Chapter Text
Aether loves taking Xiao’s picture, and Xiao doesn’t mind.
Aether loves Xiao, and Xiao doesn’t mind.
So it was expected of him to show up during Xiao’s championship game, not as his lover, no. Xiao is closeted and experimenting. Archons forbid the famous athlete of their school is caught being homosexual. Besides, they’re not together together. Aether goes as their school’s photojournalist instead.
A perfect excuse for him to stare at his star.
Xiao had just landed the flawless service that won them the game. Teyvat University had officially won this season’s Inter-University’s Volleyball tournament, all thanks to him. It was hard fought, coming from a large score gap, but he made the difference.
Aether found himself lucky to capture the winning moment, he thought the piece good enough to make school headlines. All he needed was the post-game interview with the Plunge Prince–a title that Xiao earned, after years of carrying the Teyvat University’s volleyball team.
Getting a good picture of Xiao is easy. His long teal hair gives a pop of colour on his otherwise pale face that sits atop of his lean but muscular body, making him look good in any angle.
Getting a story, however? Not so much.
A group of reporters and journalists full of mics and pens were flocking to Xiao, not even minutes after the winning moment. He has always been evasive. Despite years of experience in the court, he still keeps his life out of the media.
Still, the importance of relevance is not lost to him as a journalist. Being there to actually interview him is still a factor in making a good piece. He joined the group of reporters, asking questions that Xiao found too mundane to answer.
Xiao still answered to be polite, of course. But he kept his answers short and vague, keeping the journalists on their toes in making a story. The sight of reporters frantically noting down whatever he says to piece things together makes Xiao smile.
What a view it was. Aether regrets putting his camera down.
Security had to eventually drag the reporters away from Xiao, leaving them no choice but to pester the other players.
His other teammates, Kazuha and Heizou, also kept things to themselves. Though they’re not as private as Xiao, they would speak in riddles that makes it difficult to make a story out of. This left Aether no choice but to come to his friend, Venti.
Venti has always been Aether’s friend, but they’re just athletes and journalists in court. Professionalism is a virtue Aether is well versed in.
Aether walked up to him saying, “Venti, do you have a moment for an interview?”
“Can’t this wait in the car? We were just packing up.” Venti replied, drying his sweat with a towel.
“News is best served piping hot. Come on, do me this one.” Taking his recorder and pen and paper out, as if Venti had agreed to it already.
“Fine. But you owe me.” He reluctantly agreed.
Aether thanked his friend, and proceeded with the interview. Most of the questions were, of course, about the game and the team. Aether listened intently, that is a part of his job, afterall.
“Thanks again.” Aether said, wrapping up his stuff.
Venti yells “You still owe me!” as he walks back to his bench.
The post-match adrenaline had worn off, and everyone got ready to go home. Getting in the car full of sweaty men who had just finished a day full of physical activity is not a pleasant experience for Aether.
Whatever, he thought to himself. This is a part of the job, he excuses.
As luck would have it, he was sat down next to the Plunge Prince himself. No one knows about them. No one knows what they are. It took everything in Aether not to talk Xiao’s ears off on how awesome he was in court.
The car engine went off, and Xiao put his earphones in and Aether took out his clipboard to draft ideas for his piece.
Aether has motion sickness, and working on drafts on a moving vehicle is not his brightest idea. He felt ill, and put his things back in his bag to close his eyes. Holding his vomit back, he rested his head on the seat in front of him.
He had awoken to a tap on his shoulder. It was Xiao, offering him candy.
“This might help.” He said nonchalantly.
However nonchalant Xiao is, he cares. Aether knows he does. That’s one of the things that made him fall in love with the man.
“Thank you..” He barely muttered, before resting his head again.
Xiao took his earphones out and said, “Is that comfortable? Would you like to rest on my shoulders?”
“I– You don’t have to offer.. I am okay.” Aether forced himself to say. He wished to say yes, but he knows how scandalous that would look.
“I insist. I can ask to switch seats with Venti, if you’re more comfortable using him as your pillow.” Xiao replied.
Aether is really embarrassed right now. He hates being vulnerable in front of people, but this motion sickness left him no choice.
He lifts his head up, resting it on Xiao’s shoulder. “You would do nicely. I’m sorry for this.” He awkwardly replied.
Xiao put his earphones back, and the ride was silent all the way to their own school.
Stepping into the school grounds, they were greeted by a giant congratulation sign, and a big poster of Xiao with ‘Congratulations, Plunge Prince!’ as its header.
