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After everyone finally got out of the Chasm and saying their goodbyes, Xiao was currently waiting for the traveler.
“Are you done with your business” Xiao asked
“Nah it wasn’t really business just more of saying goodbyes to our friends.” Paimon said she was definitely tried from how hectic everything was, but Aether was very silent and stared intently at Xiao. Paimon did notice this and decided to leave them be.
There was an awkward silence in the air some had to break the silence and it was Xiao.
“Are you… angry at me?” That was the first thing Xiao asked.
Aether was silent but he mustered up some words and said “Yes I... I am very angry at you, and I want to punch you."
“It hurt me when you didn't come with us, I was scared half to death because I thought I could have lost another person who was important to me. I almost felt as if the world was about to collapse around me, so if that answers you question yes, I am very very angry at you but, I’m just so relived your fine” Aether felt his tears fall down his cheeks, he couldn’t hold them back, he didn’t want to hold them back he was just so exhausted, and everything was just too much.
Xiao looked at Aether with a very soft gaze he didn’t know how to respond to what he said but he comforted Aether with a warm hug though the only words he could say was “I’m sorry for hurting you”
“Mm, just please don’t ever do that again”
Aether held tightly onto Xiao as if his life depended on it, he hug was definitely suffocating but Xiao didn’t mind at all. They both stood there for awhile before Aether let go, both of the stared at each other. Aether sighed and looked at the gravel below them, he felt a bit lighted headed.
"Ha- I must be super tired, I might have to get some rest… hey Xiao can you do something for me, can I…stay with you in Wanshin inn tonight? Aethers voice was a bit raspy from crying a lot.
Xiao looked at a bit confused, but he obliged to Aethers request. Xiao teleported Both him and Aether to his room in the inn. The mood was definitely lightened from what happened.
"Uh I'll take a bath"
Aether took off his clothes so that he could bathe. Xiao tried not to look at Aether’s body, but he couldn’t stop staring but he noticed that Aether was very muscular and had multiple scars they were varied some were large and others small he also had some bruises. Xiao felt a bit guilty for not being able to help him. His stared more intensely, Aether felt as if small daggers were being pierced into his skin.
“ Xiao would you like to join?” Aether asked it bluntly which caught Xiao off guard.
Xiao was flush red almost as red as a tomato, Aether has never seen Xiao so flustered he couldn’t help but tease him a bit more.
“Ah, or was I wrong since you kept staring at me and all.” He looked at Xiao who was avoiding eye contact he was still flushed red Xiao felt like his heart was about to explode, Aether noticed that and let out a small chuckle.
“Are you just going to keep staring at me?” Xiao said trying not to stutter over his words.
“Ok, ok I’ll stop teasing but really if you want to join me, I’ll be in the bathroom.”
It was very calming just sitting still Aether almost felt like he was about to sleep in the bathtub until a puff of anemo smoke filled the air revealing Xiao.
“I’ve decided to take your offer” Xiao was sitting in between Aether's legs all Aether could do was laugh and play with Xiao’s hair.
There was a very comfortable silence all they could hear was the people of the inn and the bath water it was nice both were enjoying their time together after all the events that happened.
“Hey, Xiao” Xiao hummed
“ You do realize that I really love you” Xiao was blushing profusely
“Yes, and I- I love you too Aether”
“Haha Xiao you’re really cute at times I want to stay like this forever.” while embracing Xiao from the back
“Ye, me too”
"Ah Paimon is SOOO well rested wait where’s Aether” Paimon was looking around saw the clothes which were on the floor
“Oh never mind, Paimon needs to integrate Aether later”