Warm mug || Xiaother || Modern AU

Park | Chapter 16

"The food there is really good. We should go back someday," Aether commented as they walked out of the restaurant and towards a nearby park. Aether's hand rested on his bag and happily conversated with Xiao. 

"It was good," Xiao agreed. He didn't smile but his eyes were filled with warmth. Is this what almond tofu does to a person?

When they arrived at the park, they sat down at the nearest bench and the blond took his sketchbook out. "Can I see your sketchbook? Mine's mostly empty," Aether asked with that damned smile that made Xiao feel things. Xiao nodded and handed over the battered sketchbook.

"Thanks." Aether began flipping through his friend's sketchbook. Aether laughed before pointing at a small sketch in the corner. "Is that me?"

Xiao glanced over and saw the embarrassing drawing he did of the latter. "Yeah," Xiao muttered past his tomato-red face. How many times will he embarrass himself in front of Aether!? 

"It's really good. Is this how you see me?" 

Xiao could only nod awkwardly. Hopefully, Aether didn't think him creepy.

"You've seen my sketchbook, may I see yours?" Xiao asked in a manner that made him wonder if it was too formal right after the words left his mouth. Aether agreed and handed over the sketchbook to Xiao. 

Xiao flipped through the sketchbook filled with lines so different compared to his. Where Xiao's lines lacked emotions Aether's brimmed with life. 

"I haven't been drawing for too long. Please excuse my skills."

Indeed, the drawings would be considered sub par for the art classes they take but to Xiao there was something so beautiful about the pen strokes. The life Aether was able to put into paper was art itself, to Xiao at least. The teacher did often say art is subjective.

Xiao closed the sketchbook and returned it to it's original owner. "Not at all, I think they're very charming."

Aether's face flashed surprise for a moment before merging into a happy expression. His cheeks were dusted pink. "Thank you-" he dug pencils out of his bag and handed offered one to the other boy, "let's start working on the project, yeah?"

For the rest of the time together, they sat in comfortable silence with only the sound of pencil strokes between them. After a while, Xiao spoke, "Aether, you've got graphite on your hand."

Aether was left handed when he wrote or drew, he'd often smudge graphite and have the side of his left hand turn grey. He let out a little "oh" and rubbed it off on his shirt, leaving a stain that would probably be washed out later this week. 

"It's getting late, let's get going," Aether said afterwards, noting the sky that was fading into orange hues.  

"Sure, let me walk you home."

"Alright then, I don't live too far from here. Maybe a 10 minute walk," Aether stated while standing up. He pointed towards his house's location and smiled, "we should hurry before the sun sets."

The duo put their sketchbooks back to where they were originally. For Xiao, it was tucked under his arm, and for Aether in his bag. 

Once they started walking, the blond boy started conversation which was met with short answers. Aether didn't mind doing most of the talking. Unlike before, conversation came easily.