imanomnidragon

[imanomnidragon]

[imanomnidragon]

Yes

[imanomnidragon]

Carelessness will be your downfall.

[imanomnidragon]

you can't win this Phainon, he's too honest

[imanomnidragon]

til death do us part

[imanomnidragon]

Hi.

I've been listening to Butcher Vanity non-stop since two days ago.

I've also been thinking about Imbibitor Lunae. Mostly the fact that he has sharp teeth. And DanCae. And I want to write cannibal Lizard Heng so. I'll probably do that. Or not. Idk.

Got this from Google. If the artist said anything about not reposting art, please do tell)

Art cred: Bao Linh Vo on art station

[imanomnidragon]

WHAT IF you were super hot (not in the attractive way, in the warm way) because you have a STAR that is also the CANCER OF ALL WORLDS in you and I happened to be a DRAGON PERSON who is COLD BLOODED and therefore needs EXTRA HEAT or I get super CHILLY so I CUDDLED YOU to keep WARM because I'm a DRAGON and you're super WARM? And WHAT IF we were both BOYS and we were also on a TRAIN in SPACE? And WHAT IF because I sometimes sleep on you because you're WARM we maybe developed some ROMANTIC FEELINGS for each other that eventually develop into a GAY RELATIONSHIP in SPACE on a TRAIN in SPACE?

[imanomnidragon]

Dan Heng's diary

about Caelus

yes, he is messy. but he won't harm others. yes, he is childish. but he won't be convinced into committing an unforgiving crime. yes, he digs through trash cans with an aspiring passion. but he will never blame me for his mistakes. yes, he is a human equivalent of a raccoon. but he is clever, he is kind and warm and will not allow others to take advantage of him. and he is loyal to the bone and when he kisses me... when I kiss him, sometimes I feel like he blushes more than me. how does it feel like to kiss a star? he is one giddy star. the type that giggles with a boyish charm when I kiss him goodnight. a bright star with abnormal warmth and I can't help but gravitate to him. to seek his body next to mine. which he is almost always eager to do. my cuddly Caelus. my... just. just cuddly Caelus. despite his preference for a soft bed, he always sleeps on the hard floor in the archive with me. one pillow, one blanket.

weirdly, he is quieter than me. I still recall his silence when he saw my Vidyadhara form. days later he explained that he was shocked... and found me extremely attractive.

"they look like popsicles"

"is that why you wish to see my original form?"

"no, it is so I could do this!"

it was a strange sensation. him licking my horns. it is little to say I was surprised. yes, he does out-of-pocket things. but he only has the best intentions and means no harm.

thanks to him I feel more comfortable in it. although, I only relax in that form when I sleep. it requires concentration to appear the way I usually do.

Caelus is also a menace in the way he will wake me up by nibbling on my neck, leaving small bite marks.

"in my defense, I like the way you sound when I do" he would usually use as an excuse.

Pom-Pom told me Caelus was soon getting his own room. that they have been working on a new part of the train. he seems excited about it. overjoyed even. he kept asking if that meant that he was getting a roommate.

last night, Caelus insisted that I share the room with him. promising to buy turquoise or blue sheets and play water sounds so that it may feel like the archive. ... he is adorable. my Caelus

first night in his room. what a messy sleeper. and cute in the morning. I woke up before him, which is rare. the room was chilly so I got my hands under his shirt and cuddled more for warmth. strangely I was woken up by him rubbing my scalp and leaving kisses on my forehead. I fell more in love with him that morning. the reasoning behind his actions he voiced with big golden eyes and a rough morning voice, "I'm happy". loving him feels easy.

"you like the room that much?"

"no, I'm not talking about the room."

"don't lie, you were practically screaming when you heard you're getting a room."

"okay, okay- maybe~ but screw the room if you're not with me."

yes, he is messy. but he won't break my heart.

(about Yingxing pt. 2)

[imanomnidragon]

Tribbie asks only valid questions.

[imanomnidragon]

I throw these at you

[imanomnidragon]

New Shipbait Just Dropped

a *beast*

did i mention they have a light cone together

here they are on a double date

[imanomnidragon]

MYDEI PULLING PHAINON AHOGE HAASHDHAGSHDG

art creds - @/MaiiKun on twt!!

