Work Text:
In the mountains of Liyue, many passages were built to ensure people their safe travels. But many people couldn’t help but stop by one of the passage’s billboards to read the latest news…leave behind advice for others. One day, however, a piece of paper sat on top of the rest, with such ominous words.
“Today, amidst the mountains and the wilderness, I met a ‘young human’ whom I had long admired. I could not wait to see them and it gave me insomnia and anxiety. I wish this ‘human’ warmth, be kind and healthy. Whatever you think and wish will surely come true. But this ‘human’ is destined to be a wanderer in this world, and the body exudes an aura that does not belong to this world. If I want to forcibly keep them close to me, it will only increase the sadness…Thus I suppressed my heart, I only traced their steps in the mountains, tried not to meet their gaze and quietly cleared their path. But everytime I see this human get attached to others, I feel hate. How can I continue to tolerate this betrayal?”
That message sat on that billboard for days…then weeks…then months…then years. It plunged itself deeper into mystery for the humans, tacked to that wooden board.
. . .
The sun had finally set upon Liyue. On this fortunate day, Xiao and Aether’s paths crossed once more. They shared that day on patrol, expelling evil and cleansing. It was all physically taxing, which angered Paimon’s stomach when the sun had left and the night settled in. The group retreated back to Wangshu Inn for Paimon to stuff her face with delectable food. She ate and ate…until the poor thing succumbed to the food coma. But she looked so peaceful, the people around her left her to sleep. Wangshu Inn had fallen silent.
And thus, Xiao and Aether were alone.Their alone time led them to the familiar balcony that looks over Liyue’s main road. Guards were lowered, facades went away…and before the perfect full moon, they shared a kiss.
Xiao had kissed Aether hundreds of times before. And every kiss felt special…safe. It felt as if Aether poured every ounce of his romantic love into one gesture of affection. But this kiss was different. It wasn’t too forceful or too hesitant. Just…different. When they pulled away from each other, Xiao placed a weak hand on Aether’s arm.
“Aether…?”
“Yes?” The traveler replied, his eyes widened in attention.
“Was that alright for you?”
“It was more than alright.” Aether held Xiao’s face and put their foreheads together. “Was it alright for you?”
“…yes.” Xiao chose to shake off the feeling. He placed his other hand on the back of Aether’s neck. “It would be nice to have more.”
Aether smiled before he leaned in for another kiss. But the kiss felt different again. It felt pleasant…and different. Then Aether heard it: a soft hum from Xiao. Aether pulled away again, only to see Xiao chase after him.
“...Xiao?”
“Yes?” Xiao shut his eyes, his voice close to a whisper.
“Are you alright?”
Aether took this moment to hold Xiao’s face. Then the Yaksha’s piercing eyes lingered down. He pressed their bodies together with his arms alone. The heat between them had risen, swirling into an almost…dizzying feeling.
“Yes…more than alright…but…there is something that I do not understand.”
Aether held Xiao by the shoulders and put some distance between them. “What’s wrong?”
It took a moment for Xiao to answer.
“…There would be times where I’d find you in the mountains. During those times I would feel…ill-…no…”
“Strange?” Aether added.
“Yes…but it’s different from…the other strange feelings. This one feels like a pull at my chest…of sorts.”
“...A pull towards me….?”
Aether then grabbed Xiao’s pendant to admire it. Xiao just stared at the action, his half-open eyes fixated on the hands.
“Yes, exactly…” he finally answered.
“Why didn’t you come down and say hello? If you don’t mind me asking…”
“I was on patrol and I sensed danger on those days.” Xiao said quickly.
“I see.” Aether briefly pecked his dear love on the forehead to comfort him, but Xiao kept talking.
“But…I tested this theory as a simple wish to greet you…I am wrong. This feeling rages in me now, and it’s now turning sour.”
“Is it your karma?”
“I’m not sure. When you lay eyes on other people, or when I continue my patrol without my eyes on you, it turns sour. I think that…maybe, your other friend feels this pull as well.”
