[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.
[He's not surprised this is proving difficult, and it leads Vanitas to sigh a bit again, placing a hand on his hip. He realizes this is probably a losing battle, yet it's one he promised Aether he would endure for as long as possible.]
I apologized to him at once, so you can rest easy. As a courtesy to him, I came to offer you my apologies as well. For his sake. That's why I brought you this--
[ Xiao raises a brow at that. Sure, Aether did tell him that he did apologize, but it still sits wrong in his guts. Still, they're both being civil on the behest of their mutual friend.
Then Vanitas offers the one food he can actually stomach, and those intense eyes narrow. ]
What do you really want with all of this? Aether's forgiveness? It is not mine you seek.
[In truth, he doesn't blame Xiao for the caution, the suspicions. If their positions were reversed, then he too would feel the same. Which makes it all the more difficult to be perfectly honest.]
I know he's already forgiven me. What I seek is to make amends with someone he considers precious. You may be content with being merely ambivalent towards one another, but I would like to do one better for Aether's sake and attempt to rectify the hostilities I created.
I doubt we can ever be friends but... that doesn't mean we can't be civil.
[ Xiao watches Vanitas in silence as he speaks, and thinks about it for a moment. He has absolutely no interest in making 'allies' with his man, and would have been happy to just ignore his existence for the rest of his time in this place.
Still. Aether would want them to be civil, he knows that. It's just not easy to simply brush away insinuations of assaulting the Traveler like that. No matter how untrue it was.
For Aether, though... ]
You can call me Adeptus Xiao. I am the Conqueror of Demons and the chosen weapon of Mor... Zhongli, former Geo Archon and God of Contracts.
[That lull in the conversation leaves Vanitas hopeful; it's not an outright 'no', which is a step in the right direction. So he waits patiently for Xiao to consider the offer and his options, banking on the fact that Aether's happiness has more sway that his own idiotic words.
And it pays off in the end. With the reintroduction, he all but beams, looking probably far too pleased for one who was shitting on the man not long ago.]
Xiao, then. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Vanitas, Kin of the Vampire of the Blue Moon, and a perfectly ordinary human! Would you like to try some of this?
[He offers up the almond treat with raised, hopeful brows. And just for good measure:]
[ Xiao's deadpan expression doesn't really change - he's never been the kind to smile easily. Still, he's offered this olive branch only for Aether's sake, and it seems to have worked. Now it all just depends on Vanitas' mouth.
He takes in the almond tofu offered again, and when the man says Aether helped him make it, it is more palatable in his eyes. He wouldn't trust something Vanitas made on his own. ]
Very well. You can put it on the car once I have moved back, and then return to your current spot.
[ The wind picks up and he hops back a few other car-lengths. ]
[For his part, Vanitas is doing everything he can to maintain a reasonable attitude and not be his usual condescending self. He, too, wishes to make Aether happy, and is working double time to ensure that happens.
It seems that informing Xiao of Aether's involvement was the correct move, like the traveler surmised. It's enough to make Vanitas smirk slightly, but he maintains his politeness all the same.]
Ah, that's right. You have some kind of corruption or something, don't you? ...is it merely an affliction which hurts those around you, or do you yourself suffer because of it?
[It's said as he walks up to the car and deposits his gift before going back to where he was, crossing his arms.]
[ Xiao waits until Vanitas returns to where he first was, before hopping back again. He crosses his arms once more, looking down at the human with those bird-of-prey eyes. ]
That's none of your concern.
[ It's constant, endless agony. Mad whispers, angry screams only he can hear. It pulls, and pulls and pulls on his mind, tearing at it. He has to be cold, he has to be in control, and he has to stay away from everyone around him.
Always lonely. Always hurting. Until Aether. ]
You can leave, now. We are not strangers, but neither are we acquaintances. I will tolerate you.
[For his part, Vanitas meets Xiao's gaze with a merely curious one of his own, along with a light shrug.]
Tch... So stubborn. Would it help you to know you aren't the only one of Aether's friends who is suffering? That fears being near him in case, eventually, things go beyond your control and you might end up hurting him?
