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With my blessing, you are hereby born anew, the amber-eyed god said that day. Repent by serving me and protecting the land.
From here on, you shall be called Xiao,
and cast aside the name ofー
「■■」
The voiceless sound wakes Adeptus Xiao from his stupor, sprawled over the meadows in Nantianmen after a fruitless morning patrol, and three things tether him to reality.
The first is the chirping of finches, lined along the branches hanging above him. Some sing a sprightly tune while others simply watch him with curious interest, unaffected by the concentrated leyline energies coalescing in the area.
Xiao digs his talons into the grass beneath him, and exhales at the comforting thrum of Geo beneath his palm. This is the second point that calms his rattled heart; he is safe and the old dragon beneath him is at peace, slumbering in the comforting embrace of his master’s power.
Last but not the least is the bouquet in his other hand, carefully tied together with a red string. Xiao brings the blooms to his face, relieved to see both the petals and stems intact. This particular cluster is sweeter in fragrance, without a hint of the qingxin’s usual bitterness, and they’re perfect for his intended recipient.
And as soon as his thoughts shift to a certain blond man, the sun moves past the crystalline branch of Azhdaha’s tree and hits his face. Xiao turns to the side with an annoyed grimace, pressing his nose into his bed of wild irises.
If God had made it kinder on the eyes back when They were yet shaping the world, Xiao would follow its path across the sky every single day whenever his longing becomes unbearable.
(But for all the light and life the sun brings, looking at it directly hurts. Perhaps it’s just the way it is with some unattainable things.)
With a sigh Xiao finally sits up, bits of grass clinging to his hair.
It’s April 17. The weather is beautiful, and the object of his affection hasn’t visited Liyue in a while. The last time the wind spoke to Xiao he is told the traveler is in Mondstadt, brewing potions and caring for cats. Good. At least he’s not somewhere dangerous and far away, fighting battles for other people, butー
It’s April 17. The weather is beautiful, and the yaksha quietly sits under that great tree and hopes that somehow he isn’t forgotten.
It need not be today… but it would be nice to see Aether again, even just for a passing greeting.
Xiao nurses the white flower close to his chest protectively, imagining the traveler’s reaction. Would he be disappointed? No, surely it’s just the voices in his head planting doubts; Aether loves every single gift he brings, because his joy is the one thing he couldn’t conceal. Xiao foolishly imagines being held and kissed for the small offering, sinking in the praise his star openly gives.
If only Aether’s aware of how much more Xiao is willing to give, had he not been a yaksha with nothing to his name.
Because he is no longer just a close companion to Xiao. Like a butterfly the traveler metamorphosed into a thought that comes to the adeptus unbidden in his vigil, a pleasant dream that returns more often than not lately at night.
Xiao says so in the letter he left Tubby earlier, written with candid words expected of an unpolished weapon. He willingly falls into that golden slumber, grateful for the rest he finds in Aether’s presenceーthat even with the yawning distance between them his star’s kindness endures, leaving a mirage of himself behind for Xiao to hold on to.
The adeptus smiles to himself, tucking the qingxin closer to his heart. Pure heart. No less of an apt description for the man he intends to give it to.
He looks around. The irises and daffodils sway with the breeze while the birds welcome spring with a song. Everything is so tranquil, as if Liyue is finally rid of her malignant tumor. Like this scene he’s witnessing is the future his siblings-in-arms fought tooth and nail for. Though he is undeserving of it, Xiao appreciates the rare quiet moment he is allowed to have, thinking of those he cherishes deeply.
But idly his thoughts stray further and further, viciously and vividly going back to when he made guttural, gurgling noises for words, when his tongue tasted nothing but bitter acid and sweet iron, and how he certainly feels the numbing cold of the river he was drowned in right nowー
…ao.
…iao?
Xiao!
