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Zhongli hands the package to Xiao with a knowing glint in his eyes, and Xiao wants nothing more than to shrivel under that gaze and bury himself in the earth. But he requires the contents of that package so he swallows his pride and takes it.
"The silk was spun by the finest weavers in Qingce," Zhongli explains, by way of easing the tension or because he can't help himself, Xiao isn't sure. "Embroidered and adorned with gemstones preserved in fragile resin, said to have been plucked by Rex Lapis' own hands." That admission only serves to make Xiao's blush darken. "I do hope you wear and treat this garment lovingly. There are none quite like it."
Trust Zhongli to appreciate the finery of Xiao's commissioned outfit. Trust him to be the one who insisted upon such luxury when Xiao expressed a desire to do something nice for Aether during he and Zhongli's regular 'granny gossip sessions' - as Paimon and the traveler had so eloquently dubbed.
"Thank you," he says, because it's not as if he doesn't appreciate the gesture, in spite of the embarrassed flush on his face. "I will handle it with care."
"Good." Zhongli seems satisfied. He takes a sip of his tea, seeming as though he's dropped the matter, before he says, "Please ensure Aether does the same."
"Goodbye."
-
The dress is… less than Xiao expected.
Not in its extravagance, of course. White silk, so fine it nearly slides right out of Xiao's hands, laced with an intricate gold pattern that lines the hem and a teardrop-shaped cut-out in the chest. There's a faint floral pattern blooming from the base, swirls of pink and teal. With the thin gold chains hanging across the open back and similar chains holding the slit at both sides, the dress is certainly luxurious.
What it lacks in however, is actual fabric.
It's thin and short enough that when Xiao slips it on, it barely reaches mid-thigh. The slits go all the way up to his hips and reveal the thin string of the black lace panties he slides on underneath. His entire back is exposed in a deep cut, causing him to shiver as newly exposed skin is exposed to the cool air.
He feels… bare.
He looks bare in the mirror. Xiao's not used to seeing himself, let alone with so much skin showing. With the red outlining his eyes, the faintest brush of gold glitter across the high of his cheeks, and the elaborate gold flower clasp that holds the shorter strands of his hair back, he appears nothing like the famed Conqueror of Demons.
He supposes that should be a good thing, considering it's a title he's shed for a while now. But he's still not used to this. Days spent having tea with Zhongli, training the exorcists, assisting Hu Tao in funeral rites. Commissioning a scandalous ensemble and dressing for his lover like the most important worry in the world is whether or not Aether will like it.
Xiao ponders such as he slips on thin thigh-high stockings and a pair of simple yet elegant heels. They're easier to walk in than he expected, but he doesn't go far.
Fully made, chest clenched in anticipation, he ignores the frankly embarrassing image of himself in the mirror, and perches on the desk of Aether's study, one leg crossed over the other, praying to any god listening that Aether will like the outfit and Xiao will not end up looking like a complete fool.
For what feels like hours but was probably only around ten minutes, he considers taking the garments off, burying them in some pit of his mind. What was he thinking, truly? Aether is too kind a soul to laugh at him, but surely he would think this is too strange, too unorthodox to see someone like Xiao in this way, despite the intimacy they've shared. But a nude body is different to one scantily clad.
In the end, his internal conflict leads him to no action. And all too soon, the door to the manor clicks open and Aether can be heard scuffling inside.
"Xiao, I'm home!"
Xiao loosens a sharp exhale, then works a conscious effort into steadying his breathing so Aether doesn't hear and think he's having some sort of respiratory attack.
"Hmm, that's weird. Where are you?"
Usually Xiao would greet Aether as soon as he stepped through the door, lavishing him in all the affection he deserved. He'll make up for it, he rationalises to himself, so as to not rush to the foyer and pull Aether into his arms and kiss him silly.
Footsteps echo closer. "Are you hiding from me?" Xiao hears the door to the opposite room open. "Not in the kitchen then…" His voice sounds right outside the door to his study now, a low murmur, "Maybe in here?"
With a creak and a sound that signals all of Xiao's breath leaving him, the door opens.
Aether's little smile drops instantly. Xiao's stomach hangs for a bit before he realises Aether's entire jaw has gone slack. He stares at Xiao, stares at him some more, stares at him for so long Xiao has to avert his gaze and find solace somewhere else, somewhere that wasn't so… intense.
He doesn't mean to mumble as he says, "Welcome home," but he feels raw, open and vulnerable in a way he never has.
