ASM769476: Hope you enjoy!

"I'm a good person. I'm a good person. I am a good person…."

It didn't matter if the 'victims' in this case were Treasure Hoarders, a notorious organization of petty thieves (in case the word 'Hoarders' didn't communicate that), and therefore totally deserved this. It didn't matter that this was only done out of necessity to survive the night with a comfortable meal. It didn't even matter that all she had taken was a ordinary cooking pot, such a mundane object, they were a dime-a-dozen…despite all this, Xiangling still felt the need to reassure herself.

"I am a good person. I am a nice person. Rex Lapis approves of me…"

Up until the event with Aether after all, she had always lived her life completely by the book, within the rules and laws of Liyue Harbor - well, once the Millelith found that being the creator of a dish "so spicy, you'd be guaranteed to get a noise complaint!" was initially just a figure of speech anyway. But jokes aside, Xiangling was always kind to everyone and never started any real trouble, a fact that her friends could back up wholeheartedly. So technically committing the crime of thievery did not feel right to her at all, asterisks be damned.

The jet-black pot banged and bumped against fresh bruises on the cook's legs, making her wince. Sure enough, going down Mt. Tianheng was dangerous - and she went the safer way too. But the combo of another worried voice inside her head and the panic of meeting a rogue hillichurl resulted in a bit of a nasty tumble. Luckily, after reaching ground level and scouting ahead, getting the pot was simple in contrast…just had to wait for the last Hoarder to go inside his hut - and once he did that, the art of her sneaking up on boars and birds won the night handily. She approached as silently as possible, felt the girth of the pot confirming what she was about to do, said a prayer to Rex Lapis asking for forgiveness, and bolted north hands full.

Back in the present, everything else fell into place easily. Finding a tree with a low enough hanging branch to dangle the pot on? Check. Collecting smaller branches to start the fire beneath? Check~ Filling up the pot with water? Check, however tedious that specific one was. With little more than her ladle to transport liquid, the trips between her 'camp' and the nearest healthy ponds were numerous, weather gods not favoring her on this clear night. But it did grant her opportunities to pick Apples and Sunsettias, small consolation.

Finally there was igniting the fire needed- a simple task to be sure. Xiangling even knew the traditional way of using two sticks to do so if all else failed. This time though she grabbed her Vision, held it over the wood, and let the seemingly infinite heat flow through her fingers from the orb. Gentle as it was, this sensation was unintentionally producing warm memories in her mind, which were heartily indulged. The young adult felt her eyes gently close, long day finally taking its' toll….

Meeting Gouba in that mountain cave…cooking with her father throughout her childhood….hanging out with Xingqiu, Chongyun, and Hu Tao during the Lantern Rites….Working at Wanmin, serving up smiles (and spices) to the people of Liyue…Learning the ways of combat with Master…Befriending Xinyan, Yunjin, Xiao, Yaoyao, Mr. Zhongli at various points….

Yup. She met some incredible people.

And of course, there was Aether.

How badly she just wanted to stay in his arms! Her brain may not have been thinking normally, but…the feeling was so warm and intoxicating. For a couple of moments, it was like a whole new world completely welcomed her. Xiangling had never experienced that kind of…what was the word?

"In…Intimacy…? That's it, right?" She wondered aloud, eyes still shut.

Yeah, "intimacy". She had never felt that way before…and what a wonderful feeling it was! Despite everyday being a joy in Liyue, those ten seconds or so were just…something else. The electric rush that tingled her skin from head to toe, even cooking hadn't given her that… It was like…like…creating the biggest, best birthday cake for the person you love and knowing that THEY'LL love it back…!

"Um, I think I need to read more….not everything can be compared to cooking…"

"Wait...when is Aether's birthday anyway…?

But of course, her brain was quick to connect the two thoughts she just had, making her cheeks flush rush. A person you love…being intimate with them…hugging, kissing, touching, melting into their warmth…unfamiliar concepts swirled in her mind…it was hard to imagine. And even harder to imagine Aether indulging in those things with her, especially after what she just did…

"Aw…c'mon Xiangling…why did you hafta screw up like that…? I should've let him take the lead. Maybe if I did that…."

"Then maybe….!"