As if rudely splashed by a bucket of ice water, the adeptus opens his eyes, pupils thinned in alarm. He claws at his face only to find it dry and warm, skin almost sun-dried in the midday heat. His breathing slows mildly. Peace reigns in Liyue and there’s nothing in front of him for miles other than sandbearer trees and mountains. What could have possibly broken his concentration?
“Xiao,” the voice echoes, and this time it’s much more familiar. “Are you there?”
He teleports without a second thought.
When Xiao reaches the traveler’s location, he doesn’t expect his boots to skid against the roof tiles.
He feels his previously racing heart actually stop at the momentary loss of balance. But being a yaksha, the paragon of deadly poise, his impassive face masks his surprise.
Aether sees through him anyway, if his mildly amused grin is any indication. “There you are!”
“Hello,” he replies after a moment’s pause.
The adeptus carefully surveys where they are: a part of Wangshu’s main roof hidden behind a branch of the giant ginkgo tree, close to his attic room. His ears pick up the muffled argument of the same couple downstairs, and the rhythmic creaking of the wooden elevator nearby.
Xiao looks at his visitor again. “What are you doing here? You will land on the floorboards below if you fall, but it is much safer on the balcony.”
“I have you to catch me, don’t worry,” Aether shoos his worries away with a grin. “I just wanted a bit more privacy.”
“The boss does not let guests go up there,” Xiao shook his head as he approached, “since it is my… unspoken territory.” Certainly, if Xiao kept his beastly appearance he would have long nested in the balcony, embarrassing it may be. “I assure you we will not be disturbed.”
“Hm. But what if I said I wanted us to meet somewhere different for a change?” Aether gestures to the sights around them. “I mean, sure, this is still the same old Wangshu Inn. But doesn’t this specific spot feel new and exciting? Like we’ve been meeting here since forever, but there’s so much left unexplored of this place?”
Rays of light cut through the gaps in the leaves and brighten Aether’s eyes. Honey brown, lemony under sunlight, the alluring amber that ensnares souls for itself and Xiao thinks: This must be how it feels to stare at the sun and not get hurt.
“I… see.” The adeptus smiles, comprehending. “Old, well-trodden paths feel new when walked together with a friend.”
Friend. Xiao thinks if words have emotions, ‘friend’ would be tied to happiness, a feeling he’s been reacquainted with recently. Butterflies who have lost their way to his stomach flutter up to his lungs instead. He cradles this joy in white cloth, away from wretched hands, and keeps it safe like a secret.
Aether is his friend. But they're so much more than that now, aren’t they?
“Yeah,” the traveler grins. “Exactly.”
With a huff, Xiao sits down next to him and observes their surroundings. Though the entirety of Dihua Marsh can be seen from any point in the inn, he understands Aether’s earlier words much better now. To his right is his lord’s statue near the harbor’s northern gate and the foggy silhouette of Guyun. Behind the traveler is the imposing face of Dragonspine’s mountain, towering over Mingyun Village like a white shadow.
He then discreetly observes Aether’s body. The traveler hasn’t sported new wounds or bruises, at least in the places his skin is exposed, but concocting an elixir under qualified supervision shouldn’t be difficult, and he can certainly hold out on his own against a mere feline. His hair also grew longer, Xiao notes, itching to reach out and measure for himself. Perhaps it is past his backside now.
Aether is beaming knowingly at him now. That barely-contained smile when he’s feeling especially cheeky. “Hey,” he hums, low and coy. “Can I say it now?”
Despite knowing what it is, Xiao plays along. “Say what?”
“C’mon,” Aether drags his bottom as he scoots closer, accepts Xiao’s worried, extended arm gratefully. The sides of their knees, thighs and hips are touching now. “I know you know exactly what I mean.”
Xiao huffs. “Fine.”
But instead of voicing the ‘it’ in question, Aether kisses Xiao’s mouth. It’s a tender, controlled thing, sweet with just a hint of spiceーso unlike him, who usually plunders from what is freely offered.
