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Chapter Text

Pitter-Patter

Pitter-patter

"Its raining quite hard outside, isn't it?" A familiar voice asked.

Xiao looked up from his phone and to his Guardian, Zhongli. He turned his head to the windows. The sight of harsh rain in a dark, stormy night greeted him.

"Yes, it is. They did say we were getting the worst storm of the season in the forecast." Xiao explained before flicking his eyes back to his phone.

He had been texting his boyfriend, Aether, the minute school started. Normally, the blonde would greet him by the doors of their school. They would walk inside together and spent a few minutes talking.

This day, however, Aether hadn't turned up to school. It wasn't really something that he would do. Especially without messaging Xiao about it. The raven-haired boy had been searching for Aether all day, but no one knew where he was. Not even teachers.

It had worried Xiao so much that he couldn't help but message Aether every hour, but he never got a reply.

"You've been staring at your phone an awful lot today. Anything wrong?" Zhongli asked from his spot in the couch. The little family of two had a movie night almost every week. And today happened to be the day.

Xiao sighed. "Yes. I'm sorry. It's Aether. He wasn't at school today and he hasn't been answering my texts." The boy explained.

"Aether huh? He is the blonde boy right? With the long hair?" Zhongli asked, a bit surprised that Xiao was worried about a friend.

The boy nodded, biting his lip a bit. The two of them had been in a relationship for a few months now, but both decided to hide it, not knowing how those around them would react.

"Yes. That's the one. He's my best friend. It's not really him to not let me know. So I'm a bit worried. I'm sorry for not focusing." Xiao said and locked his phone, laying it on the armrest of the couch.

The older man gave him a kind smile. "Its Allright to be worried about a friend. Maybe he is just sick? With this awful rainstorm outside, someone is bound to get sick." Zhongli explained.

Xiao nodded. He was about to snuggle himself back into the thick blanket that covered his legs, when the sudden sound of the doorbell made both men jump in their seat.

Zhongli looked up at the clock, clearly annoyed. A deep sigh left his lips. "Who could it be at this hour? It's almost eleven at night. Are you expecting someone?" The older man asked as he turned to face the raven-haired boy.

Xiao shook his head. "No. But I'll go look. I needed a drink anyway." He answered and crawled out of his blanket cocoon.

The young boy almost tiptoed to the door. He leaned up and slowly pushed the cover of the peeping glass to the side.

And somewhat uncomfortable sight met him. There was someone at their door. They were dressed in Grey sweatpants and a large, black hoodie. Every part of their body was covered up, but it was clear they had been in the rain for long time, seeing as they were dripping wet.

Xiao was about to ignore the person, until something immediately grabbed his attention. A long, blonde braid was sticking out from the hood and rested over his shoulder. He immediately recognized that braid.

Xiao ripped open the door at an alarming speed.

"Aether?!" He called out in shock.

Xiao stood there, a shocked expression om his face. What was Aether doing here? Especially at this hour.

The blonde before him was shaking, obviously cold from the rain. His face and body were still completely hidden by his clothing.

Xiao quickly recovered. "Aether? What are you doing here?" He asked.

The blonde before his didn't answer. Not even a single sound left him.

Xiao began to get worried. Aether wasn't usually like this. The blonde was a ray of sunshine with a smile so bright, you couldn't help but fall in love.

But that wasn't what was standing before him.

"Aether? Are you okay?" Xiao asked next, hoping to get some acknowledgement. And this time again, no answer.

Something was definitely wrong. Very wrong. Xiao held out a hand and wrapped it around Aether wrist. He pulled back immediately when he noticed how wet it was from the rain.

"Aether?" Xiao gently called out, hoping to get his attention. "Why are you this wet? Did you run all the way here? You live almost 30 minutes away, and thats just by car. What's happening? You are starinh to scare me" He whispered so only the blonde could hear.

Aether's shoulders began to shake vigorously. This couldn't be the rain anymore. This was something else.

