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“Xiao?”
“Mhm…?”
“I love you.”
“Aether…” Xiao sighs out fondly, looking away from the book he’s skimming over to the blonde sprawled over his lap. He takes his hand and gently brushes away some of the hair on Aether’s forehead, then leaning down in order to leave a kiss right above his eyebrow. When pulling away, he squints at Aether’s pouty look and blows lightly onto his face. “Don’t look at me like that. I love you too, you’re simply silly for saying it over and over again today.”
“...Mmmmph.” Aether lets his head fall onto Xiao’s leg, “..I just love you a-lot.” He says, voice slightly muffled.
“I know you do.” Xiao lays his book off to the side on the bed, “You should be sleeping, you know.” He comments, eyes flickering to the window where the stars are shining high in the sky. “..We both have to be up quite early.”
“Shouldn’t you be sleeping too then?” Aether huffs out, adjusting his face so just his cheek is on Xiao’s leg rather than his whole face.
“Mm.. I only need sleep once in a while.” Xiao caresses the blonde’s exposed cheek after looking back, rubbing his thumb right near his eye and smiling just a little in amusement when Aether melts into the touch. “As for you… You may be immortal, but your physical form needs much more rest than mine ever will.”
“You could always sleep with me though…” Aether practically whines, though it’s light-hearted and tired sounding as the blonde slowly loses the fight to stay awake.
“How would I keep the nightmares away if I had to sleep with you all the time?” Xiao runs his thumb over Aether’s forehead, “...I prefer to watch over you anyways. You’re always so peaceful when you’re asleep.”
Aether’s face immediately flushes a light red and he looks away from Xiao’s eyes, pout deepening on his face. “You… I guess you’re right.” Aether bashfully admits with a huff, “My dreams… Are happier, because of you.” Whereas before… They were mostly nightmarish and kept him awake for days. So he was grateful for Xiao. So very grateful.
“I’m glad.” Xiao hums fondly, leaning down once more and kissing Aether gently on the lips. When parting away, he pulls Aether completely up onto the bed and holds him close. “Sleep, sunshine. You’ll be able to bother me again tomorrow with your insistent love.”
Aether only nods in response, too tired to formulate an actual response and shifting closer to his adeptus.
It’s not surprising to say that Aether sleeps peacefully that night. Of course he does.
Xiao wouldn’t allow him to sleep any other way.