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It was new for Xiao, to find himself surrounded by wealth. From afar, when people were looking at this young boy, they immediately knew that he wasn’t meant to be here. With his sooty cheeks, rags, shoes that left black marks on the ground, and skinny body, Xiao knew he was an ink stain on a beautiful painting. Something that breaks the harmony. 

Whispers rose in the beautiful corridor, and Xiao looked at the man who brought him here, to spat his expression. 

He was calm. 

Not a wave of panic on his face at the murmurings in the room. Xiao stayed close to him. His calm and confidence made him feel at ease. Xiao straightened his shoulders slightly, and tried to imitate the man beside him, the one who had taken him out of that forced labor in the mines.  

"Don't listen to their words, they don't matter. The only words that matter are those of the royal family." 

Xiao nodded his head. 

"Well, I guess mine do too... but never forget to form your own opinion, Xiao." 

The little boy nodded once more. His training was starting now. That, he understood. 

"Well. Let's go to your quarters." 

Xiao experienced all kinds of new things for the first time. Things he never thought he would experience. He took a warm, bubble bath, was given new clothes that smelled like soap, had balm put on his scratches, and finally was given his own bed. 

And when he thought that this luxury had finally come to an end, the servants appeared again and gave him a nice hot meal. Xiao could not believe his eyes. He waited for his benefactor's permission before he could eat. 

"You don't have to wait for my permission. Eat as you wish." 

Hesitantly, Xiao began to wolf down his plate. Until now, he had never realized how hungry he was. Zhongli smiled gently. 

"Tomorrow, I'll teach you to read and write. And you will also start your training. You are home now." 

But Xiao didn't want to sleep. He feared that this was all a dream and that this "home" was just the jewel of a fantasy. However, Xiao couldn't stop his eyelids from falling off. And for the first time, he slept. 

***

His home was not short-lived. 

Xiao had been living in the castle with Zhongli and his colleagues for 12 years. When he came of age, the man he considered his father told him that if he wanted to leave, he would help him. He could become what he wanted. But Xiao did not want to leave. This life suited him. 

He worked harder than anyone to serve the kingdom. He had become General Alatus, the youngest general in the kingdom. For him, it was a duty, and an honor to fight alongside his fellow Yakshas to defend the kingdom.

He was ready to defend the royal family. He had already met the king and queen several times and respected them as much as Zhongli. But as for the prince and princess... 

"Aaah..." Pervas sighed, clutching his spear. "I want to know what the prince and princess look like." 

"So do I!" Bonanus exclaimed. "We haven't seen them in twenty years! It's a wonder they even exist!" 

"Bonanus, watch your mouth," growled Menogias. 

"I heard a rumor about them recently! It was Xiangling who told me!" Said Bosacius. 

Without taking his eyes off his jade spear, Xiao listened. He feigned indifference, but as soon as it was about the prince or princess, he couldn't help but be interested. 

I have to say I'm curious too. The only things we know are that they are twins and that both can ascend the throne." Declared Chongyun, the new recruit. 

"Well, according to my source..." Bosacius took on a mysterious look. "They would be like the sun." 

"The sun..." 

"Or rather, Aether would be like the sun, and Lumine like the moon." 

"The sun and the moon..." mused Megomanias. "I have to say, that's a pretty subjective approach." 

"I guess they're very good people." Interjected Indarias. "The few servants who serve them say nothing but lovely things about them. Besides, they're going to have to choose their candidate for the bodyguard position soon. All the Yaksha, Shenhe, and Keqing have been recommended." 

"Would you like to be the bodyguard of his majesty Aether, Alatus?" 

"It's not a matter of wanting to or not." Xiao replied. "If I am asked to do so, I will. That's all. However, I think Bosacius would be a good bodyguard. He has a better chance than I of being selected.” 

Bosacius suddenly tapped his shoulders, embarrassed. 

"What nonsense! Why would you say that?" 

"You are flattered, Bosacius." 

"Of course I am!" 

"Bosacius has a more jovial and social character than mine. He can get along with everyone, and make them feel comfortable. Besides, he's our general, so he has all the skills needed to make an excellent bodyguard." 

