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«Before we left that place, I picked up a stone».
That was what Xiao said after The Chasm’s escape, right in Pervases temple—the very same phrase that was pronounced with a softly spoken voice while looking at the floor; the one scene which kept repeating itself over and over again as if it was some kind of endlessly prayer, haunting his mind because of how inconceivable it was to see the adeptus in such state.
«I thought if I could take it out with me…»
* * *
The blonde took a deep breath as he leaned against the railing of the balcony, feeling the breeze embrace his skin—which would have made Aether relax in any other circumstances, but couldn’t be the case because of how busy his mind was over reflecting deeply about all that happened.
Specifically, what happened to Xiao.
He knew better than anyone that yaksha was tired; and what was more, he was aware of the fact that the kind of exhaustion he was facing wasn’t even close to the definition of the word. It wasn’t only the type of feeling that made you feel like you could collapse anytime, anywhere—it was also the one that, if you let out even for a split second, you knew it would consume you mercilessly and work its way out to your eyes as if it trying to show off how it is devouring you on the inside.
The same feeling that bloomed into his chest with his sister’s disappearance and tried to contain with all his might in front of people; the one that he knew oh-so well, to the point of understanding how ignoring it only made the pain worse—which was why he felt the need to do something about it, and the exact reason why the traveler smiled when he suddenly appeared and joined him, imitating his position.
“You didn’t call.”
“Yet, you are here.”
He averted his eyes at his playful tone before meeting his sunlike gaze once again. “We said heroes would always look out for each other, so of course I'm here.”
And once again since Xiao met the traveler, his heart skipped a beat when he stared at the pink dust spreading on his cheeks along with a smile that he swore could easily outshine even the sun; expression that dropped as quickly as it appeared, changing to a concerned one.
“Actually, I was thinking.” he admitted, catching Xiao’s attention. “About that day.”
The adeptus stayed silent while staring at him, waiting patiently for the blonde who was having a hard time to find the exact words to continue speaking. “We both have lost important people for us, and it's tough trying to put up a facade of strength in front of others while trying to restrain ourselves from feeling miss.”
He took off his backpack to open it as he continued speaking; Xiao following every movement, until a sudden wave of emotions started to get all over him as he saw how Aether was taking out a little statue that resembled Bosacious, with another three tiny little dolls next to him that could identify as the rest of his family from his bag.
“I had this idea from something I saw on Inazuma when I was wondering what could I do for you. I think it would be nice to put this in Pervases temple on their memory.” A breath. “What I'm trying to say is, let me look out for you too. It's okay if it takes time. We can try, together.”
Nothing else was said, but there was no need either; just two hearts trying to understand each other while beating at the same time, remaining in a tight hug under the moonlight.
* * *
If Xiao had to describe their relationship after that day, he would say it's like a sunflower: just like they are always craving for the sun as a mean to grow, he was always longing for his sun in an attempt to try to shine along.