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It had been months since he had last been to Liyue. He had faced the scorching sun of Sumeru and the technology of Fontaine. Then, he had to take many detours to track his sister down, and he travelled constantly up and down across Teyvat. He crossed Liyue many times, but never managed to stop to meet him. However, he thought about him many times, and constantly wanted to see him again. The fact he still carried the Glaze Lily he gifted him was the proof of that. However, now he finally had the time to stop. He finally had the perfect opportunity to meet him. It was that time of the year again. The Lantern Festival had come around again. So, he sent him a message through Zhongli, and asked him to meet and go see the lanterns together again. Once he arrived in Liyue, he immediately recognized the festive atmosphere. The stalls, the lights, the people strolling in the streets... Everything was just as he remembered.
“Sooooo, Liyue is really pretty... But why does Paimon have to stay with Zhongli and Hu Tao?! Is Paimon going to be relieved of her job as a guide?!” ... Yeah, that was the first problem of the night.
“Of course not! It’s just... you wouldn’t want to be a third wheel, right? I’m sure it would be embarrassing...” Aether really wanted to avoid bringing up the topic with her, since it was... difficult to explain. He wasn’t too sure if she would have understood either. She looked like she knew lots of things about Teyvat, but what about this...? And she had never been all that perceptive either. Like, at all.
“Why should Paimon be a third wheel?!” Nope, she really wouldn’t have gotten it unless he directly told her.
“Paimon. It’s a date.”
“... Paimon didn’t know!” The little girl gasped, surprised. Why did no one tell her? Absurd!
“Because I didn’t tell you... And Xiao doesn’t really know either. But, pretty please, just for this night? We’ll go together tomorrow, if you want...!” Aether stopped, joining his hands and bowing his head.
“Hmpf. You’re so lucky Paimon is the best travel companion ever. Paimon will concede. However! The payment is two Grilled Tiger-Fish! Fuming hot!”
“Fine! I’ll comply!” He said solemnly. With that, the Paimon matter was officially resolved.
It was the first time in such a long time he was alone. It was a bit weird, not having Paimon float around him, constantly telling him about the things she knew about Teyvat. But... maybe, one day they would still end up being separated. After finding his sister, he would have to leave Teyvat. It was kind of a training for the future. But... did he have to leave Xiao behind too? Maybe... he could come with them. He never really travelled with anyone that wasn’t his sister, but he was sure they would have all gotten along! Especially him and Xiao, he hoped. But this was supposing he wanted to come with them. ... He didn’t really want to think about not seeing him ever again right now. He pumped himself up, thinking that, for now, what mattered the most was the present. They were going to have a date, that was all that mattered! Focus on the date! He even had a secret weapon ready for when things would have gotten good!
He headed towards the city outskirts, in the same spot from where the previous year Xiao watched the lanterns and the release of the Mingxiao Lantern. If he came from Wangshu Inn like usual, he would have passed through there to reach Liyue, and he would have intercepted him. It was the perfect plan. He didn’t really know at what time he would have arrived, though. He did give him an indication, but he wasn’t really sure if he would have gotten there at the time he told him. Therefore, while waiting, he started gazing at the sky. It was different than seeing them from the city. From up here, the lanterns were much smaller, and they looked like they were melting with the stars. Even the city lights were small and insignificant, when compared to the night sky. It made him think that, compared to what humans created, nature was far more beautiful. It was nearly poetic, and that... kind of fit Xiao. Maybe that was why he preferred to stay here and not wonder into town. Or maybe he was just that much of a loner. He started wondering how it would have been like, looking at the lanterns with him. Last year they didn’t manage to. Who knew what could have happened this year...
“You’re not good at standing guard. If I hadn’t seen you, we would have missed each other.” He turned, not expecting to hear Xiao’s voice. He was just a little displeased at the blonde boy’s carelessness... and he was earlier. Or more probably Aether really did lose himself in his thoughts and it got later than he thought.
“I’m sorry... I was looking at the lanterns, and I lost sight of the street...” He scratched his cheek, slightly embarrassed at his mistake.
“Doesn’t matter. I was looking for you, in any case. I thought you would have been here.” The man got closer, noticing something was amiss. Something big and extremely talkative, to be precise. “... Where’s Paimon?”