It ends but they don’t stray too far apart, keeping their faces pressed lightly against each other’s. Xiao’s heart drums fast, and he wonders if he has shed his human shape somewhere in the middle.
“Happy birthday, Xiao,” Aether whispers over his lips, his own split into a foolish, giddy grin.
Xiao likes it when the traveler says his name, whether for killing (he very rarely does) or mundane moments like this (he almost always does). It’s a precious, irreplaceable gift from Zhongli-daren, given with the love and care expected of any kind master and used almost exclusively in prayer. Aether, in contrast, says it with brazen casualness yet ardent familiarity, godless outlander that he is.
The adeptus wants to thank him for remembering his birthday, tell him he missed him and more. But Aether captures Xiao’s lips again, nearly trapping the adeptus against the roof. A gloved hand finds his hips to tug him closer, pressing their bodies flush. The other thumbs idly at Xiao’s rosy cheek, mouthing at him like he’s starving.
The yaksha’s heart hammers against his ribcage, frenetic thoughts flitting through his mind: What is it? What will you do next? Will you cross this line and unravel me? Will someone find us here, hidden away from the rest of the worldー
They don’t cross that line, but it doesn’t matter when they’re both drowning in bliss. And only when the traveler had his fill is Xiao allowed to speak again, strings of saliva connecting gasping lips.
“T-thank you, thank you,” the adeptus stammers, a late reply to something already forgotten, mouth wet and full of cotton. Aether cups his face, smiling at his flushed, murky expression and pecks his forehead one last time. Xiao makes a tiny, gutted sound at the feeling of being adored and bows his head, ready to hand his entire life to him.
Everything hurt in a poignant way. There was so much he just couldn’t give away anymore. He wished he gave Aether his first kiss. His first everything.
“Are you okay, Xiao?” Aether asks gently, tempering down his enthusiasm. He caresses Xiao’s cheek and brushes his fringe from his eyes. “You seem a little out of it.”
“Yes, I am okay,” Xiao murmurs, nuzzling his hand. “I was just… remembering something unpleasant when I was patrolling earlier.”
“Oh. Is that why you didn’t come to me immediately?”
“…Something like that.” Xiao drops it there and then, not keen on souring the sweetness they’re finding themselves in. “I am very happy you called. It was a welcome reprieve. And I…” he adds meekly, “prepared something for you today.”
Aether still looks slightly concerned, but he doesn’t pursue the topic. He shifts, facing the yaksha properly this time. “Alright. Should I close my eyes?”
“No need,” Xiao follows suit on his knees until he’s between Aether’s legs. He carefully frees the small bouquet from his sash, clearing his throat. “This qingxin… I tended to it while you were away. Its petals grew wonderfully, their stems healthy and strong… I believe this is the freshest of all in Jueyun Karst.” He presents the blooms to the traveler. “You can decorate your home with it if you want.”
Watching Aether’s expressive face contort to every possible emotion never gets old for the adeptus, whose lungs flood with mirth when the traveler’s eyes sparkle. Xiao could give him anything, from a leaf picked off the ground to his own raw, bloodied heart and he would look at them both in absolute veneration.
“You… raised this qingxin yourself? Xiao, it’s beautiful! So big and vibrant,” Aether coos, gently brushing the dewy, almost translucent petals. “Smells wonderful, too. Thank you so much. I’ll ask Tubby to help me craft the perfect vase for this.”
The adeptus hummed. Though his avian form was long sealed away for a convenient, human-shaped body, the bird-like urge to shower his partner in tokens was difficult to stamp down. He really wished he could give Aether more, proper, lavish gifts worthy of his attention and statureー
“But before I do that, I want to wear it all day,” Aether cuts through his thoughts cleanly, smiling bashfully. “Can you please put it in my hair?”
“Of course.”
The qingxin is delicately placed over the traveler’s ear, tucked neatly in the waves of his locks. The heart-shaped anthers almost match his bright eyes, and the ivory petals wonderfully contrast his golden braid and tanned skin.
