Chapter Text
When Aether and Paimon got a letter from Jean, he had only one thought in his head, ‘how to get his boyfriend to come with’. Aether didn't want to pester Xiao about it. He wanted for it to be all natural and Aether really didn't want Xiao to feel like he had to agree.
Aether came to Liyue happy and ready for the conversation, but before Xiao he found Zhongli.
It was a bit of an awkward encounter. Aether could’ve sworn Zhongli knew something, but he had no proof of that, so despite his worries, Aether decided it was the perfect opportunity to ask if Xiao could leave Liyue for some time. Unfortunately, that made everything even more awkward.
Taking Xiao out of the Liyue without an important reason was suspicious, no wonder he felt like Morax was questioning him a little too much. Suspicious or not, Zhongli had no problem with giving Xiao some time off.
After that weird talk, Aether finally found Xiao at the top of the Wangshu Inn.
“What did I do to deserve a visit so soon?” Xiao asked. He looked around to see if there was anyone nearby. When he made sure that the coast was clear, he grabbed Aether by the waist and pulled him closer. “I missed you.”
Aether smiled and then gave him a delicate kiss. “I missed you too.” He took a deep breath, he didn’t want to hesitate for too long to not make Xiao worry, but the situation stressed him out a little. “Do you want to spend some more time with me?” Not really how he was planning to ask the question, but it had to do as it was the first thing that came into his mind.
Xiao raised his eyebrow. He didn't understand, how was that even a question, when they both knew the answer. “Of course I do.”
“See, we got an invitation for a celebration in Mondstadt and since Mond is not so far away I thought that maybe you would like to join me on this trip?” Aether was hopeful Xiao would accept it, it’s not like they have been apart for very long since they got together, but every moment away felt like an eternity for Aether. He hoped that Xiao felt the same.
Xiao opened his mouth, but closed it again. He was torn. His mind focused on his duties in Liyue, but his heart wanted to immediately shout ‘yes’. “I am not sure how to answer,” he said finally.
Aether smiled softly. “I spoke with Zhongli already, he has no objections. With Zibai coming back Liyue has some extra protection. His words, not mine. I agree with that, though. I know your biggest hesitation always comes to the safety of Liyue and its people.” Aether put a hand on his cheek. “You need to put your trust in the people, just like Morax did. And like you told me, rest is important.”
Xiao closed his eyes, giving in to the warm touch. “It is,” he agreed. He couldn’t argue, Aether used the exact same arguments that Xiao had used on him once.
“I am not going to push you,” Aether assured him. “I just really want to see other parts of the world with you. And I want you to meet more of my friends. I would also just love to show you off.”
“Show me off?” Xiao asked, confused.
“Yeah, show the world how cool you are,” said Aether. “Of course, minus the boyfriend part, but still. I want everyone to know you. You're so amazing, more people should know that.”
Xiao blushed, Aether smiled widely, he loved that sight.
“I– Well, I was adamant about you getting some rest earlier, so I assume it's only fair that you're doing the same thing now. I shall agree to your invitation.”
Aether's smile grew even bigger. “I am so happy.”
“I can tell,” Xiao teased him. He felt at ease seeing Aether happy.
Aether shook his head, but kissed him again instead of answering.
After a moment of silent cuddles, Aether finally brought himself to ask a question that was running around in his mind for quite a while.
“Did you say something to Zhongli?”
“What do you mean?” asked Xiao.
“About… Us?”
They agreed to not let too many people know about their relationship for the time being, it was safer that way. The only people that knew were Paimon and Columbina, who was sort of a catalyst for it all. Aether was really grateful for her keen eye.
“I might have,” Xiao answered finally. “I thought it was right to do so. Especially that he was very quick to notice the change in my behavior. He said I was happier and wanted to know the reason for it, so I couldn’t help, but mention it. I hope you’re not mad.”
Aether smiled. “Of course I am not. In fact, I am very happy that you felt safe to do so and trust someone with that!” He was telling the truth. “But I would hope that you would’ve let me know before I talked with Zhongli,” he added embarrassed, remembering the earlier conversation with Morax and hopelessly trying not to let anything slip up.
