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“Why not invite Xiao to the Lantern Rite?”
Aether wanted to laugh at the suggestion the moment it left the innkeeper’s lips. He shook his head, a long braid flowing behind him, muttering a small “I don’t think he can spare time for the event,” before leaving.
Xiao was a mystery in many senses. While reading about yakshas, he is Alatus, a powerful adeptus chained by darkness and karma, suffering by every breath he takes. The only yaksha who still trudges forward, despite knowing that the moment he slides on his mask becomes the very moment where his past catches up to him.
Alone in his suffering, he is the only one who knows the true extent of how it feels to be suffocated by evil and corruption, unable to protect those he holds dear without sacrificing his entire life.
Aether had listened to Paimon’s ramblings as he silently mused over the words of that book. He could see Xiao’s golden eyes in his own as he learned about what’s considered “literati fanfiction” by the adeptus.
How does it feel? Aether had wondered, to live in complete solitude, and build strong enough walls to make oneself seem okay? He had wanted to ask when he had met Xiao again after the ordeal with the so-called Starsnatcher. But as Paimon beat him to it and was met with the adeptus’ hardened expression, he could see the man didn’t want to talk about it.
Although that was the case, Aether had still wanted to pry more into his life. He wanted to know more. His curiosity could never be satiated, so he let his mind wander to the possible meanings behind Xiao’s every action, every expression, and every word.
He knew the adeptus would despise him for it, his sharp tongue clicking as he scoffs at his impertinence, so he keeps it hidden. Only in small moments, when it is just the two of them, when even Paimon is away at some snack stand spending his own hard earned mora, will he dare to sneak a glance at the silent yaksha. Only then, would he smile dumbly to himself as he observes the flutter of the man’s eyelashes and how the moonlight casts a silver halo on his soft locks. Only then, would he dare to ask Xiao about even the most trivial matters.
“Why do you like almond tofu so much?” Aether had asked once, as he ungracefully stabbed his chopstick into the piece of Jueyun chili chicken he was eating, using the other one to try and wriggle the bone out.
They were sitting on top of a mountain overlooking Liyue Harbour after Aether had found the adeptus watching the moon by himself. Bathed in starlight, Xiao had truly resembled a god as he turned to acknowledge him. At least to Aether, the sight of his sleeve billowing in the faint night breeze was enough to get lost in the ethereal beauty of the sight before him.
“I have no particular interest in any mortal food,” Xiao had responded crisply, his actions betraying his words as he slid a piece of tofu into his mouth, chewing on the dessert Aether had bought earlier in the day. Of course, Aether would never admit he bought it with the hope he would see Xiao again, but the thought still rang in his head that the latter looked content holding the dish. It wasn’t quite a smile, but it was the closest he had seen him to one.
That alone was enough for Paimon to demand why Aether was walking with an extra spring to his step the next day, laughing mockingly about how she knew that he must’ve gone off to seek a certain adeptus again.
Aether neither denied or confirmed it, he simply grinned.
After a particularly rough fight in a domain months later, Aether had dragged Xiao to the roof of Wangshu Inn, the latter paired with his usual choice of almond tofu while he himself sipped at the spicy stew he had received from Barbara the day before. He could sense Xiao’s eyes on him, and he turned to see said man unabashedly staring at the bowl he was holding.
“What is that?” Xiao asks, his necklace jingling as his head tilted.
“It’s spicy stew, Barbara’s specialty,” Aether held up a spoonful. He didn’t know what god blessed him with the courage to play off his surprise at Xiao’s interest in the dish as playful banter. “Want to try some?” Aether held the spoon up to the other man’s lips, watching as Xiao bit them slightly.
Nothing could prepare Aether for when Xiao parted them and took the spoon into his mouth, swallowing the contents. The blond’s arm shook as he felt the weight lifted from the utensil.
Xiao’s face displayed slight displeasure as he licked his lips. “It’s too spicy.”
Aether couldn’t help laughing, “Well it is spicy stew.”
Xiao narrowed his eyes and took another bite of almond tofu as Aether held another spoonful of the soup up to his own mouth and sipped at the contents. For some reason, that bite tasted sweet.
To bury the growing warmth in his cheeks, Aether managed to get out “So are you ever going to tell me why you like almond tofu?”
He hadn’t expected an answer.
“It tastes like the most wonderful of dreams.”
The soft tremor in his voice was enough for Aether to forget about the very obvious blush on his pale skin and unabashedly gaze into Xiao’s eyes, a quiet reassurance. A quiet, I understand.
“I think that statement was too pessimistic,” Paimon sighs, “if you try hard enough, I’m sure Xiao will come!”
Aether shoots her a weak smile, “Well it never hurts to try.”
“That’s the spirit! Now all you have to do is call for him!” Paimon cheers.
“You speak as if that is an easy task,” Aether huffs.
“You know it is,” Paimon gives him a knowing look.
“Xiao, do you have any desires?” Aether asked, watching the adeptus put away his spear.
“Desires are mortal hindrances, I have none,” he answered methodically, looking back at him.
“You have none? Not even a little thing you want to do?” Aether wondered.
