Gravityy

Only one day is left before the grand tournament and while Aether is a mess of nerves for Xiao, Xiao on the other hand is glowing like a bright star. Aether eventually decided to not take part in the tournament as he doesn't feel ready yet. But he's glad he could be of help to Xiao with his training.

They became good friends when they met but Aether has felt a change in their dynamics the previous week. Xiao doesn't really treat him like a friend but Aether can't really put a finger on their relationship. Maybe it's because they are both part of the same club and that's the reason Aether feels comfortable with Xiao.

But anyways, it's the last day of practice and Xiao says they only have to practice for an hour and call it a day. After all, Xiao needs his rest.

"You look more nervous than I am" Xiao comments on their way back from the cafe. After training they decided to hang around and grab a quick bite.'

"I'm always nervous" Aether bites into the straw of his hot chocolate, "It's just that, it's a big big tournament you know." he looks towards Xiao, taking out the straw from his mouth. Xios gaze follows his lips but Aether doesn't notice. "I've never been to such tournaments, let alone witnessing a friend take part in one."

"Cute " Xiao mutters under his breath as he ruffles Aethers head.

"Heyy" Aether grabs Xiao hand and pushes it away to settle down his puffed up strands.

"Look what you've done." Aether pouts "Now I look like I just woke up."

"You look fine." Xiao smiles at Aether. "It's getting late, let's head to the bus station."

They reach the waiting area and wait for Aethers bus to arrive.

"Hey, I've been wondering," Aether settles his bag on his shoulder " Which bus do you take? I always leave first so I never know."

"Oh umm" Xiao coughs in his hands and looks like a deer caught in headlights " I take the bus after this one."

"Ohh" Aether wonders "where do you live by the way? Venti never mentioned."

"I...umm" Xiao hesitates "Oh, your bus is here."

"But you-" Aether is interrupted by Xiao pushing him into the bus and saying their byes. As Aether sits and waits for his destination, he wonders what made Xiao so nervous and secretive.

"Weird" Aether murmurs as the sky turns darker and the street lights turn on, cascading glows on the houses passing away in distance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day, Aether is met with an enthusiastic Venti ushering him over to take his seat in the stadium. The music is blaring so loud that Aether feels like he might go deaf. He takes a seat next to Venti, Albedo sitting on Ventis right, looking at Aether, his mouth moving but no sound can be heard.

"What" Aether leans over to hear better and screams.

"I said I'm going to get some snacks. What do you want?" Albedo screams back with a comic face. It makes Aether burst out laughing as he has never seen Albedo so out of character screaming like a maniac.

"Get me whatever you are getting." Aether replies still chuckling. Albedo rolls his eyes and gets up to get his stuff.

"Sooo, what do you think about your boy-" Venti coughs "I mean Xiao's preparation for the tournament?"

"I think he'll do great." Aether replies determinately "But what were you supposed to say before? What boy?"

"Oh oh it's starting." Venti gets distracted by the announcement and bounces on his seat "They're gonna announce the schedule on site."

Albedo returns to his seat and hands over some Chips and a cola to Aether and Venti.

"I guess it's starting" Albedo comments and opens up his pack of Classic Lays.

"Look look, they displayed it on board" Venti points towards the LED screen on their right side.

"Oh, Xiao's match is in third place." Albedo comments while munching his Lays. "Did you meet him before coming here, Aether?"

"Nup" Aether sips on his cola, "The coach was panicking and was all over the place so he was busy instructing them and what not."

"I guess we have to wait till the match then" Venti comments and settles down as the announcer announces the first match.

The first match was fairly decent, both participants were equally matched in strength so it kept the audience on their toes all the time. The second one was good too but one of the participants kept making mistakes. Poor boy was probably nervous.

By the time Xiao came in, they had finished all their snacks and were ready to cheer him on.

"Next is Xiao, representing The International University of Mondstat." The announcer said and they all jumped up to cheer him on. Xiao took his place on the platform and bowed, his opponent imitating him.

On the sound of the whistle, the match started and before Aether could register what had happened, the opponent was on the ground. The referee gives the win to Xiao with a straight up arm and the stadium roars along with Aether. Xiao achieved an Ippon, similar to a knockout, so the match ended instantly. Aether and Venti cheers till Xiao spots them and puts up a hand in wave. Aether gives him a thumbs up enthusiastically, grinning.

Xiao's match for today has ended within seconds.

"Go get Xiao, we'll wait here." Venti tells Aether.

"Oh, okay." Aether rises from his seats and makes his way towards the waiting rooms. He's met with Xiao putting on his normal shoes, tying the laces with concentration.

"Hey champion" Aether grins and ruffles his hair.

"What champion?" Xiao finishes and looks up, a smile lingering on his lips "It was one match and the poor guy was probably a beginner." He gets up and they make their way towards the audience seats.

"Man you just sent woosh." Aether makes a flying gesture with his hand and beams "I didn't even get to see what happened"

Xiao smiles fondly and gestures to Aethers chest, "Look"

Aether looks down only to be met with Xiao's finger smacking him in the nose. He held his nose and looked at Xiao.

"You didn't see that coming either." Xiao says smugly. He grabs Aethers hand and leads him toward the seats "Come, the next match is about to start."

"Did you just call me slow witted?" Aether says, his mind still processing Xiao's little joke. "How rude!"

They bicker, actually Aether bickers, until they reach their seats

"Took you forever" Venti grins at them and winks at Xiao. Aether doesn't want to know what that wink meant.

"You guys settle down, it's time for the next match." Albedo comments and he's once again munching on some snacks. Aether didn't know he was such a foodie.

They settle down and the next match begins. As one of the contestants tries to throw down the other, a warning gets issued by the referee.

"What was that about?" Aether wonders aloud.

"He got a Keikoku." Xiao replies and then explains "He entangled the other with his leg, which is not allowed and is a big rule violation. So the other dude will be given a point."

"Ohhh," Aether makes an O with his lips. Xiao's gaze lingers there for a second before he says "I have something important to tell you after the tournament."

"Why after?" Aether makes a confused face, brows furrowing "You can't tell me now?" Aether looks at Xiao, barely missing his starring.

"Mhm. I'll tell you after." Xiao says and straightens back to observe the match. They share tips and tricks during the match, enlightening Aethers knowledge about Judo and the rest of the day goes by peacefully.

Notes:

Hey guys, Sorry for the delay. I got side tracked.

Anyways, I hope you guys are doing well and taking good care of you beautiful selves.

I had a stroke reading Judo rules xD

I don.t know how long it'll take till next update but I'll try to make it before my exams start because then I'll be gone for a while.

But all that aside, I hope you enjoy the build up.