[ 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.]
...there's nothing he needs to apologize to me about. I do not care about his words or his attempts to anger me.
[ Xiao replies, his expression briefly mildly confused before it settles on his normal deadpan look. The person he should be apologizing to was Aether, not him. Still, he's not going to refuse the request. ]
I will hear him, but you need not worry about me retaliating. I have no interest in killing a human for being rude and antagonistic.
[He is definitely relieved to hear Xiao say that. Maybe all of this will go better than he thought.]
Thank you. And... sometimes you can accept an apology just to give someone a closure. [A smile appears on his face. He steps closer to Xiao and bumps his shoulder gently against the yaksha's.]
[ The little shoulder bump softens the severity of his expression, and Xiao sighs. ]
...they certainly are strange.
[ He hasn't exactly allowed himself to be around many of them until Aether started dragging him into the Harbor for a bunch of reasons. Now this place had a lot of them that made even less sense. ]
[He reaches to press a hand to Xiao's back and run it up and down a few times to hopefully give him some comfort (and maybe also release from the pain that he usually suffers from).]
You're right. Humans and their hearts make very little sense.
[But isn't that what makes them all special?
Aether is quiet for a moment, then his expression falls a little.]
There's something else I wanted to talk to you about... If you don't hear it from me, you may worry later.
[ The continued touch should be awkward and unwanted, but it is making him feel lighter. Calmer. The grinding pain lessens. What a strange thing of this world. He closes his eyes for just a moment, still a bit in awe of a torture he's suffered for two millennia can be eased with something so simple.
...then Aether mentions something else to speak about that might make him worry, and Xiao's features turn cold once again. He steps back so that their touch break and he can focus on the other man's expression. ]
[He watches Xiao ease and calm and Aether simply smiles. It's such a simple gesture, yes, and it makes him happy it's working so well. He's planning to continue on for a moment later...
...But Xiao steps away from him.
Aether frowns.]
I'm not sure if you've heard about vampires from Vanitas?
[Is this a good way to start this conversation? He feels like it's not.]
[ Sorry, Traveler. He wants to focus completely if there's something serious to discuss, and with his body screaming someone is touching you to him despite the fact that it's not a danger is quite distracting.
It's a loaded question, in any case. He literally thought about Aether and his selflessness when Vanitas described them and mentioned that they need consent. ]
I did. I told him they sounded similar to some demons, but he corrected me.
[Okay, so they talked about that, likely before Vanitas decided to start playing his games. At the very least Xiao understands that vampires aren't like demons.]
Did he also tell you about his vampire companion who is here?
[Then he quickly adds:]
He's nothing like Vanitas, don't worry. If anything, I would describe him as someone almost... child like? Very eager to go exploring, enjoys listening to all kinds of stories, but also definitely doesn't want to hurt anyone and gets worried when even thinking about it.
[ It was a bit confusing a first, but he gets it now. In all honesty they had a fairly decent (for Xiao) discussion before things went very badly downhill. ]
Yes. He said he had a travel companion that was a vampire.
[ That apparently likes sweets, and that's all he really knows about Noe. ]
You see... there are legends of vampires who need to drink blood in order to survive and it seems like that's exactly the kind of soul he got. He was a victim in the kidnappings... and he was affected with the kind of corruption that makes him need blood.
[Before Xiao can say anything, Aether continues.]
He doesn't want to do it. He's terrified... I found him one day, trying to hide away as much as he could. He didn't want to hurt anyone, but he was scared he'd go insane from hunger.
[Now comes the part the difficult part to say. Aether looks away.]
After a long time of trying to convince him, I managed to make him accept some of my blood.
[He knows Xiao will judge him, but there was really nothing else he could do.]
[ Xiao listens, frowning slightly as Aether explains how this person had to suffer. He's not at all surprised that in the end, the golden-haired man gave him some of his blood. It's just what Aether does, isn't it? ]
That's foolish of you, to put yourself in danger like that.
[ That's the only admonishment, though. ]
Do you think that I would blame this person or be angry with you? There's a difference of doing foolish things by your own choice and being forced to do them.
That's why I wanted to explain it to you. I didn't want someone telling you that I was bitten by a vampire and leave you thinking that I was attacked or something.
