(art by @ ha___ze on twitter)
(when you see *** play the song)
----------
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!"
----------
***
Aether remembered the last time Xiao brought him to Mount Tianheng. It was after the fight with Osial, after Xiao had spilled his entire life story. After Xiao left the scar on his neck, and Aether swore off all contact with the adepti. He laughed to himself, looking back at how different life was before Xiao. Things were more simple, and straightforward, but with his adeptus, things were enticing. He experienced new emotions and feelings he never thought he would get the opportunity to. It was as though he was seeing the world in new colors, for the first time.
He thought about what Lumine would think of him. Would she be approving? Proud? Happy? Aether looked up to the floating heaven in the sky, but it provided him no answers. He felt guilty for falling in love sometimes, and for abandoning the search for his sister, and he felt like he owed her an explanation, even if she could not hear it.
"Xiao, wait a second." The adeptus turned around on the path, looking at him.
"What?"
"I want to make a wish."
"Huh? It's the middle of the afternoon, Aether."
"No, I know. Please, just wait." Aether held his hands together, and stared at the clouds. He quietly whispered to himself, "Lumine... I have found a boy I love. He took me completely by surprise, but I would not trade him for all the stars in the sky. My wish is that we get married someday, and I wish that you would be there to see it." He quickly swiped a loose tear away, and then nodded at Xiao to continue walking.
Like before, Xiao seemingly floated through the rocky terrain of Liyue. He made climbing up a mountain look effortless, while Aether had to stop to catch his breath, but the view from the top was worth it.
It was the same beautiful scenery of Liyue Harbor. The ships, floating in and out of the docks, children playing with dogs, and of course, the unmistakable sound of merchants bargaining. Xiao motioned for Aether to sit down, linking their pinkies together. Everything was lining up exactly as it happened before.
And suddenly, Aether became very aware of how nervous Xiao had been, and he became very suspicious.
It was very unlike him to be deterred by anything. After thousands of years of slaughter, he thought there was nothing that could make Xiao's hands clammy as they were now. This was the same place the first time they touched so intimately, the place that the yaksha spoke of the strong bonds that were forever unbroken by them.
"Love, are you okay? You seem...uncomfortable." Xiao jerked his head towards Aether.
"Huh? I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
Aether rolled his eyes. His boyfriend was great at many things, but lying was not one of them. "You know I'm not stupid, right?"
"Hush. Let us sit and watch the harbor." And the two lovers did just that. That is all there was to their relationship; finding peace in the simplicity of one another's presence. No words needed to be spoken, no grand gestures. Nothing but the simple action of their hands intertwined, and Aether's head resting on Xiao's shoulder. Their bodies laid in the cool grass, blown over by the breeze.
Like all past days, the sun eventually set, and as Xiao watched his love's eyes sparkle like the silver stars they wish upon, he knew it was time. Every decision he had ever made in his life led to this point in time. He drew in a shaky breath, and sat up to see Aether more clearly.
"Aether... I can't do this anymore."
In the most traveler-like fashion, his eyes grew wide. "W-what? What do you mean? Did I do something wrong?" Aether shot up to his feet.
"No... I just mean we can not be together like this anymore."
Aether looked like a lost puppy. He had no idea what Xiao was talking about, or where his feelings were coming from. His heart was racing, pounding in his chest. Was his blissful life coming to an end?
"Please, just hold your tongue, and hear me out." His hands were shaking, his voice was trembling. He could not bring himself to make eye contact. "When Rex Lapis liberated me two thousand years ago, he contracted me to cleanse the land of Liyue, and defend the harbor. And for two thousand years, I did exactly that. I did only that. I had no other thoughts or feelings besides killing and violence. You came along and ruined my train of thought..." he took a long pause before continuing, "...in the best way." He slowly rose onto his knees, summoning the ring. "I have been so wrapped up in my own head for so long, Aether. You saved me from myself, and you continue to help me, every day. I want this forever, and I hope you do too."
Xiao finally looked up, his eyes brimming with tears. "Love, please marry me."
Aether's jaw was on the ground, and it stayed there for a long while. This was it. Xiao, the Guardian Yaksha of Liyue, on his knees, asking for Aether to be with him forever. The rush of emotions made him fall to his knees. No words came out, and the most he could offer to Xiao was a slow nod.
"Yes? Truly?"
"Yes, Xiao." Aether's breathy words were cut off by Xiao's lips on his. Their arms wrapped around each other, pulling each other as close as could be. They were so, unconditionally, wholeheartedly, in love. The only moment they took to pull away was to put the ring in it's rightful place, which fit Aether perfectly. It was exactly as Xiao had imagined in his head.
They rose to their feet, watching the harbor together, and each of them sighing with relief.
"So, what should we do to celebrate?"
----------
omg it happened