Xiao glared at him, with no anger, an empty threat. “I’m a mere weapon, why would a weapon have desires?”
“You’re not a weapon, you’re a living, breathing-”
“Human?”
Aether cuts off, and Xiao sighed, looking away into the distance at Dragonspine.
“I am not human,” the adeptus mumbles quietly, “I will never have the mortal qualities that humans have. You laugh, you cry, you love, you hate, you have desires, you have wishes.” He turns to look at Aether sharply. “I will never do or have any of those things.”
Xiao’s chest rose up and down, his eyes refusing to meet Aether’s gaze as he ran his fingers through his bangs.
What does it mean to be human? Just because his life spans millennia and he is worshipped for his battle prowess, does that make him any less human? What draws the line between human qualities and those of an adeptus? Is it power, time, or self instillation?
Watching Xiao’s eyes hold back the millions of words he must want to say makes Aether want to scream, are emotions or feelings something exclusive to mankind? If so, why does Xiao look so… broken? So sad?
“However,” Xiao’s voice rang clear through Aether’s muddled mind, “I will answer your call, always, so if you need me, call my name, Adeptus Xiao.”
“Well aren’t you the bright one,” Aether mutters as Paimon winks.
“I only heard the last part, I promise, you know I respect your privacy, I was just really hungry near the end,” Paimon huffs.
“Thanks, I guess?” Aether shook his head, looking up at the sky.
The clouds had parted and painted the sky in a beautiful fiery display. The sunset in Teyvat was always a sight to behold for Aether. Out of all the universes he had traversed in his lifetime, he could confidently say Teyvat had the most gorgeous skies.
“Hey Paimon?” Aether suddenly asks.
“Yeah?” Paimon cocks her head.
“Do you think Xiao ever looks… annoyed?” Aether wonders.
“Doesn’t he look 24/7 annoyed?” Paimon scoffs.
“And annoyance is a feeling right?”
“Obviously, are you okay?”
“Just checking.”
Aether brushed off the judgemental stare Paimon was giving him and walked to Liyue Harbour in relative peace. As the sky faded into the darkness of night, the streets of Liyue lit up in brilliant light as the townsmen were finishing up the final touches for the Lantern Rite tomorrow.
Walking down the street, an unexpected familiar face showed up within the crowd.
“Zhongli-xiansheng?” Aether calls to the brunette.
“Ah traveller, hello,” Zhongli greets him warmly, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
“Are you also releasing a Xiao lantern for the festival this year?” Aether questioned.
“Yes, I was planning to, it’s my first time celebrating after my… retirement as you could call it,” Zhongli chuckled.
“Is Gongzi-gege going to be here too?” Paimon pipes up sarcastically, clearly still miffed about getting played over and over again by the ginger.
“...Gege?” Zhongli muses.
“Long story,” Aether sighed, not wanting to explain the entire babysitting ordeal to the very amused Zhongli.
“I’m not certain of that anyways, he’s… not exactly in the mood to speak with me,” Zhongli shrugged.
“Then speak to him first!” Paimon insists.
“Hey, since when were you so invested in Gongzi anyways?” Aether gives Paimon a little nudge.
“I hate that guy! I only mentioned him because releasing a Xiao lantern with someone you like makes it less lonely doesn’t it?” Paimon whines.
“You’re correct,” Zhongli smiled softly.
Aether couldn’t help but ask, “Zhongli-xiansheng? Even when you were Rex Lapis, did you ever get… lonely then?”
Zhongli looked slightly taken aback, but he lifted his finger to his chin and assumed a pensive expression.
“Loneliness, as I understand it now, is a longing to not be alone. If that is the case, I do not think any living being could be exempt from it. It only shows more in certain beings than others. Perhaps even more in certain individuals than others.” Zhongli pondered.
“So adeptus can feel lonely as well,” Aether whispered.
Zhongli gave him a knowing look, crossing his arms, amused. “Being alone for a long time turns it into what is normal. Once you reach a state of normalcy with solitude, the longing for others dim as you no longer can remember the sweet taste of companionship.”
“Xiao!” Aether called, racing to the kneeling polearm user and immediately rushing to bandage his now bleeding arm.
“There’s no need,” Xiao grimaced slightly at the applied pressure and used his other arm to grip Aether’s wrist. “I can do it myself, it doesn’t hurt.”
“How can it not hurt?” Aether’s whisper sounded more like a shout.
Xiao’s eyes widened as Aether ignored his statement and resumed wrapping the wound. When the gauze was in place, he looked back at Xiao who looked oddly pink. His eyelashes seemed to shake under his gaze.
“And you still say it doesn’t hurt?” Aether mumbled, moisture starting to gather at the corners of his eyes.
“It doesn’t,” Xiao reaffirms, taking his arm away from Aether’s grasp and standing up. “You needn’t worry about small things like this, I’m an adeptus, I can still fight.”
“That’s not the problem!” Aether furrowed his brows, his tears blurring his vision as he grasped at Xiao’s figure, arms landing around his thin waist. Xiao flinched at the contact, but didn’t shove him away immediately.