-0-

"Thanks Xiangling, that was a workout~"

She was back. Back to that wonderful, legendary, amazingly intimate moment. Aether was right over her again. Her, of all people! Staring with those hypnotic golden eyes with gratitude written over his face, fingers planted on her upper back, naturally bare thanks to the shirt's gap… every twitch from him was sending pounding shocks directly through her spine- joyous jolts that wouldn't end within mere moments this time.

"W-Where's Paimon…?" She asks, knowing the answer.

Aether's smile shifts here, from the relieved look of an innocent friend to…a predator in range of its' prey. It was a grin that Xiangling herself wore sometimes, when she was close to capturing a tricky animal. So she didn't flinch at all when Aether put it on as well, teeth beginning to emerge behind his kind facade.

"Paimon? Don't worry about her." A glove appears to cup her cheek. "She won't be distributing us~"

Beads of sweat starts to form on Xiangling as her mind curses the fact that this specific scenario didn't actually happen. But before it could get back in the game and throw out a flirty line (Maybe something like "Is it time for dinner now?" Oh, that was a good one!) to appease the imaginary blonde, Aether lowers himself close enough for their noses to touch- for their breaths to mingle.

Xiangling's mind slows to a crawl… It is a very familiar, very overwhelming sensation….but not as powerful as when she kissed Aether earlier. That was real after all… Still though, an unforgettable sight would've occurred to any onlooker right here, as the famous chef from Liyue spends the next half minute rolling around in the heated dirt, wrestling with a mental figure while giggling like a madwoman. For this precious time on an otherwise ordinary night, Xiangling can have all of her wildest fantasies, uninterrupted.

Her mind is working overtime, trying to imagine and recreate all of Aether's features. The rough piece of armor covering his shoulder, shining in familiar gold…his rough yet gentle arms, perfectly toned to show muscle without ruining their form, like an award-winning meal that has been delicately dressed in toppings. And of course the boy's attractive face, which is a single movement away from completely devouring her lips, giving her the pure bliss she never even knew about until a day ago.

This level of…. of "in-ti-ma-cy"….it's magical.

At least, it is until she lands on her back in a messy heap, lazily staring at the stars above.

"Ah…." Xiangling blinks, and returns to real life.

And while she's busy catching her breath, reality comes boomeranging right back, just like at the manor.

She's out here. All alone…no friends, no Gouba, no Aether.

"….This stinks."

"….Rex Lapis…can I just, please have another chance? I promise I won't do anything weird this time!"

Look at the sky and praying to Liyue's god like this, it's making her feel quite warm …it is from embarrassment?

No actually, that's an understatement. Her head feels downright hot…and something smells…funky…

W-w-wait- "Hot?" Wasn't she going to cook something-

…

"THE FIRE!" Xiangling immediately jolts up, spins around, and is greeted with a face full of scratched earth, expanding from the burnt-to-a-crisp tree branches she used before falling victim to her imagination. Thank the Archons that flames made by Visions were different - don't ask Xiangling how though - and would die out on their own, a fact that had definitely saved her butt from burning down Liyue's backyard growing up. So there was really no lasting danger, beyond the shock of her own carelessness.

Wait a minute… if all this heat was wrapping the pot in a perfect temperature anyway…

Eh.

Stepping over a patch of burning grass with no worry, she finally adds her 'findings' of food. A couple Apples, Sunsettias, the third Berry from Mount Tianheng's summit, and plenty of Mint. She had 'treated' her bruises with the cool flower already, but Xiangling always did want to use ingredients to their fullest, so into the pot they went!

"This is a pretty boring meal~" She chuckled to herself- it didn't even have an exotic spice! But this would do its' job nonetheless, and so she tapped into her unlimited knowledge of cooking, intent on making the best boring meal possible.

Using a pot that wasn't hers and surrounded by fire. This was the most normal she felt in days.

But wait, something was still smelling burnt…

If she was lying down and had to turn around to face the fire, then-

"My hair! Ah- Nooo!"

-0-

As far as makeshift emergency rooms went, the one at Bubu Pharmacy wasn't bad at all. It was a pretty cold room, there was a folding screen to allow for privacy if need be off to the side, and in the back was a pretty big single bed with a nightstand and lamp beside. Ignoring the impressive drawer laying against the opposite wall, with at least twenty tiny compartments of who-knows-what in them, the room had a fairly homely atmosphere.