He scoffed at it, and Aether noticed. Does he not like the nickname? It has stuck with him for years, why didn’t he say anything? Should he not refer to him as Plunge Prince?
His thoughts were stopped by the screams of the students of Teyvat University. They were all greeting congratulations, and some of them were even asking for autographs.
It’s late at night, but the school is alive. This win marked their 7 consecutive win of the tournament. A dominant performance, all thanks to the Plunge Prince.
The school partied and celebrated all night, but Xiao was nowhere to be found. He’s never been a fan of crowds, even if it is him being celebrated.
Aether eventually found him on the rooftop. Xiao was perched on the curbs of the rooftop, unafraid to dangle his feet. His eyes wander off to the people below, seeing them dance in blissful light.
“They’re looking for you, you know?” Aether sat down next to him.
Xiao took a deep breath before saying, “..For what reasons?”
“They’re celebrating you, Alatus. It is only fair for you to show up.” Aether says, as he looks down at the people below.
Alatus. A name only Aether had the privilege of saying. Despite that, Xiao didn’t reply to him. He found no reason to. The cold windy night filled the silence between them, before Aether interrupted.
“You looked excellent today. I took good photos.” He says as he lays back.
Xiao looked at him, almost offended at the idea of him having bad photos. “You always take good photos of me.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.” Xiao replied, almost instantly.
Aether paused, thinking of what he wanted to say. “Would you like to see them anyway?”
“Yes, please. That would be nice.”
Aether took out his camera, showing Xiao his favourite photos that he took. Most of them were midgame, the moments of Xiao blocking or scoring a point. Some were the photos of his teammates, which Xiao always appreciates.
Xiao finds himself smiling at the photos. The pictures that Aether takes are probably his favourite thing about being an athlete. Only second to winning.
The moonlight reflected on Xiao’s teal hair, making it glow.
If only Aether can keep this view in a photograph.
“..What are you staring at?” Xiao says as he closes the camera.
Aether took it back from the man and goes, “You look pretty.”
“Thank you. For the compliment,” Xiao grazes Aether’s cheeks with his lips, barely touching, reaching to his ears as he whispers, “And the photos.”
Aether could jump off the building right now. He felt Xiao’s lips so close to him, and that was enough to turn him red with blush.
They would talk for hours more, always finding new reasons to chat with each other. Aether would always leave first, though. His duty of creating stories for their publication always comes first.
But it worked out well enough for him. Casual, as one would put it. Casual.
The newspaper came out the following morning. It was all everybody could talk about. How could they not? The perfect photo captured by Aether, showing Xiao’s perfect form as he seemingly glides through the air to serve the ball.
Top it off with the stunning headline, Teyvat University makes a shocking comeback against the Abyssal Monsters University, marking their 7th consecutive championship.
The column read, ‘Alatus Xiao, more commonly known with the alias of Plunge Prince helped Teyvat University cross their 7th championship. A tied game in a best of five, they were down 17-3 for the final set. The Plunge Prince’s perfect form and flawless performance lead his team to take the edge and win this season's Inter-University's Volleyball tournament.
See more in the next column.’
It was perfect. He was perfect.
Aether admires his work a little longer, as he should. He worked on it overnight, nonstop thinking of his lover. Every image is so perfectly taken, every word so perfectly chosen.
The bell rang, and everyone hurried inside their classroom. Some are still sorting their lockers, others rush to not be late.
Aether made it inside their class on time. His best friend, Paimon, is already sitting next to his designated seat.
“Did you mix up your love letter and news piece?” Paimon said, teasing the man.
Aether panicked for a second. He hasn’t told a single soul his thing with Xiao. Not even his best friend. “Haha..What?”
“You were basically just singing his praises.”
Paimon then leaves to go to her designated seat, leaving Aether confused. Is what he wrote really that bad?
He was bound to find out when Xiao walked in, flustered and blushing.
Fuck. Was it really that bad?
Aether was almost shaking in anxiety. He swore it was written out of love.
And maybe that’s the problem. Love.
News is to be written without bias. Did he fail at that? Did he see Xiao in rose tinted glasses?
Who knows? Because right now, Aether surely doesn’t.
He had practically bitten all his nails off waiting for the class to end. Anxious as to what Xiao had to say about the piece. He feels like he could choke with what he had in his mind.
An hour of tapping his pen on the desk, another of him shaking his legs. Fidgeting with anything he can just so he can focus and take his mind off of what Paimon said. Did he really confuse his piece for a love letter?
