Xiaother Oneshots

Valentine's Day

Third Person POV

 Being a traveler from another land was sometimes difficult. Aether often felt misplaced and often wondered if people saw him as an anomaly. Sure he has helped many people from the world of Teyvat, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will fit in perfectly. There would be times where he felt embarrassed for not knowing the nation's customs and traditions. Even though everyone reassured him that it was alright, he still felt out of place. Sometimes he wished he could just, go home...

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Aether sat on top of Wangshu Inn, staring into the scenery. He was too busy lost in thought he didn't even hear the sound of his Adeptus friend appearing beside him. "Traveler?" "AH WHAT THE FUCK?!" Aether shouted and bolted up. Xiao looked at him, his face confused. "Are you alright?" Aether held his chest, "U-uh yeah sorry. Just scared me." "You were spacing out again weren't you?" Aether chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his head, "Guilty." Xiao sat down and patted a seat next to him. Aether sat beside Xiao and leaned his head on Xiao's shoulder. "Was something bothering you?" "Yeah..." "You're sister?" "Surprisingly, not this time...More like I miss home." "Hm?" "I mean, don't get me wrong. Teyvat is beautiful and lively but sometimes I wish to travel home with Lumine. To not feel so, outcasted." "Outcasted? Is someone making you feel as if you don't belong here?" Aether nodded and started to play with Xiao's hand. "Myself. I don't know any of the customs or traditions and I feel so out of place every time. I know everyone says it's okay but to me it's not...I feel so...." Xiao kissed the top of Aether's head. "Why don't we celebrate one of your holidays then, hm?" Aether lifted his head to meet Xiao's gaze. "W-What?" "I'm sure if you asked Lady Ningguang she would help you create a new holiday in Liyue." "W-What?" "Well you have helped the land of Liyue on various occasions. I'm sure she wouldn't mind." "Perhaps I'll ask..." The two sat in silence as the sun began to set.

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The next day arrived and Aether was in the Jade Chamber, talking to Ningguang in her office. Paimon decided to opt out of this one and was Xiangling trying new food recipients. "That is a brilliant idea! I have never heard of such a tradition and it would be a new surprise to the people after having Lantern Rite!" Ningguang quickly wrote down some notes. "So tell me Aether, what exactly does this holiday mean and the point of it? I need specifics." Ningguang had her notepad in hand. Aether began talking, "Well where I am from we celebrate a day called Valentine's Day. It is a day where people give their loved ones like a romantic partner gifts to celebrate their love. The people decorate the town with hearts and various pinks. The day is filled with all kinds of specials in each store and is very popular." "A day to give a romantic partner gifts and all the affection they could ask for...Hm I like the sound of that!" Ningguang smiled at Aether. "I think this could be a splendid idea. It would be a great way for the people to bond with one another. Well, shall we begin our planning?" Aether nodded and then got to work. For a whole week the two planned day and night and created all the preparations needed. Aether finally felt somewhat at home. He liked the idea of sharing one of his home holidays with his friends.

After a week of planning, Aether and Ningguang finished their preparations. Ningguang announced it to the City of Liyue and made the Milith hang up posters wherever they could. Aether waited on top of Wangshu Inn for Xiao. He wanted to tell him the good news. Aether called out his name and Xiao appeared right beside him. "Yes?" "Me and Ningguang have created a holiday that I traditionally celebrate!" "which is?" "Valentine's Day! A day where people got their loved ones gifts and surprises!" Aether beamed and held onto Xiao's arm. "Hm how fascinating. When is this day?" "Next Wednesday! And on that day we are having a Valentine's Day dance! Would you like to come with me as my date?" Aether smiled at the Adeptus. Xiao nodded, "I will accompany you." Aether side-hugged him, "Perfect!' The two spend the rest of the day together chatting. Occasionally talk with Paimon when she appears.