And yet, the journey from door to bed felt like an absolute eternity to Xingqiu.

Obviously this was due to the occupant's identity- or occupants in this case. Chef Mao, stripped from his work clothes and in a cheap-looking white gown, and Gouba laying across his lap, out like a light. Luckily for the teenagers, it was clear from Mao sitting up that his complexion was only slightly pale.

"Ah. Hello there boys. Welcome to my new home~". A wimpy laugh accompanied that, one born of an obviously dashed hope, however short-lived it was.

After all, if Xingqiu and Chongyun stopped by alone, it clearly meant that his daughter still wasn't-

"Hello Mr. Mao." Chongyun bows, Xingqiu follows. "Are you doing well?"

"Ah, me? Well, I'm hanging in there. …How about you son? Is that woman ok…Shenhe, if I remember right?"

"Auntie Shenhe? Yes! Um, she's writing letters much more often now."

"I see, very nice. And you Xingqiu? How are your father and brother?"

"…They're doing well, thank you for your concern. Very busy, the trading business remains in exceptional hands."

"Good, very good. Family is important…" Chef Mao grows a sad smile, and for a moment, doesn't appear to feel the presence of his guests, giving Gouba a lazy stroke on the head. A silence begins to settle in, pleasantries over with. Chef Mao wants to ask something, and Xingqiu knows what it is, but he's holding back…

"So...w-what happened? Did something go bad at the restaurant?" Honestly, bless Chongyun for trying to keep the conversation moving.

"H-hahah..I don't know, to be honest. I was just greeting customers like always, when suddenly I felt very…off? Like a sudden weight pounding my chest.." Chef Mao remembers that he's talking with his daughter's friends at this moment. "But don't worry! According to Doctor Baizhu, I'll be right as rain in a few days! It's probably just my age anyway, did something I wasn't supposed to. You kids have no idea how lucky you are~ Honestly-" He looks down at Gouba fondly. "I'm more worried about Wanmin while I'm here. This little guy's smart, but he can only do so much alone…"

An unnatural silence forms, as Chongyun can't find anything worth to say here- he's an exorcist, not a corporate employee. As for Xingqiu, his throat clenches, knowing for a fact what is next. There is no more avoiding that can be done.

Chef Mao looks up, asking in the most gentle voice he can muster.

"…Boys, what happened today? …Where- Where is my daughter…?"

It's very clear the piece have fallen into place for the father. Xiangling messes up at Wanmin, wants to meet with her friends, only for those same friends to visit Chef Mao in the "hospital" later that week with no Xiangling in sight? Not exactly a head scratcher…they must know something…!

But he also knows that Xingqiu and Chongyun are good people, and better friends. He can't come off too strong, much like when talking with Xiangling.

"I'm not angry…I'm just worried-"

"I-I… am sorry to say…" Xingqiu interrupts, trying his best to look up. "That… we don't know where she is, at this precise moment."

The gut punch on Mao's face is the stuff of nightmares for the young man. Being an adult doesn't allow the father to hide his emotions after all, the way all hope simply drains out of him. A shaky "Oh…." Is whispered from the bed, despondent adult quickly stroking Gouba again.

Chef Mao needs something, some optimism, Xingqiu decides in a hurry. And just as fast, to end the torture- "After this, we are going out to look for her."

"A-And we won't stop until we find her!" Chongyun agrees.

Xiangling's father dimly looks up. "…Out? Outside the harbor?"

"Correct…Aether will be accompanying us."

"O-Oh, that's- that's good then…" He relaxes a bit- the Traveler was, well, spectacular. Hero to them after all, the defender of Liyue Harbor- twice! "I assume you commissioned him? I'll pay the-"

"No. I have no doubt he wants to find her as well…after all, it is my fault that he is entangled in this…"

"…What do you mean? Xingqiu?"

The pit in the Hydro user's gut swells up, but then vanishes as Chongyun places a hand on his shoulder, officially popsicle-less.

Through a sigh, he speaks slow. "I really, truly want to give you the full story, sir…..but it is not my place to say." Am I being a coward? Should he know that Xiangling has a crush on Aether? Maybe it would help out somehow…but would it be an unreasonable invasion of privacy…? I-I do not know…

"…For now, I can only offer you this."

