It's just Aether and Xiao in the middle of the night in the ballroom. While Lumine approves
And it's Christmas Eve. And it's the Royal AU because it's starting to grow on me.
"Come on. I want to take you both somewhere special." Aether lead Xiao and Aria through the dim lighted palace to the ballroom. It had a skylight, a crystal chandelier sparking with the moon, and a changing room for both genders. There were stairs leading to a balcony. The whole room was covered in red, white, green, and gold from top to bottom. There was a big tree in the middle of it all.
"It used to be full of people attending events almost every holiday, but has been empty ever since...that day. There's nothing to celebrate anymore. Now it's for personal events. I loved this place as a child. It was a place full of wonder. It always made me and Lumine happy."-Aether
"Mama! Up! Pretty lights!"-Aria
Aether laughed as he scooped up his daughter. Xiao followed behind, sighing in how cute they both were. They looked out at Celestia's night sky. How the city looked at nighttime was breathtaking. The stars wrapped around the city like it was a snow globe. The city glowed like lanterns with all the street lights on. It made Xiao miss Liyue's Lantern Rite Festival, even though he was always scared of harming people at the event.
"Dont worry, there's always next year Xiao! And this time, we all go together! You, me, Aria, Lumine, and your siblings."-Aether
"Everyone but my siblings. Me and Menogias are the only sane ones. And he works too hard to make sure we survive and don't get food poisoning."-Xiao
"Doesn't matter, family is family. They might not be there forever, so enjoy their company while you can."-Aether
Xiao smiled at the blond. He always liked to include everyone so no one feels left out. When he himself always leaves himself out of things.
"Mama. Tired. I want milk."-Aria
"Fine, Fine. But no touching any of the decorations. It's so Santa can come and give presents."-Aether
"Sanda? Who's Sanda?"-Aria
"He gives presents to those who've been good this year. And he gives coal to those who have been bad. He comes through the chimney with a bag full of presents."-Xiao
"Ohhh. I wanna leave a gift for Sanda!"-Aria
Aether laughed and brought her to the kitchen. He got her a glass of warm milk and chocolate cookies. She left the chocolate cookies for Santa, or who she calls 'Sanda'.
"Let's go back to that ballroom. I would like to do something with you."-Xiao
The blond smiled and brought Aria back to their room. He laid her in her crib next to the bed and kissed her on the forehead. Aether set up a alarm just in case someone tried to take her away. Considering how much she hated loud noises and glass breaking, she would cry before anyone got to her.
"I love you Aria. Please stay safe."-Aether
—
-
Xiao grabbed his lover's hand and danced the hour away. All that could be heard was the early morning birds and soft humming from their mouths. The raven thought of their wedding night. How beautiful Aether looked in his yellow and white suit covered with flowers. How his braid flowed through the aisle as he walked. The tears of joy he cried after they were officially married. The moonlight glow. The small nicknames they gave each other.
"Moonlight."-Aether
"You remembered one. I'm glad."-Xiao
Aether chuckled "I missed moments like these. Just us two. It's nice with Aria around and she is our pride and joy, but it's a job alright."-Aether
"You act like you aren't a job yourself. Especially when you're working. Adorable, caring, and yet such a hassle to keep alive and healthy."-Xiao
Aether smiled and laughed while Xiao smiled. "That's the first genuine smile out of you that I have seen in a while."
"Huh? But I smile all the time."-Aether
"Exactly. It's usually never really you. It's usually someone behind a mask. Someone who never gets to relax. Someone who's constantly worried for the sake and future of others. Someone who forgets that he is a person."-Xiao
The blond was baffled. He thought he was in the clear. The raven tucked a piece of his hair behind his ear.
"I think you didn't get that break for nothing. It's Christmas. Take a break. You need it. Stay in bed with me all day."-Xiao
"Pfft, Silly Yaksha. You know that Aria would like to adventure the palace again."-Aether
"Worth a shot."-Xiao
Aether chuckled as he continued to lead the dance they were doing. Lumine looked from the door and smirked. She never seen her brother this happy before. She was right to give him that break. What she didn't know is that her brother still kept on memories of childhood. The blonde walked off to leave a small present for Aria under her crib.
I miss Christmas okay? And this is totally not something for a cover up of angst for them, nooo
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