“She’s at the parlor with Zhongli and Hu Tao. Maybe they went in town.”
“Huh. That’s weird. She never leaves you. And it didn’t seem like they were that much friendly either.” Well, he wasn’t wrong. She probably would have never left them alone if he didn’t ask. And if she didn’t have a pending promise for food. Her greed was second only to her gluttony.
“I asked her to leave us alone. Is... that a problem?”
“... Not at all.” The Yaksha shook his head, stone-faced, standing beside Aether and looking up at the night sky. In the silence of the night, a sea of lanterns started dancing in the sky. They didn’t talk anymore, and for a long time they just stared at the lanterns. The sight was incredibly poetic and romantic. It was amazing no matter how many times he saw it. The bright lights of the city managed to light up even the outskirts of the town, and the festive sounds, the music and the laughter of people arrived up to the hill. The atmosphere was really nice, secluded but still immersed in the festival. Something was missing, though. It was a nice date, sure, and being with him after a long time was in itself good... But Aether wanted more. He wanted to make use of the opportunity to be alone together. Talk, catch up about what happened in the last months. And... he wanted to touch him like he did the day of his birthday. He wanted to kiss him again. He didn’t really plan to do it, that day, to tell the truth. It just... happened. The moment was right, so he kissed him. And he really liked it, both the kiss and Xiao’s response.
He couldn’t really hide he was extremely interested in Xiao. No... Interested wasn’t really the right word. He had a crush on him, and a pretty big one at that. While he was traveling, he often thought about it. About his desire to see him, what happened between them and what it entailed. He... sorted his feelings out. In his eyes, for a long time it was just curiosity. However, the truth was that deep inside, the first thing he thought was that the Yaksha was extremely good-looking and would look stunning with a smile on his face. Getting to know him better showed him more hidden sides of him that he liked just as much as his appearance. He really liked his aloofness. Also his sense of duty, and somehow even his torments, were attractive. But, more than that, he liked his awkwardness, his shyness, the way his cheeks would turn pink whenever he tried to be more affectionate. The way he tried his hardest just for him. And, more than anything else, the feelings he poured in the Glaze Lily. Was it even just a crush, at this point? Anytime he thought about him, everything just screamed ‘I love him so much’. Asking him out on a date alone was probably his way of confirming to himself that his feelings for him were deeply romantic.
God, I really want to touch him. I want to kiss him. I want him to look at me like he did that night.
Xiao’s amber eyes, shimmering with the faint lights of the lanterns that gave him his name, were the most radiant he had ever seen them be. The boy longed for that radiance to be directed only at him, if only for a second. He wanted to bask in it and let it warm his very core. And so, in his mind, he started to chant:
Please look at me. Just one second, please look at me.
He started doubting his own awareness, as the Yaksha did indeed turn to fix his gaze on him, nearly quizzically. Had he spoken out loud...? Did his thoughts leak? Was he careless?
“What are you looking at? You’re staring holes in me. My name may be what it is, but I’m not a lantern. Look at the sky. I came here with you just because you pleaded me. You know I despise such things.” He didn’t really have to plead him, though. Xiao didn’t even complain about coming to Liyue again. Was he being shy? Was he actually... happy? If that was it, that was extremely cute. He was being harsh to not blush? How could he be that adorable...?! Who allowed him to?!
“Ah, yes, that I remember...” Aether scratched his head, trying to contain his squeals and glad that no, he didn’t speak. He just stared too much, lost in his fleeting beauty. He then turned his head at the sky, watching as the sea of lanterns gradually floated towards the clouds, and spoke again. Or at least, he tried to. “I just thought you were... uhm...”
Come on, you can do it, Aether! Flirt! Flirt with him while you can...!
Xiao waited for a second as the young traveler stumbled on his words, trying then to intervene to salvage the conversation. At least, in his own way. “No flattering. I’m not fond of it, nor do I deserve it. If you want to flatter something, the lanterns will suffice.”
“Ah, yes... I’m sorry.” Directing his gaze even more towards the glittering in the sky, the blonde boy tried hiding his embarrassment, to no avail. He felt too nervous, he couldn’t compliment him. He had to steer himself. ‘Be composed, mature, and think about what you want to say’, he reminded himself. The Yaksha didn’t want compliments, but he could direct them to the lanterns. That was a nice compromise. “But you know, I was thinking, this year Xiaos are really glittering more than a year ago.”
