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It was no lie that Aether left a strong impression everywhere he went, you could see only the fleeting image of the star aligned traveler and still wonder about him. But Xingqiu thought this was a bit too much.
For he had started to see Aether in the books he read. Usually he would know not to confuse his very own reality with the world that he held in his hands, as he would simply choose to ignore reality in itself regardless.
But,,, it's just that,,, Aether is showing up everywhere.
In the stories main characters, in the side characters, the heroine, the villain even!
This was impossible to ignore as the fantasy in his mind began to shift terribly so, to accommodate for his recent thoughts.
Even if he so chooses to pick out a random book, traces of Aether were just waiting to ambush him. Just like this children’s fairy tale book that he held up with one hand, fingers tucked in between the pages.
“ Free the princess!” It was Aether who was yelling.
“I won't let you take her!!” And it was Aether who was screaming back!!
The characters in his very own books have begun to take the shape of the traveler.
Something must be done and if it wasn’t soon, Xingqiu might lose his very mind.
--
Or, maybe he's already lost it.
The passing thought had hit him when he was simply hanging out with Aether, who approached him first.
( “Xingqiu are you busy? Let's go out somewhere!” Aethers eyes were sparkling, and whatever he had in mind must not have been good.
Hm? Is this outlander code for a date!? It was embarrassing at how fast Xingqiu came to that conclusion. The fairy tales were getting to him.
His cheeks had flared up at the thought, and he tried to remain as calm as water, although ripples were forming!?
“Sure thing my liege!” he had said, with a hand placed upon his chest.
Everything is falling apart. )
And now here the two were, panting and out of breath as the self proclaimed “date” was to bring him to a fire pyroregisvine.
All color had drained from his face as he saw Aether jump with a sprinting start and wasted no time in attacking downwards.
With a sigh and a massage to his temple, he too, had followed Aethers footsteps.
Scarily enough, Aether had pulled out an entire cooking pot from his bag and made a cup of water for the both of them. How? He had not the slightest clue. Nothing of what he has ever read could help in this situation either.
Thanking Aether for this mysterious cup of water, Xingqiu wonders if Aether realizes he is a hydro vision?? Though, he still was grateful for the thought.
He could never refuse his liege of course!
As it seemed they were taking a break, Xingqiu had already taken his current book out and started reading the part he had left off. Here with the company of Aether was a good atmosphere, even if this cave was frying him alive. Well, he could live with it. Afterall he was with Aether.
Not even moments after, Aether had shuffled around to his side.
“What are you reading?” he asked with a voice full of curiosity.
Xingqiu was glad that he was also interested in the books that he held so dear to him, but this was a terrible time.
Though,,, he could never refuse his liege of course…
He might regret these words.
“Do you wish to read with me?” he smiled at the boy at his side. Happy to indulge in this quality time they're having.
Again, in what practically is a volcano.
Aether is really one for romance isn't he? An inward chuckle.
“Yeah of course!” The traveler had all but invaded his very own personal space, their shoulders were touching and Aether's head leaned way too close to the other.
Who was currently a blushing mess!!
Why are you blushing you idiot!! You're a hydro vision user what are you even doing!? Oh dear sevens, he might notice any moment now. This bright hue that spreads across my face like a map...
“Xingqiu?” Aether looked worried.
And all that Xinqiu could think of was, how cute.
“Yes my liege?” A practiced smile that he has worn skillfully throughout the years. This will work, surely.
“This character kind of reminds me of you.” Xingqiu’s entire world broke. There was absolutely no way this opportunity had fallen before him.
This was gold.
“The main character?” Xingqiu held back on his grin, widening even more so than it already has.
Ah yes, Xingqiu the main character. It was perfectly fitting was it not? Aether clearly understood the characters of this story on the very same level as he had. As expected from the knights of favoniuses honorary knight who had defeated Dvalin-
“No, the heroine.” Aether had said, with such certainty and bluntness.
“W what part had paved you towards this conclusion of yours my liege?” Xingqiu had stuttered.
It was just so sudden, so endearing to hear something like this from Aether. The heroine??
Really, what was this man thinking, the heroine was doing nothing but being a damsel in distress as cannon fodder for the protagonist to “shine” which really set the bar low-
“It's just that, I thought she was pretty cute the way she thought up a way to get out of that trap by the king even though strength might not be her strongest trait. It reminds me of you.”