Aether pats the flower one last time before fixing his posture. He asks nervously, “How do I look?”
Two different beauties. When brought together even words fail, and he has never been a man of eloquence.
“Pretty,” Xiao whispers appreciatively.
Aether spends the next half-hour detailing his recent adventures in Mondstadt. The curious case of the stray cats reminded Xiao of Wei, who is immensely lucky the boss let him stay when the cat followed him to the inn one day. The traveler says he will introduce Sir Pouncelot to him the next time they visit the teapot, and the yaksha ponders seriously over the strange-sounding name.
Perhaps Aether’s line of thinking is different from Zhongli-daren’s…
He then tells Xiao about his alchemical endeavors. He and Paimon both received surprise customers from all over Teyvat during their time there, and the mention of Captain Beidou catches Xiao’s intrigue. And though the yaksha tries his very best to focus on the conversation, Aether’s fetching, freckled face keeps distracting him. That, and how the qingxin flowers suit him perfectly.
The traveler then gives him a heart-shaped bottle with a winged emerald gem ornament, its liquid a gorgeous gradient of green and purple, shyly explaining that he brewed it with the adeptus in mind. Xiao decides he won’t ever take a single sip, even if Aether insists it’s safe to taste; it will remain untouched like his other presents, protected in the small chest he hides beneath his bed.
Sometime during the conversation they lean back against the wooden fixtures circling Xiao’s hidden room. And when they run out of stories to tell they settle into a comfortable silence, lost in the soothing ambience of Dihua Marsh at daylight. The serenity doesn’t help rouse Xiao from his lethargy, owing to the lack of sleep the previous night. So he does his best to keep his mind awake, keen to bask in the traveler’s presence.
All until Xiao inexplicably feels that Aether had just remembered something.
It’s obvious by the way he subtly sits up properly. The way he stares at Xiao in his peripheral vision. How he inches just a tiny bit closer to the yaksha until their shoulders are pressed firmly, arm slipping behind to rest his palm on the empty space beside Xiao.
Golden curls tickle Xiao’s jaw and he tilts his head to face the other questioningly. Aether’s gaze briefly lowers to his lips, and Xiao just barely restrains himself from doing… something in turn.
“So,” Aether purrs, “dreaming of me lately, general?”
Xiao tenses like a spooked cat, his pointed ears burning. It’s not the familiar, icy fear that paralyzes him on the spot but a delicious spike of heat that runs down the length of his spine. He looks down at his lap. “A-ah, forgive my wording in that letter. I hope it did not make you uncomfortable.”
Aether gently lifts Xiao’s chin up, inquiring ochre meeting nervous citrine. “And why would I feel that way, hm? You know it really gets me going when you flirt back once in a blue moon.”
“I know, but… I am not poetic. Surely it is not as nice as you say,” Xiao grumbles. “Words, be it written or spoken, are not my strong suit.”
“I really liked it! You’ve always been the type to be concise,” Aether presses himself snug against Xiao’s right side, his hand now touching the adeptus’ hip. “You and me, going on dates? I think if you wrote this months ago, you would have swept the poetry gala competition.”
“…You mean it?”
“I loved it. With all my heart,” Aether declares. “I love you. Thank you for the letter, Xiao. Gaah! I’m so lucky you’re my boyfriend.”
The traveler shifts again. He takes the yaksha’s cheeks in his hands and kisses him, now relentless and impassionedーand when Xiao pulls away for a breather Aether’s mouth descends down his neck instead, lips trailing back to his face once the yaksha’s whining subsides.
“You kiss too much,” Xiao clicks his tongue, though it’s far from a complaint. He cradles Aether’s jaw and lets his palm be nuzzled. “Stop it. Look, your lips have gone all bruised and pulpy.”
“But I just love kissing you, among other things,” Aether laughs. “If I kiss you more and more maybe you’ll start dreaming of it, too.”
