And we're back.
AndyKurosaki98: Lack of ability, lack of harems, lack of popular characters, pick one lol. Nah I kid, thank you though, it's very nice to hear that.
Despite, you know, being a traveler and theoretically being hard to find, his work for the Adventurer's Guild makes Aether easy to locate. Every morning, he's receiving commissions from Katheryne and Lan. And every afternoon, he collecting rewards from the former (and sometimes informing the latter about failures to locate a certain sword).
"So what's on tonight's agenda?" Paimon eagerly asks when Katheryne is done thanking them.
"Hmmm, you know, I haven't really thought about-"
"Aeeether! Aether!" Interrupting his musings, the pair are treated to someone running up the nearby blacksmith's steps.
This someone is Xiangling naturally. Paimon can't believe it though.
"X-Xiangling? Um, hey!" She waves, before leaning forward in alarm. "Wait, aren't you normally at Wanmin, helping out your dad?!"
"Not today…" The chef takes a breath as she arrives. "I actually…um, need your help with something!"
"Sure! What's up?" Paimon may be doing the talking here, but the nod and smile on Aether's face tell all present he's in agreement.
In fact, Xiangling begins to heat up just looking at him and his smile…
Lip getting wet…vision fading…
Wah! No! Focus Xiangling, focus!
"Oh, do you need a hand gathering ingredients?" Paimon guesses, and guesses again. "Or… obtaining a recipe? …Ah, Oooh! Or taste-testing! PLEASE say you want help taste-testing!"
"Even knowing how she cooks?" Aether asks, amused by his companion's ability to hype herself up.
"Absolutely, Paimon doesn't mind much! Xiangling is such a pro, she's able to make the weird amazing! Good food is good food Aether, you should know that by now~"
"With how much I feed you? I certainly do….."
Good thing the two are going off like this, as it allows Xiangling to come back and realize what they're saying.
This is what I am to them, huh? Of course, just as I thought- as we knew…
But, while she could frown at this, she instead grins a bit.
Well, this is exactly like what Xingqiu said then, what we planned. "Make Aether see you as more than a chef."
Which means...
"Sorry Paimon, not this time." Shaking her head, it's clear she's got Aether's attention (and Paimon's disappointment).
"Oh? What is it then?" He asks.
Alright Xiangling, you've got him on the line… Reel him in, like a fish!
(…Wait, should I be making an analogy like that?)
Whatever! I just have to say it….!
Just…..just have to…..
She taps her fingers together nervously. "I-I was hoping…"
"Hm?"
….
"X-Xiangling…?"
"Uh….h-hope- hoping…."
Now Paimon, who has been looking at the ground after the disappointment of no free meals, looks back up in confusion.
"Aether? What happened to Xiangling?"
The adventurer shrugs, meanwhile the chef is having a full-blown panic attack. Her mind is quickly whiting out- so she focuses on one idea to get her through this.
C'mon Xiangling spit it out! C'mon! We spent all that time with Xingqiu and Chongyun! You can do this!
Don't let your friends down!
"The two of us… could… maybe…"
A…little…more….
"F-fight? I-If you want to…"
Xiangling opens her eyes- to horror. Paimon and Aether are just staring at her weirdly.
"…You want to fight?" The floating snack (hey!) exclaims.
Evidently, Xiangling realizes too late she used the wrong, as her face flushes red. "N-No! Not like that! What I mean was, uh, a duel! A match! No? No! A, Ah…"
"A spar?" Aether guesses, eyebrow still raised.
"A spar! Y-Yeah, just sparring! Like, for practice! Heheh….."
"….Heh…."
"A-ahh…." She hangs her head as the stares don't let up.
This time Paimon is the shrugging one. "Um, Paimon will ask…why do you want to spar with Aether exactly?"