... That was embarrassingggg...!!
“... One more word and I’m going back to Wangshu Inn.” The inkling of irritation in the Yaksha’s voice was evident, and Aether was ready to bury himself. However, just a quick glance at Xiao’s face was enough to understand that his irritation was due to self-consciousness. His eyes were wondering around, and his cheeks had a faint tint of peaches. Aether’s eyes glistened, and he couldn’t contain a certain childish excitement anymore. He made him blush again. It felt empowering, knowing that he was the only one to sort this effect.
“Xiao, are you—“
“Not. A. Word. I’m not.” The curt reply, akin to the growl of a beast, accompanied by his defensive crossed arms, should have been enough to discourage anyone. However, that only fuelled Aether’s desires to see more. He got closer, trying to get a good look at his face. A hard task, since the adeptus was trying his very best to avoid letting him sneak even a small glance. After a long sequence of come ons and a game of avoiding eye contact, eventually Xiao gave up. He slowly lifted his head, furrowed eyebrows and wandering eyes notwithstanding, with a face that suggested a flustered ‘now what’.
“Who would have thought—“
“Stop.”
“—that a thousands year old adeptus—“
“Aether.”
“—could blush like this?” The blonde boy giggled excitedly.
“Shut up. I’m done. I’m going back.” The Yaksha couldn’t stand the pressure anymore, too red to let the boy look at him anymore. He felt too embarrassed, and he was ready to turn on his toes to disappear from the traveler’s sight. This was enough, he wanted to run away and hide his face. It was too awkward, after not seeing him for such a long time. He felt too stiff, and it showed in his responses. However, his plan’s life was cut short by an unusually strong hand, wrapped tightly around his wrist. He stopped and turned again, this time with a surprised expression. He didn’t expect such a calm person to react with... desperation.
“Don’t leave. Please. I’ll... shut up, ok?” The blonde’s gaze was cast to his feet, unsure of where to look. He didn’t know if this was enough to stop Xiao, but it was evident he was mortified. He was really genuine and not teasing. He didn’t want their date to end there.
“... You look like a kicked puppy. You’ll make me feel like the bad guy if I really leave.” He made a concerned expression, worried Aether could be feeling bad about making him wish to leave. It wasn’t out of discomfort, though. He was just flustered. The Adeptus’ hand reached for Aether’s, slightly grabbing it. A touch so soft that, to Aether, it felt like a caress.
“So... you’ll stay?”
“I’ll amuse just a little more. Aren’t you glad?” For the first time in the whole night, a small smirk formed on the yaksha’s lips. One small word, and the blonde boy was already smiling again like an innocent kid. He truly was like a puppy. Maybe... a small treat wouldn’t be bad once in a while, Xiao thought. He liked his smile, after all. The boy left his wrist, deciding to instead hold his hand. A touch much firmer than Xiao’s weak previous attempt. What really made Aether’s face light up was the faint squeeze from the yaksha, still slightly rose-cheeked. Content, the traveler lifted, once again, his gaze to the sky. The lanterns were now only a trail of light among the clouds, as fleeting as the presence by his side. He feared that, once he turned, Xiao would have disappeared forever. Just like what could happen after leaving Teyvat. Instinctively, he turned again, as if to check he really was still there, and his eyes met those of his companion. He was astonished. Why, after reprimanding him, he was looking at him instead of the sky? As if he could hear his question from his gaze, the Adeptus parted his lips.
“I wanted to try understanding what’s so good about sneaking a glance at someone. You humans have strange habits. Like those... birthday parties. I don’t really understand you.”
“It’s not something only ‘us humans’ have. You just sneaked a glance at me.” Aether laughed softly, looking at the man. In turn, he just snorted. He was more sure than ever: Xiao was being shy. That was the reason of his curtness. He wasn’t annoyed, or displeased, or anything else. He was just shy, and was probably scared of admitting it, fearing it could be weird or be used against him. It was just like a year ago, nothing had changed, and that in itself was a good thing. Aether wanted him to drop the wariness around him, though. Maybe, that way he would have been more genuine in his reactions. He really believed that not seeing each other for so long was the cause of such awkwardness. He too had been acting weird. What was that about, being mature and composed? He wasn’t like that. He was much better at being genuine, at showing him his affection in his own clumsy ways. Xiao noticed too, and after pondering about it for a while he decided to point it out to him.
