Oath [BL; Book 2]

71

It was time, Aether sighed being nervous as he and Paimon went along through Liyue, "I've kept her in the dark long enough. I really should tell her." He stressed, Xiangling who accompanied them smiled seeing Aether was nervous.

She smiled holding Guoba's hand as they walked together while Paimon floated ahead enjoying her snacks. "You look like you're about to fall over, Aether! Are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm sorry, I've got a bit on my mind." He chuckled being caught, "Is it that obvious?"

"Well, I'm sure it's fly over Paimon's head!" She teased then Guoba shuffled around between them holding both their hands as he then looked at Aether excitedly.

"Ah? You think it's pretty obvious too?" Aether laughed.

Guoba gave a distinct nod and Xiangling said, "We've noticed since picking you up at the gate! If there's something wrong we can take a break?"

"No, it's not that." He sighed defeated, "I just - how can I tell something really important to a friend who may  not fully understand?"

The two looked at each other and smiled. She gestured to a food stall, "Let's ease her in with some snacks!" They knew exactly who he spoke up. Xianyin hurried to the stall, Guoba, still holding their hands, was the chain keeping them together.

At the snack stall Paimon got her fill and they found a quiet place on the docks to sit and enjoy their snacks.

"Uwaaah~ Paimon's so full!" She had a big grin plastered on her face.

"Want some more Tianshu Meat, Paimon?" Aether offered his share not feeling all too hungry.

"You bet!" She scarfed it down quickly with no questions asked.

"...." Aether hesitated to speak now given the change. He looked to Xiangling who smiled too gesturing he should try. So gathering his courage, Aether said, "So, Paimon... um, and Xiangling.." she was surprised he mentioned her too, he even included Guoba with a smile, "And Guoba." Aether chuckled patting his head. "I actually have some news..."

"News?!" Paimon gasped and looked at Guoba who shrugged then to Xiangling who did the same. "Is it about your sister?"

"Wow, were you able to dig up some information?"

"No, it's not like that it's about me.. and um..." he was too nervous mumbling now, "uh.."

"Oh!" Xiangling realized and smiled, "Are you sick?"

"What?! You're sick again, Traveler?!" Paimon fretted quickly. "

"Pff, no, no." He laughed, the mood had lightened quickly and he sighed seeing what she did. "I'm not sick anymore Paimon. Thanks for always worrying." Aether, patted her head and decided to just come out with it, "Xiao and I.. we've been together for some time now. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

Xiangling, Paimon and Guoba all looked at each other, he felt a sting only for it to be replaced by shock when they beamed all saying, "We know!"

"Y-you knew??" He questioned how. "When did you-??"

Xiangling giggled and responded, "The few times you actually came to visit me here you had your mind somewhere else! Guoba was actually the first to notice when you brought him to Liyue the first time!"

"Th-the first? But we weren't.."

"You weren't dating then, but you are now!" Paimon put her hands on her hips saying, "You tried to be sneaky!"

"Ahhh..." he smiled caught once again.

"When I learned about it I ended up telling Paimon when we were having out. I thought it was strange she kept coming to me just to spend time together! I don't mind though! Paimon and I have similar tastes after all!" Xiangling smiled.