Chapter Text
When Zhongli had planned thoroughly, devised his ever-so grand plan of his retirement from his endless duties as the oldest Archon, a very powerful being who reigned over the land of Liyue---Geo Archon, Rex Lapis. He disregarded safety despite being painfully aware that he'd be sending the innocent Traveler from Celestia in a very strenuous and dangerous ride of their life. But once you lived over thousands of years, one's heart would surely harden. Relentlessly and mercilessly, the Archon watched silently, by choice---at the conflicted turmoil and raging war swirling within the Traveler's golden eyes when they first met. Officially, at least.
"It is an honor to meet you. I have heard tell of you from Mondstadt."
He had finally experienced firsthand the unending kindness of Aether. Pooling over his celestial being, pushing aside his own troubles to juggle between the conflict of Liyue, a problem which an outsider shouldn't even concern over yet here he was, face-to face with Zhongli. Sure, he was trying to save his skin from being accused of being the perpetrator of his corpse but the moment Childe brought in the wide-eyed traveler into the restaurant. The moment their eyes met, blazing golden eyes clashing with unwavering amber ones, he already had an intuition that Aether would see everything to the end.
Anyone would feel guilty for using such a wonderful person whose purpose in their world was as harmless as finding their missing kin, but Zhongli had long since gone from being a considerate… well, being. And yet, the sensation of an emotion he once long abandoned a long time ago, an age or an era he could no longer remember, resurfaced like karma. He felt like an even higher being was laughing at him.
He watched Aether under his gaze, underlying guilt pooling at the pit of his stomach as he watched the other scurry around the whole Liyue according to Zhongli's bidding. He clicked his tongue as he brought his hand to cover his mouth. It was unpleasant.
He was also aware what transpired during the first phase of his plan, where the Traveler would spread the word of Rex Lapis's death to the current Adepti surveying Liyue.
Zhongli had an idea how Aether and Xiao's first meeting would turn out, vague as the information may be, that it certainly did not go well for the Traveler. Which he expected, the last remaining Adeptus under his contract and from the original first ones, barely act humane. Would rather rather not be seen as anything but a monster he considered himself as. The Archon knew quite well that their meeting would come to an end bitterly and he was right---as always, considering the slight difference on how the Traveler carry his weight, footsteps heavily trudging on the ground as soon as he left the premises of Wangshu Inn where the Conqueror of Demons usually spends his time in.
Adeptus Xiao…is an uncivilised, barely approachable and has the tendency to be barbaric both physically and verbally, a headstrong individual who has his heart on the sharp end of his spear. He'd most likely push you away with harsh words and cruel looks before you could even start considering trying to approach him. Even Zhongli, the Archon himself, could scarcely start nor hold a conversation with the Yaksha unless it was related to their lifelong contract and his duties as a "weapon with the sole purpose to kill" as Xiao insistently quoted one time.
With all that in place, of course, Zhongli would think that Aether meeting Xiao could only end up on a sour note.
Imagine his surprise when his dear old friend, Madame Ping, had personally seek him out and brought upon him news of how Adeptus Xiao had basically surged forward with all his might just to catch the falling Traveler during a mishap between the fight of the Qixings, Milleliths, Adepti and the forced cooperation of the Traveler and Osial---Aether, whom Xiao did not even attempted to let go of even after he had brought them back to safety.
Even squeezing the Traveler's hand, she added. Only the woman would find this amusing as she chuckled while reminiscing the memory. She leaves the Archon pondering over what may become of the outsider and Yaksha's relationship.
As much as Zhongli doesn't want to admit, he would often find himself entering Wangshu Inn uninvited as he lingered around the floor where Xiao resided. The first time he had done it though, the Adeptus was alone as his lithe form leaned over the railing of the balcony, he was expecting to receive a handful of disagreements and maybe complaints from the Yaksha. But Xiao was seething. Not for the reason of the Archon entering his room out of the blue but because the Archon was there, alive.
" You had me believing like a fool to your charades, that the Archon I've been serving for 2 milleniums, was dead! Murdered! By what? Supposedly a mortal? A mortal that could kill an Archon?!" Xiao spouted out the word 'death' with so much despise and venom in his voice, it sounded poisonous.
"How in Teyvat did you think I would react to this ! When you just casually waltz in this room?! What?! That I'd come crawling over your shoes and rejoice for your holy presence?" Xiao choked out, a bitter laugh left his throat. Not once had he looked at Zhongli in the eye yet the Ex-Archon could see the rage and betrayal hidden in the depths of his amber eyes, how hurt he was. He gripped the polearm he held within his hands so hard, it might just leave a crack on its handle.
"You…didn't even inform me of this plan of yours. Involving a stupid, fake death." The Adeptus looked defeated as his shoulders sagged, a heavy sigh came out of his lips as he turned his back from Zhongli. Looking even smaller than he already was.
"You have no idea…Not an ounce of clue how painful it was, how agonising it was to find out you were no longer here. For once in my life, I felt lost, defeated. I felt the path I had chosen wavered, broken. I---I moved on autopilot and did the only thing I know what to do. Fight. Kill. Protect Liyue."
"Xiao, do please forgive me."
"Kindly leave me alone."
Well…
That did not go well. Despite the unwelcoming behavior from the other, Xiao didn't kick out Zhongli from Wangshu Inn. The unwavering respect for the Archon and connection between them as the Master and…worker still held a thin string for their relationship. The day passed and not a single word had been exchanged from the two of them, Zhongli chose not to leave in hopes of talking to the other again, they basked in each other's presence despite the Yaksha's disappointment. Midnight quickly befell before them, Zhongli took this as a sign that the other wasn't clearly in the mood or willing to discuss more about this, with a promise of visiting again tomorrow night---the Ex-Archon left.