Aether never heard of a pulling feeling from anyone else. He placed his hand upon Xiao’s arm once more. Again, Xiao’s eyes tracked the point of contact. So Aether had to ask…
“Is it desire?”
Xiao’s eyes shot up to look into Aether’s. It was a fleeting moment, though.
“I…do not have much comprehension of human desires.”
He’s said that before, and in Aether’s eyes, Xiao does have desires, just like any human. But those desires are suppressed in confusion. So maybe…
“Can you stay by my side tonight? Preferably in your room?”
Xiao seemed a little confused at first, but he chose to agree soon after. They separated for a brief moment. Xiao went to his private room while Aether went down to the kitchen to check on Paimon. She was still in a deep sleep, probably dreaming about all the food that she ate. The table she slept on had been cleared and someone left a little towel to substitute as a blanket. Just a sleepy little Paimon without a worry in the world, and she doesn’t seem to want to wake up anytime soon. Aether gave Paimon a soft smile before he headed off to Xiao’s room, which was left unlocked. Inside, Xiao was just standing there, shifting his weight. Aether smiled as he took off his shoes, and lied down on Xiao’s soft, neat bed.
“I will watch over you while you rest. Sleep well.” Xiao started with his arms crossed as usual.
“Though I appreciate it, that's not what I had in mind.” Aether tried to hold back his chuckle, seeing how awkward Xiao looked standing in the moonlit shadows.
“What did you have in mind?”
Aether laid on his side to pat the mattress. Xiao gave a little “ I see” before going up to the bed…and sitting at the edge. Aether briefly sat up as well, just to give his beloved Yaksha a hug…only to pull him down, their heads landing upon the pillow. Aether took the chance to hold Xiao tight.
“Was this what you wanted?” Xiao looked back, staring at Aether’s leg and arms.
“Yes. And was this what you needed?” Aether brought his lips close to Xiao’s ears and whispered.
“I’m not sure. Please… forget about what I told you earlier, that feeling will go away soon.”
“I don’t want to forget. I want to understand what you’re feeling. That’s why I wanted to do this…tradition.”
Xaio paused for a moment to kick off his shoes. It took him a moment to speak again. “The act of holding someone in bed seems to be a casual tradition.” The pause grew longer. “...Do you do this with other people?”
“Truely, only Paimon. She likes to snuggle under me when she’s scared. But this…”
Aether reached over to gently rest his fingertips on Xiao’s cheek. Then Aether turned Xiao to get him to lay on his back. Xiao’s gaze sunk right into Aether’s soul.
“This is different.”
Then, Aether leaned in as they shared one more kiss. Aether kept it light initially, but it slowly deepened the longer it lingered. Xiao shifted to his side to face the Traveler and pull him close by the waist. And again, Xiao couldn’t hold back the small noises. He suddenly held Aether in place to keep their lips locked. Aether could sense the hunger in Xiao…he shows a desperation that he is not aware of. Aether didn’t pay it much mind at first, choosing to intertwine their legs and then…
“...Oh Xiao…” Aether looked down and held Xiao’s face when he made another weak noise
Their eyes met again.
Does he…does he know? Is that the reason why he is acting so odd?
Xiao placed his hand on top of the Traveler’s as a substitute for his usual facepalm.
“I apologize. Maybe it is my karma taking a new form.”
“No, I don’t think it's that.”
Aether unwrapped himself to sit up. Then he went on his hands and knees, tenting Xiao completely under him.
“What are you doing?” Xiao asked quickly.
Aether kissed him once more. “Ah, sorry. I should’ve asked first. I’m willing to do whatever you want.”
“...I don’t understand…”
Aether blinked in surprise for a moment, then sighed in realization.
“Do you mind if I touch your stomach?”
“Uh…I do not. You can touch me there.”
Aether placed his palm at the center of Xiao’s stomach before gently gliding it down. Aether went down as far as he could, stopping right before a spot that would most likely make Xiao uncomfortable. But Xiao showed no signs of discomfort, watching Aether’s hand with a slightly dazed face.