(Oh, the adeptus immediately sees it in his mind’s eye: retiring to his room at night to sleep, eager and expectant. Waking up in a dream and seeing his disposed, aching body tied down in case he foolishly thinks of fleeing. Aether on top of him, lips and teeth all over his body and giggling melodiously whenever he inhales in anticipation. Pressing kisses to every nook and cranny, pardoning every deplorable sin he committed.)
Xiao swallows down the strangled noise in his throat. Yes, that is all he could ever ask for. He’d give anything to keep a tiny piece of his star with him always.
“Xiao?” Aether’s voice rings through the fog permeating his mind. “What is it?” He brushes the lone tear running down his cheek and asks, “Did I say something wrong?”
“N-no,” Xiao shakes his head stubbornly, wiping at his eye. “It is nothing.”
The traveler remains patient even with his evasion. “Are you sure?”
“I am fine.” The adeptus pulls Aether closer, dragging until the latter is half straddling his lap. “I justーI am afraid that one day I will stop seeing you in my dreams.”
“And why would that happen?”
“I… I do not know,” Xiao smiles, earnest yet defeated. Nothing good ever lasts, especially with me.
They sit there on the roof for a time, neither moving or speaking to dispel the somber atmosphere. The silence leaves Xiao feeling drowsier, coupled with the way Aether holds him close by the head: gloved fingers latched firmly and protectively into dark hair.
Almost an entire hour passes before the traveler leans back, gently nudging the adeptus awake. There’s a thoughtful, sympathetic expression on his face.
“Xiao. I think I have something to help.”
Aether lets go of him to rummage in his bag, and it takes all of Xiao not to cry at the loss. He hears the other man grunting in annoyance, then the rustling of cloth and the clinking of bottles.
The yaksha expects to be given a potion that induces a dreamless sleep. While it’s better than his past fears haunting him, it goes against his desire to see the golden traveler even when they’re apart. But Xiao is really trying not to turn down most of Aether’s sincere attempts to help. Waiting shouldn’t be difficult for an adeptus his age, especially when his star will always return to him eventually.
“Aha, found it!” Aether pipes up excitedly from beside him. “Here, Xiao. Look!”
Peering over the blond’s shoulder, ‘oh’ is the only thing that slips out of the adeptus.
Even to someone without elemental affinity, the gentle thrum resonating within the colorful petals is indisputable. The power is both familiar and unrecognizable to the yaksha, and it somehow tastes like sweet almond tofu laced with the bitterness of foreign herbs. Somehow, he imagines a crowd of wobbly little… creatures, innumerable, surrounding his kneeling form without fear. They feel alien but also innocent and good-natured, so unlike his old mistress and even Rex Lapis.
It’s the loveliest garland he’s ever seen.
“It… it is very pretty,” Xiao whispers in awe, turning the crown over and around with all the gentleness his hands can muster. “Did you make this with the power of Dendro?”
“Remember the Aranara I mentioned back when I returned from Sumeru years ago?” Aether’s face lights up as he strokes the petals, like the memory is very dear to him. “They gave me this gift during the Festival Utsava after everything we did together. This garland is made up of each Aranara’s special flower, and whoever wears this will be blessed with their protection.”
Xiao looks up. “Protection?”
“Yeah,” Aether nods, “like… easing pain and warding off nightmares. They’re a pretty powerful bunch of little guys.” He grins, all teeth. “Maybe I can get you to meet them one day.”
Xiao’s eyes widened at the admission. He knew at a single glance that this flower crown seemed powerful and important, but for it to be that significantー “I cannot have this, Aether. It is a precious gift given to you specifically.”
“Really, it’s fine!” Aether closes Xiao’s fingers around the garland. “It was always meant to be given away to someone who needs it.”
“But,” the yaksha hesitates, skirting around the name of his missing sister, “what about… you?”
“You’ll come when I call whether I’m awake or not, right?” Aether smiles, looking more pained than anything else. “I could fall over and get hurt anywhere in this world and you’d be there in an instant. I can’t do the same for you, and I don’t think it’s fair. It frustrates me all the time. Do you have any idea?”
