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When Aether lost his sister, if there was one thing on his mind, it was to find the only family he had left. No matter the dangers, the obstacles, and the opponents he had to face. Aether had to find his family, they had to be reunited.
This was his goal, and he had followed it scrupulously, it was engraved in him, as solid as stone.
For Aether, it was apparent to have only Lumine, as it was also obvious to see the sunset, and the moon rise.
So when these words were spoken by a rocky, yet warm voice, Aether felt shaken.
"You are part of our family now, Traveler. We are so happy that our brother has found someone as bright as you!"
Several words touched Aether more than the others: Family, happy, bright.. .
Aether looked at the Yakshas, Xiao's family, gathered around a table, all smiling and brimming with life. Xiao was beside him, not looking at him, but his ears reddened. Aether took his hand in a burst of affection and joy.
You never know what you're getting into when you set out on a journey. A journey has no destination, that's why Aether and Lumine had never stopped in a particular world to make their life there
But traveling alone is traveling with yourself. It is to discover oneself, to learn to know oneself.
And, Aether had learned that he could find a family in more than just Lumine. He learned that his family could grow, and that someone other than his sister could be important to him.
Aether, for the first time, felt like staying.
He smiled even more, full of gratitude for the encounters and the people in his presence.
"Thank you. But I'm the lucky one to have met Xiao."
Xiao looked at Aether surprised, and opened his mouth, ready to retort to this statement but, was cut off by the exclamations of his fellow Yaksha. They thought Xiao and Aether were very cute. And they weren't hiding it.
Besides, Xiao was often fed up with their incessant teasing about it. But the worst was when Aether didn't hesitate to push this teasing even further, without any sign of embarrassment.
Didn't Aether have any shame?
Xiao wondered again as Aether gently grabbed his left cheek to place a kiss on his right cheek.
Oh, Xiao felt himself burning.
Bosacius whistled, as Aether had the audacity to laugh.
How shameless.
Aether was doing this more and more. Showing affection in public.
He liked to show the reactions Xiao could take in his presence. While outsiders could only see one expression in Xiao, Aether could show a thousand. And the fact that he could trigger more than half of them made his heart race.
Aether moved closer to his lover again.
"Trust me Xiao... I'm lucky." He said in his most sincere tone and tightened the embrace of his hand against his.
Xiao stared at their intertwined hands as if it was the first time he felt his touch. As awkward as it seemed, the first time Aether touched Xiao's gloved fingers, Xiao jumped back in surprise. Aether didn't try again for a long time, until Xiao was the first to initiate contact again.
Xiao had made progress. He understood human emotions better, thanks to Aether.
He was the lucky one.
They were lucky that the stars of Teyvat had put them in each other's path.
"Who wants food?"
"Me!"
"It's time to welcome Aether into the family properly!"
"Where is Lord Rex Lapis?"
"He will join us later."
"Aether, why don't you come to have a drink with me!"
Aether nodded and joined Bosacius as Xiao stayed with his sisters in what seemed to be an exciting discussion. Bosacius didn't hesitate to hand Aether a cup full of wine, then two, then three... and soon Aether lost count.
In barely an hour, he found himself on the ground, looking up at the sky for Xiao among the stars. Then Aether thought, if he ever left Teyvat, he would start looking for Xiao in the shape of the stars of each world.
Aether could not see himself leaving Teyvat now that Xiao was there.
Aether took a deep breath, the alcohol was warming his whole body, and the cold wind was caressing his cheeks. These were thoughts that he had already had, but that the alcohol had brought back to him. His decision had been made long ago.
And he couldn't wait for Lumine indefinitely. Even if he wished he could.
We will always have enough time … But what if it’s not enough after all?
“Alatuuuus! When are you going to do it?” Asked Bonanus.
“Do what?” Xiao grumbled.
"WEDDING!" She poked Xiao's cheek with her finger. "When are you going to marry Aether?"
Xiao drowned his embarrassment in his drink. His siblings really liked to bring such awkward topics to the table.
"None of your business."
"I want to knoooow!"
Huh. Aether thought. How did she guess?
"Aether, do you feel okay? Bosacius, you made him drink too much!"
"I thought he could handle it!"
He was sure he hadn't told anyone of his intention. At least not yet. As he thought about a time when he might have mentioned the wedding by accident, Aether saw Xiao enter his field of vision instead of the stars.
Xiao shook his head reprovingly, but a slight smile was on his lips. Aether could do anything for that smile.
"Be more careful when you drink, Ae."
And Xiao lifted him into his arms without hesitation.
"We're going home now. Aether doesn't seem to be feeling very well."