“W-What are you doing?” Xiao asked breathily.
Aether could feel the other’s body heat flooding his own skin through the thin fabric the adeptus wore. He cursed under his breath at the rashness of his actions, but came too far to pull away. At his hot breath making contact with Xiao’s pelvis, the adeptus shuddered, trying to shift but being held in place by Aether’s embrace.
“Stop being so aggressive when we’re fighting together… okay?” Aether looked up at Xiao’s face.
“I… I can’t do any damage while being reserved,” Xiao shook his head, looking away.
“Then let Albedo make a shield first… please, don’t just run into the crossfire by yourself, you’ll get hurt.” Aether mumbled.
“It doesn’t ma-”
“It matters to me!”
Xiao shifted, his unharmed hand landing on Aether’s hair.
“Fine, just… let go of me.”
“Why do I feel like there’s a hidden meaning in Zhongli-xiansheng’s words?” Paimon eyes Aether mischievously.
“Perhaps there is,” Zhongli’s eyes glimmered.
“You two…” Aether scoffed, unable to defend himself beyond that.
“Then entertain me, why do you suddenly ask about this?” Zhongli’s smile only grew larger.
“I think it’s because Aether wants to invite Xiao to the Lantern Rite!” Paimon floats in a little circle.
Aether nodded slowly, under Zhongli’s clearly pleased eye.
“Xiao never liked crowds,” Zhongli started, “But I would like to see him enjoy the Rite with everyone for once.”
“I think Aether just wants to enjoy the Rite with him!” Paimon yelps after being swatted by an increasingly more embarrassed Aether.
“Is that so!” Zhongli laughs.
“Stop talking!” Aether yelled at Paimon, only earning a raspberry as Paimon floated away to the food stands.
“I’m glad,” Zhongli mummers, “that you care so much for Xiao.”
“I-I” I what? I don’t? What a lie Aether you didn’t even try. Just as Aether was red faced, caught like a deer in the headlights, he sees a familiar bob of brown hair.
“Gongzi!” Aether takes Zhongli by the arm and practically drags him over to the ever smiling Gongzi.
“Hey Aether, nice to see you’re still alive and well,” Gongzi grinned, his eyes wandering to the hand Aether had on Zhongli’s arm.
Aether could feel the chill dissipate as he retracted his hand.
“Zhongli-xiansheng wanted to say something to you,” Aether stated.
“Oh really? Perfect, because I had something I wanted to say to him too! If you don’t mind…” Gongzi grabbed Zhongli’s forearm and pulled him towards him.
Zhongli was now the deer.
Aether shrugged.
As the pair walked away, Aether couldn’t help but respond silently.
“I really do care, more than you could ever imagine.”
“Aether,” Xiao called. He stopped momentarily, noticing the blonde’s stillness. “Are you asleep already?”
He shifted closer, brushing Aether’s bangs to reveal his closed eyelids. The adeptus sighed softly, giving the blonde a slight pat on the head. “I wonder,” he mumbles, “what kind of dreams you are having right now.”
Aether didn’t move, so Xiao opened his mouth once more. “Perhaps it’s better that you’re asleep.” He sits beside Aether, against the base of a tree trunk.
“Thank you,” Xiao whispered, only loud enough for Aether to hear if he was awake. “I hear you’ve been looking for ways to disperse my karma, even going as far as to bug doctor Baizhu about it.” He shook his head lightly, making a noise similar to a repressed laugh. “I don’t know why you bother to care about such trivial matters,” Xiao murmured.
“But that’s just like you,” If Aether had his eyes opened, he would have seen the small, rare smile, that graced Xiao’s lips. “You’re always running around, helping everyone who needs it, and doing your best to protect your comrades.”
Aether’s body shifted, his head landing on Xiao’s shoulder. The adeptus looked over at the blonde’s still eyelashes, and continued, “I know that I’m no different from everyone you fight with and for but,” he pauses, “I’m still grateful.”
“Sweet dreams Aether.”
Aether repressed his urge to speak, as he moved closer to Xiao’s warm body in the cold of night.
It seems a life of consuming dreams has rendered the adeptus unable to have any of his own. For whenever his eyes flutter close, what comes to him are always bitter nightmares.
Aether couldn’t sleep, how could he? His heart was pounding, and he prayed Xiao couldn’t hear it. But it wasn’t until he heard slight winces from his side that he could no longer pretend to be dozing off.
Beads of sweat gathered at the man’s forehead, and his lips were bitten so hard Aether was surprised they didn’t bleed. The blond swallowed, grabbing Xiao by the arms and shaking him slightly.
“Xiao.. Xiao!” Aether whispered urgently, watching as the adeptus shivered before his eyes snapped open in alarm.
“Aether..” He swallowed, noticing the worried expression on his companion’s features.
“Are you okay?” Said companion asked, rushing to wipe off the cold sweat with his gloved hand.
“Fine,” Xiao breathed, suddenly all to aware of the compromising position they were in.
“Nightmare?”
“...”
“Xiao.”
“Nightmare.”