“No,” Xiao says helplessly. The strain in Aether’s voice makes his heart ache, like he’s the one who caused it.
Aether presses a delicate kiss to his nose. “Then, how do you feel when you dream of me?”
“I…” the adeptus stutters, feeling his face flush at both the action and the question. When he doesn’t reply immediately, the traveler lets go of Xiao’s hands and circles his arms around his back instead. “I feelーh-happy.”
Aether lets their foreheads touch, his smile doleful yet encouraging. Go on, dove. Emboldened by his star’s attention, Xiao takes a deep breath before he speaks.
“I am grateful it is you,” he continues. His heart cracks, and the words freely flow out of him like a bleeding wound. “In my dreams we hold hands, and my longing for you would intensify… I feel empty and upset when I wake up, but also remain hopeful you will come by again at nightー”
“Mmm,” the traveler hums satisfactorily and tilts his own head up, lips brushing the purple mark on his forehead. “And do you really think I’ll let you dream of another?”
“No,” Xiao says, a genuine laugh bubbling out of him. “You have always been quite… possessive of me.”
“And for a good reason. I don’t want anyone else to have you,” Aether says, so blunt and so certain of himself it knocks the wind out of the adeptus. “This is why I’m giving you this garland, Xiao. You are not weak or broken for wanting a bit of sleep.” His face twists in mild ire. “And even if you get annoyed and mad at me for repeating it over and over, I don’t careー”
“I know,” Xiao sighs in fond exasperation. “Even if I reprimand you or even push you away, none of that will stop you.”
“Because I want us to be together in every way possible,” Aether finishes for him.
Me too, the adeptus thinks wordlessly. Sharing the same desire with someone is only a bit unfamiliar, but to fulfill it togetherーit’s so intimate in ways he can’t fathom.
“So wear this at night and keep dreaming a sweet dream of me. That way, in turn,” Aether moves to gently push the flowers against his chest, “I also get to care for you while I’m away.”
In a very different time, he would scoff and admonish Aether for wasting his worries on him. But Xiao is, arguably, a changed man now. It’s no longer as difficult and nauseating to accept every bit of care and affection Aether sends his way. If he feels any resistance, it always comes from a place of fear and insecurity, not dismissiveness.
The yaksha closes his eyes. Oh, all the cruel, tender things Aether has done to him. The otherworldly traveler wore down his walls one brick, one kind word, touch and kiss at a time, and now all Xiao feels is this profound need to do everything in his power to keep him. He fears his own avarice, but if Aether also wants him this wayー
“Okay,” Xiao mumbles, a bit more assertive now. He opens his eyes again, and they’re much steadier than before. “Okay. I will.”
And as always, making Aether happy is easy. He presses a kiss to the adeptus’ cheek. “Thank you, Xiao.”
The traveler takes the garland and places it on his head, as if crowning a monarch. With no mirror around Xiao can only see himself through Aether’s eyes, glistening like cor lapides in transfixion.
“It suits you well,” Aether whispers. There’s not a hint of deception in that aureate gaze.
Xiao looks away timidly. “I wish I could see for myself,” the yaksha coughs, touching the garland nervously.
“We’ll take lots of pictures together,” Aether promises, leaning back against the railing and pulling Xiao along with him. In an instant the traveler floods his sensesーhis scent, warmth, that inexplicable starry auraーand even a monster like himself couldn’t resist the urge to nuzzle closer.
“Will I really see you if I wear this every night?” Xiao asks quietly. He feels no significant change, aside from the slight alleviation of his karmic debt.
“Yes,” Aether laughs. “Perhaps not just me, but other people and things that bring you joy too.”
“I would like to dream only of you,” Xiao mumbles, fingers reaching up to thread through the petals again. “I feel at peace when you come at night.”