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"Xiao, do you not know what a date means?" Xiao became embarrassed. "No Mo-Zhongli. I do not know what the Traveler meant by that." Zhongli chuckled softly, crossing his arms while dazing into the horizon. "Tell me Xiao, are you aware of Aether's feelings for you?" "Feelings? Such as ill intentions of some sort?" Zhongli chuckled once more, "Oh no no no, I mean feelings of affection." Xiao stared up at him confused. "I don't think I follow Zhongli." "I'm saying, to put it simply, Aether is in love with you." Xiao immdentialy flushed, "N-No he does not! he Travelver is just fond of me! Just like other people are!" "Yet you have established a close bond with him. Or am I incorrect?" Xiao mumbled, "Perhaps." "Well then the answer should be clear. Do you recopate such feelings?" Xiao thought for a moment. Did he really have the same feelings that Aether had? Perhaps he did... "So what do you suggest I do?" "Well, first of all, dress nicely for the party. I'm sure we can find you a nice outfit. Second, spend the night with him, stay close and dance with him. And aptly, take him to a secluded place and tell him how you feel. He will surely feel the same." Xiao nodded and followed Zhongli into Liyue Harbor to find a new outfit.

The day of the dance arrived and it was evening. Aether was dressed in black thin lace leggings, black boots, and a red crop top. Covered in all sorts of necklaces and rings, his hair was in his signature braid. Hu Tao smiled beside him at the entrance, "I dressed you up nicely Aether! Haha, just amazing!" Paimon smiled beside her, "I agree!" Paimon was dressed in a small red dress with black owls around the waist line. Many people were wearing nice clothing in all sorts of pink-red colors. "Are you waiting on anyone?" Aether nodded, "Xiao." Hu Tao looked at him, her eyes wide. "He agreed to come?" "Of course!" He smiled at her. Hu Tao thought about something but decided that maybe it was nothing. A few minutes passed and Xiao arrived. Aether ran up to him and hugged his arm, "Xiao you made it! You look amazing!" Xiao blushed, he was wearing black pants with a thin red shirt tucked in. He had on some jewelry that Xianyun provided. "You look amazing too Aether, very beautiful." Aether flushed. Paimon and Hu Tao looked at each other smugly. Yeah they knew what was going on.

The dance went on for hours, everyone enjoying being with their loved ones. Aether was dancing all night with his friends. Gaming would come and steal Aether from Xiao the most. Xiao wasn't jealous, of course not. Okay maybe a little bit, but he wasn't sure how to ask Aether to dance. How does one do that without being awkward? After the music died down a bit, a slow song came on. Aether walked off the dance floor and toward Xiao. "Hey, want to get some fresh air?" Aether asked. Xiao nodded and followed Aether out of the building. They walked along a trial and ended up on top of a hill, staring at the midnight sky. "Xiao, thank you for everything...For encouraging me to talk to Ningguang about celebrating one of my holidays. For the first time in forever I finally felt, at home." Aether smiled and reached out to hold Xiao's hand. Xiao opened up and held Aether's hand. Zhongli was right, their feelings were the same. Xiao scooted closer to Aether and whispered, "Aether I'm not sure what these feelings are but...Could I offer you to dance?" The music could faintly be heard from where they were at. Aether nodded and stood up, helping Xiao up. "Do you know how to dance Xiao?" "I-Uh not really. But, you could always teach me." Aether moved Xiao's hands to his hips, and wrapped his arms around Xiao's neck. "Just follow my lead." Xiao looked down and followed Aether's steps. "You're pretty good at this.." "You are too.." Aether leaned close to Xiao and rested his forehead on Xiao's. "Xiao can I do something...? Can I ask for something selfish?" Aether whispered. He wasn't used to being selfish, but around Xiao that's all he ever wanted to be. "Anything..." Xiao whisperer back. "Thank you..." Aether leaned closer to Xiao and connected their lips. Xiao followed Aether's lead once more. The kiss was slow and gentle, like how their dancing was. Xiao pulled Aether closer causing him to let out a small noise. When they parted they were left breathless. "Be selfish with me whenever you want..." "Will do..."

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"Oh my god they are gay."

The End <3