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The hustle of the busy street below could be heard even with the leverage Wanshuu Inn had at the top of its giant tree.
Lantern Rite was just around the corner, which of course led to a boom in business within all of Liyue. In terms of the Inn, it meant being fully booked for the whole month as well as constantly catering to travelers coming and going.
Though booked to the brim, there was always a seemingly empty room at the very top of the tree Inn. It was a one-bedroom suite with access to the roof and hidden from the other rooms below, with a thin layer of dust covering most of its furniture. With the bed being the only thing unaffected by the stillness due to how Verr Goldet constantly remembered to change its sheets every month or so.
The Inn owner leaves this small space unbooked not for her own services, but rather for the silent Yaksha that uses her tall Inn as a vantage point for his duties. Even after giving the room to Xiao, he doesn’t seem to use the room provided even with her insistence that he could.
So it is a sudden surprise when Verr finds the said Yaksha in the dark room as she opens the room’s door to do her monthly clean up.
Xiao is crouched down onto the floor, a multitude of loose materials varying from wax paper, bamboo sticks, and string all scattered in piles next to him. As the light from the hallway filters into the quiet room, Verr manages to see a rather contemplative look on the young Yaksha’s face before it turns into one of usual indifference.
Seeing that she has been noticed, Verr lightly greets Xiao as she normally would.
“Ah! Xiao! I didn’t expect to see you here today! I could have prepared the room beforehand!”
She lifts the fresh linens that were already in her arms, ready to be swapped and fitted over the bed. The young woman’s face is set into a sheepish smile, a bit apologetic that she is underprepared for his visit.
“If you’d like, I could prepare the room if you don’t mind waiting for a few minutes!”
The Anemo Yaksha leaves his crouching position in favor of standing straight and shakes his head silently. Then after a few seconds responds with, “...There’s no need.”
Brown eyes observe Xiao’s sharp golden ones, She may not be an adeptus; but she has interacted with Xiao to know that there were flecks of hesitance within his usually guarded eyes. The small observation makes Verr sigh fondly.
Frankly the Inn owner couldn’t help but act motherly towards the seemingly young man before her. Sure he may be older than her by decades, but the Yaksha has always acted so introverted and polite towards her and her husband. She has met her fair share of people and there have been many who have treated Verr and her establishment rather poorly, never Xiao though. He had always held a mutual respect for her and the Inn, being rather withdrawn whenever they managed to talk even with his renowned status.
His rather shy nature, along with the times she saw him looking worse for wear after clearing out the monsters around the Inn, had conjured a protective feeling within her heart whenever she had interacted with him. So she made it her mission to aid him whenever he needed it. Verr had of course knew she had to probe around a bit to effectively help the adeptus, since he never asked for help after all.
She again looks at all the items scattered around Xiao’s feet, then at the small crease on the Yaksha's brow.
“Do you need help with something Xiao?”
“...”
Verr patiently waits for a response, watching the little micro expressions that come and go on Xiao’s face with a small smile. It was nice seeing how open Xiao had been lately, maybe it was because of the new ideals set within Liyue or the lack of demons as of late- but she had a feeling the change was more due to a certain golden traveler if anything.
“...Do-”
The small whisper brings Goldet out of her musings, scrambling to pay attention since it was one of the rare times Xiao actually voiced that he needed something. Luckily she manages to hear what the adeptus said even if it was said in a murmur.
“Do you perhaps know how to construct a lantern…?”
—
Aether lets out a small laugh as he watches Paimon struggle to take out her mora pouch. Her left hand was preoccupied with at least three Grilled Tiger Fish skewers while her right was rummaging through her pockets so she could pay for the said food.
Across the duo, Smiley Yanxiao lets out a fond huff as he continues to cut up some vegetables for his future meals he will inevitably have to make. Watching the small pixie a little longer, the chef stops his meal prep in favor of addressing his two guests.
“C’mon Paimon, you don’t hafta pay me for the Grilled Tiger Fish… You two have done enough already by bringing the ingredients I needed for today’s dinner menu.” He gestures to his work counter, where the said produce sits unassumingly in piles, ready to be used.
“Ehhh! Really! You’d do that for us Smiley Yanxiao?!”
The chef responds with a grin and a nod as he continues cutting up a box of cabbages.
“Yup! Take it as a little Lantern Rite gift from me.”