“Can you not feel this?”
“Your hand? I can.”
“Your desire, Xiao…you’re horny.”
…
…
…
“I’m what…? ”
Aether had to sit on Xiao’s hips for that. So he doesn’t know about...
“Do you know what sex is?”
“It’s used for repopulation, yes.”
“Well for humans, they feel a sense of desire so strong, it manifests throughout the body in certain spots, which is why you’re feeling like this.”
Xiao sat up, resting on his shoulders. “But I thought that it was restrictively a human phenomenon. Don’t they commit the act to those they wish to stay with forever?”
Then Xiao paused. For him, forever might as well last an eternity, until the end of time. But for humans, forever is ‘till death. It's a laughably short time, but for them, that is forever. Risking his life fighting everyday, who’s to say Xiao was going to live for an eternity? If forever truly meant until their fates were ripped apart, what was he waiting for? Why was he holding back? What does he truly want?
“...Well, yes. It can also be used to express a deep bond with a partner.” Aether expressed awkwardly, a little afraid to do a deeper dive into the topic.
“...Then show me…” Xiao managed to speak in a somewhat shaky voice.
Aether’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you sure?”
“As I always say, I want to understand humans more…understand you more. If you want to show me the ultimate expression of bonds, then I will gladly accept.”
Aether smiled gently as he shifted his weight and hands down to completely top Xiao once more. So, Xiao set himself down to lie on his back again, his eyes fixated on Aethers. They were tense, but so gentle. In this warm, darkened space, lit only by the moon crawling in from the window, Xiao calmly spoke.
“I love you, Aether…Don’t ever forget that, for as long as you live.”
A wave of emotion crashed over Aether as he heard those soft words. He watched as Xiao tried to intertwine their hands together. Xiao held his body still, looking as if even the slightest wind could move him. The thought of Xiao expressing so much vulnerability drove Aether insane. So, to ground himself, Aether held his lover’s face and bent down for another kiss.
“I love you too.”
For a moment, only the sounds of their lips locking filled the room. Soft groans then followed as tongues began to explore beyond their lips. The air was beginning to feel warm and savory, drenching the two into a deep desire for intimacy. It tempted Aether into grinding his hips. He sat a little too high on Xiao’s hips, barely offering any friction, but it was enough to make his heart skip a beat. Eventually, Aether broke the kiss. He put his thumb to the Yaksha’s lips and pushed their faces together with Aether close to Xiao’s ear.
Then Aether said, “You do not have to do much physically, but in order for this to work…”
“You have to…touch me, yes?”
“...and strip you…is that okay?”
“Yes. That is okay.” Xiao had an easier time giving consent then Aether expected.
“One more thing.” Aether looked Xiao dead in the eyes. “What we’re about to do is very sensitive. Different parts of your body will react differently to my displays of affection. If you feel uncomfortable, or want me to stop, don’t hesitate to say so. If you wish to take action, I will do the same.”
“I understand.” Xiao said that so calmly. He truly wants to do this.
So, Aether bends down once more, kissing Xiao’s neck and quietly stating. “We’ll go slow.”
Every last touch from Aether’s lips sent blissful shockwaves through Xiao’s body. It tickled, but it felt pleasant, like more and more of his karma was melting away. He let himself daze a bit, indulging in a love he never felt before. Aether’s left hand found its way to Xiao’s right shoulder, then it glided down the arm with light fingertips. Suddenly, Aether felt Xiao’s arm twitch. The traveler paused before gliding his hands again. The twitch didn’t return, so Aether got a hold of Xiao’s wrist. Then, Aether sat up, bringing Xiao’s hand up with him. Xiao watched his wrist get kissed with such care, he didn’t know what to say. But the way Aether’s kisses trailed up to the palm and fingers, perhaps it was better not to say anything. Aether pinched Xiao’s glove with his teeth and pulled his head back to take the glove off completely. The bare hand was quickly met with adoration. Aether felt the soft pressure of the wrist, warm roughed skin on the palm with its dark green skin. When their fingers intertwined, Xiao tried using his thumb to caress his love’s middle and ring finger. That was the moment Aether realized that the touch was one sided. He decided to take both of his gloves off before giving Xiao’s other hand the same treatment, taking everything off of his left arm.