"Alatus... You would make an excellent one too." 

"I don't think I'm the best person to be with all day." Xiao confided. Bosacius brushed off her words with a wave of his hand. 

"Nonsense! We'll stay with you all day long, and we'll never get tired of it!" 

"It's not the same." Xiao replied. The prince deserves someone better . He thought so, but did not say it. Indarias sighed. 

"Alatus, we feel safe with you. You would make an excellent bodyguard." 

"Besides, aren't you curious? About his majesty?" Bonanus asked

This time, Xiao took the time to think and to allow himself to be more honest. 

"Of course. I'd like to know who I work for. But his appearance doesn't matter. I'll protect him and that's it." 

"They say the prince has long blond hair. And that when he smiles, anyone could fall under his spell. As for the princess, she has short hair, and infinite grace!" 

"I've heard that Aether's smile can make anyone's heart beat faster!" 

"And that Lumine's gaze could make any person flinch at her feet!" 

These are really unnecessary remarks . Xiao thought

"Aaah... I'd like to see them once...just once!" 

"By the way, I also heard that..." 

From then on, Xiao decided to stop listening to his companions, and focus on cleaning his spear rather than this chatter. 

His eyes then wandered over the facade of the castle, going from window to window until he reached the library. Zhongli and Hu Tao were talking by the window. Zhongli left with a serious look, followed by Hu Tao. Xiao wondered what the problem was. Then a blonde head appeared in front of the window. Long braided blond hair fell on the shoulders of the elegantly dressed young man. He looked delicate. Xiao held his breath, unable to look away. 

It was... The prince. 

His stomach twisted as the prince continued to watch the sky from the library’s window. 

Xiao could have stopped looking, warned his friends, made a gesture, made a sound, anything. But he remained frozen, in a trance, before the distant figure of Aether. He felt absorbed. 

Then the irreparable happened. 

Aether turned to him and looked at him with a surprised look. After all, Xiao wasn't supposed to see him. However, rather than hiding to make up for his mistake, the prince smiled at him, and waved his hand, rather awkwardly. 

He smiled and waved back. Xiao couldn't move, too stunned. 

"Alatus, are you alright?" 

The prince put a hand in front of his mouth. 

Not a word of what you saw. 

He left the window. 

"Yes, I'm fine." 

"You look like you've seen a ghost." 

"You know I'm not afraid of that sort of thing." 

“Why are your ears red? Are you sick?” 

“Let’s go back to training.” 

“Ah! General, please teach me those moves again! I want to try to combine them with what my aunt taught me!” 

*** 

That night was the night the prince decided that it was time for him to fly on his own. Just for one night. 

A king can't rule if he doesn't know his people, and Aether doesn't know even half the people who work and live in his castle. It's time for that to change. Sure, there aren't many people at night, but it offers a different facet to that of the day. Liyue never sleeps. 

Aether had to find out. That's why he walked the corridors of the castle, bag on his shoulder, hood on his head, and lamp and rope in his hand. 

Whether Mr. Zhongli liked it or not, it was time for him to explore Liyue Harbor. It was not the traditions that would make him a good ruler! 

Aether knew the way from his room to the library by heart. Go straight, left, left, right, and open the door. Go along the shelves full of books, and the desks, then take the third window from the right, and hop! He was there. 

“What are you doing here? Who are you?” 

Aether froze. He was almost there. He was literally opening the window! Who came to the library at that time? 

The soldier shook his lamp and approached. "Turn around and answer!"

 Aether let out a long sigh. He wasn't going to give up now! Not this close to the goal! He tried his best. Quickly, he opened the window wide and tried to dive in. But the soldier grabbed his arm before he could get his feet off the ground. He was too fast! Aether couldn't regain his balance and topple to the ground with the force of his own weight. And soon he felt the soldier's weight on his body. 

Aether didn't even have time to defend himself! Lumine would laugh at him, and Yelan would be disappointed! His hood slipped off his head. The man astride him had removed it and pointed the light at him. Aether closed his eyelids, the light too painful for his eyes. 

He heard a gasp. 

"Your majesty?" 