He was staring at the floor when the bell rang. It startled him, and most of his classmates are already getting ready for their lunch break.
Right. He should take a break too.
So that’s what he did. He went to their spot, just behind the school’s gym, anxiously waiting for Xiao. He didn’t have to wait long for the teal-haired man to show up.
“..Alatus, hi.” Aether said, trying his best to keep composure.
Xiao figured something was wrong. Of course he did. He asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I— Is there anything wrong? Haha. What? What’s wrong?” Aether asked frantically.
“..Breathe. You’re like a dog chasing your own tail.” Xiao said, holding Aether’s hands.
“Right. I’m sorry.” He paused, looking at Xiao. “I just wanted to ask if..you thought the piece was too much?”
“Are you kidding me? I loved it.” He smiles.
“You don’t think it outed you? Outed us?” Aether asked shyly.
“No, not at all. I would have told you otherwise.” Xiao held Aether’s hands up to his face, as if to comfort the both of them.
Aether caressed Xiao’s cheeks and blurted, “I could look at you forever.” As he softens his eyes, calming his breathing. “I love you.”
And Xiao immediately pulled his head away. He’s not ready for this. Things between them were meant to be casual. I love you is not casual.
I love you is for people who are together. They are not together.
I love you is for people who are proud to be together. They are not together.
I love you is for people who plan their future together. They are not together.
Aether waited for the words he wanted to hear, to no avail. He sat in silence with his thoughts, probably too long for it to be comfortable. The silence could choke both of them.
“Sorry. Lunch. Right.” Aether forced himself to blurt out.
“Lunch,” Xiao exhaled, and followed it with “shall we eat?”
“Yes, sorry. What are you having?” Aether forced a smile, trying to keep his thoughts together.
In retrospect, he shouldn’t have said that. People who love each other aren’t afraid to hide it. They are.
But if the glances they share in court is not love, what is?
If the laughter they share in secret is not love, what is?
If the food they feast on together is not love, what is?
If what Aether has for Xiao is not love, what is?
But Aether doesn’t have time to think about that right now. He’s content with things as they are. He’s happy with this. Just casual friendship.
A lie he would keep telling himself just to keep things the way they are.
An hour of them talking has passed by, and they hadn’t noticed. They had just finished lunch, and Xiao helped Aether clean up the piece of meat stuck to his lips.
Aether shuddered at his touch, because, surely, this too, is casual.
Xiao noticed and held Aether’s hands to his lips. “I’ll see you later, okay?” He says, as if to comfort him.
“Okay.” Aether replied, pulling his head back to himself.
Xiao goes on ahead, not wanting to get caught walking back with Aether.
The blonde had been left alone with his thoughts.
It’s not like he’s not used to this. He’s been having secret meetings with Xiao for the past 8 months, and this has been routine for them. They would get lunch together somewhere nobody can see, talk about their day like they’re a couple, and Xiao would dip just as fast as he came in.
He got used to it. Maybe he shouldn’t have, but he’s in love. We all do dumb things when we’re in love, right?
Aether was still in deep thought, going outside of their hiding spot. This didn’t last long when Paimon appeared.
“Paimon was so worried about you!” She shouted, trying to catch up to him. “What happened?” She asks.
Aether isn’t mad at Paimon, but talking about what had just happened is not really his priority right now. “Just lunch.” He says dryly.
Paimon went up in front of him and grabbed his shoulders. “Seriously? You looked like you were having a panic attack the entirety of class!”
“Ah, that. I was just anxious about my new piece.” Aether shrugs her off and keeps on walking.
“What? I told you it was great!” Paimon replied.
“You said it was a love letter, Paimon.”
“Well..? Is it..? Do you have a crush on the Plunge Prince?” She mocks
“So what if I do? Everybody does!”
“IIIIIIIII knew it!” Paimon exaggerates, teasing her best friend.
Paimon teased Aether the entirety of the way to class. Aether doesn’t mind. He knows Paimon is doing it for laughs. But seriously, so what if he’s got a crush on Xiao? He’s a student athlete, for Archons’ sake. Everybody is bound to fall for him. He likes Xiao, and maybe, just maybe, he could get Xiao to like him back too.
Everybody else was already on their seat when the bell rang. They knew what was to come. The yearly paired work for the school’s outreach program.
Aether and his sister, Lumine are the most desired people for this project. They’re both connected to everyone, making the outreach part of the program way easier.
Everybody gets called into pairs, some sigh in dismay in not getting the twins. Some are just happy to get a productive groupmate. Paimon, much to her disappointment, did not get paired with her best friend. She’s not too sad about it though, as she got the next best thing; Lumine.