“You’re being weird ever since we met. Why are you trying to act composed?”
“You too! You’re too grumpy!” The boy pouted, letting go of any pretence. It was useless to keep acting. It also made Xiao worry, so it wasn’t worth it.
“I’m... always grumpy.” Finally, the Yaksha too dropped the façade. He looked elsewhere, his brows slightly furrowed in dismay. “It’s just been long since we last saw each other. I don’t really know how to act. It’s awkward.” Especially since he had… a better understanding of himself, so to say, after month of not seeing each other. But Aether didn’t really notice that.
“I know, right...?! It’s nerve-wracking...! It’s been so long it feels as if we’re strangers...! And I wanted to be mature and flirt properly, since it’s a date, but I can’t! I don’t have it in me!”
“... It’s a what?” The man stared at him blankly, his mouth wide open. Aether never saw him that shocked, not even when a thousand-year-old water monster menaced to destroy Liyue. And the more he processed that information, the more his face turned red. “Wh... Why didn’t I know...? Since when has this been a date?”
“Uhm, since the start...? I left Paimon at the parlor because it was meant to be a date...”
Oh no. He’s cute. I want to hug him.
“You could at least tell me?! I just feel as if... I’ve been embarrassing myself in far many more ways than I thought. … I was about to leave you alone here in the middle of a date!”
“Well, you were just being shy, so I’m not really mad...” He scratched his cheek, calmer than before. He was glad, he didn’t take it badly. On the contrary, he wanted to know sooner that they were on a date! He just scored a goal! “Actually, that’s fine, since I think... you’re cute when you’re flustered, and you blush, and you try to pretend you’re not emba—“
“Stop, stop, time out...! Can you please, just please, hear yourself when you talk...?! You’re amazingly embarrassing...!” Xiao paused him, pressing his free hand on his mouth and begging him to stop, completely red. Was he trying to kill him? To Aether, however, being touched by him felt like a dream. He finally initiated contact. He had wanted to be much more touchy with him since the beginning of the date. It had been just so long. And... all that time away, he had been thinking about him, and about wanting to see him. He had the right to feel greedy, no? He took the opportunity to kiss the palm of Xiao’s hand, smiling mischievously as the Yaksha retracted it. He was short-circuiting. How was speaking like, again? He couldn’t form sentences. “You... Ha-Hand... What… are you doing?!”
“Ehe. I just stole a kiss.”
“Well I can see that?! Are you trying to kill me again?!” Again? Oh, did he mean the kiss at the birthday party? He was quite petrified after it… The best moment, though, was when he started running after him screaming at him to stop. He never saw him lose his composure like that.
“I’m just flirting.” He made the kicked puppy face again, but this time willingly. Xiao felt like his heart could melt on the spot. How shameless, saying such a thing with those eyes. “I... missed you a lot. I’ve always been thinking about you. So, today...I kind of want to recharge.”
The Yaksha looked down, thinking about his words. He understood well the feeling. When he heard that Aether had invited him to the festival, he was in Heaven. He too wanted to see him. Well, then the anxiety kicked in, and he started acting far more detached than he wanted to, but the feeling was still there. And the puppy face really struck his heart. God if he was cute. Like, a lot. He wanted to squish his cheeks. “... I missed you too. You can recharge. But please, you’ll kill me like this. My heart feels like it’s bursting.”
“Does it?” Aether looked at him, surprised. So, was his heart beating like that too? Just like his. He looked at his chest, curious. Then, he decided to touch it, wanting to feel his heartbeat. “Ah... It’s... pounding a lot.”
Just like mine. It feels as if they’re synchronized.
“Why are you so touchy today...? I’m not going anywhere, you know…? You weren’t like this the last time we met.” Kiss aside, of course. The main difference, obviously, was that Aether now knew full well what he felt for him, so he wanted to try his best to fill the gaps. He wasn’t sure he wanted to tell him, though. It would have ruined the moment. Thinking about it, though, made wonders to worsen his heartbeat.