Xiao gently reached out and laid his fingers under Aether's chin. He gently raised the blonde's chin so he could finally take a look at him.

The raven-haired almost cried out in shock. The sight before him was heartbreaking.

Aether had thick streams of bloody tears rolling down his cheek. His left eye was black and blue. Above his black eye was a gash that was still leaking blood. His cheeks were covered in small cuts and bruises. His lip was split open, blood running down from numerous spots.

Xiao's eyes trailed down to a part of exposed neck. He could see various shades of purple and yellow peaking out.

Xiao's heart broke and filled with rage at the same time. Whoever had done really did a number on the blonde. He must've been in so much pain.

The raven-haired recovered from his shock and grabbed Aether's wrist again. He pulled the boy inside the house and straight into his arms.

He kicked the door closed with his foot before turning his full attention to the boy in his arms.

Aether was clutching tight onto his shirt. His head was buried away in the raven-haired's neck, silent sobs shaking his form. His hood had fallen from his head, bunched up at the back of his head. Xiao could feel the tears landing on his shoulders. Cold raindrops that still covered the boy began to soak through his clothing. He looked miserable.

Xiao pulled his boyfriend closer for a moment before turning to the living room.

"Dad!" He yelled out for his father.

Zhongli was starting to get a little worried. It had been a few minutes since Xiao left for the kitchen and the front door.

The older man was about to get up and check, but was interrupted by Xiao calling out for him. He quickly jumped upright and made his way from the couch to the door in quick strides.

The brown-haired man quickly came to a stop when he saw his son, arms filled up with a crying blonde. He quickly made note of the wounds covering the boy. He tried to take a step forward, but immediately halted when he saw the blonde flinch.

Zhongli slowly turned to Xiao. "Why don't you take him to the couch. I'll get the first aid kit and make us some tea." He suggested, making his voice sound as gentle as he could.

The brown-haired man watched as Xiao wrapped a steady arm around the blonde's waist and gently guided him to the couch. He nodded to himself before he ran off to get what he needed.

Zhongli arrived back to the couch a few minutes later, together with the first aid kit and tea. Xiao was sitting on the couch next to Aether. His hands were holding onto the blonde's, providing some warmth. He could hear his son whisper some comforting words to the crying blonde.

The older man placed everything down around him. He slowly sat down on the small coffee table, right across of Aether.

Zhongli could finally see the real state of Aether's condition. Xiao had previously asked Aether to take of his hoodie and covered his shoulders in a thick, warm blanket. Zhongli made note of every cut, bruise or wound bow that he was able to fully see Aether's upper body. It was heartbreaking to see. Someone had severly beaten Aether.

The brown-haired man gently placed the first aid kit into his lap and opened it up. He grabbed a few cotton pads and the antiseptic. Making sure that Aether saw his every move, Zhongli moved closer and slowly began to dab the cotton pad against a cut.

"Aether. Who did this to you?" Zhongli asked after a few moments of silence

Xiao watched as his father began to take care of Aether's wounds. He was still sitting next to the blonde. Their bodies were pressed up together with the intention of warming and comforting the blonde.

There was an uncomfortable silence before his Guardian broke the ice by asking who had done this.

Xiao turned his attention back to Aether. He watched as the blonde's golden eyes began to fill with tears again.

"My...my step-dad. And my mom." Aether finally whispered, minutes after the question had been asked. He broke down in tears again.

The raven-haired boy looked flabbergasted. He released Aether's hands and moved his own to the blonde's shoulders. He gently placed them down and pulled Aether's head to his chest.

"Your parents? Why would they do that?" Xiao heard Zhongli ask, Anger and rage prominent in his voice.

A painful sob left Aether's lips. "They...They found...my...my diary." Aether explained between sobs and hiccups.

Something clicked right away for Xiao. The raven-haired remembered how his boyfriend had told him about a diary where he would write time all the fun things they had done together. It was more of a scrapbook filled with various memories, but it also served as a diary.