While Aether seemed to be busy kissing and massaging his left hand, Xiao reached up with his right, intending to touch the face. But to his surprise Aether caught him in the act, instead, guiding that hand to his stomach and up his shirt. Xiao shuttered at the touch of bare skin. He started to feel like no matter what he did, Aether was always a step ahead. But here, was that truly a bad thing?
Before he knew it, Xiao had both his hands on Aether’s chest as he took off this shirt. In the middle of his chest was a colored, diamond shaped star embedded deep into his skin. It gave a faint turquoise glow when Xiao graced over it. Aether’s skin was so soft…so warm. It would be worrying if a human wasn’t warm, but this felt different. He suddenly retreated his hands with a shutter once Aether placed his hands on Xiao’s chest. Then they both stopped in their tracks.
“Oh…Did that make you uncomfortable?”
“No…I don’t know why I reacted that way.”
“Maybe it’s nerves…?”
Xiao stared at Aether’s chest before taking a glance at his pants.
“Maybe it is…” Xiao carried a solemn tone before he watched Aether start to pull away. But Aether stared directly at Xiao’s face, studying his expressions. He grabbed Aether’s wrist in a haste. “But please…keep going.”
Aether sighed softly, grabbing Xiao’s hips and tucking his fingers under the Yasksha’s shirt. One deep breath passed before the shirt was lifted…then taken off completely. The pendant went with the shirt with ease. Aether look a moment to separate the clothing and accessory. He folded the top and placed it on the nightstand, but he held on to the pendant for a bit longer.
“You want to put this back on? You won’t feel as exposed.”
Xiao’s eyes darted to the side. It was a kind gesture, which is expected from Aether, but Xiao couldn’t shake the feeling that he wanted something else. It was a stupid idea, but…
“Maybe you can wear it…?”
He sounded so uncertain, Aether couldn’t help but smile and put the pendant on. The pendant’s tip hit between Aether’s collarbone before it fell into place. He pulled his hair away from his neck to let the pendant rest there completely.
“Does it look good on me?” He presented himself with a small gesture.
“Yes.” Xiao replied. It sounded like a moan more than an answer.
Aether bent down just to kiss Xiao again. His kisses trailed down to Xiao’s chin, then to his neck, then to his collarbone, then to his chest. Aether’s touch felt so sweet…intoxicating even. Xiao placed a hand on the back of his lover's head. Xiao stared at the ceiling as he felt Aether’s tongue gently glide across his skin. Oddly enough, Xiao could feel his hips struggle to roll. The need felt so strong, he had to bite his knuckle. It was as if his body knew more than he did. It causes Aether to stop teasing and give a soft “hmm.” Then he started to lower himself down on Xiao’s body even more. Aether gave one last kiss to Xiao’s hips before grabbing his pants. The blonde looked up at Xiao, waiting for some sort of signal. Xiao started back at Aether with lidded eyes, before quietly nodding.
“Lift your hips slightly.” Aether demanded in a whisper, and Xiao obliged. And shyly, Xiao watched his pants leave his legs completely, revealing his legs…and his cock. It rested on his stomach with the hard tip covered in some white substance.
“Aether…” Xaio said in a pleading voice, lifting himself up to rest on his elbows.
“You’re so beautiful, Xiao.” Aether traced the tattoo on Xiao’s hip before the blonde bent down and kissed him there.
“Across all my years of living, no one has ever laid their eyes on me…not like this.”
“I’m glad to know that I am the first.” Aether slowly pulled off his own pants and left himself bare before his lover. “Though…I want to do more than worship you with my eyes, if you’re ready?”
Xiao stared at Aether for a moment. Aether left his hand on Xiao’s hip, inching it closer to his cock. Xiao sighed once more. He wasn’t sure where this path would lead, but it was a journey he was willing to walk down with Aether by his side.