And of course, by the sheer will of Aether’s gay ass, and a bit of plot relevance, Xiao and Aether ended up being paired.
Aether’s heart dropped to the floor. He’s dead. He’s gone. Take him out. But reality had to come back to him. He needs to focus. Yes, he’s paired with the hottest man in the school for the rest of the year. What about it? He can keep it cool. He can keep his shit together. He can do this.
The rest of the class went on as usual. Everybody is trying to figure out their project together. Just as how partners should be.
It took time for them, but they eventually made progress. The class ended pretty late, as all of the students were trying to have something drafted by the end of the day.
Everybody starts leaving as it gets dark, leaving Xiao and Aether alone. They’re both tired from having to work all day, but Aether doesn’t mind. He gets to spend more time with Xiao. That’s what he needs to focus on.
Xiao stood up, startling Aether. It had been the first time he moved from his seat, and it was only to stretch. Aether looked at him, Archons, does he look good stretching.
As Xiao lifts his arms up, you can see his sleeves fall down, only to reveal the muscles that it was hiding. If that wasn’t enough to drive Aether insane, the hem of his shirt would reveal the tiniest sliver of skin on his stomach–revealing his built and chiseled abdomen.
Aether can’t help himself stare. He had practically undressed Xiao with his eyes by how intense his gaze was
Xiao approached Aether, putting his stomach near his face. “..You’d look good sucking me off like this.” he says, holding Aether’s chin.
What? Did Xiao hear Aether’s thoughts? That cannot be, right?
He must’ve seen the look on Aether’s face and said, “I was kidding, Aether.” as he was heading back.
Aether panicked. He wants to please the man. He’d do anything to please the man.
He grabbed the waist, turning him around. “No, please let me take care of you.” he gives a soft kiss onto his stomach, adding “I’ll take good care of you.” as he goes down, whimpering a soft cry.
Xiao puts on a sly smile. It’s wrong. He knows it’s wrong. Obviously, it’s wrong. But Archons does it feel so right.
He can deny that it feels good. He can deny that Aether makes him feel good. He can deny that Aether is good. But he cannot deny this. Not when Aether is halfway down his pants already, kissing his bulging cock.
Aether looks up to him without moving his head. As if to ask ‘Can I do this? Can I please make you feel good?’
Xiao knows that look all too well. He finds his pleading hot. Of course, he doesn’t give in just yet. He admires Aether’s puppy eyes, and asks “What is it?” as he caresses Aether’s cheeks. “Use your words, sweetheart.”
Fuck. Sweetheart.
That word alone melts Aether into a puddle of sap. He knows it’s just Xiao’s fatigue talking though. It’s not like Xiao actually feels that way towards him.
“Please let me take you.” Aether snaps back, eager to make Xiao feel good. To remind Xiao that Aether feels good.
Of course, this isn’t lost in Xiao. He keeps Aether around for a reason. He puts his thumbs on the lower man’s mouth, as if to test him if he’s earned the right to blow him.
Aether took it with no hesitation, sucking and licking on it. Keeping eye contact with Xiao.
“You’re such a slut for me, aren’t you?” Xiao teases, pulling his cock out.
Aether nods, Xiao’s fingers still occupying the spaces of his mouth where cock should be.
Xiao releases his fingers from Aether’s mouth, putting it on his member to wet it from the man’s saliva. He then puts the tip on Aether’s mouth, making it glisten from his own spit.
Aether, of course, doesn’t mind. He loves it. He worships it.
He took it in without hesitation. As he’s done a hundred times before. He should have gotten used to it by now, but no. The feeling of it down his throat still intoxicates him. He chokes up, bringing a tear to his otherwise joyful eyes.
Xiao would take his hands and wipe the tears from the man’s eyes and say, “You look so good for me,” as he abruptly shoves himself onto the man. “Just like that, sweetheart. You’re doing so good.”
Sweetheart. Sweetheart. Sweetheart.
The words repeat inside Aether’s head, making him more eager to please the man.
Aether lets out a moan escape from his otherwise full mouth. The mix of spit and precum dripped down his chin, driving him insane with lust.
He felt Xiao’s hands grab his face, pulling him away. “Breathe, Aether. I don’t want you dying on this cock.” It left twitching, the absence leaving a vacuum on Aether’s mouth, leaving the poor boy whimpering, trying to catch his breath.
If he dies choking on the man’s cock, he would have died how he wanted to live.