"A diary you say? But how would that result in this?" Zhongli asked. A deep sigh left Xiao. He knew now was the time to discuss something that needed to be said.

Xiao gently took Aether by his shoulders. He moved a bit to sit in front of the injured boy, making sure that he could protect him this way. The raven-haired boy began to chew his lips.

"Dad...uh...there is something important you should know." Xiao whispered, but was interrupted. "You and Aether have been together for some time, right?" Zhongli answered.

Xiao looked like he got doused with a bucket of water. "H...How did you know?" He asked after scrambling his thoughts together.

His father couldn't help but chuckle. "I've had my suspicions for quite some time. The texting, the meetups and how close you two are in contrast to your other friends. I wasn't born yesterday you know." The older man said with a wink.

A deep blush appeared on Xiao's face. "A...Are you mad?" He asked quietly.

A gentle smile appeared on his father's face. "No. Why would I? Xiao I don't care who you love, as long as you are happy and healhty, I'm happy." Zhongli answered.

A heavy load fell from Xiao's shoulders. The raven-haired man visibly relaxed. He moved a bit to the side again and took Aether's hands in his own again, thumb running across the top of his hand.

Zhongli continued his task of patching up the blonde again. "Now. I'm guessing that this diary and your relationship might have some part in this?" The older man asked the blonde.

Aether nodded. He raised his good hand to wipe some of his new tears away.

"I...I forgot to put it away and they found it laying on my desk. I...I keep some memories of what everything we've dome together. And they read and saw all of it. When I came home the day before yesterday, they exploded. My step-dad...He...He..." Aether explained before he began to sob again.

Both father and son quickly connected the dots. They knew exactly what happened.

Xiao wrapped Aether in a very warm and loving hug. He laid himself back against the armrest and pulled the crying boy flush against him. The raven-haired boy kept his kouth shut, letting his boyfriend cry everything out.

Zhongli, wanting to give the couple some privacy, stood up and silently cleaned everything up. He put the empty cups back in the kitchen and walked with the first aid kit to the bathroom. After storing it away, he turned to the bath. The older man opened up the tabs to the bath and watched as it began to fill up with water. He grabbed a soothing lavender oil and dropped a few droplets into the water. He closed the tabs again when a the bath was filled with the warm water.

The older man silently made his way back to the living room. Both boys were still in the same position, but Aether was bow resting instead of crying.

"I've prepared a warm bath. It's will help relax his muscles." Zhongli explained as he crouched down next to the boys.

Xiao nodded and gentle woke Aether from his slumber. The boy woke up with bleary eyes. Exhaustion from the whole situation had catched up. He was almost dead on his feet.

Zhongli watched as his son helped his boyfriend to the bathroom and stayed inside with him. A gentle smile appeared on his face. His son was so worried about his lover that he refused to leave his sight.

The old man cleaned up what needed to be done and sat down at the kitchen table. It was almost 1 am now. There was a new steaming mug of tea before him. He played around on his phone before looking up once he heard a certain door open up.

The brown-haired man watched as Xiao guided a very sleepy Aether to his bedroom. Doors opened and closed again before Xiao appeared back by his side and sat down in the chair next to him.

Xiao waited until a very sleepy Aether fell into a peaceful slumber. He made sure his boyfriend was tucked in safely before he made his way to his fathers side. He pulled back one of the chairs in the kitchen and slumped down.

The raven-haired needed the moments of silence his father granted him. He finally looked up and turned to his father.

"Dad...I...We..." He started to mutter, not sure how to exactly start the conversation.

Xiao gathered his thoughts and turned to his father once more. "Dad. He can't go back to that hellhole. What they did...it's horrible. Aether told me it all. They destroyed everything he had. He had to escape from gis window and run all the way here. I will not let him get back." Xiao started and began to play with the hem of his sleeves.

"Please, I know it's so much to ask. But can he stay here with us? I'll get a job or whatever to help with the money. We'll even move out if we have to. But please..." Xiao practically began to beg.

