Chapter Text
The songs and cheers of Liyue fell on deaf ears as Xiao sat atop the roof of Wangshu Inn.
Normally he allowed himself to at the very least appreciate the kites and lanterns that filled the sky during the Lantern Rite, but this year he had a pit in his stomach. Something just wasn’t right and he couldn’t let himself relax until he got to the bottom of it.
“There you are!”
Xiao flinched as he heard that exclamation, glancing to his left to find Aether hoisting himself onto the roof. He smiled teasingly and sat beside him, “Miss Goldet told me you’ve been walking by everyone like a ghost, even more than usual.”
Xiao glares briefly before glancing back at the festivities over in Liyue Harbor. “I have been keeping watch.”
Aether hums curiously, shifting his weight on his hands. “You always do… but something’s bothering you today.”
Xiao sighs, glancing at the curious man. “Tell me, have you received any commissions in the last week?”
Aether thinks for a moment before chuckling, “I think I got one at the start of the week… but it was just to help a woman in Liyue Harbor with her deliveries, nothing of note.”
Xiao huffs, “That’s exactly the problem.” He glances away, fidgeting with his hands, “Everything has been too calm. Usually we’d at least have a couple Hilichurls that got too close to a village… but… nothing…”
Aether’s gaze softens as Xiao picks at his skin. “It’s too quiet. The Fatui are planning something… or the Abyss… someone is going to do something bad tonight.”
Aether sighs, leaning a little closer to the worried Adeptus, “Or… maybe you’re just being paranoid…?”
Xiao glances away in frustration, causing Aether to sigh as he takes his hand in his, “Look… I understand where you’re coming from, you want to protect everyone with everything you’ve got… that’s really admirable. But…” Aether closes his eyes, “Sometimes things are calm… sometimes there isn’t some disaster waiting to happen.”
Xiao glances at him warily as he offers a warm smile, squeezing his hand tighter, “You may be an Adeptus, but you’re still a person. Just… try to enjoy the silence while it lasts, you need rest.”
Xiao scoffs, removing his hand from the boy’s grasp. “I’m an adeptus. I don’t need rest.”
Aether laughs, standing and gazing down at the scenery below. “No, you don’t need sleep. Rest is a different story.”
He grins and offers his hand to the nervous yaksha, “If you won’t come down and rest, will you at least check the perimeter with me? It’ll help ease your mind.”
Xiao’s expression softens and he hesitates before taking the hand, dusting himself off. “Not necessary. I can check the perimeter myself, you should enjoy the festival.”
Aether hums as he stares fondly at the man, “I just so happen to be in the mood for a walk… it’ll benefit us both.”
Xiao sighs, following the energetic blonde back down to the ground.
…
The wind moved gently through the grass as they walked around the inn for the third time in a row. Aether remained quiet for the most part, but his legs were starting to get a bit tired. He smiled warmly at Xiao, “Have you found anything of concern, Vigilant Yaksha?”
Xiao sighs, taking a seat on a nearby rock, “No…” He glances at the water with disdain, “Perhaps… you were correct…”
Aether sighs, taking a seat beside him and watching the Adeptus’ expression with care, “Maybe something will happen tonight… but whatever happens, we’ll be able to handle it. We’ve surely handled worse.”
Xiao nods, finally allowing himself to look up to the lanterns painting the sky, “Perhaps… a brief trip to the market wouldn’t be the worst thing…”
Aether grins, excitedly taking Xiao’s hand and pulling him towards the path. “I heard they have an even wider selection of food this year! I hope you’re prepared.”
Xiao smiles faintly, watching the excitable man drag him along. |It will be brief… then I can return to my watch…|