Aether huffed, sliding back beside Xiao, leaning against the tree trunk. “What was it about?”
Xiao peeled his gaze off the blonde, yet couldn’t find it in himself to close his eyes again. “The past.”
“I’m listening,” Aether mumbled, leaning his cheek against the other man’s shoulder.
Xiao seemed oddly comforted by the contact, even going as far as to lean towards the blonde’s weight. “It’s in the past now,” he paused, “there’s no need to bring it up anymore.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“One order of almond tofu please,” Aether hands over 150 mora pleasantly.
“Coming right up!” The stand owner spent a couple minutes before handing over the packaged dish.
Aether thanked the owner and began debating where to find the adeptus floating on his mind all day.
“Perhaps Wangshu inn, maybe even Mount Tianheng…” Aether sighed, thinking of the long trek he was to make either way. That was, before he heard an excited squeal from behind him.
“Shenxian-gege!” Changchang’s voice rang from the crowd, parting the latter to reveal a very flustered young man.
Xiao’s gaze shook as Changchang’s voice attracted countless gazes to the adeptus, many scrutinizing and observing his every move. He appeared self-conscious, using his sleeve to cover his chest, while murmurs arose from the crowd.
“Such a strange young man…”
“Is that armour?”
“Is he dressing up for the festival?”
“Shenxian-gege?”
“Shenxian-gege!” Aether giggled, downing his god-knows-what cup of Death After Noon. Smuggled of course, as there was no way Master Diluc would serve him without an hour of cajoling from Sir Kaeya.
Even then he still probably wouldn’t, let’s be honest.
Xiao was not amused, not in the slightest. At least, that’s what Aether perceived.
“Let’s go,” the raven haired man gritted his teeth, pulling Aether up from the grass.
“Xiao… carry me,” Aether demands.
Xiao looked taken aback, eyes wandering from Aether to the grass he was sitting on, then on Aether again.
“Carry you?”
“Uh huh!” Aether grinned, unabashedly throwing himself at Xiao’s figure. Said person clearly hadn’t been expecting the sudden action as both of them ended up tumbling to the floor with an “oof.”
“What are you doing!” Xiao groaned, trying to sit back up only to have Aether pull him down, pinning him to the grass underneath him.
His amber eyes pierced into Aether’s yet all the latter felt was heat.
“So pretty,” Aether breathed, leaning so close their foreheads were touching.
Xiao looked dazed, unable to move and only stiffly laid there while Aether took in his fill of the adeptus’ face.
“You’re drunk…” Xiao muttered, gently pushing Aether off him and standing up.
Aether didn’t know what drove him to do it. Whether it was liquid courage in the form of Death After Noon or the fact that he just couldn’t control himself anymore.
“Mmph!” Xiao gasped, as Aether ravished his mouth, the taste of bitter alcohol mixing with the sweet taste of almond tofu. The blonde could see Xiao’s expression of shock, confusion, and something else.
He didn’t kiss back, but he didn’t pull away.
He just stood there, and allowed Aether to do whatever he wanted.
The next morning he acted completely normal, and Aether acted like he did not remember.
Xiao looked increasingly more distressed, turning around abruptly only to be taken by the arm. The adeptus jolted, rushing to shove off the hand only to meet a pair of familiar amber eyes.
“Shenxian-gege?” Aether teased, watching a fresh bloom of colour appear on Xiao’s pale cheeks.
Xiao huffed, yet made no attempt to shrug off his grasp.
“What are you doing here?” Aether asked curiously. Before receiving an answer, he was suddenly all too aware of the commotion they were causing. “Nevermind, let’s go somewhere quieter.”
Still holding onto Xiao’s arm, he dragged the latter under a tall tree beside the alchemy table. The redness from Xiao’s face had yet to fade, and Aether couldn’t help but stare.
“What are you looking at?” Xiao demanded, shifting his gaze onto anything but Aether.
“You, of course. Now, can you tell me why you’re here?” Aether cocked his head.
“You.” Xiao crossed his arms sulkily, leaning against the tree trunk.
“Me?” Aether’s eyes widened.
“You wanted me to be here,” Xiao mumbled. Aether’s blank stare must’ve caused Xiao to second guess himself as he quickly followed with a “was I wrong?”
“You’re not wrong,” Aether shook his head, smiling at how Xiao’s shoulders relaxed at his words. “But how did you know?”
“You were thinking about it,” Xiao stated.
“Can you read my thoughts?” Aether laughed.
Xiao, however, was not fazed.
“I can hear every wish. Everything that everyone here in Liyue desires most. Every little thing that is written on each lantern released tonight.” Xiao’s gaze was on Aether, but he looked to be staring at a far away place.
Aether stopped, and turned to look at the adeptus slowly. Xiao seemed unfazed, yet Aether’s heart pounded like a bass drum against his chest.
“Do you hear yourself?” Aether’s words cut into his thoughts.
“Hmm?” Xiao mumbled, eyes suddenly widening at his own choice of words.
“It seems you are more self aware than I thought?” Aether chuckled, watching as the colour slowly drained from Xiao’s face.
