Colorblind [Xiao x Aether - Genshin Impact]

Part Twelve: Silver

(art by @ ha___ze on twitter)

(when you see *** play the song)

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Xiao spent the entire night thinking about how the ring would look on Aether's hand.

It was a silver band, engraved with a dragon circling the outside, to symbolize that the adeptus had received Rex Lapis's blessing. A bright, amber jewel laid in the dragon's mouth. It was crafted perfectly by the jewelers in the harbor. Xiao had a very rough idea of how things were supposed to go, but at the end of that day, all that mattered was that the ring went where it belonged.

On the hand of his lover.

Aether began to stir, and Xiao dismissed the ring just in time. "Good morning love." Their golden eyes locked with each other, and they both smiled.

"You're pretty when you smile, adeptus. I love seeing you happy."

Xiao began to blush. "I would like to take you somewhere today." Aether perked up. It was not unheard of for Xiao to plan dates, but most often, it was the blonde boy's responsibility.

"Oh? Where are we going?"

"To the top of Mount Tianheng."

Aether turned his head to the side, like a puppy. "We're...climbing a mountain?"

"Well, it would not be the first time we've done it."

"Hmm, I guess so, but breakfast first, right?"

"Yes. Breakfast always comes first."

After laying in bed for a few more minutes, soaking in the early morning sun, they were dressed, and dining together. Xiao's hair was starting to grow long, and the ends draped past his shoulders. Aether took the opportunity to tuck a strand behind his ear, complimenting how it looked.

Xiao loved that about him. It was his unconditional kindness, like it was second nature. In a different life, he was who Xiao wanted to be. Someone who could never run out of love to give, even at his weakest moments. Aether came to this world after losing the one person closest to him, and still managed to put everyone else first. He was a giver, to a fault.

And it was up to Xiao to make up for the love he wasn't giving himself.

"Aether?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you. Do not forget that."

"Oh, well I love you too!" He whipped up his best smile. His silver earring sparkled in the sunlight, matching his eyes. Xiao had learned from Aether how to braid hair, so he could do it for him in the mornings. He brushed out the long, wavy hair before intertwining it in his fingers, forming a perfect braid. Aether offered a quick kiss as payment.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, let's go!"

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