Aether inches closer, eyes flitting all over Xiao's body, still perched precariously, perfectly still. "You-What-" Hearing Aether stutter is as much a delight as Xiao could have expected. He feels better for it. " Archons , Xiao, this is- Is this for me?"
This reaction was certainly not expected, and it causes Xiao to look back at Aether. The traveler's gaze is intent, hungry, and he holds out his hands slightly away from his body. Like he's waiting for permission.
Experimentally, Xiao leans back, letting his back arch to show off the curve of his spine and the elegant slope of his body. Aether's gaze traces every minute movement, entranced and almost trapped by the form shifting before him. It's as if Xiao has a hold of his mind, a slow and sensual power over him, and Xiao isn't unused to being powerful - he had been the Conqueror of Demons for two thousand years, after all. He's accustomed to being perceived as a danger, to holding strength over others and having to be careful with it.
But it's different like this. It's harmless but somehow more intense. He couldn't fell any monsters, but he can bring one of the world's most powerful warriors to heel with his gaze alone.
Drunk on it, dazed by the implications and the knowledge that he likes them, he tuts as Aether's hands come closer. "No touching."
Aether actually pouts. "But-" He catches Xiao's look and barely represses a whine. Already, there's a tent in his pants. "Fuck, Xiao, what do you need me to do? Anything, please."
Xiao rides the power trip. Intoxicated by Aether's reaction, far better than he could have hoped for. "Kneel."
His voice doesn't come as strong as he might like but Aether sinks to his knees at the foot of the table, achingly close to Xiao's crossed legs.
Xiao thinks to allow him something for his easy obedience, and presses a heel lightly over Aether's crotch. He inhales sharply, fighting a shiver. Xiao slides the front of his calf up and down Aether's torso, delighting in the open-mouthed panting that follows, Aether's whimpering as his fingers twitch when they come to clench at his pants.
His golden eyes are wide and eager to please, and Xiao thinks, certainly, that Aether deserves everything he could possibly want. Xiao struggles to allow himself any niceties, but he cannot deny the hunger in Aether's eyes any longer.
"You can touch," he says, biting back the please that threatens to slip. He's a bit unsure in this new persona, yet time with Aether has eased his stiffness, allowing him to 'go with the flow', so to speak.
Aether's hands find his legs, greedily sinking into the fabric of the tights. He squeezes Xiao's thighs, rubs up and down his calves, presses kisses and scraping teeth into the slip of exposed skin. Xiao barely represses a moan at the sudden influx of affection. He fights the urge to submit to Aether's whims and present himself over the table, retaining enough control to push Aether back a few inches.
Xiao tilts towards him fully, opening his legs enough to let Aether settle between his knees. "Please me," is all his dry mouth can manage.
Aether nods feverishly. Sinks teeth into the exposed slip of Xiao's thigh again, making him cry out this time with how hard he bites. He leaves such bites and kisses all over Xiao's legs, trailing up to his hips until they're similarly marked. Deft fingers take the flimsy string of his panties and carelessly toss them aside before pulling his hips up. Xiao's back hits the desk. And when that torturously talented mouth settles against his rim, he whines in surprise and want.
Aether circles his tongue, leaves to nip at the sensitive skin of the inside of his thighs, making Xiao jolt and gasp and shiver in anticipation. He clenches the edge of the table, presses the back of a heel to Aether's shoulder-blades as that wet heat finally starts to move over him. Aether laps at him like a man starving, licking into him and working his mouth in a way that has Xiao seeing stars.
" Mmh- Ah- Aether, " he gasps through his moans. "Don't- stop!"
Aether seems emboldened by his moans. Continues sucking and lapping and licking until Xiao's a shivering, near-crying mess, pre-cum leaking from his achingly hard cock. He shivers a final time, and comes with a half-strangled cry, jerking in his surprise.
Aether doesn't stop.
" Oh, fuck- ah, ah- " Xiao practically convulses, over-stimulated, hardly coping with the simple task of receiving Aether's worship.
There's a mild discomfort, the vague feeling that it's too much , but the pleasure far outweighs all else. Xiao lets Aether have him with his mouth until he's hard again.
It takes great effort to reach down and thread fingers through messy blond hair. Even more so to pull that delicious wet warmth from his body and rise to perch at the edge of the desk once more.
Aether looks up at him, panting open-mouthed, saliva slicking his lips, hands obediently curled over his lap. It's odd to see the traveler like this but enticing, too. Xiao's need has grown from its roots in his gut, and he needs, aches, so badly it borders on pain.