At the food of the bed now, Xingqiu bends down and bows as deep as he possibly can. There's no extra language used by the second son of the Feuyun Commerce Guild, just a young man's sincerity.

"Xiangling's disappearance…Aether's involvement…even your hospitalization by extension. It's all my fault…and for that, I'm sorry."

"I also apologize." Chongyun says next to him, bowing as well. "I failed to be a voice of reason. But that's why we're going to search for her!"

Chef Mao only understands the intent, not the specifics, something that is clear by the uncomfortable look on his face. But he can't stop a bit of a smile from creeping up…he wishes he had friends like these when he was a kid…

"Rest assured, we are going to find your daughter. Hu Tao will send us both to the afterlife if we cannot do this soon." Xingqiu tries to alleviate some of the concern before switching tactics. "And do not worry about your situation. I personally guarantee all 'hospital' expenses will be covered by the Feiyun Commerce Guild."

"A-ah…o-ok boys." The adult stammers, concerned and mostly clueless. "I have so many questions for all of you…but Xiangling's safety comes first. Please say you'll find her…that's all I care about!"

"You have our word!" Chongyun confirms for both of them. Elsewhere, visible tension leaves Xingqiu at the request. He's going to make this right…!

-0-

"Too…much….food… I guess I was just that hungry…"

"…Ulp…I think I overdid it on the Mint…can't k-keep my eyes open…."

"…G-good….nigh…"

-0-

When Xingqiu and Chongyun step out of the pharmacy's room, the sight is very much different. No funeral parlor director to be seen on the premise or lawyer beside her, and an equal lack of green-haired doctors to talk to. But there is someone else: Aether, leaning against the red railing staring into the stars above, which makes the two of them relax a bit.

"Oh, hey guys." Naturally he senses their approach and turns around. "Is Chef Mao alright?"

"He is, bless the Archons." Xingqiu confirms. "Baizhu has said he only needs to rest for a few days."

"Phew…that's a relief…don't want to imagine how I'd face Xiangling otherwise…"

"Speaking of Baizhu!" Chongyun asks. "Where is he- is he taking care of Paimon?"

That question makes Aether perk up. "Yup, though it was pretty interesting what happened…he suddenly reappeared, whispered something to Qiqi, and took over for her while she ran off down the steps. Er, after trying to convince Hu Tao that he wasn't going to behave suspiciously with Paimon- which took a long time. And didn't even succeed. Yanfei eventually had to drag her off, though she was still staring."

The image of the lawyer carrying her girlfriend over-the-shoulder style like a log, while said director disappears into the night, stare unflinching makes a smile appear on each boy's face.

"Ah right…Baizhu also gave me this. For the two of you."

Both of Xiangling's friends are given a cup of tea, which Aether elaborates on after a pair of questioning looks get directed to him. Baizhu clearly knows what the three of them are planning to do next, and this is a good way to keep awake for the night. Xingqiu won't admit it aloud, but that makes him aware of just how tired he is- all day they've been at this, huh? So with gratitude towards the doctor, both of them drink the warm team in hand- well, Chongyun needs to take a series of gingerly sips…

"One last thing: Baizhu wants us to wait for Qiqi to return before we set out. ….I don't know why though…?" Aether ponders, and Xingqiu is equally clueless.

But whether this was the intended purpose of the break or not, it provides an opportunity for the Hydro-user to start correcting things…!

"My lieg- no, Aether. A word while we wait, if you'd be so kind?"

An exhale is the immediate answer, intentions understood. "Sure…let's chat."

"Ah, I-I'll wait for Qiqi!" Chongyun nods to himself, poor excuse and all. Neither party stop him as he awkwardly shuffles out of view.

"I do not get that man at times." Xingqiu says with a wry smile. "He just supported me when I had to talk to Chef Mao, but this is apparently too awkward for him."

"We all have our strengths and weaknesses." Aether reminds him. "I think the desire to support your friend is an extremely admirable quality. Wouldn't you say?"

"Mm. Chongyun is a gentleman to be sure…"

"I mean, at least he doesn't imply that I'm just making an excuse for why I'm not going after Xiangling."

"Ah." Xingqiu gets the obvious, facing Aether once more. "I apologize for that, my tongue seems to be acting by itself more frequently as of late."

Thankfully, a slight grin appears on the Traveler's face. 'No worries. And, to be honest, I've been thinking about what I said too."