Xiao punched the wall as the other left due to frustration as he sunk down on the floor, leaning against the wall he just punched earlier as he stared blankly at the full moon looking down on him.
"Stupid." He whispered to no one as he brought his knees closer to his chest, propping his chin against his shin.
Zhongli came in the evening like he had promised and Xiao still did not look at him but didn't kick him out just like yesterday. So the Ex-Archon chose to place himself on a comfy chair at a secluded and unnoticeable corner of the room, sipping his tea as he pondered over meaningless things in his head. He glanced at Xiao's back as the Yaksha stood on his toes at the railings of the balcony, surveying Liyue from danger.
In what way could he somehow make Xiao talk?
"Adeptus Xiao! Good evening!"
A familiar, bubbly voice broke the silence. Zhongli turned his head in every direction, trying to pinpoint where Aether's floating companion's voice came from. Much to his amusement and surprise, Aether's blonde head poked out from the bottom of the stairs, his eyes sparkling when he saw Xiao as his cowlick bouncing, before fully coming up. Paimon floated after him with a scowl on her small face. A plate of what seems to be a freshly cooked Almond Tofu in his hands as he cautiously walked towards Xiao who turned to look at the approaching Traveler with narrowed eyes, he quickly glanced at Zhongli who was watching their interaction silently in the corner. It seems, Aether doesn't seem to notice the…4th party.
"Traveler, Paimon. What business do you have with me." Xiao spoke, eyes flickering between Zhongli and the Almond Tofu in front of him in uncertainty.
"I---uh…I made you Almond Tofu. To say thank you for everything. It's not exactly perfect nor as good as Mr. Yanxiao but I tried my best." Aether's soft voice stuttered as he raised the Almond Tofu for Xiao to reach. The green haired male blinked twice, bewildered and was about to reach out for the delicacy in the other's slightly trembling hands but stopped when he accidentally made eye contact with Zhongli's observing eyes looking straight at them. Xiao quickly retracted his hands as if he was burned and growled at Aether's way.
"Surely, that is not the only reason you are doing this? Do you take me as a fool?"
"Huh? I sincerely just wanted to say tha---"
"I only accepted that one time solely because you have the Sigil of Permission in your possession and nothing else. If I could remember correctly, you had a favor and supposedly bad news when you brought it. What do you want from me? Protection? Grant you a wish? Unfortunately, those are only wistful assumptions of the people in Liyue, Adepti able to grant any wishes, preposterous." Xiao snapped, eyes turning to slit as he glared at the flustered Aether who flinched back in surprise. Hurt flashing across the other's eyes as he processed the words from the Adeptus.
"Xiao, beli---"
"What is wrong with you?! Aether worked hard to make you this Almond Tofu and you won't even accept it! That's so rude! That's very cruel of you!" Paimon cut Aether off with screeches of her own as she floated between them, her cheeks puffed and her tiny fists clenched in front of her, she stomped her feet aggressively on air as she pointed at Xiao's face. Aether panicked behind her.
"So what? Should I feel thankful? Do you want me to owe you one for merely giving me food? A tooth for a tooth? If so, leave me alone."
"That's not it!!!" Aether squeaked out. His voice hoarse as his lower lip trembled. He looked between Paimon's raging eyes and Xiao's glare before he took a deep breath.
"If you do not wish to hear out my reason, Xiao. The real reason then that's on you. Like I said, I wanted to express my appreciation from that time at the Jade Chamber and nothing else. That's it." Aether paused for a moment, anxiously gazing up at Xiao who impassively stared back. The blonde sighed in defeat before backing away, hastily placing the Almond Tofu on the side table near him.
"I apologise for bothering you, Adeptus Xiao . We will take our leave." Aether mumbled, giving the other a small smile before walking towards the same stairs he appeared from earlier.
Zhongli clicked his tongue in distaste at the sight of Aether's slightly smiling face turned completely dejected as soon as he turned around before leaving, Paimon gladly following after but not before sticking out her tongue at Xiao. Due to his heightened senses though, he caught Aether's quiet words that left Zhongli amused before the Traveler headed down.
"I swear I'll make you eat my Almond Tofu in the future."
And soon, he heard Aether talking to Verr Goldet downstairs. Xiao visibly tensed up, he must be listening in as well.
"Is something wrong, Aether?"
"I---uuuh… I don't think Xiao likes the Almond Tofu I made for him."
Zhongli quirked an eyebrow from the excuse that left Aether's mouth. Aether made Xiao sound like a picky eater.
"Aether shouldn't take it to heart! Paimon thinks Aether's food is alw…"
Zhongli redirected his focus onto the silhouette who stood motionless, still standing at the same spot where the Traveler left him. The Ex-Archon stood from his seat before slowly striding towards Xiao who flinched and looked away from him. Only did he look at the other when Zhongli stood firmly in front of him.
"Kindly explain that obnoxious behavior from thee? I know you know that the Traveler doesn't deserve that kind of behaviour." Zhongli sighed as he crossed his arms.