"Yes?" Aether replied reflexively. 

The light immediately faded away, and Aether opened his eyes. Above him was a young man of incomparable beauty. He had fine features but possessed more strength than Aether. His mark on his forehead seemed to be calling out to her for a kiss. And his eyes... Aether had never seen such beautiful ones. 

Aether then wanted to bury himself for thinking all this, in the space of only one second, with a man he had just met. Well… “met”

The soldier's face suddenly moved closer. 

"What?" 

A gloved hand came and gently touched his earring. It was a symbol of royalty, a jewel of high value. Every member of the royal family had a piece of jewelry that showed who they were 

Xiao stood up. 

"My deepest apologies. I thought you were an intruder, and I acted on instinct." 

Aether sighed, relieved, but his heart was not. It was still beating a little too fast, after all that adrenaline. 

"It's nothing. At least I know this castle is well guarded." He chuckled. "Help me up please?" 

He held out his hand, and Aether was up in no time. 

"You have strength!" 

"... Thank you." 

Aether smiled. 

With a better view, Aether recognized him. 

From the window, Xiao had seemed beautiful, but then up close. He was breathless once again. He made Aether a little nervous, without intending to. Xiao had a lot of presence. However... 

"Are you avoiding my gaze?" 

"I thought tradition forbade anyone from seeing the prince before the day of his coronation." 

"Oh that... That's an old tradition that doesn't make sense. Please, it's nicer to talk to someone when they're looking at you too. Besides, my gaze isn't going to kill you!" He laughed. 

“If he knew all the rumors about his eyes” thought Xiao.

After a long time, Xiao finally looked at Aether. 

"By the way, I didn't introduce myself. Aether Viator! It's a pleasure to meet General Alatus."

Xiao looked neither surprised nor pleased. Just... unsettled. As Aether extended his hand, Xiao bowed. A handshake was a sign of equality, that they were on the same level. 

However, this was not the case. 

Aether ignored this. 

"You know who I am." 

"Of course, General Alatus, guardian Yaksha, conqueror of demons! We even greeted each other this morning, don't tell me you forgot my general. 

"No." Xiao huffed. How could he forget such a moment? "I was surprised to see you. You were with Mister Zhongli.” 

“Ah yes, we were discussing.” 

Xiao did not ask what it was about. It was not in his position to know. And now that the surprise was over, Xiao finally noticed the coat, rope, lamp, and bag on the prince's arms.

Xiao frowned. 

“Your highness… Where are you going in the middle of the night?” 

Aether seemed to finally realize how much trouble he was in. 

"I- um... I'm going to pick some medicinal flowers and plants!" 

Xiao crossed his arms. Did he think he was an idiot? 

"In the middle of the night your Highness?" 

"Baizhu needs them, and he told me that the full moon makes their effectiveness stronger!" 

"And why doesn't he go himself?" 

"I wanted to help" Aether answered in a matter-of-fact manner. 

Even though Xiao didn't swallow his excuse, he couldn't tell the prince who was lying to him. And he would have to go and say two words to Baizhu tomorrow, and he was not thrilled with this idea. 

"It's dangerous outside at this time. I advise you to go back to bed and pick the plants tomorrow."

Aether's face darkens. 

"But I can't, I might be seen." Aether sighed. 

Xiao was used to seeing downcast faces. He sometimes trained new recruits after all, and he was a demanding trainer. He had never flinched. 

But the expression of sadness on the prince's face shook him ever so slightly. The idea of giving in to his request brushed his mind. 

But he did not give in. 

As gently as he could, he put his hand on her forearm. He was rarely the one to initiate contact. 

"I had escorted you to your quarters." 

His firm voice contrasted with his light touch. 

Aether stepped back.

"I can return to my room myself." He groaned. 

"With no respect, your highness, I think you'll run away if I don't escort you back." 

Aether smiled. “You are not wrong, General.” 

Suddenly, Aether’s face brightens up. This was the sign that he just had a wonderful idea, an idea that would solve all his problems. 

“You can come with me, General!” 

“What?” 

“Of course! With someone as strong as you, I can go to Liyue Harbour without having to fight myself, or be worried about my protection!”  