The smile that Xingqiu bear to witness on this very day could wipe out the heavens no doubt.
He wanted nothing more than to hold Aether’s face between his palms. But he must concede.
“Wait- not that you're not strong already!” Aether with flushed cheeks had held up his hands in defense. Not that he had taken any at all, blinded by the sun as he was.
“That's,,, actually the reason i called you to help me today,,” Aether had tucked a hair strand behind his ear and Xingqiu simply could not take it any longer that was adorable,,,
“Since you're so strong and smart I thought you could help me. So thank you, Xingqiu!” He had grabbed both of the boy's hands within his, the fairy tale all but forgotten as Xingqiu was living in his own.
Xingqiu didn't know what to say, or what to do.
For once in his life he was completely, utterly, stunned.
The constant stream of thoughts had all but stopped in his mind and instead was replaced by the sole feeling of yearning, as the palms that held Xingqius had become his very ground.
His face had now been reduced to a burning red, he had no idea what came over him.
It was good that he was sitting down already since he would have fallen ages ago, with how weak his knees were at the moment.
A stupid decision came to mind.
“Aether, I love you.” his words came barely above a whisper.
This was an incredibly stupid decision what has he done.
And as such there was a pause between the two. Xingqiu was sweating so much he might've gone delirious, eager to hear Aethers reply to his not so romantic confession.
“Oh, I love you too Xingqiu!” a heartfelt laughter followed as Aether brought him into a hug.
...huh?
He doesn't know if he should feel happy that Aether completely took it the wrong way or disappointed that he had taken it the wrong way…
This was just like his romance books!! But they never taught him how to deal with this! Xingqiu silently cursed all those cliche shoujo stories that he studied with vigor, thinking they would even give him the slightest chance at Aethers hand.
Xingqiu had simply come to terms that his confession shall be on a different day, perhaps somewhere much more fitting.
Well, this wasn't so bad either, he had thought, simply reveling into the hug with one hand that buried itself into those golden locks of his and the other tightly wrapped around his back.
--
Sigh.
This was the tenth sigh he had let out the whole week as he looked at the same old view of Liyue.
He couldn't bear to read the small mountain of books beside him for he feared that the one he admired would show up again.
Beside him he heard the sounds of plates clattering onto the table. It must have been Xiangling.
“It's unusual for your head to be in the clouds and not in a book.” she commented as she had rearranged the plates around for the two of them.
It was early in the morning where Xiangling was helping out in Wanmin Restaurant back from her travels when a somber looking Xingqiu was walking down the street.
He looked like a kicked puppy! She had to help in any way that she could!
She had called out to him and asked what the problem was, which led them to the present time.
“I know…” he should know better than anyone else how different he was acting. Ever since he helped Aether on that fair day,,,
Xiangling, who currently had a stuffed face pointed her chopsticks at him.
“Is this about Aether again!?” she had said with muffled words.
“Ah! Not so loud!!” Xingqiu was slightly standing and gripping the edges of the table. He couldn't let the entirety of Liyue know he had a soft spot for the traveler!! Although, he predicted that many had the same eyes on him.
Picking up his own chopsticks, he sat back down on his seat.
“Truth is that I told him my feelings.”
A strangled sound came from in front of him. Xiangling had choked on her food, with gouba helping to slap her back.
“You what!?” the table clattered again as gouba flew off of it's seat.
“Yes I wouldn't have even believed it myself.” another sigh.
“Is.. is that why you looked so sad today…?” Xiangling suddenly thought that Xingqiu was still very composed for someone who just had his heart broken.
“What? Oh celestia no! He didn't reject me! Well he had somewhat said it in a roundabout way…” Xingqiu was wallowing in self pity once more.
“But he didn't say no. you know how Aether is with how oblivious one can be.” he mused, as he picked things into his own plate. Xingqiu was very touched with how all the dishes didn't include carrots. He could always rely on his friends.
“Did you say it clearly or did you do that poem thing again?”
He takes it all back he wouldn't trust Xiangling with his life.
“My own words were, and I quote, Aether I love you… end quote.” XIngqiu may have made the scene much more dramatic than intended, with how he physically acted it out as well, hands on his chest and everything.
He must be spending too much time listening to story tellers…
“Geez how'd he even miss that one!?” Xiangling slammed her chopsticks down. She was rather more disappointed than she was angry.
“I have suspicions that Aether already has a beloved.” he crossed his arms in thought.