"What? Aren't I right though? If I wasn't, wouldn't the Traveler be more persuasive in his defense? All mortals have greed and desires in their heart. And the Traveler isn't an exception! He wished to use this as an excuse for me to do someth---"
*SLAP*
"I didn't teach you to act like that. Not only were you acting foolishly but you dare be subjective and refuse to listen to Aether like a brat! Now, better think thoroughly about what you did and make sure you apologise to the Traveler properly when you do meet again." Zhongli bellowed, despite his lack of gnosis, anyone would be extremely dumb not to cower in fear of how the man carry himself. Presence demanded respect and attention.
"Do I make myself clear?"
"...Yes."
"Good, I'll take my leave for now. Good day, Xiao." Zhongli spoke, his voice softer and quieter before walking away.
Xiao could only stare at the direction Zhongli disappeared to before slapping his hands over his face, a muffled and disgruntled groan left his lips. He dropped his hands limply on his side and was about to teleport away and find something to poke with his polearm, to vent out his anger, when he noticed the Almond Tofu on the table. He glared hard. The Almond Tofu was mocking him, the reason why he and Zhongli had a dispute. Xiao raised his arm to slam it over the food but stopped when a flash of gold invaded his mind.
With a sigh, he picked it up and walked over the balcony and sat under the railings, his feet dangling from the floorboard as he placed the plate carefully on his lap to prevent it from falling off the high place. He brought the spoon accompanied by the Almond Tofu and scooped up a spoonful of it before bringing it up to his mouth. He chomped over the spoon and chewed the faint sweet flavor that bursted on his tongue. He gulped it down after a few seconds.
Xiao stared at the Almond Tofu before letting his head hang up as he gazed at the sky in a daze.
"Bland."
"It seems Aether won't visit you for today." Zhongli stated as he leaned against his seat, a book about Adeptus in his hand, he was back at the Wangshu Inn after yesterday's drama. Xiao slumped over the railing, eyes raking over the land below them. The other won't---would never admit that he was on the lookout for any sign of blond hair. Just because. Yes, just because.
"That much is expected, especially knowing how… I treated him badly yesterday. It was my mistake…But staying as far away from me as possible would be for the better, not only for me but mostly for him if he ever values his life." Xiao softly spoke before jumping over the roof to do his own things...
"It's for the better…"
Zhongli placed the book gently on his lap.
"Is it truly for the better? Or for the worse?"
"Xiao!" A voice the two higher beings are far too familiar with echoed throughout the floor as Zhongli raised his head from a book he randomly found in the room and looked at the stairs again to see Aether's head popping out again but this time with determination and confidence in his eyes. He finally reached up the set of stairs and another plate of mouth watering Almond Tofu was placed in his hands. Zhongli smiled, Aether clearly doesn't know what "leave me alone" means. He commends the attitude.
"Traveler." Xiao stiffened, not expecting to see the Traveler so soon. Not after that little…one-sided argument they had.
Zhongli propped his elbow on the chair's side and tucked his chin on his hand, watching the scene unfold before him, curious on how the stubborn Adeptus would react towards an equally stubborn Traveler. Aether was smiling as brightly as ever as though he wasn't upset by Xiao's outburst from their previous meeting. He was clearly upset about it though, Zhongli thought as a glimpse of the blonde's dejected face resurfaced in his head.
"I know we started off on the wrong foot, but I sincerely apologise for overstepping my boundaries before." Aether softly and slowly spoke, feared speaking how he usually does might irk the Adeptus. Zhongli watched the Traveler scratched the back of his head before gently raising the plate of delicacy in front of Xiao's face.
"I want to apologise for my…impudence and is hoping you'll at least accept the Almond Tofu I made for you." The Ex-Archon raised an eyebrow, the Outlander's actions were nowhere near impudent, what had transpired in Aether's absence that brought him this farfetched conclusion? Zhongli hummed lowly in disagreement before looking at Xiao's tense form who could only clench his jaw as he stared at the other.
Xiao and Aether seemed to find themselves staring at one another before the former looked away, reaching out for the Almond Tofu. Zhongli could have sworn the Traveler was glowing and flowers were forming around him as a grin broke on his face. The Geo vision user thought he might need something to block his eyes by how bright Aether was.
"Just to be clear, I did not accept this because I forgive you." Xiao deadpanned as he looked at Aether again, dead in the eye as the other flinched and the grin on his face disappeared as it was replaced by a tense smile.
Zhongli narrowed his eyes. Had the Adeptus chosen to be stubborn again?
"Because there is nothing to forgive, Traveler."
Aether blinked owlishly just as Zhongli found himself doing as well, a proud smile appeared on his face as he watched Xiao clear his throat, red spreading across his pale cheeks.
"Wha---"
"For I should be the one that needs to apologise. You were only doing something out of the act of kindness yet I returned it with hostility and even made my own stupid assumptions. I'm sorry, Aether. " Xiao bowed his head as a flustered Aether flailed his arms all over the air. Zhongli chuckled under his breath as he watched the heartwarming scene in front of him.
"Ah! Wait---W-What are you apologising for? I should be the one saying sorry for imposing!"
"Don't be stubborn and just let me apologise, Traveler ."
"...Fine." Aether mumbled as he looked at Xiao underneath his eyelashes, waiting for the other to try and taste the Almond Tofu he tried so hard to perfect. The Adeptus must have noticed this as he sighed and grabbed the spoon placed neatly at the edge of the plate before scooping up a spoonful of tofu. He carefully brought it to his mouth, expecting the same bland taste like before but…
A new sweet flavor filled his mouth. The tofu was light and soft as Xiao scooped another bite, finding pleasure at how smoothly the spoon went through it as he greedily bit it off from the spoon. It wasn't as bland as before, this Almond Tofu was sweet but not that sweet---balanced, perfect. It was unlike any Almond Tofu, it was different from that chef Yanxiao's creation. He could taste the slight use of honey poured on top of the tofu shaped gelatin.