Paimon bounces in delight at the fact that her food is free, turning to her companion with stars in her eyes and a big smile.
“Aether look! Smiley Yanxiao gave us these for free!”
The blonde boy laughs, clearly knowing that though Paimon had said it like it was for the both of them; he knew that it was more for Paimon herself than as a group snack. Not that he really minded, Aether would let his pixie friend eat whatever she liked, it was Lantern Rite after all.
“Oh but there is one request I’d like for you to do, if that’s ok?”
Smiley Yanxiao’s voice captures the blonde’s attention, finding the said man staring straight at him with a look he couldn’t decipher. The traveler looks at the chef with an open expression and a tilt to his head to indicate he was listening.
“Of course! What do you need?”
“It’s nothing much really, I was just wondering if you could leave Paimon to help taste test some new dishes I’d like to try making. I’ve never really met someone so enthusiastic about food as Paimon here so I thought she would be the perfect fit. It would take quite a bit so it would give you a chance to wander around for yourself if that’s ok?”
The sudden ask makes Aether raise an eyebrow in contemplation. He knew Paimon would accept the request in a heartbeat, but the small paranoia in the back of his head wondered if it would be ok for him to separate from the two. Before he could voice his concerns, Yanxiao stops his dicing to give Aether a thumbs up along with a reassuring smile, “And don’t worry about little miss over here, I’ll watch over every silver hair on her tiny head for ya!”
“Hey! I can take care of myself, thank you very much!” Paimon pouts, stomping her foot out as she floats midair. She then turns to her companion with an eager look.
“It’s ok Aether! I promise I won’t leave the kitchen, let alone the Inn! I’ll stay with Smiley Yanxiao, while you relax and do whatever you want! Paimon thinks you deserve it after all!”
The outlander can’t help but huff at his friend’s good-natured insistence. Paimon can be really sweet when it comes to wanting to make Aether feel comfortable. Throughout their journey she has really grown enough that he could leave her alone without a fuss, which was nice during times like this- where there were many activities to do and see but so little time to complete them.
With a nod and a smile, Aether agrees with the suggestion, informing the duo that he’ll step out and will be back after a few hours. As he begins traversing out of the kitchen and into the Inn’s lobby, the blonde is quickly intercepted by a very enthusiastic Verr Goldet.
“Oh! Traveler! Leaving so soon?”
“Just stepping out for a bit. Smiley Yanxiao requested that Paimon be his taste-tester for the evening and she accepted with no complaints, so I’ll be back after a while.”
“How sweet of her! Yanxiao can be pretty particular with his recipes, so they might take awhile… Do you have any place to stay while you wait?”
“Ah- I was just planning to walk around Guili Plains…” He admits as he scratches his head, a bit flustered by the question. The blonde didn’t really have an itinerary for this year’s Lantern Rite, opting to just enjoy the festive atmosphere without stepping into the bustling harbor. He was honestly content with watching from the sidelines than actually taking commissions from the Adventures Guild and the Qixing.
Verr makes a face at the fact that he had no place to stay. “Now we can’t have that can we! You can stay in one of the rooms and rest till they are finished.”
Aether quickly tries to politely refuse the offer, putting his hands out and shaking them while saying, “I-It’s ok Verr! It won’t be long anyways- and I’m sure you're fully booked for the week!”
Try as he can, one thing about the renowned Inn host was that she was extremely stubborn when she wanted to be. Shaking her head, Verr looks at the adventurer with the eyes one would find on a jaded mother.
“I can’t have a dear friend of mine go out in the wilderness stating that as ‘relaxing’ when they do that on a daily basis. You deserve some time within a quaint lodging and an actual bed you know.”
From that Aether can’t help but let out a small chuckle, feeling the warmth from her good intentions.
“Alright, alright… I’ll stay. Thank you for your hospitality, Verr.” As he is giving his gratitude, Aether notices a certain look the Inn owner dawns the moment he accepts her offer, which is quickly replaced with a light smile. Her demeanor was definitely not one with ill intentions- rather it felt more aware if anything.
Like she knew something he didn’t.
“Anything for our dear Hero of Liyue.”
—
“Wow… I never knew this place existed within the Inn…”
Golden eyes surveyed the small suite in awe, taking in the open windows and the arch leading to the roof where a small open balcony that had a full view of the Bishui Plains lay.