“I thought we had to pick medicinal plants.” 

“There are plants in Liyue Harbour!” 

Xiao crossed his arms. 

“It’s still dangerous.” 

Aether raised an eyebrow. How stubborn this man was? 

“But at night it would be harder to recognize me. And nobody knows how I look like, nobody knows who I am.” 

That’s why this tradition is stupid. 

“But they do know how I look like.” 

“You can wear a coat too!” 

"it will look even more suspicious!" 

"Then I'll get you something you desire!"

Xiao glared at Aether. How stubborn could he be? 

“I have no desire.” 

“I heard that you were fond of Almond Tofu.” 

Xiao wondered who told him but saved that thought for later. 

“Almond Tofu won’t work.” 

“Right…” 

“Your highness, you can go later, in the daytime, when you will be king.” 

It won’t be later then, but a few years . Aether thought bitterly. 

“It would be too late then. To be king, I need to know my people. It’s not by staying in the castle that I will! Even if at night, there are fewer activities, I need to see them with my own eyes, not by someone who tells me on a piece of paper how my people are doing, every morning! If I am on the throne, my people will not trust me because they don't know me and because I don't know them! It’s already difficult enough to hide all my life!” 

There was a silence. 

And Aether regretted unpacking all this in front of someone he admired, but also barely knew. He felt stupid. Surely Xiao couldn't understand, and he was only doing his job. He couldn't continue this whim. If he wanted to go out, he had no choice but to ask Zhongli again to let him out. 

“I’m sorry, I-” 

“Very well.” 

Aether raised his head in surprise. 

“What?” 

"You're going for a reason, which I think is noble. That's good enough for me. And then if I stop you now, you'll try again." 

"Well... yes." 

"Let's not waste time then. I'll get my coat. Let's get this over with quickly." 

To avoid getting caught . Xiao couldn't believe he was actually doing it! 

Aether followed a few steps behind him. 

"Thank you very much." 

He was sincere. Xiao could feel it. 

"No need to thank me. I'm just doing my job." 

"But you could have continued to refuse. Thanks again." 

Xiao didn't answer, and vowed not to look back. He could feel his smile in Aether’s voice, and how bright his face must have been with joy. 

The prince was, as indeed the rumors said, beautiful. 

With his coat, Xiao accompanied Aether in the streets of Liyue, illuminated by the paper lanterns. Xiao walked with a serious step, ready to defend Aether against any attacks. But he had a little trouble following Aether anywhere, who was trotting like a child in a toy store.

He looked everywhere, very curious about his surroundings, and did not hesitate to ask questions. Xiao had to threaten with his eyes the people who thought he was a tourist. 

Walking, dining, and shop windows, even closed, Aether was interested and made a mental note to return later. 

"Liyue looks as lively as in the daytime. " 

"It's a city that never sleeps." 

After a few minutes, Aether finally stopped. 

"Is Wangshun Inn still open?" 

"Probably." 

"I'd like to go there. I know it's Xiangling's father's restaurant. Let's go eat there!" 

"Your Majesty!" 

"I will pay!" 

"What? No, I'll pay." 

Aether gestured to him that he would not. 

"I got you into this. It's the least I could do. And it's an order from your prince, General!" Aether grinned by putting his hands on his hips.

If it's an order, Xiao couldn't disagree with it. So he found himself at the table, eating almond tofu with the prince. He had never dared to imagine something like this. If someone had told him this one day, he would have called that person crazy. 

But Xiao eventually found that this situation was not unpleasant. He who usually struggled with the art of conversation, and social interaction, felt rather comfortable with the young prince. He had talked more this evening than in two weeks.

Perhaps because in himself the prince did not speak much. He didn't feel he had to push the conversation to break the ice. Their silence was comforting, not awkward as some people who met Xiao for the first time might feel. 

Xiao put his spoon down and stared at Aether. He was trying to detect a gesture that would betray him, that would show that he was not comfortable with him. 

Aether smiled at him as their eyes met. 

"Do I have something on my face?" 

"No." 

His Almond Tofu was better than usual. 

