It's Aria and Xiao cheering Aether up.
Because Why not.
Royal AU
Aether sat up quickly when he realized he was drifting off into sleep. He should be working on writing checks for the army and workers, not dozing off to sleep and deal with the consequences. He'll stay here all night if he has to. He has to finish these. Or else they'll all blame Lumine for issuing him as commissioner, start a riot, and make sure that the Royal Family burns to the ground, creating the Khaenriah issue again.
"Mama!"-Aria
"Oh Hey little dove, how you doing?"-Aether
"Papa said that Mama needs a break."-Aria
"You do. You've been stuck in this room ordering Paimon to bring you food even though Aria wanted to bring it to you every time she asked the tiny doll chef thing."-Xiao
"Mhm!"-Aria
"As much As I would love to take a break, I can't. I have to write paychecks for everyone who works here. I'm afraid I have go to bed late tonight. I'm sorry my loves."-Aether
"It's okay. We'll wait up for you. With a small candle because it's too dark in the room with the windows closed."-Xiao
Xiao kissed his lover good night as Aether caressed his hand on his chin. He smiled, and it quickly faded away.
"They're just here to say goodnight Father. Don't worry, they're not interrupting my work."-Aether
Behind them was Aether's Father, who was staring them down. They knew the rules, don't talk, don't wave, don't look at Aether when he's working. It's a distraction from what's important, making sure Lumine has less stress in her life as the ruler.
"Just don't come into the room with ink all over you face. Got it?"-Xiao
The blond nodded and giggled. He then gave Aria a hug and they left the room.
"When Mama comes back, can we cheer him up? Mama looks sad."-Aria
"Sure. Let's surprise him with a hug. And some snacks."-Xiao
They snuck to the kitchen to make snacks and arranged them in bags. Xiao made sure to grab warm milk for the both of them. They need the most sleep out of the three of them.
—
-
When Aether came into the room, he was surprised that they were still up. With snacks and everything.
"Mama! Group hug!"-Aria
Aria hugged her mother's leg and smiled. Xiao joined in also and kissed his lips.
"She wouldn't go to sleep unless you were here with her. I even got her warm milk that I had to go repeatedly heat up so it would stick to its name."-Xiao
"Xiao..." Aether hugged his lover back. "Thank you, for taking care of her."
"You're welcome."-Xiao
"Now drink the warm milk. You haven't slept in a while so I made a large bottle for you."-Xiao
Aether drank the whole thing in one shot and sighed. He smiled again as he picked up Aria and pretended that she was riding on a cloud to bed. Soon she went to sleep. Leaving a smiling Aether ruffling up her hair.
"I wish I could do this more often. Seeing you both smiling and laughing always makes my day. It's worth all the hard work I do every day."-Aether
"Goodnight Aether."-Xiao
"Goodnight Xiao."-Aether
Good night to y'all
562 words