"Don't do anything inappropriate in your room. We're sleeping nearby."
Aether laughed as Xiao glared at them.
"Adepti don't need sleep."
"Well, you do with Aether."
Aether laughed again and pressed himself even more against Xiao, which didn't help the Yaksha at all. He was still embarrassed by his companions' words. No matter how many times his family teased him about Aether, he still wasn't used to it. And yet, he reacted much less strongly than in the first months.
Now it had been a good hundred years since he and Aether had been together.
Aether paid attention to Xiao's reactions when he mentioned marriage. He was watching for the slightest reaction from his lover, and he had realized that the idea of being together until the end of time, made him less nervous than before.
But most importantly, when they were mistaken for a married couple, Xiao no longer corrected them. He would let them think that, yes, they were. The traveler didn't know if it was because he was tired of correcting them, or because he approved of the thought.
However, he took it as a very encouraging sign.
Slowly, Aether heard the cheerful voices dissipate as Xiao still carried him to their room.
Xiao rested his forehead against his.
"How do you feel?" He whispered.
"In love with you."
Xiao almost dropped him, and Aether clutched him.
After a short silence, Aether heard Xiao whisper the same words.
And as they eclipsed, they shared a kiss.
***
Aether had had many adventures, but this was by far the most difficult, and he was not exaggerating at all! Asking Xiao to marry him had become a more difficult task than facing any monster. But why? Well, firstly, Xiao was a very busy person, but so was Aether, so he couldn't take that into account.
No... the real problem was... the Yakshas...
Yes, the Yakshas.
Aether loved them, they were his family now, and he wouldn't change that for anything in this world.
But when the Yaksha said they would be there for him now, Aether didn't know that they meant it literally.
Aether knew that Xiao didn't like being the center of attention, so he had no intention of proposing to him at a gathering, or in a public place. It was something he considered intimate. And if Xiao were to refuse him, he wouldn't have the pressure of other people's gaze (Aether hoped that wouldn't be the case, but he was pretty confident about that.)
In short, he wanted to keep this request natural, he knew it would make Xiao feel much more comfortable.
Hence, his first attempt.
Aether woke up with Xiao in his arms, and like every morning, he thanked the stars and the sun that Xiao was at his side. With tired movements, Aether moved closer to his lover, and place a light kiss on his neck, then nestled his nose in with a smile. He felt Xiao move slightly against him and put his hand against his without a word. Aether didn't know how long Xiao had been awake, but he hadn't asked himself that question in years.
It had become routine for him to wake up and then take Xiao in his arms before leaving to fulfill his day. Xiao always showed that he was awake by taking his hand.
Gently, Aether kissed his hand.
"Good morning." Xiao spoke first.
"Morning."
Xiao turned to him. "Did you sleep well?"
"Always with you." Aether smiled, playing with Xiao’s fingers. It was very early in the morning, but Aether couldn't wait any longer.
"I have something to ask you."
Xiao looked at him seriously, and Aether chuckled. "I'm not going to ask you to fight for me."
The Yaksha then looked confused for a few seconds, before returning to his usual expression. Aether leaned in a little closer to him.
"You have your silly smile." Xiao said suddenly.
"My silly smile?"
"Yes. That's the smile when you want me to do something that will inevitably embarrass me." Xiao retorted with evidence. "You're up to something."
"Am I? I didn't know that I had this smile."
"You've got all sorts of smiles, Aether. I just learned about them through the years." Aether blushed slightly. Even after all this time, Xiao was still impressing him. Damn, he loves this man. "So, what do you wish from me?"
All the serenity present in the room crumbled then to give place to nervousness. Aether searched for words. Talking had suddenly become much more difficult than he had anticipated.
Proposing would irrevocably change their relationship, Aether suddenly realized, and it hit him.
The idea that there was a before and after made him nervous and made his heart beat with anxiety. Xiao must have noticed because he frowned, but gave Aether time to try to articulate his thoughts. One little sentence was enough, it shouldn't be that hard.
But it took courage.
A lot of courage.
And calm, intimacy.
Which he didn't have anymore.
"Aether, my friend! Are you awake?! Let's go hunt evil demons together!"
Aether froze, still unable to utter a single word.
"Oh, that's right. I promised him that yesterday." He finally said.
"You're going to hunt evil together?" Xiao asked, curious. "I've never heard of that."
"Bosacius said he can learn a lot about a person by the way they fight."
Xiao hummed and a small smile on his lips. Aether feels like he is in Celestia.
"They want to know more about you. That's good."
Aether decided not to make Bosacius wait any longer. The mood was ruined anyway. He would try again later. And Xiao was happy to see him spending time with his siblings.