“Hehe.” He gets a kiss on his temple. “Then tell that to the Aranara if they end up visiting you.”
The traveler guides Xiao down to lay on his lap. Head empty of all but the need to be good, follow and please my bright star Xiao lets himself be steered, content to submit to the other’s whims.
His face is caressed by gloveless hands, and Xiao feels more loved than he ever did before.
Sometime later, the adeptus blearily blinks his eyes open. “Even if I see you in my dreams, will you still be here when I wake?”
“Of course, my dove,” Aether giggles. “It’s still your birthday! We’ve got lots of things to do later on.”
“I do not understand,” Xiao sighs, though he is unable to stop himself from yawning. “Why must I sleep when you are right here with me?”
“Because you are sleepy, my dearest Xiao,” Aether replies, and the adeptus jolts slightly at the light pressure tugging his eyelids closed. “Do you want Zhongli and the others to see the bags under your eyes later on? We’ll meet up at dinner anyway, so just relax and take a break for now. I’ll be here.”
“Mm. Fine,” Xiao concedes. He rolls on his side and faces Aether’s torso. Gives his exposed, muscled stomach a little nip before closing his eyes, only distantly aware of the ticklish traveler’s wheeze.
A quick nap won’t hurt. He will see his star in his sleep, and his star will be by his side when he wakes. The adeptus lets the vestiges of exhaustion take over him.
“Ae,” he slurs, groggy and deep, “your hand, please…”
Aether hums in acknowledgment. He reverently follows the outlines of his tattoo before cupping the muscle of his arm. Kind fingers lazily drag along the expanse of pale skin, tracing the shape of his lips before tucking his fringe behind an ear.
Serene, slow, alive.
Xiao doesn’t know if he wants to sleep or stay awake.
“Can you… call out my name?” he asks sheepishly.
There’s a smile in Aether’s voice when he hums, “Xiao.”
It’s the touch of a righteous god. A soothing hymn over a mountain.
“Again.”
“Xiao.”
“Again.”
The traveler’s voice is a muffled, genial laugh. He pulled that sound out of his mouth. It overwhelms him. “Xiao.”
Please, please, the yaksha begs, eyes slipping shut. Please keep calling out to me. “Again…”
“Xiao,” Aether says sweetly, voice lowered until it’s almost a whisper. And Xiao feels itーevery letter and strokeーon his skin, seeping through layers of flesh, blood and bone to burrow deep in his heart. “Xiao, my Xiao,” his star continues, his name a prayer eager to crawl out of his teeth, “my strong, beautiful little songbird.”
You’re okay. Fingers brush the tuft of hair on his nape. Get some rest.
Xiao nuzzles against his stomach with a sigh of relief, safe and protected for a change. A pulse thrums faintly against his lips, a reminder that all he holds dear is alive and well. The sun hangs a bit lower over the clear sky. He hears Verr Goldet converse with her guests downstairs. Richie barking as he follows Huai’an around. Aether humming a tune he doesn’t recognize as he combs through his hair.
In the back of his mind, there’s a distant echo of a happy song deep in a lush, purple forest somewhere.
Before succumbing to a deep, saccharine, golden-colored dream, Xiao softly breathes out, “I love you.”
Aether smiles as he watches the adeptus snore soundlessly, chest undulating between deep, easy intakes of breath. He notices the tilted garland on his head and fixes it for him.
He has never properly watched Xiao sleep before. It’s so lovely, seeing him more alive than usual, features relaxed as if he’s not in any pain. It hurts a little, in a pleasant way. The way he looks so unguarded and young, without a worry in the world.
(They’ll work on it together, one step at a time. Until the day Xiao can sleep on his own terms, undaunted by nightmares and punishments that will never come.
Until the day Xiao can sleep in peace, even if all he sees beneath his eyelids is black.)
Aether pecks his own fingers before pressing them against Xiao’s soft lips. He can’t be too greedy; there will be more to come later. He has the rest of the day to ravish him silly.