“What?! You can't be serious! He basically has all of Liyue in his palm, heck, even the perfume shop down the road admires him!!” she was throwing her hands all over the place looking as animated as ever.
“Unless… no way…” Xiangling had quieted down.
“What? What is it?? Come hither don't be quitting now!” Xingqiu was eager. He hasn't even touched any of his food.
“I've seen him talk quite fondly about a bard from Mondstandt when a guest from the funeral parlor took reservations here…” Xiangling looked deep in thought. Even gouba had stopped eating.
And at that news, Xingqiu had fallen onto the table, hand on each side of his head as suddenly the table cloth seemed so much more interesting.
“Hey! But don't get discouraged!! They could just have been friends!!” Xiangling said, quickly scurrying over to his side.
“Cmon now at least we know he likes boys?” her own statement ended like a question as she patted Xingqiu on the back. And besides, even that was a stretch. He heard from Chongyun that there was a girl their age on the traveler's party as well.
Now that he thinks about it, Chongyun must be traveling with him as of right now.
Another sigh came out as he thought about the one bard must have stolen Aethers heart.
It was a terrible terrible terrible day.
--
This day just got worse.
He had shakingly set his book down, making sure no creases were formed. He couldn't finish the story this time either.
After pacing around multiple times in his room, he finally decided that reading could calm him down just like it always has. The books and stories he held so dear to his heart would never betray him.
Until his subconscious decided to act up at the worst of times.
The stories were not within their own world any longer all he could see was Aether and his so called beloved together and together again. There was no longer any room for Aether's heart for him.
Or at least that's what he thought. He knew he was only assuming and that it was wrong to do so but how does one cure the ache in his heart?
Recently, his thinking has gotten much more melodramatic.
Too much for his liking.
Perhaps it must be the love poems he’s been writing for two weeks straight.
Regretfully written poems.
He would never ever show those poems to anyone they were just far too,, embarrassing.
Since when was the last time he held such feeble emotions for someone?
There was a knock at the door, and Xingqiu shamed himself for being careless at this time. He shouldn't be thinking of distractions after all.
Trudging his feet across the floorboards as he wistfully opened the door.
“Who is it?” there aren't many people who would visit at this hour. Quite suspicious.
“Xingqiu! You’re home!” Xingqius' demeanor instantly lightened up. It was his favorite person!!
He quickly opened the door all the way with a slight swing that he didn't mean to do. He must be excited.
“Aether what are you doing at this time?” he was still rather surprised, his eyes following Aether as he walked into his humble abode.
“Well, when we got back to Liyue Harbor Chongyun had mentioned something about you feeling down recently, So I just wanted to check up on you.” his smile was oh so lovely and his cheeks were so cute and oh my sevens-
He had almost banged the door shut, anything to keep his mind off unsavory things.
Xingqiu must calm down or else he will never get this growing blush off his face.
“Are you alright?” Aether had seemingly walked towards him again, his hand on Xingqius shoulder.
The physical contact was messing with him.
“Ah yes! I'm doing fine now that you are here beside me, my liege.”
Inwardly, Xinqiu was screaming at himself. He was never so forward before, minus the literal confession that is.
Surprisingly Aether had reacted to that. A small laugh that seemed to light up the entire room.
“Why don't we go somewhere more comfortable?” oh how he longed to hear such a melody again.
He had unconsciously held his hand out for Aether to take and before he could recognize it, Aether had accepted it without much thought.
And Xingqiu was going to lose it.
He sure did hope that his walk to the living room was not all that robotic nor stiff. He doesn't know what to do when it comes to Aether.
And to think of how this had come to be was quite laughable. They had met under not so romantic circumstances.
He had simply wanted to find the last volume of The Shattered Halberd when he caught the strange boy in his view.
“You must be looking for a book as well?” he does not recognize this boy, they must be a traveler.
From a far, faraway land.. His eyes trailed down his figure only to stop at his stomach. He quickly looked back up after that.
“Yes! We were looking for the Teyvat Travel Guide!” the little floating companion had slid into view. What a strange thing.
“Sadly.. It's out of print.” the curious fairy had slouched at that.
“Which is why we are going to Chang the Ninth’s place.” he held such a soft smile, and it took him a minute to realize it was directed towards himself.
“Do you want to come with me?” his hand was out stretched. Who was he to say no?
It was a bit funny, Xinqiu thought, with how fast he had fallen for a stranger.