“Yes, I’m ready.”
With permission, Aether gently grabbed Xiao’s cock and raised it. The light touch was enough to make Xiao’s stomach cave. With one small breath, Aether kissed the tip before slowly swallowing as much of Xiao’s cock as he could.
“Aether-...!” Xiao’s breath shuttered as he sat up, the sudden pleasure caused him to tighten his body. His breath felt short, and Aether could feel the Yaksha’s change in demeanor. He held still for a moment to help his dear friend get used to the warmth. Aether listened to Xiao’s breathing, waiting for the pattern to slow and steady. Soon, Aether started to push the cock deeper into his throat.
“A-Aether…this is…a lot more…” Xiao couldn’t even finish that sentence before Aether slowly started to bob his head. So many thoughts filled Xiao’s mind. It all felt so…good.
Relief and pleasure start to seep in as Aether laid further between Xiao’s legs. The Yaksha’s entire body felt weak as he started to let out choked whines. His hands started to shake, so he put a hand on Aether's head. Aether got to listen to sweet, long moans from his dear Xiao, a moment that was short lived. Soon, Xiao’s cries of pleasure became quick and sharp.
What is that feeling?
His stomach contracted repeatedly. Something was swirling inside of it. Aether could feel Xiao’s cock pulse in his mouth, so he moved his head faster, swallowing the hilt and kissing the tip. Xiao bent his torso over Aether’s head.
“Too…much…Too much…no more…stop…” Xiao’s pleas were quiet at first. “Aether, stop…!”
Then Aether stopped, finally taking the cock out of his mouth. He got back on his knees to check on Xiao, who looked like a hot mess. Xiao was left panting staring down at both of their hard cocks.
“...Too much…?” Aether asked, his voice sounded so understanding.
Xiao quietly admitted to the claim with a nod.
“How about we lie down together?”
Xiao hooked his arm around Aether’s neck before making them both fall back onto the bed. And for a while, everything was mostly quiet. They laid in each other’s arms, swallowed by the covers. They got lost in a kiss, letting tranquility wash over them. Or at least, that’s what usually happens. It was as if every touch would send a shockwave through Xiao’s blood. Small whines would escape his lips at every light touch or kiss. Aether’s attempts at soothing Xiao were failing. The Traveler put their foreheads together with a hand on Xiao’s face.
“Are you alright?”
Xiao didn’t respond to that, but the face he made said it all. “Am…I supposed to feel like this…after sex?”
“Mmm…” Aether considered what his next words would be. “...It…is normal. Your body is still coming down from the feeling, I think.”
Xiao closed his eyes and moved to kiss Aether’s forehead and caress his thigh. “Thank you…for this…”
“…are you sure there isn’t something else bothering you?”
“I’m sure.”
Then, silence. Xiao couldn’t see Aether’s face, but he could feel the energy in the room shift. Aether knew Xiao was lying. Xiao knew that he had to be honest, but didn’t know what to say. It felt amazing, but he doesn’t want to offend Aether. But not too much time has passed before he spoke.
“Is it wrong to say that I feel unsatisfied?”
Aether moved to get a better look at Xiao, but Xiao continued.
“...Is human intimacy always this one sided? It felt nice, but..”
Aether placed a hand on Xiao’s face. “So you want to keep going?”
“When I said I want to experience everything with you, I mean it.” Xiao grabbed Aether’s hand and kissed his wrist. Aether replied by pecking the bridge of Xiao’s nose.
“Just don’t push yourself.” Aether climbed out of bed.
“Where are you going?”
“Just grabbing something. Hold on tight.”
Xiao watched Aether walk through the room and retrieve his belongings. Xiao was not kidding when he said he wanted to try everything with Aether. Xiao enjoyed trying new dishes and napping spots, but it’s deeper than he would like to admit. He wants to know what it feels like to wake up next to his lover. He wants to know what it would feel like to intertwine his fate with Aether for eternity. What would that look like? Would they wear rings like humans, or perhaps Aether can keep Xiao’s pendant to show the world who his love and body belongs to.
