Oath [BL; Book 2]

79 - Aether

The winds blew, atop the roof of the windowed gazebo Xiao gazed at the sky numb. His spear was beside him having been repaired and given again. He wielded it day to day as he once did before without disturbances. Feeling the sun on his skin had grown cold. The rain was nothing and the heat of his karma continued to ail him. The medicine he took was stronger than before, but this was foreseen. With his foot hanging he was leaned back on one hand and heard a call.

"Oh Adeptus Xiao~" it was Hu Tao, the kind mortal who had hosted the funeral, and also someone he got along with because of her humor. Hearing her, he slipped off the rooftop letting his spear fade as she came near. "Oh, geez, I knew you'd be here again." She smiled not bothered at all. "It's been months, you've got a lot of free time huh?"

"...." he didn't take it to heart knowing she teased as usual, "Did you need something?"

"Yup, just another commission for you." She handed over the scroll with the details and put her hands on her hips, "Take care not to exorcize too many demons today alright? My clients grow fewer and fewer."

"Hmph." He found it humorous but didn't laugh, "I will have it done." He was to leave but she called him again,

"Oh, actually. One more thing!" She dug around in her pocket and got out a small box. "Ta-da~"

"What's this?"

"A small gift." She smiled and said, "It came in yesterday for you, not sure who it's from though." He took the box and opened it.

She saw his expression changed, he looked hurt, but then it softened. "I see. Thank you for delivering it to me."

"Of course. Could I ask what it is?"

"Hm." He didn't mind as he lifted it. An earring that much resembled Aether's, however this one was styled to himself.

"Oh, wow! Wait, does that mean?" She took the box as he handed it to her, there was a message inside.

I love you. Smile.

And it was signed, "Aether.." this made her heart hurt too, and she knew their relationship now confirming it herself. "I see, even now he watches over you."

"Yes." He agreed having put on the earring, "Even now." He couldn't stop the tears simply allowing them to be. With warmth in his heart he felt light.

Yet still.

He did not smile.