To Bask in a Ray of Sunlight: a XiaoAether fanfiction

Chapter 11

Aether.

"Thank you for the popsicle," Chongyun whispered as he, Xingqiu, and I walk around Liyue Harbor. A few hours after that little incident of theirs, I invited them for a walk to calm themselves out. At last, Xingqiu was back on his usual character. Chongyun, on the other hand, can still converse well. However, he can't even look Xingqiu in the eye.

"A peaceful walk with you two really helped me clear some thoughts. Thank you, traveler," Xingqiu paused for a while before continuing. "Anyway, have you heard of the festival that will be held here tomorrow?" I looked at him, confused. "tomorrow? and here I thought only a day has passed since I have heard of the news."

"Time surely goes fast," Chongyun said. "I was thinking of inviting you before Xingqiu suddenly acted weird."

"What do you mean by weird?" Xingqiu crossed his arms. "I was only trying to portray what I feel through touch. What's wrong with that?

" Why don't you two understand each other's perspective on that event even for a bit? I don't want to witness a lovers' quarrel right now." I stopped my tracks and turned to both of them who were just behind me. They stopped walking as well.

"We're not lovers," Chonyun said, his voice ice-cold.

"If you say so," I sighed, my expression bland.

Xingqiu cleared his throat, breaking the little tension. "It's almost night," he pointed out. "We must rest early. It has been a long day."

"I agree," Chongyun said. "Again, I must thank you, Aether. You have been a great help to us yet again."

"Of course. What are friends for?" We all bid our farewell and parted ways. As soon as they left, Paimon appeared infront of me, her eyes wide.

"Well that was wild," Paimon held her forehead, shutting her eyes closed.

"Indeed it was. I hope they'll fix soon whatever their problem may be," I said. "Now, we must go back to our goal," Paimon nodded. "To the Northland Bank!"

"Welcome. How can we assist you?" A fatui member asked as we enter the Northland Bank.

"Is Childe here at this moment?"

"Yes, but may we ask the reason for your call?"

"It's something personal. I do hope you know how your boss would react if you know a thing or two about his private matters, no?" I said. Telling them the real reason of my visit here will only be deemed as an unimportant reason to call a busy person such as him. The staff nodded nervously and went upstairs. After a while, the staff went down with Childe, his arms crossed. When our eyes met, his eyebrow raised. "What a rare occurence." He said.

"Do not worry. I'm not here for a fight. I just want to talk about something personal." I glanced at the group of fatui staff around us. Childe got my signal instantly.

"Everyone, upstairs." He ordered. All of them swiftly took the stairs. As soon as they all left, his gaze went to me. "So," he started off, his voice a little quiet than usual. "What is it that you want to talk about?"

"It's about my sister." I said.

"Sister who?"

I sighed. "The girl you've been with once at the Lingju Pass?"

"Lingju Pass? Wait a minute," he raised his arm, resting his chin on his fingers as he put the other arm across. Suddenly, his eyes widened. "You mean that-nevermind. What about her?"

"Does she look like me?"

"You? Huh," he stared at me intently, his eyes slowly turning into slits. "You both actually have a great resemblance. Which reminds me," he sat on a chair he found on the corner. "She told me that if ever I saw a boy that looks like her, I must tell him this: I will always be waiting where we can reach the skies above in Liyue. I will wait until I have finished what I must do here in this world."

Silence filled the room. What is Lumine thinking?

"I suppose my mission is done here." Childe stood up from his seat, walking toward the stairs. "That girl looks dangerous. You don't trust me that much, yes, but I know a foe when I see one. Don't go to her weaponless," he said before climbing up.

"Aether, what are you thinking?" Chongyun asked.

"What?"

"You look deep in thought all afternoon." Xingqiu said as he gave me a slice of Mushroom Pizza. "Thanks," I said before taking a bite.

"Is something bothering you? Let's take a walk around the harbor first; it'll be a beautiful sight to look at." He suggested. Chongyun and I agreed, so we started to stroll around. It was indeed a beautiful sight especially tonight. Various lanterns hanged on the posts, banners and fabrics decorated on every street we walked in. Some houses have decorated their homes with various intricate designs.

Yes, it was already the night of the festival, yet I can't feel at ease now that I can see my sister. I've been trying to locate each places that my sister might been describing. All I have to do is to visit them all.

But why would she suddenly call me? Have I already seen the truth of this world?

Does she already want to leave this world and has only been fullfiling her goal to give the Abyss the justice they deserve but not for her own interest?

A familiar pair of golden eyes emerged from my thoughts. Xiao.

I don't want to leave.

I want to stay here forever. Even if he doesn't return my feelings, I only want to give him the happiness he deserves. I want to support and help him in any way. I want him to share his burdens with me so that he won't feel much pain anymore.

My gaze went outside the harbor, admiring the nature despite the darkness that hides its beautly from my sight.

My eyes widened as I see a familiar figure, standing right outside of the harbor.

"Chongyun, Xingqiu, can I leave you both for a while? I have something urgent to do," I said without breaking my gaze outside.

"Aether? Hey, wait!"

I ran as fast as I could.

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To spoil you for a bit (if this is even considered as a spoiler) we'll still be seeing Aether's point of view for the next chapter.

Love y'all♡

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