Aether found a small bottle which was what he was looking for. He turned back to see Xiao, still in his bed, with his arm lying exactly how Aether left it. When Aether crawled back into bed, Xiao pulled him in, desperate for that warmth again.
“What did you get?”
“Something to help you prepare me.”
Aether carefully opened the bottle, grabbed Xiao’s hand, and gently lubricated his middle and ring fingers with some soft-textured oil.
“How will this prepare you?” Xiao thought of an answer as soon as he asked. Aether placed the oil on the nightstand before laying back down, slowly guiding Xiao’s hand to his ass.
“If it’s too weird, let me know.” Aether got a soft hum in return.
Xiao’s fingers were left poking Aether’s entrance, another chance to back away. Instead, Xiao gently pushed one finger inside.
“Like this…?” The Yaksha asked.
Aether let out a soft sign as he pulled his beloved into a warm hug. “Yes…go as deep as you can.”
So, Xiao slowly pushed his finger deeper into Aether’s hole, watching for sudden movements or sounds of pain. He was expecting to pull out almost instantly. The only form of penetration he’s aware of involves fatal blows in battle. But this is different. Aether was rewarding his ears with soft sounds of pure bliss. So Xiao pushed deeper…and deeper…until his knuckle pushed against Aether’s skin. Aether peppered kisses all over Xiao’s face, then Xiao stayed still. All he could do was hold still as Aether spoiled him, he wasn’t sure about the next step. Does he pull or lift, or does he stay? Though the way he entered Aether felt strange now that his fingers were so deep. He moved his finger by the knuckles ever so slightly, but it was enough to make Aether’s breath shutter.
“More of that…and…another one” Aether said, moving his kisses to Xiao’s neck.
With that request, Xiao carefully pulled back to add another finger. Then kept moving them with a soft hum. Aether reached down and grabbed both of their cocks, holding them together while he carefully stroked. They shared a breath and their small moans moved weakly through the air. Xiao could feel his body heat up again, and the fingers in his lover's hole kept spreading apart. Feeling this vulnerable without the threat of pain…it was a lot to take in. But Xiao didn’t mind how unbearing this feeling is. He longed for Aether’s touch. It would only be fitting to slowly drown in it.
That was when Aether grabbed Xiao’s Hand to make him pull out, the cool air brushed against his slick figures. Xiao raised an eyebrow, but before he could ask anything, Aether placed a hand on the Yaksha’s chest to push him onto his back. Xiao’s eyes followed his lover’s movements as he got straddled.
“I’m ready, so I’m going to put it in. Is that okay?” Aether said gently, caressing Xiao’s lower stomach.
Xiao paused for a moment before he silently nodded. Aether saw the signal, but didn’t move. Then Xiao pushed out a “Yes” from his lips. Then Aether grabbed Xiao’s cock and started to adjust himself. He guided the tip of Xiao’s cock to the entrance to his hole. Aether froze there and placed a hand on Xiao’s chest, and Xiao responded by holding that hand in place. His breathing was a little short.
“Deep breaths, love.”
Xiao could feel the heat in his body rise at Aether’s words. So, he took three deep breaths. Aether felt Xiao’s breathing change with the first breath, his chest slowly rose and fell. In the second breath, Xiao started to relax muscles that he subconsciously tightened. On the third breath, Xiao closed his eyes. Aether saw the complete relaxation in the Yaksha’s body. Aether took this opportunity, to push Xiao’s cock into his hole and slowly lower himself to the hilt. Xiao’s eyes shot open and his body jolted once Aether took in his entire cock. It felt so warm, wet, and tight…it felt as if Xiao’s breath got taken away.
Aether held still as he watched his lover struggle to adjust to the intensity. Aether bent down and kissed Xiao as he let out weak, muffled whimpers. Eventually, Aether began to grind once Xiao stopped clawing at the skin of his love’s thighs.