"B-Because! I…" good, good, I knew he would ask this…or well, Paimon would for him…breeeeathe….and answer…. "During our expeditions Aether, I've noticed- just how strong you are! So I think- I hope- I think! that facing you will help my skills reach new heights! Like with cooking, you need to challenge yourself! R-right?!"
…
"Ok…well, that certainly is…an explanation." Paimon says, then turns to Aether. "So, eh, what do you say? Spar with Xiangling?"
Internally, the blonde traveler imagines two distinct options hovering over the head of his trusted companion. But in reality, he shakes his head and smiles easily.
"Sure, let's do it."
Those words feel so good to Xiangling, like someone just punched her in the stomach- out of happiness. She grips on to the wooden railing just behind her to prevent herself from spilling backwards then (which also chips the wood as a result of her iron grip).
The gathering step is complete!
"Excellent! I-I've already got just the spot ready, come with me!" Fighting the urge to grab on to Aether's arm, she dashes past to avoid more questioning looks- but isn't fully relieved until she hears the pounds on wooden steps behind her, courtesy of the man in question.
Unbeknownst to Xiangling though, while the pair follow her to the western part of Liyue Harbor- even going over the bridge- Paimon gets close to Aether and whispers.
"Paimon doesn't like this…Xiangling's acting really weird…! If she was a Treasure Hoarder, this would definitely be a trap!"
"But she isn't." Aether flatly whispers back. "But hey, I'm glad you think so, I was afraid it'd fly right over your head."
'Hey!" Paimon squeaks, then goes back to whispering. "Paimon is always looking out for you- and this whole thing sets Paimon's 'Suspicion-O-Meter' to High."
"I agree with you actually. The suddenness of the request, wanting to spar, being so crazy nervous- this isn't like Xiangling."
"So then why-"
"That's literally the reason." Aether puts a hand to his chin. "Whatever's on her mind, it doesn't seem like she can just come out on and say it. Going along with this, thing, as you put it is probably the quickest way to find out what's going on…I think anyway."
"You think?" Paimon retorts, unconvinced.
"Of course. I trust Xiangling."
And speaking of the girl, while the whispering match is going on, she's remembering what to do next- which leads to a recollection of how the present situation got to this point.
…
"A duel… with Aether? What?" Xiangling's tilts her head, not getting it.
"Xingqiu, buddy." Chongyun starts, disapproval clear. "I think you are getting too addicted to the idea of chivalry. Are you going to have Aether dress up like a knight from stories too?"
"…No. First of all, I am not. And second of all…Xiangling." Xingqiu gives her a probing look. "Where would you say your strengths lie?"
"Well cookin-"
"Besides cooking, obviously. Also besides baking, stirring, mixing, roasting, frying, boiling, stewing, and decorating food. Any non-culinary skills?"
She picks up what's he saying. "Xingqiu, my skills with a polearm still need work…"
"But you admit you have some ability?" He asks, and receives a hesitant nod, prompting him to keep going. "If I were to ask Yaoyao, Madam Ping, or Zhongli, they'd have no problem agreeing~"
"Wah- hey! Don't bring Master into this!"
"Fine, fine… but I firmly believe what I'm about to say. The best way to win over Aether is to show every area you excel in, and I do mean every. He already knows how grand you are behind the oven after all."
"S-So impress him in a duel basically?"
"Precisely. We know that Aether has travelled to dangerous locales- The Chasm and Inazuma come to mind- but wouldn't he like to have the reliable hand of his partner backing him up? I know I would. After all, Paimon doesn't exactly take up arms…"
But while Xiangling blushes from the 'P-word' (No, not Paimon.), Chongyun continues to be unimpressed.
"Cool. But um Xingqiu. Xiangling can't even make her signature dishes for Aether anymore. How do you expect her to point a weapon at him? No offense."
"None taken."
"My friend." Xingqiu looks back. "I'm not expecting a duel to the death, nor an epic struggle that will be told in stories to future generations. All I'm requesting from Xiangling here is that she can put enough effort into her polearm swings to keep Aether entertained throughout."
