A Story - Xiaother

18/ 30k !!

This chapter is VERY LATE but yknow I got a life! I would very much like to thank alllll my followers and alll my readers - especially those who vote on every chapter- I see it- everytime I hit a new mark it encourages me to write even more and now we have reached 30k READS!! I hope to still be writing until we reach a 100k reads and so on. I love you all have a great day and be sure to vote on this weeks chapter! Kisses!~😘

Aether PoV

Well he got here quicker than I expected.

"eH?! PAIMON CALLED YOU LOTS AND YOU DIDN'T RESPOND!!!" - P

"I dont remember making a promise to you, or am I wrong?" - X

"Hmmph, just when Paimon was starting to actually li-" - P

I elbowed Paimon slightly just to tell her to shut up.

I cleared my throat, it was kinda awkward especially with the way Xiangling was staring so intently at Xiao even though I knew she had no such intentions. - plus how old even was she?-

Anyways there was no point be so jealous.

"Thank you for coming Xiao, we need your help with something." - A

"Who do I have to kill?" - X

"Uh- no one i just need you to taste something for us." - A

He relaxed his stiff shoulders.

"Alright....is that the dish?" - X

He pointed to the dish that Xiangling had in her hands, though she was still making googly eyes at him.

I tapped her slightly.

"Xiangling- the dish are you alright?" - A

She snapped back into reality and very eagerly pushed the dish into Xiaos hands her feet bouncing eagerly and her hands behind her back.

I didnt like the feeling in my stomach seeing him take the dish with no hesitation.

All 3 of us watched eagerly as he tasted the food, chewed and took another bite.
A few minutes later we all stood in awe as he completely finished the bowl handing it back to Xiangling who somehow seemed even happier.

I didnt like this.

At all.

I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the lump that formed in my throat.

"w-well then. How was it?" - A

He hummed and crossed his arms over his chest.

"It was delicious, I must say, no need for any adjustments. The taste and the texture balance out perfectly, not too much of one thing or another.I applaud you, young woman for your work." - X

Xiangling squealed and fist bumped the air, very happy with his comments on her food.

" Thank you Mr Adeptus, I really appreciate it especially coming from you!" - Xiangling

Paimon also applauded her and her and Xiao seemed to be having a strange conversation on the strangest foods they had eaten.

And I...

I couldn't remove my eyes from the floor.
Xiao- he had never talked about my food like that. I knew I was being selfish yet- to hear such words come from an absolute stranger hurt me. Why couldn't he praise me like that? I knew I was being ridiculous and jealous but could you blame me for having such thoughts?

My eyes started to well up, but I quickly sucked the tears back in. How could I cry over something  so little?

Paimon tapped me on my shoulder as I looked back to see all 3 them staring back at me.

Shit.

I had zoned out for too long.

I accidentally made eye contact with Xiao and quickly pulled my eyes away from his gaze, not missing how his face twitched in slight annoyance.

I felt like being a brat suddenly, to see how that made him feel.

" You okay Traveller?" - P

"I'm fine Paimon. Anyways the competition is in 2 days right?" - A

I turned to Xiangling to confirm it.

"Oh yes, I'll be busy but I've gotten all I need from you do take a break!" - Xiangling

'Perfect'

I turned back to Paimon.

"Well, I was thinking we could head to Dragonspine tomorrow and visit Albedo. It has been a while after all." - A

"Hm thats fine, but dont let him trick you into drinking potions this time!" - P

I saw Xiao in a deep breath at this, seemingly alarmed.

" Of course I wont I'm not stu-" - A

"Take me with you." - Xiao

I was surprised he gave in this easily.

"Huh?!" - P

" I will not repeat myself again. Meet me at Wangshuu Inn tomorrow and I will teleport us there, in the afternoon sharp. Dont be late." - Xiao

He teleported away in a flash of Anemo.

Paimon was too stunned.

" uh - does he always do that?" - Xiangling

I sighed and shook my head.

" it doesnt matter, anyway we'll head off to sleep now, today has been quite a day! We'll definitely be here for the competition though!" - A

"Yeah! We wouldn't miss the chance to see 2 good chefs compete!" - P

"We both know your there for the food, Paimon." - X

"H-hey!! What's that supposed to mean?!" - P

We departed with Xiangling and as soon as I wasnt distracted the feeling of envy and jealousy sprouted again in my stomach.

Ignoring all of Paimons silly chattering, I smiled to myself after all-

Sir Albedo would be my test subject this time around.