Oath [BL; Book 2]

3

Aether stared, disbelief crossed him as he gaped. Sitting up slowly he felt the warmth, their hands together, fingers entwined. Sitting closely beside him was Xiao who seemed to be asleep. Aether's cheeks burned red and he tried to quickly let go without waking him, but just as he opened his hand to remove his fingers Xiao opened his eyes.

As alert as always, he was easy to wake. Sharp eyes immediately looked right at him making Aether turn his face away. His heart was already going wild, there was no controlling it, or even hiding it as Xiao felt it on his palm. Feeling such a thing startled him, and he near instantly recalled Aether's words. His behavior now made more sense than what he could make sense of before.

Keeping himself composed he looked down at their hands and willingly let Aether's hand go seeing it made him uncomfortable. Although it seemed to comfort him most. He watched a moment longer before reserving his thoughts to a quiet process. "Traveler." He said not paying any attention to how they woke. "Have you been well?"

"..." Aether didn't want to answer, that much was clear, but he insisted then saying,

"Might we.. talk a moment?"

Aether sighed quietly and finally turned his eyes to look at Xiao too. "I'm so-"

"Please do not apologize Traveler." He shook his head not accepting it, "I don't... see an issue, nor am I bothered by this. Amongst mortals it's... uh, normal, no? I can understand that much." Xiao admitted to understanding some of it, and added, "The Adepti are no exception. No divinity is excempt from such "feelings"." He was forward, deciding to take this approach he figured a strong foundation would lead to an eventual explanation. "If you feel uncomfortable, I will not speak of it again, but please..." he felt hurt as he said, "Don't run from me."

"...." Aether looked surprised then dropped his face into his hands. "How are you so mature?"

"Eons." Xiao answered. "I will listen.. to anything you say Traveler. Should it not be a battle.. I will do my best. As you know social interactions are not my strong suit."

"Pff," Aether sighed and smiled raising his head, "and here I thought you'd hate me."

"For such a reason, how can I? You have a a strong admiration for me.. how can I overlook that?" He was serious, thinking of how he could truly let it go living his life as if he didn't know. "Before that, I want to ask."

"Hm?" He was smiling now, Xiao wondered how he could when he seemed so distraught some time ago.

"Are you.. in pain? Is there anything harming you?"

Aether knew why he asked and shook his head looking over at Paimon who still slept comfortably. "It's.. nothing physical. I've been having nightmares recently is all."

"... Nightmares?"

"Ones where... I often lose you, and that scares me." Aether then asked, "Is that why you're here? Did I accidently call you in my sleep?"

"Yes, you did call my name."

"I'm surprised you came." He teased, "You're always so ready for battle, I bet you were surprised to see me asleep!"

"It was new." He admitted crossing his arms. "I am always ready for battle, but the tone of your voice didn't sound frantic." Xiao explained.

"If you knew I wasn't in danger - why did you show up anyway?"

"To ensure your safety. You have been avoiding me as of recent, I suspected it was time you wanted to see me."

"Hmm... I didn't mean to. I wasn't exactly ready to face you."