Xingqiu tries his best to recall his words. "There's 'too much stuff happening', correct?"

"I did say that, yeah. It's just…hard to believe that anyone would feel that way about me, you know?"

Now, Xingqiu's ready to agree by habit alone - keep the mood light, keep Aether talking, and see what he says- but fortunately thinks about what he just heard for longer than two seconds.

"Wait. Aether, what do you mean? If anything, that's to be expected…for people to like you in "that" way I mean."

The blonde takes an exhale and appears to wince. "Xingqiu, look around your city, for Archon's sake. My biggest failure is practically advertised wherever you go! Can't move ten steps without seeing one."

Wait…what? B-Biggest failure? Advertised? "I don't understand, apologies….."

But Aether clearly came prepared for this point, as a worn-down brown piece of paper is summoned and given to Xingqiu. It's thicker than the average sheet, but indeed withered and torn at the edges..it also provokes a familiar feeling within the Liyue boy. He's definitely seen this very thing before- and a closer examination confirms it.

Looking for a missing young female. Has blonde hair, wears exotic clothes, typically a white dress. Any assistance is greatly welcomed in this search. If you have any information, please approach your nearest Millelith soldier, or report the matter directly to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Thank you.

Above this brief description is a drawing of the girl in question. The said features are all there…but as for the quality of the art itself…well, it's lacking, to put it charitably. Still, the effort is there, even if the young adult doesn't recognize the "style", so did one of his Mondstadt companions draw this? Is this poster up there too? But putting that aside, Xingqiu looks back up at Aether with a better idea of what he meant.

"Your sibling, if I recall correctly?"

The Traveller nods slow. "Rather hypocritical I know. I'm the one who used my sought-after favor given by the Tianquan herself to stick these up, yet now I call it a reminder of my mistakes… It's just, the situation between myself and her…ah, Lumine I mean- it has definitely changed since I got the permission."

"Shall I get in contact with the Millelith and remove them then?"

Aether waves his hand. "No. It's still helpful to have up. If she actually did visit Liyue, I'd want to know…!" He pinches his nose with his finger and thumb. "…Ah, back to the point though. I suppose I'm just…surprised that nobody else has ever thought "Oh, Aether is looking for his sibling. He must be…an unreliable brother, at best."

"If anyone ever seriously entertained that notion." Xingqiu argues. "I think your heroic deeds concerning Osial and his wife would quell those thoughts."

…That's the wrong adjective to use here, the Hydro boy quickly realizes. But it's too late as Aether's face crinkles up, like he just smelled something awful. "Heroic? For…for somebody who couldn't even protect what matters most to them!? How pathetic must they be…I'm sure the protagonists in your light novels would laugh too."

Ignoring the blush he just put on Xingqiu's face, Aether goes back to leaning on the railing and looking out to the harbor. "Not like any of this freaking matters anyway. Xiangling said it was an accident…that she "would never" mean for this to happen."

"And you believe that…? Truly?" Xingqiu probes. "And did she really say that?"

"She did, I swear. And besides, who am I to think otherwise? Maybe she just wanted the experience of kissing a "hero"- something to tell her friends about when she needs a real story~ H-hah! 'Hey Hu Tao, you are never going to guess what I did the other day!'"

That laugh is pathetic, forced through clenched teeth. Aether's imitation leading to a smile is equally pathetic, eyes conveying an entirely different feeling.

"Aether-" Xingqiu pauses for a moment, looking right. There, the crystal-blue hair of his best friend begins to move downward…something may be happening at the stairs base. But this is more important, the bookworm chooses. "I feel like as if…you and Xiangling are disgustingly similar in some ways."

"Wait, what does that-"

"Tell me, you remember the Lantern Rite dinner with us, I hope. When we were deciding who should light the incense, leading to Hu Tao embarrassing our friend."

"Hm~ Of course I do." Aether nods as an actual smile shows this time. "Hu Tao was moving like a blur, Xiangling was getting redder and redder, and oh yeah-" He puts his hands on his hips and gets a smug look. "Her friends and Venti were acting like a wild crowd, applauding and begging for more- great improvisation by the way. It was easily the highlight of the entire day."