[imanomnidragon]

[imanomnidragon]

XiaoAether Masterlist 👹⛅

Edit: version 2.0 here

Or, every XiaoAether moment that I can remember (and an attempt to organize them)

Starting this off with the one scene that made us all go "wait a fucking minute" at the very start of the game,

Battle of Osial

Aether's feet were already steadied. Xiao could've let go, or let him fall as gracefully as Mountain Shaper did to that guard (I would've hated him forever) but considering that he insists that being near mortals is such a biiiig no-no, he could have, but he didn't. No, even more, he fucking tightened his hold.

-

Teyvat Food Notes (Sweet Dream, Adeptus' Temptation and Satisfying Salad)

Next! The promotionals during Xiao's release as a playable character. Specifically, Teyvat Food Notes. To celebrate his release, they made an Almond Tofu + Sweet Dream Food blog.

Note: Both google translate and Papago seem to use Mandrill instead of Xiao, so... just know that's who it's talking about.

This is where we learn that Xiao didn't even make "Sweet Dream"; this dish was Aether's thank you gift to him. Xiao's specialty dish is a gift from Aether. I'm- agh. ANYWAY.

We actually also see Sweet Dream in Childe's birthday art. And I'm really sorry to Tartaglia but seeing it stole all his thunder. I could not get over it.

I like to think Aether was so busy making Childe food that he absentmindedly started preparing Almond Tofu in the way he's used to (because of how often Xiao requests it :'> ).

Just when I thought that was it for the Teyvat Food Notes and I could've moved on, I found this in the Adeptus' Temptation food note; the one they made for the first Lantern Rite.

Note: "Fairy/Buddha Jump over the Wall" is apparently an actual Chinese delicacy that the Adeptus' Temptation is based on!

I found this part really cute, especially right now because of the poetry event. Since the beginning, Aether's always known that Xiao was capable of being poetic, it just took them being close and his encouragement for Xiao to actually make a poem.

Lastly, Aether's Satisfying Salad. This isn't connected to the food blog this time (since that one's for Mona), but rather, this and Almond Tofu are the first dishes Aether has ever given Xiao in the game. I included this despite it being pretty minor because in Moonlight Merriment, Smiley Yanxiao actually brings this up again.

Smiley Yanxiao: The boss told me to take care of him, but this guy, let me tell you - he is one tough nut to crack. He usually turns his nose up at everything that isn't Almond Tofu.

Xiao willingly ate something that wasn't Almond Tofu because... because what, it was given to him by a cute blonde traveler? The jury's still out on that one.

-

Lantern Rite 1.3, Baizhu Story Quest

I'm sure we're already familiar with this scene, right?

The very first time Xiao promised Aether that no matter what, as long as he calls his name, he'll be there. Right after that was Moonlight Merriment, where the game literally specifies that Xiao made that promise just for Aether. Way to make your commitment subtle.

Ah, Xiao, you're so easy... Of course, this wouldn't be the last time that Aether calls for him and Xiao arrives immediately. This also happened during Baizhu's story quest to, yet again, the astonishment of everyone around excluding these two. (Xiao's dedication is one of a kind)

Xiao worries over Aether often, despite knowing that they're both formidable in their own right. I also think it's sweet how every time they meet, Xiao's departing words are always a reminder to call for him whenever needed, to the point where there are times that Aether just goes "Yeah, we know." before he can even finish the sentence.

Unfortunately, though, there is one time where Xiao failed to reach Aether when he called him, but only because he physically wasn't able to.

-

Perilous Trail (Interlude)

The only thing that prevented this man from getting to Aether like always was being in a different plane of existence. Romeo and Juliet wish they were this romantic istfg

Aether: Come find us.

Xiao: No.

Yanfei: But Aether's in trouble!

Xiao: How do we meet?

Now where else did someone pull this tactic recently-

...Again, XIAO YOU ARE SO EASY. But anyway, back to the Chasm bc I wasn't quite done with that-

As soon as Yanfei tells Aether that Xiao is awake, Ae comes running. Just full on "stop saying you're fine i'll be the judge of that"

And he looks so angry when Xiao brings up writing a will. augguh they are sooooo- (i would put a reaction pic here if i didn't have an IMAGE LIMIT fuck tumblr bro)

To finish off the Chasm Interlude on a more serious note, this entire conversation was really touching, and I love seeing the progress these two have made over the years. Xiao letting himself open up with Aether's help year by year is one of my favorite things about this game.

-

Teapot and Character Voice Lines + Birthday Letters

For the first and second Lantern Rite, Xiao was still adamant on not even stepping foot in Liyue Harbor, declining every invitation to go there because of how much he disliked being near mortals.

