[At some point after finishing his talk with Vanitas, Aether leaves to find Xiao. He walks for a while, looking for the place that Xiao described as the place he lives now, then suddenly he pauses in his steps.]
Xiao?
[He knows his companion cannot teleport around anymore, but he also can feel a gaze watching him as he is searching for the yaksha.
...Don't tell him that he's been followed by the one he's looking for?!]
[ It's not a simple task to find one abandoned car in this place, but at least Xiao had done his best to describe it. Thankfully, Aether's correct - he's been watched over from above.
Plunging down from one of the buildings, Xiao lands safely near him with the help of Anemo. ]
[ He definitely thinks he should, especially after all of that. ]
This place is dangerous.
[ Xiao says as an explanation for his watchful eye, even if his concern was only half because of that. Crossing his arms, he watches Aether as the other man says that Vanitas apologized. ]
[Aether would argue that it's less about him and more about the way Vanitas acted to get under Xiao's skin. Either way, the traveler hopes things can get better now.
Vanitas learnt the lesson! (Hopefully)]
He wanted to apologize to you as well. If... if he tries to find you at least try to hear him out? Just this once. If he breaks his promise to me and tries to annoy you again, you can do what you think is best.
[Aether has faith in Vanitas that he'll keep his word... but he also hopes Xiao won't kill him regardless.]
[A good week or so after the encounter with Xiao in Aether's room, Vanitas gets the directions to where the yaksha has decided to reside from their mutual friend and decides to head on over. It's a bit tricky to find, given that it's just a random vehicle, but eventually Vanitas hones in on what he believes is the place.
Not wanting to overstep any boundaries, he glances around for the man, a covered dish in one hand and the other on his hip. He calls out, a little loudly in case the guy isn't inside the car.]
Hello~ Xiao! It's one of your least favorite people to see you.
[ Since Xiao doesn't sleep, eat or care about things that you have a home for, the place he 'lives' at is simply an anchor to look for him. Most of the time, he's on rooftops keeping a watch over the city and the people.
...so he definitely sees Vanitas long before the man starts calling out for him.
The wind suddenly picks up, teal energy swirling around the area before the yaksha dives down from above and lands on the car in front of Vanitas. ]
You flatter yourself. There are many beings I truly despise, and you are simply a minor annoyance at best.
[It's handy enough a location, nondescript though it is. Enough for Vanitas to get the right area, at least, something he realizes once the wind whips up, blowing his cloak and hair around.
He shields his face as Xiao drops in from above, though he's quick to laugh at the response, smirk firmly in place.]
Oh? I didn't leave even that much of an impression, hmm? How disappointing.
[But then, remembering he's supposed to be behaving, he sighs, holding up the dish.]
I've come to offer my apologies for my unkind words. I was hasty and needlessly cruel.
[ Xiao crosses his arms again, watching the man coldly. He still tries to have a good distance between them, and being on top of a car helps with that. The taint of the Karmic Debt is dangerous, and this place already makes him stressed about spreading it.
The dish is ignored. He doesn't eat human food, after all... and more importantly; ]
I do not require your apologies. I was not the wronged one, Aether was. If you do not understand that, then we have nothing to speak of.
Xiao, there's something I wish to discuss with you.
I know you don't believe there's much that can help you, but there is someone here who knowns of a similar condition to yours. Would you be willing to go see him?
I do not believe it is wise to speak of my Debt to others, Aether.
[ It's not an admonishment, really. Just a comment - he knows Aether comes from a good place, after all. He wanted to ask Baizhu impossible things, and now some person also trapped in this cursed world? ]
He has experience with healing and soothing the mind. I thought it would be a good idea to give it a try and ask him about your condition.
[Especially that Aether can't be always by Xiao's side and he doesn't want him to be in pain.]
He told me something similar exists where he's from and while it's incurable, he may be able to do something to sooth it. He just needs to examine you.
[ There's a point in it, he can see that. Xiao doesn't want Aether to become some kind of crutch for his pain, and it also worries him that it might be addictive. His body isn't used to being pain-free, only contained. It's another reason why he keeps away, especially after the time he reached his limits and came over - only to run into Vanitas instead. ]
[The traveler comes by to the place where Xiao stays. He looks just like always. Golden hair, amber eyes, a warm smile on his face. He waves to his friend when he spots him. But there is something different about him. It may not be too obvious if one doesn't go as close to him as possible.
