Oath [BL; Book 2]

49

Zhongli enjoyed his tea, Ganyu walked up the stairs and sat with him. She accepted the tea offered to her and sat quietly enjoying the stories Iron Tongue spoke of. Zhongli had known she was coming and greeted her accordingly. "Miss Ganyu, to what do I owe the pleasure? A morning as fine as this is greatly enjoyed with the company of friends, wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes," she smiled agreeing, "I do believe it is. With that said, I'm glad to have caught you. I was tasked with delivering a letter." She shuffled around her unknown pockets and took the letter out handing it over.

"Hm, a letter for me? Could this be an invitation from Lady Ninguang?"

"We recieved the letter in the port mail. It seems to be from the Nation of Dendro." She answered and sipped her tea then saying, "Lady Ninguang wanted me to hand deliver it."

"I see, you have my gratitude." He thanked her and opened the letter. Taking no time to open the letter he read it over then petrified it unseen and crumbled the letter. "Hm...." he looked displeased, "Something seems to have come up, do excuse me. I have some business to tend to."

"Yes of course. Please let me know if you need any assistance."

"Duely noted." He flashed a smile and got up leaving.

She watched him go as he seemed to enjoy the harbor life on way to take care of business. Now a bit concerned she said to herself, "Should I have read it before giving it to him - ah, no no. That's illegal.." she snapped out of it.

The morning was bright. Touching his comfy pillow Aether moved, "Mm..." it was strange, the pillow was sturdy, he opened his eyes and looked up and immediately was startled to see Xiao was laying in the bed too. He opened his eyes turning them to him. Aether's face popped bright red as he recalled what happened the night before. Covering it embarrassed he thought, "Oh my gosh.. we... I really.... but he was watching me." Peeking through his fingers Aether saw he was still looking his way. "I can't face him....." so tucking his face away, Aether mumbled. "G-good morning."

"Morning." Xiao responded, he didn't move as on his other side Paimon was snuggled up to him too. He had become their pillow when she came in to rest. "Did you rest well?"

"Yeah," he lowered his hands smiling, "better than I have in a long while. You stayed here all night? You didn't have to."

"Hm." He looked at the ceiling then said, "It allowed you to rest, it's alright."

Aether found him oddly cute for the early morning, "Hehe~ you're comfy."

Xiao turned his face away, "I-I see." The tips of his ears were red.

"Haha, you're so cute Xiao!" He laughed hugging him as they lay there. "Oh, but aren't you busy? Shouldn't you go tend to your duty?

"I found time to take care of it before laying down." He answered, "Xianyun has tasked me with your care until she returns from Liyue Harbor."

"The harbor? Why did she go there?"

"Zhongli called for her."

"Huh, must be really important. That's not really like him to invite the Adepti to the harbor freely."

"It is a natural occurrence to invite a friend to spend time."

"Mm, you don't find it strange at all?"

"I don't question, Zhongli."

"Ahaha," he, for a moment, had forgotten how deeply rooted Xiao's respect was to Zhongli, "should we go see them too?"

"...." he was reluctant but accepted saying, "If that is what you'd like to do. Then I will... go with you."

"Hehe~ let's go now! Paimon wake up!" He gave her a soft shake, "To the harbor!"