How Do Aether X Xiao Fanfictions Reimagine Their Reunion In Liyue Harbor?

If you're hunting for slow-burn 'Aether x Xiao' fanfiction, I get the thrill — there's something about Xiao's standoffish vibe slowly thawing toward the Traveler that hits me in the soft spot every time. My go-to spot is 'Genshin Impact' sections on Archive of Our Own because AO3 has the best tagging system for exactly the kind of pacing you want. I usually set fandom to 'Genshin Impact', relationship to 'Aether/Xiao' (or 'Xiao/Aether' — authors swap order), then add a tag filter like 'slow burn' or 'mutual pining'. Sorting by kudos or hits helps me find long, well-loved serials that take their time building tension. I also follow a few authors whose style I trust — if one of their stories nails the pacing, I check their bookmarks and series for hidden gems. FanFiction.net and Wattpad are useful too, but they need a bit more patience. On fanfiction.net, I rely on Google site searches like site:fanfiction.net "Aether Xiao" "slow burn" because the site's native filters aren't as tag-friendly. Wattpad tends to be hit-or-miss, but if you search tags 'Aether x Xiao', 'slow burn', 'slow-burn', or 'slowburn' you'll often find multi-chapter romances and AUs that stretch the teasing-out of feelings across many updates. Tumblr is great for one-shots and rec lists — search tags like 'AetherXiao fic recs', 'Xiao x Aether fic', or 'slow burn xiao', and you'll find curated lists or thread-style recs where people drop links to complete series. Reddit communities, especially the 'r/Genshin_Impact' fanfic threads or dedicated fanfiction subreddits, are fantastic when you want personal recs; I once posted a request while on my lunch break and got a page-long list from people who wrote exactly the slow-burn vibes I was after. A few search tips that saved me hours: try variations of the tag — 'slow burn', 'slow-burn', 'slowburn', 'mutual pining', 'will they/won't they' — because authors use different phrasing. For deeper slow-burns, prefer multi-chapter works or filter by word count (I look for 30k+ to get more breathing room). Also scan content warnings and ratings; many slow-burns explore heavy themes like trauma, healing, or mature romance, so be ready to check triggers and the tag list. If an author marks a work as 'Series', follow the series page to keep reading in order — nothing kills immersion faster than reading chapters out of sequence. Personally, I like finding an author whose voice resonates and then bingeing their backlog between commutes — there’s a cozy satisfaction to watching Xiao's guarded lines break down over dozens of chapters while I sip tea. If you want, tell me whether you prefer canon-era slow-burn (post-event healing, gradual confession) or AU domestic/college vibes, and I can point you to places to look or suggest search phrases that fit the mood. I'm always excited to swap recs or help narrow things down based on tone and content warnings, because some slow-burns are gentle and careful while others are angsty and painstakingly slow in the best way.

Xiao and Aether’s moments in fanfiction often revolve around themes of loneliness and healing. I’ve read countless stories where Xiao’s karmic debt becomes a central conflict, and Aether’s unwavering support helps him confront his inner demons. One particularly moving fic had Xiao reliving his past tragedies through dreams, and Aether staying by his side through every nightmare, even when Xiao pushed him away. The emotional weight of Xiao finally opening up about his guilt and Aether reassuring him that he’s not alone always gets me. Another heart-wrenching moment I’ve seen is when Xiao sacrifices himself to protect Aether, only for Aether to defy fate and bring him back. These stories often explore the idea of redemption and the power of unconditional love, making their bond feel even more profound. I’ve also come across fics where Aether’s own struggles with being a traveler from another world mirror Xiao’s isolation. In one story, Aether confesses his fear of losing everyone he cares for, and Xiao, despite his own pain, promises to stay by his side. The way these two characters find solace in each other’s company, despite their vastly different experiences, is beautifully portrayed. Some writers even delve into Xiao’s fear of hurting Aether with his karmic energy, leading to moments of heartbreaking self-sacrifice. The emotional depth in these fics is incredible, and they often leave me reflecting on the power of connection and healing.