He's warm to the touch, much warmer than before, almost like he's suffering from a fever. He's not in pain, though. There's some kind of stillness to him. He doesn't breath. His heart no longer beats, silent in his chest.
He's died and he's here to rely this unfortunate news to his friend. He doesn't want the yaksha to find him asleep one day and worry that he's not breathing.]
[ Xiao raises an arm in greeting from one of the rooftops he stands guard on, and then drops down. His feet hit the pavement without a sound, and he starts heading towards Aether. Halfway there, though, he furrows his brows slightly, and his hand tightens a bit around his spear.
Something was wrong. Aether looks off, in a way he doesn't understand. It's the lack of breath that makes him seem different to the yaksha, but it takes another couple of steps until he understands that.
The spear points at the thing wearing his friend's face. ]
...if you think I will not fight you because you look and sound like him, you're mistaken.
[Aether stops in his tracks, eyes wide at the spear pointed right at him.
He knew his current state would be troubling, especially if Xiao found him without any explanation, but he never thought his friend would try to fight him.]
Xiao, no. You're wrong. It is me. I... [Ah, would he have to say it right away?] I'm a spectral and all spectrals... need to die.
[ Oh, he does not like the way the thing looks when that spear is pointed at him, but it's not Aether. It can't b-
...Aether speaks, and the words roll in his head like a storm. Xiao drops the spear like a foolish beginner rather than a warrior that has fought countless battles. He looks pale as he slowly walks closer, hoping to hear a heartbeat or anything that proves this is just a nightmare.
[A lot has happened in the past days. First Vanitas upset Xiao and got injured, then Aether had that pretty unpleasant talk with his partners. They managed to patch things up somehow and proceed with the plan against the high ranking Patho-Gen member, only for that to also end up in a mess.
Because of that, Aether hardly has the time to speak properly with Xiao. He doesn’t actually know where to start. Should he apologize? Defend Vanitas'? Pretend that nothing happened at all? Scold Xiao for acting so overprotective of him?
The traveler presses a hand to the window, then opens it. The cool air of the night hits his face.]
[ To be fair, Xiao has also been busy at the clinic. It wasn't until the repeated shut-offs started to affect his movements that he had to take a break before he became useless again.
He usually spends the nights watching over the city like some kind of vigilante, trying to deal with his need to keep up his duty even in this palce. Aether is lucky that he's 'home' tonight... who knows if his promise to come when called works without his yaksha powers.
Xiao jumps down from above, landing gracefully on the windowsill right in front of Aether. ]
[Aether isn't sure if Xiao would actually always be there when he calls him, but he smiles softly when he sees his friend right in front of him. The traveler steps aside to let the other in.]
I did. [He sounds both amused and... very tired.] Come in.
[He's silent for a moment.]
I just wanted to see you. How have you been?
[Maybe he is trying to not talk about Vanitas, after all.]
[ Xiao isn't a fool. He knows something is wrong, and it's not hard to figure out that it probably has something to do with what he did to Vanitas. Still, he enters Aether's home without hesitation. ]
I have been... well. I was trying to warn people about the new experiments Patho-Gen was offering, and they weren't too fond of that. We had some issues, but it's done.
[ He looks at the blond, and there's something indecipherable in those yellow eyes. Shame, maybe? He's not ashamed of what he did, though. Regret? No, he doesn't regret it. Maybe it's an apology. He still hurt someone dear to Aether. ]
[On the rooftop there will be a small plate full of heart shaped jellies in different colours. They're all light and Aether hopes Xiao will enjoy them. Next to the plate there's a card:]
I heard that today is something called Valentine's Day and you're supposed to offer chocolate and other gifts to those dear to you. I wasn't sure if you'd like chocolate, so I made those jellies instead.
[ He hasn't really paid attention to the customs of this world, so this was unexpected. The car is read with thoughtful bird eyes, and then Xiao looks out over the city. Looks like he'll spend the rest of the day finding 'chocolate' for Aether.
...the jellies are okay, for mortal food. He'd eat every single one of them even if they tasted like death, though.