"If she can not perform this task, then you and I may as well take up our pens and write directly to Aether, pretending to be Xiangling hoping for an audience. For all the lack of trust we are willing to display in our companion. …Ah, no offense meant Xiangling."
"It's fine. Again."
"I mean, that would be a swift way to get this done..." Chongyun mumbles, but knows why it wouldn't be an idea worth pursuing- ultimately this should come down to Xiangling, not her friends faking it on her behalf. All present agree with this unsaid truth, so no further objections are heard.
"Ok, so where are we doing this exactly?" Xiangling asks- and Xingqiu immediately smirks in response.
"Lead Aether to the outer part of the city, western bridge, across the gap."
"Eh? Why there?"
"There is an open field just next to it, but more than that- because across that very gap is the Yanshang Teahouse. Or more specifically, the back open area of the building. That will allow Chongyun and I to safely watch and intervene if the situation spirals."
"W-wait." Chongyun pauses the chat. "Yanshang? Wasn't that the place that recently changed ownership because of some shady stuff? Now there's always someone guarding the building."
"The very same- but the guards only care about the front entrance. And…I can guarantee that it and the surrounding area will be empty when we need it."
"How so?"
"As much as I hesitate on wielding the title I'm granted…" Xingqiu's face puts on a rare grimace as he sighs. "No one will question the second son of Feiyun, asking for a bit of quiet for an important guest. With how highly Aether is regarded, it is not even a lie either."
"Qiu…" Chongyun feels his hand starts to go up in comfort.
"Do not worry. It is merely a reminder of my future, nothing more. You'll have the whole 'stage' to yourself Xiangling. We will just be there as backup."
"Don't wanna tip off Aether?" She guesses aloud to an eager nod. "Ok… But there's something I still don't get…"
"Shoot."
"So you want me to ask Aether o-out- to a friendly spar. Even IF he accepts and we spar…what then? I think I'll feel more comfortable, sure, b-but do you really want me to just go…i-into a….c-con…confess- urk!" She cringes at the thought of screwing up, but Xingqiu is on it.
"Fear not. That is where we will step in if words elude you."
"Wait, we will?" Poor Chongyun is going through mini-whiplash.
"What are friends for?" Xingqiu shrugs with a smile. "It has to remain a secret for maximum effectiveness though, but Xiangling…it will be easier to pull off…*cough* -sorry- if, you 'win' the sparring session. Picture this: You offer a hand to a downed Aether, who is awed beyond words at your strength. And those feelings of admiration quickly melt into ones of attraction…"
This would be the part where Chongyun rolls his eyes and pokes fun at his best friend's love of the cliché. But he can't. Xiangling is clearly imagining what she's told, eyes closed proving it, and having quite a ride doing so. …Is it even possible for people to be so red?
The bookworm seals the deal with his next words:
"If you want that dream to be a reality tomorrow, it would be wise to practice now."
"R-Right, thanks Xingqiu!" With a jolt upwards, Xiangling quickly summons her weapon and darts.
-0-
"Here we are~" And now 'tomorrow' is present, as she turns around eagerly to face Aether and Paimon. They're just out of the city as planned, but it takes all of her concentration to not take a quick look back at Liyue Harbor. As curious as she is if Xingqiu and Chongyun are indeed in their assigned spots watching them, she absolutely, absolutely can not tip off Aether.
She has to trust her friends and herself! With a basic flourish, a bright red polearm with an orange core appears in her hands. She points it at Aether, maybe a bit too eagerly?
"Are you ready?"
Good thing she's not omnipotent, or else yesterday she might have heard what came after…
-0-
"….Were you lying, Xingqiu?"
"Such a strong word, and it's one that I have no talent for- especially when it comes to a dear friend. As you've deduced, the most I am capable of is a little fib."
"Explain Qiu."