Zhongli must’ve had the time of his life witnessing all of that.
“Right!” Xiao suddenly realized what happened. “I am so sorry, I didn’t think you two would meet before we do.”
“Neither did I, and now I am starting to think that Zhongli did that on purpose,” said Aether. “Anyway, I am just so happy that you’re coming with me. It’s going to be our first trip together. We can leave early to attempt some sightseeing. The road to Mondstadt is quite beautiful. I think you might like it a lot.”
Xiao smiled. “I am sure I will.”
~~~~~~~~~~~***~~~~~~~~~~
They arrived in Mondstadt before noon. Xiao seemed to be taking in every little detail of the city. They were walking slowly and not really speaking to anyone as everyone seemed to be busy with their own matters, definitely more than usual. Only then Aether realized that most of the people were simply drinking together. Nothing new in Mondstadt, but people were gathering in bigger groups than normal. The atmosphere felt very festive.
Aether understood it well. With the expedition back from Nod-Krai people were finally reunited with their loved ones. He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart, thinking about his reunion with Lumine. But it wasn’t the time and place to think about that. The main motive was rest and celebration and Aether planned on hanging onto them.
"How do you like Mondstadt, Xiao?" asked Paimon.
The Yaksha looked at her, trying to come up with a good expression. "It is very lively. People here are extremely..."
"Loud?" hinted Aether, as they walked by another group of people laughing.
"Drunk," Xiao finished his thought. He also made a few observations since they came into the city.
"It's kind of a celebratory season," said Paimon. "Usually they're not that drunk. In the middle of the day at least, but you met Venti, though."
"You could say the Barbados’ followers are very true to their god's beliefs," joked Aether.
Xiao rolled his eyes. "Thank you for taking me, regardless of the alcohol amounts. Just to be clear, I don't mind people enjoying liquor."
"We know, don't worry." Aether held himself back from kissing him on the cheek.
They talked about how much physical touch was allowed in public. Most of the boundaries actually came from Aether himself. As much as he would love for everyone to know how much he loved Xiao and how happy he was, the risks that came with their relationship being common knowledge, were not worth taking.
If someone ever thought about using Xiao for some kind of bait, Aether would never forgive himself. They talked about it many times, and Xiao understood. It didn’t change the fact that they were alone, they could be just Aether and Xiao.
That wasn’t going to stop Aether from showing the world how amazing Xiao was. Of course, not everything, there were many things he was going to keep only to himself.
“Speaking of Venti, do you think he’s going to show up?” asked Paimon.
“I don’t think he would miss an opportunity to celebrate,” said Aether, mainly thinking about the wine. “All we can do is wait, until he randomly gets involved in anything that’s about to go wrong.”
Xiao stopped mid-step, blinked rapidly and looked at his boyfriend. “What do you mean by ‘anything that is about to go wrong’?” he asked.
Aether and Paimon turned around to face him.
“See, there’s a thing,” started Paimon. “Whenever we go, no matter how hard we try there’s just always something, lurking in the shadows, waiting to step out into the light the moment that the Traveler shows up.”
“That was a very poetic sentence, Paimon.” Aether laughed softly. “What she’s trying to say is that usually there will be something or someone in need of our assistance. Which is why it's so hard for me to have time to myself."
“Is that actually what is happening, or is it you not being assertive while being asked about help?” asked Xiao.
Aether’s jaw dropped. “That’s not like it!”
Xiao crossed his arms, waiting for the Traveler to continue.
“I can say ‘no’. I don’t feel the need to be involved in everything.” Aether matched Xiao’s pose, so as not to feel intimidated. It was partially a lie, as much as it was tiring to always be involved he also liked it. Knowing what was happening in the world and having a way to help were something that Aether cherished, even with the troubles of it.
“I am saying that with worry,” Xiao specified. “I know that you agreed to only Liyue for now, but since we’re traveling together now, maybe you could be less engaged in the dangerous matters?”
“Of course I can! I stopped with that in Liyue, didn’t I?” Aether felt proud of himself.
