To Bask in a Ray of Sunlight: a XiaoAether fanfiction

Chapter 13

Xiao.

I stare at the ceiling as I lay down on my bed, wide awake despite the break of dawn.

Aether, on the other hand, was fast asleep as he lay down upon my chest. He has been sleeping for hours, but I did not dare move unless he does.

Not much has happened since we kissed at the mountainside of Mt. Tianheng. We've only agreed to spend the night together which Paimon agreed as well......before dissapearing.

Not much has happened, yet the joy I'm feeling at this moment was overflowing.

I closed my eyes. All because of love, huh. How peculiar.

Moving my free arm, I gently brushed Aether's unbraided hair through my fingers. Every second we spend together, the harder it is for me to see him leave.

I sighed. He has to; his sister was the reason of his journey, after all. I shouldn't be scared of his safety as I already seen his strength with my own eyes. Worthy of being hailed as the hero of Mondstat and Liyue, I can say.

And I know he'll call my name whenever he needs me.

Distance doesn't matter as long as he's safe. I can't avoid missing his presence near me, though.

The sound of knocking can suddenly be heard at the other side of my room's door. "Sir," Verr's voice called. "You have a-"

"Come on, now," A joyful tone interrupted. "It'll be okay as long as........it's me......" The door was abruptly opened. Venti walked in, followed by Verr, therefore seeing the situation. His mouth hanged open in surprise which instantly turned into a smirk.

"I see," he whispered, trying not to wake up Aether. "It's still dawn; the sun is yet to shine. Use protection, okay?" He winked.

My face went hot. "We won't do whatever you may be thinking about. Besides, he's literally sleeping."

"We have already disturbed enough, sir Venti. I suggest we should leave," Verr Goldet said. Venti nodded in agreement. "You're right. Well then, we'll leave you both alone," he hummed an unusual tone before leaving the room. Verr bowed her head before closing the door. I sighed.

That femboy, what was he thinking?

I was about to shut my eyes close, but I was startled as I heard Aether, his voice a bit groggy. "Have......they left?" He asked, yawning.

I patted his head "Yes. You should sleep more, it's still early."

"No," he sat back up, his eyes closed. He's still sleepy. "I want to see you."

His action made me smile. He's so sweet even though he's half awake. I sat up as well, my back resting at the deck of the bed. "Open your eyes, then." I said.

Slowly, Aether's eyes flutter open, his gaze turning towards me.

"You're so beautiful." He once again rested his head upon my chest, his arms wrapping around my waist. I fixed his hair as it was covering up his face. The ends might itch and wake him up. "I like you," he whispered before falling asleep.

I felt bliss. If only this moment could never end.

I planted a soft kiss on top of his head. "I like you too, Aether."

I went to the counter with a mail in my hands. "What is this?" I asked Verr.

"An invitation, sir. It was sir Venti's purpose of coming here." She said.

"At dawn."

"He said he wants to see what you've been doing. Sir Venti noticed that you've been bothered the past few days," She started fixing documents as she speak. "But it seems that you feel a lot better."

I tried my very best not to blush. "Let's just say I've already reached the conclusion to my line of work," I cleared my throat. "And that."

"I see," she said. "I hope your relationship with him will bloom graciously as Glaze Lilies."

"Thank you." I said. Truly, I appreciate what she have said. She smiled in return.

"Well then, I must take my leave." She once again bowed her head. "I wish you safe travels." I nodded, climbing up to the balcony of the inn.

Aether have already left to find the woman whom he once helped in finding a job there at Liyue Harbor. He said that she mentioned that she came from one of the islands in Inazuma. She may know a thing or two about sailing there.

I kept Venti's letter in one of my pockets. I'll probably read that later.

I climbed up on the fence and jumped off, starting my partol in Liyue.

"Oh, you're back." Aether's voice was the first thing I have heard as I flew back from the balcony. It was already late at night.

"Yes. I just patroled Liyue and as usual, there has been a lot of trouble regarding monsters. Most of them attacking mortals," I said. "What brings you here, Aether?"

A tink of pink was visible on his cheeks. "I.....had a conversation with the woman I have told you, but it seems like she barely survived the storm," he said. "But she suggested that I should go find the Alcor. That Crux Fleet is said to be commanded by Beidou. I already checked all of the seas around Liyue, but I haven't seen any ship compatible with her description of that ship."

"Hm," I thought of every destination of I have patrolled near the sea. "I haven't seen any ship that may be compatible of the appearance of a Crux Fleet." I said. "But do not worry, I do patrols everyday; I'll tell you right away when I see one."

He smiled. "That calmed me down. Thanks, Xiao." He gave me a peck on the lips. Once again, my face felt hot.

"Let's just imagine that Paimon isn't here." She scoffed. Aether laughed; his voice feels like music to my ears. Paimon scoffed in return."because really? Kissing in front of me? In front of my Golden Crab?" Aether patted her head as he said his apologies.

"Come on, don't get pouty like that." He said. "You can go to the the kitchen, Paimon. Dinner's all ready."

"Finally!" She flew out of the scene as fast as she could, leaving the two of us alone.

"We should go down as well, you must be hungry after all of that work." He said as he started walking out of the balcony.

"Wait," I reached his hand with mine, intertwinning our fingers. Aether held my hand tightly.

"How I wish I can hold your hand forever." He sighed. "We should go down now; Paimon might get mad at us again." He chuckled.

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No because I fell asleep writing this *sobs* I did my school activities first before writing this chapter so no wonder. But I'll still try to update daily :>

Virtually sending hugs to all of you♡

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