*** 

This meeting was a trigger. The first turn of a key to unlock a lock. Otherwise, Xiao didn't think Zhongli would say those words. 

"General Alatus, you have been chosen by the prince to fulfill the function of his majesty's bodyguard, in addition to your duty as a general." 

Later Xiao asked Zhongli: Why me? 

“Prince Aether asked for you, and only for you. So why don’t you ask him the reason?” 

*** 

The second time Xiao and Aether met by night, Aether didn’t try to run away. 

The prince had gained some freedom. He could go out a little more often, as long as he was accompanied by his bodyguard. So Aether and Xiao went for long walks in the harbor. 

Xiao finally asked him. And Aether replied, "I like your company." 

An answer that might have been trite to most people. For Xiao, it was a wave of warmth in his chest. 

He loved these walks. 

With all this time spent at the prince's side, Xiao's companions were becoming more and more curious. 

But Xiao was as silent as a grave. It was only when Qiqi asked him what he thought of the prince during a meal that he agreed to answer his question. 

“There is no other person as kind as him.” 

That’s all he said. And there was a shadow of a smile on his face. 

After these words, no one asked any more questions, too surprised by the change that was taking place in their dear general. Shenhe was not surprised. She had noticed it long ago. 

Spending most of his time with the prince was changing him, relaxing him. His friends were happy. 

Yet, even though Xiao was now working for Aether, there were still times when he slipped through his fingers. 

Like finding the prince asleep on a pile of books in the library, still in the middle of the night. 

Xiao stood for a moment in front of this spectacle. It was new. He had never seen Aether so vulnerable. For the first time in years, he didn't know what to do. 

Should he wake the prince? Or carry him? Xiao didn't want to disturb his sleep, he seemed to be sleeping so well. But he might have a sore back the next day if he slept in this position. But what if he hurt him by carrying him? 

Finally, Xiao decided to wait. To see if Aether would wake up on his own. So he took a chair beside him and waited. 

Xiao closed his eyes and crossed his arms, sitting in his chair. 

All he could hear was Aether's steady breathing rising in the library. 

Xiao ventured a glance at his face. 

He wanted to trace his lips with his thumb, to touch his forehead, and his hair. His skin must have been soft. 

Xiao shivered. 

No. Do not possess desire. Xiao was his bodyguard. Nothing more. 

But he was sure Aether's hair had to be soft, and smell like sunshine. 

“General?” 

Aether looked at him, his eyes were still heavy with sleep. 

Gently, Xiao leaned toward him and whispered. 

"Your Highness. You fell asleep in the library. I'll walk you out." 

Aether blinked several times. He was starting to wake up well, but he didn't move an inch. 

With his head still against the book, he watched Xiao, as if he wanted to read it. 

"Paimon told me something this morning." 

Xiao had a hard time dealing with this person. But she was the twins' childhood friend and made Aether happy. He could tolerate her presence. 

"What is it?" 

"That if two people were alone in the library at night, it's because they are lovers.” 

Xiao’s eyes widened. He took a step back. 

“Wha-” 

Aether laughed. “What’s the matter, my general? You wanted to be alone with me in the library?” 

Xiao looked outraged. “Not for that!” 

“So why then?” Aether kept smiling. It irritated him. Aether seemed to know something that Xiao didn't understand. 

“As I said, you were asleep, and I didn’t want to wake you. You looked peaceful.” 

Shortly after these words, Aether grabbed Xiao's hand and put his hand on his head. 

"Then let me sleep like this again for a little while." 

Xiao didn't say a word, while Aether closed his eyes as if his bed was there. 

Xiao stroked Aether's hair with his gloved hand as gently as he could. Aether smiled peacefully. 

At this sight, Xiao's heart swelled, and a slight smile decorated his lips. The prince seemed quite comfortable with him, despite his fears of the first few days. He continued to run his fingers through his hair, as Aether turned out to like it very much.  

“Oh?” 

Xiao froze. 

He met Yanfei's eyes. 

This one looked at Xiao, then Aether, and again Xiao. One could see the surprise, the confusion, a calculating look, and finally the understanding all together in her eyes. 

"I'll leave you to it." She finally said with a book and a candle in her hand. 

