[ That smile makes him want to topple mountains and fight Patho-Gen one-handed just to see it again. Xiao blinks, briefly looking down at their joined hands before Aether's next words stun him a bit. ]
...eat nightmares?
[ That sure was not something he would have imagined. His heart drops somewhere into his guts, and tries to push away any memories that want to raise their ugly heads. He's not that bloodhound any more. He's Xiao. ]
[If things manage to calm down in Aether's life, then maybe he can give more of those smiles to Xiao. For now, the traveler's expression falls slightly, knowing all too well that this topic brings back bad memories to his friend.]
Yeah.
[His voice is quieter, but he doesn't let go of Xiao's hands, squeezing them to ground the other in the present.]
Don't worry. At least I can help others have better dreams... but I do see some parts of their nightmares.
[ Yeah, he's not expecting a lot of those smiles in this place, so he'll treasure it. Instead he returns the gentle squeeze, even if he can't quite meet Aether's eyes again. Eating nightmares, seeing parts of them... it's still better than eating dreams and leaving people in despair. ]
I see. I'm glad you have a choice.
[ Part of him misses the taste, though. The texture of a dream. Almond tofu is as close as he can get to it, but not quite. When you're starving and you have to choose between eating snow or dreams, it leaves a strange fondness for what kept you alive, no matter how depraved it was. ]
[Silence falls between the two of them, before Xiao speaks again, reminding Aether of rest. The traveler nods with a small smile. He hasn't been sleeping all that well in the past days.]
Right... Let's go.
[Carefully, he leads Xiao by the hand to the bedroom. It's a small room with a big soft bed taking up majority of the space in it. A small dresser can be found in the corner. There's also a mirror on the wall, tall and wide, making the bedroom seem more specious than it actually is.
Aether finally releases Xiao's hand as he prepares to go to sleep, taking off any pieces of his clothing that would be in the way, before dropping onto the bed and gesturing for his companion to join him.]
[ Xiao follows along, giving the room a look. It seems safe enough, so he follows Aether's example and takes off any sharp or bulky items, such as his shoulder guard and censer.
He hesitates for a moment with his gloves, but then slips those off as well. They used to be 'stained' his elemental color like his fellow yakshas were, but now they look a lot more like burnt wood rather than flesh.
Glancing at Aether, sits down on the side of the bed. It seemed like a good place to watch the other man sleep. ]
[Aether furrows his brows slightly as he sees Xiao just sit there, not moving to lie down with him. A hand reaches to the yaksha, touching the lower part of his back, fingers trailing there.]
Rest with me... Look how much space is here.
[He got this bed because he wanted a comfy place for more than one person to sleep in. So many people have sleepovers with him.]
[ He does his best to not flinch at the touch. It's just Aether, after all. He can relax here, even if that is still a really strange thought. Sharing a bed, though... it seemed improper.
Xiao rubs the back of his neck somewhat awkwardly, a stray ginkgo leaf falling from his hair as he does. ]
I will. I just... I haven't shared a bed in two millennia.
[ The other yaksha very commonly all slept together in tents and bedrolls, usually using Bosacious as a mattress and flocking around Indarias during cold nights. Even back then, it took a lot of cajoling to have Xiao join them, but he did eventually give in most of the time. ]
[His hand withdraws and for a moment Aether is silent. His form shifts on the bed, further away to give Xiao as much space as he needs.]
Maybe it'll be better like this then? There is distance between us and this bed can comfortably fit three people at once anyway.
[He knows that from experience, but shhh.
Come to think of it, did Aether ever say that he has two lovers, not one? It doesn't seem like an important information at the moment, especially since he's trying to keep his mind away from dwelling on Vanitas and Vincent's words.
"We don't deserve you" they said. "Find someone who would truly make you happy".
He can imagine even Xiao would tell him the exact same thing.]
[ Xiao's expression softens a little at that, and he scoots over to lie next to Aether with a small space between them. Smaller than what the blond offered, since he obviously wanted some closeness... and Xiao can never say no to making Aether happy or comfortable.
...and no, he has no idea Aether has two lovers. He just thinks its Vanitas.