✉ SENDING OUR THANKS AND WELL WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR
► inside the red envelope rests an assortment of pristine seashells, sand dollars, and sea glass; also accompanied by other odd little curiosities—which are mostly old coins and strange mechanical parts.
► a second package also includes subtle, thoughtful gifts inspired by the trinkets a certain adeptus tends to leave around a certain traveler’s home. from a handmade brass incense burner to small tea pets shaped like birds, each one is chosen with care. these are wriothesley’s own offerings for an esteemed protector of liyue.
ADEPTUS XIAO,
RECOVERY’S MOVING ALONG, SLOWLY BUT SURELY.
AS FOR LANTERN RITE — HERE’S HOPING ITS GOOD FORTUNE REACHES YOU EVEN IN KARTERIA BEFORE IT REACHES ME. HAH.
[ Well. This was... unsuspected. Xiao carefully collects all the little trinkets and shells, gently placing them on the crate the uses as a table sometimes. It's a nice haul of almost completely useless things. Things a warrior didn't need. Things that didn't make him stronger or faster or heal his wounds.
Just things.
Xiao usually wears everything he needs. He has no need for trinkets or collections, and is always moving around. The only decoration he's kept around is an old xiao lantern in his room at Wangshu Inn.
...and apparently now a bunch of seashells, screws, a censer and clay birds.
The yaksha isn't stupid, he understands what it is. Not just friendship, but gratitude. It's been a long, long time since someone has made an offering like this to the Guardian Yaksha, complete with a red envelope to mix it with Lantern Rite festivities. ]
...thank you.
[ He says softly to himself, and carefully hides the little objects and the envelope in a vent to protect them from the wind and weather. ]
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action
Xiao?
[He knows his companion cannot teleport around anymore, but he also can feel a gaze watching him as he is searching for the yaksha.
...Don't tell him that he's been followed by the one he's looking for?!]
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Plunging down from one of the buildings, Xiao lands safely near him with the help of Anemo. ]
Yes?
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So you were watching me... You don't need to worry that much, you know?
[Or maybe he should, considering the display he just witnessed. Aether sighs a little.]
I got Vanitas to apologize for everything. I think this time he really understood his mistake.
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This place is dangerous.
[ Xiao says as an explanation for his watchful eye, even if his concern was only half because of that. Crossing his arms, he watches Aether as the other man says that Vanitas apologized. ]
Good. He should not treat you that way.
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Vanitas learnt the lesson! (Hopefully)]
He wanted to apologize to you as well. If... if he tries to find you at least try to hear him out? Just this once. If he breaks his promise to me and tries to annoy you again, you can do what you think is best.
[Aether has faith in Vanitas that he'll keep his word... but he also hopes Xiao won't kill him regardless.]
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Action
Not wanting to overstep any boundaries, he glances around for the man, a covered dish in one hand and the other on his hip. He calls out, a little loudly in case the guy isn't inside the car.]
Hello~ Xiao! It's one of your least favorite people to see you.
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...so he definitely sees Vanitas long before the man starts calling out for him.
The wind suddenly picks up, teal energy swirling around the area before the yaksha dives down from above and lands on the car in front of Vanitas. ]
You flatter yourself. There are many beings I truly despise, and you are simply a minor annoyance at best.
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He shields his face as Xiao drops in from above, though he's quick to laugh at the response, smirk firmly in place.]
Oh? I didn't leave even that much of an impression, hmm? How disappointing.
[But then, remembering he's supposed to be behaving, he sighs, holding up the dish.]
I've come to offer my apologies for my unkind words. I was hasty and needlessly cruel.
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The dish is ignored. He doesn't eat human food, after all... and more importantly; ]
I do not require your apologies. I was not the wronged one, Aether was. If you do not understand that, then we have nothing to speak of.
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after speaking with Dan Feng
I know you don't believe there's much that can help you, but there is someone here who knowns of a similar condition to yours. Would you be willing to go see him?
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[ It's not an admonishment, really. Just a comment - he knows Aether comes from a good place, after all. He wanted to ask Baizhu impossible things, and now some person also trapped in this cursed world? ]
What do they know?
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[Especially that Aether can't be always by Xiao's side and he doesn't want him to be in pain.]