[Because that seems to be what Aether was implying with Xiao's corruption, that he would hurt those around him, hence the whole keeping his distance thing.]
Mmm. I suppose I'll have to settle for that, then. Though I bet it would please Aether to know you tried to go further. He seems the sort to like his friends to be friends.
My suffering is my own doing. It is not the business of someone else, no matter the similarities. I would suggest not pushing your luck once again.
[ It's a tender spot, after all. Knowing that someone else is in pain like him, though... it's an odd feeling that he can't really understand. Human emotions are still strange sometimes.
...but yes. He has spent two millennia keeping away from everyone but his god. Then this golden traveler came along and now he has friends. ]
I do not become 'friends' with people I have just met. You've yet to earn my trust, and I doubt you will.
[ Everyone he has ever let into his heart as friends are dead, Vanitas. Only Aether remains. ]
Mmm. Very well. And yet a burden shared is a burden lessened. Surely that much you realize through knowing Aether. He's a kind soul who lifts those around him to new heights, who brings peace to troubled hearts.
[He won't push, though. He's here on behalf of their mutual friend to make amends, not incite more hostilities. Normally he wouldn't share his own story, but if it'd help convince Xiao that he understood at least a little bit, he would have.]
Ah well. That's a shame. It's a pity my sense of humor is enough to drive a wedge between us, even if it is of my own doing. I suppose there's nothing I can do to earn said trust?
[Even knowing the pain of losing those you care for is familiar to him. It's one reason he tries so hard to drive others away as well. He simply does so by being an insufferable ass...]
[ Those crossed arms and stand-offish nature isn't swayed by talking about Aether this time. Instead, he ignores Vanitas' attempts and instead gives him a dismissive look. ]
'Humor' should never involve jokes about assaulting people. [ He sounds so disgusted. ] My trust is not easily given, and you've already proven untrustworthy once. I have given you a boon to start over. Use it well, and I will decide in the future if you're worthy of any of my favor.
[ Also known as don't push it and play his cards right, and one glorified bird might look at you with less disdain. ]
You can leave. Tell Aether our grievances are done.
[Ah well. He didn't expect this would be easily resolved by bandying about the traveler's name alone. That he hasn't been attacked or outright killed is probably enough of a success for now.]
Quite right. I was out of line. [He says that much with ease, giving Xiao a sweeping bow.] Many thanks, o' exalted one. That opportunity pleases me more than you know. It's more than I deserve.
[Even now he can't help teasing a bit, though he does spare a friendly little wave for Aether's dear friend as he turns to go.]
Very well. I'm sure he'll be delighted to hear we're starting over. So tell him I tried my best, will you?
[ Give it time, Vanitas. Who knows, maybe next time they'll share a cell together while being turned inside-out! As it is, words alone are not going to sway Xiao any time soon. Actions always speak louder.
Xiao crouches down and picks up the 'offering' as Vanitas turns to leave, yellow eyes sternly watching him as he heads off. Personally he has no desire to ever see the other man again, but he also knows that Aether deeply values his friends.
They'll meet again. Question is just how well that meeting will go. ]
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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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I apologized to him at once, so you can rest easy. As a courtesy to him, I came to offer you my apologies as well. For his sake. That's why I brought you this--
[He hefts the dish with a nod.]
I was told you like almond jelly, yes?
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Then Vanitas offers the one food he can actually stomach, and those intense eyes narrow. ]
What do you really want with all of this? Aether's forgiveness? It is not mine you seek.
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I know he's already forgiven me. What I seek is to make amends with someone he considers precious. You may be content with being merely ambivalent towards one another, but I would like to do one better for Aether's sake and attempt to rectify the hostilities I created.
I doubt we can ever be friends but... that doesn't mean we can't be civil.
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Still. Aether would want them to be civil, he knows that. It's just not easy to simply brush away insinuations of assaulting the Traveler like that. No matter how untrue it was.
For Aether, though... ]
You can call me Adeptus Xiao. I am the Conqueror of Demons and the chosen weapon of Mor... Zhongli, former Geo Archon and God of Contracts.