That one was enough for him.
For now.
***
For the second attempt, Aether couldn't blame Indarias for ruining it, because she was way too cute. And once again, Xiao smiled as he saw Aether spending time with his family. It was worth it.
Aether dreamed of the day Xiao would meet Lumine. He hoped it would happen soon…
But to get back to the problems of this dear traveler... After spending the morning hunting demons with Bosacius, Aerher had agreed with Xiao to meet for lunch.
Aether had every intention of preparing his famous Almond Tofu for him. If he is, to be honest, this recipe has helped him seduce Xiao all these years.
The Almond tofu had become a classic in their routine. Xiao had tried new recipes made by Aether over the years, but none had surpassed the Almond Tofu.
Just by the smell in the air, Aether noticed that Xiao was looking forward to his meal, despite what he tried to pretend. All the tiny signals, which most people didn't perceive, Aether saw them.
He felt special.
"It's ready, Xiao!"
Xiao nodded and straightened in his seat, spoon in hand. Aether placed the hot dish on the table, then waited to stand as Xiao dipped his spoon into the tofu. Xiao brought the spoon to his lips, before tasting it with a satisfied expression. Aether looked at him, with unabashed adoration.
"Why are you still standing? Eat something too."
"Actually, I wanted to ask you something."
"Is it the same demand as this morning? What is it about?"
Aether tried to smile but he became nervous again, and Xiao nearly choked on his Almond Tofu. What was going on with his lover lately? Aether has never been nervous around him.
Well… he thinks so. He never noticed, at least.
Aether moved on his feet, suddenly unable to stay in place.
And Xiao waited patiently again, just like this morning.
Shoot... Xiao's gaze on him made him more nervous than usual. He had been training mentally, though, along with hunting demons this morning.
Aether took a deep breath.
And the door suddenly opened.
“Aether! I need your help! Please!"
They looked at Indarias with wide eyes. Well...
"Did I interrupt something important?"
"Don't worry." said Aether. He hadn't said no, because she had, indeed, interrupted something important. Anyway... "What is it?"
"I need you to lend me your cooking skills! There's this man, a human... I want to cook something for him! So I can win his heart!" She said with determination as if she was ready to fight a ton of monsters. "But I've never cooked in my life! And Alatus told me that your cooking skills are beyond amazing!"
Aether looked back at Xiao with a smirk on his face. "So, my cooking skills are beyond amazing, huh."
Xiao crossed his arms, and his ears reddened. "Don't start." He grumbled.
Indarias grabbed Aether's hands and gave him his softest look. "Please Aether."
Aether chuckled and tightened his grip on his hands in a comforting motion.
"I'll do my best."
"Thank you!" Indarias hugged him. "You are truly a gift from the stars!"
"Indarias, let him eat something first." said Xiao.
"Of course!" His smile lit up the room. "And we can spend time together! Isn't that great?"
Xiao smiled fondly as he took his Almond Tofu.
***
The third time’s the charm. It was an old saying that Aether had heard in another world.
And he hoped that this saying was true.
Xiao was drinking tea. It was one of the few meals he could digest along with the Almond Tofu. Aether's tea always had a special scent that tickled his nose. Xiao didn't eat much, but the fact that Aether always took the time to make him a meal and a small tea was a precious sign of affection in his eyes, which he had learned to appreciate. Meals made by Aether's hands didn't taste as good, nor did they have the same warmth as others.
It put him in a lighter mood before going back to hunting demons. Sometimes Xiao practiced cooking, but he was never satisfied with his dishes. However, Aether looked at him with proud and melting eyes at every new recipe he learned.
Xiao discovered that Aether could also understand his affection by the effort he took in cooking for him.
Xiao put his cup down, and cleaned it in the kitchen of Serenity Pot. He had a meeting with Rex Lapis soon, and Aether had to go start the daily missions. They would not meet until the end of the day.
Aether approached Xiao, and placed his lips on his forehead.
There was always a goodbye kiss, just as there was always a welcome home kiss.
Xiao relaxed slightly as he felt Aether's lips on his forehead.
"See you soon."
"Hum..."
Again... Aether had suddenly become nervous around him.
How odd. Xiao tried to think what on earth could be the reason.
Aether squeezed his hand to keep him from leaving. It was a gesture that Xiao had not experienced in years. At first, Aether always held Xiao's hand a few seconds before he left. The reason for Xiao was unknown. Was it to enjoy his touch for a few more seconds? To feel him close? To tell him to come back? To slip I love you between his fingers? Maybe all at once.
But his fingers were trembling slightly.
"You want to ask me something..." Xiao said.