Zhongli held up a hand to stop his son from rambling. "Hey, ofcourse he can stay here. And no need to get a job or move our. We'll be perfectly fine." He said and watched Xiao's face change from fear to happiness.

"Listen up, why don't you go and be with him? I think he needs the comfort and you both deserve some sleep. I'll let you two stay home tomorrow and we'll monitor how he is doing. If he needs it, we'll bring him to a doctor. And afterwards we'll go grab everything he has at his old home. I'll call the police if we have to. But let's not think about that for now. Go upstairs, get some sleep." Zhongli explained to Xiao.

Xiao stared at his father with a nee found respect. "Thank you, Dad. Goodnight and I love you." The raven-haired male said as he stood up.

The order man smiled. "I love you to. Now off to bed. Goodnight." He answered and watched his son climb the stairs. "Oh and Xiao, keep the door open." He quickly added, which earned him a quick eyeroll

The brown-haired man finished his tea at a leisurely pace. He cleaned up the cups at the sink before he made his way to the bathroom to do his night routine.

Zhongli climbed the stairs of the first floor of the house. He stopped by his son's room, seeing that he indeed left the door open a Crack. The father quickly looked inside.

Inside the comfy bed werd both boys in deep slumber. Aether had buried himself away in Xiao's chest, who in turn was holding the blonde in a protective hold. In between them was a plushie of a little dragon. It was something that Xiao bad given Aether on their first date. It was the only thing Aether had managed to save and bring with him

Zhongli crept inside and tucked the two in as comfortably as he could. He patted both their heads before leaving for his own room.

Both Xiao and Aether would wake up that morning by a pleasant smell. They walked down the stairs, hand in hand and sat downbat the small kitchen table.

Zhongli had prepared a luxurious breakfast. He sat down next to the boys and watched as they immediately began to dig in. He rested his head on his hand and watched the young couple.

Xiao had a bit of Whipped cream from his hot chocolate on his nose. The sight made Aether chuckle.

And that is when he knew that everything would turn out just fine.

Chapter Text

A loud crashing sound here.

A booming sound there.

The soft pitter patter from the rain had turned into the deafening sound of terrifying storm.

Rain was pelting down all around him. Crashing to the ground, pounding against windows, smashing against roofs.

But he didn't care.

Aether couldn't care.

This was the only chance to escape.

Aether was sitting on his bed, body curled around a little plushie of a dragon. The blonde had to be as silent as a mouse. Even the slightest noise could ruin his plan.

Tears mixed of blood and water ran down the blonde's cheeks. Trembling fingers touched the open wound above his shut eye. He slowly pulled his fingers back with a hiss. Blood slowly trickled down his fingers and dripped onto the bed.

The rainstorm was about to start soon. It had to. It needed to. This was his only escape.

Minutes turned into hours, but finally, relief came. Rain came smashing against his window.

Good.

The first step of his plan came into action.

Aether slowly stood up from his bed. He tiptoed his way to his mirror, where a pair of grey sweatpants and a black hoodie was waiting for him.

The young man stopped by the mirror once he saw himself. His eyes first landed on his face. His left eye was shut tight, covered in a deep black and yellow bruise. Above his eye was a deep cut, still bleeding. The blood ran down his eye all the way to his cheek.

Aether's eyes traveled down his body. His eyes landed on his neck and further down his body, where marks of different shapes, colors and sizes adorned him.

New tears formed in his eyes. He was in so much pain, and seeing himself didn't help. Memories of what happened came flooding back into his mind.

(TW: Please skip this part if you are not comfortable reading)

All Aether could remember from the day before was coming home. He had been having a good day at school. Test were all great, there wasn't to much homework to be done. And he had a great time with his friends and boyfriend.

Life couldn't be better for the blonde at the moment.

That all changed when he came home.

The house was quiet. To quiet. It was weird. His mother's and step-father's car were parked in front.

