Genshin Impact Oneshots | X readers | X characters

Xiao x Aether: A Gift To You

Third Person POV:

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"Traveller, why is it that you always help everyone?" Xiao scolded as he tightened the bandages around Aether's shoulders.

      Aether winced in pain but had a wide smile plastered on his face. The two were at Wangshu inn's balcony, Xiao tending to Aether's grievous wounds.

       "I had to deliver sir Jiayi's birthday gift to little Liu before the day ended, I wasn't going to make it if I took the path to Qingce village so-" Xiao glared at him.

     "So what did you do?"

     "I decided to climb the mountain and to glide down, until-" Xiao finally wrapped the final bandage giving it the tightest knot.

     "Until?"

     "Until I met three Mitachurls on top by surprise," He bowed down and sighed. "At least Paimon did a great job annoying them! Though, one rushed towards me and threw me off the edge of the mountain," Aether chuckled.

     "See how reckless you are? Putting your life on the line for a gift, and what did they give you in return for delivering this gift?"

     "2000 Mora- but it's better than nothing!" Aether exclaimed waving his hands around.

     Xiao clicked his tongue, "2000 mora is nothing compared to your life, traveler. Stop doing these dangerous favors to get nothing in return."

     Aether glanced at Xiao's adorably angry expression before laughing hard.

     "Stop laughing you do know you are free to decline these unfair requests if I didn't find you, you'd be dead. Also-"

     He closed his eyes and Xiao's voice disappeared. He remembered limping all the way to little Liu's house acting as if nothing happened to him. He recalled the little girl's blissful expression as he gave her the present. It made him feel nostalgic as he recognized the expression of someone who he deeply cared for.

     "Traveller," A voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Did you even listen to what I said?" Aethers smiled awkwardly in response, making Xiao frown at him.

     "Aether," Xiao called making Aether tense. Only to feel warm arms wrapped around him."Please, don't get hurt next time. Please know you are free to decline these requests. Why do you even do these?"

     Xiao buried his face into his shoulders. Aether looked up into the starry night.

     "It's because Lumine taught me. She taught me that when you do good for others the world will return it to you... But whenever I do favors I always see her and not the good that may never return. Seeing the two separated and desperate to meet each other again affected me a bit too much. I'm sorry." He raised his hand up to pat Xiao's head.

     Xiao grabbed Aether's face and stared at him.

     "I guess I cannot stop you now Aether, but please don't kill yourself. Your sister won't bear the news properly. Promise?"

     "I promise," He replied as he leaned in and felt the soft lips clashed with his. Heart racing and stomach fluttering. Xiao wasted no time to return the quick endeavor, rubbing his back in the process. Locking their souls together. Finally relaxing and feeling ease as he squeezed Aether more.

     "You're going to give me more injuries this way," Aether pulled away breathing heavily.

     "I should get some food, stay here-" Xiao looked back to see some almond tofu displayed behind them.

     "Perfect timing," Aether said before sighing.

     He saw Xiao slice the almond tofu. And surprisingly, for someone who never shares, it was going to change now.

     He furrowed his brow, "I can make some sweet madame later don't worry."

     "Eat it before I shove the spoon up your throat and choke you with it." A death threat from an Adepti was enough to force him to do anything. He took a bite and felt a warm hand wipe away the food on his lips.

     "What do you think your sister will say after she finds out about us?" Xiao wondered.

     "Lumine? She'd totally love you. She said if I ever get a partner it'd be someone who would watch over me and my stupid shticks," he chimed.

     That made Xiao's heart flutter, and the smallest smile was seen in the stern face of a mighty Adepti.

...

The two continued to eat until nothing was left. Aether leaned on Xiao while he plays with his braid.

     "Aether, you're leaving for Inazuma tomorrow right? I suggest you don't go, looking at your state a single slime can kill you by now."

     "Eh? You don't have to worry I recover quickly. By the time I set foot in Inazuma I would and could take on ruin guards!" Aether punched the air only to grimace as he felt pain surge through his body.

     "That doesn't work on me," Xiao deadpanned as he squinted. "How are you even going to get there?"

"Ah I met the legendary pirate Beidou, she said she could help me go to Inazuma," He replied.

"Fine, I advise you to be extra careful on that secluded Island. Don't disappoint me and your sister," Xiao affirmed.

Aether felt his eyelids heavy, "Yeah I promise." He closed his eyes and drifted off to dreamland.

...

Aether woke up in his bedroom to see a Paimon floating above his face

     "Goodmorning Aether! I fell asleep waiting for you to come back to the room last night. What were you even doing up there? Nevermind that it's time to go to Inazuma! I have lots and lots to tell you about the region," She marveled while roaming around the room.

     Aether frowned knowing he fell asleep too early.

     The two packed up and got ready to leave the inn. Aether just stared at the balcony knowing that he already said his goodbyes last night.

     "Traveler!" Verr Goldet called him. "Xiao said to give this to you." She handed out a little box with a letter written on it.

     My gift to you, good luck in Inazuma.

     Paimon's eyes sparkled with excitement as she gestured him to open the small little box. He opened it and it was a ring with gorgeous rose quartz on it. Aether's face turned to crimson red, staring at the ring he felt so dizzy he might as well faint!

     "Ooh! A ring! Aether if we sell this we could get rich!" Paimon clapped. Verr Goldet on the other hand was laughing at the scene that unfolded.

     "Traveler, you two were pretty adorable last night. I promise to keep it a secret. I'll also be more careful in leaving almond tofu at the balcony when your around," She winked. As if Aether's face couldn't get redder, he will ascend to Celestia now.

     "Huh? Paimon doesn't get it."