Slowly, he holds out his hand again for the blond to take if he wants to. Even if they might not snuggle (yet), the yaksha wants him to feel better. It's true that he would say the same things as Vanitas and Vincent if asked - that he's not worthy, and that Aether deserves better. However, he also knows that the traveler's heart is his own, and none of them have the right to tell him what he feels. ]
Rest. I'll stay as long as you want me to... and I'll try to rest as well.
[The distance between them shrinks and Aether smiles at that, welcoming the closeness. Xiao indulges him so much and Aether is incredibly thankful for it. He takes the yaksha's hand carefully running his thumb against the now wood-like skin, before closing his eyes with a warm smile.]
With you by my side, I know I will rest well.
[There's just this familiar sort of comfort when Xiao is with him.
Aether means to stay awake until he makes sure his friend rests, but... instead he slips into a peaceful slumber.]
[ Xiao watches him for a while, keeping his breathing soft and slow to not bother Aether as the other man falls asleep. Then he turns his back against the Traveler to not encroach on his personal space too much, and closes his eyes. He doesn't think he'll be able to sleep... but the exhaustion from the earlier shut-offs do pull him down eventually.
It's not restful, though. The yaksha doesn't like to sleep often, because it almost always ends in vivid nightmares. He's never really dealt with all the trauma in his life, so his subconscious is desperate to... but nightmares are not helpful in this regard.
First is a common dream. Trapped, struggling in the karmic binds. Seeing himself at the same time, masked and ghostly raising his spear against Zhongli. Even more desperate to get free. Common topics. Losing his sanity. Losing the few people he treasures.
Then binds suddenly turn into chains, finding himself crumbled on a bloodied floor. Xiao is younger, eyes feral in fear and long, tangled hair soaked in blood and viscera. Jade feathers adorn his arms, and small wings are hanging in unnatural angles on his back. They nearly lack feathers, a few golden ones spread on the floor.
This is an old, old dream.
He's face down, and there's a horrid presence in the room, filling it with dark pressure. Xiao can't see them, though - even if he knows it's his old master. Something heavy is thrown before him, and he looks up only to see a woman under that heavy, destructive sleep spell. It makes him tremble, trying to back away only for the chains to tighten. To demand.
They spoke of eating dreams. Of course that means he'll think of the times he was forced to. Clawed hands reach again, grabbing her throat. He doesn't remember her face - there were so many - but he leans over her and sucks the dream right from her mind in a rush of white light. Xiao knows she'll never be happy again. She'll always long to dream. His master wants the people aimless, desperate. Anyone else, he'll take the spear to. Carve, maim and kill, before crawling to his master's feet like the bloodhound he is. ]
[Aether awakes at some point, maybe because he no longer can feel Xiao's hand in his. Golden eyes fall on the back of his companion and he notices that even though he sleeps, the dreams are not peaceful.
Xiao must suffer from nightmares now. He never gave Aether permission to eat one, but he wants him to rest, to finally find comfort in sleep, or maybe... even experience a good dream of his own. The traveler scoots closer, touching his head to the back of the yaksha's. He focuses on his companion, feeling the negativity, the darkness that lingers in his mind. He can feel it slipping into him as he slowly drains the nightmares away, feeding on them. It gives him strength, but... it also brings him visions.
The feeling of being trapped is overwhelming. The tragedy that unfolds is no better. He can see Zhongli there, someone who Xiao definitely would never fight. He can see blood and disfigured limbs. And feathers mostly gone. He senses darkness, deep and oppressing. Then there's a woman with dreams stolen from her.
Aether gasps under his breath, his form shaking ever so slightly at the visions, eyes wide now as he stares at Xiao. His gaze softens soon and he carefully presses close to his companion, his white wings wrapping over the other protectively.
The past, as horrid as it is, should not be haunting his friends in their dreams. If he can eat all of their nightmares away, he will do it, all to give them a moment when they can truly rest.
With that in mind, Aether drifts into slumber once more until morning comes.]
[ The dream changes. From blood and pain, it becomes a dream of dappled light through golden trees. Spring freshness and a field of blooming qingxin where he can dance without the intent to kill.
