Genshin Oneshots | Trauma and Company

Xiaother | What are we?

Aether stares at the floating lanterns above him and Xiao, both standing there awkwardly, reminiscing on the very awkward intrusion of Venti. The two had stepped out to collect themselves after a fairly awkward feast.

He sighs, turning his head to Xiao as he tries to form words, but only manages to come up with "Are you doing.. alright..?"

Xiao stares at him with his piercing eyes, unable to open his mouth, nor move it for that matter. He turns his head away, staring back up at the sky as the moonlight shines down on Liyue Harbor. Aether squints his eyes, but doesn't say anything either. He shrugs, and proceeds to step down the stairs.

"..Traveler," Xiao began to state, clearing his throat, "..I apologize for how I am at this time. I am just in a strange spot."

'A strange spot? What does that mean?' Aether thought to himself as he stopped in his tracks, turning back around to stare at the almighty adeptus. "..Yes, Xiao?"

Xiao's eyes gleamed, almost seeming to be in sync with the lanterns themselves, a beautiful yellow. Taking one swift breath, he breathes, "What am I to you?"

The traveler stares at Xiao, shocked at the question. What kind of adeptus would ask that question? Let alone, Shenhe did make a friend, quite a few as Xiao has, but Xiao.. it's Xiao. The same Xiao who believes he's unable to understand human emotions, and Aether of course, is a human. In that moment, Aether was deciding rather or not what to say. "We're whatever you want us to be."

Xiao's face falls back to his pensive stare, less vulnerable than he was before. He mumbles, "I see." Xiao turns around, heading down the stairs as he looks back to traveler. "Happy Lantern Rite, Aether. May we see eachother again."

Without another word, he disappears, just as Aether leans forward with his hand out. "..happy Lantern Rite.. Xiao."