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The conversation was going well when Xiao's head snapped northwards, grabbing everyone's attention.
"It's the Traveler", he said.
Confusion spread within the friendgroup, but the Adeptus didn't pay them any mind, still listening.
"They seem distressed", Xiao added. He turned towards Paimon with an undeserved glare. "They're calling your name."
"Oh..." she said, worry spreading slowly within all of them. "Maybe Paimon should go check on them ? It feels wrong to be so far away like that."
"What ?" Xiangling interrupted. "Paimon you can't go ! It's so early yet, we need you still !"
Poor little Paimon seemed very conflicted. She had her tiny hands in front of her face, thinking so hard sparkly smoke was almost coming out of her ears.
"But..." she tried to say, "what if..."
"I'll go." Xiao interrupted her while his ears catched a new call.
Paimon didn't like being talked over but it wasn't like Xiao was much of a polite guy anyway. Besides, it was all for the Traveler in the end, so maybe this time he could get a pass. Whatever Paimon could have said, he wouldn't have heard, since he disappeared almost right away.
"Don't forget that we need at least untill midday to prepare everything !" Xiangling screamed after him anyway.
"Good luck little guy !" also said Itto, despite having missed most of the conversation.
...
The day prior, Traveler and Paimon were still in Fontaine, worn out after their last adventure.
"What do you say we go take a few days off in Liyue before we head to Natlan ?" suggested Paimon with a yawn. "You mentionned before it was your favorite region, didn't you ? We haven't been there in a while."
Traveler noded with a small noise, "You're right."
"Then that's decided !" the small companion exclaimed, all of her tiredness replaced with youthful mirth. "Let's go spend the night in Wangshu Inn, I'm sure Verr Goldet and the staff would be glad to see you back ! Then Smiley Yanxiao's gonna make a lot of free food for the Hero of Liyue, Paimon can't wait ! "
"Of course that's your motivation", Traveler said with no malice, a small giggle turning the corners of their lips up.
Traveler had never been the most expressive of companions, so Paimon always felt a great sense of pride in making them smile. The simple thought of her best friend laughing was enough to make her beam for hours !
In the end, although Verr Goldet was absolutely thrilled to see the renowned duo back in her establishment - they hadn't had to book an inn since they received the adepti Teapot from the generous Madam Ping - she still made the Traveler pay every mora of every dish Paimon swallowed that evening. Or maybe she did charge them a reduced price, but Paimon was very hungry that day. It's not like the Traveler was running low on mora anyway, and Paimon should know, she was the one who kept all their stuff in her inventory.
The next day, Traveler woke up to an empty room. A startlingly familiar sense of dread settled in as the realization hit them : Paimon, always the heavy sleeper, was nowhere to be found.
There was this dress waiting for them on the drawer that the Wangshu staff kindly prepared for them for a supposedly "important event" Paimon had mentionned the night before, but suddenly Traveler didn't feel like playing dress-up anymore. They hadn't been alone much since their memory loss a few years ago.
Waking up on Starsnatcher Beach with almost no memory was a much worse trial than fighting gods of a foreign world. Back then the only things they knew for certain were how weakened and lonely it felt, to cry on the cold sand. But almost instantly after that, something shiny had catched their eye, something loud had catched their hearing. It was Paimon, whom they saved from drowning that day, and who saved them from loneliness and wandering.
Traveler and Paimon were separated only a few times after that. Once in the Chasm when them and a small group of friends - and aquaintances - got stuck in the depth of these mysterious caves. Paimon was getting dizzy and had to stay at the camp while Traveler went looking for an exit - and somehow found Xiao doing so. Although it had been a gloomy experience, they still had friends to count on by their side. Besides, Paimon hadn't fully disappeared, she was resting safely with the friends who had stayed behind.
The second time was weird since it happened in a dream. Traveler dreamed every night and Paimon often was part of their dreams, but she never appeared in nightmares. Whenever Traveler witnessed the emptiness of the abyss or the chaos of their memory resurfacing snipplet by snipplet, Paimon wouldn't be there. There was no place for Paimon in nightmares. This specific nightmare hadn't been like the others, the "Caribert" ordeal. It felt so innocent, and so twisted at the same time. Paimon should have been there, they had thought many times while dreaming of a desperate Kaenri'an father and his tragic Hillichurl son. Paimon was good with consoling people, she'd have known what to do. But alas, Paimon was not there, and Traveler alone couldn't save the boy nor his father. In retrospect, it took them a surprisingly long time to realize these were memories of their lost twin, which only left them with more unanswered questions and no voice to inquire.
