Oath [BL; Book 2]

31

Along the river looking for a good campsite, Aether marched his way within the light forests of Chenyu Vale. In the upper region he found some areas suitable for relaxing, more so as they were a ways away from people. Hearing some commotion just when he thought he'd found the perfect spot, Aether shifted his attention only to be alarmed by someone flying by and crashing into some trees.

The colors he had seen in the flash couldn't be mistaken. "Ah-" Xiao had been thrown some ways by a ruin grader that seemed possessed by a dark entity. "Ah?!" Aether gasped and quickly jumped out the way of the beam shot in his direction. "Xiao?!" He was quick to take cover but even quicker to leap in the way of another beam aimed at Xiao.

However, their roles were swiftly reversed as Xiao grabbed his hand and pulled him out of harm's way using his spear to easily redirect the power of the beam. It was sent off into the forest causing an explosion but still the ruin grader was out for blood. "Seek shelter!" Xiao zipped straight for the eye seeing a moment of weakness when it stomped its foot down to fight back.

"I can help!" Aether held his sword steadfast and was ready to but there was no need. From a clean maneuver to a single step after, Xiao struck his spear through the ruin grader's eye and pulled back causing it to self-destruct and explode. A spray of mechanical parts and oil showered him, Xiao took cover under some large leaves while Aether hid under a thick branch. However both were now covered in the vile thick goo. "Ugh," the pungent scent was displeasing and even Xiao disapproved of it, "I guess a shower is first priority.." Aether sighed already exhausted though he felt he didn't do anything at all.

Coming out from his cover and going to Aether he saw him brush off whatever goo he could. "Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine, haa, I was really hoping to just set up camp somewhere, guess I'll have to use the teapot this time." Aether sighed, he didn't look upset at all, rather thankful. "I hope this is easy to wash off." It was even in his hair.

Staring at him, Xiao only watched then let out a quiet sigh too as his spear faded. "Come, there is a place just ahead where you can wash."

"Huh, really?!" He was quick to follow not questioning anything else.

"It is hidden, it.. is my pass time." He was lead to a beautiful scenery. A large pond where a river strayed and flowed into. There was a small waterfall and it even had cover from the trees.

"Whoa! It's so pretty!" Aether smiled wide, "You don't seem like the type to disappear into secret scenic sites! This is amazing!"

"....." he knew he wasn't being teased but felt a bit embarrassed by having shown him this place. "No one passes here, you will be safe." Xiao began to undress and when Aether turned seeing him he blushed brightly and turned away.

"Oh, you're going to-I can just wait for you to be done?"

Confused, he stared, "...?" Then proceeded to ask, "Is there something wrong?"

"You're taking your clothes off.."

"Is there a problem? We have bathed together before." Aether was dumbfounded, "If it is privacy you seek, worry not. I won't look." He went on to strip himself leaving Aether to wonder if it was really fine.

"What about your clothes?"

"I can wash them here." He was doing so as he said it, the stubborn stains of the goo came out slowly and with some tough affection his clothes were clean.

Convinced, Aether sighed and gave in, "What more can I lose?" Doing the same he hung his clothes to dry sitting on a low branch feeling refreshed by the cold water. "It feels so nice here!" He kept quiet seeing even Xiao was enjoying the scenery. A bird was on his head having a rest too. "....." it was now that Aether could admire him.