"Fuck me," Xiao whispers down at Aether, clenching his fist in his hair as desire wraps tight around him - a warm, sweet imitation of his karmic binds. "Please, Aether, I've been waiting for it all day."
Like a flip has been switched, Aether surges up to wind his arms tight around Xiao's waist, pressing his body in the space between his legs so they share warmth. The leash, the power, is back in Aether's hands and though it had been fun - interesting, even, and something Xiao would want to explore again - he can't help but sigh in relief when it's gone.
"You did so well," Aether praises, voice low and shot with pleasure right by Xiao's ear. "You were so hot. So good. Let me take care of you now."
Xiao tries very hard not to preen but his chest does puff a little at the praise. Even though his life is no longer one of service, though he often finds himself enjoying being spoiled these days, it still feels undeniably good to please. To do good and make Aether happy, and provide him with enjoyable, little moments like these where they can play a game, have fun and relax for a moment. Take care of each other in this special, intimate way.
And now that all the dominance Xiao could muster has come undone at something as simple as needing Aether - needing to be close with him, needing him as close to Xiao as possible - Aether dutifully takes over.
Greedy hands flit all over Xiao's body. Squeeze the muscle of his thighs, follow the dip and curve of his narrow waist, slip over the round of his ass and squeeze. In a display of easy strength, Aether hefts Xiao to sit on the edge of the desk and pulls his legs up over his arms so his knees hook over Aether's forearms.
"I always forget how flexible you are," Aether murmurs as Xiao's body bends to accommodate the position. He has to lean back, hands splayed on the desk, and half-prop himself up. "You didn't happen to stash any lube nearby?"
Xiao shakes his head. "I'm still…" Loose from earlier, he's too embarrassed to say. But Aether understands. "Just, please- Don't keep me waiting any longer."
Aether strokes over his hair at the desperation in his voice, lays a gentle kiss against his forehead. "Alright, but I'll go slow."
Xiao throws his head back in a gasp when a thick weight slips past his rim with little resistance. A testament to their earlier activities, his walls are immediately accommodating, and he can't help the moan forced from his throat as he's slowly filled. True to his word, Aether takes his time, ensuring no gasp or sigh is born from pain, but only pleasure.
He bottoms out with a groan, pressing flush and breathing hard into Xiao's collarbone. Xiao is faring no better. Arms shaking, toes curling, thighs clenching hard around Aether's side. Holding himself half-up proves an arduous task the longer Aether's situated inside him - hot and heavy and thick, so good it makes the room spin a little bit. Slim, calloused fingers run down the patterning of the dress, slide over the fabric hugging Xiao's thighs, tug at the chains delicately holding the flimsy bits of silk together.
"Please wear this again," Aether groans. "I would literally do anything, seriously."
Xiao looks away, strangely shy at the confession despite the fact he was literally propped up and spread open on Aether's cock. Somehow, the confession feels just as intimate.
"You need only ask," he mutters, then gives a short, high moan as Aether shifts inside him. "Will you- move anytime this century?"
Aether laughs, languidly rolls his hips, drawing a silent, open-mouthed moan from Xiao, and reaches underneath him to hitch up his thighs so his rear is barely touching the desk. "So impatient." His hot breath warms Xiao's skin and threatens to melt his bones. "Maybe I should teach the Conqueror of Demons some patience."
Xiao knows the game he refers to, one they've played before. One in which Aether would draw Xiao's pleasure out as long as possible, wringing him of all duty and responsibility until he was nothing but a moaning, begging mess. For one so used to remaining tense and alert, it's a delicious fantasy to act out.
But not right now.
Right now, Xiao needs , and he won't be denied any longer.
Easing back onto his elbows, he wraps his legs around Aether's waist, taking great pleasure in the harsh grip that digs into the bare skin of his hips. His heels clack together. With Aether's hungry gaze as witness, he lifts his hips and fucks himself on Aether's cock.
For another, it may be hard in this position. But Xiao's lithe, strong body finds great ease in moving his hips back and forth, half-suspended above the desk, using only the strength of his thighs to rut against Aether like he was a well-crafted, conveniently-placed sextoy. The choked moans from Aether are almost as good as the weight brushing against his sensitive walls, inching closer and closer to his sweet spot.
"How presumptuous," Xiao gasps. He can't stop moving, not even to speak, not when Aether is hot and throbbing inside him. "To think you can- Hah - lecture me. You h-have no respect for the ways of…" Xiao leans his head back, words trailing into a drawn-out moan when Aether matches his pace, fucking into him slowly and steadily.