Aether kicked off his shoes by the door and placed his bag down once he passed the couch. He took one step into the dining room and immediately halted.

His step-father stood there, his mother by his side. The blonde's eyes immediately tracked down to their hands. And that is when he saw it. A diary. His dairy. It was a place for him to store the memories that were important to him, including the one with his boyfriend. Something his parents were very much against.

The next thing he knew, there was a fist flying in his face. The blonde cried out in pain as he fell to the ground. And suddenly, there was another punch. And another. A kick straight to his ribs. Screaming. Yelling.

Tear-filled eyes looked up to see his step-father deliver another punch, while his mom looked on, shaking her head in dissapointment.

And that was the last thing he could remember.

(Ending for the TW)

Aether had woken up later in the evening. The pain from trying to move made him almost pass out again. The young man slowly sat up before forcing himself upright.

At that moment, his eyes landed in his figure in the mirror. The wounds were still fresh, but he could see the outline of bruises forming. He couldn't open his left eye as it was swollen shut. And there were various little wounds bleeding.

Aether almost sobbed once he saw himself. He clamped a hand across his mouth once he heard booming footsteps coming up the stairs. His eyes showed how terrified he was.

Once the footsteps passed, Aether quietly began to search around his room for his phone and whatnot. He needed to text Xiao. He needed to keep him safe. The blonde searched and searched, but he couldn't find it. His parents had probably taken it from him.

Another terrified feeling settled in his stomach once he heard the footsteps again.

He couldn't stay there.

He couldn't.

Lumine had been able to escape. And so could he.

Aether remembered the rainstorm they predicted that evening.

It was his only chance to escape.

Aether shook himself free from his memories. He couldn't think about that right now. He had to go. With great pain and discomfort, the blonde was able to pull on the sweatpants and hoodie. He tucked the dragon plushie he had gotten from Xiao into the front pocket.

The young man tiptoed his way to the window. He slowly creaked it open and was instantly met with harsh rain flying in his face.

Aether carefully slipped his body through the open window and slipped out onto the small roof. He carefully crawled to the edge before he jumped off and landed in front of the garage door. A motion activated light turned on. The blonde cursed as he tough he could hear voices coming from inside the house.

Aether pulled the hood of his hoodie tight over his head and ran off to the only place he knew he would be safe.

He ran to Xiao.

The blonde had been running for a long time already. An hour, maybe even more, had probably already passed.

The terrifying rainstorm grew worse by the second. But he couldn't stop. Not when he was so close. Every sing sound of either people or cars scared him. It gave him immense ear of his parents finding him.

The rain kept pelting down on the blonde boy. His hoodie was already completely soaked by the harsh rain. He could feel himself shiver.

Aether didn't know how long he had been running for. Minutes or hours. He didn't know. But a feeling of hope entered his body as he came across a familiar street. And in the distance, he could see a familiar house.

The house of his boyfriend.

He had arrived at his destination.

He was safe.

A newfound sliver of energy made him pack up the pace again. Aether ran to the familiar house and stopped before the door. He looked around him for the last time before he pressed the doorbell.

Aether quickly hid himself more in his hoodie. The situation finally began to kick in. His beating, running away, arriving at Xiao's for.

A fear began to take over again. What would Xiao say? Or do? What if they weren't home? If they couldn't open the door? Where would he go? How could he contact Xiao?

Question after question flooded Aether's mind. He was beginning to spiral. He couldn't hear that Xiao had opened the door. That Xiao had called out for him.

He was pulled out of his trance when he felt a finger under his chin, lifting it up. His eyes widened when he was met with a pair of worried, Golden ones.

Tears of anguish and relief began trail down his cheeks. His body began to tremble from the cold and pain.

Aether felt a pair of strong arms pull him to a warm chest. A feeling of safety washed down his body as he fell into Xiao's arms. He couldn't contain himself anymore. He buried his face in Xiao's neck and began to sob.