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And it pays off in the end. With the reintroduction, he all but beams, looking probably far too pleased for one who was shitting on the man not long ago.]
Xiao, then. Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Vanitas, Kin of the Vampire of the Blue Moon, and a perfectly ordinary human! Would you like to try some of this?
[He offers up the almond treat with raised, hopeful brows. And just for good measure:]
Aether made it together with me.
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He takes in the almond tofu offered again, and when the man says Aether helped him make it, it is more palatable in his eyes. He wouldn't trust something Vanitas made on his own. ]
Very well. You can put it on the car once I have moved back, and then return to your current spot.
[ The wind picks up and he hops back a few other car-lengths. ]
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It seems that informing Xiao of Aether's involvement was the correct move, like the traveler surmised. It's enough to make Vanitas smirk slightly, but he maintains his politeness all the same.]
Ah, that's right. You have some kind of corruption or something, don't you? ...is it merely an affliction which hurts those around you, or do you yourself suffer because of it?
[It's said as he walks up to the car and deposits his gift before going back to where he was, crossing his arms.]
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That's none of your concern.
[ It's constant, endless agony. Mad whispers, angry screams only he can hear. It pulls, and pulls and pulls on his mind, tearing at it. He has to be cold, he has to be in control, and he has to stay away from everyone around him.
Always lonely. Always hurting. Until Aether. ]
You can leave, now. We are not strangers, but neither are we acquaintances. I will tolerate you.
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Tch... So stubborn. Would it help you to know you aren't the only one of Aether's friends who is suffering? That fears being near him in case, eventually, things go beyond your control and you might end up hurting him?
[Because that seems to be what Aether was implying with Xiao's corruption, that he would hurt those around him, hence the whole keeping his distance thing.]
Mmm. I suppose I'll have to settle for that, then. Though I bet it would please Aether to know you tried to go further. He seems the sort to like his friends to be friends.
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[ It's a tender spot, after all. Knowing that someone else is in pain like him, though... it's an odd feeling that he can't really understand. Human emotions are still strange sometimes.
...but yes. He has spent two millennia keeping away from everyone but his god. Then this golden traveler came along and now he has friends. ]
I do not become 'friends' with people I have just met. You've yet to earn my trust, and I doubt you will.
[ Everyone he has ever let into his heart as friends are dead, Vanitas. Only Aether remains. ]
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[He won't push, though. He's here on behalf of their mutual friend to make amends, not incite more hostilities. Normally he wouldn't share his own story, but if it'd help convince Xiao that he understood at least a little bit, he would have.]
Ah well. That's a shame. It's a pity my sense of humor is enough to drive a wedge between us, even if it is of my own doing. I suppose there's nothing I can do to earn said trust?
[Even knowing the pain of losing those you care for is familiar to him. It's one reason he tries so hard to drive others away as well. He simply does so by being an insufferable ass...]
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[ Those crossed arms and stand-offish nature isn't swayed by talking about Aether this time. Instead, he ignores Vanitas' attempts and instead gives him a dismissive look. ]
'Humor' should never involve jokes about assaulting people. [ He sounds so disgusted. ] My trust is not easily given, and you've already proven untrustworthy once. I have given you a boon to start over. Use it well, and I will decide in the future if you're worthy of any of my favor.
[ Also known as don't push it and play his cards right, and one glorified bird might look at you with less disdain. ]
You can leave. Tell Aether our grievances are done.
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Quite right. I was out of line. [He says that much with ease, giving Xiao a sweeping bow.] Many thanks, o' exalted one. That opportunity pleases me more than you know. It's more than I deserve.
[Even now he can't help teasing a bit, though he does spare a friendly little wave for Aether's dear friend as he turns to go.]
Very well. I'm sure he'll be delighted to hear we're starting over. So tell him I tried my best, will you?
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Xiao crouches down and picks up the 'offering' as Vanitas turns to leave, yellow eyes sternly watching him as he heads off. Personally he has no desire to ever see the other man again, but he also knows that Aether deeply values his friends.
They'll meet again. Question is just how well that meeting will go. ]
Goodbye.