Chapter Text
Aether stands still, his breathing is steady, his petit frame is relaxed, but his mind is not. He's telling himself to focus on the target, on the weight of the fake axe in his hand, not on the ocean-deep voice and the hot breath brushing Aether's flushed ears.
"Eye on the target"
Yeah, saying that but not specify which target he should focus on: the bullseye or that sharp jawline and thin lips and...
Aether tries not to direct his ogling to the sexy coach, who is helping him to land his first axe.
"You're tense" The coach comments. His fingers make their way to Aether's shoulder.
"So...sorry, s-sir"
Aether's heart is on fire when the coach places his hand on Aether's shoulder. The blond feels a sensation run through his spine at the thought of how good he would feel if those fingers dance on his naked skin.
He hears the coach chuckle.
"No need to address me like that. Call me Xiao"
"Y-Yes Xiao!!!"
Oops, Aether didn't mean to shout. But he can't help it! Who gives this sexy coach the right to allow Aether to call his name? And holy molly, even his name sounds hot...
Aether wants to dig a hole and hide but earning another deep chuckle from Xiao is worth the embarrassment.
"Your pose is surprisingly outstanding for a beginner, keep up with that"
Upon hearing the compliments, Aether says a silent thank to Dain who did not give up and kept nagging Aether to practice archery. Hurray to all the after-school hours to practice posing and listening to Dain's lecture about composure and stance.
"Now we just need you to work on your arms."
Xiao moves closer, guiding Aether's hands over the blond's head.
"Imagine you are throwing a ball"
When Xiao brings Aether's hands forward, the blond tries his best to hold back gulping. Being too close to this sexy coach doesn't help Aether concentrate at all.
"...now you can use the real axe"
Xiao turns to look at Aether, snapping the blond out of his fantasy. Aether smiles awkwardly and takes the real axe from Xiao.
It's as heavy as the bow he uses.
Xiao steps backward and finally, Aether can breathe again.
He takes a long breath, arms gripping the axe, bringing the axe back directly over his head. Sweat dripping from the smooth forehead, down the flushed cheek under the hot breath of sun, down the pressed plump lips, and landing on the hot ground. Shyness disappears from the pool of golden. The determination in those honey irises rivals the blazing summer sun.
Aether swings his arms forward in a swift motion.
THUD
The axe lands directly at the bullseye.
Aether grins at that. He hears a small clap and when he turns to look at Xiao, the blond forgets how to breathe.
Ray of sun dances on Xiao's shoulders as he makes his way to Aether. His thin lips curve into a smirk. Xiao stands next to Aether, lifting the shaky hand to his toned chest.
"Congratz on hitting the bullseye"