Yet in his teapot voicelines, once you reach a high enough friendship with him, Xiao actually takes the initiative to invite Aether to go to the city, if only to understand him better. Xiao explicitly says that his willingness to go to the harbor was for him.

More About Xiao I: I'm willing to protect you.But don't think about getting close, and stay out of my way, or all that awaits you is regret.

More About Xiao V: It's too late. The connection between us is too strong. Even if you wanted to, it's too late to sever it. Hm? You've never thought to sever it?

About Shenhe: It seems Shenhe places a great deal of trust in you. Well, how could she not. There are few people in the world as kind and good-natured as you.

Shenhe, About Xiao: My first impression of him was that he's not one to smile. After meeting him again more recently, however, he's still as reserved as ever, but… he seems a lot more relaxed now. Maybe he… met someone special.

That line by Shenhe made me happy. Aether's effect on Xiao benefitted not only him, but the people surrounding Xiao as well. We even see that in his birthday letters, where at the most recent one, he follows Ae's advice and goes to spend time with old friends.

They're also all just insanely romantic, I feel like that goes without saying. Every year, I wonder how Genshin would possibly top the one before it that isn't just an explicit confession of undying love.

-

Lantern Rite '23

I'm here to remind you all of a beautiful scene that should never be forgotten for years to come.

Regardless of Genshin trying to be mysterious and making us guess who saved Aether, the fact that they both came rushing over is incredible on its own. They know that Aether isn't a damsel in distress, and Paimon's acting was so on the nose, but they still couldn't allow even the slightest possibility of harm to come to him.

Xiao looking away and talking in circles just to say he really was worried is the funniest fucking thing.

For the Lantern Rite event itself, if you've read this far in, you're probably already familiar. I really wish there wasn't an image limit because I have so many screenshots I want to put in here. If you want a refresher, watch this and start around the 2-hour mark

I wanted to put my own video in the post but you can only put one :/// I'm fist fighting whoever put these limits. 1 video file and 30 images? who are you

BACK TO THE TOPIC

There really isn't much I could say that I haven't already said before. For XiaoAether shippers, this was hoyo spoonfeeding content on a silver spoon. It's Aether and Xiao at their most comfortable with each other, talking and spending time with the people they care about. It's Aether fulfilling his end of the bargain of bailing Xiao out of uncomfortable social situations, because if you haven't noticed throughout all of these examples (or even outside of that), Aether is so perceptive when it comes to the comfort of the people around him.

This was also the event where we find out that for Xiao, the most distinguished guest in his eyes was Aether (Even though Ae thought he was going to say Zhongli..)

I have a lot of love for this event. But since this isn't just a lantern rite post, I'll move on.

-

Waterborne Poetry

The catalyst for this post. The reminder of how lovely this ship is, and how far these two have come.

As we have all learned from Xiangling, Yanfei, Venti and Hu Tao, you only need to mention Aether's name to convince Xiao of whatever it is you're planning. The part where Aether and Team Chongyun were trying to convince him to come with them and touch some fucking grass was really cute.

This event and the previous Lantern Rite also had Aether and Xiao talking privately, only to get interrupted by Paimon/Xiangling (as well as calling them out lmao)

And, of course, the scene that everyone freaked out over,

This. I don't think I'll ever get over this.

The fact that they had Zach voice this- A short, but sweet moment where Aether looks at Xiao from afar and immediately gets inspired, performing a poem where the real meaning is shared only between the two of them...

And Xiao's smile.

An expression that Aether had done so well to bring out.

2023 was the year of XiaoAether. Thank you, Hoyo.

-

Done! I HAVE SO MANY SCREENSHOTS AND I COULDN'T EVEN USE MOST OF THEM ToT. I actually had clips that I edited but Tumblr said no. Good thing there's YouTube.

Another reason as to why I made this was because some shippers said that XiaoAe didn't make sense because it lacked depth and I was so affronted by it that I did all this out of spite (and love for these characters. mostly love.)

[imanomnidragon]

My fav ngl

[imanomnidragon]

AO3 will be offline for maintenance to fix the ongoing database issue, starting at 9am UTC on 7 Feb. We expect the maintenance to last approximately 6 hours. Thank you for your patience!

Posted: 22:53 UTC February 6, 2025

[imanomnidragon]

Guys, I just found out that if I read a fic on ao3 and log out, I can give kudos as a guest, and when I log back in, I can give kudos with my account, and both is counted, which basically means I'm finally able to give fics kudos more than once!!!