He told me something similar exists where he's from and while it's incurable, he may be able to do something to sooth it. He just needs to examine you.
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Do you trust him?
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action, after Aether's spectral death
He's warm to the touch, much warmer than before, almost like he's suffering from a fever. He's not in pain, though. There's some kind of stillness to him. He doesn't breath. His heart no longer beats, silent in his chest.
He's died and he's here to rely this unfortunate news to his friend. He doesn't want the yaksha to find him asleep one day and worry that he's not breathing.]
Hello, Xiao!
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Something was wrong. Aether looks off, in a way he doesn't understand. It's the lack of breath that makes him seem different to the yaksha, but it takes another couple of steps until he understands that.
The spear points at the thing wearing his friend's face. ]
...if you think I will not fight you because you look and sound like him, you're mistaken.
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He knew his current state would be troubling, especially if Xiao found him without any explanation, but he never thought his friend would try to fight him.]
Xiao, no. You're wrong. It is me. I... [Ah, would he have to say it right away?] I'm a spectral and all spectrals... need to die.
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...Aether speaks, and the words roll in his head like a storm. Xiao drops the spear like a foolish beginner rather than a warrior that has fought countless battles. He looks pale as he slowly walks closer, hoping to hear a heartbeat or anything that proves this is just a nightmare.
Maybe he's going mad. Maybe reality isn't real. ]
...no.
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action, some time after the mess with Vanitas
Because of that, Aether hardly has the time to speak properly with Xiao. He doesn’t actually know where to start. Should he apologize? Defend Vanitas'? Pretend that nothing happened at all? Scold Xiao for acting so overprotective of him?
The traveler presses a hand to the window, then opens it. The cool air of the night hits his face.]
Xiao? Are you there?
[For now, he just wants to see his friend.]
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He usually spends the nights watching over the city like some kind of vigilante, trying to deal with his need to keep up his duty even in this palce. Aether is lucky that he's 'home' tonight... who knows if his promise to come when called works without his yaksha powers.
Xiao jumps down from above, landing gracefully on the windowsill right in front of Aether. ]
You called?
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I did. [He sounds both amused and... very tired.] Come in.
[He's silent for a moment.]
I just wanted to see you. How have you been?
[Maybe he is trying to not talk about Vanitas, after all.]
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I have been... well. I was trying to warn people about the new experiments Patho-Gen was offering, and they weren't too fond of that. We had some issues, but it's done.
[ He looks at the blond, and there's something indecipherable in those yellow eyes. Shame, maybe? He's not ashamed of what he did, though. Regret? No, he doesn't regret it. Maybe it's an apology. He still hurt someone dear to Aether. ]
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Valentine's Day
I heard that today is something called Valentine's Day and you're supposed to offer chocolate and other gifts to those dear to you. I wasn't sure if you'd like chocolate, so I made those jellies instead.
Thank you for always being by my side me, Xiao.
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...the jellies are okay, for mortal food. He'd eat every single one of them even if they tasted like death, though.
'Dear to you'. What a foolish idea. ]
ding dong delivery!
► a second package also includes subtle, thoughtful gifts inspired by the trinkets a certain adeptus tends to leave around a certain traveler’s home. from a handmade brass incense burner to small tea pets shaped like birds, each one is chosen with care. these are wriothesley’s own offerings for an esteemed protector of liyue.
ADEPTUS XIAO,
RECOVERY’S MOVING ALONG, SLOWLY BUT SURELY.
AS FOR LANTERN RITE — HERE’S HOPING ITS GOOD FORTUNE REACHES YOU EVEN IN KARTERIA BEFORE IT REACHES ME. HAH.
no subject
Just things.
Xiao usually wears everything he needs. He has no need for trinkets or collections, and is always moving around. The only decoration he's kept around is an old xiao lantern in his room at Wangshu Inn.
...and apparently now a bunch of seashells, screws, a censer and clay birds.
The yaksha isn't stupid, he understands what it is. Not just friendship, but gratitude. It's been a long, long time since someone has made an offering like this to the Guardian Yaksha, complete with a red envelope to mix it with Lantern Rite festivities. ]
...thank you.
[ He says softly to himself, and carefully hides the little objects and the envelope in a vent to protect them from the wind and weather. ]