"I'm honored." Xingqiu bows, mainly out of habit. "That was pure instinct- Chongyun surprised me as well. But when we were encouraging Xiangling yesterday, this event was brought up too. As a sign of you thinking positively of her, at the very least. Now, Xiangling didn't want to face the happiest possibility at first, trying a downright pathetic defense."

That sharp word catches Aether off-guard. "P-Pathetic?"

"Correct. Something along the lines of 'He, that is 'you', could have disagreed with Hu Tao's compliments, but was just being polite and said nothing'

"What? But that's nonsense- why would I even be there if I didn't like all you guys!?"

"Chongyun thought similarly and was not a fan of her reasoning. And yet…" A pair of blue eyes attempt to pierce right through Aether. "Why do I find myself in an extremely identical situation."

"…." The Traveller rests his hands back on the railing.

"Aether, do you really believe Xiangling kissed you solely to engage in future gossip and tall tales?"

"But Xingqiu, she said-"

"Paimon isn't here, no need to repeat things." A friendly grin attempts to lower any newfound tension. "I do not claim to know why she said what she did, but if I were to hazard a guess- knowing the kind of person she has been for years, no offense- is it not possible that she panicked and was blurting out the first thing that came to mind?"

"Why would she be panicked…" Aether murmurs, still not looking back.

"Perhaps…she realized she was, to use an ugly term, "screwing up". Perhaps she heard…ah, me, scream something… B-But regardless, I should think her true feelings have made themselves known. Do you not agree?"

"…This isn't b-because I'm Liyue's "hero", right?"

"Actually…" Xingqiu bites his tongue, and thinks of what to say. He doesn't know if this qualifies as too personal, just like when he spoke to Chef Mao. But…this may be his only chance. "That 'status', if you will, may have been what made her take such drastic actions. The fear of losing you to a similarly impressive individual in Mondstadt, Inazuma, Sumeru, or another region entirely. Forgetting the "boring chef" friend from Liyue. It plagued her thinking."

"That's ridiculous… I could never-"

"Yet it is a real concern to her…and the only way to dispel that is by talking. And we can only do that if we find her…oh, speaking of~"

Aether snaps alert to the direction Xingqiu faces, and there's Chongyun coming back up the stairs. "G-guys! Qiqi is back- hurry!"

"Right!" He nods and proceeds to follow-

"Ah one last thing for now." Xingqiu tugs at Aether's scarf, getting the blonde's attention. "I have said this before, but I do truly apologize for complicating matters like this. There were options for me to encourage her differently, but I selected this one without even considering-"

But a hand pops up just as fast. "Xingqiu…I get how you would feel responsible. But at the end of the day, Xiangling chose her actions. And honestly, that's a good thing. You don't need to keep apologizing or worry about this: I won't hold anything against her."

"Phew…"

"And to be honest, there is something I want to thank you for."

Now it's Xingqiu's turn to be caught unprepared. "E-Eh?"

"You asked me for my opinion back at the….the house? The back of that building…? Anyway, do you know how rare that is? Normally I'm expected to just go along with, well, everything. So it was nice to be treated like I wasn't anyone special, you know?."

"Oh, you're welcome, Aether… We all view you as an important friend. Her especially."

"…I see. Good to know." That's why being with Xiangling is so nice…

"Aether?"

"Nothing. …Let's go find her then, hm?"

-0-

As we all know, cooking completely unsupervised in the wilderness presents no shortage of dangers to prepare for and steps that must be taken to avoid catastrophe.

Being a professional, Xiangling of course did her best to respect her home's environment and the laws of the land. But of course, that only applied to what she was able to take care of while awake.

So as she slept a fair distance away from the stolen pot, put under thanks to her full belly, general tiredness, and the oh-so relaxing bunches of cool Mint she added, the chef was unaware of the dangers that the pot was about to bring.

Not because of the fire, she would never be that careless (well, after what just happened earlier). But even with the flames completely put out, smoke was still rising in a steady stream into the beautiful Liyue sky.

Pinpointing her exact location. A very handy feature- especially if you were a certain group of Treasure Hoarders who had just been robbed.

Well, so much for the "won't take a month" thing. July turned into kind of a downer month health-wise, even as nothing serious happened. Fingers crossed it continues. Honestly special thanks are in order to ASM769476 and a commenter on AO3 for their reviews, it really helped get this part over the finish line.

On the bright side, the rest of the story has been throughly planned. Hooray~