[That would've been a mess and while Vanitas can really be cruel and callous, Noé is none of that.]
It was my own foolish choice to put myself in danger, just like you said.
[ He's well aware that he would have acted rashly if he heard something like that had happened to Aether. He already flew of the handle about Vanitas, after all... although that was a deeper cut due to his own issues. I he was being attacked while in his right mind, Xiao knows that the Traveler can protect himself. ]
You're too easily swayed by your own kindness.
[ Which is what makes Aether Aether, but still. Like Xiao said, he can't protect him from his own heart, and in a place like this... well, they now all know how cruel it can be. ]
[ Aether truly is a good soul, and that's a dangerous thing to be in a world that has people eager to take advantage of it. No matter his battle prowess, that soul is going to lead him to pain. Eventually.
Xiao has already made a mark on that shining star. He will be the reason for pain one day. Yet Aether continues to reach for the suffering.
When the blonde steps forward to get closer, Xiao meets those golden eyes with his own. There's always hesitation in them when Aether approaches, but he can't ignore how much better it feels when he is close.
Is that the imprint thing, or just an effect of being Aether? ]
[Sometimes Xiao reminds him too much of a cat, especially when he's observing him with his cautious eyes, almost as if he was about to run away any moment now. Aether before gently reaching for Xiao's hand.]
I don't think I will change much, though. [He says softly.] Not now, not in a million years.
[Some would call that an exaggeration, but with this traveler anything is possible.]
[ Oh, he's definitely a feral cat, this one. Distrusting and skittish.
There's a moment of doubt, but then he reaches out to let Aether take his hand. It's a little like sinking into a hot bath, the feeling he gets when they physically touch. More than that, really - nice and relaxing in a way he doesn't really know if he's felt before. Not even around his fellow yaksha or his Archon. ]
Mm. I would not want you to. [ It wouldn't be Aether, after all. ] Simply be more cautious.
[ His hand is warm underneath his glove, the leather of the fingers worn down a bit to feel the callouses from his spear. ]
[It makes him happy when they holds hands like this, simply enjoying the warmth of the touch, the connection formed between them. Aether would never want to lose this.]
I will. [He says that with that same sunny smile.] I don't want you to worry about me, especially needlessly.
[He's fine, he'll always be fine. And when he'll need help, he knows he has friends he can count on.]
[ He leaves his hand in Aether's, closing his fingers tighter when he mentions worrying about him. Xiao doesn't know why he has felt like this ever since he met Aether, but he wants to be by his side, to protect and fight with him. In a place like this, that protective instinct is so much stronger. His life has always been about keeping people - and a nation - safe. It's deeply ingrained into his soul. ]
[Aether only steps closer to him, reaching for his friend's other hand.]
I know. And I'll be always here for you as well.
[He wants this to go both ways. It wouldn't be right to accept Xiao's protection without giving him the same back, even if his companion may think that he doesn't need any of this.
Sometimes it's okay for the protector to rest and allow others to protect him instead.]
[ 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.]
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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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[ Xiao replies, his expression briefly mildly confused before it settles on his normal deadpan look. The person he should be apologizing to was Aether, not him. Still, he's not going to refuse the request. ]
I will hear him, but you need not worry about me retaliating. I have no interest in killing a human for being rude and antagonistic.
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Thank you. And... sometimes you can accept an apology just to give someone a closure. [A smile appears on his face. He steps closer to Xiao and bumps his shoulder gently against the yaksha's.]
Humans are strange like that.
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...they certainly are strange.
[ He hasn't exactly allowed himself to be around many of them until Aether started dragging him into the Harbor for a bunch of reasons. Now this place had a lot of them that made even less sense. ]
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You're right. Humans and their hearts make very little sense.
[But isn't that what makes them all special?
Aether is quiet for a moment, then his expression falls a little.]
There's something else I wanted to talk to you about... If you don't hear it from me, you may worry later.
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...then Aether mentions something else to speak about that might make him worry, and Xiao's features turn cold once again. He steps back so that their touch break and he can focus on the other man's expression. ]
What is it?
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...But Xiao steps away from him.
Aether frowns.]
I'm not sure if you've heard about vampires from Vanitas?
