Abyss Aether × Xiao || You can try to escape ||

Getting Ready For A Surprise

(Xiao's POV)

It's been a while since the Traveler has left for Fontaine. I heard from some of her friends that her birthday is coming up and she will be coming back to Liyue soon. Since her birthday is coming up, that must also mean Aethers birthday is coming up. I have never seen the point of celebrating the day of your birth, but I wanted to for Aether. I had seen that on someone's birthday, you give them a gift of sorts and eat food. However, I believes there's more to it than I have seen.

I was somehow dragged along by Morax to talk about how we're gonna surprise Traveler and her brother with a party. I wasn't against it, I just wished I didn't have to go into a place with so many mortals.

"Okay, so how are we going to surprise the Traveler and her brother with a birthday party?" Xiangling cheered.

"Well Traveler is pretty easy, but I don't know about her brother" Chongyun mumbled.

"Yeah, we know Traveler pretty well and she's not here, but her brother is here and we don't know what he likes....considering he was the leader of the Abyss..." Ganyu sighs. She looks over at me and speaks, "He's staying with you correct?".

I nod. Everyone begins to think about a way to surprise Aether. They ask me questions since I've spent the most time with him and I've given them a good bunch of ideas.

"Thank you Adeptus Xiao, now I know what to gift him".

"Yeah me too"

"Same. What about you Conquer of Demons? What are you gonna get them?" Xingqiu questions. I look off to the side. I already know what I'm gonna give Aether, but I'm really nervous to. I'm concerned that this could mess up our whole relationship.

"I promise..."

I'm sure he won't hate me for it. I feel my face heat up just thinking about telling him. Ganyu peeks over at my face and I think she understands what I'm going to give Aether.

"I haven't thought about what to give the Traveler yet" I admit, and I wasn't lying, I had only been thinking about my gift to Aether. I've been practicing since yesterday of how I was going to confe- I MEAN give him my gift.

After agreeing on how the party should be set up, we all went our separate ways to get gifts and buy things. Before I left, I was given the task of making sure Aether didn't come near Liyue Harbor so that he doesn't see the party being set up.

"Oh hey Xiao, welcome back~" Aether smiles, getting up and wrapping his arms around me. All I can do is blush and melt in his arms. He laughs and pull away after a while. "So, where were you?".

"I was speaking with Morax"

"Ahh the Geo Archon, I see" he snickers. He goes over to the balcony and looks towards Liyue city.
"Hey Xiao, I haven't been to the city in a while, so you think I could head over?" he asks innocently.

"I don't think that's a good idea right now" I mumble. He cocks an eyebrow at me.

"What do you mean. You've never said that before".

"There's things going on right now and it's best if you don't head to the city. If you try, I will stop you" I announce. He stares at me for a second before laughing.

"Okay, okay, I got it. No need to get all serious on me Xiao Xiao".

He comes over and puts his hand on my shoulder. I can feel my face heating up again. Aether takes notice to my reddened face and steps back.

"You good Xiao?" he questions. All I can do is nod in response. I bid a farewell to Aether and over the next few days we all continue to set up the twins birthday party, until the day is finally here.

"LUMINE WELCOME BACK!" Xiangling cheers, running over to hug her friend.

"Great to be back!" Lumine laughs, hugging her back. A bunch of us begin huddling around her. I tell them that I'm gonna head back to the Inn to grab Aether quickly. However, before I bring him over...I plan to give him my gift. I teleport to the balcony and see Aether with his hair down. My face lights up. I never imagined someone could look so different just with their hair being down.

"Hey Xiao~" he smiles, opening his arms up for a hug. I walk over and allow him to embrace me. I hate physical touch, but I can never bring myself to deny Aether when he asks for it.

"So where we going?" he asks. I look back at him.

"We're heading to Liyue Harbor. There's something there that I need to show you" I answer. He doesn't question me at all and begins making his way towards the door.

"Wait" I speak. He turns to look at me. I walk up and grab his hands. His face tints red and he tilts his head at me.

"What's wrong Xiao? Are you okay?". He cups my cheeks.

"A-Aether" I stutter, "Will you be my...m-my". I can't bring myself to continue my sentence, but I already hear Aether laughing. I glare up at him.

"Xiao~ You couldn't even ask me properly~" he snickers. My face flushes and I try to turn away but he grabs me by the waist and pulls me close.

"Yes Xiao. I'll be your lover" he coos. My face is bright red at this point. He looks at my face expectantly and I know what he wants. I quickly peck him on the lips, too embarrassed to give him a real kiss. He chuckles while all I can do is whimper.

"So cute". I look back up at him.

"H-happy birthday, Aether" I whisper. He hugs me closer.

"Thank you Xiao" he whispers, "This is the best birthday gift I could have ever ask for"

"Now let's head down to the Harbor"