“Hehe, I usually don’t put this room up for booking or let anyone use this space for that matter…” Verr affirms as she goes to open a window to let in some fresh air. “But I have a feeling that your case will be an exception.”
Blonde locks swish to the side as Aether tilts his head in confusion.
“What does that mean-”
“Anyway-! Please enjoy your stay, if you need anything don’t hesitate to look for me or Huai’an ok?”
“Okay-”
“Mhm!- Oh! And before I forget- Happy Lantern Rite!”
And with that the Wanshuu host scurries away with another knowing look and a smile, shutting the door behind her as she exits and leaving Aether alone with his thoughts.
“Ah… and she's gone…”
Not thinking too deeply about Verr’s rather peculiar behavior, the golden traveler lets out a long exhale, finally letting his shoulders, which were always tense with an adventurer’s resilience, slump down for some much needed rest.
He brings his arms over his head for a stretch, letting the rest of his body follow his shoulders and relax from its constant vigilance. Aether walks towards the queen sized bed, tracing the silky maroon sheets as he lets his mind wander.
It's been awhile since he has been left alone with his thoughts. Usually he would dread being alone, afraid of his stray reflections concerning his sister and the broken pieces of his memory would consume him in somber paranoia. Now, however, he feels nothing but a strange sense of calm; a sensation that he has yet to decipher himself.
When his body stops unconsciously due to an obstacle in his path, the outlander returns to reality to find a small bedside table obstructing his path. He is about to turn away when he notices a lone Qingxin flower sitting innocently on the tabletop.
Brown leather fingers take the flower up for closer inspection. As he traces the silhouette of the Qingxin’s many petals, Aether can’t help but lightly sniff the herb, his eyes glittering with fondness when the scent reminds him of a certain adeptus.
He clears his throat, his face a bit pinker than before. Quickly putting the flower down and turning his jumbled attention to the bathroom with the sole mission of having the best bath in the world while also clearing out his thoughts.
After an hour in the shower, Aether finally emerges from the bathroom with a big pocket of steam in his wake. Refreshed and dressed in more casual wear, consisting of a tank top he usually wears under his armor and another pair of loose pants, the Outlander makes his way to the open balcony.
The views of Diluha Marsh from Wanshuu Inn were always so lovely to look at during the day, you could see all the various colors of leaves and greenery scattered around the area making it feel like you were looking at an oil painting.
But at night the whole vibe would change along with the scenery. The warm glow of the street lights below engulfed the Marsh in a golden hue that compliments the silver veil of twilight the moon drapes down during nighttime. Especially during Lantern Rite, where there would be Xiao Lanterns around every corner and the decorations of silk and party favors brightened the atmosphere even more.
Aether silently leans against the red wood of the Inn’s railing, staring at the cool toned landscape with round eyes and a small smile.
‘This is nice.’ He thinks as he props his elbows onto the railing, letting his chin rest on his palm as he continues to watch patrons of the Inn scurry around with festive cheer. It was always fun coming to Liyue during this time, where a sense of togetherness could be felt throughout the whole nation just to celebrate the new year.
A sudden teal glow from the right side of his peripheral steals his attention, making him turn to come face to face with a bouquet of Qingxin flowers. Usually one would be startled by the sudden appearance, but Aether can’t help but feel giddy- knowing that behind the sudden glow is someone that has always been on his mind.
“Xiao.”
Golden eyes take in the teal adeptus, who dawns his usual get up except for the small flower bouquet from earlier. Aether’s small smile from before has grown into a full blown smile, blatantly showing his excitement from just seeing the Yaksha in person.
The said being has a passive look on his face, not one displaying his stone faced persona, but rather one that is light and lax- a look that is only reserved for someone he truly can be comfortable with.
“Hello Aether.”
“Hehe, Hello Xiao. Happy Lantern Rite!”
“Hm… Happy Lantern Rite.”
As he says this, Xiao extends the bundle of flowers towards Aether, craning his head away as he awkwardly deposits them into the blonde’s arms. The Outlander giggles at his companion’s shy nature and accepts the gift with sparkling eyes and cherry cheeks.
“For me? You’re too kind Xiao!”
