To Bask in a Ray of Sunlight: a XiaoAether fanfiction

Chapter 1

Aether.

"Hey, traveler!" A guy, whom I do not have any idea of his identity, started waving his hands while trying to amplify his screams with the other. I can only sigh as I walk toward the man. Paimon, though flying, started stomping her tiny feet in slight frustration. We're both hungry, so that explains.

We stopped by where he's staying at. I caught a glimpse of his smoking transport balloon before resting my eyes on him. I know where this is going.

Without further ado, he started telling me his issue. "My transport balloon was broken and I have to fix it! My boss would fire me if I delivered the wine late...do you know any sites where I can get the materials for the repair?" He asked, his voice dry.

"I can get those for you if you want." I offered.

"Great!" The man beamed. "I'll give you a payment as well. So here's what I need..."

It was already night when we arrived at Wangshu Inn.

"Why are there so many people along the road who needs your help? It's like they're waiting for you......or they've been following you?" Paimon let out a small 'ugh' before proceeding to eat her meal.

I sighed. "Probably. But atleast we've found some stoves in nearby camps to cook on, plus the mora they give for payment is quite good too." Paimon nodded. "Your talent in cooking really is something. But I'm glad I can eat such tasty dishes despite being in the middle of the wild!" We both laughed at her praise. Probably of our situation too.

As Paimon was busy munching her last bites of Sweet Madame, I have decided to place my teapot somewhere near the inn. But before I rest, I wanted to watch the view of Liyue throught the higgest floor of the Inn. Paimon thought that an alone time for me to ponder isn't bad. She dissappeared before I stood up from my seat.

They let me in easily, considering I have ran commisions for almost all of the staff here. I climed up to the top floor and sat in a corner. It's hard to explain, but I like to stay in small spaces. It makes me comfortable for some reason.

As I stared at the view, my eyes were getting quite heavier by the second. My eyes almost shut until a hand suddenly reached my shoulder.

I jerked up and walked back, looking around. A figure infront of me sighed, withdrawing his hand. "I apologize. I do not meant to scare you," Xiao walked back, trying to widen the distance between us. "It's okay. I'm not scared, just a bit surprised." I slowly walked closer to him, trying not to make him uncomfortable. I stopped at a normal distance. We then both sat on the floor with the same distance. "What brings you here, Traveler?" He asked.

"I want a change of scenery." I answered, staring at the rock forms of Liyue. "It makes me feel at ease. How about you, Xiao?" I turned to him. "Why are you here?"

There was silence at first, but I let him be. There must be a lot of things going through his mind. He sighed, looking at me with his golden eyes. It was piercing at first, but now it was as soft as the clouds in the sky. "That I ask myself too."

That answer started to worry me. He's usually rude and a little bit ungrateful whenever he answers or speak things like these. Nevertheless, despite the rude statements, its meanings are deep.

"Are you okay, Xiao?" I asked. "Is something bothering you? I can lend a hand," He shook his head. He turned back to the view, staring at it. "I do have a lot in my mind and issues to fix, but only I can solve them. Either way, what I do is too dangerous for you." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"I tell you, I have my ways to do anything." I assured him. "I have already helped you with the fake Yaksha issue, right? It went well with me there, so there's nothing to worry about!"

"But-" I cut him off.

"You said that you'll help me whenever I call your name." He nodded in response. "That's why......" I held out my hand, expecting for a handshake of agreement. "If you need me, I'm always here for you as well."

Silence.

The cresent moon was so visible in the night sky, it illuminates everything even though we were against the light inside the inn. Xiao's eyes widened, his golden eyes clearer than ever. He slowly took my hand, in which I was glad for him to do. However, what he did next was nothing I expected.

Xiao intertwined our fingers and closed the distance between us, with a little space and our hands in between. He raised our hands just enough for me to see the side of his hand holding mine and closed his eyes, his soft lips touching the back of my hand. My face suddenly felt hot, accidentally holding Xiao's hand a bit tighter.

His eyes opened as he felt it. He suddenly stood up, letting go of my hand. His face was just as surprised as I am. "Sorry," he whispered before jumping off.

He left me alone with my thoughts crashing and booming inside my head.

What was that?

"Are you sure?" Paimon asked, her eyes full of worry. "You look sick eversince you made a trip to the top floor of the inn."

"Yeah, I'm fine so rest easy." I assured her. "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow, so you have to rest now. Goodnight, Paimon." She smiled, a bit of worry visible from her brows.

"Goodnight, Aether." She dissapeared with little constellations appearing and dissapearing after a little while.

I went to my room and lay down on my bed, staring at the ceiling. My face feels hot whenever that memory comes to my mind every single time.

Why did he acted like that? It was so different from the Xiao I knew. Did I made him happy? Is that how he acts whenever he feels joy?

I sighed in defeat. I really do not know all of him, after all. I stared at the ceiling as another thought can to my mind.

If......he does that whenever he's happy, then I'll make him happy whenever we see each other...

Either way.....

Him kissing my hand feels nice.