The Spark [Xiao x Aether]

Continuing point |

He took Aether into his arms and hugged him tightly.

"Don't worry. I will. You can put your full trust into me."

While hugging, the traveler cupped his boyfriend's cheeks and started staring deep into his eyes like he usually does. He blushed and smiled, this time without it being forced. He kissed the Yaksha and rested his head on the boy's shoulder.

"...Thank you..."

Even after becoming a couple, Xiao still felt butterflies in his stomach whenever his lips touched the blonde's. It was a feeling he couldn't describe, but he loved it.

In return, the Adeptus lightly kissed his forehead before lifting his chin from his shoulder.

"Drink the tea now before it gets cold. It tastes better when warm."

"Right...I forgot."

The blonde took one sip and his eyes immediately lit up. He drank the whole thing in one go without thinking.

"I apologize if it tastes too bland I-"

"Are you kidding? It's amazing. I owe you a cup of tea after all of this is over."

It was strange seeing how a simple cup of tea made all his exhaustion fade away so quickly. Xiao wasn't sure how he did this but he was glad his partner wasn't feeling so horrible anymore. He smiled.

Aether tasted lots of different drinks on his journey so this was a huge compliment.

"You know...if you want to give up on this and possibly make up with your sister I'm not stopping you."

"That's resolved. My mind made its final decision. She deserves this..."

"You're being stubborn. You should think more about it."

"Even if I am I don't care anymore. I don't want to live a life in a different world. This is where I belong. I want to stay with you, not be killed by my sister and taken somewhere else."

The boy laid down once more, this time resting his head on the other's lap as he closed his eyes. He knew he needed to talk with his lover but he didn't know what to say. What Nahida mentioned made complete sense but now that they have the time to talk, it's awkward. One feels like there's nothing to talk about while the other is too confused about what to say.

It was their usual awkward silence. Times like this started to get common for them eventually.

"Hey, Xiao?"

"Hm?"

"I love you."

No matter how many times he heard this, he would always get flustered. The Adeptus wasn't fully used to these feelings, he couldn't control the blush he had on his face whenever his boyfriend said stuff like this.

"...you should sleep early." He managed, completely ignoring what the boy just said.

"Only if you agree to sleep in my bed. I want to be as close to you as possible tonight, incase my sister's creations try to come for me again..."

The Yaksha sighed but agreed to the request. He couldn't deny that he also wished to be close to him, it will be easier to protect him that way, and he could make sure he is alive at night.

"I will stay close but don't expect me to fall asleep." He wasn't trying to act stubborn, after all, he needed to protect the boy. Falling asleep would only increase the risks of danger.

In response, the traveler smiled, not saying a single thing. He got up from his partner's lap and laid normally on the bed, with Xiao laying right beside him soon after.