"Chongyun. I do genuinely believe this is our best recommendation given the circumstances. I genuinely believe that it is the best move to impress Aether in various fields, regardless of how our friend's romantic pursuit may actually go. And, yes, I do believe that Xiangling will have an easier time both confessing and just talking to Aether if she first operates in a field she's proficient in already."
"…"
"But as for the fib, let's just say…my desired outcome for the spar…may not align with her own."
"Eh?"
"Xiangling is no doubt fantasizing about besting Aether in this 'match', impressing him immensely and leading to a mutual romantic confession. And while that would be a truly blessed thing and one we hope would actually happen…it would also be nothing short of miraculous and borderline asinine.
"In layman's terms?" Chongyun stares semi-annoyed.
"It won't happen. Aether doesn't seem- no, he isn't the type of person to just fall for someone like that, even if Xiangling could 'win'. Which she can't. Even if you, me, and her were to take him on in a 3v1, I have my doubts we'd emerge victorious. Aether no doubt possesses vast, immeasurable quantities of hidden strength. It's like Xiangling mentioned- stories tell of him meeting gods and yaksha alike, and I'm sure not all of them have been friendly."
"W-wait. Doesn't that mean…that this is pointless?!"
"I'm offended you would say that!" Xingqiu puts a hand on his heart in mock pain. "While the outcome may not be in question to you or I, the post-match activities will be crucial to set up correctly…"Xingqiu looks over his shoulder to make sure Xiangling isn't there- and what he sees is his friend some distance away, swinging her polearm in clear anticipation.
"Now listen: Once Aether wins, he'll help Xiangling up like the gentleman he is. They'll be close together, so that will be our chance…"
-0-
"On this side, weighing…um, four-and-a-half Paimons- The best chef of Liyue Harbor, attracting hungry customers from all over Teyvat: Xiangling!"
"And on the opposite side, weighing FIVE whole Paimons! The famous and infamous traveler from another world, with unstoppable determination and unbeatable strength: Aether!"
"….Paimon, what are you doing…?" The latter "contestant" asks plainly. "We're not wrestling…"
Thank Rex Lapis the conversation continues here, as neither of them notice Xiangling blush from imagining just that. In way too much detail.
"Oh shush! Paimon is just spicing things up! It's not Paimon's fault- you told Paimon they do this!"
"Yes, but I wasn't expecting you to copy it! And what's with that title anyway?! Famous AND infamous? Being infamous isn't good, just because it has the word 'famous' in it…"
"But you are infamous! To the Fatui, to the Harbingers, to the sages, to the ronin…should Paimon continue?"
"You should not." He says flatly, before wheeling around to Xiangling. "You good to go?"
Visions of sprawling limbs in grass vanish just like that as she wakes up. "E-er, yup! Good to go!" At those words, both take battle stances, except-
"Where's your sword Aether?"
He smirks as an answer, before responding cryptically. "You're not the only one who needs practice."
Unexplainable magic happens right in front of Xiangling's face. The color of Aether's chest plate and earpiece change from gold to green, mirroring the grass beneath them. A pity. She likes the golden more, it was the same shade of his eyes.
…She means the same shade of her-…wait, who is she trying to fool at this point?
"Begin!" Paimon yells, then vanishes.
A-Alright Xiangling…let's do this…just like Xingqiu said, keep him entertained…don't hurt him though…
It's the moment of truth. Her breathing is ragged, her hands are clammy, and her Master would definitely criticize her stance right now- the weight of the polearm has never felt more real, especially with how fierce she's grabbing it.
So the fact that her mind is clear is a huge help. Possibly due to all of the stressful cooking competitions over the years, but whatever the reason is- the solution comes after a moment.
Ah! That's it~ Telegraph your first move! That should calm me down, and he'll dodge easily! Xiangling, you're a genius!
Her right foot makes the first step, she leans forward a bit too. After a second of trying dang hard not to look at Aether, her left foot advances. Then her right. Than the left- quicker. One more a bit faster, and with that, she dashes at him in a mostly-straight line, polearm pointed directly at the boy.
