𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐤 [ 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐚. ]

Chapter 6: Her Sad Smiles

Watching the boats at Liyue Port, you lazily flutter your eyes towards the group of kids who were carelessly playing in the dock of the boat. They look so happy and seemingly enjoying themselves, seeing that somehow brought a smile on your lips as you scoff.

Paimon and Aether returned, bringing a bag of crabs and fish along with them as Paimon held a cute yet proud smile. It's been a while since she and Aether ate anything that involves fish in it. Aether silently sat next to you with a smile as he stares at the kids.

"Me and my sister used to play like that when we were kids." He said, there was a hint of sadness in his voice yet he displayed a small smile to represent that he's still happy to keep such precious memories with his sister.

"Me too. It's been a real while since I've seen my big brother smile." You said as you let your voice fade out.

"Speaking of your brother, (Y/n). Did something happen to Master Diluc? I mean, you're a real complete opposite of him and Paimon is curious as to why Master Diluc never smiles." She said curiously as she tilted her head to the side out of habit.

"It's a long story, Paimon. But I wouldn't make it too long for you." You said as your smile immediately dropped the moment your memories played in your head. You've been distracting yourself for as long as you can remember in order to forget what had happened to your father. You never saw it, but when Diluc explained to you what happened, it just made an image in your head.

After explaining to Paimon and Aether what had happened, Aether removes his gaze at you and stares at his lap in order to avoid your gaze. He sighs, "I'm sorry to hear that, (Y/n)." He said.

You smiled at him as you place a hand on his shoulder, "It's fine, Aether. After all, it's been a decade since that happened." You said with a soft smile, assuring him that it's fine and it's valid for him to feel such a way.

"Ooh, so that's why Master Diluc despises the Fatui," Paimon said quietly as you nodded and chuckled.

"I think he's holding a grudge for it. But I'm the complete opposite." You said as you look at the blue bright sky of Teyvat.

"How different?" Paimon asked as she floats at top of you to make you look at her. In which caused you to giggle.

"I don't hold any grudges. Unlike my brother, I consider my father's death to be a reason for something." You said as you give Paimon a closed-eyes smile.

Both didn't want to ask any more questions, noticing that your eyes show a little bit of sadness in them. Aether gave you a small smile as he stands up from his seat he patted himself as he reached out his hands for you, "We should go back to Mondstadt before it gets dark." He said.

You gladly took his hand as he helped you stand up. You give an unsatisfied sigh, "But I wanna see Liyue in the nighttime!" You whined as this made Aether sweat nervously.

"But Master Diluc would be angry at you if you get home late." He reasoned out.

"But you're with me! So I think that's fine!" You give out a reason as it made Paimon sigh.

"Fine! We'll stay here until night comes!" Paimon said with a slight annoyance that hint in her voice.

You giggled, "Yaaaay!"

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After waiting an hour or so, Aether had taken you to the Bubu Pharmacy to have a good look at how beautiful Liyue is when the night falls. Take note that it's the Lantern Rite festival, and Aether guessed that you haven't been seen this since you've been kind of isolated from the world.