[ Isn't Aether's frown the cutest? Vincent's smile only grows more fond.
As he offers the opportunity to explain, the taller blond stands to rest his hands on his partner's shoulders, his mismatched eyes shifting between the two as they speak.
Xiao's words are surprisingly well received; he even nods in agreement, that Aether could take perfectly good care of himself. The defensive actions may not have been necessary, but if he'd known that another was intending to play with either of his lover's hearts, he wouldn't have taken so kindly to it, either.
Chin lowering, her regards this new acquaintance of his thoughtfully. If he were to judge his character from this interaction alone, the yaksha is honorable. Honest, loyal. Vincent likes him. ]
Good. I wouldn't be so tolerant if this were to happen a second time.
[ Raising a hand, fingertips rest just below his grinning lips. ]
From my perspective, however, it seems that your devotion could speak of something far more complicated than friendship. I suppose it could be that you haven't had the opportunity to trust many... that's something which I could empathize with well.
[ He looks at Aether and gives a short nod when he says he doesn't want any more fighting. Xiao really doesn't want to bring any more distress to him, or lay his hands on mortals. ]
You have my word.
[ ...and unlike some people, he keeps his promises.
His gaze turns to Vincent as the other man speaks, and he understands. He would expect nothing less, so they don't have any issues in his mind. However, what Vincent says next makes the yaksha raise a brow, confusion etched on his features.
More than friendship? He only just managed to admit they're friends! ]
I don't understand. Loyalty, protection and devotion are not complicated. It's the foundation of my existence.
[ Never mind that it had all only been for Rex Lapis before he met Aether. ]
[Aether would argue that his frowns are not cute. He can't exactly hide his surprise that Vincent seems to like Xiao. Or maybe it was to be expected. The blond values loyalty and the yaksha is a reasonable person, too. They could get along just fine.
...Then Vincent talks about Xiao's feelings towards Aether, suggesting it could be something else than friendship. This is where the traveler draws the line, suddenly moving from his spot and approaching his friend. He only casts one hurt glance at his lover, before pulling a smile when addressing Xiao.]
Don't worry too much about it. Vince didn't mean anything in particular by it.
[Aether knows perfectly well what the other blond meant and he doesn't like it. Why do they all think they know what's best for him!]
Thank you, Xiao, for accepting my friendship. I know how much work you're putting into this... It makes me happy and I hope you can have many more friends from now on.
[Despite everything, his words are sincere and he looks at Xiao fondly, proud that the yaksha no longer sees himself as only a weapon.]
[ Ah. Looks like he's in trouble. With a faint sniff of a chuckle, in spite of himself, Vincent's arms drape across his own waist. ]
Many deviate from their intended purpose, often for selfish endeavors. [ Speaking both from both experience and practice. ] That merely speaks to your resilience, I suppose.
[ Glancing between the two, he hums. ]
In any case, you've chosen a fine friend for yourself, Xiao - and do, indeed, seem the sort that Aether deserves. [ A faint quirk of the brow. Is that better, little star? ]
[ Xiao isn't sure what to think right now, frowning. He didn't expect Aether to get up and go over to him, or try to smooth things over. Maybe he's missed something. A jab of some kind that didn't land.
It doesn't really matter, though. He doesn't care what people say about him. It's when they involve Aether than things get ugly. ]
I'm leaving.
[ Ah, there's the Xiao from a few years ago. Abrupt in an almost rude way. ]
[Xiao doesn't know what this was all about and Aether is not going to explain either. He only casts a look at Vincent. It is better, but he's painfully aware what his lover is still trying to say.
"A person Aether deserves".
He blinks when the yaksha announces that he's leaving.]
Huh, already? [Ah, right now with Vincent around Xiao would rather leave.]
...If you want. [He gives a small smile to his friend.] Thanks for cheering me up. I'll see you later, okay?
[ With a confounded blink, his head teeters to its side, leaving long blond tresses swaying in the wake of its movement. Sure, he was poking around a bit, but for once, Vincent thought he was being somewhat agreeable. ]
Oh? [ Looking between Xiao and Aether, a finger tapping against his elbow in thought. ] Hm. [ Standing himself upright, he shakes his head with a modest smile, a hand to his chest. ] There's no need. You're the guest here, Xiao. Please, don't allow my tactlessness to cast a shadow on Aether's hospitality.