It tasted like a distant, sweet dream. Unreachable but close.
Zhongli smiled at the sight, it had been so long since he had seen Xiao indulge and eager for something. Who would have thought he would see it again and it was directed to as simple as a plate of food---but this was special, it was cooked specifically for the Adeptus, him and no one else.
He was quick to notice how Aether had his hands clasped in front of his chest as he anxiously looked at Xiao who was too busy enjoying the Almond Tofu.
Xiao stopped wolfing down the food as he glanced up at the blonde standing stiffly in front of him. He slowly swallowed the Almond Tofu down his throat as he unconsciously licked his lips as another wave of sweetness spread inside his mouth. He tilts his head in confusion before something clicks in his mind. Was Aether waiting for a compliment?
"It tastes ama---good, Traveler."
Zhongli watched in silence as Xiao sent Aether a small, reassuring smile as the latter let his tensed shoulders relax before sending a lop-sided grin back.
"Th-That's nice. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Well, I gotta go and...water some plants! Bye!" Aether squeaked out, his face flushed before running past Xiao who quickly whirled around in alarm as the Traveler jumped over the railing. The Adeptus almost dropped the half-eaten food to the ground in surprise as he raced after the blonde, stopping before the wooden banisters that blocked his path as he looked down to search for any traces of the other. He unknowingly sighed out in relief as soon as he saw Aether gliding down safely before running off Archons knows where.
"That went well, don't you think?" Zhongli spoke out of the blue as he neared the slumped Xiao who was still taking a bite out of the Almond Tofu, the spoon was left inside his mouth as the plate of the almost finished tofu was firmly placed over the banister's flat support while his hands were dangling over the balcony. An unusual behavior from the Conqueror of Demons but Zhongli doesn't mind it. This was only a short moment of vulnerability for the Yaksha.
"I guess…" Xiao whispered before pushing himself off the railing as he looked at Zhongli, shame in his eyes.
"I would also like to apologise for my rude behavior before. I didn't mean to blow off steam to you. I was just hurt…and conflicted."
"All is well, Xiao. I understand why you would behave like that, it was entirely my fault. Do forgive my selfishness." Zhongli smiled as he ruffled Xiao's hair who in return felt warmness all over his face as he tried to shake off the hand ruffling his dark green locks. The shorter breathed a sigh as he looked away and chose to stare at the view of Dihua Marsh he had already memorised in his mind.
"I already had."
Zhongli knew he shouldn't overstay his welcome as he watched another usual day of Xiao and Aether conversing out on the balcony. When he said a conversation between them---he meant of Aether doing most of the talking as the other listens in. After what seemed to be their reconciliation (as well as the Ex-Archon and Yaksha's), Aether frequently started visiting Wangshu Inn and cooked Almond Tofu for Xiao to eat in every visit as they fell in a one-sided conversation.
Now, the Traveler situated himself on the railings, feet swinging back and forth as the Adeptus had his elbows propped against the same railings, a foot away from the other but one of his hand was outstretched and was securely placed on Aether's back, preventing him from falling off the balcony.
"Why are you even sitting over the railings, why can't you just be annoying beside me, on the floor, like a normal person?"
"Well, I'm not considered a 'normal' person now am I?" Aether giggled, letting his body lean back a little to look down on the other as Xiao huffed out in annoyance, discreetly steadying Aether's balance with his palm. Zhongli let out a breathy laugh as the Adeptus tried to look out for the Traveler while trying not to seem like he actually cared.
" Well, try to be at least normal then."
"No thanks, I like being the annoying person." Aether smirked, sending a playful wink towards the Adeptus. Xiao paused before sending a smirk of his own and suddenly pulled Aether backwards from the hem of his brown pants. Aether screeched as he fell but not before a pair of strong arms found themselves hooking under his knees and circling around his shoulders.
"X-Xiao?!" Aether squealed as his arms latched themselves around the said person's neck. The dumbfounded Traveler quickly looked up and made eye contact with amber eyes, his breath hitched as soon as he noted how close their faces were, merely a breath away.
"Good to know that you're aware you are annoying." Xiao laughed quietly but Aether, being too near, heard it loud and clear as he felt his chest hammering loudly all of a sudden. The traveler absentmindedly pressed his head on the other's chest, his pressed ear suddenly caught a rapid rhythm of beats from Xiao's chest. Aether gulped as he accidentally listened to the Yaksha's heart beating too fast.
"I'm your annoying person." Aether grinned as he tried to find his footing as he was gently set down by Xiao who hummed back as an answer.
"You are……annoying."
The unnoticed 3rd party quietly placed the tea in his hand on the table beside him as he can't help but get bewildered by the sight of the Adeptus who had never once let anyone approach him, be the one to initiate close contact. Let alone let anyone even try to break the strong walls he built around himself. But Zhongli thinks it was already cracked the moment Aether and Xiao met for the first time.
For Zhongli, Aether was a meteor that had descended on their world---a shooting star, a new entity that had fallen and fallen it did as it crashed itself to create a crack on Xiao's stoned wall. A crack that would surely enlarge as time passes on, each day passed, a new crack form.
And surely someday, the crack would be big enough for someone to worm its way inside it. Pass the barrier.
