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The world turns a vibrant hue of red as blood pulses in Xiao’s ears. He’s been fighting for hours, his karma pulling at the frayed edges of his mind. Only bloodlust remains. His body works off muscle memory, throwing his polearm at a lawachurl that rushes toward him. Flickering forward, Xiao pulls his weapon from the mangled, bloody chest of the monster and twirls around to take on his next attacker. He refuses to let these beasts move any further into Liyue.
“I will defend this land with my life,” he growls, muscles screaming as he continues to fight.
By the time he’s torn through every hilichurl, slime and abyss mage, he’s panting hard. It hurts to catch his breath and his hands shake violently. He can feel his grip on reality slipping, his karma clawing its way forward to take control. Xiao tries to push it back but he’s tired and weakened. The blood soaked ground comes up to meet his knees and a few seconds later, he falls forward. Stones bite into his cheek as dust and dirt cling to his spit slick lips. The world turns fuzzy with static and then it goes completely dark.
When he wakes, Xiao is in a new place with a new vantage point. He startles and squawks, the sound strange to his ears.
“Oh, you’re awake,” a familiar, soothing voice says.
Xiao blinks and looks around. He’s perched on a shoulder, his little bird feet gripping the familiar white fabric of a scarf. With a sigh, he realizes he has shifted into his beast form; that of a small teal bird.
“You’re cute like this,” Aether chuckles and runs a finger over his feathers.
Protesting, Xiao pecks at his finger, earning him another laugh.
“Can you talk in this form?”
He can, but something stays his words. Instead, he settles onto the traveler’s shoulder and closes his eyes.
“Guess that’s a no,” Aether says. “Well, it’s a good thing I found you. You almost got stepped on by a merchant on his way to Liyue Harbor. Paimon and I are heading to Wangshu Inn. We’ll drop you off there to rest. Then maybe once you’re well enough, you can tell me what happened.”
Xiao lets out a small noise of affirmation. He’s annoyed the traveler has to see him like this but he supposes it could have been worse. Paimon floats nearby, her eyes alight with curiosity. He moves away, hiding in the veil of Aether’s golden locks. The shield is a nice place to hide.
“Are you hurt?” Aether asks.
Flapping his wings and lifting each foot to check, Xiao decides he is uninjured. Just tired. He doesn’t remember the last time he slept. Though he must stay vigilant, there is not much he can do in this form. Ruffling his feathers and settling in, he closes his eyes and lets the traveler’s warmth ease him into a relaxed state.
“Aww, he’s sleeping,” Paimon whispers.
“Then we should let him rest,” Aether replies.
“Do you think he still likes almond tofu in that form?”
“Not sure,” the traveler hums. “Maybe. But I’d rather wait to make him something to eat after he’s back to his normal state.”
“Paimon never thought she’d see Xiao like this.”
“Me neither,” Aether says, his voice lilting like he’s smiling. “His feathers are soft.”
“Paimon wants to feel.”
Xiao immediately ruffles and hides further in Aether’s braid.
“I think that’s a clear no, Paimon,” the traveler laughs.
“No fair.”
“Just let him rest.”
A pause. Then, a sigh. “Fine. Paimon won’t bother Xiao.”
The adeptus settles again, closing his eyes. The scent of the traveler washes over him and it's like a fluffy blanket is wrapped around his form. Everything about Aether is comforting. He’s kind, patient, strong. And above all, he loves Xiao. That still confuses him, but he’s learned to just accept the affection Aether gives him instead of pushing him away. Even now, when a finger rubs at his cheek, he doesn’t move away, but leans into the touch. He coos, startling himself.
“Cute,” Aether whispers and Xiao pecks his finger again. There isn’t any real anger behind the action, just a little annoyance.
By the time they make it to Wangshu Inn, Xiao is feeling much better. Even his karma isn’t pulling at the edges of his mind anymore. But the traveler’s presence always helps with that.
Aether talks to Verr Goldet for a bit, catching up with the mistress of the Inn, before going to his assigned room. He carefully picks up Xiao from his shoulder and places him on the bed. The little bird flaps his wings and hops onto a pillow, eyes blinking up at the traveler.
“You look so grumpy,” Aether laughs, bending low to get close to the adeptus.
Xiao ruffles his feathers and puffs up, trying to look intimidating. All he manages is to make Aether smile.
“How long does this usually last?” the traveler asks.
The adeptus doesn’t answer. He doesn’t wish to embarrass himself further. This sweet, golden haired man has already seen him at his worst in every way. He doesn’t need anymore ammunition. Though Xiao is unsure if Aether would ever be cruel enough to use anything like this against him.
Perhaps understanding his warring emotions, Aether turns to his floating companion. “Paimon, why don’t you go talk to Smiley about ordering us some food.”
“Okay!” she says, not protesting at all.
“And be sure to get almond tofu!” he calls after her.
Aether turns back to Xiao and raises an eyebrow. “So, want to tell me what happened?”
With a sigh, Xiao closes his eyes. Calling on his adeptal energies, a black and teal light engulfs his form. Suddenly, he shifts from bird to man and leans against the headboard. His golden eyes blink open and take in the traveler from this new perspective.
“I used too much of my power fighting hoards of monsters late into the night. It was foolish and shall not happen again.”
Aether’s hand caresses Xiao’s cheek, his touch soft and light. The scent of him is like starlight and petrichor, soothing Xiao as he leans into the traveler’s hand.
“No need to apologize,” Aether smiles. “I’m just glad you’re alright.”
“You fuss over me too much.”
“I think I fuss just enough.”
They stare at each other quietly, only the sound of sandbearer leaves rustling outside the window. Slowly, Aether leans forward, pausing before he gets too close. Xiao’s heart thumps against his chest, the rhythm frantic as always. He pushes past his fear and closes the gap, meeting Aether halfway. His lips are warm and a little chapped against Xiao’s but it’s perfect all the same.
Aether’s hand that has been resting on his cheek slides into Xiao’s hair, fingers tangling with dark locks. He hums, the sound almost like a laugh.
“What?” Xiao frowns.
“Your hair is soft… like feathers.”
His frown deepens and he rolls his eyes. “Have you had your fill teasing me?”
“Never,” Aether laughs and leans in to kiss him again as a consolation.