[ Xiao blinks at that, looking at Vincent. Right, this man doesn't know him. ]
...there's nothing wrong with Aether's hospitality or you. My karmic debt can be contagious, and I do not wish for you to be tainted by it.
[ Aether is fully immune, so having a nap with him had not been an issue - and it's not the kind of contagion that will remain if he leaves.
Plus... he needs to make his mind make sense about what the other blond said. He feels awkward, and that's uncomfortable to someone not used to people-ing. ]
[ Mismatched eyes keenly focus on Xiao's gaze, upon such an admission. For the moment, Vincent simply breathes a soft sound of understanding. It's all he can get in, before Aether mentions that the yaksha lives above - which creates pause, brow faintly creased, as he knows there's no flat above.
Strange though that may be, he'll just have to prioritize his thoughts; thus, he shakes his head to center himself, albeit with some amusement. ]
I see. It's a relief that we've cleared any potential misunderstandings, then. [ Vincent offers a vaguely brighter smile. ] I wouldn't wish to keep you, but I'd be interested to know more about this karmic debt of yours, sometime. I happen to be cursed, myself. [ With a chuckle, he taps beside his red eye. ] An aberration which heralds disaster.
[ Xiao nods to Aether and then heads for the bedroom window, opening it. When Vincent speaks again, however, he stops and looks at the man with those narrowed yellow eyes. He's not sure what to make of what is said - first he frowns at the idea about talking more about the debt to people he doesn't know, but Aether obviously trusts this man - and then the slits of his pupils contract further as Vincent mentions his own curse.
An aberration, he calls himself? He glances over at Aether again, before he hops up on the windowsill and pushing off of it, jumping into the air and using his wind powers to propel himself upwards towards the roof. No goodbye, no comment. Not even an annoyed huff. ]
[As his lover says that, Aether instantly looks to him, eyes widen.]
Vince, what--
[But he doesn't get to say or do anything else, because another surprise comes! Xiao leaves like he doesn't want to deal with any of this anymore. The traveler runs up to the window, gaze following the yaksha, but not calling after him.
It takes another moment for him to step away, shaking his head.]
...What is with both of you? [And just what Vincent meant when he said he's cursed as well?
Why are they all cursed... Xiao, Four, Vince... Why is this the thing they need to have in common?!]
[ While Vincent is accustomed to Echo springing around, summoning a gust of wind is quite new to him. ]
Huh. [ A vaguely curious sound - before Aether commands his attention. The taller blond presses a hand to his chest once more, but this time, with some laughter. ] Ah, are you finally questioning your taste?
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As he offers the opportunity to explain, the taller blond stands to rest his hands on his partner's shoulders, his mismatched eyes shifting between the two as they speak.
Xiao's words are surprisingly well received; he even nods in agreement, that Aether could take perfectly good care of himself. The defensive actions may not have been necessary, but if he'd known that another was intending to play with either of his lover's hearts, he wouldn't have taken so kindly to it, either.
Chin lowering, her regards this new acquaintance of his thoughtfully. If he were to judge his character from this interaction alone, the yaksha is honorable. Honest, loyal. Vincent likes him. ]
Good. I wouldn't be so tolerant if this were to happen a second time.
[ Raising a hand, fingertips rest just below his grinning lips. ]
From my perspective, however, it seems that your devotion could speak of something far more complicated than friendship. I suppose it could be that you haven't had the opportunity to trust many... that's something which I could empathize with well.
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You have my word.
[ ...and unlike some people, he keeps his promises.
His gaze turns to Vincent as the other man speaks, and he understands. He would expect nothing less, so they don't have any issues in his mind. However, what Vincent says next makes the yaksha raise a brow, confusion etched on his features.
More than friendship? He only just managed to admit they're friends! ]
I don't understand. Loyalty, protection and devotion are not complicated. It's the foundation of my existence.
