[ Xiao lets Aether take his other hand, sharp eyes glancing down at the pavement when Aether returns his promise like that. Archons, how he wishes he could still just poof away and deal with his confused emotions in private. He's not used to feeling - or at least he tells himself that. ]
...good.
[ He finally replies, as he somewhat understands where Aether is coming from. They need to have each other's backs in this place... but unfortunately it's going to take another few centuries or so for him to learn that it's okay to put his spear down and let others protect him.
Protecting Liyue, her people, his God is all he has ever done. ]
I will watch over your allies from Teyvat as well.
[The response makes Aether shine all the brighter like a star in the darkest of nights. He's happy to hear that Xiao agrees and perhaps that warm emotion can be also felt by the yaksha through their connection.]
Thank you, Xiao.
[He squeezes his companion's hands.]
I'm glad I can always count on you... I really appreciate it.
[There are no lies in his words, only genuine appreciation.]
If you ever feel lonely or just want to hang out... you're always welcome to stay at my place. Come and go as much as you please.
[He just wants Xiao to have a place were he feels truly safe and welcome.]
It's nothing. [ He replies, a little flustered while being bathed by that light of happiness. It's a really nice feeling, the warmth that echoes through their connection, and it loosens a few stiff knots in his tense body. ]
I have no other purpose here other than to keep you and yours safe.
[ He doesn't have his duty or demons to kill, but he's a guardian at heart. What better way to use this weapon than to protect?
...and Aether's offer is both a surprise and not. It's that endless kindness, no matter how misguided. Xiao closes his eyes for a breath and then shakes his head gently. ]
You're kind, but you know I cannot do that. [ He says softly. ] The Vision wielders are safer, but any other friends you might have would be in danger if I visited you. It is better that I stay here where nearly no people come by.
[ Alone in a broken-down car at the edge of the city. ]
[And he wants Xiao to know it. He knows his companion is always doing his best to protect everyone.
As for the other part...]
We don't know that yet. Maybe the souls we have could make it safer for you to stay around other people as well. [He doesn't want Xiao to be so isolated, though the fact that there's quite a few Vision wielders here is definitely helping.] You could also stay with me when nobody else is around...
[Just to get some rest and to get a bit of relief from the pain through their connection!]
The fact that we do not know is exactly why it is dangerous. 'Maybe' is not good enough to risk other people.
[ He's used to being isolated, Aether! Being around people just makes him anxious. At least the Vision wielders means he has other people to fight together with if needed. He has no need to socialize!
(Sure, buddy.) ]
If you wish it of me, I will visit you when you are alone.
[ Their new 'imprint' thing is addictive to his pain, so he wants to limit that - but he also wants to see Aether. ]
[ He replies 'grumpily', but there's a hint of a smile for a heartbeat or two. He doesn't exactly visit people other than Zhongli, so underneath all the worry he's a bit curious to see Aether's place... without Vanitas.
Then Xiao steps back a bit, taking his hands from Aether's. The dulled pain returns in full force and he takes a deep breath to steady himself. ]
[As Xiao's hands leave his own, Aether feels an urge to chase them, to grab them once more and hold for a moment longer, but he stays as is. His companion knows all too well that he can seek him out whenever he needs his hand to be held.]
[ Xiao furthers the distance between them and hops up on the car again, the steel wreck making a grinding sound. He'll make his way up to the building roofs again soon, watching over the city like a an unsleeping sentinel.
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...good.
[ He finally replies, as he somewhat understands where Aether is coming from. They need to have each other's backs in this place... but unfortunately it's going to take another few centuries or so for him to learn that it's okay to put his spear down and let others protect him.
Protecting Liyue, her people, his God is all he has ever done. ]
I will watch over your allies from Teyvat as well.
no subject
Thank you, Xiao.
[He squeezes his companion's hands.]
I'm glad I can always count on you... I really appreciate it.
[There are no lies in his words, only genuine appreciation.]
If you ever feel lonely or just want to hang out... you're always welcome to stay at my place. Come and go as much as you please.
[He just wants Xiao to have a place were he feels truly safe and welcome.]
no subject
I have no other purpose here other than to keep you and yours safe.
[ He doesn't have his duty or demons to kill, but he's a guardian at heart. What better way to use this weapon than to protect?
...and Aether's offer is both a surprise and not. It's that endless kindness, no matter how misguided. Xiao closes his eyes for a breath and then shakes his head gently. ]
You're kind, but you know I cannot do that. [ He says softly. ] The Vision wielders are safer, but any other friends you might have would be in danger if I visited you. It is better that I stay here where nearly no people come by.
[ Alone in a broken-down car at the edge of the city. ]
no subject
[And he wants Xiao to know it. He knows his companion is always doing his best to protect everyone.
As for the other part...]
We don't know that yet. Maybe the souls we have could make it safer for you to stay around other people as well. [He doesn't want Xiao to be so isolated, though the fact that there's quite a few Vision wielders here is definitely helping.] You could also stay with me when nobody else is around...
[Just to get some rest and to get a bit of relief from the pain through their connection!]
no subject
[ He's used to being isolated, Aether! Being around people just makes him anxious. At least the Vision wielders means he has other people to fight together with if needed. He has no need to socialize!
(Sure, buddy.) ]
If you wish it of me, I will visit you when you are alone.
[ Their new 'imprint' thing is addictive to his pain, so he wants to limit that - but he also wants to see Aether. ]
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That's great. [He smiles when Xiao agrees to visit.] I'll make sure to have some almond tofu for you when you do.
[He wants to be well prepared.]
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[ He replies 'grumpily', but there's a hint of a smile for a heartbeat or two. He doesn't exactly visit people other than Zhongli, so underneath all the worry he's a bit curious to see Aether's place... without Vanitas.
Then Xiao steps back a bit, taking his hands from Aether's. The dulled pain returns in full force and he takes a deep breath to steady himself. ]
I will let you know.
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I'll be waiting.
[He says simply.]
Just remember that you're always welcome.
no subject
Right now, though, he gives Aether a soft look. ]
I will remember.