Forever Together [XIAOTHER]

Chapter 3: Star Gazing

Photo taken by yours truly :) it's not perfect but I didn't have any fan art soo... yeahhhh- anyways, enjoy the chapter :D

The next morning when Aether gets up, his head was throbbing with pain. He didn't really remember what happened the other day but he does remember walking to the Inn. "Damn it, I must have fallen asleep mid-way..."
Aether sat up from his bed and looked out the window. The sun kissing his skin.

As he got up from his bed, his headache grew worse. Stumbling a little, he uses one hand to catch himself and the other to hold his head. He headed to the bathroom to take a nice, warm bath to relax a little. Aether fills up the bath as he slowly takes off his clothes.
(Don't worry there isn't any smut...yet ;))
Slowly, he puts one leg into the bath, then the other. His body is soon submerged into the warm water. He looks up at the ceiling and let's out a long sigh. "This feels nice." Aether grows a little smile on his face as he closes his eyes.

After his bath, he gets out and dries his body. His long, blonde hair is sticking to his body. Aether dries his hair and starts to braid it. He walks out of the bathroom and finds a par of clothes to wear out. He needs to get groceries to make food tonight. Aether hasn't had a proper meal in about- 2 days. He was exhausted after the few days he's been in Liyue.  He gets dressed and heads out to get some spices and food. Maybe he can get some pain killers on his way.
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It's been a long day for Aether so far... Getting painkillers, going through Liyue harbor to get some food and fruit and spices, etc- He's just really tired. Aether walks into his room at Wangshu Inn and places his groceries down. He lets out a long sigh...Aether looks out his window and decides to go out to the balcony to get some fresh air. Aether walks up the stairs holding onto the wall. His head has been in pain all day, even with the pain killers he took.

Once he arrives at the balcony, he makes his way to the fencing and rests his head on the fencing. He looks up at the beautiful night sky, filled with beautiful stars. "The stars are pretty, are they not?" A voice came from beside Aether that he's not familiar with. He quickly turns his head to see man. He's pretty short, has short hair with green streaks in the front. On his back, he carries a polearm that his colored green. He makes a surprised gasp as he steps back but his head starts throbbing intensely, causing him to quickly heal his head while holding onto the railing. The man flinches as he's preparing to catch Aether. Thankfully, he catches himself and looks up at the man. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean for that reaction. You just startled me a little..." Aether goes back to the railing looking over the lake. The stars reflecting off the clear, still water. "Sorry for startling you...my name is Xiao." Aether looks at Xiao with surprise. Zhongli described him as stubborn and cold hearted. He never expected him to straight out give him his name. "Oh! Um, my name is Aether. I'm a traveler." Aether gives Xiao a warm smile. Xiao could slowly feel his face heat up. He quickly calms down and looks up at the stars. Aether joins him. "To answer your question, yes, the stars are quite beautiful. Ah, I wish I could stay like this." Aether explained. He lets out a calming sigh and puts his hand onto his cheek. Xiao occasionally glances at Aether. His golden eyes reflection off of the moons light. " I should head to bed, it's been a long day- I've been pretty tired lately." Aether lets out a yawn and stretches. His stomach is exposed to the cold air. Xiao quickly looks away in a flustered mess. Aether glances at Xiao with a confused look, but he smiles and lets out a small giggle. Xiao glances back at Aether. A small smile grows on his face. "Goodnight Xiao, I hope we can talk again soon!" Aether walks towards the entrance and looks back to wave at Ciao with a warming smile. Xiao waves back in return. Aether slowly makes his way to his room and falls asleep right as his head hits the soft, fluffy pillow. Tomorrow is another day...
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Authors note: hello! Thank you for reading my little fanfiction so far. Honestly I don't really think this book will go that far but it's the thought that counts :) thanks for reading the new chapter and I hope to see you again in the next! Im gonna go to bed now, I'm really tired (it's 12:41am where I am)