Then she left before Xiao could say anything. 

 If two people were alone in the library at night, it's because they are lovers. 

“Nonsense.” Xiao grumbled. 

He kept stroking Aether’s hair, until he fall asleep again. 

The next day, this feeling did not leave Xiao. 

Aether's hair was fine, delicate, soft... The complete opposite of what Xiao usually experienced and touched. 

Xiao couldn't help but think about it as he walked through the castle gardens one morning to get to Aether's room. 

For the first time, he took the time to observe the flowers that guided his way. 

He picked one. 

Then two, three, four, and Xiao stopped counting. 

It must be said that Aether did not expect to see his bodyguard arrive with flowers in his hands. Especially since Ganyuu was preparing Aether for the day, and was witnessing the whole scene. 

But Xiao didn't pay attention to it and handed the bouquet of flowers to Aether. 

Ganyuu dropped the hairbrush. 

"I thought they would look good in your hair." 

Aether took the flowers delicately and stammered a thank you, blushing. He, then, asked Ganyuu to decorate his hair with them. All the while, Xiao watched Ganyuu do the prince's hair with a satisfied look. 

While Aether wondered if Xiao's job was really to protect him. He was closer to making him die of a heart attack. 

***

The third time they met by night, the rumors and whispers were attacking the walls of the castle. 

“General Alatsu was hurt…” 

“He was protecting the prince.” 

“A poisonous arrow.” 

“Brigands??” 

“They say he’s going to die…” 

“Archons…” 

“The prince is blaming himself, for sure!” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean that he didn’t leave the general side for three days. He’s not even sleeping in his own room! The princess can’t even change his mind!” 

“He helps Baizhu take care of him. Like changing bandages, or feed him.” 

“But don’t you think that’s odd ?” 

“Huh?” 

“It’s not the place of a prince to…” 

“You there!! What are you doing? Get back to work!” 

“Sorry, miss Kequing!” 

But this time, the rumors were true. 

Aether was, indeed, at Xiao’s side. 

He held his hand tightly, desperately waiting for Xiao to wake up. During this time, he had not let anyone else take care of feeding him, changing his bandages, or washing him. 

It was a simple walk that turned into a disaster in just a few seconds. 

They walked side by side, through the woods. Aether had wanted to be alone with Xiao for a long time. As soon as he had the opportunity, he jumped on it. 

The walk was pleasant. The sun was warming them, Aether could smell the trees in the wind. And when he was turning his head to his right, Xiao was walking by his side. 

It was also an inexplicable moment. Something out of time. When they walked next to each other their hands brushed several times in a row. A contact that did not fail to make Aether shiver. 

Eventually, the brushing stopped, and their two little fingers joined. 

Aether expected Xiao to push him away, but he continued to walk as if nothing had happened, with his little finger connecting him to Aether (except for his ears turning red) 

Aether had never been happier.

And then Xiao put himself on guard. Attackers everywhere. Chaos. Aether drew his weapon. He was no match for them, but all it took was a second, a moment of inattention, for everything to change. 

And the next thing Aether saw was Xiao using his body as a shield to protect him

Never again . He promised to himself while holding Xiao’s hand. 

Never. Again. 

Aether stayed in that cold room all day, watching for any movement Xiao made, any sign that he was regaining consciousness. 

At least Xiao didn't seem to be suffering from the poison as much. But if Xiao was starting to get better, everyone would be worried about Aether's condition. 

He had dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep. He hardly moved or ate at all. Furthermore, he didn't want to miss any signs of life, even though Baizhu had told him many times that Xiao would be fine.

And as the sun was setting, a hand came to rest on his shoulder. 

"Shenhe." Aether articulated. 

"Your majesty. Your sister is worried. Everyone is worried. So am I." Aether blinked. It was rare for Shenhe to speak so openly. "You need to sleep." 

"I sleep here." 

“A real sleep. In a bed.” 

“But… I just can’t leave him.” 

“There is no danger here. It’s a safe place. And I think that General Alatus would agree with me. He would like you to take care of yourself, your Highness.” 