“I didn’t mean it like that, I-”
“Really? I had hoped you did, it would make what I’m about to do less shocking,” Aether smiled. A sweet, sunny, innocent smile. The almond tofu he was holding was dropped to the grass.
Normally, Aether would’ve been patient. Normally, he would’ve waited to sneak glances at the raven-haired when he wasn’t. Normally, he would be losing his mind internally at Xiao’s figure, at his composure, not externally getting riled up. But for some reason, his body refused to be normal tonight.
Aether gripped Xiao’s waist, pulling his lower body towards himself while slamming his palm against the tree to initiate a long, drawn out kiss.
Xiao opened his mouth, making a noise of protest only for Aether to slide his tongue in, tasting every corner of the adeptus’ warm cavern.
Xiao let out a little muffled moan as Aether continued ravishing his mouth, sucking at his bottom lip until it bruised, letting his tongue swirl with the other man’s relishing in every pant Xiao let out as he leaned more and more of his body weight against the tree.
Xiao’s lips felt like they were burning. With every lick and bite Aether was leaving on them, his legs felt weaker and weaker. His lungs ached, and a searing pain took over his mind with every second that passed. He couldn’t breathe. Despite that, he didn’t push away, he couldn’t.
Thousands of thoughts ran through Aether’s head as he held the adeptus. But the most prominent one was that he wasn’t pushing away. He was responding to him. He was kissing back.
When Aether finally pulled back, Xiao’s mouth hung open, saliva hanging off his very red lips. Aether swallowed, as Xiao threw him a glare.
The adeptus coughed, trying to intake as much air as possible while choking on saliva he was sure wasn’t his own. His vision was blurred, and he knew how unsightly he must look, but he couldn’t manage anything but a raspy threat.
“How dare you-”
Aether couldn’t help placing his lips over the other’s again, pulling him closer as his lips travelled to Xiao’s neck. Xiao’s body shivered, his arms circling around Aether’s hair and fingers pulling at his blonde locks. “S-stop it.. Ah!” Aether tore open his collar and sucked at the base of his neck to his collarbone, relishing in each whimper and moan Xiao made in response to the stimulus.
To say the adeptus was melting was an understatement. His mind was groggy, clouded by the searing pleasure left by Aether’s kisses, unable to think of anything but how good his body felt. He tried to muster up some dignity, but what left his mouth were instead filthy moans.
“What do you think you’re doing… I- ah!” Xiao whined, as Aether kissed his earlobe, licking the pale skin sensually. He tilted his chin to meet his eyes.
“Do you hear that?” Aether whispered.
“H-hear what?” Xiao was disoriented, gripping at Aether’s jacket.
“Your heartbeat,” Aether murmured, “emotion.”
Xiao’s eyes widened, while the thundering of his own heart became all too apparent. He gripped tighter onto the traveller in front of him, trying to process his words amidst the heat.
“This.. this is emotion you say?” Xiao stared up at Aether, eyes slightly moist from the lack of air from before.
Aether felt his drive flare when the crystalline liquid left Xiao’s lashes. Those plush lips, red from abuse hung open with saliva dripping down the corner. That vulnerable, bullied look he was given from the normally stoic adeptus.
“God.. do you know what you look like right now?” Aether growled, biting Xiao’s neck hard enough to leave a lasting bruise, resulting in a groan from the latter.
“I c-can’t…” Xiao gasped, fingers tangling in Aether’s hair desperately. Aether licked his Adam's apple, feeling it move as Xiao swallowed to no avail. The clear liquid still continued to gather at the corner of his mouth.
“You are feeling,” Aether whispered, hot breath fanning against Xiao’s glistening skin, sending shivers down the other’s spine. “You can love,” Aether mumbled, gripping Xiao’s chin to steal another open-mouth kiss. “Am I right?” Aether pulled away several centimetres, to see the adeptus’ tear stained cheeks.
Xiao’s lashes trembled as crystal tears glistened from them.
“I-I..” Xiao hiccuped.
“You’re crying…” Aether used his thumb to wipe away his tears.
“I’m not.. I can’t..” Xiao’s eyes widened in disbelief. Why was he crying? How is he crying? It wasn’t possible, he hadn’t cried in… in… in how long? He couldn’t even remember, and yet...
He looked like a lost puppy, shaking like a leaf, in the cold of the night.
Aether gripped his arm, dragging him to a more secluded area down by the port. Xiao made several sniffling noises, but allowed himself to be manhandled by Aether until he was sitting on his lap, chest pressed against his.
Aether wrapped his arms around the adeptus’ waist, looking up to see a pair of watery eyes, red from holding back more tears.
He didn’t ever think there would be a day where he could see Xiao’s pain take a physical form. Karma always surrounded him, but his face always remained impassive as he slashed at each enemy. He held himself to high regard, acting like how an adeptus would in storybooks and legends. He was a hero, esteemed, and untouchable.
But now, Aether breathed, watching as Xiao bit his lip even harder, his body quivering under Aether’s fingertips. He looked so… human.
“Xiao…” Aether whispered.