"Hiii-" She makes an impressive jump upwards. "Yaaah!" Before gravity kicks in and the weapon comes on top of Aether's braid.
"Hup!" With a grunt, Aether takes an impressive leap back safely out of range. But Xiangling doesn't left up, impact of her foot meeting the ground shifting to her toes to propel her forward. A dull thrust that was aiming for the blonde's left shoulder sadly is timed wrong, rattling any momentum, but Aether doesn't seem to notice. He promptly darts to Xiangling's right and circles her, intent unknown.
There's no time to think, the polearm-user quickly chooses a move to use: a sharp slash upwards from ground-level, typically reserved for the final stroke in her standard 'combo'. Almost like a rower lifting their oar out of the water, she thrusts at her friend, kicking up grass and dirt as well.
Aether is one step ahead of her. As Xiangling does this, his right palm begins producing vicious, ripping winds, swirling around in a circle at high speed. However, rather than blasting her at point-blank range and knocking her flat on her butt, he aims downward at the soon-to-be-ruined ground. Just before steel of the polearm meets flesh, Aether is airborne directly above Xiangling, doing a front flip just because he can.
He lands comfortably, facing the harbor. Xiangling stands behind him, dumbfounded for a moment.
Ameno powers. She reminds herself of the change of colors as Aether turns back to her.
"Well, you're already better than half of the Eremites I've seen." He says with a breath-stealing smile.
Not that Xiangling knows what those are. Special bugs? Can you cook with them?
Regardless, she knows she was complimented just now- and that makes her feel great AND means that their plan is working. And that means…. "T-Thanks A-Aether…"
Luckily, while it's looking like she'll just be a stammering mess the entire duel, it's here that there's a turning point. Aether's facing her, she's facing him- and by extension, the harbor. And when she looks over the newly-verdant light of his shoulder, she can make out two distinct colors.
A crystal-like light blue, like ice. And a more normal shade of blue, like water. Close together, like folks huddling up.
Xiangling smiles brightly, unconcerned with how it looks. She can do this. She WILL do this.
"Ready for round two?!"
-0-
"You're going to break the railing." Xingqiu informs his friend matter-of-factly.
"I can't help it!" Chongyun replies, staring ahead without blinking. His grip only tightens, producing some weird-sounding creaks and groans. "Xiangling is right there, fighting with all her heart! How are you not freaking out?!"
At this distance combined with the angle of view, they can't make out the finer points of the spar. From the way Aether's blonde hair is whipping around the 'arena' though, it does appear their friend isn't boring him at least. A major relief, but the anticipation of what's coming next makes Chongyun shudder.
"Who says I am not? I'm just better at hiding it than you."
"Hardy har."
"You laugh but…ah, nevermind. They have been at this for…ten minutes, I would say?" Xingqiu ponders, vision returning to the distant action. "Things will be approaching the climax soon, meaning-"
A weird but familiar sound to all Vision-holders goes off here- a weapon being summoned. Next thing Chongyun knows, his free hand is holding…a crossbow, of all things.
"Wait wha-"
"'Acquired' from Treasure Hoarders, my friend. Have you not been longing for something to do in this plan? Do me- do her a favor and wait for my signal."
Chongyun instantly summons five popsicles.
-0-
Xiangling might be getting a liiiiiitttttle frustrated. Just a little.
Whether it be a triple thrust, a single thrust, a horizontal slash, a vertical slash, cuts, strikes, spins, dash attacks that defy gravity, or some combination of the above- nothing is working. Aether is just dodging everything she throws at him.
And Xiangling knows why, Chongyun pointed it out yesterday: It's hard pointing a weapon at your cru- special friend.
Sure she's calmed down a bit and is doing her best, but she knows. Her strikes come out just a little bit slower, her thrusts are telegraphed that much. Not a lot, but enough so a skilled opponent like Aether can comfortably avoid.