“The matter of the White Horse Adeptus?” Xiao asked, lightly squinting his eyes.
The Traveler scratched the back of his neck. “Technically, we were both involved in that,” he reminded Xiao.
“And yet you refused when I proposed to go instead of you,” continued the Yaksha.
“Just because of my abilities. And you couldn’t even protest. You actually didn’t even protest so you can’t use that argument.” Aether pointed a finger at him.
“Can you two stop arguing?” Paimon asked, flying between them.
“We’re not arguing, we’re just… Exchanging our opinions,” said Aether. “We are not arguing?” he asked, after a moment, suddenly worried. The last thing he wished for was to argue with Xiao and upset him again.
Xiao couldn’t help but smile, seeing Aether suddenly flustered. How could he ever get angry seeing those golden eyes full of shine and hope. “We are not arguing,” he confirmed. “Still, I would love for you to enjoy your time in Mondstadt as a visitor, not as a hero. I think you deserve that.”
Aether smiled from ear to ear. “I know. And I get it, I mean I asked you here to enjoy some time off. But don’t you like me in the Traveler mode?” He stepped closer. “ When I am so mighty, and so strong?” He grabbed Xiao’s shoulders.
“I do like the Traveler, but I like Aether more,” Xiao whispered, making sure no one else could hear them and looking Aether straight in the eye.
Aether’s cheeks turned red.
“May Paimon remind you we are almost at the Knights’ Headquarters,” she chimed in, growing a little tired of the two love birds. Paimon was their biggest fan, but after the long trip all she wanted was some food.
“Sorry, Paimon, we’ll behave,” said Aether, trying not to laugh. “Back to the main attraction, Mondstadt is currently preparing for the big comeback of the Knights, after the Nod-Krai expedition, that’s why it’s so lively here. Now, we usually visit the Knights, because as an honorary one, I feel like it’s my duty. Also no better place to learn what was going on when we were not present.”
“And then a big feast!” Paimon exclaimed. “Sticky honey roast! Sticky honey roast!”
Aether and Xiao laughed at her excitement.
All three of them made their way inside the building, which was surprisingly more empty than usual.
“That’s weird,” said Paimon.
It was weird, there was absolutely no one in the main hall.
“It’s so quiet, like in a horror movie,” added Aether.
“What’s a horror movie?” Paimon and Xiao asked simultaneously.
Aether shook his head. “I’ll tell you at a different time, maybe let’s try to look for someone first.” As much as he tried not to show it, he was also anxious.
They knocked on the door to Jean’s office. When they were met with silence, they tried opening it but it was closed. They went to the library next.
“Lisa! Are you there?” Paimon asked, flying around.
Still no answer. The silence and emptiness started to get to them more and more.
“Paimon is getting more and more worried,” she said.
“Maybe they are on some kind of a mission?” asked Xiao, trying to calm her down.
“All of them? I mean Jean’s letter said they were preparing something, but that is really unusual.” Paimon tried looking around some more.
“Maybe it’s a surprise,” added Aether. “But why would they surprise us and not–”
A loud thump from the main hall made him stop in his tracks.
“You cannot do that!”
All three faced the door, Paimon instinctively grabbed Xiao’s hand as he was the one standing closer to her. Suddenly the door opened and Klee ran into the room, holding a Jumpy Dumpty in her hand.
The annoyed voice behind belonged to none other than the Grand Master himself.
“Klee, I am begging you, put it down.” He tried to change his approach so Varka held out his hand. “Please.”
Klee hid behind the Traveler and hung onto his pants so as to not get taken away. “You promised we will go fish blasting since Jean is not here!”
“And suddenly Paimon misses the time when there was no one around,” she whispered to Xiao, who nodded in confusion. She let go of his hand. “Uh, let Paimon do her duty. Xiao, meet the adorable fire hazard of Mondstadt, Klee and the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, Varka. Everyone, this is Xiao, our great friend from Liyue, who also happens to be the famous Conqueror of Demons.”
