Put the pieces back: Sequel (Xiao x fem!reader)

She's gone

3rd pov:

On top of a mountain on the edge of Liyue, a beautiful (f/c) sakura tree stands, curving its roots around the ground where the stone table stands.

Unknowing of its story, citizens wander around in the lands of Liyue, continuing their business.

A young blonde male wanders around in the city, looking for some nice (favorite flowers) to put next to the tree.

Aether and Paimon looked around the stalls until they found the perfect ones.

-

Back in the mountain, a young adeptus walks towards the small lake.

He slowly dips his feet into the water and stood there.

Completely free from pain, feeling just like a happy mortal person would.
Except, he wasn't happy.

Under his eyes, darkened skin tone could be found, showing how tired he really is.

"Hey Xiao!!!!" A high pitched voice yells.

Paimon flew over to Xiao who was still standing in the water looking at where she emerged from.

Aether walked right behind her.

"Good morning Xiao!" He greeted, a bouquet of (favorite flowers) in his hands.

"We came to deliver some flowers to Y/n, before we head off to explore this new cave-like place we found." Aether informed the adeptus.

Xiao turned to face Aether as he placed the flowers next to the roots of the tree.

Xiao cracks a small smile at the gesture.

Aether turned back to face Xiao, his eyes immediately see the how tired Xiao looks.

"Still no sleep?" Aether asked with worry in his voice.

Xiao finally spoke. "I don't know what is happening. I just cannot fall asleep no mater how much I try. It's been three weeks." He said. His voice had a hint of sadness in it.

"Maybe it's because you've been sleeping a lot all these months?" Aether suggested and walked up to Xiao.

"That shouldn't affect me." Xiao simply stated.

To anyone else, it would seem that Xiao was just sleepy and angry because of the lack of sleep.

When in reality, he was just annoyed at the fact he hadn't seen Y/n these past weeks.

These past two years, Xiao had not been separated from her for more than a week.

"I can ask Zhongli if he has some sleeping pills for you, would that help?" Aether asked.

Xiao nodded, "I'd like that." He accepted.

"Then we'll see you soon Xiao!" Aether said and walked to the edge of the mountain.

"Come on Paimon!" Aether called for Paimon, as he jumped off the edge and used his wind glider to safely land on the ground bellow the mountain.