A/N: (If you haven't heard it before please consider listening to the song; if not I still want y'all to know that it's a jazzy ballad and its beautiful)

Stars shining bright above you

Venti idly plucked his lyre as he stared up at the stars above Mondstadt. It might be silly, but the thought that somewhere in Liyue he might be watching the sky and tracing his eyes across the same constellations as Venti felt like an unbreakable connection. As if seeing the same stars made the distance between them insignificant. It made him wonder if the winds would carry his song all the way to his love's ears even without his encouragement.

Night breezes seem to whisper 'I love you'

Xiao felt his lips twitch upward as the breeze seemed to curl playfully around him where he leaned at his balcony railing. The Wangshu Inn boasted a vantage point for miles around, but Xiao had no need of such strategic vantages when he could hear and sense when he was needed from anywhere in Liyue. The way the winds often flowed here reminded him of the one who, despite Xiao's efforts, had become dear to his heart. And if he whispered his wishes to the playful winds, well—the only one who would hear them already held his heart.

Birds singing in the sycamore tree

Venti lay comfortably in the cradle of the Windrise tree's branches, humming softly to himself as he slowly perfected the melody to his new song. As a bard, songs often came naturally to him, but he felt this one deserved a bit more. It was a song for him after all—how could Venti allow it to be anything but perfect? A silly grin spread across Venti's face as he imagined singing the song for the subject of his affections—it was decided then. Venti would be sure to have the song finished by his next visit.

Dream a little dream of me

Xiao wouldn't admit it out loud, but there was one person whose dreams he would never fail to guard. That person, who had showed him what it meant to live instead of merely exist, who had helped him learn to feel again, had done more for Xiao simply by being himself than Xiao would ever be able to repay. So Xiao guarded his dreams, and chased away his nightmares. Perhaps it was a paltry repayment for teaching Xiao how to dream, but it was all the Yaksha was able to offer.

Stars fading but I linger on, dear

Xiao found himself staring blankly at the carving he'd stumbled across— the stone was weathered and faded, but it had clearly been meant as a memorial. A memorial of the fallen Yakshas. Even to those humans who considered themselves 'experts' on Liyue's history, his battle-brothers had been all but forgotten. Xiao blinked, struck by the sudden urge to tell him their stories. It had been centuries since Xiao last spoke of his fallen brothers, yet somehow, he thought Venti would understand; both his silence and his need for them to be remembered as more than slaughtered soldiers.

Still craving your kiss

Venti hid his wistfulness behind a bright smile as he watched the people of Mondstadt declaring their love for each other. The Windblume Festival was in full swing, and as much as he loved seeing the city full of love and cheer, what he really wanted was to be able to join them. (He couldn't. Not only was the object of his affections not in Mondstadt, even if they were, Venti was a coward. Nothing scared him more than the idea of chasing away the one he loved by asking for more than Xiao was willing to give him.)

I'm longing to linger 'til dawn, dear

Xiao often wished that he could remain by Venti's side for a while longer, yet he knew he could not abandon his duties to protect the people of Liyue merely to indulge his own feelings. Already, he spent every moment his conscience would allow with the bard, yet it never seemed to be enough. How could it be enough when what he truly longed for was to stay?

Just saying this

One day, Venti vowed, he would have the courage to tell Xiao how much he meant to him. Everything about the Yaksha was precious, and Venti would sing Xiao's praises until the Yaksha couldn't deny them any longer. He wouldn't stop proclaiming his feelings until the shadows of Xiao's past finally released their stranglehold and the adeptus found the freedom to believe that he was worthy of happiness.

Sweet dreams 'til sunbeams find you

Venti stared, mesmerized by the way the setting sun highlighted the soft smile on Xiao's face. The Yaksha looked more at ease than Venti had ever seen him, and Venti absolutely had to know what had caused it—he would do whatever it took to see Xiao smile like this again.

Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you

Xiao reveled in the sound of Venti's carefree laugher as the Anemo Archon danced with the wind. The Archon's delight seemed to spread as unhindered as the air itself, and Xiao realized he was no exception—the warm laugher pulled a smile to his lips as he simply let himself be.

But in your dreams whatever they be

Venti hadn't expected Xiao to agree to his teasing suggestion to sleep—yet here he was, sat on the roof of Wangshu Inn with Xiao's head in his lap as the adeptus took a nap. Xiao's face was relaxed, calm and peaceful, and Venti wondered if the Yaksha was truly asleep. Gently, he combed his fingers through Xiao's hair, and smiled helplessly as his only reaction was to lean into the touch.

"I love you," Venti whispered.

Dream a little dream of me

Xiao froze in surprise as he felt a weight drop on his shoulder, before relaxing as he realized what happened—Venti had fallen asleep. With a silent huff of amusement, he shifted them into a more comfortable position, careful not to wake the Archon. Xiao didn't bother to fight the swell of fondness as Venti cuddled closer to him.

"I love you," Xiao breathed.

Dream a little dream of me

The winds curled gently around a sleeping pair on the roof of Wangshu Inn, holding each other close as they dreamed of the freedom and happiness they'd found together.

A/N: It's literally 4AM here as I edit this, so sorry if I missed any typos. Hope you enjoyed reading!