Genshin Oneshots [ch x ch]

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Xiao intently watched from a far beam of Liyue Harbor as the Traveler greeted Captain Beidou at the marina. Another boy was there, one blessed by the winds as was he and the traveler. He was supposedly from Inazuma, which, by Xiao's observations, was Aether's next destination.

Soon he would leave Liyue behind, and face new dangers, meeting new people. Xiao was unadmittedly devastated. He felt he was going to be left behind, just a fleeting memory of Aether's, and he would be forgotten. His heart ached as the blond shook Beidou's hand and boarded the Alcor with his floating companion.

He's leaving, and he's never coming back. The sweet smile he shared with him and the promise Xiao gave to him would be lost. And he never said goodbye.

That night, Xiao floated through the dreamscape realm, letting the voices of agony wash over him and slip away. He loosely held his spear and kept his eyes shut through his mask.

The tsunami of whispers and shouts lulled into silence, and a whirring sound echoed before he heard something in the distance. Something his mind had picked out. Something familiar.

"Xiao!"

His eyes shot open, and his body became alert in the same second. That voice… the exact voice he was longing to hear… the one so deeply engraved into his brain that he could never forget, it was…!

Like lightning, Xiao lunged out of the tear in the dreamscape and landed with his polearm stabbed into the ground. His mask disintegrated, and he was met with amber eyes.

"You called for me?" Xiao asked, trying not to hold back his emotions from taking over his mind. The traveler smiled brightly at him, making Xiao's heartbeat run fast.

"Haha, I know you promised to always find me if I called, but I guess I didn't expect you to be so quick!" he said.

"It is an adepti's duty," Xiao responded. He was glad to see that Aether was not in immediate danger, but confused as to why he really called him.

"Well, I'm glad you're here! Come in and sit!" Sit? Did he just call him there to… sit?

Xiao reluctantly followed him into a traditional styled building, where a dog dressed in robes sat on a counter. A possible threat, he thought, continuing until they reached a room with straw flooring and an indented seating area and table.

Seated at the table already was a blond man and light-blue haired woman, as well as the floating child.

"Hey! You must be Xiao," the man said, offering a friendly wave. "Aether told us about you."

"Aa- Thoma??" Aether whined, taking his seat across from him. He patted the area next to him, where Xiao sat, still alert.

"Well, what do you need my help with?"

"Oh no, it's just that we didn't really have time to say goodbye before we left for Ritou, and I figured I'd save you the journey by waiting," Aether explained.

"I don't understand." Xiao said. "Why did you call for me?" Aether scratched his back sheepishly.

"Well, surely I can call just to hang out, right?"

"Yeah! Lighten up, Xiao!" Paimon added. "Now that everyone's here, finally, we can eat!" She exclaimed, drool spilling out of her mouth as she eyed the soba in front of her.

Xiao watched as everyone casually began eating, chatting with each other about trivial matters. He felt out of place, yet it was somehow… nice. He was lost in thought until he felt a nudge on his arm. He looked to Aether, who quietly pushed a plate towards him. To Xiao's surprise, it was almond tofu, his favorite dish. He glanced between it and the blond, who smiled at him and nodded.

Xiao slowly reached for a pair of chopsticks, and as soon as he tasted the tofu, he felt an incredible joy that was difficult to suppress. It was, if not the most, delicious almond tofu he had ever tasted. Even Rex Lapis' could not compare.

Aether noticed Xiao's twinge in demeanor and chuckled quietly to himself. He could tell he was trying very hard to not react, but he soon started to wolf down the rest of the dish at lightning speed.

"Woah, what's that dish? I've never seen it before!" The man in red asked.

"It's almond tofu, a specialty from Liyue!" Aether answered. "It's… kind of difficult to master… I'm still not very good at it," he laughed sheepishly. Xiao cleared his throat.

"It's… very good," he muttered, setting down his utensils and sitting himself upright.

"Really? I'm happy to hear that, then," the traveler said.

Time passed as the group talked and Xiao stayed silent, observing Aether intently. He was always such a ray of sunshine, despite the hardships he had and still was going through. He's been traveling the world for the sole cause of finding his sister, yet he still insists on helping all who cross him, and remains a positive light for many people, Xiao was sure. At least for him, he was.

After everyone was done with their meals, the party went their separate ways. Thoma and Ayaka headed back to the Kamisato residence, while Aether, Xiao, and Paimon hung around the city.

"Thanks for hanging out with us, Xiao!" Aether exclaimed, "But… sorry I made you think we were in danger, haha… I won't do it again unless we are if you want. I just figured it'd be nice to see you…" Xiao flinched. He really did want to see him. Why?

"It's… okay. I don't mind," Xiao said, almost whispering the last part. "Um… thanks. For.. y'know, inviting me or whatever. I've never been to Inazuma." Suddenly, Aether and Paimon's eyes lit up.

"You know what that means…" Paimon said to Aether. He nodded and turned back to Xiao.

"Want to explore with us??" The two asked in sync. Xiao was a bit taken aback by their offer, but deep down knew he wanted to go with them; with him.

"I suppose-" before he could finish his sentence, Aether suddenly sprung forward and scooped Xiao's arm in his.

"Alright! Inazuma adventure!" He shouted to the air, starting to walk down the streets. Still processing the physical contact, Xiao was frozen, staring at their interlocked arms. The blond noticed and gently took his arm away.

"Sorry! It was instinct, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable!" He said, gesturing his hands up. For once, Xiao let his heart lead and reached for the traveler's arm.

"Sorry. I don't mind," he said, looking the other direction. Aether was surprised by Xiao's initiative, but was overjoyed nonetheless.

"Okay! Let's go, let's go! Paimon wants to try all the Inazuman snacks!" Paimon urged the two forward again, floating ahead of them.

"Didn't you just eat?" Xiao asked. Aether laughed, his voice like wind chimes on a soft breeze.

"Paimon's ALWAYS eating. My theory is that her stomach really has a tiny black hole in it," he whispered to Xiao, giggling quietly.

"Hey!" Paimon stomped the air, "Paimon heard that! And no! Paimon has normal organs!"

"Okay, okay… but it would explain a lot."

"HUH?"

Xiao subtly smiled at the two's playful banter. Such a relaxing day didn't feel deserved, but deep down he wished he could live like that everyday. The moment Aether was in his presence, he suddenly felt secure. Maybe… happy? Whatever the feeling was, perhaps he would put in a little more effort to seek it out more. And maybe Aether was the key.