“Ae…ther…” Xiao barely managed to say before Aether sat up and started to ride him.
He slowly raised himself up and down Xiao’s cock. Xiao’s Small whimpers quickly became loud pants. Aether rested a hand on his love’s chest and caressed the skin there. Xiao’s heart was already beating fast and he felt like he was on fire. He looked down to where they embraced. He only saw one thrust before putting his head back and thrusting his hips upward to match Aether. It was so weak and frantic, it was making it harder to move. So Aether slowed down to a grind, gliding his hands up Xiao’s stomach and chest, just to hold his face. Aether kissed Xiao wherever he could. Everytime he moved his hips forward, he found a new spot to kiss. Xiao calmed his movements and wrapped his arms around the Traveler’s neck to hold him in place.
“I…love you…Aether.” Xiao said again with a shuttering, cracked voice.
“Xiao…” Just calling his name was enough to send a shockwave of pleasure through the Yaksha’s body.
Aether pulled down Xiao’s arms to hold one hand while the other rested on Aether’s hip. Aether braced himself against the mattress and started to bounce. He moved a lot faster than before, and it made Xiao choke on his breath. His skin burned.
“Ae…ther…too…much…it's too much…too much…”
Xiao’s thoughts swarmed and scattered all at once. He doubted that he was able to take so much passion at once, but Aether was deeply lost in his own pleasure to respond to those kinds of words. It felt so lovely, the chaos of it all. Xiao could show all the things he wanted to do with Aether if he knew that they were. Xiao stared at his pendant that was dangling from Aether’s neck. No one else should have Aether, at least, not like this. With all the other thoughts running through his mind, Xiao considered making that another promise. But then, his mind turned its attention towards the rising feeling in his stomach.
It was happening again.
The swirl in his stomach, it was coming back, and it was stronger this time. His moans changed to pleasurable pleas.
“P…Please…I feel…strange…”
“Oh, Xiao….Just a little longer…please, you’re doing so well.” Aether caressed Xiao’s hand with his thumb.
Aether did all he could to make sure Xiao’s cock was buried deep every time he sat down on it. He used his hole to swallow it completely, ensuring that it smashed against his most sensitive spots. Xiao whimpered helplessly under Aether, his entire body could feel the wet, welcoming hole. Xiao felt the feeling go through his stomach and down to his pulsing cock, as if something was preparing to explode out of him. He clawed the sheets before gripping the pillow under his head, trying to hold back the moans that jumped out of his mouth. He could feel the tension rise throughout his body.
Then it spilled out.
Xiao let out loud cries of pleasure as his mind went completely blank. He squeezed Aether’s hand so tightly his grip looked like it could break through bone. Aether plunged himself deep when Xiao came. It filled Aether quickly, causing Aether to come on his lover’s chest. He rode out the orgasm for as long as he could, only slowing down once Xiao’s load stopped shooting shots. Aether stayed where he was for a while, letting his body calm down. When he felt less exhausted, he spoke.
“Was that alright…?”
Aether only got faint, shaky breathing as a reply. He looked down to Xiao, who seemed to have lost his awareness. He stared at the ceiling with a tear stained face. He still held Aether’s hand while the other one rested weakly on the mattress. Aether paused before he decided to lift his hips, making Xiao pull out. The Yaksha let out a gasp once the air hit his cock again. He felt like he couldn’t move, his body felt so tried, yet…satisfied. Aether smiled and gave his dear a small kiss on the forehead.
“I’ll clean you up. I’ll be back.”
Aether crawled out of bed as if nothing happened and left Xiao lying on the bed alone. Xiao still stared at the ceiling, letting the thoughts run wild in his mind. He felt content at first, but then his mind screamed at him.
“What have I done?” He quietly asked himself.
This wasn’t supposed to happen. The kiss, their love, their first time, none of it. Xiao told himself to keep his distance. This new bond, it will be severed. One day Aether will retreat to the stars and never return. They have gotten too close, now the pain of losing him will outweigh any karmic debt.