"Paimon ?" they called anyway, in the emptiness of the inn room, their voice low and broken, groggy with sleep and perhaps an ounce of panic.
Only the wind answered through the open bay. They walked out on the balcony, hoping the morning air would help cool their frenzy down, to no avail. This must have been the most beautiful view of Liyue - of the whole of Teyvat, considering their fondness for the land of Geo - and yet that day the golden leaves and silver mountains floating around foamy clouds failed to convey half the peace and quiet it once brought.
"Paimon ?" they tried again, voice clearer but mind still amiss.
Yet again they heard noone answer. But, wasn't there someone ? Wasn't there a friend who promised to keep them safe, no matter how long the distance, no matter how perilous the threat, as long as they would simply speak his name. Would that be alright, to bother him for such trivial matter ?
"Xiao" they said anyway, word muffled by the heavy rock - surely a boulder, surely a mountain, surely an entire planet it was - blocking their throat. Despite their weak mumbling, in the next second the adeptus appeared in front of them, all black smoke of corrupted anemo, before taking the solid, comforting shape of their dear friend.
"You called ?" he said, as he did always, but once his eyes landed on the Traveler he couldn't utter a word more.
In the few years and the many days they had known each other, Xiao had never seen, had never even imagined the mighty Traveler in such a state. "Distressed" had been a severe understatement.
Kneeling on the balcony like they just collapsed there, golden hair messed by the wind, their eyes emptier than usual despite the tear streaks shining on their cheeks. At a loss for words, Xiao could only fall to his own knee beside them, and wait for the next order, what ever it might have been.
"I'm sorry", they said once their tears had dried, and is seemed to Xiao the most absurd thing anyone had ever said.
"Why ?"
"For calling. Don't wanna bother you."
"Why were you crying just now ?" he insisted.
Traveler shrugged, but still mumbled a somewhat genuine answer : "Because, my eyes confused fear for sadness."
If their unusually firm tone was anything to go by, Traveler was getting frustrated, be it with themselves or with his questions. Xiao was never good with people, but neither was the Traveler so hopefully, they wouldn't resent him for too long whenever he messed that up.
"It's ok to cry, he said, for something other than sadness."
But the Traveler kept silent, eyes unfocused and wind bristling their hair and clothes. Now that he was looking at it, it seemed they hadn't changed from last night, and still were wearing the nightgown provided by the inn. It was a traditionnal comfortable Liyuean style, in a pure white, flowy silk. Traveler always looked angelic in whites, ethereal. In contrast, Xiao with the weighty demonic nature of his karmic debt felt deeply inappropriate in the picture, tainting. Yet there they were, Traveler had called for him - only in second, but still - and he promised to be useful. He just didn't expect when he promised, that this was the kind of use the Traveler would have of him.
"I thought you knew what I was offering when I made that promise, Traveler. My strength is for you to use," he stopped a second before adding : "in whatever way you see fit. I am merely a tool in your hand, you would never bother me."
It probably wasn't the best thing to say, but it was Xiao's best. At least the Traveler didn't seem upset anymore, they were back to their usual apathetic-looking self, as they stood up, looking straight forward and never sparing Xiao a single glance, untill they were fully up and looked down, on him, not a single emotion showing on their face. Still kneeling, stuck down half in awe and half in unconsious submission, Xiao found the golden spark of their gaze had somehow returned, saying what the rest of their face couldn't say. He hoped his own eyes also talked of all the compassion and all the devotion his mouth could never dream to translate in words known to humans.
"Adeptus Xiao", their voice sounded much softer than the use of his formal title led to believe, almost... Shy. "Please don't talk of yourself that way."
And just like that, he was stunned into silence - more than he had already been. Maybe he didn't need much, but it didn't seem to matter because Traveler wasn't done with their sweet lecture.
"Our friendship is no contract, they said, and you are no object. "
Traveler's eyes were firmly set in his, and as they talked their tone got more assertive. It wasn't often, that Xiao - or anyone for that matter - got to listen to them for so long, so he could do nothing but stare in silence. However after a long beat of uncertainty, no more words were said. Xiao probably had to answer, something he wasn't sure of yet had just gone unsaid and if he didn't try and address it now, it might soon be too late forever.
"Why don't you ever call my name, Traveler ? Why won't you use me ?"