It's some of the best sleep he's had in centuries, and Aether's wings only makes it better. Safer. Some time during the night, he turns again to curl up next to the blond, the safety distance obliterated.
[ As the habit’s come to be, he quietly steps into Aether’s room just as the sun begins to kiss the morning sky.
Past the mirror’s slim frame, Vincent raises to stand himself upright and tug at the hems of his waistcoat, wings relaxing from their place tucked tightly against his back. His line of sight raises, smiling in anticipation while he approaches the bed - and, briefly, his steps falters up what he sees.
This little bedmate of Aether’s is not one he recognizes; noted with an ever so slight narrow of his mismatched eyes.
Though his gaze is fixed on the unfamiliar form, he delicately drapes himself down - and only then does he intimately behold the vision of Aether’s sleeping face, fingers caressing along the other blond’s soft jaw. He steals a kiss, gentle and lingering. ]
[ Although Xiao doesn't wake up as he usually does at any small noise, it's impossible for him to ignore the dip in the bed or the closer presence. In the blink of an eye, he throws himself out of the bed, grasping his spear and aiming it against Vincent.
Those bird-of-prey eyes narrow, jaw tensed as he grits his teeth and readies himself for battle to protect Aether from this... unknown man who somehow appeared in the blond's bedroom and dares to lay his hands - or lips - on his friend! ]
[Despite eating the horrible nightmare, Aether sleeps relatively well. Xiao's presence definitely helps with it. He never hears anyone approach and only stirs at the soft press of lips against his own. Normally, he would then slowly awaken, let himself stretch in the bed, wrap his arms around his lover--
Xiao's reaction causes a shock to the traveler's system, enough to make him up in an instant. He reaches to grab the spear's handle in panic, his eyes big.]
Xiao, no! This is... [He should've told his friend... why didn't he tell him this! He never thought this would happen, that's why.] This is Vincent. My lover. [His cheeks burn a little.] I have two lovers.
[Then he slowly turns his head to Vincent.]
Vince, sorry about this... This is Xiao. My friend.
[ Well, if Vincent’s to be fair, he knows that his presence is alarming by default; an unfamiliar spectral soul with a lofty demonic appearance. Still, it’s quite rich that this new toy of Aether’s should question him.
Without a care, he briefly peers up at the stranger, fingers petting across Aether’s lips as he admire those waking eyes as though they hold some divine truth.
Slipping away to stand, his chest falls with an airy sigh while turning his attention to Xiao, at last. It’s with his most congenial smile that he touches a hand to his heart, long tresses swaying with a cant of his blond head. ]
[ ...and to be fair on Xiao's end, he's been around a lot of weird-looking people back home as well, so the shimmery pale creature with wings isn't what sets his need to protect off as much as the sudden appearance.
The yaksha lowers the spear immediately when Aether grabs it, to make sure he doesn't get hurt by accident. His eyes remain on Vincent, though, but be looks more confused than defensive now.
Two lovers... that's not too difficult for him to understand, but he's not sure why he hasn't heard of this one before. ]
Where did you come from? I didn't sense your presence.
[It seems the situation calmed down with Xiao dropping his weapon and Vincent's choosing to not address the initial hostility. He can imagine his lover isn't too happy about the entire situation, but at least he is diplomatic and he's also not Vanitas. He wouldn't try to antagonize his friend... right? Hopefully. This is the same friend that hurt Vanitas, though.
Aether signs a little, then to answer Xiao's question he points at the mirror on the wall.]
This mirror is actually a portal that leads into Vanitas and Vincent's bedroom. This way they can visit me anytime they want and I can do the same.
[ This one is much more discreet, but he’s been around. In fact, now that he’s taking a good look at this small fellow, Vincent realizes that Xiao was at Aether’s party. Of course, he’s heard of the yaksha, as well.
To Aether’s explanation, he drapes his arms across his middle with a mild nod. ]
That’s right. To my understanding, you’re quite familiar with my little kitten.
[ Though the blond’s smile widens, though his eyes hold none of that friendliness. ]
[ Xiao says, glancing at the mirror again. Who knows if someone broke into either of their places and continued into the other's home? Still, it explains the times he's seen Vanitas around but didn't see him enter.