Xiao gives a small nod and a “Hn” as a response, which was basically a yes. They start to fall into a light conversation, catching up with each other on what they have been doing for the past few days with Aether talking about Lantern Rite and Xiao conveying anything interesting he remembers from his daily patrols. The Anemo user then turns towards the balcony’s entrance, where it leads back into the suite.
“I see that Verr has finally put the room to good use. I was becoming worried about how much she tends to it even though I rarely use it.”
It takes a second for Aether to comprehend the statement.
“T-That’s your room?!” He wills his gaze towards the room in a frenzy, blonde wisps of his bangs obstructing his face from how fast he swishes his head.
“Ah- I’m sorry I should of asked Verr about it before taking it-”
The apology leaves his mouth the moment he feels the feather-like touch of leather lightly grazing his cheek. Looking back, Aether finds Xiao’s gloved hand centimeters away from his face, lightly tucking yellow tufts of his bangs behind his ear. As he tucks another strand of hair back, his hand lightly touches the lone earring Aether wears- causing it to sway.
Though still dawning a rather indifferent face, Aether could see the pink tint of the other’s ears as he relays, “Think nothing of it Aether… I barely use the space anyway, I’m glad that Verr let you use it.” Unconsciously he lets still outstretched hand softly caress the blonde’s cheek as he murmurs,
“If it’s you, I don’t mind…”
Flustered and speechless by the rather intimate actions, Aether can only respond with a wavering stutter,
“O-Okay…”
The stammer finally makes Xiao realize the close proximity and weight of his behavior, and he steps back from his companion with a sheepish grunt and flushed cheeks. The two awkwardly stand at arms length as they get their thoughts together.
Aether plays with his earring as he tries to get his emotions under control. He won’t deny that he had always had feelings that transcended close friendship when it came to Xiao. He was aloof but also kind, in his own mysterious way. The Yaksha was one of the few individuals that never really pulled Aether to do something for his own personal gain, he always kept to himself and never burdened anyone with his woes.
Instead, Xiao graces him with respect- going so far as to give him his promise for aid with a simple call of his name. Which was something people rarely did due to his famed title as a famous adventurer. Most have the notion that he can handle himself and doesn’t need the aid of others.
A clearing of a person’s throat pops the descender’s internal mind bubble, making him turn back to his Anemo companion.
“I-... I have a gift for you.”
Aether perks up at that, surprised that Xiao has more after he already gifted him the lovely batch of Qingxin.
“Another? I’m already so grateful for the flowers you gave me!” He laughs as he gestures to the said gift still in his hands.
“Yes…” Amber eyes hesitate for a bit, unsure on how to proceed in giving his, in his opinion, rather mediocre gift.
“I’d like to ask for you to close your eyes.”
“Ooh~ I wonder what it is that I need to close my eyes, how exciting!” Aether voices as he covers his eyes with his hands, propping the flowers on the floor on it's side beforehand so they won't get damaged. He gets a huff in response and the sound of shuffling fabric. After a few light seconds of silence, the gruff sound of Xiao’s voice can be heard.
“Forgive me- It seems that I am not good with things such as textiles, I hope it is still to your liking though…”
The Yaksha admits as he goes to tap on Aether’s fingers, signaling that he can open his eyes.
As yellow eyes crack open they are met with the sight of a Xiao Lantern. It wasn’t like any lantern, instead of its usual bulky appearance, this lantern is much more slender and petite in size. It takes a more boxy shape with tough bamboo sticks acting as the foundation for the wax paper, helping the lantern have shape.
On the paper Aether could see the subtle drawings of watercolor stars and flowers, the cloudy transparent markings of color shine beautifully as the flame within the lantern filters out from the paper. Flecks of gold paint could be seen outlining the stars, making them stand out even more. The pattern wraps around the paper making it look as if it were in an elegant picture book.
Sure there were noticeably a lot of stray string where the bamboo sticks connect, and the watercolor looked a bit patchy in some areas, but that all felt meaningless when all Aether could feel was the absolute love that was put into making the lantern. It tugs at his chest so much that he can’t help but gasp muted awe at the offering before him, truly speechless at the intricacy of the lantern.
Interpreting his companion’s silence as something negative, Xiao looks down, his gaze crestfallen as he murmurs,
“It seems these hands of mine are really more adept in destroying rather than creating. I apologize if looking at it is too unsightly-”
This time it’s Aether’s turn to dispel the spiraling thoughts of the other, gently taking his hand and tangling their fingers together as he brings the Yaksha closer to his person. He holds a fond look as he gazes into Xiao’s sharp eyes, wanting to make sure that he understands what he is about to say.