“Secret.”
“You’re not credible. You’re all red.”
“Look who’s talking!” The blonde boy stuck his tongue out, taking by force Xiao’s hand and bringing it to his own chest. “It’s not like I’m not nervous. I can pretend all I want, but I’m freaking out inside. I... Actually, I feel ecstatic. Being here with you is amazing. I know it was awkward, not seeing each other for a long while, but... it’s not like anything really changed between us. Everything is still the same. I can see it. The only thing was I had time to think.”
“What did you think about?” Xiao closed his eyes, taking in the boy’s heartbeat. He wanted to make it his own.
“Lots of things. Like... about what happened at the party.” The boy left his hand, and Xiao too left his chest. Then, he started searching in his pouch, showing him the Glaze Lily he received as a gift, now pressed in a bookmark. “I always keep it with me, you know? I felt as if you were with me too, wherever I was. But... I missed you. And I kept on thinking about the kiss I gave you.”
“... Me too. It’s hard not to think about it. And while you weren’t here... I felt lonely. I’m not good with parties, or festivals, or anything else that might be fun for you. But... I still want to spend time together. Even doing things I’m not used to, if it means I can get to know you better.” Then, the man caressed the bookmark, smiling slightly. “I’m glad you kept it. I still think it was a dumb gift. But... since you liked it, I like it a bit more.”
“I already told you I like your smile more, though. And you just smiled!” Aether smiled back, deciding to push his luck. Just as what happened that night, he gave him a kiss on the cheek, smiling satisfied. “Scene re-enactment! Ah, wait, I can make it even better!”
It was the second time Xiao was kissed by him, and it was... much less embarrassing than the first. He was still bright red, but at least he wasn’t frozen, and he still had his mental faculties. But, make it better? It already felt really good, though. He stared at the boy as he searched in his bag, and when he carefully took out a Qingxin, kept in a container to not ruin it, he made a surprised face. “It’s... a Qingxin, isn’t it?”
“Hm-mh. I picked it up on a hill. It was kind of lonely, alone on that peak... But it was beautiful too, just like you.” He took out the flower, handling it carefully, and he gently placed it in Xiao’s hair.
The Yaksha blushed, instinctively squeezing Aether’s hand as he looked at his feet. He was sure it was ridiculous, seeing a grown man with his cheeks red and a pretty flower in his hair. However, the only opinion that mattered to him right now was Aether’s. “How... does it look?”
“You’re beautiful, Xiao.” Xiao tried to hide his face in his own hair, feeling as if he had just been thrown in a spotlight. Aether, in response, blushed, looking at him with a smitten face. He was glad he found the right chance to use his weapon, it worked wonders. Just as he thought when he picked up that flower, he looked stunning. And he managed to gift him a flower too. The only thing missing to make them even was... the confession. However, Aether was quite sure that, had he tried such a thing in a roundabout way, he would have still ended up telling him he was in love with him. He was not sure it was already the right moment for that type of confession.
“... It’s not fair, though.” Xiao said after some seconds of silence.
“What isn’t...?”
“You’re... too smooth. You don’t even have to try hard like you did before. You can make me nervous just by being yourself. It makes me mad. I can’t keep up with you.”
It’s because I love you, you dummy! It’s the power of love talking in my stead!
“Ah, I’m not that good...” Aether laughed sheepishly, looking at him. Ah, like this... he was really irresistible. How could he touch him naturally, this time? He wanted to touch him much, much more than he already did that night. They were still holding hands, so that was a no. He just touched his face too, so touching him again felt strange, right? The heartbeat thing was already off-limits. And it’s not like he could hug him out of the blue. He didn’t really have a reason to touch him again. But wasn’t not having a reason what made touching so interesting, beautiful and genuine? He didn’t have a reason. He just wanted to because he was in love. Once again, being natural was the best thing to do. No need to overthink anything. So, he caressed his face, squeezing a little more his hand. Xiao turned to look at him, surprised and red-faced. The moment was extremely tender. Aether had been incredibly touchy all the night too. He could kind of guess where this was heading to even with his inexperience. At this point, he would have been more than a little disappointed if all the build-up didn’t lead to something more. So, he didn’t oppose, closing a little the distance between them and trying his best to look at the blond boy straight in the eyes despite the shyness.