[ Never mind that it had all only been for Rex Lapis before he met Aether. ]
Friendship is... more difficult for me.
[ You have to be a person to be a friend. ]
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...Then Vincent talks about Xiao's feelings towards Aether, suggesting it could be something else than friendship. This is where the traveler draws the line, suddenly moving from his spot and approaching his friend. He only casts one hurt glance at his lover, before pulling a smile when addressing Xiao.]
Don't worry too much about it. Vince didn't mean anything in particular by it.
[Aether knows perfectly well what the other blond meant and he doesn't like it. Why do they all think they know what's best for him!]
Thank you, Xiao, for accepting my friendship. I know how much work you're putting into this... It makes me happy and I hope you can have many more friends from now on.
[Despite everything, his words are sincere and he looks at Xiao fondly, proud that the yaksha no longer sees himself as only a weapon.]
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Many deviate from their intended purpose, often for selfish endeavors. [ Speaking both from both experience and practice. ] That merely speaks to your resilience, I suppose.
[ Glancing between the two, he hums. ]
In any case, you've chosen a fine friend for yourself, Xiao - and do, indeed, seem the sort that Aether deserves. [ A faint quirk of the brow. Is that better, little star? ]
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It doesn't really matter, though. He doesn't care what people say about him. It's when they involve Aether than things get ugly. ]
I'm leaving.
[ Ah, there's the Xiao from a few years ago. Abrupt in an almost rude way. ]
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"A person Aether deserves".
He blinks when the yaksha announces that he's leaving.]
Huh, already? [Ah, right now with Vincent around Xiao would rather leave.]
...If you want. [He gives a small smile to his friend.] Thanks for cheering me up. I'll see you later, okay?
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Oh? [ Looking between Xiao and Aether, a finger tapping against his elbow in thought. ] Hm. [ Standing himself upright, he shakes his head with a modest smile, a hand to his chest. ] There's no need. You're the guest here, Xiao. Please, don't allow my tactlessness to cast a shadow on Aether's hospitality.
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...there's nothing wrong with Aether's hospitality or you. My karmic debt can be contagious, and I do not wish for you to be tainted by it.
[ Aether is fully immune, so having a nap with him had not been an issue - and it's not the kind of contagion that will remain if he leaves.
Plus... he needs to make his mind make sense about what the other blond said. He feels awkward, and that's uncomfortable to someone not used to people-ing. ]
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It's fine, he lives right above me anyway.
[Which means he lives on the rooftop, yes.]
I won't be keeping you, then. [He says, turning to Xiao.] We'll see each other later.
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Strange though that may be, he'll just have to prioritize his thoughts; thus, he shakes his head to center himself, albeit with some amusement. ]
I see. It's a relief that we've cleared any potential misunderstandings, then. [ Vincent offers a vaguely brighter smile. ] I wouldn't wish to keep you, but I'd be interested to know more about this karmic debt of yours, sometime. I happen to be cursed, myself. [ With a chuckle, he taps beside his red eye. ] An aberration which heralds disaster.
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An aberration, he calls himself? He glances over at Aether again, before he hops up on the windowsill and pushing off of it, jumping into the air and using his wind powers to propel himself upwards towards the roof. No goodbye, no comment. Not even an annoyed huff. ]
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Vince, what--
[But he doesn't get to say or do anything else, because another surprise comes! Xiao leaves like he doesn't want to deal with any of this anymore. The traveler runs up to the window, gaze following the yaksha, but not calling after him.
It takes another moment for him to step away, shaking his head.]
...What is with both of you? [And just what Vincent meant when he said he's cursed as well?
Why are they all cursed... Xiao, Four, Vince... Why is this the thing they need to have in common?!]
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Huh. [ A vaguely curious sound - before Aether commands his attention. The taller blond presses a hand to his chest once more, but this time, with some laughter. ] Ah, are you finally questioning your taste?
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There is nothing wrong with my taste. [He's not going to admit it, especially not in front of Vincent!]
I'll better make some breakfast.
[Ever since his spectral death Aether doesn't need to eat, but right now preparing some food seems like the best way he can escape this situation.]