Oath [BL; Book 2]

37

"Ah-w-wait, Xiao??" Aether squirmed, Xiao firmly held him from behind making sure he didn't move. "Your hands Xiao..." bright cheeks, too embarrassed to look him in the eyes.

"Is this uncomfortable? Shall I move?" Xiao moved his hands a bit lower holding him carefully now,

"W-wait that's even more...-"

"Would you like assistance?" Yelan asked giving him the hammer. "We only need to put the sign up a bit more, I'll handle this one."

"Is this height alright?" Shenhe asked from behind her. "Would you like to go higher?"

"Yeah, just a bit. Can you do it Aether?" Yelan smiled knowing what was blooming, but she said nothing.

"Yeah..." Aether was being held just as she was, held up like toddlers trying to reach high places. He took the hammer nailing the sign to the board, and after that Xiao lowered him to the floor. "His strength is crazy..." he thought sneaking a peek at Xiao who was still holding his waist. "We can do the next side, Xiao." He braced himself moving with him being lifted again.

"That should do it." Being set down Yelan wiped her brow and set the hammer aside dusting off her hands. "How about a celebratory feast?"

"Yeah!" Paimon was the first to agree.

"Ahh, yeah after all that hard work!" Aether agreed too quickly trying to move from Xiao's holding hands, but forgot that motive as he looked at him and asked, "Let's eat together, you're free right?"

"...." he was cornered being the center of attention, a bit uncomfortable he clear his throat and crossed his arms averting his eyes, "I don't mind."

"Then it's decided!" Yelan smiled approvingly, "Let's gather up some ingredients and we can enjoy a picnic."

"Yaaay!" Aether and Paimon were excited both eager to eat.

Shenhe looked at Xiao watching as he watched them. Her eyes slightly widened as she noticed something. Turning her eyes to Aether she tilted her head and then in a quiet voice she said, "I see.."

Yelan looked hat her having her, her crime suspecting hearing caught UT easily, "Hm?"

Returning the gaze, Shenhe said, "It's nothing, I only just realized something is all."

"Ah, have you?" Yelan didn't have to ask to know, "It's surprising, but I have nothing against it."

"Of course, I don't either." She knew they shared the same thought. "Should I report to Master with this information?" She wondered, "No. It's fine like this."

Yelan and Shenhe kidnapped Paimon to go on their ingredient hunting spree leaving Xiao and Aether to fend for themselves. Running through all of Qingce Village, Aether dragged Xiao all over looking for whatever ingredients he could fine. With a quick call for Qiqi's help they found many things, perfect for making something with a kick.

After that they all made their way to the top of the mountain where they set up a picnic, it wasn't long before, Xianyun joined them. Having put the commission out for the signs herself she was sure to. Joining them after that was Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver.

It turned into a rather large picnic with Xiangling appearing having caught the scent of a feast. With Guoba they had a true feast, some dishes were even questionable.

Xiao remained quiet unless spoken to, but Xianyun was quick to get him to speak asking about his work and how he was. Aether was more than delighted by the company, it was times like these that he wanted to slow time. Zhongli made an appearance being told of the fine tea Xianyun brought as gifts. Coming to the party was also a curious person who sensed the celebratory air. Venti's appearance was a surprise, but he was welcomed as one of Zhongli's acquaintances and a good friend to Aether.