･ﾟ✧ it’s been a whole year — and it is aether’s second chance at experiencing the lantern rite. this year though, he’s a little more tired; this year, there is a lot more understanding and a lot more that weighs heavy on his shoulders. even with paimon’s constant presence, always chattering about something or showing off or begging for food, aether feels more alone now than he felt last year.
in that, he remembers a promise made: call out my name. it is the promise of an adeptus who too, carries too much weight on his shoulders and aether never once thought to call out for one adeptus xiao no matter how much his heart crumbled nor when he thought that the raiden shogun would slice him in two at the entrance of tenshukaku. xiao has enough to think about than a traveler from the stars who is just a fleeting presence in a long existence.
still, this is the lantern rite. this is a celebration of the adepti and all they’ve done for liyue, and without xiao, aether isn’t sure he would even be standing here. perhaps he should do something -
he’s distracted from his thoughts as paimon appears in a flurry of stars and aether turns his head to her as she puts her tiny hands on her hips. she floats far too close to him for comfort and aether leans his head away, his nose crinkling with the frown on his lips. “ paimon, what are you doing - ”
“ you know - ” she starts in on her chastising voice and aether gives her a sigh. “ if paimon didn’t know any better, she would think you totally forgot that it’s the lantern rite. ” she gives him a look, as if she’s disappointed. “ what do you say about visiting xiao? paimon bets he’s lonely! ” aether narrows his eyes at her, waiting for her real point. “ and! of course we have to make him some almond tofu ~~ you’ll make some for paimon too, won’t you? ” aether sighs. ah yes, there it is. paimon’s second stomach speaking loud and clear.
“ i was already planning on it, paimon. you seem to care more about your stomach than about him, though. ” aether is careful not to say xiao’s name, too conscious of potentially bringing the adeptus to them even just by accident. he ends up giving the small .. pixie .. whatever she is a poke in the belly. “ we’re heading to the waypoint now. do you think your three stomachs can last until we get to the wangshu inn? ”
“ hey! paimon does not have three stomachs! just one for food, and one for special drinks! ” she screeches irritably, stomping her foot in midair and flipping in another flurry of the stars. “ but let’s get going ~ ”
_______________________
it is dark by the time they arrive at wangshu with the ingredients and finish cooking the almond tofu in just the right way. aether is careful this time, more careful than he’s ever been to make sure that the consistency is just right - after all, he is offering an adeptus a gift on a day that’s made for him. with paimon’s squeals of delight while eating her portion with vigour, aether makes his way up to the roof of the inn with the plate in his hand.
as aether climbs, he sees the light of hundreds of lanterns floating to the sky. he’s not sure if he’ll find xiao here or not, but it’s usually the easiest place to find him when he’s looking. he doesn’t even have a chance to take a look before paimon appears again at his side, calling out in a loud, annoying tone, “ adeptus xiaoooo! we’re here to keep you company! and the traveler brought you something yummy! ” aether gives her an exasperated look, but finally makes it to the roof with a mutter of a warning, “ don’t be so annoying or you really will become emergency food. ”
we have always had enough time, @primoire