He has Anemo on his side too. It didn't take long for her to figure that out- the element was buffing a part of the adventurer's abilities.
It's not like she could counter him on that either. She had a Pyro Vision sure- but they were in a grass field. The image of lovely flowers becoming victims of a raging inferno looked absolutely horrible to Xiangling. Not to mention they were only feet away from the town's wooden bridge.
Yeah….using Pyro was out. Better to be safe than sorry.
But that just brought back the original point- without her god-given powers, her options in combat were handicapped. And nothing seemed to catch Aether off guard without them.
So a change of tactics was in order.
She spoke up.
"H-Hey Aether!" A wide-eyed blonde is her answer. "Can you pull out your sword now? I wanna- want to- see how I do."
A stressful moment passes, Xiangling can feel herself shaking inside, irrational fear of a simple "eh, let's continue like this?" occupying space without her consent.
"O-Oh, sure. Fair warning though: I'm better with parrying than dodging!" He responds with a look of confidence, summoning his silver blade.
"I don't mind! Go all out, set the heat to max!" Yes, egg him on~
"You sure?"
"Absolutely! I want to feel all of you - your power I mean!"
If Aether is caught off-guard by Xiangling losing control of her tongue right there, he barely shows it before taking a battle-ready stance, one that's more aggressive this time. Once again he smiles at her, a cool look to counter how hot she feels from that slip-up.
Has that been happening more times than normal, or is it just her?
No longer thinking of granting him mercy, Xiangling takes off in similar fashion to her opening move of the day. This time though, she's faster and smoother, so the polearm comes down on Aether like a hammer.
But with weapon in hand for this one, the Traveler is ready to strike back.
He waits until the last second, a strategy he learned from a samurai friend in Inazuma.
"…Hah!"
CLANK.
…Xiangling doesn't quite know what happened. One second she's leaping down at Aether again, polearm outstretched. The next, she's…fine, but polearm-less.
…
Oh, there it is~ Up in the air, about 10 feet, doing infinite somersaults like there is no tomorrow.
It falls to the grass with a dim thud after a bit.
Hm. 7.5/10. Awesome aerial maneuver, failed to stick the landing.
Not that Xiangling is concerned with any of that…or rather, she won't be.
After all, she will never forget what happens next.
In the corner of her peripheral, familiar gold and unfamiliar violet suddenly rush into view. This suddenness makes her stumble back, but with equal speed, an arm snaps into action. It goes around Xiangling's side and plants a firm hand on her back- her tingling shoulder blades to be exact, thanks to the shirt's window.
And when she blinks? A sword, pointing directly at her. A safe distance away mind, but still a shocking sight. Panic would begin to set in now, but a familiar voice chimes from slightly out of view.
"Thanks Xiangling, that was a workout~"
She blinks again, looks ever-so-slightly upwards, and sees the slanted face of Aether gently smiling at her.
And her mind instantly goes into meltdown.
The dimming sunlight is right behind him….there's no other sound in the area…just Aether and her…with his hand on her back…holding her up…
She could stop this…she could try to have both feet touch the ground. Speak up, say or signal to Aether to release her, that she's fine and this position is way, way too much for her brain to handle.
But… she's doing nothing.
Just absorbing the situation. How close Aether is, how strong he is. And most of all- how warm and happy she feels.
So….this is what it's like having a crush on someone.
Xiangling finally realizes that. And she wants a lot more of it.
"Woo-hoo! Go Aether! That was amazing!"
…But she's not going to get it right now, as Paimon's sudden reappearance makes Aether look away from her. A childish pout grows.
"You might want to release Xiangling though, just saying."
"O-Oh right, sorry Xiangling~" And then to make matters worse, Aether pulls back at Paimon's suggestion! At least he makes sure she's standing just fine - but still! "I hope I didn't scare you."
Huh? Oh right, the sword. "N-No problem Aether….heh-heh~! You're really strong!"
