Xiaother Oneshots

Hanahaki

A disease in which the victim coughs up flower petals when they suffer from one sided love. It ends when the beloved returns their feelings (romantic love only; strong friendship is not enough), or when the victim dies. It can be cured through surgical removal, but when the infection is removed, the victim's romantic feelings for their love also disappear.

Trigger warnings: mentions of death, death, mentions of blood, Cursing

Aether POV

Hanahaki. I was confused on what that meant. Hanahaki? I remember I asked Venti what that disease meant. When I first came here to Teyvat, I didn't know what it was. So when Venti told me that someone in town got it, I was curious. He said it was a disease. I didn't think much of it. In disease I thought he meant illness, such as the flu or cold. Well. I was wrong.

Venti explained to me and Paimon that it's a disease created from one-sided love. That if the love is not returned, flowers will start to bloom in one's lungs. That sent shivers down my spine. Paimon was, for once, speechless. So was I. "Scary huh? Advice for you traveler, enjoy exploring this place, make friends, find your sister, but don't fall in love. In this world it hurts more than it doesn't."

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"Hey Aether? Why don't you tell people your name? Paimon means, like why hide it? Paimon doesn't get it!" I laughed a little at Paimon. "It's okay. It's complicated..." We continued to talk about random things as we walked around Liyue Harbor. I then felt a sharp pain in my chest. I started coughing, and Paimon looked at me worried. "Traveler, what's wrong?! Should Paimon get someone?" I shook my head. "N-No I'm okay...I just had a really sharp pain." "Oh no! Maybe a battle injury?" "Maybe. I'm sure it's nothing. C'mon let's head back to the Inn." "Yes! Paimon's hungry can we get something to eat?" I laughed a little. "Of course Paimon."

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It was finally night time and currently I was just laying in bed. Paimon was next to me sleeping soundly. I stayed awake. My breathing felt uneasy. I feel weird. I don't know how to describe it but-I feel sharp pains. Should I go visit the pharmacy? I will. First thing tomorrow.

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"THERE'S NO WAY! PAIMON WON'T BELIEVE IT!" Paimon screamed. I felt frozen, shocked, and scared. "Baizhu t-this can't be! I-I who could I possibly? When? I..." I was at a loss for words. Me. Aether. The Traveler. Have Hanahaki Disease. "I'm sorry Traveler, but it's true. You show signs and based on the study I did, there is a small flower blooming inside of you." I started to cry. "But who do I have a crush on!? How does that work! I-" "Aether!" I was cut off by Paimon. "Don't you remember what we talked about? What Paimon said?" She was teary eyed. Ah. I remember now. It's "Xiao."

I saw a flash of green and black and there appeared Xiao. I forgot about that-

"Gree-Traveler what's wrong? Why are you crying?" I quickly wiped my tears away. "It's nothing Xiao." "Actually, Mr.Xiao Traveler has Hanahaki." We both turned to see Qiqi by the door. Fuck.

I saw Xiao's eyes widened. It was a rare sight to see, which shows how dangerous Hanahaki is. "Are you sure? Traveler, we must get this removed immediately. Baizhu can you remove it?" Xiao asked. I looked over at Baizhu. "Well I could, however it's risky. If I remove the flower there is a chance that I could not only remove the feeling of love, but all other emotions too. Traveler would be empty. He would feel no emotions whatsoever."

I couldn't believe this. I could become emotionless? So not only would I lose these feelings for Xiao....I could lose all feelings? No I don't want that. Paimon must have read my mind. "Paimon says no! Paimon knows Traveler! He would never want his feelings removed! No!" Paimon flew over to me and hugged me. I hugged her back. Even though she is annoying at times, I still love Paimon.

"Paimon is right. I can't do that." "But you could die Aether! Who is this person who love?" "I can't say...But I'll be okay Xiao. I promise." He only shook his head in response. "We are leaving and talking to Venti." Venti?! "Huh? Why?" "Because he'll convince you." Xiao grabbed me and Paimon and teleported away.

When I opened my eyes I saw one of the Statues of the Seven. It was Venti's statue. "I haven't been here in so long." I said. "Ehe welcome back Traveler, Paimon, Xiao!" We turned around and saw Venti. "Venti hello!" I ran over to him and hugged him tightly. Venti always made me feel safe. I felt him hug me back, "I missed you Traveler. What brings you guys to Mondstadt?" "Well-" I backed away from the hug when Xiao cut me off. "He has Hanahaki and we need your help." Venti looked at Xiao with surprise and then looked at me. "Wait really?! Aether we should get the surgery!" "Aether doesn't want it! Paimon already told Xiao that!" "Aether are you crazy?! You could die!" "That's what I said Venti. But he refuses to let these feeling go."

I felt tears form in my eyes, "Xiao these feelings...I've never felt before. I want to cherish them to my death." I held my heart, it hurts. "Why can't you just confess? What if the person likes you back?" Venti asked worried. "I can't. There's no way I can. Plus he wouldn't return these feelings." "How would you know?" I felt Xiao's hand on my shoulder. "Because, there are so many people better than me." "Nonsense! Aether tell us who it is. I'm sure we can do something. You found out early on! So please." Well. Could I?

I mean, Xiao won't return these feelings but what if I hurt him? He'll feel bad about not being able to help. I could hurt him. I can't do that. I- "Xiao." I looked at Paimon with shock. "Paimon said Xiao." "P-Paimon! What the hell!" "Listen to Paimon! It's for your own good! Xiao how do you feel?! Answer Paim-" I pulled Paimon away from Xiao and covered her mouth. She licked my hand.

SHE LICKED MY HAND?! I moved my hand away in disgust. "What the hell?! Gross!" "Aether deserves it! He was willing to die!" "Paimon I am always willing to die!" "Die fighting for something! Die for fighting for your sister. Not to some dumb disease that Paimon hates!" I was speechless. She was right.

I have always fought strong monsters, opponents. Was I really going to let myself die to some flower?

"Traveler." I look up and see Xiao mere inches from me. "Y-Yes?" "I hope I can save you with these emotions. I have never felt them before but I hope, these can help." He then kissed me. I returned the kiss. It was soft and slow.

The weight on my chest left. There was no more pain, I could breathe normally. Did Xiao love me too? Yes. Yes he did. Because he took the flower away. I feel so relieved. Not only because the flower is gone but because Xiao loves me back.

"Ehe what a cute moment~" We pulled apart and looked at Venti. He summoned his lyre and started playing a song. "Let's all watch the sunset, hm?" "Yes, Paimon loves Sunsets!" Paimon cheered. Aether smiled and held Xiao's hand. "Sounds perfect. Xiao?" "Indeed." We all watched as Xiao smiled slightly. I love him.

The End <3