When He Calls My Name

29

I'm on my way to the hospital, when my phone vibrates in my pocket. A text:

Childe: Hey buddy, I know you're going to see Zhongli with Xiao. Can you do a quick favor for me? I had to run out rq

Aether: What is it?

Childe: He wanted someone to get him a book he was reading. It's on the nightstand at our place. Can't remember the title but it should be the only one there. If you could just bring it when you come at 6 I'd appreciate it

Aether: Sure, I can swing by. Is the door unlocked?

Childe: Well I figured you and Xiao would go get it but he like, refused to talk to me. He has a key though

Aether: Right okay. No problem

Childe: Good looks bud

I put my phone away until I reach the hospital, pulling it out once again to shoot Xiao a text:

Aether: Wya hottie

Xiao: pls aether not in front of my father

Aether: LMAO bring that ass

Xiao: it's on its way

Aether: Smh it should be "I'm cumming." Missed opportunity but you're learning

Xiao: damn. That would have been a great joke.

Aether: Pls you're ruining it, just hurry up I miss your face

Xiao: and you say I'm rude.

Aether: HAHA jk I love you ❤️ HURRY UP

Xiao: IM PEEING

Aether: UGH PEE FASTER??? You're literally an adeptus wdym speed thag shit up

Xiao: thag

Aether: Omg smartass put your phone down and pee

——

"Damn I was going to say something smart, but you're too cute." The fake, teasing angry face I had on quickly turns into a smile as I see a sleepy little adeptus in a giant black hoodie approaching me. I outstretch my arms, and instead of doing the same and running up to me, he just continues his pace, hands in the front pocket of the hoodie, and face plants into the crook of my neck. I engulf him in my love and rub his back softly.

"I missed you," I say.

"I missed you more," he mumbles into my shoulder.

"So he's doing better?" I say, pulling away slightly to look in his eyes, stealing a quick kiss.

He nods. "Yeah. He's up right now, watching some old people game show on the TV."

"I'm glad he's at least doing okay," I say. "Childe told me to grab you and go bring Zhongli back a book he was reading. It's on his nightstand. Let's go grab that now and then head back here at 6. Did you want to grab something to eat first?"

"Why don't we just hang out at their house while we wait," Xiao says. "There's food there, I can give you some."

I nod. "Even better."
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TO BE CONTINUED