Oath [BL]

Four

Xiao blinked, staring at the offering being given. He had just returned from one of his demon hunts to find a surprise waiting for him at Wangshu Inn. Aether was there with Paimon and a delicious smelling plate of almond tofu. He, easily, accepted it as it was Aether who made it. The aroma and taste gave it away.

"Hm." He enjoyed it and Paimon quickly said,

"Quick! Before he's finishes eating!"

This was a familiar situation as he was given terrible news before. Now he looked at Aether who seemed nervous. "Ok, ok," he sighed, "um, I was just wondering if you were okay. Ganyu was worried-"

He raised a brow and Aether quickly corrected himself.

"Ah-I mean! Someone asked me to see if you were alright because you seemed really bothered by something!"

"Hm." Xiao ate a spoonful and swallowed, "What did she tell you?"

"Uh, caught!" Paimon sighed, both caught red handed, "Well, might as well just tell him the full story!" She said, "I'll go see what's on today's menu!" She took Xiao's empty plate to the kitchen running away from the conversation.

"P-Paimon!" She left him in his time of need. Aether sighed. Xiao crossed his arms waiting for him to speak. "Haa... ok. It's nothing bad." He said hoping that eased the tension.

Xiao had eaten quickly to have a clear mind as they spoke.

"She was only worried because you seemed bothered by something." Aether came out with it. "I was tasked with asking." He chuckled, "But you look fine?"

"Hm." He found he didn't mind that much. "What are your thoughts?"

"My.. thoughts?"

"Does it worry you that something may be... bothering me?"

"I am worried, Xiao, if there's anything I can do to help, please tell me." Aether said determined to help.

"And if there is nothing you can do?"

"Then.. I-I can still try."

"...." Xiao sighed, "There is very little that bothers me, I can handle it myself."

"But you're never one to let your guard down..."

"..." he was caught. He looked right at Aether,

"Please, I want to help. She was able to notice even while she was training.." He could see Aether wanted to help, "I don't know much about the Adepti, other than the stories and lore I've heard and read in books, but I'm sure I can do something."

"....." he couldn't refuse as Aether looked unhappy. His need to help everyone perhaps came from the reason he cried that night. "Alright." He accepted his help, "I... will accept your help."

"I'm glad," he smiled, "so what's that problem?"

"...." He was curious how Aether would respond to the matter, "My contract with Rex-ahem.... with.. Zhongli has become void with the passing era of Adepti." Xiao explained, "I no longer... need to hunt the vile demons... He told me to live my life as I wanted."

Aether blinked, "That... isn't that good news?!" His eyes lit up like the morning sun rising. Xiao was caught off guard by that. How he became so radiant. "Xiao you can live how you want!"

"... Y-yes, but...."

"Does this mean you can travel?! We can visit so many places! I bet you'll love the hot springs in Inazuma! Oh! We can go to the Windblume festival in Mondstadt together!"

"....." Xiao narrowed his eyes looking away, "He's... happy?" He wanted to know why and looked at Aether who ranted on about what he wanted to do with him. "Traveler." Getting Aether's attention he lowered his arms to his sides. "Why does this make you happy?"