"Yes! I wanted to ask you something..."
"About?"
Aether coughed.
Okay, this wasn't starting out very well. He needed to have more confidence.
"Our relationship."
Xiao blinked. "I think our relationship is quite marvelous."
Aether half-opened his mouth. "Marvelous..." His face then calmed down and gave way to a soft smile. So Xiao thought of their relationship in this way. Aether didn't think more words could have that much effect. A wave of affection crashed through his being, and he took Xiao in his arms, taking a deep breath in the same motion. Xiao stroked his hair.
Xiao was warm.
"I think that was all I needed to hear." Aether said. "Thank you."
Xiao wanted to say that he hadn't done anything to deserve his gratitude. But over the years, Aether had taught him that, sometimes, it is good to accept the kindness of others even when you think you don't deserve it. So Xiao closed his eyes, and nodded.
They lay in each other's arms for a while until Menogias came knocking on the door to get Xiao.
Aether hadn't been able to propose, but he watched Xiao leave with a lighter spirit than he had this morning.
Everything was fine. He didn't need to put any pressure on himself.
On the way, Menogias tried desperately not to comment on the small smile Xiao wore. His brother looked quite relaxed for someone heading to a council of war.
Menogias smiled. Xiao was in good hands.
***
Bonanus was a person who like to take action. Sometimes she didn't have time to think as her body was already moving. This often caused her to be reprimanded by her siblings, especially Xiao.
But in rare moments, Bonanus liked to be a spectator. She enjoyed sitting, keeping her hands busy while her eyes watched those who didn't think they were being watched.
While she made flower crowns in Liyue's mountains, she watched Xiao and Aether, sitting in their corner, busy talking and appreciating the company of each other.
Anyone could see they were in their own world. They would radiate comfort, and tenderness. Bonanus felt like she was watching a sunset, a sight beyond her reach.
She envied her brother a little.
Unlike this morning, Aether was relaxed.
Asking Xiao to marry him had come back as a matter of course, no cloud of doubt was present in his mind now. He didn't need to be nervous.
Perched on one of Liyue's high mountains, crystal butterflies going around them, and the golden veil of the sun caressing Xiao... Aether couldn't have asked for anything better. The Yaksha let a butterfly land on his finger and watched it with a relaxed look.
Aether's heart sank.
Every day, for hundreds of years, Aether had fallen in love.
He wanted to show the world that Xiao was his. He wanted to show the world that he was Xiao's.
"You're beautiful. I love you."
The butterfly flew away, and Xiao blushed slightly as he looked at Aether. "You..."
"Aether! For youu!" Bonanus giggled. "I made this!"
Bonanus gave Aether two flower crowns with a huge smile. Aether could see the leaves in her hair.
"Thank you Bonanus. It's lovely." Aether said, while Xiao looked somewhere else, rather embarrassed.
Bonanus then took one of the crowns and placed it on Aether's hair. She looked at him from all angles like a child.
"Yes! You're beautiful like this!” She said, satisfied.
Xiao jumped slightly when he heard his sister. He wanted to say it first!
"I'm going to make more for everyone!" And then she left, to pick flowers, flowers, and flowers.
Aether stared at Xiao with a smirk. "You missed your chance."
Xiao crossed his arms. "I will have plenty of other opportunities."
Aether moved closer with a small laugh. "You're right." He placed the flower crown on Xiao, then slid his hands down both of his cheeks to kiss him tenderly. Aether smiled then. He felt too much. Much, much too much. The words needed to come out. The feelings needed to come out in word form. And that was the hardest thing a being could do. To put his feelings into words. But Aether had already chosen them.
"Will you marry me?"
Xiao took a deep breath.
"Is this what you wanted to ask me?"
"Yes." Aether breathed, and then chuckled. "I was nervous."
"What an incomprehensible feeling. There was no reason for you to be nervous."
"Yes, I realized that." Aether smiled, and took Xiao's hands. "With you, I feel good, at peace. Your company and your love bring me so much. I couldn't ask for a better destination for my journey than you. So, Xiao, will you start a new journey with me?"
Xiao smiled.
"Yes. I want to stay with you." Aether lit up with happiness. "But I have a request."
"Yes! Tell me, I'm listening!"
“I want to wait until you find your sister. So, we can celebrate it together. I don’t really understand the concept of marriage, well I’m starting to understand it… However, I know it’s important that the people dear to you are present.”
“Xiao… You don’t mind waiting?”
“Not for you.”
Aether squeezed his hand.
“Thank you. It means a lot.”
Xiao smiled.
Aether could only dream of the day when Xiao would meet his sister, and all his family would be together.