and the light green is the notebook.” She smiles, thanks them for purchasing, and then gives them a bow.
“Have fun with your future endeavors, lover boy.” Xingqiu taunts with a sly grin on his face.
Aether clutches both books to his chest protectively, “The notebook is for my friend, this one is for me.”
Xingqiu sighs, resting a hand on his cheek, “That’s what they all say, you’re giving into your false reassurance.”
The rain starts falling more heavily now, creating a curtain of droplets outside the balcony of the bookhouse. Xingqiu reassures Aether that he was only teasing, and Aether nods, feeling downtrodden. He couldn’t help but think that a good chunk of Xingqiu’s advice was right, that he was denying himself of feelings so blatantly there. He and Xiao have been companions for a long while, but Aether felt it was more than just companionship. They have an understanding that surpasses friendship.
“Thank you for helping, you’re practically an encyclopedia for book recommendations.” Aether thanks Xingqiu, who smiles at Aether’s comment.
“No troubles, my liege. Now why don’t you take your leave so you don’t smell too much of wet dog?” Xingqiu teases as he lightly pushes Aether by the small of his back, Aether nods and they exchange goodbyes.
Aether walks back to the inn with both books in hand, he uses an umbrella he purchased from a street vendor by the harbor. Mist rose up from the harbor like billowing dragons breath, casting his path in a haze. His books are his most precious item right now, held tightly against his chest. The road smells damp and earthy, Aether could see the once shy frogs spring out and make a mad dash for safety.
Just as Aether was heading to leave Guili Plains, he saw a group of figures in distress through the thick mist. He could hear strained cries for help and see muted silhouettes of a group of people fighting some enemy. A lantern was making a clanking sound, but also gave Aether ample light to follow where they were in trouble. He ran through the heavy fog, it was difficult to even see five feet in front of him.
As he ran as fast as his legs could carry him, he found himself approaching the battle scene. There was Xiao, defending a group of travelers against a ruin guard. Xiao’s attention was clearly divided, one hand gripping his polearm and the other shielding the group of travelers. If he was going to plunge, he might risk injuring the civilians.
“Here, I’ll get these guys to safety,” Aether says, Xiao notices him and gives him a curt nod. He could have sworn the Adeptus mouthed a ‘thank you’ to him. Aether quickly stuffs the books in his knapsack before rushing off to help.
Aether quickly ushers the group to the bridge, stumbling because of the heavy fog. The group mumbles about how they didn’t expect a ruin guard to appear, how they were used to only fighting hillichurls. Aether gives them directions to the Wangshu Inn from the bridge, and they profusely thank him.
Aether shakes his head as he starts walking back to the ruin guard, those travelers were obviously unprepared. He has encountered many who want to travel to Guili Plains because of the rich history that comes with the many ruins, but they are mostly unaware of the other dangers residing there. Ruin guards and Abyss mages are the most frequent incidents that Aether and Xiao have had to help with, always accompanied by naive travelers. At least sometimes they give him Mora for compensation.
The ruin guard is completely disassembled now, the smell of burnt metal heavy in the air. Xiao is kneeling at the body of it, the heavy smoke from its engine rising up into the mist. Aether can’t help but feel giddy that they ran into each other like this.
Xiao nods to Aether, his polearm securely in his hand, “The travelers are safe?”
“You don’t doubt me, do you?” Aether said smiling, “Of course they are.”
Xiao scoffs, “Do not mistake my question for doubt. I only aim for clarity,” He looks down at the ground, then looks up again, “With so many naive souls wandering these fields, assistance is often required.”
He looks to Aether, almost bashful, “I thank you.”
Aether feels his chest squeeze up, and happiness swells within him. He nods and then walks over to stand beside where Xiao is kneeling. Aether grabs one of the books out of his knapsack, the dark green one. He stares at it for a moment, contemplating if it’s the right one. Aether racks his memory, she said the notebook was dark green, right?
Xiao looks curiously at the book, Aether could tell he was getting antsy. Aether assures himself it was the dark green one, and extends it to Xiao.
“I know it was your birthday recently, I just got you something small,” Aether says, his face heating up, “You can open it later, it was just a little something–”
“Alright,” Xiao says, taking the book. He inspects it like he’s never seen a wrapped present before in his life, he narrows his eyes with deliberation.
“And I know, you’re probably going to go on a tangent about how ‘Adepti have no need for gifts.’” Aether started, mimicking Xiao’s voice, “But it’s your birthday, and I wanted to show my gratitude for having you around…”
Xiao’s eyes widen at Aether’s impression, and his lip upturns slightly, “You have my gratitude, then. I will open this on my own time.”