Xiao wasn't sure about the ‘famous’ part, but didn't want to comment on that, given the chaos of the whole situation. He made the note to ask Paimon about it at a different time.
“Pardon the lack of manners, I’m kind of in the middle of a situation,” Varka answered.
Aether laughed under his nose and turned his head to face Klee. “Klee, can you please put away the Jumpy Dumpty for a moment, so we can talk?” he asked. “We have some snacks you could enjoy.”
“Snacks?!” Klee suddenly beamed with joy. “I want some snacks, I am hungry after a whole day in solitary confinement."
“Thought so.” Aether reached out to his pocket and got a handful of candy. “They were supposed to be for Paimon, but we will buy her something later.”
Paimon looked a tiny bit upset, but shook it off. “Yeah, so you best believe they are the tastiest thing in the whole Teyvat!” she said instead.
Klee jumped in excitement, putting the dangerous, but cutesy, weapon of destruction away.
Varka let out a deep breath. “Thank you.”
“Paimon has never seen you so scared,” she laughed, looking at Varka’s face.
“There are not many things I am scared of, but I do not want to face Alice’s anger…Not now nor never,” he said, his expression more serious than ever. “Now, let me actually welcome you. And you brought a guest!” Varka was quickly back to his witty self as if nothing happened. “Xiao, is that correct?”
The Yaksha nodded hesitantly. He was a bit taken aback simply by the height and size of the other man. Xiao was used to Zhongli being much taller than him, but the Grand Master was almost like a living statue. Xiao couldn’t help, but notice Varka’s scars. He admired them, as they were an indicator of many hard battles. The Yaksha has heard some things about him, some from Morax, some from Venti.
Aether didn’t like for how long Xiao was looking at Varka. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was jealous. He has never seen Xiao studying someone like that and he didn’t like it. His worries had to be pushed down for the time being as Klee suddenly spoke up.
“Whatchu guys doing here?” she asked, munching on her sweets.
“We got an invitation to…” Paimon thought about it for a second. “To be honest it wasn’t specified.”
“Haha, that’s Jean for you,” said Varka. “She asks you to accompany her to a drink and suddenly you’ve found yourself buried in stacks of paper.”
“Paimon is pretty sure that’s only a you problem.”
Both Aether and Xiao suppressed a laugh.
“Oh, I know,” said Klee. “It was mom’s idea!” she added proudly.
“Alice is involved?” asked Paimon, looking around to see if she was spying on them from somewhere. “Now that’s going to be something.”
The Traveler nodded. “Klee, do you know something more?”
She shook her head. “Not really. I didn’t hear much as I got in trouble in the morning,” Klee added, a frown appearing on her face. “Then I was mad I was missing out on all of the fun, but then suddenly uncle Varka joined me and I wasn’t alone.”
“You got put in solitary confinement?” asked Paimon.
Xiao really wanted to ask what exactly it was, but he was afraid of an answer.
Varka waved his hand. “I don’t even know why! I showed up in the morning and then without even a word, Jean just delegated me there!” He was visibly confused.
“Paimon’s sure that you did something to upset her.”
Varka was about to defend himself, but deemed that pointless. Maybe she was right and he did something wrong, but for the love of Barbados he couldn’t remember what it might’ve been. “Either way, happy to have you here. In less deadly and dark times.”
Xiao looked at Aether, demanding a better explanation.
“Wild Hunt,” answered the Traveler.
It was enough for the Yaksha to connect the dots and ask no further.
“Do you know something about the thing that Alice has planned?” Aether asked Varka.
“Oh!” Grand Master looked like he remembered something. “Wait, no, that was about the wine collection Venti told me about. No, I have no idea.”
Before they even had the time to get disappointed with the lack of direction, Klee spoke up again.
“Starfell lake! That’s where mom told me they were going.”
“That’s at least something,” said Paimon. “But are you sure that was the place or do you just want to go fish blasting?”
“Both!” Klee smiled happily.
“I suppose we should go there then.” Aether looked at his companions, waiting for the answer.
They all agreed, completely unaware that Alice’s plan had been coming together just like she planned.