Xiao could sense Aether return, but he was not fully expecting for Aether to put a warm rag against stomach and chest. He finally sat up to see Aether tending to him carefully with adoration in his eyes.
“Are you feeling alright?” The Traveler asked with a gentle smile.
“..Yes…More than alright.” Xiao finally spoke.
Before Xiao could do anything else, Aether stole one more kiss before lying beside Xiao. He took the Yaksha in his arms as he pulled both of them under the covers. The two lovebirds face each other, Aether pushing his head against Xiao’s.
“This…love you gave me…I fail to find the word that explains how…astonishing it was.” Xiao continued.
“I’m glad that I made this night memorable…and I’m glad that I have you with me.” Aether closed his eyes as he gently stroked his Yaksha’s hand.
“...What I wouldn’t give to keep you by my side…”
Xiao didn’t mean to admit that out loud, but Aether didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he chucked before tucking his head under Xiao’s.
“You don’t have to give a single thing.”
With that, Xiao placed his hand on Aether’s head to hold him. They basked in the warmth of the bedsheets and the peaceful stillness of the air. The silence in the room that was once filled with cries of pleasure gave comfort to the both of them. Eventually, Aether drifted to sleep,leaving Xiao to listen to his light breathing and tiny ramblings in his dream state. Xiao let his eyes rest, but his mind still wondered. The events of this night replayed in his mind.
A few hours had passed and the moon shone brighter in the room. Xiao had changed his sleeping position. He laid in his usual soldier rest, but his left arm held Aether close, making the Traveler rest his head in his chest. Their free hands rested on top of Xiao’s stomach, fingers intertwined.
Xiao had half of mind to leave Aether in peace. The Yaksha told himself repeatedly not to get too close to Aether. And yet, he has the famed Traveler bare in his bed.
But, leaving Aether here…he would probably assume that Xiao had patrol, but would he shake off the loneliness? Does Aether think about Xiao when he’s around his friends? Xiao wouldn’t be surprised if Aether chased him down if he did run. So what was the point?
Xiao looked down to a sleeping Aether, staring at his own pendant that was still resting on the Traveler’s shoulders. Xiao let out a deep sigh through his nose before he got out of bed, miraculously keeping Aether asleep. The Yaksha wandered the room to get his hands on his lover’s scarf. He put it on his shoulders and brought it to his lips. He took one last glance over to Aether before he grabbed a brush and unrolled some paper.
. . .
Aether only woke up to the sound of Paimon banging on the door the next morning. She whined about how they left her at the table last night and she was worried about the Traveler’s disappearance. The room is decently lit from the sunlight outside. Another day has arrived.
Aether blinked slowly as he felt a hand rub his head. He sat up, and greeted Xiao with a smile and a stretch. Then, Aether noticed that his scarf was draping over Xiao’s chest. He was only able to briefly acknowledge it before being interrupted by Paimon calling for him. He made a weak gesture to Xiao, signaling that it was time to start the day.
On the other side of Liyue, a few people gathered around that billboard again. They discovered a new posting on the wall, one that covered that old mysterious one from years ago.
“Today, I met the young human whom I had long admired amidst the mountains once more. This time, I let my joy take over me and I chose to spend some time with them. But soon after, my anxiousness rose and I failed to suppress my heart. I confessed my woes to them, but they replied with a gentle smile. They embraced me. I got to bask in their presence and experience a love I never felt before. Now my heart is at war. Our paths will separate in the future. It is inevitable. I told myself that I would only trace their steps, only for that trail to lead me into their arms. So, why must they leave me? Why must this warm feeling turn into a heavy pain in my chest? Though, I now watch over this human as they rest and realize that not even gods can live forever. It’s too late to suppress my heart. I can no longer hide from someone who will always find me no matter what happens. Tonight, I will ease this human as they sleep. Every second I spend by their side will be treasured. I will savor their love like the sweetest of dreams. And when they become one with the stars, I will keep them in my own dreams and memories, where I can embrace them until my bitter end.”