As if his name was his trigger word, Xiao’s tears leaked out, as he began to sob into Aether’s shoulder uncontrollably. Aether rubbed his back and tousled his hair as more cries racked his small body. He cried, and cried, and cried, as if he was letting out tears meant for thousands of years of sadness.
Thinking about it, he probably was.
Aether kissed his earlobe, pulling slightly back only for Xiao to grip his shoulder blades, as if unwilling to let him move.
“I just want to look at you love, I’m not going to leave,” Aether whispered.
“D-Don’t look at me e-either,” Xiao hiccuped.
“Why not?” Aether still managed to pull back and meet his eyes.
Xiao’s red eyeliner was smudged from the tears. It gave him an even more tearstained look, as if he’d just been bullied. He abashedly looked to the side.
“Ugly,” Xiao mumbled.
“Ugly?” Aether’s mouth hung open.
“I’m.. not good looking,” Xiao bit his lip.
Aether felt the urge to laugh in his face. Ugly? Him? The most beautiful being he had ever set eyes on? How could that be?
But he settled for a simple statement, deep from the heart.. “You’re so beautiful.”
Xiao’s eyes widened, as he turned back to look at Aether’s warm smile.
“Cute, lovely, beautiful, gorgeous” Aether listed, tucking Xiao’s hair behind his ear. With each word, Xiao grew redder until he couldn’t take it anymore and rushed to stand up.
“Hey!” Aether’s grip on him tightened and he was pulled back onto his lap.
“I wasn’t finished, you’re- mmph!” Aether struggled as Xiao covered his mouth with his palms, bangs covering his blush-ridden face as he whispered “please, no more.”
Aether licked his palms, causing him to jolt, pulling away only to be grabbed back.
“I love you so much Xiao,” Aether beamed.
Xiao’s disbelief was cut short by a chaste kiss.
“I love you,” Aether whispered, only for Xiao to be the one to gently press his lips on his.
Aether raised a brow.
Xiao bit his lip. As if he was contemplating whether or not what he just did was right.
“You are killing me,” Aether groaned, gripping the other’s hair and kissing him more fiercely, as if he was trying to eat him up. Xiao moaned, back arching to meet Aether’s passion.
“Adeptus Xiao, tell me what you want,” Aether stared into his eyes, lips tilted to a slight smirk.
The audacity. The audacity of this mere mortal to make demands from an adeptus. Aether could almost smell the embarrassment that came with Xiao’s next statement.
He swallowed nervously, pursing his red lips. “More… More of this.. This feel-ah!” Xiao shivered, as Aether’s hands travelled to the back of his thighs, lifting him easily as he stood up. The adeptus reflexively hooked his legs around Aether’s waist, earning a low groan from the other.
Aether slammed his back against a wall.
“Move your tongue,” Aether grunted, receiving a lost look from the other. Xiao’s eyes were watery, but he complied, opening his mouth and taking Aether’s on his own, clumsily imitating the blonde. He was trying as hard as he could, their tongues dancing amidst their hot breath.
When they separated, a string of saliva remained. Aether chuckled, leaning in to give Xiao another kiss, before palming his crotch roughly.
Xiao yelped, eyes squeezing shut as he gripped Aether’s shoulders tighter, trembling while the other assaulted his body. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t fight back. He was rendered complacent as a newfound pleasure numbed his senses. He felt his head loll to the side as he stared up at Aether with reddened eyes.
Aether’s lips were curved into an amused smirk, as his hand rubbed against Xiao’s length so hard the fabric of his pants burned against his skin. But oh, the pain made it even better. Xiao’s mind was close to blank at this point, saliva dripping down his lips and smudged red eye shadow leaving tear tracks down his cheeks.
He bit his lip, trying to contain his moans as something caught his eye. “Lanterns,” Xiao panted.
Aether’s eyes widened at the first lantern being released, followed by a sea of light. The warm glow painted Xiao’s flushed face in a golden sheen.
“Beautiful,” Aether whispered, capturing the other’s lips again. He wasn’t looking at the lanterns.
"Mmph," Xiao moaned, subconsciously pressing his pelvis against Aether's. He wanted more… he needed more.
"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" Aether growled, grinding against him desperately, eliciting high pitched whines from the other.
"I-I'm sorry!" He cried. "I don't k-know why my body is m-moving on its own-ah!" Xiao sobbed, shame seeping out with each word. How could he be like this? Why was his body searching for this friction? Was what he was doing normal? Why did he feel so… weird?
"Shhh… it's okay," Aether's breath was laboured, but he still managed to give Xiao a reassuring kiss. "You're doing amazing, so good," He ran his finger through the adeptus' hair.
Xiao seemed to calm down a little from that, and nodded shakily.
"W-What are you d-doing?'' Xiao winced as his pants were roughly pulled off, along with his shoulder pad. Aether shoved up his shirt to reveal his milky white chest.
Xiao couldn't control the cries that came out as Aether licked his nipples, taking one between his teeth and teasing it with his tongue. He felt all the energy leave his body, and surrendered to Aether’s whims, letting out the sullied moans.
Aether grinned, feeling Xiao tighten his grip on his shoulder as his back arched even more.
