Genshin Impact Ships + Random Stories! (Requests Open!)

A Traveler's Fatigue

   Aether sighed softly as he rested against a railing on one of the staircases in Wangshun Inn, golden-yellow eyes a lot duller than normal, a small frown on his face. "Excuse me?" Aether perked up slightly and Paimon magically appeared like she normally does. "Yes?" Aether asked in a rather monotonous tone, looking absolutely exhausted. "Would you be able to deliver this message for me? It's to go to Quince Village." Aether sighed slightly. "I'm sorry, but I'm really - " "Of course we can!" Paimon's voice spoke over Aether's. Aether flinched before huffing and taking the message before huffing and snatching the message from the woman and stuffing it into his pocket before shoving past her and leaving. The blonde male quickly made his way to Quince Village, utterly ignoring the slightly confused Paimon that lacked behind him, struggling to keep up with the male.

   Aether stumbled roughly, leaning against a large rock, blood covered his face and his right hand pressed against a horrid-looking gash in his right side, Paimon gazing at him worried. Aether had made it to his destination without many difficulties, however on his way back to the Wangshun Inn, he'd ended up coming face-to-face with a large group of Geovishaps. Aether hadn't taken on very many Geovishaps during his journey in Liyue, he hadn't been incredibly prepared and with such a large group of them, he'd been at an incredibly large disadvantage. It had been a difficult challenge, even if he had come out the victor of the battle. "Aether, we should get you to a doctor," A snarl leaves the wounded male's lips, hissing through his barred teeth, as he braces himself against the large rock. "Hah, so now we care about my well-being, you didn't seem to care too much before whenever I rejected that damned request." Paimon's expression looked lost but before she could speak, Aether spoke up again. "I never wanted to care about other people's problems, I never cared about being a hero, all I wanted..." a small sniffle sounded from the male, "I just wanted to find my sister, is that so much to ask for?" A broken sob left the traveler's lips and tears spilled down his cheeks. His dull, golden-yellow eyes fluttered closed, his breathing became shallow, and his body fell limp. "Aether!" Paimon shrieked as she rushed to him, shaking him, sobs escaping in her distress. She paid no attention to the shadow that lurked over herself and Aether.

   Aether groaned as he opened his eyes, groaning and shielding his eyes from the bright light that filtered into the room he awoke in. Aether jolted up when he realized that he was somewhere else, panic flowing through his body. "Easy, your wounds are not fully healed." Aether's ears rang slightly with the familiar voice, eyes panning across the room, following the voice to its source. The blonde's eyes met with a part of familiar golden orbs, the adeptus stood, leaning against the wall, on the opposite side of the room, his arms crossed over his chest. Aether visibly relaxed at the sight of Xiao, his eyes scanning over his own body to realize how dressed his wounds were. Some plain and simple shorts and a shirt covered him though he could now feel the bandages wrapping all over him, he hated it. Aether stayed silent while Xiao pushed himself off the wall, walking across the room. "You were extremely injured, you shouldn't travel or fight for a few days until you've healed properly, your companion passed out from crying, about an hour after I found you both and brought you here to dress your wounds," Xiao spoke, seating himself on the edge of the bed. A sigh fell from Aether's lips, tears glossing over his eyes. The adeptus froze up when the traveler's head landed gently on the yaksha's chest, Xiao's eyes widened in surprise and a prominent blush tinged his cheeks, his ears burning in turn.

   "Aether-" "Please, let me stay like this for a while," Xiao nodded gently, his heart felt heavy, and he hated seeing Aether like this. "Of course, take your time to feel better."