Another day Another Love Story {Xiao x Aether}

>~16~<

Hey guys!! I know I said I'd be back by the end of September, but I think I can update weekly. Soooo that's what ima do, get ready to cry happy tears??? hehe

let's see how about an update every Monday? I'll do my best ;)

Aether POV

It's been 2 years since Xiao and I got together. 2 years since the fear of my father coming for war. Yang sensed that my father was coming earlier today, when I told Xiao he got worried. I was scared, but he held me and kissed me, the man who made me able to look and accept myself for who I am and who helped me recover enough to play the violin again, is my boyfriend, my birdy. How happy I am.

I was currently with Cloud Retainer and Gaynu, when I arrived back at the Inn after I finished my commissions Xiao was gone. He left a note, saying he was preparing for the war, looking at the surroundings and the right attack points again, and reporting back to Kokomi, who was staying in Mondstadt for the time being. She came by to visit Xingqiu and Albedo.

"So Aether.." I looked up from the tea cup I was drinking being pulled away from my thoughts. Gaynu sat across from me and Cloud Retainer was to my left. "I heard that your father is coming."

I placed the teacup down, staring at the green leaves spinning around and the reflection of the sky in the water. Not looking up I responded, "hm"

"Are you going to be alright? I have a feeling they won't let you figh-"

"I'll have to fight, even without my powers I still stand a chance against him. Our fight needs to be one on one." I looked up. "I-I" I looked down clenching my fists.

"I don't want anyone else to fight him. He's merciless he'll play with you before he kills you."

Cloud Retainer nodded, then stretched her wing out and rested it on top of my head. "Fear not Traveler, we will be with you. And one knows Xiao will protect you no matter what." I blushed and looked at my lap. I heard them giggle, how embarrassing. "How are you two doing? It's been 2 years, hasn't it? Xiao seems happy. One hasn't seen him this happy in a long time, I'm glad he found you." I nodded, smiling, "he's really helped me, and I appreciate everything he's done for me." I couldn't wipe the smile off my face now. Gaynu giggled, she has gotten comfortable around me now. I often came to Cloud Retainer to work on weapons for the war, and Gaynu would be there nearly every time. The three of us have grown close.

"Only a matter of time before one of you propose." Gaynu said, sipping her tea and looking anywhere but at me. "HUH?!" I said, my face turning red.

"One is most looking forward to that. A wedding with an Adepti hasn't happened in years."

"Please stop," I said. I'm a blushing mess.

They both laughed, "we're only teasing, but seriously," Gaynu placed her tea cup down and stared me directly into my eyes, I could feel the pressure. "When are you planning to propose?" How did she?

"I saw you looking around for a gem, also Pimon may have asked me what Xiao's favorite gemstone was." She paused while looking at me, "Also... did you lose your earring?" She shrugged as I sank into my seat.

"One doesn't need to be embarrassed Traveler." I nodded, "Just don't tell anyone I honestly haven't told anyone! Not even the real reason behind the gem to Pimon." I sighed resting my head on the table.

"I found a gem and did everything for it, shaped it and sized it. I was planning on proposing this week,"

Under my breath, I said, "my father ruins everything."

Cloud Retainer patted my back. "Can one see the ring?" I smiled and pulled it out of my pocket. A gold band with swirls around the gem... a piece of my earring. "It's my earring, this way Xiao knows that I'm alive no matter where I am. Though that was the idea as I would travel around Teyvat more to prepare for war. But now..."

Gaynu interrupted, "it's still a lovely thought."

We started talking about wedding plans. I know it won't happen I'll be dead by the end of the month. I just want Xiao to know how much I love him.

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I thanked the two for the tea and headed down the moutan, I had the ring in my hand, I was smiling. We were leaving Qingyun Peak and heading into Jueyun Karst when I heard a noise.

SNAP

It was the sound of a twig breaking, "son" I froze for a second then felt a sharp pain in my side, why me? I lost my balance and fell down the cliff losing the ring in the process.