After what happened that day, Zhongli had decided and began to rarely visit Wangshu Inn, just because he wished to respect their privacy but he still had never announced his presence during his visits to the unsuspecting Traveler. Which was for the better, Aether seemed awfully guarded whenever he was around or near Zhongli and even forced himself to be friendly at the times they'd accidentally meet around Liyue. Underlying grudge, maybe?
With this, Aether would be more vulnerable and genuine around Xiao who needed a companion that could draw out the humane feelings from the depths the Yaksha let sink down deeper and deeper.
"Xiao, I have a question." Aether's soothing voice brought both Xiao and Zhongli's attention to him. The two of them chose to sit on the floor, their shoulders sometimes brushing against each other.
"What is it?"
"I want to know what your preference is in flowers…Like what flower do you like?"
"What is this about? What a random question, Traveler." Xiao scoffed as he finished the last bite of Almond Tofu, sending Zhongli a glance before giving his full attention to the Traveler who was fiddling with his fingers.
"For no apparent reason. Just curious. I-Is it weird to ask?" Aether stuttered out as he looked away, letting his hands fall to his side in embarrassment.
"...No, well…I'm not much into flowers but there is a particular flower that has always caught my eyes during my travels around Liyue." Xiao pondered as placed his hands on the floor only to visibly tense when his right hand came into contact with something else that wasn't the floor. He quickly looked down and saw that he had placed his hand over Aether's, Xiao felt something weird fluttering at the pit of his stomach, he was about to pull away and mutter an apology when Aether retracted his hand from him.
The fluttering feeling in the Yaksha's stomach left as quickly as it appeared.
And yet it came back like an explosion.
The hand that left the Adeptus's hold came back, only this time, their fingers intertwined with his. Xiao gazed heatedly at the intertwined hands beside him, slowly tracing back to the owner of the hand and he felt his breath hitched.
Aether was looking at the starry sky as a nervous smile was plastered on his soft featured face. The moonlight shone softly on him, his skin glowing prettily under the light. His eyes reflected just the same as the star-filled sky they gazed upon. It was the same as staring at a golden galaxy. And those golden galaxies turned to look like blazing amber ones. Xiao and Aether could not look away as they found themselves being sucked into each other like a powerful force was pushing the back of their head to get closer.
Xiao suddenly felt the donning presence of Zhongli as he stopped himself from whatever he was trying to do. He silently cursed in his head for forgetting that Rex Lapis was there.
"Qingxins."
"What?" Aether blinked, before reeling away in shock. As if he was surprised by his behavior as well.
"You asked what flowers I like, remember? It's Qingxins." Xiao whispered.
"A-Ah, right! Thank you! I'm gonna…uuuuuh---go now! I think it's getting late!" Zhongli watched Aether suddenly stand up from the floor, forcibly separating their hands which left a stinging sensation for both of them and a wince from the human. The outlander already had one foot stepping over the railing, Zhongli glanced at Xiao who suddenly sprung up and ran after Aether as he grasped the other's wrist which caused him to look back in shock.
"What flowers do you like, Traveler?" Xiao breathed, his hand tightening its hold on Aether's wrist.
"...Glaze Lilies." Aether spoke, a warm smile broke out of his face before he turned around and jumped off.
"Glaze Lilies…" Xiao breathed out before he was reminded of something.
"I can't sing though."
Zhongli this time, was taken back. Had he just witnessed an emotion he, himself, wasn't familiar with. The vulnerability, the emotion shared between the two, it wasn't unlike any emotions Zhongli had seen from the Adeptus before. What was it and why did it leave Xiao smiling to no one even though the Traveler had already left?
The Ex-Archon walked towards Xiao expecting him to snap back to reality and return to his usual stoic self but the Adeptus still looked like he was in a dazed state, staring at the direction Aether left to before staring longingly at his hand. Zhongli crossed his arms as he observed the defenceless Xiao.
"So, let me get this straight. Comrade and this Adeptus you call Xiao stared at each other with supposedly intense looks, one that made them vulnerable and weak. And this Xiao guy was still smiling even though Comrade already left the inn, right?" Childe slowly stated, indenting each word with a swing of his pair of chopsticks as he stabbed a dumpling on his plate before raising it to his mouth.
"Yes, but what left me concern is how Aether successfully rendered Xiao weak." Zhongli pointed out.
"And let me guess, Xiansheng. You want to intervene with whatever they have going on?" The redhead asked as he chomped down the dumpling on his chopstick.
"Precisely."
"I don't think that's a good idea, Xiansheng." Childe clicked his tongue as he wagged his forefinger in front of the slightly flabbergasted Zhongli's face. Zhongli burrowed his eyebrows as he gave the other a look of confusion.
"Why?"
"Well, for instance, you'd positively cause a rift between the two of them. As in, the friendship between them will disappear like dust, Xiansheng, mind that. Judging from the stories you've so told, Comrade worked really hard just to be treated by Xiao like a friend or acquaintance." Zhongli pursed his lips at the statement.
Sudden flashbacks of a certain Traveler's disappointed face appeared on the back of his mind, images of a determined Aether with an Almond Tofu in his hands---all which transpired in different days. Zhongli soon painfully remembered the frozen figure of the Traveler to which his body would turn frigid and tense whenever he was around Zhongli, how his soft eyes hardened at the times those eyes would accidentally hover over his, and how troubled Aether looked whether to confront him or avoid him whenever they find themselves crossing paths.