Exploring the emotional bond between Aether and Xiao after the Chasm quest in fanfiction often delves into themes of vulnerability and mutual understanding. Writers frequently depict Aether as the only one who can break through Xiao’s emotional barriers, using their shared experiences in the Chasm as a turning point. I’ve read stories where Aether’s unwavering patience helps Xiao confront his karmic debt, leading to heartfelt conversations under starry skies or during quiet moments at Wangshu Inn. These fics emphasize tactile intimacy—Aether brushing away Xiao’s tears or their fingers accidentally touching during combat training. Some narratives even introduce dream sequences where they relive Liyue’s past together, blending history with personal catharsis. The best works balance Xiao’s stoicism with gradual emotional thawing, showing how Aether’s presence becomes his anchor in a chaotic world. Another angle I love is how fanfics reinterpret Xiao’s protective instincts post-Chasm. Instead of distancing himself, he becomes fiercely possessive of Aether, though he’d never admit it. Stories might have him tracking Aether’s travels discreetly or intervening in battles before Aether gets hurt. Writers cleverly use Liyue’s lore to deepen their bond—like Aether learning ancient Yaksha songs to soothe Xiao’s pain, or Xiao sharing fragments of his memories through enchanted glaze lilies. The Chasm’s darkness often symbolizes their emotional struggles, making their eventual closeness feel earned. For a fresh take, I recommend fics where they adopt a stray cat together—it’s unexpectedly wholesome how Xiao pretends indifference while secretly spoiling the creature.

I’ve devoured countless 'Genshin Impact' fics, and Aether/Xiao stories that nail Xiao’s vulnerability often focus on tactile hesitance. Writers depict him flinching at sudden touches initially, his centuries of solitude making physical intimacy foreign. One fic had Aether patiently teaching him to hold hands—Xiao’s fingers trembling like a startled bird’s wings. Others explore his aversion to praise; he’ll stiffen when called beautiful, as if kindness burns worse than karmic debt. The best moments show vulnerability through contrasts: Xiao’s lethal precision with a polearm versus his clumsy attempts at cuddling, or his growls dissolving into shaky breaths when Aether traces his scars. Some fics use Liyue’s lanterns as a metaphor—Xiao learning to lower his defenses like lanterns released into the sky, bit by bit.

Xiao and Aether’s unspoken feelings during battles are a recurring theme in many fanfics I’ve come across. One standout story explores their dynamic during the chaos of the Chasm, where their shared moments of silence speak louder than words. The fic dives into Xiao’s internal struggle with his karmic debt and how Aether’s presence becomes a grounding force for him. The battles are intense, but it’s the quiet moments afterward—Aether tending to Xiao’s wounds or Xiao silently watching over Aether—that truly capture their bond. The writer masterfully uses the environment of Liyue to mirror their emotions, with the golden hues of the sunset symbolizing their growing connection. I particularly love how the fic doesn’t rush their relationship but lets it unfold naturally through shared battles and mutual respect. It’s a slow burn that feels authentic to their characters, and the way their unspoken feelings are portrayed is both subtle and powerful. Another aspect I appreciate is how the fic incorporates their fighting styles into their emotional connection. Xiao’s swift, almost reckless movements contrast with Aether’s calculated precision, and this difference becomes a metaphor for their personalities. The fic also touches on Aether’s loneliness as a traveler and how Xiao’s presence fills that void, even if neither of them acknowledges it outright. The battles are not just physical but emotional, as they both confront their fears and insecurities. The fic ends on a hopeful note, with a promise of more adventures together, leaving readers eager for more. It’s a beautiful exploration of their relationship that stays true to the essence of 'Genshin Impact'.