There was a fleeting, knowing spark on their face, but Xiao catched it anyway, still kneeling before the Traveler. In History, they will without a doubt be remembered as the golden Traveler, beloved by all. Even Xiao, conqueror of Demons was no exception. An open hand appeared not far from his face, and as soon as he grabbed it he was raised to his feet, standing now no further than a few inches away from the Traveler. From this angle they could stare straight into each other's eyes, on equal level, for the small form he carved long ago his own body in was conveniently quite close in size to theirs.
"I once was a weapon too." Traveler's tone was flat but their words were clear and rang deeper than they should have. "I'd rather have a friend."
"A weapon at your command is the best I have to offer..." said Xiao, his jaw trembling softly.
Traveler's hand hadn't left his since they pulled him up, and Xiao felt it start shaking with the rest of his body. As the concious part of his brain struggled to understand what was going on, the subconcious began chanting in his thoughts :
"Please accept, please accept, please accept..."
"Would a weapon at my command help me find my companion ?" they asked instead, uncertainty painting their face again.
"I can try," he said, but then corrected : "I will do my utmost."
The tiniest of smiles appeared on their face before they turned around and hopped away towards the room. Xiao took an instant to compose himself before stepping in behind them. Perhaps that instant had been slightly too long for he was granted with the fairly improper sight of the Traveler halfway through undressing. They had never been the bashful type about nudity however, Xiao was. And just because the Traveler had an undecently tiny waist on display didn't mean it was for Xiao - or anyone really - to oogle at like a... Rude pervert or something. Xiao was none of that and opted to turn around promptly. He coughed a few times to announce his presence, but since the Traveler didn't respond and - Rex Lapis save him - the fabrics were still rustling from the other side of the room, he assumed they did notice him, but didn't care much.
"I... I'll be waiting for you downstairs. Traveler."
They said nothing, but he didn't dare turn around to catch their eyes, they might have been nodding but they might as well have been naked and Xiao wouldn't take that bet, for his own sanity.
Xiao was quite familiar with the unconventional architecture and staff of Wangshu Inn, for he had been established there since before it was even built. It was the closest thing to home, not quite his but close enough to rest. Rest didn't seem like an option however, when mere minutes ago his name was called on with such desperation it was still ringing in his ears. The air was much more tranquil than it had been then, but Xiao refused to bat an eye knowing the Traveler was alone once again. Well, he still had a mission to fulfill that morning, so as long as he focussed on that, he should be fine. He just stood still near the entrance of the inn, refusing to aknowledge any curious patrons or awed adventurers passing by. Was the inn always so busy in the early morning ?
"Mis- uhm... Mis-ter ? Would you, uh..." a maid tried talking to him. She seemed very nervous, as Xiao realized he might have been looking a little too ominous, immobile in the shadows. "Would you like to take a seat and order ?", she asked.
At first Xiao was going to ignore her like he had done with the others, but the poor girl looked terrified and it wasn't quite the impression he liked to leave on people, so at last he spoke, with a tone he hoped was soft enough to reassure her, but firm enough so that she'd leave him be : "I'm waiting for someone. "
The poor girl fumbled with her hands, "Ah ! Uhm, yes, of course ! But perhaps you'd be... More comfortable seating down ? If, if you're waiting on one person I could direct you to a two-seats table and uh, once your date has arrived you could, uhm, you could take your order together."
Xiao must have been staring at her looking unconviced because she felt urged to keep going : "I'm afraid you're uhm, you're kind of scaring away the patrons and we're in the breakfast rush so there might not be any table left once your date arrives ! And besides, they probably wouldn't want you to wait in such an uncomfortable position would they ?"
The maid spoke fast, oviously anxious. Her arguments seemed to make enough sense for Xiao to comply - be it only for her to leave him alone to his waiting, at least if he complied she wouldn't be bothering him anymore. She showed him to a small table near the main door where he sat, arms crossed.
...
A while later - but not nearly as long as he would've waited, as an immortal for an ageless being - the Traveler came out in the late morning sunlight, following an enthusiastic Verr Goldet. They looked a lot more peaceful than they had a few moments ago - how long had it been actually ? Minutes ? An hour maybe ? They must have been doing something other than simply dress up seeing how refreshed they seemed - absolutely glowing in that old fashion liyuean style dress. Traveler rarely wore anything other than their adventurer's attire to go out. Seeing them in such refined outfit was like looking at a finely polished diamond shimmering like no other, when Xiao had only seen it raw before. If there were a certain appeal to raw jewels, only the most meticulous polishing could have revealed its true colors. Traveler's true colors were always beyond compare, it felt so unfair to have them on display for all eyes to see, but alas not his to hold.
