My butterfly, is mine, all mine | Xiao x Aether |

It was stupid, if Xiao had been in the right mind he wouldn't have done it. He just...He needed something to focus on, and staring at Aether wasn't enough. Then he made that pathetic move of a kiss and hid his face to Aether's laughter. All that right after he said he wasn't ready...

Aether eventually stopped laughing and gave him a serious look. "Seriously though, stop giving me mixed messages. I don't want to do anything you're not ready for."

"I'm not trying to." Xiao mumbled, eyes on the ground. "I'm really sorry, Aether."

Aether turned off the lights then climbed onto the bed. "Do you mind if I sleep next to you, then?"

"I won't hurt myself again. Or at least I'll try not to..." Xiao spoke into the darkness.

"It's not about that." Aether said, then he sighed, "Ok maybe it is a little bit about that. You know, I get nightmares too. Of course, they're probably not like yours but...Can't you assume I'm just being selfish and want to be in your presence?"

Xiao looked confused, "I don't see how those two things are related."

"Oh my archons, you make me feel safe. People don't have bad dreams when they're comfortable." Aether laid down on the bed.

Xiao scoffed, "I really don't understand humans."

"You're much more human than you think. I think you'll find that I'm right."

Xiao laid down beside Aether and closed his eyes. He flinched a second later when he felt two arms wrap around him in a hug.

"Is this fine?" Aether asked.

"Y-yeah."

A moment of silence, then: "Xiao, I'm leaving Liyue in a week."

"To Natlan? To continue your journey?" The thought of Aether leaving is kind of sad.

"Mhm. I wish you would join me in my travels but I understand that you have a duty to Liyue."

"If you miss me, just call my name and I'll be there. And please stay safe."

Xiao imagined Aether smiled at that, "I'm more worried about you. Who else will bring you almond tofu?"

《Adventurer's Guild, Liyue》

"Traveler, there's been a lot of hilichurl camps near Liyue harbor lately. Would you accept this commission to clear them out?" Katheryne urged.

Aether groaned, "Surely the millelith can handle it..."

"This commision was actually placed by the millelith, they've been short staffed due to some intense storms. I heard the repairs have been quite costly for the ships."

"Still, aren't there some other commissions for me?"

"Traveler, you've beaten up all the treasure hunters at this point, solved all of Liyue's civilian's problems and scared off all the fatui from their camps. The only commission left are ones regarding hilichurls." Katheryne seemed quite fed up with Aether. "Plus, this is one of the more well paying commissions."

"Fine! Fine. I'll accept the commision..." Aether reluctantly agreed, it was probably good to stock up on some mora before leaving for Natlan.

The hilichurl camp was one of decent size. Strange considering its close proximity to the harbor. Aether closed his eyes as he slayed the hilichurls, killing things never feel good.

The mora he got from it did feel good though. Katheryne also looked relieved that he was finally accepting all commissions again. The rest of the day is filled with exploring Liyue and reminiscing over his time in the region. It would be a while before he would have a chance to see the impressive mountains or taste the wonderful cuisine, but most importantly, he wouldn't see Xiao for a long while. He hopes everything is ok, that he'll return to a happy Xiao and peaceful Liyue. For now though, Aether will enjoy his week with Xiao.

《Wangshu Inn, Liyue》

"Aether. Do you have to leave?" Xiao lays his head on Aether's lap, looking up as Aether looks down. He already knew the answer to that question.

Aether nods, "Please be good while I'm gone."

"...When you find your sister, will you travel on?" A question that has been haunting him for ages, one he was always too scared to ask.

Silence and furrowed brows, Xiao registered it as a mix of sadness and pity.

Aether sighs, "I'm not too sure."

When the time comes, he shall leave and you shall be alone.

"Aether..." Xiao sits up, "What is the point of your affection, your time in Teyvat?"

Just how important are you to him?

Aether hugs Xiao, "It's ok. Listen to me, believe me when I say I truly love you. Even if I do leave, I promise I'll visit."

He doesn't care enough to stay. You're insignificant in his journey.

Xiao hugs Aether back, gradually accepting the facts and he finds it is ok. Because, does he not have others at his side? Aether is important to him, but he is not the only one. It was then that he realized, what his life is worth and all the happy moments he ignored because he was always haunted by the bad. So why shouldn't he leave that all behind? Accept and forget all that is holding him back from doing what he wants, both future and past.

The first step is the scariest, initiation. It is the first and last step in his long journey. Xiao pushes Aether down onto the bed—brief look of surprise on both their faces—then came understanding and a pull of his necklace from Aether. Their lips meet the other's and Xiao feels like bolting away but Aether's arms wrap around his neck to trap him in the pleasant gesture. It is Aether's tongue that delves in Xiao's mouth despite being the one pinning Aether down. The warmth is addicting, Aether is addicting. Xiao pulled away for a short gasp of air before delving right back in.

Aether's hand snaked down to his belt and undid it. Xiao helped him by removing his accessories and it wasn't long before he was fully bare. He couldn't imagine trusting anyone else enough to be in this state. Aether wasn't shy about his stares, his hands wandering and probing to his pleasure.

"So many scars," Aether's fingers trail down his body, "Oh Xiao..."

Xiao grabs Aether's hand, "Let's just focus on the present, Aether."

Aether smiles, "About time."

Aether pulls Xiao down again and kiss him gently; Xiao turns it into a passionate kiss.