Aether, in turn, was mesmerized. His heart wanted to come out of his chest. He felt like he was burning up, he felt feverish, his whole body tingled. Oh, how he wanted to kiss him and scream him he was in love with him. He moved a bit his thumb on Xiao’s cheek, sweetly caressing him. The Yaksha squeezed a bit his eyes, feeling a mix of tickling and embarrassment. When he opened them again, he furrowed his brows. He looked impatient, like the blonde boy was taking too long. Was he… expecting something? Did they really want the same thing? He really couldn’t believe this, it felt like a dream. Aether lowered a bit his face, getting close to that of the man. He didn’t complain, instead leaning in. Their eyes met. They both thought, ‘they’re glittering like the lanterns’. Slowly, they closed the distance. Their lips softly touched, and they both felt a jolt of electricity run through their bodies. They closed their eyes, deepening the kiss and moving their hands. Aether wrapped his arms around his waist, while Xiao rested his hands on his chest. The kiss was gentle and tender, albeit a bit chaste. After what felt like an eternity, the two parted. However, Xiao didn’t look satisfied. The blonde boy started worrying.
He didn’t like it? Was that not what he wanted? Did I get it all wrong…?! He didn’t feel obliged, right…?!
“… Again.”
“… Eh…?”
“I said, again. I’m not asking. We’re doing it. Full stop. Don’t you dare complain.” His replies had become extremely curt, so he must have been feeling extremely embarrassed. Aether was starting to understand him easily. Xiao was… really simpler than he looked. He was awkward, shy and inexperienced. That made him unbearably cute. The boy didn’t really have the time to even try to complain that the Yaksha was already kissing him again. Well, not that he would have ever tried to oppose him. Refusing a kiss from him was a sin. This time, however, Xiao tried making the kiss more passionate, trying to push his tongue in Aether’s mouth. It was cute, how clumsy he was. He was cute in everything he did. It was easy to tell that was his first kiss. That just made Aether happier. He complied, and started moving his tongue too. The more they kissed, the more they got used to it. It was easy, they just didn’t need to put too much thought into it. They kept kissing for a long time at Xiao’s dissatisfied agains, until the man finally felt full and let go of Aether’s lips. The boy couldn’t help but smirk.
“You were being needy.”
“Wasn’t.”
“Liar. You were.”
“I said I wasn’t.”
“You’re not credible. You’re all red.” Aether smirked a little more, using against him the very same words he used just a while ago against him.
“…Touché.” He conceded, sighing. Was it really necessary to hide it anymore, at this point? They just finished kissing, it was plainly obvious he was being needy. Just thinking about what just happened made Xiao’s heart flutter with joy. So, he didn’t really want to put up a front again. It was just that flustering.
“… Hey, Xiao. Right now, you know, I could tell you my secret…” It felt like it was really the perfect moment. The mood just begged for a love confession. A romantic love confession under the stars and the lanterns after kissing passionately, it was the best of the best!
“Why are you still pretending it’s a secret? It’s not like it felt like a secret before either… You’ve been touching me madly today.” Did he really believe him to be that oblivious? Sure, he wasn’t the best at catching up such things, but even he could notice when it was that evident. “Then I’ll tell you my secret, since it seems you still don’t get it. I love you too, you slowpoke.”
Aether felt like his heart was dancing. That was much better than any flower, any smile, any kiss. He hugged him, kissing him again with much more passion and fervor. It was mutual. Well, of course it was. So many things Xiao did that night wouldn’t have made sense, otherwise. Especially all that blushing. Maybe, deep down, Aether understood, and that was why he had indulged so much in the touching. He knew full well he wouldn’t have been stopped, and he tried to lead things to this outcome. He was really the happiest he had ever been. There was only a thing that didn’t sit well with him, however.
“… Hey, don’t answer to my confession before I even made it! You dummy! You ruined my dream-like confession!” The blonde boy pouted, and the Yaksha could only answer him by laughing, his smile the brightest Aether ever saw.
Aether was sure he would have never forgotten this night in all his life. Two beautifully entangled memories were to be forever engraved in his heart: memories of lanterns dancing in the sky, and of him.