Oath [BL; Book 2]

72

"I haven't seen Xiao recently.." Aether searched the balcony, he searched the kitchen getting kicked out right after. He even searched Verr Goldet's desk and the other balcony even going as far as checking the river nearby. "I feel like we've gotten so much closer with everything that's happened.. why is he avoiding me all of a sudden?" Aether pulled himself out the river climbing the ledge looking over at the bridge he had already checked every corner of. "Is he hiding on purpose? Did I do something to bother him?"

Drying off while he sat on the bridge he cut some lavender melons for Paimon as she was sat right next to him. "So you think he's avoiding you?"

"Yeah, but there has to be a good reason right?"

"Well, after everything you've been through, Aether, it wouldn't surprise Paimon that he need some space!"

Aether stared at her, "Does she know about the demon?" He opened his mouth the ask but closed it continuing to cut the melons eating one for himself. "There's no way, I hadn't told her anything... but she was there when I was sick. Did she catch on?" Glancing at her he saw she was as carefree as ever and sighed with a smile, "No, that can't be it either."

"Paimon thinks we should make him some almond tofu when he gets back! He'll definitely love that!"

"Haha, yeah, that's not a bad idea." Aether ate a piece and said, "We'll have to go into town to get almonds though, want to get something to eat there?"

"Yeah! Oh, Paimon can stay with Xiangling too!" She grinned and he laughed finding her cut,

"Thanks Paimon."

Atop the roof of Wangshu Inn, Xiao watched them. He knew they were searching for him, but keeping himself hidden was his own choice. Closing his eyes he sighed and vanished. On Mt. Aocang he walked to Xianyun who sat at the stone table looking over a few things. She had scrolls laid out studying them along with some mechanical parts and small puzzles. Noticing be appeared she greeted him, "Adeptus Xiao, welcome." He gave a nod acknowledging her greeting and said,

"How is it?"

"One is most pleased with your concerns, the preparations are going quite well, Zhongli has offered his hand which has lessened one's work." She reported and said, "One has high hopes for this plan." She then saw his expression and asked, "Have you not spoken to him, Adeptus Xiao?"

"I-I have not..."

"There is due time, but the preparations are almost complete. Surely you will find chance. One has done well to set up such events, shall one guide you?"

"There's no need..." yet he looked like he wanted the help anyways, so Xianyun pushed up her glasses and faced him saying,

"One understands your worry, Adeptus Xiao. This matter is nothing short of life changing. It will be an investment, but perhaps that is not your worry?" He averted his eyes, so she guessed, "Speak to him, avoiding him now will only cause Aether to become confused. After losing such a precious friend to the demon, surely Aether holds it well, but one also believes he is still hurting from the events. Should your presence bring him peace, is that jig enough if an answer?"

"Is it not human custom?" Xiao asked, "To.. give him space? ..... Time for him to.."

"Perhaps the scrolls one gave you were misinterpreted." She smiled, "Adeptus Xiao, Aether is well spoken in voicing his concerns with you. He is also well equipped to handle himself in day to day life of exploration and adventuring. You need not worry of his health during his work, although one agrees he could learn to care for himself better - he looks to you with great feelings. This cannot simply vanish should you take yourself from his world."