Oath [BL; Book 2]

53

".... Lately.." Xiao narrowed his eyes, "Has Traveler become... more attractive?" He wondered and turned his head looking back.

Aether was sat on the floor with Paimon, they played that strange card game he was invited to play some times before. Aether was dressed lightly, his top was a simple dark colored tee with loose lounge bottoms and some outside slippers. With the heat a little over the top, he even had his hair clipped by a hairpiece he was gifted from Ninguang. He came to hear of that gift when Aether explained it "fell from the sky" quite literally.

Finding that an odd way to explain it he couldn't help but think about it, yet his mind wandered to something else. "Is it.. his hair? Has he done something different?" He kept staring trying to find whatever it was, "No, surely it must be my imagination, but his complexion looks better? Has he been resting well? Ah, mortals often routinely treat their skin... I should ask Xianyun - no, unnecessary." He hit a dead-end and continued thinking, "If not that... -" Aether had come up beside him unnoticed and kissed his cheek. "!" He was startled but an instict took over, grabbing Aether he was quick to attack him too reversing their rolls.

"Wa-" it was a deep kiss he had to quickly admit defeat to. "X-Xiao??"

"Sweet. He was eating candy?" He licked his lips, "Hm, incredibly bland," determining so he went back to thinking, "almond tofu is supreme to such artifical sweets."

"Ahh???" Confused, Aether then chuckled, "Xiao?"

"Hm?" He responded giving him his full attention.

"What are you thinking about? You've been quiet - ah, well that's like you but you're unusually quiet today."

"Ah, I was lost in thought.. how unlike me. I've made him worry, I should comfort him." He realized. "It's alright. I was only thinking of you."

"M-me?" He became flustered,

"Hm, his mood has changed.. how should I make him feel better?" Xiao wondered then said, "Yes, I couldn't help but notice you've become more radiant. It's hard to look away from you."

"H-huh?? My-I-I'm radiant?"

"Oh? He looks embarrassed, have I said something wrong?" He now worried, "It seems I still lack the proper words for socializing with mortals. Perhaps I could ask him - no, that... let's forget it. There is no need to concern myself with that...." Xiao decided to apologize saying, "I'm sorry, I spoke what was on my mind. It seems that made you uncomfortable."

Aether's smile confused him along with his light laugh, "Ahah, you don't have to apologize, you just called me good-looking without realizing it huh?"

Xiao tilted his head, "He understood? Ha, that's relieving."

"Thank you," Aether blushed, "I am feeling a lot better, mm, I've been getting a bit more sleep, so I guess that's the reason."

"So he has been resting well, good. He does not rely on the medication Xianyun provided, it has caused him some trouble....." the trouble he couldn't come to face now having only seen their beauty once, now saddened as he couldn't bear to see the single wing. "He's unbothered... yet I.."

Aether looked fine being called by Paimon they continued playing their game. Xiao watched them now and went to sit as he was invited. The card game was one of Cyno's favorites, he came to know this from Aether who explained so as he and Paimon played.

Xiao caught a scent on the wind and was taken by it, "Hm.." he closed his eyes. Clean, brisk, refreshing, perhaps even the gracefully pleasing scent of a forest after rain. Aether had bathed prior to their small engagement, this scent was carried on the wind and to him. He opened his eyes, there was something more. A sweetness he noticed much as the sweetness he tasted. It wasn't very strong, a bit bland, but it was there. The interesting scent made him stare at Aether who smiled noticing.