"Wake up Alatus !" he scolded himself in his mind. He would have hit his head with something were he not in public. "Traveler needs a friend right now", he thought, guilty, "not some lovestruck buffoon." Traveler had already been worried enough about Paimon, he shall not burden them anymore with his.. Feelings. So, what should he do then ? He promised to buy the others some time and keep Traveler distracted until noon, so they still had a few hours to wait. Should he tell them ? Should he lie ?
That was exactly why he dreaded this. A tool didn't feel, a tool could be the more efficient at anything asked of him ! But Traveler did say... "What would a friend do ?" he wondered, and it finally felt like the right question, although he was far from having any kind of answer to give.
A white porcelain plate slided before his vision as his focus came back to the real world. Almond tofu, perfectly cooked as he could tell, looking light and delicately sweet. Only the Traveler did it that way, and as he looked up, sure they were, still radiant, their arm extended in an offering gesture.
"You do like cooking" he said, like he had somehow forgotten. "Do you feel better now ?"
Traveler kept silent but their eyes were fixed and their arm extended just a little bit farther. No words, then. He humbly accepted the gift, and Verr Goldet approached from where she had been standing a few steps away.
"I told you he would like it", she said, not mentionning what she was talking about exactly. The dress ? The gift ? Traveler's mere presence ? Xiao liked all of "it" alright. Verr Goldet warmly smiled as she put her hand on Traveler's shoulder, inviting them to sit accros Xiao.
Were their cheeks redder than usual or was it pure hopeful thinking on his part ? Oh. Make up, that was some traditional Liyuean red make up, to go with the dress. As they sat in silence, the hint of a smile stretching the corners of their lips, Xiao couldn't bring himself to feel disappointed. They looked lovely.
"You should stomach something for breakfast too, Traveler," said Verr Goldet kindly, setting an empty plate before them. "Is there anything you'd like ?"
Traveler was always very much like him, in that their mouth was kept shut most of the time, be it for unnecessary talking or unappetizing food. They may have different reasons than he did, but that sensation of unease, he could easily understand.
"We could share", he said, "if you'd like", and Traveler gave him a timid nod. Verr Goldet bid them a polite goodbye and left.
Xiao rarely finished a full serving of almond tofu on his own anyway, no matter how good it may have been - and by the archons was Traveler's almond tofu delectable. He could only relish in the exquisite - dreamlike - texture for so long before he got nauseous. Since Traveler was still silent, Xiao went ahead and took their plate, giving them a small portion.
"Do you want any more ?", a negative head shake, "Okay. Here you go."
The almond tofu tasted as good as it looked, even better than he remembered - but he had a poor taste memory, so he did think that everytime he indulged in some high quality almond tofu - it was a shame Traveler was probably not even gonna touch the part he shared with them.
"Did you make this ?" Xiao asked, and Traveler nodded with heartwarming enthusiasm. "It's great, as always. Thank you Traveler."
"Great" was a severe understatement, but as Xiao rarely talked, he found both his eloquence and confidence lacking when he would have sang infinite praises for the Traveler.
"I also like giving", they said, and their voice was so low but Xiao wouldn't have missed it for the world. "I do feel a little better now."
In the end they ate, they both finished the full serving of almond tofu.
"Should we look for that small companion of yours ?" he said once their table was cleaned. Traveler nodded, and Xiao expected to be back to non verbal answers when they spoke :
"I can't feel her anywhere near, where could she have gone ?"
"I'm sure she's fine" he said, to be reassuring. By the face they did he probably failed.
"Paimon doesn't leave my side. Someone must've taken her," they said between fear and anger.
"Who would have done such a thing ? You have powerful and numerous friends all over Teyvat, those who know of your name also know of hers. If she is in the land of geo she is under the protection of the adepti. If she is in another land she will be guarded by your many other allies. She may be frail and defenseless, but no soul would be arrogant enough to defy you."
"I know some who would" they said matter-of-factly, but Xiao could tell his words weren't vain.
"In such a way ?"
