Oath [BL; Book 2]

6

"Uhm?" Aether smiled wondering why Xiao was staring at him. "Is there something on my face?"

"I recieved your package."

"Did you?" He smiled happily.

"Have your wounds healed?"

"Yeah, the smaller ones anyway. Paimon is still angry I keep getting hurt."

".... Is there reason for you to be so reckless?" Xiao asked and now scolded him, "You should always be on high alert. Sharpen your senses, meditation is key to a sound mind. I can show you a few tricks-"

"Aaah~haha, I don't want to train just yet!" Aether laughed finding it adorable. "Dr. Tighnari will yell at me if I over do it!"

"Meditation is only a steady focus, your body will be fine with this training. Come, we will take a walk to the marsh. From there we can jog to the beach."

"Uuuh~" Aether didn't complain, he was happy to go along with it.

On their walk to the marsh they were silent, Aether gazing at the sky and watched the birds that flew by. The breeze was warm, and it felt calming to go on another walk with Xiao who remained steadfast. He was always ready for battle, the look in his eyes told Aether this took years of honing his skills, yet it was an instinct ground into him from war.

With a frown now, Aether lowered his eyes to the ground. Xiao's keen sense alerted him so he looked his way, again Aether looked sorrowful, but he didn't know how to make him feel better. There was space between them as they walked, he wondered if closing it would help, but there was no guarantee. Narrowing his eyes he stopped and Aether stopped too looking back at him as he had slightly passed forward.

"Xiao?" His voice sounded normal, the sadness in his eyes was gone. Hidden from everyone.

"Traveler, you needn't find a reason to see me." He said wanting him to know that, thinking of the neatly folded clothes he recieved, he knew that was the reason. "I will appear... regardless if I am needed for battle or not. If my prescence, in any way, eases your worries. I will be there."

"...." Aether was surprised then smiled,

He crossed his arms and said, "My karmic debt will no doubt affect you, and I... worry for that, but you are too stubborn to stay away."

"I want to stay by you, for as long as I can."

".... I will never understand the thought of a mortal." He sighed closing his eyes giving into him this one time.

"I love you, Xiao!" Aether's smile was radiant, as bright as the sun.

From this, Xiao couldn't hide the fact that he was a bit flustered by being told that so openly and suddenly, "A-ahem, we will still continue your training. This doesn't exempt you."

"Yes, sir!"

He could tell Aether enjoyed this greatly, and his spirits had seemed to be lifted. Though now he wondered just how many times Aether fell prey to this growing darkness he could see in him. The karmic debt was leaking, and all he could do was watch Aether suffer in silence as he closed off all doors leading to his breaking soul.

Walking along the marsh, Aether figured out Xiao was entirely serious about training. They jogged all the way to the beach, he was ahead, but not by much. Following him like this Aether felt saddened again, but this time he did well to hide it. Xiao was so close, he sped up and reached out wanting to touch him, just a touch, but alas he didn't, letting Xiao escape. He slowed soon coming to a stop as he watched Xiao grow farther and farther away.

He wanted to shout for him to stop, he wanted to go running full speed after him, but his heart weighed heavy. Touching his chest he knew there was little to no chance he would ever grasp that dream he held so dear. The hope that he could express his feelings yet he couldn't.