"So pretty," Aether cooed, pulling away only to stick two fingers in Xiao's mouth.
"Lick," Aether still had on that angelic smile.
Xiao nodded, swirling his tongue around those two fingers, sucking on them and letting out occasional choking noises when his fingers got too close to his throat. He didn’t know what this was for, but all his mind was saying was to listen to Aether, he knew best.
"Good," Aether smiled, pinning one of Xiao's legs against his chest and peering at his fluttering hole.
"D-Don't look!" Xiao protested, only to let out a strangled cry as Aether stuck his tongue into the opening.
"Why?" Xiao choked, losing all control of his voice as whimpers were forced out of his mouth while Aether ate him out. It felt strange, everything felt strange. Xiao could feel his insides be played with and abused with each flick of Aether’s tongue. He let his head fall back, bangs falling into his eyes as sweat dripped down his face. What was happening? Why was Aether licking down there? And why did it feel… so good?
Aether swirled his tongue inside, licking at the rim as Xiao continued to shiver in pleasure.
"I can't help it," Aether grinned, "you taste so good." He gripped Xiao’s thighs enough to bruise, but the adeptus could only focus on his mouth.
"Really?” Xiao’s innocent gaze just lit an even larger flame inside Aether’s stomach. “Ah! H-hurts!" Xiao cried.
Aether's fingers, lubricated with the adeptus's spit, entered Xiao's small hole easily, eliciting strangled moans and cries from said person. Spit was not sufficient lubricant, Aether knows this, especially not for a virgin. But something inside of him wanted to see the adeptus shudder and wince from the pain. An animalistic part of him.
"H-Hah!" Xiao shuddered, feeling fingers reach even deeper into him, hands grasping at the wall behind him, feeling the concrete scrape against his fingertips. It hurts, it hurts, but oh god it felt amazing. He was losing his mind.
"It will feel good soon baby, Aether licked his lips.
Xiao’s entire body flexed in discomfort as Aether scissored relentlessly, a playful grin gracing his lips. He’s being mean, and Aether is well aware, but seeing Xiao unravel under him, he couldn’t help it. When Aether curled his fingers, the adeptus let out an uncontrollable whine, clutching onto Aether’s scarf.
“Did you try the jade parcels?”
Xiao’s eyes widened, as a sense of urgency crossed his mind.
“E-enough, there are people here!” Xiao whispered-shouted.
Aether just smiled, grabbing Xiao’s arm and shifting their position so that he was kneeling behind the raven-haired adeptus, hips pressed against his perineum. Aether’s hot breath fanned against Xiao’s neck, the latter shivering at the contact.
“They won’t notice you if you’re quiet.” Xiao could feel Aether’s smirk against his skin as he felt something hot press against his hole.
“You-ah!” Xiao’s disbelief turned garbled as he tried to keep his voice down, feeling Aether slowly push his tip into him. Aether’s length was way thicker than the fingers, and if he could turn around fully, he would see the length was nearly two times the initial intrusion.
“I-It really h-hurts..” Xiao sobbed, tilting his head to meet Aether’s eyes.
Aether’s gaze shook, and he softly met Xiao’s lips in a kiss, feeling the adeptus relax in his embrace, kissing back nervously.
“That’s it..” Aether whispered, nipping Xiao’s bottom lip, sucking gently as his lower body pistoned towards Xiao’s.
Xiao clearly wasn’t expecting to take Aether’s full girth in one thrust, and let out a hoarse scream. He felt the dick pulsating inside of him, eyes rolling back as he fell forward. He couldn’t take it, it was too big. He felt his insides expanding to accommodate the intrusion, but no matter what, the agony was unbearable.
Aether felt a searing heat envelop his length and let out a satisfied groan, unable to control his body’s lust. He fucked like an animal in heat, taking every cry and whimper from the other has a trophy.
Xiao trembled in his arms, and would’ve collapsed had Aether not been supporting his chest with his forearm, pulling him back towards his chest.
“Did you hear something?”
Xiao jolted, his pants coming to an abrupt stop as he lowered his head. Aether took it as a challenger, and thrusted even more roughly into the adeptus’ hole, feeling Xiao clench on his length as if trying to milk him.
He grinned, shoving his length continuously, at an utterly brutal pace. Xiao for one was doing an awe-inspiring job of keeping his voice to a bare minimum. He made occasional whimpers, but besides that, he remained still and compliant.
It wasn’t until Aether grabbed a handful of his hair to pull his head back that he was able to see that tears were leaking from the adeptus’ eyes uncontrollably, and that he was biting his lip until it nearly bled.
“Xiao?” Aether whispered, spinning said man around until his legs were once again wrapped around his hips.
With a dick still deep inside of him, Xiao sniffled and shakily wrapped his arms around Aether’s shoulders.
“Is this better?” Aether mumbled, stroking Xiao’s locks warmly.
He could feel Xiao nod, and hug him tighter in response.
“Wanna… look at you.” Xiao’s voice was muffled, but Aether heard it as clear as day.
The footsteps wandered further away, and Xiao seemed to visibly relax.