[Is this a good way to start this conversation? He feels like it's not.]
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It's a loaded question, in any case. He literally thought about Aether and his selflessness when Vanitas described them and mentioned that they need consent. ]
I did. I told him they sounded similar to some demons, but he corrected me.
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Did he also tell you about his vampire companion who is here?
[Then he quickly adds:]
He's nothing like Vanitas, don't worry. If anything, I would describe him as someone almost... child like? Very eager to go exploring, enjoys listening to all kinds of stories, but also definitely doesn't want to hurt anyone and gets worried when even thinking about it.
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Yes. He said he had a travel companion that was a vampire.
[ That apparently likes sweets, and that's all he really knows about Noe. ]
I see. Why are you bringing him up?
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You see... there are legends of vampires who need to drink blood in order to survive and it seems like that's exactly the kind of soul he got. He was a victim in the kidnappings... and he was affected with the kind of corruption that makes him need blood.
[Before Xiao can say anything, Aether continues.]
He doesn't want to do it. He's terrified... I found him one day, trying to hide away as much as he could. He didn't want to hurt anyone, but he was scared he'd go insane from hunger.
[Now comes the part the difficult part to say. Aether looks away.]
After a long time of trying to convince him, I managed to make him accept some of my blood.
[He knows Xiao will judge him, but there was really nothing else he could do.]
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That's foolish of you, to put yourself in danger like that.
[ That's the only admonishment, though. ]
Do you think that I would blame this person or be angry with you? There's a difference of doing foolish things by your own choice and being forced to do them.
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Aether gives a small shake of the head.]
That's why I wanted to explain it to you. I didn't want someone telling you that I was bitten by a vampire and leave you thinking that I was attacked or something.
[That would've been a mess and while Vanitas can really be cruel and callous, Noé is none of that.]
It was my own foolish choice to put myself in danger, just like you said.
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[ He's well aware that he would have acted rashly if he heard something like that had happened to Aether. He already flew of the handle about Vanitas, after all... although that was a deeper cut due to his own issues. I he was being attacked while in his right mind, Xiao knows that the Traveler can protect himself. ]
You're too easily swayed by your own kindness.
[ Which is what makes Aether Aether, but still. Like Xiao said, he can't protect him from his own heart, and in a place like this... well, they now all know how cruel it can be. ]
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I think I can't really help it... Seeing someone suffering is difficult to ignore.
[And so he extends his hand to them, wanting to ease their pain if he can.
Xiao knows that, too.
Aether gives his companion a soft smile, then tries to step closer to him once more.]
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[ Aether truly is a good soul, and that's a dangerous thing to be in a world that has people eager to take advantage of it. No matter his battle prowess, that soul is going to lead him to pain. Eventually.
Xiao has already made a mark on that shining star. He will be the reason for pain one day. Yet Aether continues to reach for the suffering.
When the blonde steps forward to get closer, Xiao meets those golden eyes with his own. There's always hesitation in them when Aether approaches, but he can't ignore how much better it feels when he is close.
Is that the imprint thing, or just an effect of being Aether? ]
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I don't think I will change much, though. [He says softly.] Not now, not in a million years.
[Some would call that an exaggeration, but with this traveler anything is possible.]
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There's a moment of doubt, but then he reaches out to let Aether take his hand. It's a little like sinking into a hot bath, the feeling he gets when they physically touch. More than that, really - nice and relaxing in a way he doesn't really know if he's felt before. Not even around his fellow yaksha or his Archon. ]
Mm. I would not want you to. [ It wouldn't be Aether, after all. ] Simply be more cautious.
[ His hand is warm underneath his glove, the leather of the fingers worn down a bit to feel the callouses from his spear. ]
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I will. [He says that with that same sunny smile.] I don't want you to worry about me, especially needlessly.
[He's fine, he'll always be fine. And when he'll need help, he knows he has friends he can count on.]
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I will be here whenever you need me. Always.
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I know. And I'll be always here for you as well.
[He wants this to go both ways. It wouldn't be right to accept Xiao's protection without giving him the same back, even if his companion may think that he doesn't need any of this.
Sometimes it's okay for the protector to rest and allow others to protect him instead.]
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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.
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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.]
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