"Thanks!"
"In fact, can I get your help with something else? It will only take two minutes, I promise!"
"Uh, sure. What's up now?"
Xiangling closes her eyes, to Aether's confusion. She imagines her dad, Gouba, and her friends.
"Aether seems plenty fond of this "just a chef from Liyue".
"That's incredible - you're incredible! And I'm sure Aether feels the same!"
And lastly, she remembers her own words- something she said to Aether long before she was aware of anything like this.
"To be able to come this far is definitely thanks to your ten-star passion when it comes to practicing with me, so I'll be sure to pay you back with two- no, three times the passion!"
Finally, the debt will be paid.
"This."
At a speed too quick for even Aether to match, Xiangling extends both arms around his shoulders and neck, violently pulls him towards her…
And presses her lips against his own.
-0-
When a certain polearm goes skyward, it is crystal clear to the pair of boys watching- who each whistle in awe.
"Wow….you weren't kidding Qiu…"
"That is Aether's strength all right…what kind of training has he gone through…" The Hydro-user muses. "Ah, but we distract ourselves." He goes to the weapon given to Chongyun earlier. "Since Xiangling is now disarmed, it will not be long now. One moment…"
"…The letter is now successfully attached. You may fire when ready."
Silence.
"Uh, Chongyun? I said you may fire…Chongyun?"
More silence, and concern for his best friend is growing. Until a raspy response comes out-
"Xingqiu…..look ahead…"
"Hm, back at them? Why, what could be-"
Different person, same reaction of stupefied silence. Until Xingqiu lets out a very un-Xingqiu-like cry.
"WHAT IN THE WORLD IS SHE DOING?!"
-0-
Paimon never saw it coming.
She was already suspicious of Xiangling from the get-go - a duel with someone as strong as Aether, pfft yeah, no way! - but she just thought it was a cover for something else! Maybe she was attempting to probe Paimon, find out what all the best snacks were! Or what Aether liked. Or how Paimon tasted, eek! The 'emergency food' joke was so old, but Paimon still gets it every now and then! What the heck was wrong with people?! That was why Paimon reappeared cautiously off to the side, so she could hear anything whispered between Xiangling and Aether… Was he gonna betray Paimon at the eleventh hour?
But then of course…Xiangling pretty much latched on to Aether and began to kiss him. And all of Paimon's blood rushed to her head.
There's nothing stopping her from flying in between the two, or start hitting them, or shrieking in her classic high-pitched way. So many options… But any urge to do something….is outweighed and overruled by a sudden motivation to sleep. Just nap…while something surprising is happening…leave it to Aether.
Yeah, that sounds nice…
Plus, the grass looks so soft…and who would Paimon be if she turned down such an amazing gift?
A fool, that's who.
-0-
And naturally, Xiangling doesn't hear the sound of Paimon plummeting, it doesn't even register. The fact that she made Aether's companion faint- irrelevant. The fact that she has utterly obliterated Xingqiu's carefully laid plan in only one second- meaningless. Instead, she's extremely busy putting everything she has into the bomb of a kiss she just dropped- all of her fiery passion, all of her hitherto unknown feelings, everything that makes her her. Her grip is oppressively tight, she's forced to stand on her toes to make up for the difference in height, and everything about the action has a clumsy feeling to it- a rookie, doing this dance of intimacy for the first time. She knows that Aether has been around for longer than her, so has he been kissed like this before? Was it more enjoyable that time? More passionate? If she even doing a good job?
Questions that can't be asked. Answers that can't be given. But it doesn't matter anyway- Xiangling Mao never backs down from a challenge.
Keeping her balance isn't an issue, even as she floats to the tips of her toes. Years of practice at Wanmin will do that. A hand slips from Aether's neck to his other shoulder, locking him in place even more. Wave after wave of pure pleasure crash from his lips onto hers, sending every part of her mind to cloud nine. Forget "a reliable dish you can keep coming back to", Aether tastes like…a dish made out of gold. Something so valuable, so extraordinary, that you can only experience its' glory once.
