🎐💫Lanterns|Xiaother one shots| COMPLETED (BEING RE-WRITTEN)

Deaf♡

//okay, new idea/au/head Canon. Aether is deaf, uses sign language, and Paimon usually translates- I'm going to try and write this to the best of my ability (I'm not deaf, but I have deaf friends) so I hope I do the idea justice.. also sorry if its worded funny, I was half asleep while writing some of this //

Aether ran his fingers over the soft grass of liyue, letting out a small hum of content. He leans himself back, letting his head drop against the flowers. The soft breeze and dew-y grass felt good against his skin.

Paimon had left for the day to go take a nap in the teapot, leaving him to himself. He had decided to wander aimlessly before settling on a field to lay in. It felt nice not having his companion for a little while, being able to sit without needing translation. He liked it.

Although, he wasn't completely alone. He sensed someone gazing at him and opened his eyes to see Xiao sitting next to him. Aether let out a small gasp of shock, pulling himself up to look at him. The adeptus had always managed to sneak up on him.

"Xiao-" The name slipped out with a small gasp, the pronunciation slightly slurred as he had never truly heard the name spoken(though he could guess by the many times he had seen others say it).

Xiao nodded at him, easily understanding. He gave a small wave before putting his hands together. He formed two loose fists, his thumbs up, pushing them out from his chest towards the blond before pointing at Aether.('How are you') . The movement was slightly messy but Aether immediately knew.

The blond's eyes widened slightly before he started to sign back 'you know how to sign?'

Xiao let out a small chuckle before hesitating, trying to remember the words he had learned and apply them to Aether's movement. He then shook his head slightly. 'I learned a little for you' . Some of the words were spelt with the letters from the alphabet while others were using the actual sign.

Aether nodded, getting the gist.

"Very kind" Aether said, wrapping his arms around Xiao, feeling tears start to form at the corners of his eyes.

Xiao was quite stiff, not expecting the hug but he soon allowed himself to sink into his lover's arms. His hands sliding against his back in a comforting motion.

Aether pulled back to look at Xiao, a big grin on his face. He pressed a soft kiss to Xiao's cheek. It meant so much that Xiao had actually learned a little for him. He was getting very good at reading lips, but it was still much easier to communicate through signs in his opinion. The fact that his lover knew a few words and the alphabet overjoyed him.

"I love you" Aether smiled, his words once again a little garbled as he signed along with the words. Putting his pinky, pointer, and thumb up.

"Love you too" Xiao nods, copying the sign Aether had made. He knew that one well enough.