I’ve come across several 'Genshin Impact' fanfics that delve into Xiao and Aether’s relationship through the theme of sacrifice, and one that stands out is 'Echoes of the Yaksha'. This story beautifully intertwines Xiao’s duty as a protector of Liyue with Aether’s relentless quest to find his sister. The narrative explores how Xiao’s self-sacrificial nature clashes with Aether’s determination to save him from his own burdens. The fic dives deep into their emotional struggles, portraying Xiao’s internal conflict between his karmic debt and his growing feelings for Aether. Aether, on the other hand, is depicted as someone who refuses to let Xiao shoulder his pain alone, often putting himself in danger to prove that Xiao’s life is worth more than his sacrifices. The story also incorporates moments of quiet intimacy, like Xiao teaching Aether how to meditate to calm his restless spirit, or Aether cooking for Xiao to remind him of the simple joys in life. The climax involves a heart-wrenching scene where Xiao nearly sacrifices himself to save Liyue, only for Aether to intervene, risking everything to bring him back. The fic ends on a hopeful note, with both characters learning to balance their duties with their desire to protect each other. It’s a poignant exploration of love, duty, and the lengths one would go to for the person they care about. Another aspect I appreciate is how the fic incorporates Liyue’s lore, using the Yaksha’s history to add depth to Xiao’s character. The author also weaves in subtle nods to Aether’s journey across Teyvat, making the story feel grounded in the 'Genshin Impact' universe. The writing is lyrical, with vivid descriptions of Liyue’s landscapes and the emotional weight of each scene. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves Xiao and Aether’s dynamic and wants to see their relationship explored through the lens of sacrifice.

Xiao x Aether slow-burn fics often focus on emotional depth and gradual connection. I’ve read so many where Aether’s relentless kindness chips away at Xiao’s walls, showing how he learns to trust again. These stories usually start with Xiao’s aloofness, his fear of hurting others with his karmic debt, and Aether’s patient persistence. Over time, their bond grows through shared battles and quiet moments, like stargazing on Wangshu Inn’s balcony. Writers love exploring Xiao’s internal conflict—his duty as a yaksha versus his growing feelings for Aether. The slow-burn aspect is beautifully handled, with small gestures like Aether bringing him almond tofu or Xiao silently protecting him during quests. The best fics make their romance feel earned, not rushed, and often include heart-wrenching moments where Xiao finally admits his feelings, fearing he’s unworthy of love. I’ve also noticed how these fics delve into Aether’s perspective, showing his loneliness as a traveler and how Xiao becomes his anchor in Teyvat. The emotional payoff is always worth the wait, especially when Xiao’s stoic exterior cracks, revealing his vulnerability. Some fics even explore how their relationship impacts the world around them, like how the other adepti or the Traveler’s companions react. It’s a testament to how well writers understand these characters, crafting a romance that feels true to their personalities and the world of 'Genshin Impact'.

Xiao and Aether’s dynamic in fanfiction often expands on their canon interactions by diving deeper into their emotional connection. Many stories explore Xiao’s stoic exterior cracking as Aether’s persistent kindness slowly breaks through his walls. I’ve read fics where Xiao becomes Aether’s protector in a more personal sense, not just as a guardian of Liyue but as someone who genuinely cares for his well-being. These narratives often highlight their shared loneliness—Aether as a traveler from another world and Xiao as a yaksha burdened by centuries of battle. Some fics even reimagine their relationship as a slow-burn romance, with Xiao learning to trust and open up in ways the game only hints at. I particularly enjoy stories where Aether helps Xiao confront his past, offering him a sense of peace he’s never known. The way writers balance Xiao’s aloofness with Aether’s warmth creates a compelling dynamic that feels true to their characters while adding layers of depth. Another common theme is the exploration of their shared battles. Fanfics often depict them fighting side by side, with Xiao teaching Aether the intricacies of Liyue’s history and Aether offering Xiao a fresh perspective on life. These stories sometimes include moments of vulnerability, like Xiao admitting his fears of losing Aether to the dangers of Teyvat. I’ve also seen fics where Aether’s presence helps Xiao reconnect with the world, encouraging him to step out of his self-imposed isolation. The blend of action and emotional growth in these stories makes them stand out, offering a richer take on their canon interactions.