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Aether wiped the beads of sweat dripping from his forehead, worn out from his commissions. More and more hilichurl camps appeared by the day, making it difficult to keep up with it all, even for the traveler who was praised everywhere he went.
Although he would never dare say it out in public for the nations to hear that their so very competent Traveller would no longer be able to rush to their aid at their moments' notice simply because he was feeling a tad worn out.
No matter how he thought about it, leaving people who desperately needed his help to suffering all alone when he could have been helping them instead of taking a nap somewhere just didn't feel right.
Xiao often told him to take a break, to rest his body since he was only human. But the honest truth is, that humans don't live for hundreds or thousands of years naturally. A human's life force decays quickly maybe a little past a hundred years at best.
But Aether wasn't that fragile, his body wouldn't break down due to a few scratches and cuts. Not that he wouldn't die at some point in his life since he wasn't exactly immortal in a sense, he was just able to live longer than most.
Yes, Xiao had to help patch him up at times when he found himself in a few rough patches and he did get severely scolded because of his selfless desire to do each and everything on his own. But a few times were only a few times, a few ruin hunter slashes or a burn would heal as all scars do.
"Aether! Aether! Are you there bud?" The high-pitched squeaky voice dissipated his thoughts causing him to snap out of his trance at once.
"Paimons getting a little hungry. I say we go back to Mondstat and get us some Sticky Honey Roast at the Good Hunter!"
"Yes, yes. Sure Paimon," Aether had already started moving, making his way to the nearest teleport waypoint so maybe he could get a nap.
Only when he looked down at the drips of blood flowing behind him did he realize that he was injured. "Aether! Look, look! Blood!"
"Ah..."
Aether briefly thought of calling Xiao to help him since he knew the teal-haired male would waste no time rushing to his side at his voice, but he was hesitant. Xiao was always busy and Aether didn't want to feel as if he was a bother. So he chose against it.
But it seems his fairy companion thought differently.
"Xiaooooooooooo!"
"Wait Paimon!"
Xiao appeared before them assessing the situation. That is when he noticed the dripping from Aether's mouth and the large crimson stain that was now forming on his shirt. "Aether! What happened," Xiao's voice sounded panicked and Aether had already regret having him come here.
"Xiao it's fine, I'm fine see."
Aether flashed Xiao a quick smile but that did nothing to ease his worries.
"Aether you clearly aren't fine. Is it that hard to call for me," Xiao asked, the fierce tone in this voice made Aether shiver.
"Xiao, I know you are busy an-"
Before Aether could utter another word, he was being placed gently upon a bed, head laying on the soft pillows. Xiao had already turned away, walking over to the cupboard which held the First Aid Kits.
Aether only sat there in silence as he watched Xiao rummage through his very few belongings (which mostly consisted of things Aether had given him throughout the year they have known each other).
When Xiao had finally pulled out the familiar red kit, he immediately turned his attention back to Aether. His gaze was stern and Aether was just waiting for him to start reprimanding him about his recklessness, but Aether had grown used to it.
Xiao only crouched beside the bed in silence, picking out multiple rolls of white bandages which seemed like they had rarely been used (did Xiao only have them there because of Aether?).
Xiao's silence made Aether feel uneasy. By now, the teal-haired male would have already begun his lectures about Aether's safety or well-being, but it never came. He only focused on his task at hand
Xiao lifted Aether's shirt, looking at the large slash which ran across his entire torso. Aether's eyes widened with shock, when had he gotten this big of an injury and remained unaware of it for so long?
Xiao felt an immense amount of guilt. He should have been an aid to the Traveller but instead, he was elsewhere fighting ruin hunters or taking care of the Fatui that had recently shown up around Liyue. Xiao couldn't help but feel he could have done more.
"Is there a reason you do not call for me when you require help?"
Aether stared at Xiao for a moment before opening his mouth to speak, "Xiao, I know that you are busy with your own battles, and I wish not to be a burden to you."
Is this what Aether saw himself as? A burden ?
"Aether... I told you that your could call my name whenever you needed. Not now or ever will you be a burden to me. I'll help you no matter what it is."
Aether's eyes widened at Xiao's words, as tears welled up inside them. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry," Aether said as a string of sorries poured out of him.
"What are you sorry for? Did something happen that you aren't telling me about?"
Aether shook his head, wiping his eyes ridding them of his salty tears. "No... it's not that. You've done so much for me and I can't repay you in any way."
Xiao's gaze softened, gloved hands moving to lift Aether's chin so the blonde could face him. "You being alive and by my side is enough for me. Your love is the only repayment I will ever need."
Xiao thought it sounded sappy now that he had said it, but it had to be said so Aether didn't feel as if he had owed Xiao anything.
Aether grinned, lunging forward to capture Xiao into a hug. Xiao was shocked by the action but didn't hesitate to return it. Xiao made sure to avoid Aether's chest, not wanting to create any more pain for the other.
Aether placed a kiss on a temple and wrapped his arms tighter around Xiao. Yes, this was nice.
"Ok wrap it up love birds. Paimon is hungry!"
Ah shit.