Angst. Because
TW: Suicide
"Where do we go once we are in the sky?"-Aether
They were star gazing on the rooftop of Wangshu Inn. Xiao looked at the blond in a sad smile. He didn't want to be alone again.
"Up there...is a place shrouded with mystery. There is a place where loved ones go to rest. They can finally be in peace. People like you Aether. People who are kind, selfless, and always willing to help. Why do you ask?"-Xiao
"Curiosity. Because my mother told me that one day, I will be a burning star."-Aether
"You need a break. Take a rest for a day, would you?"-Xiao
"Mhm. Perhaps I will. One day."-Aether
"Sigh. I suppose that day will never show up."-Xiao
"Xiao! Let's cuddle and look at the stars! This may be the only time we do this again!"-Aether
Aether always joked about doing things for the last time in their lives. Even though he knows the last time they actually do the act again. It's his travel to end all travels.
It's his personal journey that only he must do alone. Without Xiao or anyone to stop him from doing it.
————————————————————
"AETHER? ARE YOU HERE?!"-Xiao
The blond suddenly went missing. Even Verr didn't see him. He ventured into the forest looking for his lost lover. He only found Lumine, who certainly did not like Xiao.
"Aether! What are you doing?!"-Xiao
Aether was tying rope on a tree and put his head through the hole of the rope. That's when he noticed Xiao.
"Oh! Hi Xiao. Don't worry about me. This is my travel to end all travels. I've been nothing but a errand boy for people and when one person said to go kill myself for messing up their request, I just had to take action. His name was Albert, from Mondstadt. Please Xiao, my last request is that Hu Tao buries me. She is held responsible along with Zhongli for my funeral."-Aether
"One last hug."-Xiao
Aether got down from the tree branch and hugged his lover once more. He hated that he was going to be alone again, but at least he got a final goodbye.
"May the stars...hold a place for you. I'll look for a star named Aether."-Xiao
"I'm sorry that I'm not happy here in this world. Perhaps my next life will be better suited for me."-Aether
Aether got back on the tree branch and tied the rope on his neck. He jumped off the branch and took his final breath. He said goodbye to the world forever, and that he would be at peace.
Xiao prayed for Aether's journey to the stars. He then saw a new star above.
"Heh. The stars never looked more beautiful."-Xiao
———————————————————-
"Show us. I don't believe you."-Zhongli
Xiao led them to Aether's hanging corpse in shame. As soon as the group got there, they were in shock.
"There's a new star in the night sky. His name is Aether."-Xiao
"He wanted me to prepare a funeral for him? Come Mister Zhongli, we must prepare the perfect coffin for him. We'll paint it white and gold. And cover it with flowers from all the nations he visited. And we'll find that person who said to kill himself, and make sure they pay for his crimes."-Tao
"Make sure to pick Windwheel Asters while you're in Mondstadt. They were his favorite."-Xiao
——
No one came to his funeral. Except Lumine, Xiao, Hu Tao, Shenhe, The Adepti, and Amber. The rest came after his funeral since they were hurt by his lost.
Xiao stood at his grave. The only person he ever loved was gone, and he would join him.
"I'm sorry everyone. I can't do this anymore."-Xiao
Xiao summoned a dagger and put it to his chest. He stabbed himself multiple times and laid with his lover. The raven mumbled "I love you" before he went with the stars also.
Feeling shitty? Good, me too. Go to your white space.
680 words