...Vincent's possessive touch and sugary nickname is met with a frown from the yaksha. Why did mortals feel the need to show their dominance at the expense of their lover? ]
We're from the same world, so we know each other well. We are... friends.
[They were considering closeness to each other first and foremost, but if Aether thinks about it some more, he can see how Xiao would see it as risky.
The traveler gently touches his lover's hand, as if a reminder to keep things friendly (as much as they can be). Vanitas' injuries are not something he's going to forget anytime soon, after all...
Aether smiles warmly when Xiao admits to being his friend. He went such a long way.]
That's correct, but... Vince actually meant Vanitas, not me. [He points to his head.] Vanitas has cat ears and a tail.
[ The laughter that escapes Vincent is light and melodious. While he’d thought the nickname’s origin would have been obvious, given Vanitas’ soul manifestation, he would otherwise understand the confusion. ]
Indeed. Our darling traveler here is my little star.
[ With one of Aether’s hands over his, he’ll stay put for the moment with a hum of acknowledgement, resting a cheek atop the other’s head.
Despite this, his sight gaze remains fixed on Xiao. ]
As you might imagine, I feel quite conflicted right now. Vanitas was hurt. Badly. [ A blond brow quirks, a corner of his smile plucking higher. ] Do you often batter dying mortals?
[ Xiao doesn't quite know what to say about that. So they weren't just two lovers, but the lovers were together as well? That made the comment make a little more sense, even if the connections are a bit confusing for the yaksha. (Rex Lapis didn't exactly hold the kind of court that came with concubines.)
The short man slides back off the bed and stands, pulling his spear away as well. He reaches for his gloves and armor pieces and starts to put them on again. ]
If you have a grievance with me, then speak your mind. No, I do not make a habit of bringing harm to mortals, nor do I enjoy it.
[ He slides one of the gloves over his tree-like hand. ]
I regret my second and third blow. The first was warranted.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Thank you! It will, definitely!
[He's so happy he grabs both of Xiao's hands.
...Then he realizes something.]
Ah, I forgot to tell you something. It looks like to sustain myself I need to... eat nightmares.
[Interesting how things turn out.]
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...eat nightmares?
[ That sure was not something he would have imagined. His heart drops somewhere into his guts, and tries to push away any memories that want to raise their ugly heads. He's not that bloodhound any more. He's Xiao. ]
I'm sorry. Nightmares are so bitter.
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Yeah.
[His voice is quieter, but he doesn't let go of Xiao's hands, squeezing them to ground the other in the present.]
Don't worry. At least I can help others have better dreams... but I do see some parts of their nightmares.
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I see. I'm glad you have a choice.
[ Part of him misses the taste, though. The texture of a dream. Almond tofu is as close as he can get to it, but not quite. When you're starving and you have to choose between eating snow or dreams, it leaves a strange fondness for what kept you alive, no matter how depraved it was. ]
You should rest, Aether. You look tired.
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Right... Let's go.
[Carefully, he leads Xiao by the hand to the bedroom. It's a small room with a big soft bed taking up majority of the space in it. A small dresser can be found in the corner. There's also a mirror on the wall, tall and wide, making the bedroom seem more specious than it actually is.
Aether finally releases Xiao's hand as he prepares to go to sleep, taking off any pieces of his clothing that would be in the way, before dropping onto the bed and gesturing for his companion to join him.]
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He hesitates for a moment with his gloves, but then slips those off as well. They used to be 'stained' his elemental color like his fellow yakshas were, but now they look a lot more like burnt wood rather than flesh.
Glancing at Aether, sits down on the side of the bed. It seemed like a good place to watch the other man sleep. ]
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Rest with me... Look how much space is here.
[He got this bed because he wanted a comfy place for more than one person to sleep in. So many people have sleepovers with him.]
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Xiao rubs the back of his neck somewhat awkwardly, a stray ginkgo leaf falling from his hair as he does. ]
I will. I just... I haven't shared a bed in two millennia.