Aether's hardly listening. One hand slides up to grip Xiao's waist, to cup around his back and help pull him onto Aether's cock. His eyes scarcely leave Xiao's rolling body, only a few times to dart downwards, where the front flap of the cheongsam has rumpled, revealing his leaking cock and stretched out hole, stuffed and full with Aether. His other hand slides into the chest hole in the dress to find and twist Xiao's left nipple between his fingers.
Xiao arches with a breathless cry, assaulted by pleasure on both ends. A part of him hates how easily he is reduced to this: a drooling, panting, whining mess fucking back desperately against any stimulation, eager to be filled. Another part, a much larger part, loves it. Loves how hungry Aether's eyes get when he gazes upon Xiao's body, how greedy and perverse his touch becomes. How he drives his pleasure into Xiao over and over, on and on until Xiao is sobbing and begging for it harder , faster , aching to be taken without the romance of lovers but instead with the desperate aggression of wild animals.
Aether complies.
He pulls out and wrenches Xiao onto his stomach, leaving him to scrabble against the wood of the desk, precariously balanced on the balls of his feet. Before he can cry to be filled once more, Aether slams in and pounds away, chasing his pleasure and nothing else.
Xiao is breathless against the desk, panting and near cross-eyed. Aether knows exactly where to angle his thrusts to drive Xiao crazy, and he does so, making Xiao release a chorus of unrestrained, whining moans that have his face flushing with even more heat.
Aether takes Xiao's ass in his palms, squeezing the soft flesh. "Fuck, Xiao-" he gasps. "I'm not gonna last."
He reaches one hand up for a fistful of Xiao's hair, pulling back silken strands to curve Xiao's body and hit somewhere that has his every limb trembling. "You want me to fill you up?"
Xiao nods deliriously, as best he can in Aether's death-grip. "Please," and his voice is a fucked-out whine, his mind a senseless place ravaged by the contrasting tides of dominance and submission. To have power over Aether only for him to reclaim it -
Xiao sobs, "Please, I want it." So badly, he doesn't need to add.
Aether releases his hair and lowers so his chest brushes against Xiao's back, hips still shallowly thrusting. He rubs a gentle palm up and down his spine. "Ah, how can I resist you when you sound so cute? When you've been so good." That hand snakes underneath Xiao's body to wrap around his cock. "You wanna come?"
Xiao shakes, nearly crumbling apart in Aether's grip, but his strong hands manage to hold him together. "Yes, mmh- please, I- ah- '' He can't untangle his tongue, can barely bring the thoughts to his mouth. All Xiao can do is bend over and drool absentmindedly as a blanket of heat keeps him trapped beneath Aether, and the traveler's cock keeps him precariously balanced on the precipice of pleasure.
Aether takes mercy on him today. He kisses Xiao's shoulders, sinking teeth briefly into the muscle there, before leaning up to whisper in Xiao's ear while he strokes him in time with his quickening pace. "My poor little princess." Xiao moans and tightens around him. "So desperate for it. We should get you more of these outfits. Dress you up all pretty before I tear them off and properly mess you up. You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
Xiao tries to nod, biting his lip. "Y -yes- You can do anything to me. I-I'll take it."
He releases a shrill cry when Aether clasps his teeth around his neck, seemingly at his limit too. His pelvis meets Xiao's ass in a series of loud, dull thwacks before he's shoving in completely and stilling there. The hot warmth flooding Xiao's walls and the fingers expertly handling his cock tip him over the edge and he comes with a high moan that Aether will surely tease him for later.
When the pleasure subsides enough for clarity he realises he's still under Aether, still stuffed full, and he groans at the wet, uncomfortable feeling dripping inside him. But he dare not move.
He's still at the mercy of Aether's observing eyes, his petting hands as they travel the planes of Xiao's back, down to the dip and curve of his waist, over the plushness of his ass. Xiao sighs in content.
"You know," Aether says. "I wouldn't be opposed if you wanted to dominate me like that for a full scene. You know that, right?"
Xiao hums. The idea is appealing to him, but his strength and battle prowess haunts him no matter what actions he takes. He prefers to submit to someone else's control. But away from the constraints that subdued the Conqueror of Demons, he feels there are more avenues he can explore safely. Besides, Aether has always said he has a commanding air…
"One day," Xiao promises. "For now, unsheathe yourself and take me to the baths."
Aether releases a huff against the back of his neck. But he complies, turning Xiao around and stripping him of the soiled garment. His hands find Xiao's thighs and he lifts him like he weighs nothing.
"Anything for you, my dear yaksha."