Soon, those images dispersed and a new set resurfaced; the soft gazes on Aether's eyes whenever he'd look at Xiao, the permanent bright and heartwarming smiles he sends to Xiao's way, how unguarded and open Aether had the possibility to be which only happens whenever he's around Xiao. Miracles which only occurs whenever he was with a certain someone.
Adeptus Xiao was exactly the same. Xiao had always chosen to be guarded and refused to even let out an ounce of emotion that has been bottled up inside him for so long. Lo and behold, a Traveler that was basically light itself just barged in the Yaksha's world filled with darkness, reaching out from the depths of his heart and managed to pull out Xiao from the binds that trapped him in there.
Xiao finally showed signs that he was once a being that had emotions and it was thanks to Aether that Zhongli was able to witness such raw emotions again from the Adeptus.
"..." Zhongli sat there, thinking.
"Hmmm…Well, in my perspective, I find it quite rude if you ever try to disturb me and my significant other the privacy saved for my intimate moments." Childe let his head fall back as he raised a glass of wine in the air before chugging it down hungrily. Zhongli rubbed his temple as he shoved a napkin towards the other man as he eyed the wine trickling down the Harbinger's neck.
"Could you at least try and eat properly…And what do you mean being intimate ? Why in Teyvat would the Traveler and Adeptus ever be intimate with one another? I do not see the point of your words." The redhead stopped wiping himself clean as he gave Zhongli the look of disbelief. Before a look of mischief glinted within his blue eyes as a grin broke off from his face.
"Why else, Xiangsheng? Of course, Xiao and Comrade are intimate with each other because they are most likely courting each other and I think that's a valid reason to have the right to be intimate." Childe cackled loudly as he playfully pats Zhongli's thigh in pure amusement. The latter couldn't share the same sentiments though.
"Excuse me, courting? As in Xiao and Aether are lovers ?" The Ex-Archon asked, eyes widened in shock and denial as he slammed his fist on the table hard enough to clatter the plates and silverwares. He intensely stared at Childe who kept giving him suggestive looks accompanied by constant wiggling of his eyebrows.
"I'm pretty sure their longing gazes are unresolved sexual tensions for one another, I'm genuinely surprised they haven't exploded and just smashed their mouths together and have a battle of tongues." Zhongli could only let his mouth hang open as he looked at the other and sent him a teasing grin.
"Battle in tongues? Unresolved sexual tensions? But, surely Xiao and Aether haven't been toge---"
"And fuck."
"---ther… What? F-Fuck? I suggest you throw out that inappropriate and childish term off of your vocabulary, Tartaglia. I'd rather not hear such vulgar words come out of your mouth. Now, what is this about sexual tensions leading to the possibility of an act of intercourse? From what I've seen so far, Xiao and Aether haven't been together for that long. They are not allowed to have sex yet." Zhongli grits his teeth as he rubbed his temple out of distress, groaning as Childe slid an arm over his shoulder.
"How curious. Tell me, Xiangsheng, how long should their relationship carry out then before you allow them to f---have sex?"
"Proper courting of 50 years at best before they should even try and advance from their relationship." Zhongli huffed as he crossed his arms. Childe stopped grinning as he looked at Zhongli with a look of disbelief of his own.
"50? Xiangsheng, I don't think you've considered the fact that Xiao may be immortal but Aether is human. Comrade might not even be suitable for sex after 50 years." Childe spoke, tone serious as if all the idea of jesting was thrown out of the window. Zhongli quirked an eyebrow as the other sighed and pulled his arm away before standing up.
"Xiangsheng, I think you should just let them be. They can handle their own relationship. You needn't meddle with their affairs or sexual life. Give them an encouraging push, nudge, to take on a responsible path instead." Childe said as he sent Zhongli a smile.
"... Thank you for giving me your time, Tartaglia. And for voicing out your own opinion about this matter." The Ex-Archon waved at no one as he stared outside the window of the establishment.
"I was just joshing but now I feel bad about those two."
Zhongli finally gave Xiao another visit with the conversation of his and the 11th Harbinger hanging over his head that happened two days ago. He soundlessly marched up the stairs before finally reaching the floor to which the Adeptus resides to.
And to his surprise, Aether was already there, earlier than usual. The difference was, he was inside the room and was sitting at the edge of the large bed which was rarely even used. Another surprise was Zhongli seeing Xiao lying on his sides beside Aether, his head placed on the Traveler's lap as a pillow, his face pressed on the other's smooth stomach. Aether had his hand combing through the other's dark colored hair, soft and smooth locks clinging to his fingertips as he softly hummed a tune that was unfamiliar. Even Aether's hair had been freed from its braids, letting it fall over his shoulders and sprawl all over the sheets.
Was Xiao sleeping?
Aether was hunched over Xiao's head, he was shamelessly staring at the Adeptus snoozing away in bliss. A soft smile permanently painted on his face.
Zhongli walked in and took notice at the two flower crowns placed on the bed along with a couple of pictures and what appeared to be a device he was vaguely familiar with. He grabbed a photo and gave it a look.
It was a photo of Xiao with a flower crown made out of Qingxins placed on top of his head. He had one of his hands outstretched as a beautiful, blue butterfly had set itself on the Yaksha's slender finger. A soft look on his face as he stared at the creature in front of him.
Zhongli smiled before looking at another Photo.
It was both Aether and Xiao where Aether had his arm around Xiao's shoulders who looked like he had lost his balance and was sending the other a scowl, their cheeks were mushed together as the picture was taken slightly above their head as Aether grinned brightly at the Kamera.