Of course Paimon was alright. She was perfectly safe in Liyue Harbor with many of said friends planning a - definitely surprising, perhaps not in a good way - party. Xiao only had to buy a few hours, this should be alright. He did mean every word he said though, it took an absolute fool to provoke the mighty and beloved Traveler in such a sneaky yet direct manner.
...
Although Traveler assured Paimon wasn't closeby, they still checked the inn over, if only to make sure. They checked Traveler's adeptal Teapot realm, even though they insisted : "I would feel her presence right there". The search was quick, and the clock ticked oh so slowly for Xiao. He suggested they searched the Guili plains, for there were quite a few monsters around the inn the little fairy could have been snatched by. In a cold sweat, Traveler crossed the plains north to south, leaving no stone unturned. They only stopped for a small breath once they reached the sunless borders of Cuijue slope.
"This... This is my favorite spot in Teyvat" they told Xiao, who always stood close behind.
Cuijue slope was a curious place to be anyone's favorite. Ashy grey clouds ever present, casting soft shadows over its desolated ocres, all vegetetation starving for the faintest bit of daylight they could get. It was also quite steep and teeming with monsters, agitated by the remains of divine energy of the abandonned temple down below.
"You should come here more often", he said then.
Perhaps Traveler could be the sunlight Cuijue slope was desperate for. Perhaps they could be the living hero to dissipate the godly remains.
"Okay", they said, like they had no choice, but then they took his hand and it was warm and tight, and slightly shaky.
"Let's look around for Paimon" he suggested, squeezing their hand back.
Even though they had been running around since morning, fighting off some monsters was easy work for the Traveler and Xiao. Despite its elegance, it turned out their dress was stretchy and durable - and they both were skilled enough to get out of such encounters without a scratch.
"Let's go to the harbor", said Traveler once the mob had been cleared.
With the sun obscured by Cuijue slope's unchanging climate, and no clock on the horizon, it was hard to tell how much time had passed since they left the inn. Yet, when the Traveler declared so assertive, Xiao had a hard time finding his voice to protest. He could only hope the preparations went smoothly as he followed them wordlessly.
...
Xiao rarely came to Liyue harbor, and with reason. The city's streets were always bustling with activity, loud and crowded, and as the Vigilant Yaksha he couldn't blend in as much as he'd liked. At least Rex Lapis, and even Cloud Retainer now, had a human disguise and a fake identity for that purpose. Xiao was stuck being adeptus Xiao in the eyes of the liyueren. That day was even worse, for he was accompanied by none other than the hero of Liyue, the Traveler - walking by his side in an unusually elegant outfit. Alas, some sacrifices were necessary, he told himself. For the Traveler, Xiao could go through the noisy crowd and even exchange pleasantries with the acquaintaces they would stumble upon. Their first stop was by Bubu Pharmacy, where the apothecary Gui welcomed them both warmly.
"Welcome Traveler, Adeptus Xiao," he greeted in a very professionnal fashion. "Are you here for herbs or do you need any kind of medical treatment ? Dr. Baizhu is currently out, but I can perform first aid if this is an emergency."
In his hand, Xiao felt Traveler's grip tighten only slightly. When did they start holding hands ? Xiao didn't remember, but he didn't mind, either. Since Traveler kept silent and Paimon wasn't there to fill in the blank, Xiao came forth :
"We are here looking for Paimon."
Gui explained that he had seen the little fairy earlier in the morning, but she hadn't come back ever since. He said she was with Yaoyao then, they came for Qiqi and left without turning back.
"Thank you for your time", said Xiao.
"Do you have qixin flowers ?"
Traveler's request was unexpected, but seemingly not to Gui, who smiled and prepared a small bouquet for them. The scent of Qixin was sweet and refreshing, and they had calming properties, an excellent choice, if Xiao had his word to give.
"Paimon has the mora", Traveler said when they couldn't pay - Qixin wasn't expensive in itself, but Xiao still thought it was a lot more than what it was actually worth, though he wasn't very familiar with the current value of mora - like they had just remembered, dejected.
This seemed like a non-issue for Gui, who must have been the nicest merchant in Liyue for he offered quite the sweet deal to the Traveler.
"Do you often run errands against goods ?" Xiao asked them, on the way to Northern Bank.
Not a big detour, but a detour nonetheless. At least they were still buying some time.
