XiaoAether posts

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It's often seen that Xiao is much calmer and happier when he's with Aether - according to his own words too - and this was clearly noticable when they met again. And the way Aether greets Xiao, it can be felt how much closer he is to him than to other characters in the event.

Xiao is usually protective of Aether, always wanting to take great care of him because he is very dear to him. However, during this event, it was also strongly felt how much Xiao knows and trusts Aether's abilities and respects him. Xiao supports him, but giving him space too.

It was beautifully shown how much Xiao knows Aether, he understands what he feels at a glance. This shows how much time they spent together, how much they talked about their feelings, how much they understand and know each other. They have a very close and intimate relationship.

Xiao lets Aether decide and act freely, while showing that he's by his side and listening to him. He never forces anything on him, he is just showing Aether that he can rely on him. Aether also deeply trusts Xiao, shares things with him that he doesn't share with anyone else.

Xiao is becoming more and more talkative and proactive with Aether, previously Aether was the more dominant in their relationship, but now Xiao is the one who addresses Aether more often and invites him to meet up. This shows how comfortable Xiao feels in Aether's company.

Xiao's change is also noticeable in his interactions with others, he's more social and more willing to talk to others. Aether is the caralyst for Xiao's character development, Xiao learns from him how to communicate and express his feelings. Aether deeply supports Xiao in this.

We already knew that Aether often visits Xiao in Wangshu Inn, cooking for him and spending time with him. But now it was also shown that Aether spent the night here. The scene was done with such naturalness that it strongly feels like that this has happened several times before.

In the Lantern rite cutscene animation, when Xiao and Aether are shown, the text reads: "Pure as heaven, so fair and bright, she shines as light in this dark night." This expresses Xiao's thoughts of Aether. The light that entered his dark life, which saved and changed him.

Aether was teasing Xiao, this also cutely showed how close they are. When Xiao said they can release their lantern, it can be felt in his voice that he was embarrassed. This also shows that Xiao has already feeling and understands how romantic is their lantern rite time together.

At the end, Xiao says that "all wishes fulfilled", which nicely shows that when Xiao is spending time with Aether, his life is happy and complete. Xiao wants nothing just to be with Aether and stay by his side forever.

Xiao and Aether bickered about that Aether wanted to go, but Xiao wanted Aether to be safe. This was the first time they'd had a longer argument.

Previously, Xiao had always given in quickly, but now he stood by his opinion for longer. This showed that they fight like a married couple now.

In the end Xiao gave in, but in such a way that he carried Aether. What's interesting about the scene is that Xiao told Aether to hold on to him so naturally, and he wasn't surprised by this. This was a hint that this has happened several times before and is normal for them.

Xiao is always worried about Aether's safety and well-being. However, this feeling seems to be getting stronger as time goes on. Although he knows Aether is strong enough, but because he's so important to him, he still always wants to take care of him and protect him even more.

When Xiao asked Aether to lean his head closer for a moment, their behavior was very calm and natural. This showed how close they had become over the years, and even physical closeness and contact are normal for them.

Xiao placed a sigil on Aether: “It represents "cooperaion/togetherness/protection/responsibility/role sharing".” “Suggests a relationship between two people, such as "living together", "face-to-face dialogue and learning" or "cooperation.” and “strongly connected to each other.”

Xiao was constantly looking at Aether and was completely focused on everything about him (as usual). This is why we always see Xiao's smile when things and events related to Aether.

This shows that Aether's closeness makes Xiao calm and complete. Aether brings him happiness.

Xiao's behavior towards Aether is increasingly resembling the role of a husband.

His concern for his safety and well-being, his unconditional love and care, and how much he shows how important is Aether to him.

Xiao's feelings for Aether are pure, deep and endless.

Aether finished their usual “call my name” sentence this time. This shows that he appreciates and reciprocates Xiao's feelings.

Their feelings for each other are equal and unconditional.

This Lantern Rite presented and conveyed the similarity of Xiao and Aether's relationship to a married couple's relationship.

Genshin has been building their relationship for years and it's so well-written. I can't wait to see the continuation of their beautiful story.

Genshin impact 5.3 Lantern Rite event (2025)

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"If you need to rest, I will stay here with you."

"I'll be with you."

I love how Xiao and Aether gladly offer to each other that they stay by each other's side. 😭

"But watching the Xiao Lanterns rise into the sky during the Lantern Rite... that is what brings me peace."

This voiceline of Xiao refers back to the previous Lantern Rite, in which it was metaphorically said that Aether is the one who brings peace to Xiao. 😭

"I could handle the upcoming battles on my own, but I know you wouldn't agree to it. So promise me at least that you will not let your guard down."

Xiao being the protective boyfriend as always. 💚💛

And Xiao's expression when he talks with Aether? 😭

Xiao and Aether are so in love. 💚💛