Another photo but this time it was Aether who was kneeling down on the ground, a brown fox was nuzzling against his stomach as the Traveler looked like he was laughing as he stroked the creature's head.
Zhongli gently placed the photo back on the bed and was about to look at another one when he noticed Aether had fallen back to the bed and was sleeping as well. His hand still on Xiao's hair as the Yaksha's arms circled around the blonde's waist. The Ex-Archon blinked before grabbing the Kamera that was there on the bed as well. He carefully tries to turn it on and tries his best to take at least a decent picture.
*SNAP*
Another picture was added to the two's collection.
"Compose yourself, Xiao. Your agitation is conjuring up quite a strong wind, it's disturbing the mortals hanging around the inn. This would trouble the hosts and workers." Zhongli tried to coax the agitated Xiao to calm down but the Adeptus only went back to surveying the plains as he searched for any sign of blonde from the top of the roof. It seems a huge problem for Xiao that Aether hasn't appeared yet, much later than his usual lateness.
"I know you are worried about Aether but I assure you that he's fairing." Xiao scoffed as he crossed his arms in defiance as two of them gave each other side eyes.
"Ridiculous, I am not worried about Aether. This isn't happening because I am concerned over a mortal, I am merely looking out for karmic debts." The Adeptus shook his head and gave the taller man a firm look, trying to act more convincing.
"You cannot fool me, young man. Don't think I am not aware that you and the Traveler are in the middle of courting each other." It was Zhongli's turn to scoff and cross his arms. He watched Xiao snap his head to his way, his eyes widened in incredulity and mouth agape.
"Wait---courting?! Me and the Traveler, you say? That's the most unbelievable thing I've ever heard in my life. No offence, Morax, but me and the Traveler aren't dating. What exactly gave you this conclusion?" The Conqueror of Demons spluttered as he jumped down from the roof and gracefully landed, light on feet, just right beside Zhongli who was staring at the cloudy sky. The wind was still stubbornly howling strong around them.
"Well…for instance, you were behaving weirdly like a lovesick fool whenever you or Aether are near each other."
"Lovesick? Now where on Teyvat did you pick up that weird term from?" Xiao furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at Zhongli who hummed in return.
"From Tartaglia, of course."
"You and that harbinger. I swear."
"Aside from that, I am actually here to discuss with you about proper courting. Mortals are complicated beings, especially learning the capability to understand human emotions. I advise you to act with caution and care, I am sure you know to treat Aether with your best behavior. Because he is irreplaceable and you'll never get another chance of being loved like how the Traveler loves you." Xiao felt his face reddened as he processed the Ex-Archon's words. Was Zhongli actually giving him love advice?!
"Also, please restrain your sexual urges and wait out until your relationship lasts for 50 or 60 years." The smaller being choked on air as his face finally reached its peak redness as he stumbled backwards, away from the man who stood firmly on his place.
"My sexual urges? What?! I haven't even asked the Traveler out yet , why are you suddenly bringing up the topic of sex?!" Xiao almost yelled out as he stepped back further away from Zhongli, covering his flustered face with his arm in hopes of hiding his expression.
"I merely want to disclose some of my knowledge about courting. Relationships should take time for it to blossom beautifully, savor the little moments and take your time to bask each other's presence. I'm sure you and Aether appreciate every little thing, treasure the small actions and I will gladly give you my blessing." Zhongli smiled warmly as he watched Xiao let out a breath of relief---maybe as the Adeptus squeezed the bridge of his nose before fully facing the taller male.
"For the last time, Morax! Me and Aether aren't da---" Xiao froze mid sentence even Zhongli stopped as he looked at the motionless Adeptus.
"Xiao?"
Before Zhongli could say another word, Xiao suddenly disappeared in thin air, only leaving anemo particles behind. The man clad in sophisticated clothing blinked twice before leaning against the railing, he rubbed his temple as he watched the violent wind come to stop and was replaced by a gentle breeze.
Xiao must be with Aether again, then.
The wind had only ever been this soft and calming when the two of them were together.
It took a short wait of approximately 5 minutes and a couple seconds before Zhongli watched as Xiao finally teleported back to his room but he had an armful of a dumbfounded Aether who blinked owlishly down at the other.
The Adeptus lost his footing as he stumbled back and fell on the floor with the Traveler still in his arms. The two of them crashed on the floor followed by a concerning thud upon contact. The blonde squeaked and sighed in relief when he successfully avoided elbowing Xiao on the face as his elbows securely landed on the sides of the other's head, trapping Xiao in between them. Aether looked down and felt his heart doing somersaults as his throat constricted at how close the distance between his and Xiao's face were. They found themselves locked in a heated staring contest.
But this time, the silence exchanged between them wasn't awkward or uncomfortable.
A goofy grin broke out from both of their faces as they suddenly started laughing. Albeit, Xiao's laugh was barely inaudible but it was music to Aether's ears as he relished the beautiful sound. Xiao, himself, was transfixed to the angelic expression given to him.
Trapped in their own little world as Zhongli grabbed his chin and wistfully watched the stars align before thundering footsteps came from the stairs. He watched in disdain as two familiar faces interfered with the couple's moment as they emerged from the floor below, the faces of an astonished Verr Goldet and a slightly perturbed Smiley Yanxiao. That was before their faces paled when they realised they actually meddled with something private and tried to escape without getting noticed by Xiao. But knowing Xiao, he was already glaring at their retreating backs. Yet the Yaksha paid them no mind as he chose to give his attention to the giggling Traveler pressed all over his burning body.