Aether didn't know how long he cried for. But he didn't care. All he could think was that he was okay. That he was finally safe. Everything around him was a blur.

One moment he was in Xiao's arms and the next he was seated in the couch.

Xiao had planted himself next to Aether. The young man was saying all kinds of things to him, but the blonde couldn't hear it. He didn't need to. He could feel the warmth and love coming from him.

The blonde felt a tug at his hoodie. He looked up to see his boyfriend holding it up a bit. Together they were able to slowly work Aether out of it.

The blonde's shivering got worse when he felt the air touch his cooled off skin. He wasn't cold for long, as Xiao made sure to grab the fluffiest blanket he had and drape it around his shoulders. Aether immediately wrapped it tighter around him, shielding himself and Xiao away from the wounds.

The next minutes were a blur for Aether as well. He could hear talking around him. He could feel the gentle dabs of antiseptic against his skin. Questions that were asked were answered as well.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he had to explain to Zhongli, Xiao's Guardian, how this all happened to him. The blonde explained in as least words he needed, hoping they would understand. And luckily they did.

Zhongli quickly finished patching him up, noticing how the blonde was getting more and more upset. Xiao noticed as well. Aether felt himself be pulled against his boyfriend's chest. Xiao's arms slipped around his waist keeping him in place.

Aether could hear Xiao's loving and warm words guide him into a peaceful slumber.

"You are safe now. Take a nap." Xiao whispered to him.

Aether didn't need to be told twice.

Aether didn't know for how long he slept. It couldn't have been more than 10 minutes. But he heard Xiao gently wake him. So that is where he was now. Safe and sound with the love of his life.

"Babe...wake up." Xiao said quietly, trying not to scare Aether.

The blonde gently opened his eyes. He was still in the same position as before. Xiao gently helped him sit up, arms still wrapped around him. Exhaustion was clear in the blonde's face. He was barely able to keep his eyes open, or to keep himself upright.

Xiao tucked a loose strand of hair behind Aether's eats. "How about a bath? Dad prepared one so you could get some time to relax?" The black-haired boy suggested, holding out his hands for the blonde to grab.

Aether could only nod. A bath sounded amazing. He gripped Xiao's hands and tried to stand up. But to no avail. He fell back against the couch

Xiao gave his boyfriend a sad smile. Without saying a word, he sank down to his knees before Aether. He helped the blonde wrap his arms lazily around his neck. His arm slid under Aether's butt and picked him up.

Xiao maneuvered the blonde in his arms. Aether was bow resting on his hip. His arms were hanging loosely around Xiao's shoulders. The blonde's head was buried away in the black-haired man's neck. His eyes were closed, enjoying the warmth of Xiao's body.

Xiao carefully carried his boyfriend up the stairs and into the bathroom. He helped Aether sit down on the closed toilet lid and sank before him again.

"Can you get our of your clothes? Or do you need some help?" The black-haired man asked.

Aether gave Xiao a soft smile, something the black-haired man was happy to see. "Ill be okay now. You can go if you want." The blonde answered as he began to push his pants down.

Xiao quickly shook his head. "No. I'm staying right here. By your side." He answered. The young man stood up and turned around to grab a large towel. He turned to face Aether again and gently covered his lower body with the towel. He was about to look up at Aether again, but his eyes stopped once he saw the man's torso.

"Babe...what did they do to you?" Xiao asked, his voice a mix of worry, anger and sadness. His eyes trailed over every single bruise that covered Aether's torso. He took both of his boyfriend's hands in his own.

Aether didn't reply to his question. He kept his head down to his lap. He was ashamed of what he looked like. If only...

"Aether...I can see you thinking." Xiao whispered and placed a hand on the blonde's cheek. "This is not your fault. Okay? It is not." He said, hoping the blonde would listen. "Come on. I'll help you into the bath." The black-haired man added and stood up.

