𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 [Xiao x Aether]

[11] The Harbor

"You know, you're a lot like I was when I first entered this realm."

"How so?"

The figure smiled, swirling the thick substance inside his glass. "Young, naive as all hell," He laughed, "and stubborn."

The other scoffed. "I am certainly not."

"Tell yourself that all you wish, but eventually that line is going to catch up to you. What good will stubbornness bring you when it does?"

"You have a point, I guess."

"Of course I do," They smiled, before leaving the table with an outstretched palm. "Come on now, we have work to do."

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The journey to the harbor stretched on for what felt like hours until the group finally settled upon the gates of Liyue.

They were greeted with the sight of wooden pillars stretching into the sky, forming carefully carved arches that decorated the streets. The familiar scent of the city's finest delicacies drifted through the air, courtesy of the vendors that lined the harbor.

Sounds of chatter rose above the quiet hush of the sea crashing against the docks, pleasantly accompanied by the clanks of mora being dropped into eager hands. Business as usual continued on in Liyue, despite the doubt from its elders.

The fall of Rex Lapis had taken its toll on Liyue, but the spirit of its people was unwavering as ever. If anything, the death of a god had arisen their confidence towards a new protector.

That protector being none other than the traveler himself.

Xiao noticed as the eyes of the harbor fell upon the party, following them as they made their way through the packed streets.

"We're being watched," He spoke, scanning the crowd.

This earned a laugh from the boy walking behind him. "Of course we are," Xingqiu said, his eyes beaming. "Have you seen us? Why wouldn't they stare?"

"Isn't your whole thing chivalry or whatever?" Bennett interrupted, "Doesn't that include humbleness?"

"Hard to be humble when you're in a team that's idolized by an entire nation."

"Boys,"

They turned towards Beidou, who was looking down at them with a stern glare.

"Sorry," They replied.

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The group continued through the main streets, making their way past the excitement and towards the adventurer's guild.

Unlike the northern half of the city, the southern streets were much more welcoming. Instead of nobles and businessmen, it was the citizens themselves that brought about the mild chatter. People could be heard speaking of their families, and how proud they were of those who were to carry on their legacies.

It reminded Xiao of how the city used to be.

He and his teammates earned plenty of waves and greetings from locals and excited children alike, gaining the attention of a certain man sitting where he so often does.

The former archon noticed the teal-haired adeptus from afar. Of course, he wasn't hard to spot. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to call out to him.

"Xiao."

The adeptus immediately turned his head. When he realized who it was who had called his name, he gestured for the group to stop moving.

"I don't often see you in the harbor," Zhongli said as he approached the party, "What business do you have here?"

As Xiao tried to find the right words to say, it seemed as if the man had answered the question for him.

"Oh, hello there traveler. Is he accompanying you?" asked Zhongli, turning his attention towards the blonde.

Aether smiled. "Yep! He joined our party the other day."

The man looked back towards Xiao with a smirk. "I see..."

As Zhongli and Aether continued their conversation, the adeptus felt someone leaning towards his ear.

"Is that your dad?" Xingqiu asked with a whisper.

"What? Of course not, I don't-"

Xingqiu leaned back with a hiss. "Sorry, didn't mean to strike a nerve!" He said before mumbling to himself, "Somehow that makes sense..."

Xiao couldn't help but overhear. "What's that supposed to mean?-"

Before the adeptus could interrogate an answer out of the blue-haired boy, he was interrupted.

"Xiao, do you mind if we speak for a moment?" Zhongli asked.

"If you'd like, I could leave him with you while the rest of us check with the adventurer's guild." Aether proposed, "We shouldn't be too long."

"That would do fine."

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[Author's Note]

I rewrote this chapter like 3 times, so I'm just gonna chop it up into smaller parts.

Also, I just realized I haven't given you guys any way to contact me! D:

If you have anything you'd like to ask me about or possibly send, send me an email at Kaitakou @ gmail.com