Aether experimentally started moving again, this time, slowly. Xiao’s response was immediate, his whines growing louder by the second.
“You’re doing so good baby,” Aether cooed, gripping Xiao’s ass and shoving him deeper on his dick.
Xiao let out a broken cry, his tongue hanging out of his mouth, saliva dripping down his chin. His head lolled onto Aether’s shoulder as the blonde thrusted harder, deeper into him. He was so deep, Xiao could feel it rubbing against his walls, and looking down, saw the obscene sight of his hole being impossibly stretched by Aether’s length.
“F-feels w-weird inside!” Xiao’s fingers dug into Aether’s back.
“Weird?” Aether teased, “how so?”
“Stirring inside,” Xiao whined, subconsciously pressing himself down to meet Aether’s thrusts.
“Stirring?” Aether grinned.
“My- ah!” Xiao collapsed completely on Aether’s chest, allowing the blonde to take him completely without complaint. He felt Aether drill into him, his body being shoved up and back down by Aether’s thrusts and then by his grip. He never felt so out of control in his entire life before. And he loved every second of it.
“Something is… coming out…” Xiao mumbled drunkenly, a lustful smile gracing his lips, tongue licking at Aether’s neck. He tasted so sweet, and Xiao felt Aether’s length seem to expand in his words. He shuddered, letting out a sharp cry.
“Come for me baby,” Aether growled possessively, feeling the other man jerk in his grasp, white liquid painting both of their chests.
“Mmm, w-wait! Don’t start moving-” Xiao broke into a sob as Aether continued rocking into him, letting him ride out his orgasm. Completely overstimulated, Xiao’s tears were now in freefall, as his uncontrollable spasms overtook his body. He jerked with every shove while his lips unashamedly broke into an intoxicated grin.
“Come on oh mighty adeptus, allow a mortal to cum as well won’t you?” Aether smirked, thrusting repeatedly into the whimpering adeptus until he finally released inside the hot cavern.
“It’s filling me.. It’s filling me…” Xiao repeatedly moaned, biting down at Aether’s neck, sending the blonde into an orgasmic high. He felt his insides go even higher in temperature as something leaked out of his gaping hole. Even then, Aether didn’t stop fucking him. The cum started to become frothy, and Xiao felt his consciousness slipping.
“Fuck..” Aether ran his fingers through his hair.
“You’re getting.. Hard again?” Xiao wondered innocuously. Unknowingly riling the blonde up again.
“Sorry baby, round two.”
“Wait I- ah!” A look of terror flashed across Xiao’s face as Aether thrusted even rougher than he did at the beginning. The adeptus’ eyes rolled back, his tongue hanging out like a thirsty mutt in heat. The most salacious sounds were leaving his lips, so filthy that Xiao could barely recognize them as his own.
“Xiao?” Aether called teasingly, receiving no response from the adeptus. He grabbed the adeptus’ wrists and thrusted so that he could get a clear view of the man’s fucked out expression. White liquid leaked from his length and sullied his chest while his lips refused to close.
Although the adeptus’ eyes were open, he was clearly passed out.
Aether laughed a little, ramming himself inside against sharply, getting a small whimper from the limp body. “Fainted, yet…” Aether whispered, pistoning inside once more until he filled the adeptus with another load before pulling out easily, watching the cum drip down his thighs.
Xiao’s hole twitched, gaping wide for the white liquid to trail out, his entire body racked with tremors.
Aether smiled, pulling him into an embrace, feeling Xiao lean into him subconsciously. Perhaps he’d been a little too mean.
“Sorry, I… really was going to find you so we could release a lantern together,” Aether sighed, feeling Xiao shift slightly in his embrace.
They were both lying on the grass, looking up at the sea of lanterns above their head, Xiao’s head leaning into the crook of Aether’s neck and his arm over the blonde’s chest.
Aether had an arm wrapped around Xiao’s shoulders, while another rested on his waist.
“Don’t say that,” Xiao whispered.
“Hmm?”
“Sorry, don’t say sorry,”
Aether looked down at Xiao, who avoided his glance.
“Hey, look at me,” Aether lifted his chin. “I love you.”
Xiao blushed, trying to sit up but wincing in pain and dropping back into Aether’s warm embrace once more.
“...”
“What did you say?”
“And I you.” Xiao shifted again, this time to meet his eyes nervously.
Aether beamed, hugging the smaller adeptus closer.
“Well it isn’t too late to light a lantern now I suppose,” Aether sat up (albeit unwillingly), and trudged towards his discarded backpack to retrieve a slightly battered Xiao Lantern. “Anything you want to write on it?”
Xiao looked pensive for a moment, before scooting closer and taking the offered brush.
He has desires, Aether smiled to himself, watching Xiao carefully write his wish on the lantern before writing his own on the other side.
Lighting the lantern, the two men watched as it drifted off to join the thousands of other ones in the sky.
“What did you write?” Aether guided Xiao’s head back to his neck lovingly.
“Not telling you.”
“Come on, you already know mine, you and your adeptus powers and all that.”
“...”
“Xiao…”
“No.”