[ The other yaksha very commonly all slept together in tents and bedrolls, usually using Bosacious as a mattress and flocking around Indarias during cold nights. Even back then, it took a lot of cajoling to have Xiao join them, but he did eventually give in most of the time. ]
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Maybe it'll be better like this then? There is distance between us and this bed can comfortably fit three people at once anyway.
[He knows that from experience, but shhh.
Come to think of it, did Aether ever say that he has two lovers, not one? It doesn't seem like an important information at the moment, especially since he's trying to keep his mind away from dwelling on Vanitas and Vincent's words.
"We don't deserve you" they said. "Find someone who would truly make you happy".
He can imagine even Xiao would tell him the exact same thing.]
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...and no, he has no idea Aether has two lovers. He just thinks its Vanitas.
Slowly, he holds out his hand again for the blond to take if he wants to. Even if they might not snuggle (yet), the yaksha wants him to feel better. It's true that he would say the same things as Vanitas and Vincent if asked - that he's not worthy, and that Aether deserves better. However, he also knows that the traveler's heart is his own, and none of them have the right to tell him what he feels. ]
Rest. I'll stay as long as you want me to... and I'll try to rest as well.
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With you by my side, I know I will rest well.
[There's just this familiar sort of comfort when Xiao is with him.
Aether means to stay awake until he makes sure his friend rests, but... instead he slips into a peaceful slumber.]
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It's not restful, though. The yaksha doesn't like to sleep often, because it almost always ends in vivid nightmares. He's never really dealt with all the trauma in his life, so his subconscious is desperate to... but nightmares are not helpful in this regard.
First is a common dream. Trapped, struggling in the karmic binds. Seeing himself at the same time, masked and ghostly raising his spear against Zhongli. Even more desperate to get free. Common topics. Losing his sanity. Losing the few people he treasures.
Then binds suddenly turn into chains, finding himself crumbled on a bloodied floor. Xiao is younger, eyes feral in fear and long, tangled hair soaked in blood and viscera. Jade feathers adorn his arms, and small wings are hanging in unnatural angles on his back. They nearly lack feathers, a few golden ones spread on the floor.
This is an old, old dream.
He's face down, and there's a horrid presence in the room, filling it with dark pressure. Xiao can't see them, though - even if he knows it's his old master. Something heavy is thrown before him, and he looks up only to see a woman under that heavy, destructive sleep spell. It makes him tremble, trying to back away only for the chains to tighten. To demand.
They spoke of eating dreams. Of course that means he'll think of the times he was forced to. Clawed hands reach again, grabbing her throat. He doesn't remember her face - there were so many - but he leans over her and sucks the dream right from her mind in a rush of white light. Xiao knows she'll never be happy again. She'll always long to dream. His master wants the people aimless, desperate. Anyone else, he'll take the spear to. Carve, maim and kill, before crawling to his master's feet like the bloodhound he is. ]
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Xiao must suffer from nightmares now. He never gave Aether permission to eat one, but he wants him to rest, to finally find comfort in sleep, or maybe... even experience a good dream of his own. The traveler scoots closer, touching his head to the back of the yaksha's. He focuses on his companion, feeling the negativity, the darkness that lingers in his mind. He can feel it slipping into him as he slowly drains the nightmares away, feeding on them. It gives him strength, but... it also brings him visions.
The feeling of being trapped is overwhelming. The tragedy that unfolds is no better. He can see Zhongli there, someone who Xiao definitely would never fight. He can see blood and disfigured limbs. And feathers mostly gone. He senses darkness, deep and oppressing. Then there's a woman with dreams stolen from her.
Aether gasps under his breath, his form shaking ever so slightly at the visions, eyes wide now as he stares at Xiao. His gaze softens soon and he carefully presses close to his companion, his white wings wrapping over the other protectively.
The past, as horrid as it is, should not be haunting his friends in their dreams. If he can eat all of their nightmares away, he will do it, all to give them a moment when they can truly rest.
With that in mind, Aether drifts into slumber once more until morning comes.]
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It's some of the best sleep he's had in centuries, and Aether's wings only makes it better. Safer. Some time during the night, he turns again to curl up next to the blond, the safety distance obliterated.