“Okay!” Aether beams at Xiao's compliance, “I hope you like it, it’s more practical, so I thought of you when I bought it.”
Xiao rises up from his crouched-down position, and nods at Aether, “We shall see, for now, I will return to my duties of patrolling this land.”
Xiao furrows his eyebrows, then looks up at Aether, “Your kindness will not be forgotten, Aether.”
The words reverberate through the mist, Aether says nothing, his tongue feels heavy. Rain lances down Xiao’s face, leaving silver trails down his cheek. His hair is wet, he looks vulnerable. Xiao steps away, and in a whip of Anemo energy–is gone. The rain continues on and on. Two cranes are calling over the marshes, flying as one.
The next day, Xiao seeks out Aether. It stopped raining yesterday night, leaving the air humid and sticky. Residues of mist still hovered over the marsh, giving it an eerie feeling. Aether knew Xiao was behind him–he must have teleported. Yet he stays silent, gazing out onto the marsh. Footsteps are heard, Xiao walks up to lean on the railing adjacent to Aether. His expression is solemn and serious.
“Aether,” Xiao starts, crossing his arms.
“Yeah?” Aether says, snapping out of his reverie to turn over to Xiao. Xiao walks closer to Aether, staring him directly in the eyes.
“I can not fathom the gift you gave me,” He furrows his brows, “It was not practical at all.”
Aether’s heart drops ten feet under the ground, making him feel almost nauseous. The wrapping, the books, he could have given him the wrong one. This must mean–no I didn’t–did I?
“It–It was just a notebook, right?” Aether asked, trying to be as suave as possible in this situation.
“It was not a notebook, it was a book,” Xiao makes an unimpressed expression, “A poetry book. About romance .”
Aether feels his hands clam up, “Alright, alright! It was a mix-up, I wanted to give you the notebook, you know, to help with practical things–like patrols, and task lists, and–”
Aether knew he was overexplaining himself, but Xiao didn’t have to remind him.
“Slow. You’re rambling,” Xiao says with a sigh, he seems to be mulling over his next words.
“Was that gift…For another?” Xiao says, looking at Aether. He looks almost hurt.
Aether considers his next words carefully, he didn’t want to expose himself completely to Xiao. He purchased that book because lately he’s been more lovey-dovey than usual, fantasizing about how wonderful a secure relationship would be. And secretly, when he purchased that book he wanted to indulge in his feelings for Xiao. Aether’s heart flips at the prospect, what would Xiao say?
“The book…Was a gift for myself, I bought it because I liked the poetry.” Aether shifts uncomfortably under Xiao’s gaze.
“A moment of selfishness is fair,” Xiao nods, he pulls out the book from his pocket and flips through the pages, “I actually enjoyed some of the verses.”
Aether feels a strong urge grow within him, he just wants to scream it out at the top of his lungs: I like you! As Xiao flips through the pages he decides to stop biting his tongue. All the memories they’ve had together, all the loss and the gain come rushing back and overflow his rationale.
“I like you,” Aether says, biting down on his lip immediately after.
It felt to Aether that the world had stopped at that moment. The fog stopped moving, the wildlife stilled, and only the rapid beating of his heart and the flood of thoughts that made his brain inaccessible were alive. Aether was about to go on another ramble, retreating his confession and swallowing his past words.
“My burden is difficult,” Xiao says, piercing through the silence–a small sliver of hope consumed Aether.
“I can carry it,” Aether assures, he almost felt lightheaded.
Xiao’s expression was unreadable, his cheeks were a light pink, “My duty consumes me,”
“It doesn’t matter to me,” Aether replied, earnestly.
Xiao puts the book on the railing, then looks at him again. If Aether had a million years to dissect the look on his face at that moment, he wouldn’t even come close to figuring out what was going on in Xiao’s head. Maybe he looked softer, maybe he looked more scared. Xiao reached out with his free hand and took Aether’s hand in his.
“You ease my burden simply by being here,” Xiao says.
“I will stay,” Aether squeezes Xiao’s hand.
“That is enough,” Xiao nods, letting Aether come closer, their foreheads touching.
“You’re not going to walk this path alone,” Aether whispers into Xiao’s ear.
Xiao replies with a simple, “Thank you,”
Aether nods, he can hear all that Xiao cannot say. The cranes call again, the mist continues its path, and two souls intertwined move forward–all of it moves forward.
After they part and Aether gives Xiao his notebook, Aether turns to look at the poetry still on the railing. The book was open, perhaps the wind wanted some afternoon reading. It said:
Your face darted among the swords
like a river’s shifting light and we danced
in a rain of silver for the last time
together. Darling, I would have died for you
but I never had the luck.