But that doesn't apply to Xiangling, hm? Now Aether is hers, she can do this as much as she wants.
…Right?
….Wait…..is that right?
By this point, her lungs have started to beg for oxygen and the laws of physics are tired of being ignored. So with doubt beginning to creep in and feet starting to get exhausted, she withdraws from Aether cleanly.
And gets to witness the pure carnage left in her wake.
First, Xiangling looks down - anywhere but at Aether - and sees Paimon face-down in the grass, barely moving.
Then she looks back to the city, unknowingly revealing the locations of her friends. She attempts to crack a smile, but is greeted with only an unflinching pair of open jaws.
Finally, with no other choice, she looks at the man she just smooched. If she had any hopes that Aether was going impressed by her little stunt and instantly go to her for a follow-up, it was quickly rendered a delusion and smashed. The blonde just stares at her with a unique mix of horror and confusion. Bugged out golden eyes, a pale limp jaw, and one-sound stammering of 'Wha's communicate to Xiangling that he is not having the reaction she hoped for. All of these descriptors that are normally the furthest things from who Aether is are suddenly at the forefront - and it's all because of her. About the only thing she predicted correctly was him having quite a blush across his cheeks, one that surely matches her own. Yet even that takes on an awful new meaning.
You just..kissed Aether without his permission.
That's absolutely horrible.
"Xiangling-" Aether's mouth is staring to get the ability to say words again.
"Wait! I can explain!"
That falls from the chef without a second thought - because another second would've rejected it. No, no she can't. She can't explain why she just kissed her friend like that. Such a deep, passionate one too…there's no hiding behind 'It was an accident' or some such. But she tries anyway.
"I-It was an accident! I d-didn't mean to!"
"An…accident?"
"Y-Yeah! I just got…um, lost in the moment! I-I would never THINK…about…." But she trails off here, not because she realizes that she's denying her feelings once again, but because of Aether's strange reaction. His eyebrows, along with the rest of his face, have lowered, facing the grass where Paimon lies still. A smile has worked its' way on him, but…it doesn't appear to be a happy one?
"A-Aether…?" Her voice is full of caution. "A-Are you ok…? I am so sorry, I r-really didn't mean to!"
The Traveler's voice comes out in a whisper. "You… didn't mean to?" Xiangling pauses for a moment…
…But then nods. Yes! You saved your friendship! We can try again another time!
"…Of course you didn't…not for someone like…."
"Huh?"
"N-Nothing." He reaches down, picks up his fallen companion, and shines that same strange smile at her. "I think this duel is over…."
"Y…yeah…!"
….
….
"G-Good…talk…!" Xiangling utters. Aether awkwardly nods.
"Agreed…"
The chef's legs suddenly want to do nothing more than carry her off somewhere, where she can just think about today…so she starts to move, and passes by Aether without stopping. Only some time after she does this does he realize with a turn-
"Xiangling? That's not the…way…" There's no one in the area. "…back to Liyue…"
Ah…
….What just happened….?
Xiangling…can't…like me…right?
As confusing and humiliating as the last ten minutes have been, Aether knows….he needs to do SOMETHING. And incidentally, ever since he did his flip when sparring before, there has been nagging at his mind in the second he was facing the city. Those two shades of blue I saw duck down back then…that was them, wasn't it? And if I look back right now- without warning, he pivots around, crunching grass beneath his feet, and sees a similar pair of heads scuttle around the railing of a Liyue building. As I thought…
With Paimon comfortably in his arms, he begins his trek back to the harbor, eager to get some overdue answers.
Xiangling's weapon lies unnoticed in the grass nearby.
-0-
19th night of the 3rd month
My spontaneous ideas work when I'm cooking….
…But they really, really screw up otherwise….
….I'm such an idiot.
