Oath [BL; Book 2]

47

Clear tears, he stressed not knowing how to deal with them. "Ahh.." soft whimpers of pain, sniffles followed after. Paimon flew over with some tissues patting his head with a frown. "There there Traveler, it's going to feel better when it heals! Paimon promises!"

"Ugh," Aether wiped his eyes but the tears continued, "th-thanks Paimon." He sniffled hugging her as she offered.

Xiao was restless, looking over at Xianyun for help she shook her head and said, "One has done all one can, the remedy is not yet complete. It cannot be applied until it has fermented in the waters of one's mountain."

"It's okay.." Aether's sight began to blur, "I can.... handle....." his body decided otherwise as he blacked out.

"Ack! T-Traveler!" He slumped over nearly falling on Paimon, but thanks to Xiao she was saved. "Haa, thanks Xiao." She sighed and turned to Xianyun, "How much longer will it take? Oo.. Paimon doesn't like seeing Aether hurt like this. Paimon's worried."

Xianyun closed her eyes, "Hmph, one has given Traveler all the care he needs. He requires only rest now and a balanced diet. One will step out to gather ingredients for tea and dinner. Paimon, one requires you join."

"Huh? Why can't you do it yourself?! Paimon wants to stay-ack!" She was grabbed, "Wah! Xiao help Paimon!" She called for him, and he only said,

"I will watch over him. You have nothing to worry about." Laying Aether on his side carefully he looked at Xianyun, "Take care."

Pushing up her glasses she flashed a smile holding Paimon under her arm, her prisoner for the day, "Hmph! One will be back shortly."

She left with Paimon, he looked down at Aether who stirred again. "Uh..." he was awake from being defeated by the pain.

"You should rest." Xiao said stopped him from getting up, "Xianyun stressed your need of sufficient time to recover."

"I-I know, but I can't.." Aether turned slightly only to flinch, "nn-!" Xiao quickly turned him back on his side.

"You can't lay on your back, it will only irritate the injury."

"Haaa..." Turning on his stomach instead, Aether buried his face in the pillow and spoke but it was muffled.

Xiao tilted his head, "?"

"Mn, where did they go?"

"To collect ingredients for the meal Xianyun will prepare."

"Paimon went willingly?" He didn't answer, "Pff.." Aether cleaned his eyes, "she was complaining, huh? That's like her, she doesn't like being away from me if she doesn't have to be."

"You're close."

"When you spend as much time together as we have, it would be weird if we weren't."

"..... Have we.. gotten closer?" Xiao asked on impulse and realized then quickly saying. "F-forget I said anything."

Aether was indeed surprised but his expression softened and he smiled warmly, "I think so." He then cuddled the pillow, "Do you?"

Xiao stared for a moment and averted his eyes almost shyly as he mumbled, "Yes..."

"Is that a bad thing?" Aether chuckled sitting up slowly. "It's nice having someone you're close to, you get to talk about a lot of things you normally wouldn't, share weird stories, laugh at embarrassing times!" Aether seemed to be refering to someone else, Xiao felt a strange pain in his chest, "Ah the feeling is so refreshing!" His mind was taken off the pain, "Mm, maybe... maybe you'll find someone like that too."

"Ah." The sting grew worse, "So it was not...."

"Who knows, maybe you'll find someone... who means a lot to you too."