genshin impact male oneshots !

aether︰lantern rite

ー about ; you and aether enjoy the lantern rite together . ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭
ー pairing ; aether x gn!reader
ー author's note ; i tried my best yk . this is kinda short but i hope you'll enjoy~!

[ third person point of view ] 

     Tonight is the Liyue Lantern Rite festival, a jubilant celebration that honors the deceased Adeptus Skybracer as well as Xiao, the grumpy man-baby. Aether invited (Y/n) to celebrate with him, being together for a few months now. His partner happily accepted his invite, jumping in joy and throwing their arms around his neck. 

     It was a few hours early for the event, and Aether supposedly invited Xiao to tag along as well. (Y/n) was alright with the Adeptus following them like a mini bodyguard.

     As the group approached the Liyue gates, Xiao stopped. "I can no longer accompany you," he says, crossing his arms.

     (Y/n) looked back, their hand intertwined with Aether. "Why?" They questioned, tilting their head. "We don't mind if you continue to walk with us." Aether nodded, grinning. "It's no trouble."

     Xiao shook his head, "You two can go. I'll watch the lanterns from a hill." In a blink of an eye, he disappeared into the night. (Y/n) sighed, Aether cooked almond tofu and invited him, and he just left?

     Aether smiled softly, noticing his lover's expression. "Ah, he'll be fine," he reassures. "Let's grab something to eat." (Y/n)'s expression changed quickly, nodding. "And let's make a Xiao Lantern while we're at it."

     The couple (and Paimon) walked to the vendor area, smelling the sweet, spicy, flavorful aroma emitting from the stands. (Y/n) drooled, "It smells so good!" They sighed, wanting to get a bite of everything.

     Paimon nodded, "(Y/n)'s right! Paimon wants to eat something like right now!" The little fairy said, wiggling her petite body in excitement.

     Aether chuckled, "Well, let's check out this vendor, hm?" He says, guiding his partner to a vendor.

     "Welcome, welcome! Please, take a look at our menu and tell us what you'd like!" The stall worker says with a bright smile.

     Aether read the signs, "Can I get a grilled tiger fish, please?"

     (Y/n) bounces up and down, "Make that two, sir!" They say, holding up two fingers.

     The vendor worker nodded, "Alright! I'll get your meal to you in a jiff." He says, starting to cook their meal. While he cooks the tiger fish, Aether couldn't help but admire his partner's bright (e/c) hues and the way their smile never left. He felt grateful to have such an astonishing person in his life after the loss of his sister. You left your home--Mondstadt--leaving behind your friends, family, everything--to help him. He felt as if he could never repay you for the sacrifices you've made for him.

     "Aether?" (Y/n) looked over at their boyfriend which zoned out. He snaps out of his daze, a smile reappearing on his lips. "Are you alright?"

     Aether nods. "I'm fine, dear," he said, brushing a stray strand of their hair back into place. He adored the beautiful human in front of him. His lover grinned. (God, I love both of them-) The vendor worker handed them their meals, and they thanked him. As they walked around, Aether told (Y/n) his stories about his adventures with his sisters, as well as embarrassing stories.

     (Y/n) wheezed as he finished telling a story about his sister accidentally dyeing his hair. "She dyed your hair pink?!" Aether laughed, nodding. "She did!" (Y/n) cackled in delight.

     Aether turned his attention to the Xiao Lantern crafting station and grabbed (Y/n)'s hand. "Come on, let's make a Xiao Lantern," he stated, "We can make one together!"

     "Oh, yay!"

[ time skip because the author is tired ]

     The couple embellished the Xiao Lantern with writing and decoration, both feeling proud of themselves. Paimon struggled with her mini lantern, and Aether helped her, finishing it up for her. She gasped, "I have a Paimon Lantern! It's almost as big as Paimon!" She says, and (Y/n) giggled.

     Aether looked at the lantern he and (Y/n) made together, smiling. A small drawing of Aether and (Y/n) and Paimon sketched on the paper. Aether looked up at the sky, noticing the moon was high in the sky. "The rite is about to start! Let's find a spot." He rushed, and the group walked around and found a perfect spot.

     They stood on the dock, waiting for the great deer to come alive. Aether and (Y/n) held their shared lantern. Aether's hand around his lover's waist. Suddenly, the great deer illuminated bright blue, gold lining, and a long beautiful illuminated tail. (Y/n) gasped at its beauty. They never witnessed something so majestic as this. The deer galloped along the waves, jumping high into the sky, swirling around the stars shining as sugar spilled over black marble.

     The deer swooped down, and (Y/n) smiled, feeling the wind blow their hair. "Are you seeing this, Aether?" They questioned quietly, awe-stricken. Aether grins, "Of course, love." He whispered.

     Then, the lanterns illuminated golden yellow. (Y/n) breathed a faint laugh, their (e/c) eyes too entranced by the beautiful scenery. The floating lanterns met with the sky, and (Y/n) teared up. Aether chuckled, "You have to let go of the lantern, (Y/n)," he cooed.

     (Y/n) realized they had a tight grip on the lantern and internally facepalmed. They reluctantly let go, watching the lantern float with the others. "And I thought these lanterns were the stars," (Y/n) laughed, remembering staring out of their window, seeing these yellow stars float around in the sky.

     Aether walked behind them, wrapping his arms around their neck, snuggling his face into the crook of their neck. "I'm so happy you're here with me," he mumbled, and (Y/n) blushed at the contact.

     "Me too," his partner said, craning their neck to look at him. "Thank you for the adventure, Aether."

     Aether smiled brightly, relishing (Y/n)'s gorgeous eyes, kind smile, and overall--them. They are more beautiful than the lanterns around. Aether thought of them as a star. In the serenade of the black, they are the boldest star of the heavens. Though he lost his sister, (Y/n) was always there, shining so bright, even in his darkest times. Aether leaned in, pressing a sweet kiss against (Y/n)'s lips, and his partner returned it. Under stars so brilliant that drew the eyes heaven-bound, the two cherished the moment of the lantern rite.