"More often against mora and parchments. I prefer this way, it's more direct," said Traveler, fidling with the envelope they were to deliver while their fast steps clacked agains the wooden stairs. They seemed excited - or more likely, in a hurry - climbing over the railings and jumping over some of the steps, only taking a short moment at a time to turn around and check on Xiao. Surely, getting news of their dear Paimon after a long morning of infuctuous research had uplifted their mood quite a bit. It's somewhat endearing, and as their eyes crossed, Xiao found himself smirking.
"Traveler," he said, "let's race."
Not a second later, the Traveler turned around to sprint upwards. It must not had been a surprise to them, when Traveler arrived before the door of the Northern Bank, and Xiao was already there, waiting.
"That's cheating," they said, taking a moment to recover their breath, leaning against the railing.
"I never said we had to run," answered Xiao, more smug than he'd care to admit.
"I'm racing you downstairs once we're done with this. No teleporting."
"As you wish."
The Traveler frowned, Xiao would even be brave enough to think they pouted, but still grabbed his sleeve to drag him inside.
...
From the inside, the Northern Bank was lavish and grand, despite its reception being a modest size. There were no visible windows for a small dozen of people around, workers and clients alike, and all of it gave a growingly claustrophobic feeling to the Vigilant Yaksha, who was used to open spaces and the vastness of Liyue mountains. Traveler seemed at ease with the fatui working there, so Xiao stayed close, looming in their shadow.
A tall and lanky man with orange hair and a blood-red mask on the side walked out of the backroom, seemingly surprised to see them here. Xiao identified Tartaglia, eleventh Fatui Harbinger who had tried to drown Liyue down a few years back, only stopped by the Traveler - or so it was said. However, he was also a friend of Re-... Of Zhongli, and hadn't caused any troubles in town since. Xiao was willing to give the man the benefit of the doubt, but summoned his spear none the less, keeping its tip down.
"Traveler it's been a while !" he greeted them, his voice cheerful. "What brings you here ? Did'ya miss me too much ?"
Tartaglia gave a little tap on Traveler's shoulder, earning no reaction save from a long undecipherable stare. They handed him the enveloppe with little to no explanation, saying it came from Bubu Pharmacy, and the matter was closed. Sensing no distress in their behavior, Xiao lowered his weapon, trying his best to relax. "If Traveler sees no danger, there must be no danger", he thought but could hardly convince himself. The way the harbinger kept his hand on Traveler's shoulder when he turned his own empty stare to Xiao didn't help his case.
"Who's this comrade ? One of your adeptus friends ?"
"I'm not affraid of you", said his eyes.
There was just something off about him. Unsettling. "For Traveler, for Rex Lapis", Xiao thought, "give this man a chance".
"His name is Xiao," said the Traveler. They had never been good with introductions and small talk in general, but being introduced in such a brief way still stinged a little.
"Oh, you're that Xiao guy !" answered Tartaglia in a way that was definitely rude, but not ill-intended. He is young, Xiao remembered.
"Xiao," they turned to him, making a small hand gesture, "this is Childe. He's... Alright."
"You wound me comrade", he said with a faint groan, "Am I really just alright ? You could at least say I'm a fierce fighter !"
Traveler blinked but did not answer otherwise. Childe didn't seem to get the awkwardness of the moment, laughing alone and still patting the Traveler's shoulder. The lights were very yellow despite it being near noon, and the proximity of these two was somehow only making Xiao's unease worse.
"We're looking for Paimon", said Xiao straight to the point, not wishing to spend any more time than necessary in here. "She's probably with Yaoyao and Qiqi, have you seen any of them, Childe ?"
"Oh yeah !" he said. "Well, you two are in luck because I happen to know exactly where these little guys have gone."
"You do ?" Traveler's eagerness was showing in their voice.
"I'mma escort you there don't worry," Childe said with a wink that made Xiao's skin crawl.
"That won't be necessary", he said through gritted teeth.
"Oh no I insist" Childe kept the door open for them, "besides, I have some business there as well so why not go together ?"
"Do you wanna race downstairs with us ?" asked Traveler with a relaxed voice, and that may have been the last nail in Xiao's coffin, that or the sound of Childe's enthusiastic yes.
...
"Surprise !" everyone yelled when they set foot before Wanmin restaurant.
Traveler was speechless. Sure, they didn't have many words to begin with, but thinking back on it... Paimon isn't the best of liars, so when she was rambling about some "special occasion" she didn't want to elaborate on the prior day... That should have been a pretty obvious clue. This, and Verr Goldet insisting that they wear the new dress - and doing their makeup - and the way everyone was so... So... It was like no one was worried about Paimon's disappearance ! Well, if they had all knew their little companion was absolutely fine all along, it suddenly all made a lot more sense.
