What's this feeling || Xiao x Aether

Angst/Letter One Shot (Not a part of main story)

(Btw the name of the yakshas are not corresponded with their actual elements since their elements are not known yet! These are my personal guesses as to which yakshas had which element. Also, all of his description of the yakshas would be them in their humanoid forms)

Aether,

It has been so long since I've seen you, since I've last spoken to you. But I'd like you to listen to me, please even if it's just for a moment. Archons, who knows when I will be able to hold you again in my arms?

It's been... 5 years since you've set off to your journey to Inazuma. I've been counting. Usually, a being such as myself who has lived thousands of years wouldn't partake in such a pointless activity. But for you, I felt it was necessary.

You see, my karmic binds have been much easier to handle since I first encountered you. Your presence alone makes it almost feel weightless and so, I am eternally grateful for you.

Your earring that you left with me since you're departure hasn't lightened up since a few days after you left for your journey. I wonder if that's since you're too far from it? I miss it's vibrant blue glow. It matched my own vision.

You used to tell me much about your own stories and your encounters with others in other nations as well. I've come to the conclusion that I should tell you a bit about my own stories? Well, regarding my fellow yakshas, at least the ones you've heard slightly about since 24 is much too many to speak about. So, this is where I will start I suppose.

Bosacius, the pyro yaksha. She was quite the kindhearted soul. I enjoyed making small talk with her. She had gifted me silk flowers one day and I ended up eating them. You remind me of her in some ways, the way you both smiled softly while your eyes shone. She had long, silk hair, like yours but hers had burning sensation to it. She ended up succumbed to madness, though, she has not perished. Perhaps I might encounter her once again someday.

Indarias, the electro yaksha. He was very muscular and bared 4 arms in total. He looked intimidating, but was somewhat gentle and thoughtful. I recall the day he was upset for disrupting the peace of some animals that lay in a tree above us. You remind me of him, the way that you are so gentle with animals, and with myself. Indarias eventually succumbed to the karmic debt accrued from endless slaughter then perished.

Bonanus, the geo yaksha. He carried a very powerful aura around him. His intelligence was astounding, and he was quite similar to Morax. That in its self, made me have a great amount of respect towards him. He wore regal garments but had unruly hair. You remind me of him in a way, you were both confident and intelligent. He and Menogias had a humorous rivalry, though in end he ended up ending Menogias, as he soon succumbed to the karmic debt.

And finally, Menogias, the hydro yaksha. She styled her hair to look like my own but longer and with more aquatic colours. She had four eyes on her face, which Bonanus enjoyed teasing her about. She was loud and obnoxious. Though, you do remind me of her. You're both quick witted and energetic when you'd like to be.  She met her end while also ending the rivalry with Bonanus. She was slain by him.

That's all for my stories but, although you share your thoughts on me many times, I have never described you very often.

The ambience was cheerful and calm whenever you spoke or made a stupid joke, your eyes were always full of determination, a fierce and daring look I had never seen on anyone else, those goldens irises shining with the sunrays and a wide smile, they told me that I was fine. Your combat skills are truly remarkable and I always enjoy anytime I spend with you. Our sparing sessions are accelerating and you always seem to worry about my condition when you are the one with the injuries. You always bring me almond tofu at the inn and partake in long discussions with me, even if I can tell you're growing tired, you still stay awake to speak with me.

Though, there is something strange about you. There is always a different feeling in my whenever you smiled, laughed or stared at me. My breathing is unsteady and I can somehow always feel my body temperature rising whenever I speak to you. It feels as thought my veins are pumping so wildly they'll burst.

I had felt so conflicted on this feeling. It's strange but... feels good? I had decided to ask Verr Goldet about this, since I thought that this must be something mortals do to one another. She informed me that this feeling was called love. She described it as a feeling where even just hearing a person's name or voice can make you feel warmth and a fuzzy feeling inside of you. A feeling where, you just want to stay with a person forever and never leave their side. A feeling where you'd do anything for someone.

I couldn't help but think of you while she was explaining. Any sort of contact you make with me makes my temperature rise. Is this what love does? It drives me to the brink. Tell me, are you doing this to me?

Though I think to myself and find it foolish to think that. It must be my own doing.

I recall the days before your departure, I simply thought this was a mere feeling of admiration. But it seems that I was wrong.

You're courageous, kindhearted, patient, confident and make my brain go crazy. I'm sure this must be the feeling she described as love. Would it be safe to say I love you?

I would've said this to you in person many years ago if I had been granted the chance to. A problem might've been my incapability of explaining such a feeling with you standing right in front of me.

I hope you will return here, to Liyue, to me. Someday.

Some people have mentioned the fact that you might've perished in Inazuma. For years they've been saying these things. But I know you would've called me. I would've heard you.

You would've notified me, right?

Foolish of me to think otherwise. Don't worry, as soon as you return I will rush to you.

I'll always protect you.

Sincerely,
Xiao.