What Love Feels Like ❦ Xiaother Fluff One-Shot

Xiaother | What Love Feels Like

Not far from Wangshu Inn, there is a huge hollowed out tree. Inside said tree was pots of flowers, varying in shape and type.

Bright, sweet scented Sweet Flower in addition to blossoming, lush Cecilia spread throughout the sides of the tree. Elegant Qingxin decorated the entrance as small Lamp Grass illuminated the inside softly, though there wasn't a need for the light at the moment as it was still bright out.

The atmosphere was soft and tranquil as all that could be heard were the soft chirps of the birds on the tall branches. A certain dark haired adeptus lay against a certain blonde haired traveler.

"I love you," he spoke, his eyes closed as his fingers laced with Aether's and he lay in the crook of his neck as they sat closely side by side.

Aether hummed in response, "I love you too."

A small peck was placed on Xiao's head and he felt like being here with such a loving person was a miracle. He felt undeserving of the love he received, of the fact that he didn't feel as much pain when he was around Aether but he couldn't help but love him more than his life.

Because when Aether was around, he was never allowed to carry his burden alone. He was constantly reassured that he would never be alone in anything that he faced—that Aether was right there, waiting.

Nevertheless, there was always that looming fear that his karmic debt would be what would drive his significant other away, but he was proven wrong after two years of being with this human.

Two years of living in a dream.

Xiao almost didn't want to open his eyes out of fear of it actually being a dream. He knew it wouldn't last forever, but how he wanted to soak in the ignorant bliss of Aether.

How he wanted to stand beside the light that is Aether.

His eyes fluttered open as he stared at their intertwined hands, Aether's arm over his own. Xiao's smile threatened to grow wider, but he was quickly stopped when a head fell against his, surprising him slightly. He moved with caution, looking up to confirm what he thought had happened.

With soft, closed eyes and light grin gracing his features, the blonde boy had fallen asleep beside him. Xiao couldn't help but stare at the beauty of the one beside him before looking around them.

He analyzed the vines mechanisms Aether had created around the tree to hold the pots so it appeared more spacious, seeing the patterns of Glaze Lilies and Silk Flowers.

There was one single vine that carried a unique pattern composed of Qingxin and Windwheel Aster: his and Aether's favorite flowers. Once more, Xiao felt an overwhelming feeling of warmth, acceptance and care—he didn't know how to deal with it.

Though in a constant state of pain, Xiao felt somewhat at ease with Aether. He felt comforted by the fact that the blonde found a way to bump into him every other month (unintentionally or intentionally, Xiao didn't care too much) and that a couple times a year, they could stay here together like this.

For the first time in centuries, he felt loved and loved like no other. It was like lying on a cloud, as if he was floating every second of the day.

Occasionally, he would get thrown down from that cloud by his own guilt and demons, but Aether was always at the bottom ready to catch him or break his fall.

And even if it was because of magic or a miracle, Xiao did not care. The adeptus could only think to himself that,

This is what love feels like.