Aether let out a shaky sigh. She was right. There was no point in taking care of Xiao if he had to worry about his health once he woke up. 

"You're right." 

Besides, if he didn't leave this room, Xiao's friends wouldn't be able to see him. It wasn't fair to them. 

"I have to go, and apologize." 

That would be against tradition, but Aether cared even more than usual. He couldn't ignore them. 

Aether apologized to the Yakshas as soon as he was out of the room. He was surprised to see these warriors more touched by his gesture than angry, and thanked him for all the attention he paid to their friend. 

Aether received many comforting hugs that evening. 

Bosacius admitted to him that he found Xiao much more fulfilled at his side. 

"I wish I could find someone who I feel as comfortable with one day, and who cares about me to the point of not sleeping. Alatus is happy with you." 

Aether may have shed a tear, but he felt better. 

(Bosacius made everyone swear to not say that Aether cried because of them, or he would kill them.) 

Xiao woke up with a storm in his heart. 

The ambush. The arrow. 

protect Aether, protect Aether, protect Aether. Then the darkness. 

And when he opened his eyes, that's what he saw too. The darkness. 

Xiao took a deep breath. 

He wasn't in pain, but his muscles were numb, and so was his mind. He needed light. Aether... was Aether okay? Xiao slowly stood up. Aether. Aether.

It was past midnight, but Aether still couldn't sleep as he had promised to Lumine and Shenhe. The remorse was still too much in his heart and kept him awake. He didn’t know what to do about Xiao's situation, and it kept frustrating him. He turned over and over in his bed.

Aether forced himself to close his eyes. 

Then knocks on his door sounded, followed by a gruff voice. 

"Your highness." 

Aether rushed to the door, only to discover Xiao there. Xiao, his chest covered in bandages, tired but awake . Finally awake. Aether thanked all the Archons. 

"You are fine." Xiao said. 

Hastily, Aether took Xiao's face between his fingers and inspected it. 

"You are fine." Aether repeated. 

"I am." 

Aether kissed Xiao’s forehead. “You are fine.” then his cheeks, “you are fine.” and he continued to the corner of his lips. “You are fine.” He whispered more to himself. Xiao let him do it. He welcomed this new affection, which he was not used to. But it made him feel good. His skin tickled where Aether had placed his lips. He wanted that feeling again. 

Then, Xiao remembered why he came here. 

“I need to check if you’re fine.” 

“Me? I’m perfectly fine. I’m not the one covered in bandages! And you need to rest!” 

There was a bit of reproach and concern in his voice, but Xiao ignored it. 

“I need to check by myself if you’re fine.” Xiao spoke seriously. 

Aether nodded, aware that Xiao would not change his mind. He took off his shirt, and Xiao began to observe every millimeter of skin for even a scar, or bruise. 

Aether was getting more and more nervous. 

"Turn around, please." 

Aether obeyed. Xiao had never touched his skin, but this time one of his fingers brushed against a scar on his back. An electric sensation passed through Aether's body. He could feel Xiao's breath on the back of his neck. 

Close, close, close. He could only repeat those words and concentrate on them so he wouldn't lose his nerves.

“Is that-” 

“This scar is from when I was little! I have nothing, you protected me perfectly." 

Aether placed Xiao's hand on his chest. He could feel his heart beating. He knew that Xiao needed reassurance that he was perfectly fine and that he had fulfilled his duty.

“Listen, my heart is beating. Everything is alright.” 

Xiao stayed silent, and listen to the heartbeat with a serious concentration. 

“Your heartbeat is fast. Too fast. Are you sick? Worried? Afraid?” 

“No, no!” Aether could not hold back a small laugh. He took Xiao’s both hands, and sat on his bed. He looked at him, with gentle eyes. As gentle as honey, as gentle as the first ray of the sun through the window. His eyes were warm, and Xiao wanted to lose himself in them. Every time Aether was looking at him, Xiao felt an unexplainable warm feeling of safety, of home. 

“I’m happy that you’re fine. I was worried sick. And it’s me who insisted on going outside. I’m sorry Xiao, you are hurt because of me.” 