But he can’t let Xiao know that.
Aether wasn’t done catching his breath just yet, but Xiao already forced himself in, gagging the man even harder. “Fuck, gag on it. You sound so good for me.” Xiao pulls away again, making Aether feel empty once more.
He then moved closer, shoving his knees in between Aether’s legs, reaching his crotch as he grabbed his face. “Come here,” he says, kissing his lips, adding his saliva on the mix of spit and precum on Aether’s face. “Does this feel good, Aether?” he whispers as he presses down on the man’s twitching cock.
“Yes, yes, yes. Archons, yes!” Aether screamed in pleasure, letting out a muffled moan, having his mouth covered with Xiao’s.
Xiao pulled away, delaying Aether’s climax. “Me first, baby.”
Baby? Aether could have finished right there and then. He could have died, and he would have been satisfied.
Still, Aether grabbed the man’s cock and jerked it as he sucked. It wasn’t long until Xiao finished, painting Aether’s throat white.
As Xiao finishes, he puts pressure on Aether’s crotch with his feet. That was enough for Aether to shoot in his pants, making him convulse in pleasure.
How pathetic is that? Aether was barely touched, yet he was completely satisfied.
This thought didn’t last long in him, as Xiao kissed him and said, “Good job,” Cleaning his face up as he says, “You did so good for me.”
Xiao offered his varsity warmer to have Aether cover the mess that he made in his pants, as he puts on his own.
“..Thank you.” Aether said, throat still wet from what Xiao gave him.
Xiao turned to him, “No, thank you.” as he fastens his belt. “What do you say we walk home together?” he suggested.
“I would love that.” Aether replied as he was packing his bags.
The night was particularly cold and dark. The type of night where no one goes out and enjoys their time home alone. This gave Aether the courage to hold out for Xiao’s hands, and much to his surprise, Xiao didn’t pull back. He usually would, as he tries to keep things between them a secret.
The soft traffic lights did wonders for Xiao’s face. The red reflected beautifully on his pale face, providing a contrast on his teal hair. Aether loved it. He thought he could take a picture of themselves right now, and it would last forever. He could picture them forever.
It had already been a long walk from their campus, and it’s still a long way home. Aether tried to strike up conversation, just to fill the silence of the night.
“What are your plans this off season?” Aether asked.
Xiao took a long pause, thinking of the right answer. In reality, he does not know. He knows nothing outside of being an athlete. “Focus on academics, so long as there’s no competitions to win.” He says. It’s not entirely a lie, he does want to focus on his grades. He’s responsible, afterall. He just doesn’t know how, considering Aether, his secret situationship, is his academic partner. “You?” He follows up.
“Focus on our project, yeah. Maybe take Lumine out for a trip after. She’s been working hard, she deserves a treat.”
Xiao didn’t respond for a while, before saying “..Lumine. Your sister, right? What is she like?”
“We’re not actually too different. Sometimes, we get mistaken for the same person.” Aether chuckles as he says this. Reminding him of the times they were mistaken for being too similar.
“..I see.” Xiao replies dryly.
Aether can’t help but feel giddy. He’s with the love of his life, walking home, holding hands. He turned to Xiao and said, “Hey, maybe I can introduce you two sometimes! I’m sure you two would get along.”
His excitement is short lived, as a faint voice called from across the street. “Xiao! Is that you over there?”
Xiao looked past Aether, and saw Kazuha rapidly approaching them. Xiao dropped Aether’s hands, and put some distance between them.
Aether’s mind was instantly thrown into a whirlwind, his hand suddenly cold from missing Xiao's body heat. His heart dropped just as fast as Xiao dropped his hands. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Why did he have to show up here, of all places?!
Kazuha approached with a smile and said, “Xiao! What are you doing out here so late? And who’s this?”
“He’s just my pair for our project, Aether.” Xiao introduced the two, “We were just about to split, actually.”
Kazuha held up his hand to shake Aether’s, “Nice to meet you, Aether!” And he turns to Xiao, saying “Alright man. I’m headed to Heizou’s for a party. I heard your crush, Hu Tao, will be there!”
“..Right. I have some time to kill.” He says, looking at his phone for the time. He gave Aether a ‘sorry’ glance and followed it with. “I guess I can go.”
“See you later, Aether!” Kazuha said cheerily as he walked.
“I’ll see you around.” Xiao followed.
Aether was left sulking in the middle of the street.
Because of course. He’s just Xiao’s groupmate.
How silly of him to expect he’d be anything more.
How silly of him to expect anything at all.