"It's our first meeting's anniversary Traveler", said Paimon who could barely contain her excitement. She's adorable, and her sparkles flickered around her to meet them. "Last year we were lost in the middle of Sumeru Desert so we couldn't really celebrate with everyone ! And the year before there was the Chasm situation, and before that we were stuck in Inazuma and training to slay an archon so... You know, it's been a really long while since you had a moment to relax, Paimon thought."
"Paimon came to me earlier this week in the teapot," explains Xiangling from behind the counter, she seems busy with something cooking - smells delicious, as expected from her - and waves her spatula to say hello. "We came up with this idea ! Happy four years on Teyvat !"
"Xiao said you were worried," continues Paimon bashfully, "Paimon hopes the surprise makes up for it !"
"And besides, we sent him to look after you" comes in Yanfei playfully, "looks like he did a pre-tty good job."
"Man," says Childe while stretching his arms, cat-like "I was so excited, dunno if I could've held my tongue as long as he did !"
This was nice. They had met so many friends in those three years, and most of them were gathered here for them. Not everyone, sure, but definitely more than they had seen all at once since the begining of their journey. Some of them, they hadn't seen in a hot minute, it was so nice to share a lovingly prepared meal with everyone...
"Oh no Traveler ! Are you crying ?" Said Paimon panicked, her mouth half-full, and everyone turned around worriedly, because yes, they were. "Please don't cry ! Paimon won't disappear anymore !"
"Thank you," they said, and it was a shame how weak their voice sounded, when their emotions were so strong. "Thank you everyone ! I am..."
Traveler sometimes wishes they had a tongue as incisive as AlHaitham's or an aura as bright as Itto's, but alas, speech isn't their strong suit - puzzles and swordfighting, that they can manage, but honnest, big talk ? Nope, too hard.
Thankfully this time, when tears - happy tears - erupt from their eyes, dozens of arms came forth to embrace ond console them. It was so sweet that even the more socially awkwards of their friends, the ones who don't know what embracing is for and how to perform it, were trying their hardest anyway. Traveler hugged back with force and love, and hoped this translated what they couldn't articulate.
...
"There you are." Traveler finished their ascension befor settling next to Xiao, seeming refreshed and content.
"Don't miss out on your party just for me", he said, unmoving.
The sun was setting in Liyue harbor, they partied all afternoon merrily. Some of their friends from afar were about to embark for the journey back home, some had long left - not without a mandatory goodbye hug - and atop the rooves of the city, the Vigilant Yaksha watched the day end peacefully.
"I'm good" answered Traveler simply. " 'Been looking for you, you vanished pretty early on."
"...Were you worried ?"
Traveler shaked their head no, "You're watching over me."
"I could fail."
"Yet you haven't, so far."
Xiao contemplated silently. This was nonsense, but hearing it still soothed some of his worries. A weigh settled on his shoulder, it was soft like hair and comfortable like a close person. Xiao didn't dare look.
"The view here is nice."
"I don't bother myself with such mortal concepts, the sea and the sun have been unchanged for millenias, so were sunsets." Xiao tried to deny, but felt his heart rate rise at the romantic implications.
"And yet, here you are." Traveler's tone was almost teasing, uncharacteristic of them, but the way Xiao flustered wasn't as ominous as he had feared. "I got these for you," they said, handing the more-expensive-than-you'd-think Qixin bouquet. "We had a nice day."
The flowers were in his hands and all of a sudden he didn't know where to put himself. Should he eat them ? Brew them in a special concoction to offer them back ? Or keep them in his personnal realm ? He doesn't get there often so they would probably have gotten wasted, forgotten about. Should he plant them somewhere safe and make a garden out of them, only for the two of them ? This sounded oddly intimate, was their relationship at the "cultivating a private garden together" stage, or was he reading too much into it ?
"... Thank you. " he settled for, after a long and silent minute.
Traveler - thank the archons - didn't seem bothered by his delayed response. They aren't the kind to find awkwardness in silence, after all. They stayed like this another few minutes while the night arose, before Traveler got back up, shaking some imaginary dust off their pretty dress.
"I should head back. They need help with cleaning." They turned around to face him before spreading their glider, "You should come too. It'll be calmer, less chaos, more working. You like those kind of things more, right ?"
"... I do."
"See you in a bit."
...