Xiao had several pieces of information to process in this sentence. Too much at once. Aether had nothing to apologize for. Aether was glad he was okay. Aether was worried about him. Aether felt guilty about his injuries. So many things to say and contradict, words he could never say because Xiao is horrible with words, but... 

He clutched Aether's hands in his own. He stood. Frozen. 

"Can you say it again?" 

He’s being selfish. 

“What?” 

“My name.” 

That was the first time that Aether called him by his name. 

“Xiao.” Aether murmured. 

Xiao kept looking at him. 

“Xiao.” He said again. 

And Aether kept repeating it again, and again, until Xiao fell asleep on his laps, with the prince’s hand in his hair. The other hand held Xiao's hand firmly. A whisper that said I am here. 

Xiao fell asleep with the scent of the sun and the stars, and his heart full. He wished to never leave his side. 

*** 

The last time they met by night marks the time they will meet every night. 

After this event, Xiao and Aether had grown closer. Very closer. 

Xiao met Lumine, who sincerely thanked him for saving her brother. 

Xiao had learned that Aether had taken care of him while he was unconscious, and unfortunately for his poor little heart, Aether continued to do so. 

Aether continued to feed him by handing him a spoon full of food and making him “aaaah”. How was Xiao going to survive? Aether was so cute, and all this attention was making him swallow his heart. 

He didn't say anything. He liked that Aether took care of him in a certain way, even if he was sometimes embarrassed. 

Aether continued his expeditions in Liyue. Each one of them made him take one more reality, and Aether came back having learned more and more. He had told Zhongli, and now he could go out as he pleased, with a guard other than Xiao. 

This did not prevent their bond from growing stronger. Aether was closer, asked Xiao his opinion on more things, touched him more often, did not hesitate to take his hand during walks, and sometimes (very often) before nightfall, Aether would drop a kiss on his cheek, before saying good night. 

Xiao felt on a small cloud.

However, Aether had more nightmares. 

And in those cases, when he woke up with his heart pounding, sweat on his forehead, and sweaty hands, he would light a candle and go to Xiao's door. And that night was no exception. 

The first thing that Xiao notice was Aether’s dark circles under his eyes. He wanted to erase them with his touch, and took Aether in his arms, while murmuring to him everything will be alright. I know your pain, I know that the nightmares can eat your soul. 

Xiao never asked what Aether dreamt about, and Aether never speak about it. He just need to feel safe, and Aether chose Xiao’s arms and scent as his safe place. 

Xiao was still not really used to see Aether coming into his room every night, but he never refused his entry. 

As usual, Xiao took Aether’s hands to guide him towards his bed, and Aether sneaked between the sheets while Xiao blow the candle to let the night cover them. 

“Can you come closer?” Aether asked. 

Xiao got closer. Aether asked again. Xiao got closer. Aether asked again. Then their noses were touching, their legs get tangled and they feel safe. 

“Can I touch you?” Aether asked. 

Xiao said yes. So Aether let his hand wander on his back and shoulder. He found the scar on his shoulder, the one from the arrow. Aether stayed a while on this one and Xiao felt himself melting. 

“Sorry.” Aether still feel guilty. 

“I have many scars. Don’t worry about it.” 

“Where? Show me.” 

So Xiao took his hand and guide him. Aether runs his fingers over each scar, spending a few minutes on each one as if he could heal them. Aether allows himself to be guided and caresses each scar as if they will break. In the dark, Aether can't see them, but he's sure of one thing.

Xiao shivered. Each time he guides Aether to another scar, he remembers how he got it and when it was made. Something grows inside him, an immeasurable warmth, an affection that he can't let go of and that could explode at any moment. He doesn't know what to do with all his sensations, where to place them, how to describe them, how to express what he feels. 

“You’re perfect.” Aether murmured to his ear. 

That was the breaking point for Xiao. 

So all his words, his feelings, go into the kiss he gave to Aether.

Xiao felt like he’s kissing the stars. 

He kissed him again. Again. And again. And they smiled. 

The morning after, Aether confided to him that he was happy. Xiao did the same while stroking his cheek. 

I am happy because I love you. 

Xiao drank those words with all the thirst of the world. 

I’m home.