Aether slowly stopped giggling and in turn opened his eyes and looked at Xiao before booping the Yaksha's nose.
"Hi." He grinned as Xiao let out another breathy laugh.
"Hi." The Adeptus whispered back while scrunching his nose which earned him another giggle from the blonde.
Zhongli hummed in the distance, nodding his head as if he found the answer to his unspoken question. No matter how much Xiao denies that he and the well-known Traveler aren't courting---their actions hughly contrast their words of denial. This was too precious of a moment, a moment one should not meddle with.
With one last glance, taking in the image of Xiao openly smiling and the boundless brightness of Aether's own smile ingrained in Zhongli's 6000 year old brain.
"Xiao, I have a question though, something I've been meaning to ask…"
"What is it?"
"It's just…I tried to ignore it, I really did because you wouldn't speak out about it but… Uh, why is Zhongli---actually! I don't know what the hell he's doing most of the time! He's just there in the inn. Is he just casually sipping tea? Sometimes I caught him staring! I admit I didn't notice him at first but just! I don't know, it's weird! He's weird! I'm weirded out! Aren't you weirded out? I don't understand him at all!"
"...He's… Should I say, he's freeloading?"
"An Ex-Archon freeloading? I find it hard to beli… Scratch that. Th-That actually suits Zhongli for some reason."
"I find Miss Verr Goldet weird lately...She's been sending me these winks that I'm sure has a hidden meaning, I just can't tell what it is. Even Smiley Yanxiao seems overly friendly---or at least the friendliest he could be." Aether said as he stretched his limbs, letting out a satisfied whine as his bones popped. Xiao crossed his arms and eyed the nosy people who stopped to look at them. Some even pointed and giggled their way but Aether paid them no mind as he let out his last content sigh from the stretch.
What are with these mortals? Liyue Harbor is bustling with gossiping people and why does it seem like he and Aether were the interesting topic?
Also, why is Xiao and Aether doing in Liyue Harbor?
Well, Zhongli personally seeked the two of then out while they in the middle of their subjugation of a Hilicurl Camp around Juyue Karst for a comission. The reason why the two of them are together was because Xiao finally reluctantly agreed to join Aether's little adventures around Liyue. It had also been a habit for the Adeptus to join in excuse of looking out for any threats at the same time. Imagine their surprise when they were exchanging blows after blows with a bunch of shielded mitachurls when a giant meteor descended from the sky above and defeated every enemy.
"There you two are. Good thing I passed by here. Do continue what you were doing before I arrived, I would only like to invite you two for dinner at Xinyue Kiosk around 20' o clock. Good day."
"Weird, you say…You should have seen Morax then." Xiao cringed, painfully reminiscing the long hours of lectures from Zhongli when it comes to courting.
"...'I passed by.' he said. He definitely flipped the whole Liyue trying to find us. 'Passed by' my ass. He just randomly appeared here, at Juyue Karst, in a slightly secluded area and he just happened to pass by? What's more, he came all this way here and for what? To invite us to dinner and left just like that? That's weird."
"You said Morax is eccentric in his own way, Aether. Let's leave it at that."
"Even Xingqiu and Chongyun are acting weird. Well, weirder. In a good way. They insisted I at least should find time and hung out with them before I visit you.Of course I agreed but what happens between them is what weirds me out. They keep asking how far we've gone to, asked me if you ever did something sweet for me. They were all random questions and I don't understand where they even come from." The blonde sighed as he placed his hands on his hips before letting his head fall in defeat.
"Lately, everyone's acting too weird for my comfort. They're tiptoeing, walking on eggshells and I don't even know why. They're making me nervous." Aether quickly added, anxiously looking around as he bit the bottom of his lip. Xiao nodded solemnly in agreement.
"As if they know something that we don't?"
"Yeah!"
"How about we continue this conversation for the future. we've already arrived." Xiao piped in before unknowingly reaching out to grab Aether's hand as he pulled the blonde towards the restaurant's door and pushed it open with one hand.
"Ah, ah, ah! Finally, our favorite hotshot couple arrived!" The cheerful sound of Xingqiu's voice quickly caught the newcomer's ears. Xiao and Aether gaped at the sight of Xingqiu, Chongyun and Childe that Zhongli failed to mention were invited with whatever this gathering's purpose was.
"Couple?" "Hotshot?"
"I heard from these two young men here that they have a word or two pertaining your budding relationship. And based from how basically everyone agrees, we'd all like to have closure about it." The blue haired duo nodded their heads enthusiastically at Zhongli's words. Chongyun was giving both Zhongli and Xiao sparkling eyes in the background while Xingqiu smiled widely behind his book.
"We could tell that the two of you are an item but we would at least like to hear it from the two of you, my liege. Personally." Xingqiu stated as he gave Aether a closed eyed smile.
"Closure about what?"
"Oh, come on! Why don't you two break out of your silly, little cocoons and finally tell us that you two are officially dating." Childe grinned as he pointed at the intertwined hands that connects Xiao and Aether. The pair soon looked at what the ginger was pointing at and traced it back to their conjoined hands. The two immediately pulled away as Aether slapped his reddening cheeks with his hands while Xiao cleared his throat awkwardly. But they soon stilled once the Harbinger's words finally sinked in.
Xiao and Aether stared at everyone in disbelief.
Wait.
"What do you mean we're dating?"
Childe howled in laughter, slapping his knees as everyone fall into chaos with a confused Xiao and Aether at the center.