Xiao will sleep soundly all night. ]
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Past the mirror’s slim frame, Vincent raises to stand himself upright and tug at the hems of his waistcoat, wings relaxing from their place tucked tightly against his back. His line of sight raises, smiling in anticipation while he approaches the bed - and, briefly, his steps falters up what he sees.
This little bedmate of Aether’s is not one he recognizes; noted with an ever so slight narrow of his mismatched eyes.
Though his gaze is fixed on the unfamiliar form, he delicately drapes himself down - and only then does he intimately behold the vision of Aether’s sleeping face, fingers caressing along the other blond’s soft jaw. He steals a kiss, gentle and lingering. ]
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Those bird-of-prey eyes narrow, jaw tensed as he grits his teeth and readies himself for battle to protect Aether from this... unknown man who somehow appeared in the blond's bedroom and dares to lay his hands - or lips - on his friend! ]
Do not touch him!
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Xiao's reaction causes a shock to the traveler's system, enough to make him up in an instant. He reaches to grab the spear's handle in panic, his eyes big.]
Xiao, no! This is... [He should've told his friend... why didn't he tell him this! He never thought this would happen, that's why.] This is Vincent. My lover. [His cheeks burn a little.] I have two lovers.
[Then he slowly turns his head to Vincent.]
Vince, sorry about this... This is Xiao. My friend.
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Without a care, he briefly peers up at the stranger, fingers petting across Aether’s lips as he admire those waking eyes as though they hold some divine truth.
Slipping away to stand, his chest falls with an airy sigh while turning his attention to Xiao, at last. It’s with his most congenial smile that he touches a hand to his heart, long tresses swaying with a cant of his blond head. ]
Xiao, hm? The pleasure is all mine, truly.
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The yaksha lowers the spear immediately when Aether grabs it, to make sure he doesn't get hurt by accident. His eyes remain on Vincent, though, but be looks more confused than defensive now.
Two lovers... that's not too difficult for him to understand, but he's not sure why he hasn't heard of this one before. ]
Where did you come from? I didn't sense your presence.
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Aether signs a little, then to answer Xiao's question he points at the mirror on the wall.]
This mirror is actually a portal that leads into Vanitas and Vincent's bedroom. This way they can visit me anytime they want and I can do the same.
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To Aether’s explanation, he drapes his arms across his middle with a mild nod. ]
That’s right. To my understanding, you’re quite familiar with my little kitten.
[ Though the blond’s smile widens, though his eyes hold none of that friendliness. ]
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[ Xiao says, glancing at the mirror again. Who knows if someone broke into either of their places and continued into the other's home? Still, it explains the times he's seen Vanitas around but didn't see him enter.
...Vincent's possessive touch and sugary nickname is met with a frown from the yaksha. Why did mortals feel the need to show their dominance at the expense of their lover? ]
We're from the same world, so we know each other well. We are... friends.
[ It's still hard for him to admit that! ]
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[They were considering closeness to each other first and foremost, but if Aether thinks about it some more, he can see how Xiao would see it as risky.
The traveler gently touches his lover's hand, as if a reminder to keep things friendly (as much as they can be). Vanitas' injuries are not something he's going to forget anytime soon, after all...
Aether smiles warmly when Xiao admits to being his friend. He went such a long way.]
That's correct, but... Vince actually meant Vanitas, not me. [He points to his head.] Vanitas has cat ears and a tail.
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Indeed. Our darling traveler here is my little star.
[ With one of Aether’s hands over his, he’ll stay put for the moment with a hum of acknowledgement, resting a cheek atop the other’s head.
Despite this, his sight gaze remains fixed on Xiao. ]
As you might imagine, I feel quite conflicted right now. Vanitas was hurt. Badly. [ A blond brow quirks, a corner of his smile plucking higher. ] Do you often batter dying mortals?
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The short man slides back off the bed and stands, pulling his spear away as well. He reaches for his gloves and armor pieces and starts to put them on again. ]
If you have a grievance with me, then speak your mind. No, I do not make a habit of bringing harm to mortals, nor do I enjoy it.
[ He slides one of the gloves over his tree-like hand. ]
I regret my second and third blow. The first was warranted.
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