“No-No Xiao, I love it!” He looks back towards the mentioned gift as it floats in place. “It’s very beautiful, thank you. I love the patterns you put on the paper, they look so lovely.” He relays as he lightly caresses the paper.
Too occupied with inspecting his present, Aether fails to notice the soft look Xiao dawns as he watches him fiddle with his gift. He then turns his attention to their still conjoined hands, making his chest flutter with a feeling that he only has when he is with the golden traveler. The fluffy feeling gives the teal adeptus the courage to pull the Outlander into a fragile embrace.
With confidence that he usually never has, Xiao lets hands rest on Aether’s waist in a secure yet loose grip; making sure that the blonde can easily escape the hug if he so wishes to. His head goes to rest on the other’s shoulder, taking the opportunity to snuggle into the junction of his neck and letting out a content sigh.
The moment he falls into the sudden hug, Aether accepts the touch with a surprised gasp and reciprocates by wrapping his hands around Xiao’s shoulders, welcoming the hug. He wouldn’t lie and say that the sudden contact bewildered him, as Xiao was never known to initiate skinship of any kind. But feeling the wisps of the Yaksha’s dark hair and the small puffs of breath hitting his neck made Aether realize how right it felt being in Xiao’s arms.
They stay like that for a while, just in each other’s company, with the sound of light laughter and the glow of the lanterns as their only witnesses.
“They reminded me of you…”
“Hm?” Aether opens his eyes, which have somehow closed at one point, to listen to the other’s small whisper.
Xiao steps back in favor of looking at the Outlander with his sharp amber eyes. Aether stares back with his own round gold ones, enamored with how the hues of the lights below seem to dance around the adeptus’ like glitter.
“From the twinkling stars adorning the vast twilight, to the flowers that blossom under the sun’s blessing… It seems that the only thing I see is you.”
A small blush graces Xiao’s complexion as he says that, his voice a bit shaky but tone confident. When the Yaksha was making the lantern he had come to terms with what he was feeling concerning the ever so jubilant traveler. He wasn’t one to deny his feelings, as a Yaksha he always knew to trust his gut instincts in any scenario; and with these emotions in particular he knows that what he is feeling is not one of deep friendship but rather-
“Your very being has captivated me… To the point where I cannot deny my affections for you any longer.”
“I…”
He pauses, letting out a deep breath.
“I love you Aether- Mhph?!”
The confession is promptly cut short when Xiao’s lips are soon occupied by Aether’s smooth ones. The kiss at first is light and tender, with just the pair lightly bumping their noses together as if both are testing the waters.
But soon enough Xiao gives in and sighs into the kiss, letting his hands stay grounded on Aether’s hips while also feeling the comforting touch of the blonde’s hands as they cradle his head with gentle care. His usually tense shoulders seem to sag under the touch, as they both slot against each other in a way that just feels right.
Eventually they separate, staring at each other both breathless and red in the face. The calm only lasts for a moment until laughter begins to sound between them.
‘It sounds like bells.’ Is the adeptus’ first thought as he watches Aether let out cute giggles so full of mirth that he can’t help but break into a small smile himself. Seeing the fond look on the Yaksha’s face, the Outlander can’t help but rest their foreheads together.
“I’m sorry- I couldn’t help myself…” The blonde confesses a bit guilty that he cut off the other’s confession just as he was relaying it. He lets out a small shaky breath of his own, focusing back on what just occurred.
“I also have to admit…” He also pauses, also a bit shy in the heat of the moment.
“I love you too Xiao.” He whispers, with a fond smile.
The mentioned adeptus just hums, freeing his hand from its place against Aether’s hip so that he could caress the other’s cheek with casual motions. What soon follows is a period of mindless touches, as if they were finally discovering each other after all this time. The contact consists of languid caresses whether it be on their faces or on their hair and massaging motions on areas such as their arms and back. Nothing about these actions screamed passion or lust, but rather feelings of pure devotion- assuring to the other that they were indeed here and very much in love.
After a while, they will themselves to separate from their close embrace, with Xiao suggesting that they should release the lantern lest they want their wishes to stay unfulfilled.
