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If Xiao had been a little bit more late, Aether would be filled with way more serious wounds than he is right now. Or at least that's what Xiao thinks. He's currently attending Aether's injuries at the top of Mt. Aocang, where he had carried Aether right after defeating the monsters he had found him fighting with.
The yaksha was not pleased with how reckless Aether was. He was so bad at taking care of himself, it angered him greatly. Xiao was convinced it annoyed him this much because he'd have to rescue Aether every time, completely ignoring the genuine worry he felt for him. He just cared maybe a bit too much for the Traveler.
"It's really not that serious! I've had way more bad wounds and I always end up just fine!!" said Aether with a reassuring smile, because he was right. His injuries weren't anything bad at all but Xiao was so carefully treating them. He was truly overreacting this time. Aether thought it was kind of adorable.
"Why do you look so happy? You're hurt. And you're smiling? You humans are truly incomprehensible." Xiao genuinely didn't understand what was pleasant enough for Aether to be so happy about, in a moment like this. Maybe, he really wasn't that hurt, but the few scratches he has must still be painful.
"It's because I got to see you again."
Xiao froze in place when he heard that. He looked up at Aether but the sight left him speechless, Aether was looking at him so sincerely. "I mean, we do hang out pretty often, but it is always for such short periods of time" He sighed in disappointment. "I know you said I could call your name whenever I needed you but, I wouldn't want to trouble you too much. So, having the chance to finally spend more time with you, how can I not be excited!"
Xiao remained still for a couple seconds more before continuing to attend Aether. The idea of him liking his company so much wasn't something that had occured to him. Was his presence really enough to make Aether bloom with such joy? Just that? It couldn't be right.
"I thought I had already warned you about getting too close. You'll gain nothing good from spending time with me." Xiao said while finishing up the last bandage around Aether's wrist. He wasn't looking at him anymore.
"You're going to regret it."
"I'd never regret spending a single second with you." Aether grabbed Xiao's hand before he ran away, from this moment. Xiao's was suprised by the sudden proximity, they were so close.
"Xiao, you keep going on about "stay away from me" this, "see me only as a weapon" that... But you know, out of all the people of Liyue, you're the only one who takes care of me so gently, and the only one who never asks for anything back." He pulled Xiao even closer to him, starting to make the Yaksha feel nervous. "I think... You're a really admirable person, Xiao" he said and smiled sweetly again. How can Aether remain calm while saying something like that?
"You..." Xiao wanted to say something but the words weren't coming out of his mouth, he was too busy looking at Aether. He looked so full of desicion and... too precious, his eyes filled with nothing but adoration for the Yaksha. He really meant it.
"You've only brought nothing but good things to my life, Xiao, you... You really have no idea how grateful I am." Now it was Aether's turn to look away, a shade of pink adorning his face. He was about to do something embarrasing.
"In fact, I can show you just how much I'd devote myself to you."
Before Xiao could comprehend what Aether had just said, he took Xiao's hand and brought it close to his face. He looked at Xiao one last time before closing his eyes and tenderly kissing his gloved hand.
Xiao's eyes widened, red spreading all over his face. "W-What are you doing that for?!"
Aether looked at him with honey eyes, like they were shining with love. "I'm worshiping you, Oh Vigilant Yaksha" he said with the brightest smile, softly pressing Xiao's hand close to his cheeks now.
Xiao quickly looked away attempting to hide his blush. He couldn't bear to look at Aether anymore, not like this, while saying such embarrassing nonsense, making him feel so vulnerable and flustered, just what was Aether doing to him? Is this how they normally show gratitude to deities where he comes from?
Aether chuckled sweetly at the sight of Xiao being shy. The Yaksha never attempted to take away his hand from him, so he kept holding it, softly kissing it now and then. It was driving Xiao crazy, but even if he didn't know at this very moment, he loved this so, so much. He loved how Aether looked at him like he deserved to have his every desire fulfilled. Like he was ready to fulfill Xiao's desires himself.