Colorblind [Xiao x Aether - Genshin Impact]

Part Thirteen: Yellow

Xiao looked out at the waves of people. Never before in his life had so many people stopped to acknowledge his presence, and never had he had so many eyes on him at once. Their stares were deafening. Through keeping a composed facial expression, he frantically grabbed at Aether's hand.

"I do not like this, Aether." He received a reassuring squeeze.

"I know, but it's okay. I'm here." They smiled at each other. Ningguang approached them, making a brief speech about adeptus Xiao, and how grateful Liyue is for his continued protection. She also took the opportunity to thank the traveler Aether, who selflessly offered his power to defend Liyue in the fight against Osial. There were roars of cheers for them, and as the sound from the crowd reached its peak, together, they released their lantern into the sky.

That lantern blazed the trail for the others. Soon, hundreds of yellow lights were floating above the ocean. The glow lit up Xiao's face, a beautiful reflection lost in his eyes. Though he had witnessed many lantern rite festivals from a distance, this was the first year he was right in the middle. The sight overwhelmed him, for it was one of the most beautiful things he had ever experienced. 

The conqueror of demons that most of Liyue had come to fear, cracked the biggest smile he had ever done. Xiao's eyes were squeezed nearly shut, and his cheeks were big. His mouth hung open in amazement. Aether, nor anyone else, had ever seen the adeptus so happy.

"Xiao, look at all these lanterns," Aether said, as he squeezed his hand again, "look at how they shine for you." 

"I wish for happy days for the new couple." "I am hoping for my business to do well this next year!" "Please, heal my grandmother."

Xiao began to hear the voices in his head, which came from the wishes of the lanterns. His head perked up at the sound. Aether shot him a puzzled look. "Is everything okay?" 

"Yes. I am listening to the wishes of the citizens of the harbor. I hear all of them." Most of the sentiments were well wishes for Xiao and Aether, blessing their marriage and asking for blessings in return.

"Congratulations to the adeptus and the traveler!" "I wish to be invited to the wedding!" "I want our new baby to be healthy."

The smile did not disappear from Xiao's face, until he heard one that angered him to his core.

"I wish death to the yaksha and the outlander. A man shall not lie with another man."

Xiao's heart cracked as the last wish entered his mind. While this was not the first time someone wanted him dead, what did not sit well with him was their threat to Aether. His smile faded away, and his look became stern and focused. 

"Let's go." The adeptus' statement was short, and Aether could instantly tell something was wrong.

"Why?"

"I said let's go, Aether." Anger was dripping from his lips. He forcefully grabbed his hand and led him away from the terrace, ignoring the confused shouts from Ningguang. The lanterns were still being released into the sky, the wishes still racing through Xiao's mind. They were getting louder, and brighter, and faster, and the adeptus knew he was going to spiral into a nightmarish episode soon if he did not remove himself from the stimuli of the festival. 

"Xiao. Stop. You're hurting me, love." They were just outside the city. Aether looked down at his arm to see a burning red spot where Xiao's hand was. "What happened to you?"

"It was one of the wishes I heard. Threatening you, because we're both men. I do not understand why that's wrong." 

Aether's heart broke inside, and his concerned look went soft. It was not something that Xiao was familiar with, and now it fell on him to explain. "Well... some people don't like the idea of us. Two men, together. Usually, it's a man and a woman who end up falling in love, so when two men or two women love each other, some people get... uncomfortable."

Xiao had a confused look on his face. "But... that's stupid."

His fiance looked at him for a long while before breaking out into a laugh. 

"Why are you laughing?"

"Because you look so cute when you're angry."

He crossed his arms, turning away. "This is serious."

"Xiao, it's okay." Aether wrapped his arms around his love, who was still pouting. "I know I have you to protect me. Let's finish watching the lanterns from here, okay?"

Xiao graced his arms with gentle strokes of his fingers. He sighed, "Okay. I am sorry for hurting you." He kissed the red mark he left behind. Aether laid back against a tree, with Xiao resting in his arms in his lap. The yellow glow illuminated the lovers as they celebrate their engagement, with no one but each other by their side. 

Regardless of what was socially accepted, regardless of what the citizens of Liyue thought now that the adepti they so highly revered was in love with another man, it would not intervene with how Xiao felt about Aether. He was his person, and he would remain until the day they left the world.