Oath [BL; Book 2]

2

Xiao appeared before Zhongli who seemed to know he would appear. Bowing his head politely he said, "Zhongli."

"Ah, a dear friend visits?" Zhongli teased and Xiao was surprised by his behavior too. "Hm? What is that expression? Has something stirred your interest?"

"... N-no." He looked away wondering why he let such an expression slip. "Well, yes." Xiao admitted to it shortly after. Now retaining his calm composure and cold demeanor, he said, with respect. "There was an... incident as of recent."

"An incident?" He looked curious now, "Do elaborate." Zhongli smiled gazing out at the harbor from the mountain peak.

"One with.. the Traveler." Wondering how he should word it, Xiao thought a moment, then spoke again, "He seemed quite upset when I last saw him. This was a few days ago. I was unsure how to comfort his sorrows."

"Are you asking advice to help ease his worries?"

".. No." He couldn't promise that, "Rex-.... Zhongli."

Now it was when Zhongli turned and looked at him fully. "Yes?"

"I.. Traveler... no, nevermind. Please forget I said anything." Something forbid him from asking. Red strings held his will to speak further.

"...." he looked disappointed, but didn't say anymore giving a nod turning back to the harbor.

Taking the initiative, Xiao disappeared closing his eyes a moment as he appeared on the highest branch of the Wangshu Inn tree. Now thinking to himself he wondered how he should go about meeting the Traveler next. He sighed sitting down and simply gazing at the sky now.

Knowing very little he couldn't find a way to help or appease his own urge to seek out the Traveler. This left him stuck, thankfully his duty was done for the day and he could rest a bit. Watching the sky roll to night was peaceful and for some reason he felt strangely at ease. The only thing running on his mind was Aether and how he reacted to seeing him. He looked so hurt, sad, and afraid. The way he was hugged too, it seemed as though Aether fought himself to let go even when he left.

Something was off, he could feel it, and looking down he was surprised to see Aether walked out onto the balcony. He didn't feel his prescence until he saw him.

"Traveler?" He wondered and watched him a moment then saw he wiped his face. Xiao couldn't stop himself from appearing before him. "Traveler." When Aether turned he saw his teary eyes, and froze, he didn't know how to respond to them, his tears. Nor how to comfort him. All he could ask was, "Are you unwell?"

"Pff!" Aether smiled, there is was, that smile Xiao felt he knew too well. Now curious as to what it hid so carefully. "I'm sorry." Another apology, he didn't know how to help and this bothered Xiao greatly. "I'm not sick or anything, I've just been down recently."

".... Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Anything?" He looked sorrowful and hurt now, feeling he said the wrong thing Xiao looked away. "I guess.. maybe just listen?" Aether said and this drew Xiao's eyes again. "I can't explain it well, so please just... don't be upset." He said.

"What is it Traveler?" Xiao worried it was a battle Aether couldn't face, could he be asking for help? "If you find yourself in a difficult situation, simply call me name. I will be there."

His eyes filled with more tears but his smile grew larger. "I know." He sniffled having to turn away to clean his face. Xiao approached to help but was stopped as Aether responded, "There's no fight.. it's not a battle." He couldn't stop crying making Xiao feel all the more concerned.

"Traveler, you shed tears, for what reason?" He asked wanting to know what could hurt him so badly.

The renowned Traveler was quiet for a moment leaving only the gentle whistles of the wind to be heard before he gathered what little courage he had and spoke. "Xiao," Xiao's chest became heavy and he suddenly found a new feeling, as bright eyes gazed at him with such affection, "I love you, Xiao." Aether said finally. "I'm sorry..." He wouldn't look at him, nor come near.