Okay he lied. Those were exceptionally romantic circumstances. Or maybe his memory was playing tricks on him.
He had forgotten that in the present time, his hand was still intertwined with the other as Aether had squeezed back. Oh my, how embarrassing.
Although he seemingly could not let go.
“Xingqiu is there anything that's bothering you? I worry about you, yknow.” Aether had pouted at that as he once again shuffled close to him on the couch.
The urge to kiss him right here and now was too much to handle.
He was supposed to be the second son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, not some unsophisticated rabid animal. Yet here he was absolutely straining himself.
“No of course not! I'm doing well for myself my liege.” The moonlight had hit Aethers face and he would be lying if he said he did not glow.
“XIngqiu…”
He had audibly gulped at that.
“You don't have to call me your liege anymore, we're close friends aren't we?” well, that is true… but Xingqiu wanted to be much more than that.
“Then, what is it you would like me to refer to you as?” maybe, master? No that would scare him off. That ones for future use I suppose..
“Can you say my name?” Aether had held his hand with both of his, in plead.
“Oh, of course Aether!” He had wanted to say his name for the longest time. He had referred to him as such in his head anyways, it sounded so warm on his tongue. So familiar.
He could get used to this.
“If i were to be honest with my feelings… your name sounds so lovely, Aether.” he had brought his other hand to cup the side of his cheek.
That rosy hue Xingqiu loved so much came back in full bloom.
“Look at you! You're so cute when you blush.” whatever confidence had haunted his body could stay for as long as it wants.
“I think Xingqiu is cute too!” Aether had startled him with how he had practically jumped Xingqiu as he fell down onto the couch, those gloved hands of his cupping Xingqiu’s cheeks.
Any remaining ounce of that confidence had left him.
“Oh,, i.. Uhm, thank you Aether.” What was he to do now?
Their position was incredibly suggesting. With how Aether was practically cradled between his legs. Of course he would never have thoughts like those.
Never.
A second of silence. With only Aether who was rubbing his cheeks, playing around.
“Say Aether, would you like to stay for the night?” He had tried his best to sound like his sophisticated self but Aether was making it really hard to do so.
“Really?” Aether said more matter of factly than surprised. Who was currently tucking a stray hair strand behind his ear.
Aether was readjusting himself, pushing himself upwards to sit atop of Xingqiu.
“I would love to.” he once again smiled at that, as Aether had moved his hand under his chin, tilting it upwards.
An idle thought came to mind.
Was…
Was he a bottom?
--
He… might've missed a couple steps. Thought Xingqiu, with his hand on his chin in thought.
Aether had turned in his sleep, groaning at the loss of contact. Their arms laid across his lap as he had sat up straight.
Xingqius mind wandered to what happened last night as he idly brushed through the blonde hair. Unconsciously smiling.
He had no idea what happened, but that side of Aether was more than welcomed.
And to be honest he did not mind going on for longer, but Aether had fallen asleep against his chest and he was always Xingqiu’s top priority.
A small chuckle came through as he once again joined Aether in the covers for a while longer.
To be so intimate, so close, with him was already enough for this so-called guhua geek.
I must've fallen for an angel. He thought, as he drifted off again.
--
And so, here Paimon was the next morning babbling on and on about the strange marks on Xingqius neck.
“It was so weird! I asked if he was feeling alright and he only stuttered at that!” She was chowing down on some food that Xiangling cooked for her.
At first when Paimon had floated down to the restaurant, she had no idea what was working up the little fairy so much.
But now she somewhat regretted letting her in.
A part of her wanted to explain it but the other side knew she would never let Aether live it down.
“And and and Aether wouldn't tell me anything about it either! He smiled a smile so so smug and, ohh just thinking about it makes me so angry at him!!” She started eating much more aggressively at that. Practically stabbing her food.
“H hey slow down will you?” She didn't want any more broken plates.
“Sorry Xiangling but i'm just so angry he won't tell me anything…” she had stopped her movements and instead looked much more saddened than she was three seconds ago.
“Heyy don't be like that, you're his travel companion he’d trust you with anything. It's just… maybe wait this one out?” Xiangling patted her back, in hopes that it will help.
“Hmm you're right. I'll make him pay by buying me some honey roast to go!” Chopsticks in the air in triumph.
Gonna have to congratulate Xingqiu later when I see that snarky little boy.
She thought, ripping apart her own set of chopsticks as she joined Paimon at the counter.