If you know the story Under the Oak Tree, then this would feel familiar
Royal AU, and this ain't canon.
Aether walked down the hallway groggily in the middle of the night. It was around 2 am, so no one should be awake as of now. But one light was on. More like a candle. He heard talking. Xiao's voice was one of them. The blond leaned on the door carefully.
"What do you mean they are still at large? Both me and Aether defeated the god he released almost ten years ago."-Xiao
"They asked for another trade. They asked for everything special. Do you know what's special to you?"-Zhongli
Xiao was stunned. Why would they want something like that? This isn't like their usual motives.
Aether opened the door since he got bored. He wasn't really listening in that much.
"What's going on? *Yawn* Why are you up this late?"-Aether
"Nothing that concerns you. Go back to bed."-Xiao
"But I miss your company..."-Aether
"I'll be there in a couple of minutes. Just get some rest."-Xiao
"Mkay...*yawn*." Aether walked out the room. Xiao waved goodbye.
"You going to say a proper goodbye to him in the morning, right?"-Bosacius
"I don't think I can. We have to leave at dawn. The least I can do is give him a kiss goodbye."-Xiao
"Treat him and Aria with the utmost care when we arrive back and solve the issue properly."-Zhongli
"Yes father."-Xiao
— -
It was finally dawn. Xiao had to leave Aether and a newborn child. She was only three days old. And yet she had the most adorable smile Xiao had ever seen. The raven gave her a little chubby bird that he made just for her and gave Aether another version.
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Big bird, small bird. Ones for Aether and the other one is for Aria.
He gave Aether a kiss before leaving quickly. Xiao almost forgot to give Aria one on her nose. His stuff was already packed and put away in the carriage. Aether shuffled in the bed and smiled. He loved this small gift. Though he didn't know about Xiao leaving. Did he plan this all along?
— -
Aether was told that Xiao wouldn't be back for at least a week. Which saddened him and made him anxious. He tended to overthink the situation whenever Xiao left. And yet that lead to a burnout. Aria was fussy now in her own crib, so she had to sleep with Aether for now. Though she did like the small plushie. And Aether loved his.
"Mmm. Aria, please. Let me sleep."-Aether
Aria put her tiny hands onto her mother's face. She then giggled and tried to get under Aether's head so she could sleep.
"Fine. You're tired and so am I."-Aether
Aria was soon snoring as Aether smiled. He sniffled a bit before pulling his arm over her. He wanted to cry. But he had to have hope. He really hoped Xiao wasn't dead. What did he even leave for?
Next thing to give him more time in bed was a training accident. He had time to spare, so he decided to help the new recruits train. Though a sparing session with a few teenagers really wasn't the best idea. They started fighting and getting way too into it. Over something perfectly reasonable, which was protection, but he got hurt in the end.
A lot of bandages and scolding from Lumine later, another week passed. Is it going to be a year?
Aether started crying just thinking about it. Then he quickly stopped himself. Crying shows weakness, and you need to show yourself you're strong. Such stupid thoughts. Of course he'll be back.
Aria started crying. Aether fed her some baby formula and sang her a song. He started crying through the song. Aria meant everything to him. So did Xiao, but the blond hasn't heard a word from him. Maybe he's too occupied with something important.
A seelie came in with a letter. Aether wiped away his tears and put the sleeping Aria down. He thanked the seelie and read the letter.
"Hey. Sorry that I left all of a sudden. I've been called home for something important. The Fatui want something special from me. And that's you. You and Aria. You two are the reason I'm doing this. I need you both in my life. That's why I've been here for longer than I was supposed too. Hell, I was supposed to come home last week. But there was a sabotage. Whatever you do, don't leave the palace without Aria. Don't leave the room without Aria. You can't be too careful."-Xiao
Don't leave without Aria? How bad was it? Why do they always want him? Why? Why must it be him?
"Ba!"-Aria
"Oh You're awake again? Didn't you just sleep?"-Aether
Aria shook her head and giggled. She's not even a month old and yet she's so carefree. She was pure joy. And no one would take pure joy away.
Nah, because I call Aria Kinder Joy sometimes. Because she's the little sister I need 😭