So the duo stand side by side, holding down a corner of the xiao lantern ready to give it its freedom amongst the night sky. Their hands bound tightly together as they prepare for the departure.
“Hehe, I have my wish… What about you?” The Outlander turns to his new lover with sparkling eyes.
Xiao looks on with a soft look. “I have a feeling we have the same wish.”
A laugh, “I think so too!”
With that the duo let go of their respective corners, watching as the handmade lantern slowly but surely ascends to the heavens with its quaint glow.
—
“Miss Verr! Paimon and Smiley Yanxiao are done refining his recipes, do you know where Aether went?!”
The loud call of the small pixie alerts the Wangshuu Inn host towards the direction of the kitchen, where she finds the said girl hovering up the stairs with a satisfied look as she rubs her belly.
“Ah, yes! I gave the traveler a room upstairs since he was planning to go traverse the Plains alone. Come, I'll escort you there.”
Paimon shimmies with happiness, flying behind the woman with the small yell of “Yay! Thank you for taking care of Aether.”
“Hehe, it is my pleasure.”
Once they reach the door to the room, Paimon expresses her amazement. “Woah I don’t remember this room!”
“Hehe, usually I keep this room off limits for Xiao… But I let Aether use it for the night. If I’m right then everything worked in their favor.”
“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?” The younger questions, similar to how Aether did back when Verr gave him the room all those hours ago.
Her question is just met with a knowing smile and a muted “shhh”, with Verr putting a finger against her lips. She then uses the master key and opens the door far enough that they could both stick their heads in. What they find causes Paimon to gasp, putting her hands over her mouth in surprise with an embarrassed face while Verr dawns a wise smile as if she knew what to expect.
Even with the limited lighting, the duo could clearly see the outlines of two individuals on the bed huddled close together under the sheets. It was pretty obvious who the two were if the bright yellow and the dark teal blobs were any indication. Luckily it seems that they are only cuddling, with no signs of- ahem… further intimacy. On the bedside table they could see a small bouquet of Qingxin held within a vase filled with fresh water, which makes Verr coo at the cute gift. After another second of peeking, Verr shuts the door with unhurried motions and a small ‘click’ once she locks the door again, letting the duo continue their blissful sleep.
“I-Is that what you meant!?” The flying girl whisper-yells pointing to the door in a confused frenzy.
“Hehe, it was pretty obvious was it not? Lately Xiao had been blatantly expressing the fact that he was going to confess to Aether… Well that’s what I got from his behavior at least. That young man can really be so easy to read- even with his stagnant face.”
She puts her hand to her palm, while also giving Paimon a wink. “I’m sure the same goes with the traveler, no?”
Paimon grumbles, “Hrmph- I mean you’re not wrong-”
“See it all worked out in the end! Let’s not think about it too much shall we!”
The lady’s insistence makes Paimon give in, unsure on what to say but not opposed to the development. Xiao and Aether complemented each other well and were a good pair, at least to Paimon.
“O-Okay if you say so.”
The older woman laughs, happy that her small meddling bore the fruit she wanted. Sure she did intervene when it came to separating Paimon from the traveler with Yanxiao’s cooperation and deliberately offered Xiao’s suite to the said adventurer, but it was all up to the adeptus to convey his feelings to the other.
She just helped set the stage.
When Xiao asked for assistance in learning how to make lanterns she got a front row experience on how deep the Yaksha’s love ran for the blonde. She couldn’t help but feel touched watching the infamous Conqueror of Demons struggle to paint watercolor stars onto a piece of paper, all for the person he loves the most.
Verr knew that the young man just needed a small push, he can be a bit self deprecating sometimes which hinders his confidence. And she truly wanted the Yaksha to be happy, they both deserve it after all.
“Come now Paimon, let’s not disturb them shall we!” She gives the pixie an excited look, “if you’d like Huai’an and I could teach you how to make your own lantern! You could let them fly with the other ones later when we release them too!”
“Really?!” The younger gasps, the offer already peeking her attention.
“Of course!”
“Okay! Lead the way!”
The secret agent hums in delight, ushering the eager pixie away from the door and back into the main lobby. Before she leaves the hallway though, she casts one final look at the suite’s door with wrinkled eyes and a motherly smile.
‘Sweet dreams you two!’