#found this while I was transferring files from gdocs to libre office

[vashbooks]

“The depth of your hypocrisy is truly astounding,”

Aether winces. Xiao's criticism is harsh, but fair, and despite the gruffness he knows it comes from a place of caring.

They're lying in Xiao's bed, nude though not doing anything but curling against each other, having returned to Xiao's room after releasing his lantern at Pervases’ temple. Aether just wanted to be close.

“I know, but…” Aether starts but Xiao cuts him off.

“Are you not the one who always chastises me for not resting?” he demands, brows furrowed and eyes flinty, “and yet you now tell me you worked yourself to the point of losing consciousness?”

“Xiao, I -”

Xiao just sighs. He's obviously angry, and beneath that he's worried, “If you need help, you need only speak my name. You know this.”

Aether averts his eyes. He'd been prepared for this, but it still stung, “Xiao, really it wasn't as bad as you think. It was just a lot of running around, not anything I'd want to bother you with anyway. And it's not like I was the only one either! Besides, it wasn't like I was totally defenceless, I had someone looking after me.”

Xiao just huffs, and Aether feels a little bad for finding the expression he makes cute. He takes the opportunity to press their foreheads together, resting a hand on Xiao's cheek.

“Xiao, really, I'm fine now. I promise. If I'm ever in any real danger you know I'll call for you,” he says, hoping Xiao can feel his sincerity.

Xiao holds his gaze for a few seconds longer, then shuts his eyes and leans into Aether's touch. 

“Thank you, for looking out for me,” Aether lowers his voice, and with his free hand he takes one of Xiao's and brings it up to his chest, laying it over the strong, steady beat of his heart.

They stay like that for a time, just breathing together.

“Someone must, since you won't do it yourself,” Xiao says eventually, opening his eyes again.

Ouch, “Wow, tell me how you really feel,” Aether laughs.

Xiao goes quiet again for a moment, “You're reckless,” he says finally.

Oh, is he…?

“And?” Aether prompts.

“Foolish,” 

“Hm, sometimes. What else?”

“You often let people take advantage of your kindness,”

“...Maybe. Anything else?”

“Your swordplay when last we fought together was sloppy,”

Hey! “I can't help but get distracted sometimes when you're there! Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

Xiao falters whatever he was going to say next, and this close Aether can feel the blooming warmth as redness spreads across his face.

“I find you beautiful also,” Xiao says instead, simultaneously shy and earnest.