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Quietly, Xiao adjusts the tie around his neck as he waits anxiously in his car. He’s parked outside the restaurant where he and Aether met. Today is their sixth anniversary. They’re having a special dinner. A tap on his window makes him jump.
“Xiao.” Aether’s laughing voice is muffled through the glass.
Clearing his throat with a blush on his cheeks, Xiao motions for Aether to step back so he can open the door. As soon as he’s out and closes the door, he has an armful of Aether. “Hello, Aether,” he mumbles, pressing a soft kiss to the side of his head.
“You look so handsome!” He pulls back and gives his boyfriend a once-over. “So handsome!” He bites his lip, eyes darkening slightly.
Seeing this, Xiao swoops in and captures Aether’s lips in a passionate kiss. “Behave,” he breathes after he breaks the kiss. “Please?”
“I will. Just promise me that I can take this off of you at the end of tonight!”
“Mn.” He chuckles, grabbing Aether’s hand. “Let’s just get through dinner first, okay?”
“Okay.”
They walk into the restaurant hand-in-hand, heading straight to the hostess's desk.
“Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes. It’s under Yaksha.”
“Ah, yes. Yasksha, party of two. Please follow me.”
When they reach their table, Xiao pulls Aether’s seat out for him. Then he sits across from the blond and smiles.
“Your waiter will be right with you, but can I get some drinks started for you awhile?”
“I’d like an Apple Cider,” Aether says after a moment of looking at the menu.
“I’d like a Berry & Mint Burst, please.”
“Very well, I will get those started for you.”
As the hostess glides away, Xiao and Aether scan the menu to decide on what to eat.
“I bet you’re going to get something with almond tofu in it,” Aether teases.
He chuckles. “I believe they call it ‘Sweet Dream’ here.” He reaches over and points to where it is on the menu. “See.”
He giggles. “Oh my goodness!”
They consider the menu for a few more minutes, looking over the different food options. They debate with each other before settling on their choice just as the server returns.
“Hello, Sirs. I will be your waiter today. What can I get started for you?”
“I’d like an order of ‘Sweet Dream’ and ‘Dew-Dipped Shrimp’ please,” Xiao says, folding his menu up.
“Alright. And for you, Sir?” The waiter turns to Aether.
He hums. “I’ll have a ‘Puppy-Paw Hash Brown’ and ‘Slow-Cooked Bamboo Shoot Soup’ please.”
“Very good. I will put those orders in and be right out with your drinks!”
After they get their drinks, Xiao reaches over and takes Aether’s hand into his.
“So, is there any special occasion that you’ve brought me here? Besides our anniversary, I mean.”
He rubs his thumb across Aether’s hand. “Well, it’s our sixth anniversary. I figured we could do something a little more fancy tonight.” Xiao smiles. “You look beautiful, by the way.”
Aether blushes. “Thanks. I can’t believe we’ve only been together for six years. It feels like we’ve been together for a lifetime.”
He nods. “It does. And I’ve loved every minute of it.”
His blush darkens. “Me too.”
“Is there anything you want to do to celebrate after dinner?” Xiao asks, tilting his head to the side. “We could even do something special tomorrow since we both had to work today.”
“I really wanna go to the aquarium tomorrow. They have a cool exhibit there that I want to see.” Aether leans his chin on his other hand. “Also, I’d love to just walk through Liyue Harbor. It’s been a while since we’ve done that.”
“It has. Let’s walk Liyue Harbor tonight, then. We’ll go to the aquarium tomorrow.” Xiao releases Aether’s hand when he sees the waiter approaching with their food.
**********
After dinner, Aether and Xiao stroll through Liyue Harbor hand-in-hand. The streets are quieting as people head home with dusk falling. They head down to the docks and walk down an empty pier, coming to stand at the end to look over the water.
“It’s beautiful,” Aether murmurs, bringing their entwined hands up to press a kiss to Xiao’s hand. “Happy Anniversary, My Love.”
Humming, Xiao returns the kiss to Aether’s hand before untangling their fingers and kneeling on the ground.
Aether gasps. “Xiao, what–?!”
“Aether, you are the most important person in my life. I’m not good with words, but you always seem to understand what I’m trying to say. You know what I need before I need it and you’re always willing to help me. You understand me and love me for all my flaws and, for that, I am eternally grateful. I love you, Aether, and I would do anything for you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Aether, will you marry me?” He extends out the box that holds the ring.
Tears stream down his cheeks and a sob leaves his lips as he nods quickly. “Yes!” He cries, reaching out to cup Xiao’s cheeks. “A million times yes! I’ll marry you, Xiao!”
Rising up quickly, Xiao pulls Aether into a passionate kiss as their tears intermingle. They pull away briefly so Xiao can slide the ring onto Aether’s finger. They rest their foreheads together, laughing quietly as they look at the ring.
“Happy Anniversary, My Love,” Xiao murmurs, bringing the blond’s hand up to his lips and kissing the ring. “Thank you for making me the happiest man alive.”
He laughs tearfully, grabbing Xiao’s cheeks and pressing their lips together again. “Best anniversary yet!”
Time stands still as they stand there, at the end of an empty pier, kissing under the moonlight. Tears sparkle like stars. Happy laughs and cries echo slightly over the water. The moon will remember them well; two lovers pledged together forever.