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The Lantern Rite ended just as swiftly as it had began and just like that, Liyue Harbour was back to normal. The festival felt like a fleeting memory in Xiao's mind, a mere fragment of his lifespan.
The only thing that remained were the results of the confession and his kiss with Aether. The two of them decided to take things slow, since neither of them had much experience yet.
Besides, both of them had gotten busy with their duties. Aether being the ever so helpful person he is plus the ongoing search for his sister, and Xiao still being bound to his duty. When he had the opportunity, he would try to look out for anyone that looked similar to the outlander, but to no avail. Both kept themselves busy.
When they do meet, however, the adeptus finds himself cherishing those moments, because they happen to be when he was most at ease.
Tonight was one of those instances. The both of them sat atop the roof of Wangshu Inn, their usual meeting spot as they watched the stars and spoke. Paimon had gone to sleep a while ago after having a hearty meal prepared by Smiley Yanxiao. Since it was only the both of them left awake, they conversed into the night. Their words were carried away by the carefree breeze. The cold made Aether shiver.
"Should we go inside? You might catch a cold," Xiao suggested, ready to stand up from his spot next to him. He didn't want the other to get sick.
"No, it's alright. It's just chilly, that's all," Aether shrugged off the scarf around his neck and wrapped them around his arms in an attempt to warm himself.
Then an arm reached over his back. The blond smiled as the adeptus pulled him closer to him to share body heat. It's a sweet gesture to him, especially since Xiao wasn't always physically affectionate.
"Is this warm enough?"
"Yes. Thank you," Aether rested his head on his shoulder and stared at the horizon. Both of them basked in the comfortable silence.
"Aether?" Xiao suddenly called his name.
"Hmm?" He lifted his head to look up at him. The shadows casted over his face by the moonlight serves to make him more beautiful as it illuminates his golden locks perfectly.
"Aren't you tired yet?"
"No, not at all," the blond shook his head. "Are you?" He asked, despite knowing the answer.
"Likewise," Xiao figures Aether knows well enough by now that adepti did not require sleep like humans, but simply asked out of consideration for the other.
"Okay," Aether rested his head on Xiao's shoulder again. His scent was somewhat wistful, something akin to what he imagined dreams would smell like if they had a scent. He remembered his lover had mentioned his ability to eat dreams, and he wonders if that's what the scent is.
"By the way Xiao, have you ever danced before?"
"Danced?" Xiao blinked at his lover. He adjusted the position of his arm so he could keep him closer for warmth, before continuing, "no. It's only something mortals do. I have no use for dancing."
Lies, Xiao's fighting style was like a dance in itself already. It was an art that never failed to captivate Aether. How he swings his body with his spear as an extension, how he kicks it and jumps to the sky, only to plunge down like a meteorite; it's a form of its own.
"Do you want to learn anyway? It's fun," the traveller beamed. He lifted his head again and looked up at him in anticipation.
"Is it different from what the Hilichurls do?" Xiao asked.
Aether laughed. His mellifluous voice rang out into the night. He cupped his mouth to prevent any further loud laughter because he doesn't want to wake anyone who could be sleeping at the inn. After he settled down, he wiped a tear from his face and turned towards Xiao, who observed him with a small smile.
"It's very different, I assure you. I learned this while I was in another world," Aether stood up and jumped down from the roof to the floor below. "We're going to need more space for it though."
"Very well." The adeptus follows and lands beside him effortlessly.
The traveller then takes one hand in his and directed Xiao to place his free hand on his shoulder. "What are you doing?"
"This is how we'll dance. Don't worry, I'll lead," Aether assured him as he slots his other hand on Xiao's waist. "Are you ready?"
Xiao nodded and the blond begins to move. The taller boy had no problem leading their waltz, it felt like they were gliding across the balcony. It made the yaksha feel warm inside and out.
"You're pretty good at this," Xiao complimented him, allowing his sweetheart to sway him.
"I had practice," Aether smiled with a brightness that could rival the sun. The sight thaws his cold heart.
Before he could admire him further, the traveller had dipped him, catching him by surprise. In fact, he's so caught off guard by the move that he allowed himself to giggle.
Just like that, Aether is mesmerized by him. He wished he would laugh like that more often, but at the same time he doesn't. Because Xiao's laugh is a rare gem that he wants to learn to cherish and appreciate. He pulled him up again and their eyes meet; gold and gold, a perfect match.
"Can I kiss you..?" Aether asked.
"Yes," Xiao's hand on his shoulder slowly moved up to cup Aether's face, while Aether's hand on the side of his waist snakes around the entirety of his back.
Their lips connect like magnets and they kiss each other fervently. When they pull away from each other, their faces are flush and their breaths are warm against each other's cheeks.
"I love you," Aether said with ease.
"I love you too," Xiao doesn't hesitate this time, because it's a time he has learned to cherish.
Afterwards, they sleep in each other's embrace as always, though this time Aether's head is resting on Xiao's broad chest.
He feels safe around him, and Xiao is more than happy to be his sanctuary.
When the morning filtered through the window of their room in pale gold, Xiao is awake to the sight of his sleeping lover. He's smiling contently as he slumbered, not a single dream able to disturb his rest.
The adeptus adjusted his position so he would be more comfortable and wrapped his arms around him, cuddling the sleeping traveller. The gesture made him stir in his sleep.
"Xiao...?"
"Go back to sleep, you need more rest," Xiao kissed his golden locks, the familiar gesture making Aether feel comforted and loved.
"What about you..? Are you leaving..?" Aether looked up at him as he struggles to keep his tired eyes open.
"Not yet. Don't worry," He responds.
Aether nuzzles the yaksha's collarbone. "Good. I want to hold you a little longer."