Aether was quickly helped upright. He was guided to stand into the bath. His legs almost gave in once he felt the relaxing heat of the water. Xiao had taken the towel from his waist before helping the blonde sink down into the bath.

An audible moan left the blonde's lips as he almost immediately relaxed. He laid back against the side of the bath and let the water do its magic.

Xiao settled himself on the ground next to Aether. His hand was going inside the water, gently splashing it on his the blonde. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here by your side." Xiao said gently.

A comfortable silence fell over the couple. Aether enjoyed the feeling of his muscles relaxing. He hummed happily. The comfort of the water and his boyfriend at his side made him feel better.

Xiao kept silent as well. His hand was lazily skimming across the water. Minutes passed by before Xiao turned to look at the blonde.

"Want me to wash your hair?" He suggested.

Aether hummed once again. "Yes please." He answered.

Xiao nodded. He pulled his pantlegs up and removed all the bottles from the edge of the bathtub. He grabbed a brush, his favorite shampoo and conditioner and settled himself on the edge of the tub.

Aether immediately moved up a bit. He was sitting in between his boyfriend's legs, back turned him. Xiao made quick but efficient work of his task. He brushed the blonde's hair, shampoo next and conditioned his hair. Everything was quickly rinsed off before Xiao brushed it one last time.

"All finished. Are you ready to get out or want to stay in a bit longer?" Xiao asked, planting a kiss on Aether's head.

"I want to get out now. I'm really tired." Aether explained. A big yawn confirming what he said.

Xiao chuckled and helped the blonde out the bath. He placed another towel on the toilet lid and wat the blonde down once again.

"How about you dry off, and I'll get you some clothes to wear." Xiao suggested, which earned him a small nod and a soft kiss on his cheek.

Aether grabbed the towel from before and quickly dried himself. By the time his boyfriend was back, the blonde was all finished.

Xiao presented him with a large hoodie, some loose shorts and a pair of underwear, still in its packaging.

The couple quickly made work of dressing the blonde. Xiao cleaned the bathroom up as Aether was finally finished what he needed to do.

Another big yawn left Aether. "Let's get you into bed." Xiao chuckled as he wrapped an arm around the blonde's waist, guiding him away.

Luckily for Aether, the bathroom happened to be very close to Xiao's bedroom.

Xiao helped guide Aether inside the darkened room. He pulled back the covers and blankets and let Aether crawl inside. The black-haired man presented him with the little dragon plushie.

"Dad found it in your hoodie and gave it to me." Xiao said as the blonde settled himself in the bed. "I need to go and talk with him for a minute. So go to sleep. I'll be here soon enough." He added as he helped Aether cover himself in blankets.

Aether could only nod. His eyes were falling shut the second he had laid down on the bed. The blonde snuggled himself deeper in the blankets as his breath began to even out. A few seconds later, he was asleep.

He was awoken again when Xiao crawled into the bed next to him. "Babe?" Aether gently called out.

"I'm here. Don't worry. I wasn't gone for longer than five minutes. Dad says you can stay here with us. With me. We will keep you safe here." Xiao whispered to him, explaining the situation.

Xiao laid himself down next to Aether. The blonde turned to face him. He shimmied over and rested his head on Xiao's chest. His arm flopped over Xiao's stomach and pulled him a bit closer.

Xiao had wrapped an arm around Aether as well, keeping him safe and warm. His head rested ontop of the blonde's. He was about to fall asleep when a voice called out.

"I love you, Xiao."

"And I love you, Aether."

Both boys slept soundly throughtout the night. Neither would wake when Zhongli came to check on them.

Next they would wake in the morning to the smell of pancakes. Aether woke first, waking Xiao with him.

The blonde grabbed Xiao's hand and pulled him out the room with him.

They walked down the stairs hand in hand.

"Good morning." Zhongli had greeted them from his seat.

Aether gave him a big smile. "Good morning to you to. Thank you for letting me stay." He answered, giving them one of his famous bright smile's.

It made Xiao fall in love with him all over again.