"Good night, Aether." Xiao whispered.
Xiao bit his lip to hold back his sobs as Aether fell into a forever sleep in his arms.
I love you too, Aether.
~
Xiao was silently sobbing as he held Aether's 'lifeless' body.
"Xiao?" Qiqi said worriedly.
He didn't reply or move. He kept his eyes down on his body while crying his eyes out.
Qiqi had now walked up to Xiao and Aether to check on them while Keqing stayed behind to comfort Paimon who was sobbing loudly.
Qiqi reached her hand out to check Aether but she couldn't as Xiao had protectively held Aether closer to his chest. He looked up to Qiqi. His face was red from crying so much, eyes were puffy and tears were still streaming down his face.
He looked back down to Aether's face to hide how he looked because Qiqi was staring.
"Xiao? Can I see him? Please." She asked softly.
He stayed quiet but did what Qiqi asked. He lowered Aether back down to his lap so Qiqi could check him. Qiqi held her hand out again and checked Aether.
"He's sleeping." She stated as she pulled her hand back.
"But his pulse is faint."
Xiao had pulled Aether close to him again as he listened to Qiqi.
"If you let me, I can help him. He'll be okay." She continued.