Oath [BL; Book 2]

43

Xiao lay under a tree staring at the sky. It had never crossed his mind that Aether would actually search for a way to release his feelings for him. He wanted to ask him so many questions, but in their recent interactions he couldn't find anything to ask, let alone say. This left their conversations at a standstill, or often a one sided rant about several other topics Xiao didn't mind listening to, but prefered to hear later. The green tree above him swayed, it's leaves dancing in the warm breeze. The weather was nice for a stroll, for some training, for something more productive.

But he stayed there.

Laying peacefully at rest with the sounds of nature all around him. Xiao closed his eyes to rest them a moment, he didn't want to do anything aside from laying there. There was no motivation anymore.

He calmed and began to meditate as he was, surely something good would come of it.

Aether danced with Paimon laughing as she had messed up a few of the turns. She fretted complaining of having been as good but unable to keep up. It was clear Xiao was training her for a whole different reason, but he couldn't tell what.

Cuddling Paimon to release some stress they enjoyed sitting under a tree. Aether sighed still hugging her and noticed she had stopped huffing and puffing. Being warm she had fallen asleep, tired from their adventures and often concerned for Aether's safety too. He didn't mind that she slept and left her to it holding her up to the sky like a baby. She disappeared into the sparkling constellations and he smiled being alone now.

It wasn't all too bad since he could take some time for himself. A moment to think and wonder. The wind blew gently, smiling he called out, "Venti?"

The laughter from behind made him smile more. "Ehehe~you're as perceptive as ever my dear Traveler."

"Am I?" He leaned against the trunk of the tree listening to Venti as he played his lyre. "Or were you just trying to get my attention?"

"Bold of you to assume!" Venti said and then held a cup to him, "Care for a drink?"

"Uh-no thanks, I did really stupid things last time." Aether laughed respectfully declining his offer. "I'll pass."

"It's only juice, Master Diluc wouldn't let me run off with a bottle of his finest Dandelion Wine, even after giving his customers a good show!"

"Haha, I guess I can drink it then." He accepted now and sipped it, it was only apple juice. "Did you come to Liyue to see Zhongli?"

Venti drank some apple juice before saying, "Ah, that old blockhead." Setting the cup down he went back to playing his lyre. "I did come to see him, we have.. many things to talk about."

"Running from your problems again Venti?"

"Ouch! You hurt me, Aether." He smiled not taking any offense. "I'm not running, I'm just politely procrastinating."

"Hahaha, you can't procrastinate forever you know."

"Isn't that advice we can both come to accept?"

Aether sighed knowing what he meant and curled up hugging his legs. "Is it that obvious?"

"Only wise eyes can see how you feel for him, Aether. It isn't obvious so much to stay, but to me - I can tell."

"Hm." He believed him fully so he came out with it, "I don't want to be a burden to him anymore. These feelings, they're just getting in the way. I want to be near him without wanting more, I want to laugh and smile with him without craving closer interactions. I just want to..."

"Forevet admire him from far? Is distancing yourself from him truly what you wish for Traveler? It's a painful journey."

"The journey I'm on now isn't easy either."