The Nightmare (Xiaother)

The Nightmare

"Ahhhh, what a long day!" Paimon yawns, throwing herself into one of the beds.

"It must have been. I've never seen my Paimon battery so low!" Aether replied with a giggle.

Paimon glared at her blonde haired companion. "Hey! Even Paimon has her limits!" She huffs, pointing accusatory at him.

Aether put his hand up in defeat with a smile. "I see, how dare I speak ill of the almighty Paimon!"

Paimon smirks, "That's right! Nobody speaks to Paimon in such a manner! For that, I punish you to death by tickles!"

Paimon chased Aether around the room, both laughing as they ran circles around each other. Paimon managed to tickle Aether's waist, making the male fall on the bed where he was at her mercy. Paimon showed none, however, as she so cruelly tickles him. Aether bagged for forgiveness and for her to spare him from his punishment, but his pleads were in vain. Paimon was a ruthless god. However, Aether manages to get the upper hand when he spots a pillow out of the corner of his eye. Lunging over to grab it and knocking Paimon out of the air and onto her back! Now she's at his mercy.

"Now it's my turn!"

He evilly tickles Paimon's sides, rendering her powerless! Paimon laid defeat as she couldn't manage to apprehend him in time to save herself. Aether ceases his ruthless torment and plops himself beside her. Chuckling to himself.

"Next time, I'll win." Paimon said through huffs, it seems she still is recovering from her tickle attacks.

"You can try." He replied, cocky.

Aether turns his head to look out the window, admiring the beautiful scenery of Liyue. The large mountain landscape always looked so beautiful whenever the sun settled. The orange yellow mixed with the soft cherry blossom pink made a stark contrast to the shadow mountains they hide behind. Out of all the nations he had visited, Liyue had always been the most beautiful. Mondstadt was a close second with its luscious green fields and many apple trees. Sumeru's forest was always fun to explore, but without Tighnari, he got lost every time. Not to mention all the 'dangerous' mushrooms he had to save Paimon from eating. The thought made him chuckle. Fontaine is a good place for swimming and being able to breathe and talk underwater is still fascinating to him. But probably not the place where he would like to live. Neither would he live in Inazuma, as beautiful as it is, all the thunder and lightning isn't his cup of tea. But Liyue was perfect for him. Beautiful mountain tops and many colorful fields. Not to mention Liyue Harbor isn't that bad. He could find a nice place to live, and with so many ship coming in and out, he could see his friends whenever he wanted! Even Xiao.

Aether turned onto his side. He felt his cheek warm up at the thought. Out of everyone in Liyue, Xiao was the person he looked forward to seeing the most. He loves all his friends, of course, but Xiao was different. His golden eyes shone like the sun in the sky. Brightening his world and warming his heart. His hair of emerald green. His hair always seemed to flow so easily in the breeze, like the silk of a spider web. Misty and clear. He wondered if it was just as soft too. His body, strong and firm. How he moves so effortlessly in combat. Like a beautiful dance a bird does to attract a mate. His voice, like sweet honey to his ears. The milky sweetness with a hint of an edge that brought shivers down his spine. Even now. His gentle touch and care for those around him. Xiao is just amazing.

Soft snoring from Paimon snapped him out of his thoughts. It seems while he was daydreaming, Paimon slipped into her own night dreams. He smiled as he tucks Paimon into bed, giving her a kiss on the forehead so her dreams will remain sweet. He never told her he does this every night. He looked out the window again, noticing it was night now.

"How long was I daydreaming?" He wondered.

He laid down next to Paimon, putting a hand on her stomach. With this sight, it looked like a big brother taking care of his little sister. He liked that thought. He closed his eyes and fell into the world of dreams.